It's really such a shame the movie's plot and pacing were done so dirty, because I far FAR prefer the designs of the movie vs the show (especially the character designs, I always hated how Allen and Folken looked in the series, Hitomi's hideous pink dress, etc). Everything is so artfully done from the backgrounds to the action scenes, I especially love the way they were able to convey moody lighting in the cel paintings. The balance between animating both intense gore and soft emotion is chef's kiss. Just sucks so bad that the pacing is DOGWATER. Great example: Hitomi has been on Gaea for basically about a day, she hasn't really been introduced to anyone other than Millerna. She meets Merle right after, who exposition dumps and Hitomi learns about Van for the first time. Then she gets kidnapped, Van goes from being indifferent to immediately springing into action. He even calls her by her name?? I guess we have to assume Millerna told him off screen in the few hours before the kidnapping? The after being saved from falling by Van, she's professing about how much she cares about him and doesn't want him to die??? Girl you just met and he literally threatened to kill you yesterday. Oh and special shoutout to the whiplash I felt when Van tells Hitomi that his brother literally murdered his whole family and is trying to conquer the land... and she's saying how they are so similar because she is depressed. Like, girl......... Contrast that to the excellent slow build up of their relationship over the series (which to be fair I have issues with, way too much faffing about with the Allen obsession love triangle, her and Van's romance should have really started developing after he saves her with CPR/she literally brings him back from the valley of death, instead of the second to last episode, ugh). I would've loved to see not a movie but an OVA series in the same style as the movie, with more of a mix of the movie and show. Keep the rebel pirate group, hot-headed Van, Folken as the main villain, but bring back Hitomi's clairvoyant powers and have the plot revolve around changing fate/destiny instead of whatever tf they were trying to do with the Escaflowne armor as a plot device. It would be interesting to have Hitomi's suicidality stem from her constantly having terrible visions, which makes her want to disappear (and also provides reason to why Folken takes her to Gaea). Aaanyways. Throwing this comment into the ether to whoever is still thinking about this show/movie from 20+ years ago. But it feels good to get that off my chest!
I watched it right after the series knowing it was a re-interpretation and I really love the movie, I love its darker tone and i really wish they did a few movies instead of just one to add more context
Glad you put this out so quick to complete the Escaflowne journey. It’s been too long since I’ve seen either to really comment. But I also remember resenting the movie’s differences on first watch but appreciating it more later for doing its own thing. It’s weird, but so is the conclusion of the series.
I love that you watched the original series from Fox, gave yourself time to digest and think about it, Then you watched the movie. I agree the movie is different from the series but it is also still very good. I also like that you took the criticism from the comments into account and decided to do this video. Good on you man. Made a fan outta me with this one.👍
I am sorry the movie gave you such a sour taste the first time you watched it. Yeah, it definitely is not the show. But it can still be appreciated as its own story. I remember your previous video on this topic; I really enjoyed that one, and this one as well. Thanks for making these. :)
Yeah, honestly, sounds about right. I saw the film first, and was awestruck by the mysterious world. It was also during a time in my life when I felt really lost, so the story really resonated with me. Sure, it wasn't fleshed out as well as it could be, but I was simply swept away by the visuals and music and the pure fantasy.
I can see that being the case. The art design, animation, and music are by far the best thing the film has going for it and both are consistently excellent from start to finish.
I discovered Escaflowne through the movie first. Without having context of the series, I absolutely enjoyed the movie. The story, the characters, the animation, and the music! Only after having watched the movie, naturally, I went and watched the series. I can see why folks who have watched the series first would have treated the movie as such. The series was fantastic...not perfect as it has its flaws. The movie is just the same. It was fantastic...not perfect as it, too, has its flaws. Treat them separate and you'll enjoy both. Great review!
One of my more favorite movies to rewatch every now and then. If youre a fan of the series, both mediums have been out long enough to appreciate both. The effort put in both projects are undeniable. I just wanted to say that its funny how you featured him rolling a ridiculous distance, i thought i was the only one who noticed. Haha! But also, im obviously biased but i hope you didnt watch the movie in dub. I appreciate a good dub but subs i feel like will always be traditionally better.
