xxxHolic Movie 1
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(Regular Edition)
Price: US$33.25
Theatrical Release Date: 20th Aug 2005
DVD Release Date: 26th Feb 2006
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This is really a milestone. Not only is this the first xxxHolic movie, but it's also the first xxxHolic animation! Unlike Tsubasa Chronicle, there was no series on air before this film was made. Instead, this movie serves as an introduction to the xxxHolic anime series which starts a whole year later than the first season of Tsubasa Chronicle.
Kind of clever really. Fans have already been introduced to the character of Yuko in several episodes of Tsubasa Chronicle and Watanuki, Maru, Moro and the black Mokona all appeared very briefly in the first episode. It's like xxxHolic already has an audience before it's even been released! The people involved obviously realised this and released (and produced) the xxxHolic movie together with the Tsubasa Chronicle movie, exposing all those that went to the cinema to see their fave Tsubasa characters on the big screen to xxxHolic!
In it's theatrical release, the Tsubasa Chronicle movie (which runs for 35minutes) screened first followed immediately (no intermission) by the xxxHolic movie. Merchandising at the cinemas were completely seperate however as are these DVD releases with the Tsubasa Chronicle movie on one DVD and the xxxHolic movie on a completely seperate one.
Are you bored yet? I sure am. Let's get this review started, shall we?
The Cover: This is a brand new release so naturally the picture on the cover is crystal clear. The front cover is the same artwork that was used for the movie poster when the film had it's theatrical release. The back cover features mostly gothic border and a pic of the mansion featured in the film. There are also three screenshots featuring Yuko, Watanki and Domeki. All very nice and what you would expect from a DVD cover.
The Menus: The menus are very easy to navigate and super fast loading, but really nothing special to look at. All of them feature static images with no music and with the exception of the Chapter Menu which features more glorious background painting are really nothing special. Something that was really cool though that the highlight graphic that appears when you select a scene in the chapter select menu is a nice butterfly that seems very fitting to the xxxHolic mythos. Not a big addition but a nice little extra that fans will appreciate.
The Special Features: This "Regular Edition" is pretty regular. Hehe. But then, this disk is a lot cheaper than the Premium Edition which has Audio Commentary, opening night footage, postrecording scenery footage and a gallery. In short if you want special features, get that version. If you're trying to save a buck and really just want to see the movie again and again, get this version. That being said we do get all the movie trailers for this and the Tsubasa Chronicle movie as well as a bonus postcard in every DVD case!
The Movie: This movie completely surpassed my expectations! I love the manga and this movie maintained the feel completely! The humour, the sexiness, the surrealness, the mystery, everything! The artwork is supurb. From the wonderfully painted backgrounds, to the cell animation to the very effective use of CGI the xxxHolic movie is a visual treat that any animation fan will enjoy. I could see fans of Blood the Last Vampire and Evangelion really digging this (same animation studio) as well as people who dig tv shows like Witchblade and LOST. The script really stands up, adapting several scenes from the first volume of the manga to introduce the audience to the characters and concepts but also creates a nice unique story that fits perfectly on the big screen and at 60 minutes there's breathing room for all this which allows the movie to flow at a very nice pace.
Of course there's the connection to the Tsubasa Chronicle movie which adds a nice extra scene that doesn't distract from the overall xxxHolic story.
Final Thoughts: Get it! A worthy introduction to the animated world of xxxHolic. Let's hope the series and further movies are as impressive!
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