The appeal and reviews of "TO": A thorough analysis of the deep story and appeal of the characters

The appeal and reviews of "TO": A thorough analysis of the deep story and appeal of the characters

"TO": Yukinobu Hoshino's space epic comes to life in 3D live animation

■Overview of the work

TO is an original video animation (OVA) based on Yukinobu Hoshino's classic manga 2001 Nights. DVD rentals began on October 2, 2009, and the Blu-ray and DVD were released on December 18 of the same year. The two-part series was released by Avex Entertainment, directed by Fumihiko Sori, and produced by OXYBOT. The production committee includes Avex Entertainment, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, OXYBOT, Showgate, Futabasha, and BS-TBS.

■ Story

■ Story

In the near future, rapid scientific advances have made it possible to travel faster than the speed of light, making hyperspace travel practical and even travel to distant stars possible. In search of a new utopia, humanity has taken to space. There, they face the same ugly struggles as on Earth, such as terrorists and conflicts between nations...

■Explanation

■Explanation

The latest 3D live animation from top creator Fumihiko Sori, who produced the 3D live animation film "APPLESEED" and directed the 3D live animation film "Vexile - 2077 Japan Closed Country -" which has been released in over 192 countries and has been highly praised at international film festivals around the world, attracting attention on a global scale! The original work is "2001 Nights" by Yukinobu Hoshino, which has been talked about as a timeless masterpiece since its release in 1984. It is now revived as a high-spec video packed with detailed background depictions and powerful action scenes!

■Cast

■Cast

●Elliptical Orbit Dan/Akio Otsuka Maria/Park Mi Willie/Tsuguo Mogami Terrorist/Go Shinomiya Mark/Kenta Miyake Rick/Tomoaki Maeno Roger/Kentaro Tone Hayes/Kenichiro Matsuda Tokio/Takashi Ohara Synthetic Sound/Eikai Miyahara

●Symbiotic Planet Ion/Jun Fukuyama・Arena/Aya Hirano・Longi/Hiroshi Ito・Snout/Kenji Takahashi・Belchin/Yukimasa Kishino・Tatiana/Kazuko Yanagida・Kurtz/Takaya Hashi・Guerlain/Yoshitsugu Ishii・Michael/Masashi Kimura・Pilot/Toru Inada・Shawn, narration/Osamu Sakuta・Synthetic sound, warning system/Mayumi Yanagisawa

■ Main staff

■ Main staff

・Original story: Yukinobu Hoshino・Planning: Kenichiro Hori, Seiji Yabe, Kazuo Endo, Hisato Usui, Kazuki Nakajima, Miki Osaki・Producer: Yoshito Takaya, Yumiko Kayahara・Co-producer: Asaichi Iizumi, Jin Kawamura, Fuminori Yamazaki, Ryuichi Endo, Shuji Okawa, Kazuhiko Matsui・Screenplay, Director: Fumihiko Sori・Music: Tetsuya Takahashi・Sound Design: Hiroshi Kasamatsu・Character Design, Video Production, Production Company: OXYBOT
・Design: Kenichi Iwata ・CG Supervisor: Hirokazu Miyazaki ・Animation Supervisor: Kazuhiko Takahashi ・Animation: Atsushi Yasuoka, Ya Nagata, Nobuo Hosoyama, Emiko Saiki, Kosuke Araki ・Character Modeling: Keiko Shiba ・Background Modeling: Kiyoaki Kamei, Fumika Takahashi ・Mecha Modeling: Tomoya Kanji, Motohiro Yamada, Hiroaki Uchida, Kota Kushii ・Motion Actors: Masanori Tomita, Hiromi Shingami, Yoshiaki Ishikura, Emiko Saito, Yoe Oguchi ・Production Studio: OXYBOT
Produced by: "TO" Production Committee (Avex Entertainment, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, OXYBOT, Showgate, Futabasha, BS-TBS)

■Subtitle

■Subtitle

・#1/Elliptical orbit (2009/10/02)
・#2/Symbiotic Planet (2009/10/02)

■ Related works

■ Related works

・Space Fantasia 2001 Nights

■ Theme songs and music

■ Theme songs and music

・ED1
・Blue Moon and Ambivalence Love・Lyrics by YUKA
・Composition: K. MASAKI
・Arrangement: K.MASAKI
・Song: moumoon

■Detailed review

"TO" is based on Yukinobu Hoshino's novel "2001 Nights," and is characterized by its grandiose cosmic view and profound themes. Director Fumihiko Sori has used the new expression method of 3D live animation to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work while maximizing the visual impact.

The story is set in the near future in space where faster-than-light travel is possible, and depicts the problems that humanity faces as they advance in search of a new utopia, such as terrorism and conflict between nations. It deals with a realistic theme in which problems on Earth are repeated in space, giving viewers deep insight.

Visually, OXYBOT's technical capabilities are fully demonstrated, with detailed background depictions and powerful action scenes beautifully reproduced. In particular, the battle scenes in outer space have the immersiveness and realism that only 3D live animation can provide, making them visually appealing. Additionally, the character and mecha designs have been given a modern interpretation without compromising the atmosphere of the original, which will be a delight for fans.

The cast is also impressive, with the voice actors skillfully expressing the individuality of each character. In particular, Otsuka Akio's performance as Dan and Fukuyama Jun's performance as Ion shine with their performances that delve deeply into the inner world of their characters. In addition, moumoon's ending theme, "Aoi Tsuki to Ambivalence na Ai" (Blue Moon and Ambivalence Love), has a beautiful melody and lyrics that match the theme of the work and will resonate with viewers.

■ Appeal and recommendation points of the work

The greatest appeal of "TO" is the fusion of the profound themes of Yukinobu Hoshino's original work and the visual expressiveness of Fumihiko Sori's 3D live animation. The human conflicts and hopes depicted on the vast stage of space will deeply move viewers and provoke thought. In addition, the beautiful visuals that show the evolution of video technology are a must-see for sci-fi anime fans.

The recommended points include:

  • For fans of Yukinobu Hoshino's original work, "2001 Nights," this is a rare opportunity to experience the world of the original work through 3D live animation.
  • Fans of sci-fi anime and space-based works will enjoy the detailed background depictions and powerful action scenes.
  • For anyone interested in 3D live animation technology, this is a work well worth seeing, making full use of the latest video technology.
  • Viewers who enjoy profound themes will resonate with stories that explore human nature and social issues.

■ Related information and recommended works

Works related to "TO" include the original "2001 Nights" and "Space Fantasia" by Yukinobu Hoshino. Other works by director Fumihiko Sori, "APPLESEED" and "Vexile - 2077 Japan Isolation", are also recommended works that allow you to enjoy 3D live animation technology.

Additionally, if you enjoy sci-fi anime and space-based works, we also recommend:

  • "Gundam Series": A classic series depicting space warfare, with "Mobile Suit Gundam UC" in particular using 3D animation.
  • "Macross Series": A robot anime set in space, it is a fascinating work that combines music and story.
  • "Planetes": A realistic sci-fi film depicting the daily lives of space junk workers, delving deeply into social issues.
  • "Legend of the Galactic Heroes": A masterpiece depicting an epic space war and political drama, its profound themes are fascinating.

Conclusion

"TO" is a combination of the original work by Yukinobu Hoshino and 3D live animation directed by Fumihiko Sori, and is a work that deeply moves you both visually and thematically. This is a work that is recommended for fans of science fiction anime and works set in space, those interested in the technology of 3D live animation, and viewers who enjoy profound themes. By enjoying related and recommended works as well, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding and be moved by it.

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