Kaleido Star: New Wings Volume 6: A Kaleido Star Is Born - Active Anime
- Active Anime
- Holly Ellingwood
- 11/05/06
- click here
"An anime that is a pure joy to watch."
"The finale is climatic and fulfilling. "
Dramatic role reversals, an unexpected challenge and al the magic of the stage come together in this final volume of Kaleido Star. Working hard on her Angel?s Maneuver, Sora is pushing her limits. Little does she know that Layla is secretly trying to perfect the maneuver as well. In a dramatic turn of events, Sora?s long time idol, friend and partner, Layla, steps forward to challenge Sora for the stage! Suddenly Sora is overcome with the fire of competition. Will this ruin her desire for a stage free of competition or help raise her to heights yet unseen? Will she be able to perfect he maneuver and awaken the angel hearts within us all?
Sora?s aspirations are inspiring and the events in the final volume are an uplifting experience. Part of this series? magic is its ability to always skate past the edge of trite to a story that is truly touching. In the last two episodes things really come full circle from the very beginning of the first episode of the first season to now, this moment which for Sora will either be her greatest achievement or most grievous defeat. It?s fantastic. Well thought out, the anime has been absorbing and throughout has displayed a captivating energy that is wonderful to experience.
The finale is climatic and fulfilling. The animation is as uplifting as ever and the music is fabulous. The ending song has been one of my personal favorites of the year. Also this last disc has some new songs within it for the climatic finale.
Although the disc has four episodes, the main story concludes in the first three. The last episode is a special which focuses on Rosetta and her struggle to become a Kaleido star. Particularly interesting is the compelling mystery this episode holds as it reveals the possible origins of The Fool who may have an unexpected link to Rosetta! It is a self-contained episode which serves as an enjoyable epilogue to the series.
EXTRAS:Bonus features include a fold out mini-poster, ADV previews, production sketches, comic strips by Akira Shinozaki, clean opening and closing animation, a text interview focusing on Kaori Mizuhashi (Japanese voice actor for Rosetta) with Junichi Sato (Director and Original Concept), and text commentaries from various Japanese voice actors including Akeno Watanabe (Anna), Kaori Mizuhashi (Rosetta), Ryo Hirohashi (Sora), Sayaka Ohara (Layla), Chinami Mishimura (Mia) and Hiro Shimono (Ken).
IN SUMMARY:An anime that is a pure joy to watch. Exhilarating, Kaleido Star is a stirring series that is both inspirational and remarkable.
Posted on Sunday, November 05, 2006 (Archive on Tuesday, December 05, 2006)