Rating: 
Summary: What the?!
Review: As the opening sequence finished and the title fell into place, I slowly let my breath out - it was absolutely fabulous. The animation was fluid, sharp and absolutely gorgeous, while the musical score fell right into place. I was pumped. Admittedly, I had thoughts about the high quality plot of the TV series swirling through my head. Next we meet Hitomi, there's a sword fight between Van and Allen, I was still pretty pumped. After that..it was just bad.Instead of coming up with a new plot, they just compressed the plot of the TV series. It just didn't work. I think Hitomi decides she is in love with Van and changes her whole perspective on life in about 2 minutes. The namesake of the movie, Escaflowne, is hardly even there. What the heck is Escaflowne? Where do they come from? Judging from this movie alone, I would assume they grow underground, like turnips. It is never explained why Van has wings. Speaking of wings, where the hell did Hitomi get hers? Also, the only character we get any background information on is Van and Folken, however they managed to keep every main character from the TV series except Dornkirk himself. There are just too many loose ends. It was so bad, I didn't even take the time to look at the extras DVD, which is the only reason I bought the special edition.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome!
Review:
I watch Escaflowne-The Movie, then only i bought 'The Vision of Escaflowne' setbox series. So i have to admit, that, theres a lot of changes been made. In Escaflowne - The Movie, it displays all the magical, mystics, uniques, and mysteries. I really enjoyed THE MOVIE.
Escaflowne- is more to err, organic (which reminds me of Evangelion) well duh 'living thing'. Whereas in 'The Vision of Escaflowne', it is more to mechanical, scientific stuff. All the characters been through some changes for example, Allen, Hitomi, and others. The CGI enhancement and changes on all the characters, scenery does improves a lot. Smooth view, clear imagine and all. I have to admit the characters costume designs is excellent. The music and sound effects- can i just say 'WHOA'.
Really, it was very touching! Im not saying that 'The Vision of Escaflowne' is not that good. but, hey, cmon 'The Vision of Escaflowne' is being made in the year 96. 4 years after that, Escaflowne - The Movie is being born (2002). Of course we have to accept the fact that the anime-tech, CGI and all is evolving. You couldn't expect it to be made exactly the same as it was 4 yrs ago. Animation revolutinary. So, to Joji Nakata, the Omega Team Project, all the crews who involved either in 'The Vision of Escaflowne' or Escaflowne - The Movie', Congratulations!
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Rating: 
Summary: Escaflower-Power
Review: Ok. Here's the truth. All the bad reviews are by people who saw the dull drawn-out series and so they hopeing for more of the same, i.e. a slowpaced soap-opera. But I am not a fan of any long series, so I've not seen much of them because they bore me. So when I heard of an EPIC MOVIE based on the series I thought , GREAT! And y'know what? It is GREAT! If you've never heard of Escaflowne before (like me) then forget the boring series and enjoy this funtastic, fast paced movie. Just as I wouldn't want Ghost In The Shell to be a series, rather than the great movie it is ..so too will you appreciate Escaflowne The Movie as a stand-alone movie-epic. So forget those bad reviws I"m the one twith the best and proper review. NOW GO ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: Damn good movie
Review: Well after seeing a ton of bad reviews for this anime, I figured I would put in my 2 cents. I thought this anime was awesome!!! When I purchased it, I had never seen the TV series or even heard of it, and I was not dissapointed. The movie has a dark and serious feel to it and the fighting seens are awesome. After watching the movie, I was so engrossed with Escaflowne, that I jumped on Amazon and bought the series. At this time I am currently still working through the series, and all though there are discrepancies between the movie and the series, they are both still fantastic. The tv series has a child like feel to it where as the movie is much darker and serious. I have read reviews where people compare Cowboy Bebop and Evagelion to Escaflowne, and that is something that you just can't do. All three are totally different types of Anime. If you are curious about Escaflowne, but not ready to drop the money down for the tv set, get the movie, but be warned...after watching the movie, you will want the tv series. Also remember that the movie and the series are for the most part the same thing. The movie is a 96 min version of the tv series with some differences. All in all, I think the movie rocks and so does the series. You will not be dissapointed with Escaflowne.
