The Vision of Escaflowne (Japanese audio) - Episodes 9-12
Once I actually fired up Episode 1 the very first thing to capture my attention was the music. As the opening credits roll unceremoniously, and as the camera sweeps across a huge grassy plain a soft and whimsical tune takes centre stage, instantly my interest was piqued and my attention gained, just like that I knew that I was watching something special, it sounds weird but that's how I felt. As the first action sequence begun the tempo hastened, I was instantly reminded of the Unlimited Saga OST and its myriad of battle themes, its absolutely exquisite. The music is otherworldly, mystical and fantastic, effortlessly enhancing the accompanying scenes. The voice acting so far has also been superb, Phos is both cute and silly and the voice actresses line delivery often has me genuinely chuckling, helped no doubt by Phos' facial expressions.
It's hard to talk about Land of the Lustrous without talking about the visuals and I'm a fan of what they've achieved here. Backgrounds are painterly and hand-drawn, each one looking as if it was ripped straight out of an art-book. Scenes taking place during the day present the viewer with a vast blue sky and a lush green plain, both juxtaposing beautifully. Shot composition is eye catching and stylish making full use of the canvas, the way the camera almost caresses the lunarians or flips and swoops by as characters somersault in the air screams of a show that's been lovingly storyboarded. Of course this is a show that utilises 3D CG animation and with it comes a lot of scepticism, here however it's utilised magnificently. The camera for one is constantly moving, flowing from scene to scene, the world feels so much more tangible and real because of it, almost as it the camera is alive and breathing, an inhabitant of the world itself.
The character models themselves are beautifully realized, although 3D they've done a fantastic job of giving off the impression that they're flat thanks to the shading. So what we have here is a case of having the best of both worlds. The hair glistens and moves in a way only a 3D model could, the characters move organically, even the most intricate of movements registered, all the benefits of a 3D character, and yet still looking homogeneous and one with the world and backgrounds themselves. The characters hair is constantly moving and with it a dispersion of light is projected onto the shoulders. Land of the Lustrous makes an entirely compelling case for 3D animation within anime, effortlessly displaying the uniqueness of the technique and what it brings to the table. Even the most subtle of movements are depicted, it really does bring the characters to life. What I love however is how we regularly get a bevy of 2D animation interspersed, what it does is it gives the show a unique texture and it shows that the staff are aware of the strengths and weakness, after all using 2D animation in conjunction with 3D isn't an admission of it being superior to 3D animation, both can and are working in harmony. Land of the the Lustrous is a gorgeous show with an impeccably stylish aesthetic and a charming cast of characters.
From a story perspective so far the series has been slow to show its cards, instead opting to focus on world building and character interactions. I'm constantly learning a little about the nature of the world and it's an interesting premise, in fact I honestly wouldn't mind if this was the rest of the show, so far it's made for a wonderful of viewing experience before going to bed, I'm sure however things will change as more is revealed. It's early days but this really does feel like a landmark title and I can't wait to watch more.
You've got me interested for sure, I've added it to my watchlist.Land of the Lustrous – Episodes 1 – 3 – First Impressions
Although I normally try to make a little effort in doing some research on a show before watching I usually try going in as cold as possible because often the premise or art alone is enough to pull me in, here however I went in with no information whatsoever, well other than the fact that the show was highly recommended. Other than that all I had going in was a screen cap of the main character, Phos pointing with both index fingers, suffice it to say I took a liking to the character design instantly, from Phos' pale porcelain skin to the glistening blue-green bob cut, everything about Phos stood out, both inspired and unique, but more interesting was the fact that the characters are 3D models.
Once I actually fired up Episode 1 the very first thing to capture my attention was the music. As the opening credits roll unceremoniously, and as the camera sweeps across a huge grassy plain a soft and whimsical tune takes centre stage, instantly my interest was piqued and my attention gained, just like that I knew that I was watching something special, it sounds weird but that's how I felt. As the first action sequence begun the tempo hastened, I was instantly reminded of the Unlimited Saga OST and its myriad of battle themes, its absolutely exquisite. The music is otherworldly, mystical and fantastic, effortlessly enhancing the accompanying scenes. The voice acting so far has also been superb, Phos is both cute and silly and the voice actresses line delivery often has me genuinely chuckling, helped no doubt by Phos' facial expressions.
It's hard to talk about Land of the Lustrous without talking about the visuals and I'm a fan of what they've achieved here. Backgrounds are painterly and hand-drawn, each one looking as if it was ripped straight out of an art-book. Scenes taking place during the day present the viewer with a vast blue sky and a lush green plain, both juxtaposing beautifully. Shot composition is eye catching and stylish making full use of the canvas, the way the camera almost caresses the lunarians or flips and swoops by as characters somersault in the air screams of a show that's been lovingly storyboarded. Of course this is a show that utilises 3D CG animation and with it comes a lot of scepticism, here however it's utilised magnificently. The camera for one is constantly moving, flowing from scene to scene, the world feels so much more tangible and real because of it, almost as it the camera is alive and breathing, an inhabitant of the world itself.
The character models themselves are beautifully realized, although 3D they've done a fantastic job of giving off the impression that they're flat thanks to the shading. So what we have here is a case of having the best of both worlds. The hair glistens and moves in a way only a 3D model could, the characters move organically, even the most intricate of movements registered, all the benefits of a 3D character, and yet still looking homogeneous and one with the world and backgrounds themselves. The characters hair is constantly moving and with it a dispersion of light is projected onto the shoulders. Land of the Lustrous makes an entirely compelling case for 3D animation within anime, effortlessly displaying the uniqueness of the technique and what it brings to the table. Even the most subtle of movements are depicted, it really does bring the characters to life. What I love however is how we regularly get a bevy of 2D animation interspersed, what it does is it gives the show a unique texture and it shows that the staff are aware of the strengths and weakness, after all using 2D animation in conjunction with 3D isn't an admission of it being superior to 3D animation, both can and are working in harmony. Land of the the Lustrous is a gorgeous show with an impeccably stylish aesthetic and a charming cast of characters.
From a story perspective so far the series has been slow to show its cards, instead opting to focus on world building and character interactions. I'm constantly learning a little about the nature of the world and it's an interesting premise, in fact I honestly wouldn't mind if this was the rest of the show, so far it's made for a wonderful of viewing experience before going to bed, I'm sure however things will change as more is revealed. It's early days but this really does feel like a landmark title and I can't wait to watch more.
And funnily enough, they're all voiced by Tomokazu Sugita. In fact, just like the main character in...Kanon eps 1-3
Intriguing. The MC reminds me of a cross between Hideki (from Chobits, mainly looks wise) and Kyon (from Haruhi Suzumiya, mainly attitude).
Except I've watched/ing all 3 in English and Yuuichi is voiced by a different actor Chris Patton who is Greed in FMA. Kyon and Hideki are voiced by the same guy though.And funnily enough, they're all voiced by Tomokazu Sugita. In fact, just like the main character in...
Just coincidentals, then.Except I've watched/ing all 3 in English