The appeal and reviews of the Magic Knight Rayearth special edition: What are the special features that fans should not miss?

The appeal and reviews of the Magic Knight Rayearth special edition: What are the special features that fans should not miss?

Magic Knight Rayearth Special Edition - Looking back on the journey to the other world of Cephiro

Broadcast on Yomiuri TV on December 16, 1995, Magic Knight Rayearth Extra Edition is a TV special based on the original manga by CLAMP, looking back on famous scenes from Chapters 1 and 2. This extra edition offered viewers a chance to relive the emotions of the three characters, Shidou Hikaru, Ryuzaki Umi, and Hououji Fu, by retelling the many battles, sorrows, and loves they experienced in the alternate world of Cephiro.

■ Story

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Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuzaki, and Fuu Houoji had a fateful encounter while on a school trip to Tokyo Tower. Summoned to the other world of Cephiro by the guidance of their mentor Clef, the three are tasked with saving Cephiro as legendary magic knights when it is in danger... The three overcame many battles and sorrows to save Cephiro, and even experienced love. Let's look back on their journey with the memorable scenes from Chapters 1 and 2.

This story was loved by many fans as a work depicting an otherworldly fantasy and the growth of the girls. In particular, the interactions between the three girls and the various characters they meet in Cephiro, and their attitude towards facing difficulties, deeply moved viewers. In addition, the beautiful scenery of Cephiro and the battle scenes using magic are also visually appealing.

■Cast

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Narration: Shiina Hekiru Cast: Shiina Hekiru (voiced by Shidou Hikaru), Yoshida Konami (voiced by Ryuzaki Umi), Kasahara Hiroko (voiced by Hououji Fuu)

The performances of the voice actors are also one of the charms of this work. In particular, Shiina Hekiru, who plays Shidou Hikaru, exquisitely expressed the strength and kindness of the main character, capturing the hearts of viewers. In addition, Yoshida Konami, who plays Ryuzaki Umi, and Kasahara Hiroko, who plays Hououji Fuu, also portrayed the unique personalities of their respective characters, adding excitement to the story. Shiina Hekiru also provides the narration, and her voice further enhances the worldview of the story.

■ Main staff

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Supervision: Toshihiro Hirano / Directors: Makoto Kawano, Tetsuo Adachi / Composition: Teppei Shimazaki / Cinematography: Masaru Iida / Opening, Ending: / Storyboard: Mokona Apapa (CLAMP) / Direction: Keitaro Motonaga / Opening animation: Atsuko Ishida, Masahiro Yamane, Osamu Nabeshima, Takuya Suzuki, Satoshi Ishino, Keiji Goto, Tatsuya Suzuki, Hirofumi Suzuki, Takehiro Nakayama, Fuminori Kizaki, Noriyuki Matsutake / Ending animation: ST・G-1, Atsuko Ishida, Masahiro Yamane, and others

The staff was also impressive, and in particular, the storyboard work by CLAMP's Mokona Apapa played a major role in faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work. In addition, the detailed direction and composition by directors Kawano Makoto and Adachi Tetsuo, and composition by Shimazaki Teppei also brought out the charm of the story to the fullest. The skills of cinematographer Iida Masaru and the staff in charge of the opening and ending animations also support the visual beauty.

■ Theme songs and music

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[OP] Song: Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimete / Singer: Tamura Naomi / Lyrics: Tamura Naomi / Composer: Tamura Naomi, Ishikawa Hiromon / Arrangement: Takaba Jin, Inoue Tatsuhito [ED] Song: Itsuka Kagayaku / Singer: Yoshinari Keiko / Lyrics: Oikawa Nemiko / Composer: Yukawa Toben / Arrangement: Matsuo Hayato [Insert Song] Song: Yuzurenai Negai / Singer: Tamura Naomi / Lyrics: Tamura Naomi / Composer: Tamura Naomi, Ishikawa Hiromon / Arrangement: Takaba Jin, Inoue Tatsuhito

The theme songs and insert songs are also important elements that enhance the appeal of this work. The opening theme, "Hikari to Kage wo Dakishimetai mama," with Naomi Tamura's powerful voice and beautiful melody, symbolizes the theme of the story. The ending theme, "Itsuka Kagayaku," with Keiko Yoshinari's gentle voice, will soothe the hearts of viewers. Additionally, the insert song, "Yuzurenai Negai," also stirs the emotions of viewers when played during important scenes in the story.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Magic Knight Rayearth Extra Edition" is a work that has succeeded in making viewers feel the excitement once again by looking back at famous scenes from the first and second chapters. In particular, the growth of the three girls, the beautiful scenery of Cephiro, and the moving storyline were loved by many fans. In addition, the excellent performances of the voice actors and the technical skills of the staff were also highly praised.

The reasons why I recommend this work are as follows:

  • A moving story : The story of the three girls' trials and growth in a different world will deeply touch viewers.
  • Stunning Visuals : Cephiro's landscapes and magical battle scenes are visually stunning.
  • Great voice acting : Shiina Hekiru, Yoshida Konami, and Kasahara Hiroko's performances really bring out the personalities of their characters.
  • Awesome Staff : The technical skills of the staff, including CLAMP's Mokona Apapa, really add to the quality of the show.
  • Memorable music : The singing voices of Tamura Naomi and Yoshinari Keiko further enhance the emotional impact of the story.

"Magic Knight Rayearth Extra Edition" is a work that is loved by many viewers as a work that depicts fantasy and the growth of a young girl. In particular, it is a work that you should definitely watch if you like fantasy set in another world or a moving story. It is also a rare opportunity for fans of the original work to enjoy famous scenes again.

■ Additional Information

"Magic Knight Rayearth" is a manga by CLAMP that was serialized in Kodansha's "Nakayoshi" magazine from 1993 to 1996. It was also made into an anime that aired from 1994 to 1995. The special edition was produced as a compilation of the anime, looking back on famous scenes from the first and second chapters.

CLAMP has also produced many other popular works, including Cardcaptor Sakura and xxxHOLiC. Magic Knight Rayearth is one of CLAMP's early masterpieces and has influenced their subsequent works.

Furthermore, the popularity of "Magic Knight Rayearth" continued even after the special edition was aired, and an OVA and a movie were also produced. In particular, the movie "Magic Knight Rayearth" released in 1997 further deepened the worldview of the original work and was highly praised by fans.

In this way, "Magic Knight Rayearth Extra Edition" is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work and anime, but also by those who are experiencing the work for the first time, with a moving story and beautiful visuals. Please watch it and feel its charm.

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