Rating:
Summary: Escaflowne Greatness
Review: I can't believe all the bad reviews that this DVD has gotten. I really enjoyed it. True the characters are different but that is what makes it fun. If you ask me Hitomi actually looks good looking in this version as compared to the TV version. The animation is very clean and well animated. Some of the best I have ever seen. People say the story felt rushed but it felt as though it went on in a smooth pace to me. True it isn't as detailed as the TV series but no movie ever will be. Well the fight scenes are fast and beautiful. Vahn never looked so good while taking out his enemies. There is pleanty of eye candy. Now the music really sets the mood. When you need fast and upbeat it gives it to you and pulls you into the action but the music that stood out to me was the ending song, Yubiwa, with vocals by Maaya Sakamoto. That song alone made it worth buying the Ultimate Edition 3-Disc Set. I believe that this anime is one of the few that I can rewatch many times and an anime that allows that is well worth the price tag. Don't listen to what others have to say about it. Go and rent it or buy it and make up your own mind. Trust me you wont be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: And adult take on a kid show
Review: The TV show, Escaflowne, was an overrated above average mecha anime. It is not comparable to Evangelion or Cowboy Bebop. The movie follows in a similar fashion; it is above average but it not as good as say, End Of Evangelion. To give a good example of the movie is much more serious; The TV show opens with a girl and a tarot card, with the girl talking about finding true love. Quite innocent. The movie opens with a guy killing people like a samurai, with blood splattering on the windows and heads rolling. Another example; In the TV series: Hitomi is innocently looking for love and thinks she found it in her track coach, so she runs really fast to try to beat a time (if she can beat a certain time, she will get a kiss) but she accidently runs into a warp. The Movie Hitomi is extremely depressed and her friends finds a suicide note. Unfortunetly, character development is hindered with the two hour limit and also characters are strikingly different then their same persona in the TV series. So, those who just see the movie will not appreciate it as much as those who have seen the TV Show. But, if you really like the TV show for everything it's got, do not see the movie. The movie is merely a retelling of a story aimed torwards a much more mature audience.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic release for a good film
Review: "Escaflowne: The Movie" is, as you know, the film version of the 26 episode anime series, "The Vision of Escaflowne". Unlike most, however, it is not a "recap" of the series; it is a new story, tied loosely to the original series, yet completely unrelated to it. Released just over two years ago in Japan as "Escaflowne: A Girl in Gaea", fans of the series have been awaiting the North American release of this film for just as long. Suffering negative reviews, it has taken a bit of a beating for not being "true" to the original story, or being "too shallow". It is my opinion, however, that the film's story is very enjoyable, if not as engrossing as the series; how can you expect an hour and a half movie to compare to a 26 episode series, though? It is, however, up to you to decide your stance on the quality, or lack thereof, of the plot; I intend to review the technical merit of the release. Video - The quality of the video transfer is spectacular. Colours are bright and clear, lines are crisp, darks are dark and lights are light. I noticed no artifacting or rainbowing whatsoever on this disc, which is fairly rare; most releases encounter these problems in one form or another. (For those of you that do not know the term "rainbowing", it is caused by many lines very close together [fishnet stockings, for example], and results in a 'rainbow' of colours in the area). Occasionally, you will notice particular moments of exceeding visual splendor. I recall many, including a flying red flag, a mammoth cloud of dust and an on-coming shot of a severed limb. Look for them, and you may see what I mean. (Note: They do occur in that order, by the way). RATING: 5/5 Sound - Audio track options are plentiful and of quality. The options presented are both 5.1 and DTS Japanese tracks, an English 5.1 track, and an isolated 5.1 score. I only watched the film through in Japanese, down mixed to stereo, but it was of admirable quality. The English dubbed track -- which I spot checked -- may make some purists cringe, but was above average quality for an anime dub. The isolated score is a rare and enjoyable option, especially when the score is of this caliber (Yoko Kanno is a composer not to be missed). RATING: 5/5 Features - This release is noticeably lacking in "special features" -- Bandai has produced a "Special