Review of Haibane Renmei: Vol. 3

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 as they eke out this short series for a fourth disc.

Rakka tries to understand why the disappearance of her friend has upset her so much. In an epiphany, and with the help of some crows, she eventually recalls her entry into the Haibane world and the dream that she had in her `birth cocoon`. She realises that we wasn`t alone in her last life - and that she will be missed by those who care.

She also finds the walls of the town that she`s heard are dangerous. She also hears from the `Communicator` again who warns that her time in Glie is running out.
It`s all completely enigmatic in a quasi-religious way, and appears to be heading to a conclusion that may make sense of the Haibane; their role in wider society and where they originate.

On the other hand, it could well degenerate into a conclusion as unsatisfying as that of `The Prisoner`. We`ll have to wait till Volume 4 to find out how this series concludes!

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:

Full Series Trailer - this lengthy overview is more enigmatic than the series itself which is going some. But it`s an accurate reflection of what`s on offer, running at over two minutes.

TV Trailer - which lasts what seems like nano-seconds, announcing the first episodes airing time in Japan, curiously 2.30am.

Art Gallery - 40 rough conceptual pencil sketch frames for those interested in the origins of the drawings etc.

Trailers - brief trailers cut to music
Episode Previews - It looks like we`re in for more of the same in Volume 4. 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 3 continues on in the same vein as Volume 2, though is slowly drip-feeding information about the Haibane enigma. I`m definitely hooked and can`t wait for the next (and final) disc in the series.