To me the movie is a refelction of what Escaflowne would have been if it was "more mature" just an edgy mess that completely misses the entire point of Escaflowne and takes away everything that made it good because blood, violence, and cool boys are "better".
I watched this movie yesterday after a recommendation in a youtube video. I have not seen the series and know nothing about it. It was simply described as an Anime movie that you can watch without seeing the series. Visually I really liked it. The backgrounds were beautiful and atmospheric and the animation was great. I didn't really like the artstyle of the characters sometimes. I think their lips and eyes looked a bit too big or unproportional or something but that didn't bother me much. Plot-wise, I'll have to be honest.. I really didn't enjoy it. Hitome does almost nothing in this movie. Even though she is a fish out of water type character, she never asks important questions about the world she is in. I'm left confused about all these different factions and locations. Wtf even is a wing goddess? This all made for a frustrating watch. Maybe I was dumb for watching a movie about the Escaflowne series without having seen it, but seeing your review it seems I did the right thing by watching it first. Yet I'm still let down. Would not recommend. PS: Ironically enough, I really enjoyed the singing in the movie. That's usually something I'm not interested in
Escflowne poped up on my instagram was about to dig out my dvd i remebered i had some gripe when i was like 12 n saw it....video helped out alout . just found your page
haha the opener was a great follow up to the previous upload i just finished watching. i'm going to give this a shot- any idea where i can watch *the show? its not on crunchyroll killlsss me
The first time I watched it was before Funimation was shut down after the infamous merger with Crunchyroll. I tracked down a copy of the blu-ray in order to rip it for this video. Unfortunately, I am not sure if it is streaming anywhere at the moment. But I have occasionally seen it uploaded on places like Dailymotion in the past. Not sure if it is still up there.
I will be one of those biased commenters that you will have in your comments. Once upon a time, I was at a Sam Goody with my brother and decided I would pick a random anime to purchase, and I chose Escaflowne. My world changed that day. It was the anime that I fell in love with and the anime that I would lend to others so that they could appreciate the series. Then I heard that a movie was being released. I was so happy that I purchased the DVD box set for the movie (which I still have today). When watching the film, I always viewed it as an original video animation (OVA) for the series. It is connected and related but just conceptually. I don't know if my tiny teenage brain just ate it up and filled in the present issues that "plagued" the film. Many argue that I am allowing my nostalgic brain to take over and should be objective about the series. I say poo poo to that. You did a great job pointing out the lack of screen time for Dilandau, but the time he came out and interacted with Folken was memorable for an Animated movie. It's not a masterpiece, but it would not have been possible without the American and (I believe) German DVD sales that allowed it to continue. It was remastered and Kickstarted a few years back (of course, I purchased that as well), and I hope that those who watch don't just watch it to scrutinize the film or series but watch it with genuine wonder, just like that kid that took a chance on a random DVD case. This is not an attack or criticized view of you, Van; you did a fantastic job.
No worries! Even if it had been, everyone is entitled to their own opinion when it comes to the things that they enjoy and why they enjoy them. Also, there is nothing wrong with letting your nostalgia brain take over. I fully admit to loving certain things that I know are objectively bad purely based on my nostalgia for them lol.
