Based on a popular video game from the late 1990s, and later adapted into a 13-epsiode TV series in 2002, this newest and longest version of the Kanon story kicks off with protagonist Yuichi moving to a wintry northern city to live with his aunt and cousin while finishing high school. Although Yuichi visited seven years ago, he retains few memories of that time, and now keeps running into girls who not only know him, but also have various degrees of amnesia themselves, suggesting a possible supernatural twist in the first four episodes of this occasionally dark high school romantic comedy overflowing with cuteness. In “harem anime” style, a total of five girls orbit around Yuichi, but he is a much more active lead than usual and the girls are softer—small with huge eyes and tiny mouths—and more adorable than beautiful. True to the original designs, the animation in Kanon is impressive, and the series does a good job of creating a slightly dreamy atmosphere reflective of cold weather and possible mystery. Rated TV-PG, extras on this dual-language disc include the first in a series of studio interviews. Recommended. [Note: Kanon, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 are also newly available, with Vol. 4 slated for release on May 13.] Aud: P. (L. Martincik)
Kanon, Vol. 1
(2008) 100 min. DVD: $29.98. ADV Films (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 978-1-4139-1567-9. Volume 23, Issue 3
Kanon, Vol. 1
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