Vision d'Escaflowne

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*

I first watched this on Fox Kids then I got to watch the other version but either way I found Escaflowne to be a true classic. It has a great storyline and with wonderful characters!

Hitomi Kanzaki was I think a great lead character and I liked her relationships with Van Fanel and Allen Schezar. Every episode always keeps you interested not just terms of storyline and character development but also the good animation and great mecha designs or Guymelef's as they are known.

All in all a true classic! It was one of my favorites from teen years and still remains a favorite now I'm in my thirties as of this review.

The director and script writer of Escaflowne, Shoji Kawamori, was a big part of the original Macross anime (nee Robotech, as it was called in the USA). Macross/Robotech was widely recognized as a pivotal moment for animation in the USA; definitely one of the best filmed entertainment ever. Now, imagine if Shoji Kawamori spent fifteen years after working on Macross carefully refining his technique, practicing and perfecting his storytelling abilities. Imagine if the greatest living musician on the face of the Earth, Yoko Kanno, was then contracted to produce a four-cd soundtrack for Kawamori's next production. That, then, is what Escaflowne is; the greatest work of some of the greatest artists ever.

The story is about a schoolgirl named Hitomi, who gets unexpectedly transported to a fantasy world called Gaea after encountering a young man named Van. Once she is there, she begins having powerful clear visions of the future which she can't explain. Gaea is threatened by war and Hitomi gets caught up in the conflict, alongside Van. Hitomi becomes essential to deciding the planet's fate... Escaflowne is without a doubt one of the best anime series I have ever had the pleasure to see. Just about everything about is well done, and satisfying: from the music to the characters to the mech designs. It's also very appealing to a wide audience, featuring exciting action sequences (some serious gore in the unedited version, to warn younger viewers), romance, comedy, drama and some very surprising plot twists. The animation is fluid and motion-picture quality, with a very unique style. And the musical score, (composed by Yoko Kanno, famous for Cowboy Bebop and Brain Powered, among others) is just as impressive as any to come out of Hollywood. The dub isn't the worst I've ever seen, but it really does the series no justice. See it sub-titled version if possible. In short, Escaflowne is a top notch series that is definitely worth seeing.

I saw Escaflowne originally on Fox Kids. I was a little confused, but then I went online and read how the story was, and I stopped watching it. I then was contacted by a friend who told me she bought the dvd edition three disc set with all 26 episodes on it off of Ebay. I went over to her house the very next day and watched it. I was shocked with how much they took out from the fox kids version. I instantly fell in love with the story. And especially Folken and Allen, but my first crush was on the adorable Gaddess. Anyways (getting off track ^_^)When we got through watching the whole thing I couldnt believe it. I then went out and spent the money on the 3 disc set and I was so excited. I almost toppled the UPS man when he brought it to the door I was so excited. I have to say to everyone that Escaflowne is the best damn anime there is. Well, besides DB/Z/GT. But I loved it. The animation was beautiful. The storyline exellent. the characters were enjoyable. And the music was totally breath taking. Such songs such as "Shadow of a Doubt" (more associated with Folken.) and "Chain" (the altering fate machine theme) have to be the most wonderfully done peices of music I have heard in a long time.

In all I give this a 10/10 in ratings. I would go higher then a 10, but I want to make it reasonable. Hell. A 100/10.