It's great to revisit reviews like this. Time and maturity can change opinions. For example, I used to think the Vampire Hunter D movies were incredible and the high point of anime. Now I realize there aren't words for how remarkable they are and my family and I watch VHD: Bloodlust on Blu-ray together every Halloween season. I'm also rewatching Ranma 1/2 after your Christmas special and enjoying it more now than I did years ago. I never really got the appeal of Escaflowne. I've never watched the show and can definitely see where they tried to cram way too much into the movie. Maybe I'll watch the show at some point, but since I've had Black Lagoon collecting dust on a shelf for about seven years, I wouldn't count on it. I do love the art and design though, since I'm a big Panzer Dragoon fan. I strongly suggest playing the remake of the original on the Switch. Funny story: I saw Escaflowne was playing at an indie theatre back in 2001, but I came to see Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner instead. I was so excited for the movie, I took my girlfriend. While we were in Hawaii. Somehow she enjoyed it, and we've been married 21 years.🤷♂️ While I'm making suggestions, Shin Masked Rider is on Amazon Prime and absolutely worth your time. While they're trying to shove an entire series into a two hour movie, it's still outstanding. Hideaki Anno (creator of Evangelion) directs, and he put so much love and passion into the movie it deserves to be seen by everyone. It even does a superspeed fight better than anything Marvel or DC has wished they could do. My youngest son hates reading, but got through the subtitles twice. It's that good. Good to see you back man. It's always a good day when I can see some new Vanime.
Glad to inspire a revisit of Ranma. Yeah, some episodes aren't as tolerable as they once were IMO but there are too many great episodes to make me regret re-watching it from time to time. I loved Panzer Dragoon back in the day. I have not tried the remake yet, but it is certainly on the list. I wasn't aware Shin Masked Rider was on Amazon Prime. I have meaning to watch it. My girlfriend has a Prime account that we use but I forget we have it sometimes lol.
Great video man, I remember watching the series as one of the first ever anime I watched (like the 4th or 5th). Never watched the film so I guess I have to now. Thanks for the recommendation.
The music in both is amazing... but the movie is... weird. IDK. I like the series more, but they are both a thing. Maybe we will get a revisit or a video game? That would be neat... if done right. O_o;
besides these points wich i agree with i could not ever watch it dubbed, much of the natural voice acting is lost and the drama falls flat on its face in how they deliver the lines...Sure there is millions of worse dubs but man it takes me out of the experience. Also i remember this movie was a big deal when it was on its way (got hyped via Newtype and other magazines leading up to the release) and i was pretty happy with the result mostly with the animation and new designs, but as a story the TV.series is the best. One issue with the original VHS or DVD release was it had some issues with dark scenes as most of the details got lost like in that first fight scene...I wonder if the new editions is better? I guess they are
I like the movie as a standalone and watch it as a guilty pleasure because it's not good. It's a BAD movie and I will fight all who disagree. Great music, great art, it's darker, Van, Dilandau and Folken have powers, great storyline, more focus on Van & Hitomi, but it's too rushed. They cram way too much in too little time. This movie needed to be over 2hrs long or an OVA to fully develop the characters and story. Dilandau is barely in it, which is a crime, he's just there. The forced relatability between Folken and Hitomi rather Folken's attempt to bring Hitomi to his side is weak. Hitomi and Van are under developed both as individuals and as a couple. I get Hitomi feeling different and becoming depressed, but the movie doesn't focus nor explain the reason even though as Escaflowne fans we already know (or have an idea) she is different, but A LOT of people did not. A lot of people first watched the movie and they were rightly put off by the lack of backstory of Hitomi. She also doesn't have her visions or any real power. She's just there! She's this Wing Goddess, but doesn't do anything except wear Escaflowne around her neck. She doesn't even summon Escaflowne! Escaflowne just appears. She probably "did summon" him, but it was so poorly done because she is trying to stop him from appearing "No, don't descend!" meaning she had no control or say in Escaflowne's appearance. As if Escaflowne itself made it's own decision or it was FATE. Yes, fate and destiny is important in the movie, but it's not like the show. In the film, Hitomi is the Wing Goddess. She will choose a side. She will choose life or death. She will summon Escaflowne and Escaflowne will carry out her wish. The movie fails to properly demonstrate this. I got a lot more to say, but I'll stop here.
It's really such a shame the movie's plot and pacing were done so dirty, because I far FAR prefer the designs of the movie vs the show (especially the character designs, I always hated how Allen and Folken looked in the series, Hitomi's hideous pink dress, etc). Everything is so artfully done from the backgrounds to the action scenes, I especially love the way they were able to convey moody lighting in the cel paintings. The balance between animating both intense gore and soft emotion is chef's kiss.
