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Reviewer:
James Hall		 Run Time:
90 mins		 Format:
Fansub		 Distributor:
N/A




EVA01 Says you're in Import Reviews
E S C A F L O W N E  M O V I E

I’m going to stay entirely clear of any comparisons with the Vision of Escaflowne series when considering this movie. It bears so little resemblance that to do so would do it an injustice.

Seen subbed at the Animeuk 2001 event, I didn’t really know what to expect from this condensed remake of the lengthy TV series, other than perhaps some pretty artwork and fluid animation. What I got was something else entirely.

I’ll start with the artwork, which can be summarised in three words: dark, detailed, and beautiful. Gone are the bright, vivid colours of the TV series, instead we have a dark, grim world, with stark contrast between light and dark. We also have some of the smoothest animation that has ever graced an anime, being in almost every distinguishable way, flawless. 

The soundtrack is eerie and very fitting, with an operatic score accompanying the Escaflowne machine itself, and brilliant and haunting themes giving the film a good
sense of identity and continuity. Character designs are fantastic, and the characters all have a lot of depth and personality, and the storytelling is superb, and not once do you feel overwhelmed or confused by what the film has to offer, it draws you in and carries you along at a fair pace.

Oh yes, another thing that might surprise you about this film- its violent. And nasty. And very, very dark. And it is also absolutely superb. I look forward to the release with considerable anticipation. 

10/10 - One of the finest examples of Japanese animation yet.

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 ...or then there's Lodoss TV
Where Escaflowne's imagination seemed unrestrained and mixed in many genres, Lodoss TV series takes a more traditional approach, which any Dungeon Master would recognise a mile off - the music in particular is outstanding.

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