Monday, September 30, 2013

Clannad: After Story - Collection 2



An amazing conclusion to a great anime
Unfortunately, I cannot be too specific here; this second volume contains many plot events which I do not want to spoil for the viewer. Subtitles seemed fine this time.

To note, episodes 13-22 comprise the main story, while episode 23 is an episode occurring before the original series, 24 is an Another World episode for Kyou (similar to Tomoyo's in the first season), and 25 is a well-done recap that is actually occurs in-universe after the main story. The Kyou story is good, but really should have been at least 2-3 episodes. The prologue is amusing; it is not meant to be serious whatsoever, but is interesting.

As for the story itself... it entirely focuses on Tomoya and Nagisa, which makes the plot much more focused. As I think I mentioned in my review of the first DVD of After Story, what makes this show special in that it goes beyond the traditional high-school story. This DVD very much continues this trend.

This show is probably the most emotional...

I could sum this second collection of "Clannad ~After Story~" in one word.... Fantastic!
When it comes to the Japanese software company Key, many fans appreciate their work as the video games tend to be dating simulators for the PC and many other video game consoles. Known for two visual novels "Kanon" and "Air" (both were adapted to anime series), the objects of the video games tend to be the gamer controlling the main male protagonist and with a lot of female friends, answering questions correctly in order to score. The first two video games were adult-based but in 2004, the company released "Clannad", a series that would not show nudity or fan service and a game for all ages.

"Clannad" received an anime adaptation in 2007 with a total of 23-episodes and was released on DVD earlier this year in the US from Sentai Filmworks. The second season known "Clannad ~After Story~" (which takes place after the first season of Clannad and then ten years later) is now being released in the US. The anime series is directed by Tatsuya Ishihara ("Air", "Kanon",...

Great adaptation of a great story
This release concludes the CLANNAD story in the North America region. As such, it represents the culmination of everything that the show has been building up to thus far. The issue of Tomoya's view on family, an issue which was brought back into the spotlight at the end of the first After Story collection, is addressed directly, as is the truth behind the nature of the "Illusionary World" which he sees in his dreams. As these are the two most consistent themes throughout the story as a whole, the viewer should expect a powerful, emotional conclusion befitting the title.

As an adaptation of Visual Art's/Key's game CLANNAD, the show as a whole has been received quite well. This portion of the story in particular is portrayed similarly to the original in fine detail, while given the spin of powerful directing that this series is known for. Scenes with a memorable setting, such as the beach on a chilly, windy day or a summer's train ride in the countryside, are given colors,...

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