I knew Air TV, and Misuzu’s story in particular, was a tear-jerker. I thought I was ready for it, but no there I was blubbering on the couch. That doesn’t surprise me though. After all, when I was a kid I loved Little House on the Prairie.
A script like this in live action would be vomit inducing, but with anime, reality doesn’t have to get in the way. It can be beautiful. Part of why I love the character of Misuzu is I can feel my cynicism evaporate, if for only for 22 minutes, which is why I couldn’t stop when she walked.
Now that you finished the series, its good to know that you enjoyed it. AIR is definitively one of my all-time favorite series, and the kind that I can watch for different reasons – sometimes its the beautiful animation, sometimes its the music, sometimes its the characters, or just the overall feeling I get when watching it.
In your review of the second volume, you made a comment asking why they cut the Misuzu storyline to get into the Kanna arc. I think the question is answered =)
If you have a chance, I’d recommend you to watch the series for a second time. In my case, a lot of details that seemed to be irrelevant, or I simply missed, just clicked; this is especially true for certain dialogs.
Any idea if AIR in Summer will be released in the US? They expand the Kanna arc, adding details that make the characters a lot more likable, and their relationship more deep.
Also, does the ADV release include the full-length version of the opening as a bonus? It was originally included in the Japanese Bluray release.
I think the new OP is just a JP Blu-ray exclusive; something they put it as a bonus incentive for getting the set.
Anyway, AIR wasn’t too moving, in a sense, but I kinda felt melancholic for a couple of days. A re-watch would be a good idea. Knowing that KyoAni did this, we can expect some references and such.
ADV is going to release Summer as the fourth volume. Maybe that will get me to like the characters in that arc, because while I can see why it was put in there I wasn’t that into that storyline.
It’s one of my favorites, so I’ll probably watch it again after I see volume 4.
I didnt cry nearly as much for Air as I did for Clannad and Kanon. I dont know why…. cos really its sadder…