An in-depth review of the unaired version of Bakemonogatari: What is the hidden appeal of the Monogatari series?

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version": A world where the supernatural and youth intersect

"Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version" is an OVA based on the novel "Bakemonogatari" by Nisio Isin, and was released in 2010. This work, which consists of three episodes, depicts episodes that were not aired in the TV anime version, and is long-awaited content for fans. Below, we will provide detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as an introduction to related works.

Overview

"Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version" was released as an OVA on February 24, 2010. It consists of three episodes, with the titles of each episode as follows:

• Episode 13/Tsubasa Cat Part 3 (2010/02/24)
• Episode 14/Tsubasa Cat Part 4 (2010/07/28)
• Episode 15/Tsubasa Cat Part 5 (2010/07/28)

This OVA depicts the "Tsubasa Cat" episode, which corresponds to the fifth and sixth volumes of the original Bakemonogatari novel. It is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, animated by Shaft, and distributed by Aniplex. Each episode is about 26 minutes long, and while faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work, it develops the story from a new perspective.

story

The story of Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version is set in a world where supernatural events and youth intersect. The protagonist, Araragi Koyomi, becomes nearly immortal as a result of an incident during spring break. He discovers the secret of his classmate, Senjougahara Hitagi, and sets out to save her. Hitagi is a girl who encounters a crab, and her secret is deeply connected to her own emotional wounds.

Koyomi takes action to save not only Hitagi, but also other girls who encounter supernatural phenomena. Characters such as Mayoi Hachikuji, Suruga Kanbaru, Nadeko Sengoku, and Tsubasa Hanekawa each face different supernatural phenomena and solve their own problems. Their stories depict the suffering and growth of adolescence, deeply moving viewers.

character

There are many fascinating characters in "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version." The main characters are introduced below.

• Araragi Koyomi : Voiced by Kamiya Hiroshi. A third-year student at Naoetsu Private High School, he plays the straight man role. As a result of an incident that occurred during spring break, he became nearly immortal. A kind-hearted person at heart, he rushes around one after another to help girls who encounter supernatural phenomena.
• Hitagi Senjougahara : Voiced by Chiwa Saito. A girl who encounters a crab, Hitagi is Koyomi's classmate. With top-class grades and a fragile beauty, she is the perfect example of a sheltered young lady, but she is a self-proclaimed tsundere with a sharp tongue.
• Hanekawa Tsubasa : Voiced by Horie Yui. A girl fascinated by cats, she is Koyomi's classmate. She is an excellent student who always gets the best grades in her grade, and is a very caring and kind person. She met Koyomi during a certain incident during spring break, and appointed him as the vice-president of the class in an attempt to reform him.
• Mayoi Hachikuji : Voiced by Emiri Kato. A fifth grade elementary school student with twin tails, she is lost in her snail. Contrary to her polite way of speaking, she often makes very rude remarks. She always gets Koyomi's name wrong. She is apparently the most interesting person Koyomi talks to.
• Kanbaru Suruga : Voiced by Sawashiro Miyuki. A girl who made a wish upon a monkey, she is a junior at Koyomi. In middle school, she and her senior Hitagi were known as the Valhalla Duo. She is the ace of the basketball team and the star of Naoetsu High School. She is currently the captain. She is actually a yuri fan and a fujoshi.
• Nadeko Sengoku : Voiced by Kana Hanazawa. A girl wrapped around a snake, she is a junior at the junior high school that Koyomi graduated from. She is a classmate of Tsukihi, Koyomi's younger sister, at elementary school. She is extremely shy and is embarrassed not only to meet people but also to be seen by them, so she wears a hat when she goes out.
• Meme Oshino : Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai. A mysterious person who gives advice to Koyomi and his friends on how to deal with supernatural phenomena. He wanders around the country in search of supernatural phenomena, and is currently living in an abandoned building without permission.

Production Staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version." The main staff members are introduced below.

• Director : Akiyuki Shinbo
• Animation Production : Shaft
• Original author : Nishio Isin
• Character design : VOFAN
• Character design and chief animation director : Akio Watanabe
• Series Composition : Higashi Tomiko, Shinbo Akiyuki
• Visual Director : Nobuyuki Takeuchi
• Art director : Toshiharu Iijima
• Color setting : Izumi Takizawa
• Visual effects : Motoi Sakai, Masahiro Kurahara, Kogo Watanabe
• Director of photography : Takayuki Aizu
• Edited by Rie Matsuhara, Seyama Editorial Office (Keiko Kadokawa, Hiromi Sasaki)
• Sound Director : Yota Tsuruoka
• Music : Satoru Kamisaki
• Music Production : Aniplex

Theme songs and music

The theme song and music of "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work. The theme song and music are introduced below.

