Review of Haibane Renmei: Vol. 2

Introduction

Yoshitoshi Abe has completely freaked me out with his mind-bending, genre defying anime - and possibly turned in a work even more compelling than `Serial Experiments Lain`. This really is curious addition to the glut of anime flooding the market. It has a strange atmosphere and pace all of its own that really sets it apart from the flock.

So how best to describe it? The `Haibane` of the title are `angel-like` females (with halos and charcoal coloured wings) who fall from the sky (possibly after dying?) and land gracefully at an old `school-house` where they take up residence. They are literally walled off from the surrounding town.

There are just three episodes on the disc (unlike Volume 4 with a fourth episode included). Rakka, the `newborn` from the first disc, continues to narrate her way through this strangely compelling yet slow-moving set of episodes.

Volume 2 sees her once again clipping the heels of the other Haibane to find out what is expected of her in this new world. She finds herself in the library with Namu and she is immediately entranced with the books and the information they contain. She begins a mission to research the very origins of the Haibane, and soon discovers that she is not the only one to have done so. The library, and her friend`s camaraderie make Rakki happier than she`s ever been. But her happiness in her new world is about to be shattered…

What works beautifully about this charming and enigmatic show is that a mystery world is presented - and then explained a little piece at a time, making it utterly compelling viewing. By the time you reach the end of Volume 2, you`ll be completely hooked.

Video

Haibane Renmei is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded for anamorphic playback. It`s a very nice digital transfer that has retained the clarity of the original animation, as well as its attractive hues and colouring. Very satisfying viewing.

Audio

Whilst original Japanese dialogue and English sub-titles is an option, I viewed this in its English dubbed incarnation. Choice of voice was nigh on perfect - with Rakka portrayed as a breathy innocent, whilst selection of voices for her winged cohorts also perfectly cast. It`s a big, solid sound (stereo) with good quality dialogue really cutting through the dreamy incidental music, which includes the haunting title theme featuring a mix of acoustic guitar and strings.

Features

This is a little light on extras, but for the record here`s what you`ll find:

-Creditless Ending - just the end titles without textual overlays.

- TV Commercials - 2 adverts that are arguably more surreal than the programme itself, which is going some!

.-Art Gallery - 44 rough conceptual pencil sketch frames for those interested in the origins of the drawings etc.

-Trailers - brief trailers cut to music only for Gungrave and Read or Die: the TV Series.

-Episode Previews - It looks like we`re in for more of the same in Volume 3. Great!

Conclusion

Produced as a manga follow-up to `Serial Experiments Lain`, `Haibane Renmei` was never intended to become an anime, though enthusiasm for LAIN (in the West particularly) encouraged its production.

Originally airing in 2002, just two episodes of the original manga were complete when production began, and apparently Abe busked the rest of the tale as he went along, preferring an almost experimental approach.

The results are very fine indeed, and whilst this is no white-knuckle ride (don`t expect `Fist of the North Star`!) it has a soporiphic, dreamlike atmosphere that makes for some very satisfying viewing.

It`s also full of fascinating sub-plots that are thinly disguised `coming of age` scenarios as the young female `Haibane` seek to discover their role and purpose in a confusing world.

If you`re becoming jaded by the sudden glut of sub-standard, barely comprehensible anime flooding the market, then `Haibane` could be the perfect antidote.

Volume 2 continues on in the same vein as Volume 1, though is slowly drip-feeding information about the Haibane enigma. I`m definitely hooked and can`t wait for the next disc in the series.