Just sucks so bad that the pacing is DOGWATER. Great example: Hitomi has been on Gaea for basically about a day, she hasn't really been introduced to anyone other than Millerna. She meets Merle right after, who exposition dumps and Hitomi learns about Van for the first time. Then she gets kidnapped, Van goes from being indifferent to immediately springing into action. He even calls her by her name?? I guess we have to assume Millerna told him off screen in the few hours before the kidnapping? The after being saved from falling by Van, she's professing about how much she cares about him and doesn't want him to die??? Girl you just met and he literally threatened to kill you yesterday.
Oh and special shoutout to the whiplash I felt when Van tells Hitomi that his brother literally murdered his whole family and is trying to conquer the land... and she's saying how they are so similar because she is depressed. Like, girl.........
Contrast that to the excellent slow build up of their relationship over the series (which to be fair I have issues with, way too much faffing about with the Allen obsession love triangle, her and Van's romance should have really started developing after he saves her with CPR/she literally brings him back from the valley of death, instead of the second to last episode, ugh). I would've loved to see not a movie but an OVA series in the same style as the movie, with more of a mix of the movie and show. Keep the rebel pirate group, hot-headed Van, Folken as the main villain, but bring back Hitomi's clairvoyant powers and have the plot revolve around changing fate/destiny instead of whatever tf they were trying to do with the Escaflowne armor as a plot device. It would be interesting to have Hitomi's suicidality stem from her constantly having terrible visions, which makes her want to disappear (and also provides reason to why Folken takes her to Gaea).
Aaanyways. Throwing this comment into the ether to whoever is still thinking about this show/movie from 20+ years ago. But it feels good to get that off my chest!
I watched it right after the series knowing it was a re-interpretation and I really love the movie, I love its darker tone and i really wish they did a few movies instead of just one to add more context
Glad you put this out so quick to complete the Escaflowne journey.
It’s been too long since I’ve seen either to really comment. But I also remember resenting the movie’s differences on first watch but appreciating it more later for doing its own thing.
It’s weird, but so is the conclusion of the series.
I love that you watched the original series from Fox, gave yourself time to digest and think about it, Then you watched the movie. I agree the movie is different from the series but it is also still very good. I also like that you took the criticism from the comments into account and decided to do this video. Good on you man. Made a fan outta me with this one.👍
Thank you! Much appreciated!
i don't know if i've ever felt so validated from a youtube video. i never knew your channel before but i forgive you.
I am sorry the movie gave you such a sour taste the first time you watched it. Yeah, it definitely is not the show. But it can still be appreciated as its own story.
I remember your previous video on this topic; I really enjoyed that one, and this one as well. Thanks for making these. :)
Yeah, honestly, sounds about right. I saw the film first, and was awestruck by the mysterious world. It was also during a time in my life when I felt really lost, so the story really resonated with me. Sure, it wasn't fleshed out as well as it could be, but I was simply swept away by the visuals and music and the pure fantasy.
I can see that being the case. The art design, animation, and music are by far the best thing the film has going for it and both are consistently excellent from start to finish.
I discovered Escaflowne through the movie first. Without having context of the series, I absolutely enjoyed the movie. The story, the characters, the animation, and the music! Only after having watched the movie, naturally, I went and watched the series. I can see why folks who have watched the series first would have treated the movie as such. The series was fantastic...not perfect as it has its flaws. The movie is just the same. It was fantastic...not perfect as it, too, has its flaws. Treat them separate and you'll enjoy both.
Great review!
everything has it's flaws
One of my more favorite movies to rewatch every now and then. If youre a fan of the series, both mediums have been out long enough to appreciate both. The effort put in both projects are undeniable. I just wanted to say that its funny how you featured him rolling a ridiculous distance, i thought i was the only one who noticed. Haha!
But also, im obviously biased but i hope you didnt watch the movie in dub. I appreciate a good dub but subs i feel like will always be traditionally better.