• OP1
  • Period: Episodes 1-3
  • Title: Sugar Sweet Nightmare
  • Lyricist: meg rock
  • Composition and Arrangement: Satoru Kamisaki
  • Vocals: Tsubasa Hanekawa (Yui Horie)
• ED1
  • Period: Episodes 1-3
  • Title: A story you don't know
  • Lyrics, composition, and arrangement: ryo
  • Sung by: supercell

Evaluation and Impressions

"Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version" has been highly praised not only by fans of the original work, but also by anime fans. The reasons for this are explained in detail below.

Depth of story

"Bakemonogatari Unaired Version" depicts the "Tsubasa Cat" episode from the original novel, and the story unfolds to delve into the inner world of Hanekawa Tsubasa. Her confrontation with her emotional wounds deeply moves viewers. The story, which combines the fantasy element of the supernatural with the real worries of youth, has the power to draw viewers in.

Character Appeal

Many unique characters appear in "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version". Hanekawa Tsubasa's character in particular has been given more depth in this OVA, depicting her growth and change. In addition, the charms of each character are brought out to the fullest, including Araragi Koyomi's kindness and strength, and Senjougahara Hitagi's tsundere side.

Visual beauty and direction

The visual beauty and direction of director Akiyuki Shinbo and Shaft are one of the major attractions of "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version". The unique camera work, sense of color, and visual expression of the supernatural make a visual impact. In addition, the characters' expressions and movements are also carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, capturing the hearts of viewers.

The effect of music

The music by Satoru Kanzaki is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Sugar Sweet Nightmare" and the ending theme "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" are songs that symbolize the theme of the work and remain in the viewers' hearts. In addition, the background music was carefully selected to match each scene, making the development of the story feel even deeper.

Related Titles

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version" is one of the "Monogatari" series by Nishio Isin, and there are many related works. The related works are introduced below.

• Bakemonogatari
• Bakemonogatari: Anthology
• Nisemonogatari
• Cat Story (Black)
• Monogatari Series Second Season Nekomonogatari (White)
• Monogatari Series Second Season: Kizumonogatari
• Story Series Second Season Hanamonogatari
• Monogatari Series Second Season Otorimonogatari
• Monogatari Series Second Season Oni Monogatari
• Monogatari Series Second Season Love Story
• Story Series Second Season Hanamonogatari
• Monogatari Series Second Season Compilation
• Tales of the dead
• Final Story
• Calendar Story
• Kizumonogatari I: Iron Blood
• Kizumonogatari II: Nekketsu
• Kizumonogatari III: In Cold Blood
• The Final Story Continues

Reasons for recommendation

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version" is a work that depicts a world where supernatural phenomena and youth intersect, and is recommended not only for fans of the original work but also for anime fans. The reasons for this recommendation are explained in detail below.

Deep story and characters

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version" depicts the story of Hanekawa Tsubasa as she faces her emotional wounds, deeply moving viewers. It also captures the hearts of viewers by depicting the individuality and growth of each character. In particular, the charm of each character is brought out to the fullest, such as Araragi Koyomi's kindness and strength, and Senjougahara Hitagi's tsundere side.

Visual beauty and direction

The visual beauty and direction of director Akiyuki Shinbo and Shaft are one of the major attractions of "Bakemonogatari Unreleased Version". The unique camera work, sense of color, and visual expression of the supernatural make a visual impact. In addition, the characters' expressions and movements are also carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, capturing the hearts of viewers.

The effect of music

The music by Satoru Kanzaki is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work. In particular, the opening theme "Sugar Sweet Nightmare" and the ending theme "Kimi no Shiranai Monogatari" are songs that symbolize the theme of the work and remain in the viewers' hearts. In addition, the background music was carefully selected to match each scene, making the development of the story feel even deeper.

Collaboration with related works

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version" is one of the "Monogatari" series by Nishio Isin, and is linked to many related works. By enjoying the entire series, such as "Bakemonogatari," "Nisemonogatari," and "Nekomonogatari," you can gain a deeper understanding and be moved by it. In addition, the story, in which the characters of each work intertwine, has the power to draw viewers in.

Conclusion

"Bakemonogatari: Unreleased Version" depicts a world where supernatural phenomena and youth intersect, and is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for anime fans. The deep story and characters, the beautiful visuals and direction, the musical effects, and the connections with related works bring out the charm of this work to the fullest. Please watch this work and experience the excitement and emotion.