General Discussion

 
Reviews where we hate stuff are funny-- and there's a lot of generic anime and manga to hate on out there. But we're going to try and aim you towards that next hit of "awesome." So with that in mind, let's talk about an anime that DOESN'T suck

Info:

Title: The Vision of Escaflowne
Studio: Sunrise
Licensee: Bandai Entertainment
Year Produced: 1996
Number of Episodes: 26  
Available Online: No 
SRP: $39.99
Online Price: $27.99 (Amazon)

High school student Hitomi is transported from Earth to the magical world of Gaea, where she meets boy prince Van Fanel, and is caught up in his quest to unite the countries of Gaea against the ominous Zaibach empire. On the way, she discovers an hidden ability and strives to unravel layers of mystery surrounding Van, his past, and the giant machine known as Escaflowne.

Opening Animation:

 
 

Plot/Analysis:

Escaflowne is kinda like a stew. It is, undeniably, a show about people's feelings, particularly that of a high school girl with a lust for romance. However, it is also undeniably fantasy action, with delicious elements of steampunk mecha thrown in. Rather than duke it out, the series alternates events to emphasize how this is the story of a young, normal girl, caught up in the middle of something much larger than her.
 
Hitomi, our protagonist, is a walking pile of hormonal school girl. Her biggest concerns tend to focus on getting that dreamy eyed track team captain to lock eyes with her... that is, of course, before a mysterious warrior shows up, battling a dragon. After seeing a vision of his death, Hitomi instinctual acts to warn the man, and saves his life. After slaying the dragon, every facet of normal life ends, as Hitomi is whisked away to a world called Gaea, which is basically a moon around earth that we can't see.
 
The warrior, crowned prince of a small kingdom, promises to help get her home. Though, Hitomi has another vision of his kingdom being utterly destroyed. She doesn't really get to prevent this one, and barely escapes with Prince Van Fanel, and Escaflowne, the prized steampunk mecha of his kingdom.

Things You Might Like:

• Amazing soundtrack by Yoko Kano 
• Soundtrack integrated consistently and powerfully into the production.
• Rich colors and vibrant animation, particularly in the sword fights
• Strong world building, with developed nations, practices, and faiths
• Issac Newton plays a prominent role in the series.

  

Recommend it to Friends Who Liked

Inuyasha
Romeo x Juliet
Magic Knight Rayearth
Revolutionary Girl Utena
El Hazard

Pictures

Conclusion

One of the earliest Anime I ever got into, Escaflowne has not only aged well, but continues to show that a standard plot, with strong direction and amazing soundtrack, can yield amazing results. Plus, given its age, you can get this 26 episode classic for a  song (and, well... a handful of dollars.) The only downside is that the series occasionally goes into "Two awesome boys like me, and I don't know what to do! My life blows." moments. Its only really then that you're aware of what the target demographic is. But, that's okay, since I think I might secretly be a 16 year old girl.

lets not forget about the wonderful VA job by Maaya Sakamoto which I believe this was her first main role, before taking on haruhi of ouran. I love Maaya sakamoto as a singer and a VA. never have watched the whole anime series, I do need to buy it, but the movie was excellant if anything for how dark it is compared to the tv series.

OMG! Escaflowne is great! I have to admit the ending made me sad. Is the opening not simply the most gorgeous song you've ever heard with killer artwork? It has a large plot that develops well, a strong hero and heroine, a variety of memorable characters, and a wonderful love story. The movie is good too, but I think I prefer the art style of the tv series a little more. I agree this is a series that has aged well and definitely stands out among fantasy anime.

Never seen this anime but the name intrigues me... 

It's very similar to the spanish word for terrifying (Escalofriante)

I have fond memories of the Escaflowne I saw on TV as a kid. I always thought Van's elder brother was extremely cool.

This was the first Anime I watched begining to end  and to this day (its been 12+ years) its still one of my favorites.
whenever I see a Bandai logo this is the first thing that comes to mind

If ever there was a TV series that could use a new release with re-mastered video, it's Escaflowne.  I dearly love the series, but Bandai's release is showing a bit of its age.  I believe Japan got a re-mastered release for the tenth anniversary.  It'd be nice to see that coming over here, but given how poorly older titles do over here, I doubt it'll happen.

@crusader8463:  Hmm, interesting. I would not have figured you for someone who would have "already" seen this. Go you though, I feel I have a better image of what you like now.
@ThePsychoGamer: Yeah, I'm way behind, but the guy who did that was the guy who did the "Berserk Abridged." Big fan of that guys work.

I'll chime in that Escaflowne is one of my favorite long-form series ever. Not just anime. In general.