The music when the cat girls preform is GOD TIER
Living for sonic Vaughn 😂
Escaflowne loved the both for what they were
Aside from the excellent animation and art direction, I thought the film was mid.
This is fair. But damn it carries 🥲
excellent mini reviews of excellent anime :
To me the movie is a refelction of what Escaflowne would have been if it was "more mature" just an edgy mess that completely misses the entire point of Escaflowne and takes away everything that made it good because blood, violence, and cool boys are "better".
I watched this movie yesterday after a recommendation in a youtube video. I have not seen the series and know nothing about it. It was simply described as an Anime movie that you can watch without seeing the series.
Visually I really liked it. The backgrounds were beautiful and atmospheric and the animation was great. I didn't really like the artstyle of the characters sometimes. I think their lips and eyes looked a bit too big or unproportional or something but that didn't bother me much.
Plot-wise, I'll have to be honest.. I really didn't enjoy it.
Hitome does almost nothing in this movie. Even though she is a fish out of water type character, she never asks important questions about the world she is in. I'm left confused about all these different factions and locations. Wtf even is a wing goddess?
This all made for a frustrating watch. Maybe I was dumb for watching a movie about the Escaflowne series without having seen it, but seeing your review it seems I did the right thing by watching it first. Yet I'm still let down.
Would not recommend.
PS: Ironically enough, I really enjoyed the singing in the movie. That's usually something I'm not interested in
And everyone has NOSES in the movie as opposed to their... Pinocchio beaks? from the series.
Escflowne poped up on my instagram was about to dig out my dvd i remebered i had some gripe when i was like 12 n saw it....video helped out alout . just found your page
Glad it helped!
haha the opener was a great follow up to the previous upload i just finished watching. i'm going to give this a shot- any idea where i can watch *the show? its not on crunchyroll killlsss me
The first time I watched it was before Funimation was shut down after the infamous merger with Crunchyroll. I tracked down a copy of the blu-ray in order to rip it for this video. Unfortunately, I am not sure if it is streaming anywhere at the moment. But I have occasionally seen it uploaded on places like Dailymotion in the past. Not sure if it is still up there.
I will be one of those biased commenters that you will have in your comments. Once upon a time, I was at a Sam Goody with my brother and decided I would pick a random anime to purchase, and I chose Escaflowne. My world changed that day. It was the anime that I fell in love with and the anime that I would lend to others so that they could appreciate the series. Then I heard that a movie was being released. I was so happy that I purchased the DVD box set for the movie (which I still have today). When watching the film, I always viewed it as an original video animation (OVA) for the series. It is connected and related but just conceptually. I don't know if my tiny teenage brain just ate it up and filled in the present issues that "plagued" the film. Many argue that I am allowing my nostalgic brain to take over and should be objective about the series. I say poo poo to that. You did a great job pointing out the lack of screen time for Dilandau, but the time he came out and interacted with Folken was memorable for an Animated movie. It's not a masterpiece, but it would not have been possible without the American and (I believe) German DVD sales that allowed it to continue. It was remastered and Kickstarted a few years back (of course, I purchased that as well), and I hope that those who watch don't just watch it to scrutinize the film or series but watch it with genuine wonder, just like that kid that took a chance on a random DVD case. This is not an attack or criticized view of you, Van; you did a fantastic job.
No worries! Even if it had been, everyone is entitled to their own opinion when it comes to the things that they enjoy and why they enjoy them. Also, there is nothing wrong with letting your nostalgia brain take over. I fully admit to loving certain things that I know are objectively bad purely based on my nostalgia for them lol.
It's great to revisit reviews like this. Time and maturity can change opinions. For example, I used to think the Vampire Hunter D movies were incredible and the high point of anime. Now I realize there aren't words for how remarkable they are and my family and I watch VHD: Bloodlust on Blu-ray together every Halloween season. I'm also rewatching Ranma 1/2 after your Christmas special and enjoying it more now than I did years ago.
