This is a fantastic show that my wife and kids and I could all enjoy together. The show is very colorful and the main character, Sora Nagino is very likable: a great example of motivation and optimism. Especially if you have a daughter in a sport like gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, or figure skating, you should not miss this show. Just do yourself a favor and avoid the "New Wings" series continuation. Unlike the first season, which ends very satisfyingly after 26 episodes, the "New Wings" series continuation seems to forget everything that was achieved in the wonderfully developed story of the first season. The character interactions in the first season are so inexplicably compelling. You're drawn in so naturally, you hardly think about it. Not so in the second season, where the character interactions seem contrived, and especially Sora seems shoe-horned into a role that doesn't work. I had to wonder if the creative geniuses of the first season, considering the show finished, moved on to other work, and someone frantically drummed up new writers to keep the show going in order to milk a successful title for more money. That's just speculation, but I can tell you what my wife and I experienced: "New Wings" is a letdown from the high of the original series, and one that is easily avoidable. The first season works perfectly all by itself and needs no continuation. In fact I prefer not to use the words "first season" at all for the 26 episodes that make up the real Kaleido Star.
Don't miss it! Kaleido Star has great animation and great music. The character of the Fool adds a bit of magic and comedy that works surprisingly well. The voice acting for the ADV English dub is right on. Make sure to get all 26 episodes, because this show really has that special combination of elements that makes you want to keep watching.
