We had First Episode Theater last Friday. Ninja Nonsense, Ramen Fighter Miki, Dennou Coil.
Clone Wars, ok it fits the cannon, but was disappointing on many levels. For example, only about two of the actors from the films were used in the V.A. work. To put my view of it in as few words as possible: back and forth, back and forth.
I watched a trio of vignettes presented by Hiroshino Otomo, or is that name backwards? Anyway it is called Memories, and I got it from Netflix on a single disc. I thought this was good stuff. They are about 40-45 minutes in length each. I liked them very much, even if I am not 100% sure of the point of each story. But then I think that is much of the point of good art, it doesn't leave you completely sure of what you feel.
Last night I started Hakkenden. I can see it is going to take several episodes before I understand what is happening, and why places seemingly so unrelated are in fact the opposite. It is a dramatized historical drama beginning in the year 1458. I'm not sure but i think this qualifies as a "classic" Even if there are no giant robots, yet.