I never really got the appeal of Escaflowne. I've never watched the show and can definitely see where they tried to cram way too much into the movie. Maybe I'll watch the show at some point, but since I've had Black Lagoon collecting dust on a shelf for about seven years, I wouldn't count on it. I do love the art and design though, since I'm a big Panzer Dragoon fan. I strongly suggest playing the remake of the original on the Switch.
Funny story: I saw Escaflowne was playing at an indie theatre back in 2001, but I came to see Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner instead. I was so excited for the movie, I took my girlfriend. While we were in Hawaii. Somehow she enjoyed it, and we've been married 21 years.🤷♂️
While I'm making suggestions, Shin Masked Rider is on Amazon Prime and absolutely worth your time. While they're trying to shove an entire series into a two hour movie, it's still outstanding. Hideaki Anno (creator of Evangelion) directs, and he put so much love and passion into the movie it deserves to be seen by everyone. It even does a superspeed fight better than anything Marvel or DC has wished they could do. My youngest son hates reading, but got through the subtitles twice. It's that good.
Good to see you back man. It's always a good day when I can see some new Vanime.
Glad to inspire a revisit of Ranma. Yeah, some episodes aren't as tolerable as they once were IMO but there are too many great episodes to make me regret re-watching it from time to time.
I loved Panzer Dragoon back in the day. I have not tried the remake yet, but it is certainly on the list.
I wasn't aware Shin Masked Rider was on Amazon Prime. I have meaning to watch it. My girlfriend has a Prime account that we use but I forget we have it sometimes lol.
Great video man, I remember watching the series as one of the first ever anime I watched (like the 4th or 5th). Never watched the film so I guess I have to now. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks!
The music in both is amazing... but the movie is... weird. IDK. I like the series more, but they are both a thing. Maybe we will get a revisit or a video game? That would be neat... if done right. O_o;
besides these points wich i agree with i could not ever watch it dubbed, much of the natural voice acting is lost and the drama falls flat on its face in how they deliver the lines...Sure there is millions of worse dubs but man it takes me out of the experience. Also i remember this movie was a big deal when it was on its way (got hyped via Newtype and other magazines leading up to the release) and i was pretty happy with the result mostly with the animation and new designs, but as a story the TV.series is the best. One issue with the original VHS or DVD release was it had some issues with dark scenes as most of the details got lost like in that first fight scene...I wonder if the new editions is better? I guess they are
hyped
I like the movie as a standalone and watch it as a guilty pleasure because it's not good. It's a BAD movie and I will fight all who disagree. Great music, great art, it's darker, Van, Dilandau and Folken have powers, great storyline, more focus on Van & Hitomi, but it's too rushed. They cram way too much in too little time. This movie needed to be over 2hrs long or an OVA to fully develop the characters and story. Dilandau is barely in it, which is a crime, he's just there. The forced relatability between Folken and Hitomi rather Folken's attempt to bring Hitomi to his side is weak. Hitomi and Van are under developed both as individuals and as a couple. I get Hitomi feeling different and becoming depressed, but the movie doesn't focus nor explain the reason even though as Escaflowne fans we already know (or have an idea) she is different, but A LOT of people did not. A lot of people first watched the movie and they were rightly put off by the lack of backstory of Hitomi. She also doesn't have her visions or any real power. She's just there! She's this Wing Goddess, but doesn't do anything except wear Escaflowne around her neck. She doesn't even summon Escaflowne! Escaflowne just appears. She probably "did summon" him, but it was so poorly done because she is trying to stop him from appearing "No, don't descend!" meaning she had no control or say in Escaflowne's appearance. As if Escaflowne itself made it's own decision or it was FATE. Yes, fate and destiny is important in the movie, but it's not like the show. In the film, Hitomi is the Wing Goddess. She will choose a side. She will choose life or death. She will summon Escaflowne and Escaflowne will carry out her wish. The movie fails to properly demonstrate this. I got a lot more to say, but I'll stop here.
Hello!
the movie was shit the series was great...
Yes.
Animation is usually the only decent thing about most late 90s anime.