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:
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
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Pictures
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.
Never seen this anime but the name intrigues me...
It's very similar to the spanish word for terrifying (Escalofriante)
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
I have the film version of Escaflowne. Bought it at Fan Expo 2009.
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.
@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'm a sucker for epic music.