I watched the original as a Westerner stranded in Korea in 2001 and loved it. At the time I was a 3D modeler and animator for video games and a musician. That the music was so essential to the animation really (oh please pardon) struck a chord with me.
It is 20 years later and this continuation of the franchise is presented to a completely different world and audience. I was tempted to go back and re-watch the original before diving into the live action but I'm glad I didn't. This version brings back all the wow factor and great feels I had about the original while keeping me nail biting and on the edge of my seat.
Please, oh please.... Season 2 and more.