"Tenkû no Esukafurône" (1996) TV series

Director:

Shôji Kawamori

Writers:

Akihiko Inari (episodes)
Hiroaki Kitajima (episodes)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

2 April 1996 (Japan)

Genre:

Animation | Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Romance | Sci-Fi

Plot:

Hitomi is a girl with psychic abilities who gets transported to the magical world of Gaea. She and her...

Plot Keywords:

Gaea | Psychic | Alternative Reality | Tragic Villain | Robot

Cast

Maaya Sakamoto	...	Hitomi Kanzaki (6 episodes, 1996)
Tomokazu Seki	...	Van Fanel (6 episodes, 1996)
Shinichirô Miki	...	Allen Schezar / ... (6 episodes, 1996)
Jôji Nakata	...	Folken (6 episodes, 1996)
Naïké Fauveau	...	Hitomi Kanzaki (6 episodes, 1996)
Olivier Jankovic	...	Van Fanel (6 episodes, 1996)
Björn Schalla	...	Van Fanel (6 episodes, 1996)
Minami Takayama	...	Chid / ... (6 episodes, 1996)
Kappei Yamaguchi	...	Shesta (6 episodes, 1996)
Ikue Ootani	...	Merle (5 episodes, 1996)
Masato Yamanouchi	...	Emperor Dornkirk / ... (5 episodes, 1996)
Mayumi Iizuka	...	Princess Millerne / ... (4 episodes, 1996)
Luc Miteran	...	Allen Schezar / ... (4 episodes, 1996)
Katsuaki Arima	...	Dalett (3 episodes, 1996)
Kirby Morrow	...	Van Fanel (3 episodes, 1996)
Kelly Sheridan	...	Hitomi Kanzaki (3 episodes, 1996)
Yûji Ueda	...	Reeden (3 episodes, 1996)
Fûrin Cha	...	Mole Man (2 episodes, 1996)

Also Known As:

Escaflowne (Japan: English title) (short title)
Vision of Escaflowne (USA) (DVD title)

Runtime:

25 min (26 episodes)

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Canada:PG | USA:TV-PG | UK:PG | Spain:13 | Germany:16

Company:

Bandai Visual Company

Movie Connections:

Alternate language version of "Escaflowne" (2000)

Simply the best thing I've seen in years

Having just read all of the comments for Escaflowne, it's difficult to add anything to that. But as a true Escaflowne fan, I have to have my say, even if I'm just repeting everyone else. I started watching Escaflowne a few years ago, on the English FOX channel. Any viewers out there having only seen this version: BUY THE DVDs! These "edited" (more like butchered) episodes do not even classify as Escaflowne in my head. As well as editing out all of the blood and gore (which, you'll be glad to know, there isn't an overwhelming amount of), FOX went on to replace most of the original soundtrack to replace it with their own. Wrong move. The original soundtrack contains some of the most fantastic pieces ever to grace ours (or any other) planet. From heart-stopping dramatics such as "Dance of Curse" to soft and gentle songs like "Memory of Fanelia", this soundtrack has everything. Hats off to Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi, they did a wonderful job. But the soundtrack would be nothing (well, that's a little exaggerated, but you catch my drift) without being accompanied by the brilliance of the show itself. Not only does this series present us with a tale of conflict between the peoples of a planet, we also get to see conflicts within characters, and one of the greatest plot twists ever. (I'm nice, I won't spoil it for you!)And whoever dreamt up Dilandau and Van needs an award, never have I seen such well developed, and brilliantly interesting characters. If you haven't seen it already, I suggest you do so, because it'll be the greatest few hours you'll ever spend in front of the TV.

A classic anime that will take it's place in the hearts of many forever. *School bell rings and so I switch off the Escaflowne soundtrack I'm listening to*