Edition" 3 disc set, which contains an entire second disc of extra features, plus a 3rd CD containing the beautiful film soundtrack. This release does, however contain one very interesting feature: a "story board subtitle" feature. In addition to English subtitles (which are very well done -- an excellent transliteration job), you may choose "Story Board subtitles", which superimposes an image of the story board illustration from the production process that corresponds with that shot in the film. They are placed unobtrusively in the bottom right corner of the screen; this option makes for an interesting viewing of the film. RATING: 2/5 Packaging - The cover art is average; well it is not as attractive as the "Special Edition" (which uses the original Japanese poster art), it could definitely be worse. The inserts are not terribly useful, having the chapter list on the inside of a folded booklet, and being stuffed behind a flyer for Bandai's other products. The disc holder is bizarre, but is easier to use than some. RATING: 3/5 Overall - While some may find the film itself to be less than enthralling, and others will be dismayed that they will have to open their wallet a little wider to acquire a version of this film with any significant special features, the product itself is a quality one. Bandai has released another excellent product, which is well worth purchasing, whether you are a passive anime watcher looking for another good DVD to add to your collection, or a hardcore fan of the Escaflowne franchise. RATING: 4/5
Rating: 
Summary: OK Movie but not as good as series
Review: As a stand alone movie it was enjoyable. But some of the characters where rather weak. Like Dryden and Millerna. Why even bother with those characters. I liked how Hitomi and Van seem older than in the series. In the series some of the chracters could be whiney at times. I had watched the series first and loved it. So it was difficult to seperate what I knew of the characters and the storyline while I watch the movie. The storyline basics was so different from the series that it made it a letdown for me. If you are going to watch the movie, don't watch the series first.
Rating:
Summary: Needed to be longer , but beautifully done none the less .
Review: Okay I will admit it . I like the tv series better . now that`s out of the way . Like Vampire Hunter D : BL I thought this movie could have been longer . You get traped to one scene and then waiting for more . In other words part of the story needed a little more explaination . A little more characterzation . English dudding needed more help . Forgive me mister Marrow , but someone esle should have done Van`s english vocie . At least for this movie . The other thing , like everyone esle had said . Is the plot . Nothing much to it . Also not as complex as the series . In which at times can be a good thing . It was in a way for this movie . The downside is this : you are left on asking the question of how did they get there ? What the heck did I just miss? Those are not always good questions for a movie buff to ask themsevles .
Yet the movie also gives a message about sorrow and how people handle it . Not very well , but there nonetheless . The most astonishing about the movie : ANIMATION & MUSIC
both are excenllant .
One more thing then I will shut up . Yes the ending left me hanging , but I did`nt hate it (thank god for spoilers ). I hope and pray there will be a sequel to this movie or the series . The Four Stars are for the animation music and the dvd limited edtion . The DVD limited edtion I enjoy very much . granted the interveiws aren`t great or groung breaking . I felt sorry for them. Most were pretty tounge tied .
The real reason I got the Limited edtion : IT ALSO INCULED THE SCORE ! I enjoyed the music almost more then the movie .
Okay now I am done . Yet a few last words . I Do mean a few . Good movie , great animation and music , If you want the movie and soundtrack buy the limited edtion it will cheaper then to buy them serpate . Just want the movie buy standard .
Rating:
Summary: For people questioning the movie
Review: Some people criticized the movie because it did not continue off of the TV version. Well I have seen the TV series and love it, but I like the movie just as much. The characters are the same as well as the basic story line. But the plot, character special moves, and everything else is different. It may confuse some people, but if you take the movie and the series as different stories then you will enjoy the movie just as much. The good thing about the movie is that it is independent of the series, so a complete newbie can watch it and not be confused. The voices are the same which is also a plus. Overall, I highly recommend the movie and the 3 disc set is worth the extra money since the soundtrack is pretty impressive as well. You cannot go wrong with this movie, especially if you like anime.
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