Yeah that's actually a pretty neat choice
Good way to get the viewers into the show.
About the first episode :
Feels good to see Hinamizawa and our Bukatsuin animated. Chidori Kaname (well her seiyuu) as Mion works great I think. Rena hmm... gotta see how she can handle the "Uso da !" scene (although the "Shiranai" was well done)