FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie Review

A return to the FLCL roots that started in 2000, FLCL: Progressive is a sequel series which works as a sort of re-imagining of the original. Though the new series is largely about a cast of new characters in the same universe as the first FLCL, the saga shares the DNA of the original (and heralds the return of fan-favorite character Haruko).

The story centers upon the young teen girl Hidomi. The girl lives in a quiet town where next to nothing exciting ever seems to happen. Yet one day her understanding of her reality comes into question when she has an encounter with the bad-ass Julia Jinyu (Allegra Clark): a moment which makes her question how quiet her town actually is in reality. Things start to shake up even more when she encounters the zany alien girl Haruko acting as her teacher at school. What zany misadventures await Hidomi (and what happens as a war wages on between two sides: the Fraternity and Medical Mechanica)?

The series is a fun revamp to the original. The music score by R.O.N. (Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions) and the music by The Pillows is energetic and sublime. Having become a massive fan of The Pillows because of the original FLCL anime (with their music often in my rotation), it was a joy to have the songs of the beloved band set within the FLCL universe once more. The music becomes a character itself and these songs elevate the material.

The art direction by Kazuhiro Arai (Bubblegum Crisis, Attack on Titan: Junior High) has some cool visuals that enhance the storytelling. The anime is done in a style which feels cutting-edge and nostalgic at the same time. The artwork rings true to the original while foraging ahead with its own style. The character designs are distinctive and feel fitting for each character.

The screenplay by Hideto Iwai (FLCL: Alternative) is good at bringing to mind the zany comedic elements inherit in the original production even though the series manages to forge its own path. Walking a fine line between feeling like a true homage and differentiating from the classic FLCL, FLCL: Progressive is never as offbeat but nonetheless it is consistently compelling. The story can't hold a candle when compared to the gem that started it all but the script by Iwai still feels invigorating to watch unfold.

Katsuyuki Motohiro (Psycho-Pass, Bayside Shakedown) directs (alongside a team of other skilled filmmakers involved in the production). The series direction has a energetic vibe behind it that is keeping in tune with the flavor fans expect. FLCL: Progressive is never a bore to watch and it has sequences of action-adventure which are intense and visually stunning. While never a home run in every regard, the sequel to FLCL is charming enough to merit a watch.

FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from WB, FLCL: Progressive features a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The series is a gorgeous looking anime production and one which brings the original FLCL series up to modern production aesthetic standards. While the original series was produced in the early 2000's and is a upscale on Blu-ray due to the way the animation was produced, the sequel series is presented in native high-definition. The line art and color depth are impressive and leave a quality impression. The art style remains in the same vein of the original and the encode does a quality job of reproducing these visuals. A worthwhile presentation.

FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The second season of the FLCL saga, FLCL: Progressive features two lossless audio options: Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Japanese and Dolby TrueHD 2.0 English. Either option presents viewers with a quality lossless sound mix which enhances the dynamics of the sound presentation with crisp highs and an impressively rounded sound-stage. The music plays a huge part in the series and the original songs performed by The Pillows sound terrific with the added detail provided by the lossless encoding. A engaging sound mix.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Meet the Creators (HD, 11:39) is an engaging behind the scenes look at the production of the FLCL sequel and its long path to development. The piece includes interviews with Maki Terashima-Furuta (Production I.G. USA President), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (Production I.G. CEO), and others close to the project. The piece explores how the original series established cult fame and an iconic status in the United States.

With Cartoon Network on board the idea of producing a sequel, Maki Terashima-Furuta explains why making a second and third season of FLCL seemed like such an important idea for the fan-favorite anime title. The footage in this featurette includes behind-the-scenes moments from during the production of the sequel as animators design characters and visuals for the sequel.

The creative team in front of and behind the scenes of the anime project delve into the long process and their approach to handling the material. Director Kazuto Arai, who helped direct FLCL: Progressive, is interviewed about his creative process and what he felt he brought to the table for the anime. Director Yutaka Uemura, who worked as a director on FLCL: Alternative, explains his creative process and how important the anime project was to him. Character designer Chikashi Kubota explains his involvement in the production. These interviews are enormously insightful and engaging and offer a glimpse into the minds of the team responsible for the zany anime that is FLCL.

The Pillows (HD, 5:14) is a must-see interview with the beloved Japanese rock band at the front and center. The group consists of Sawao Yamanaka, Yoshiaki Manabe, and Shinichirou Sato. The band discusses the process of how they became involved in the original FLCL anime and how they had hoped for a sequel. The group discusses their excitement about getting an offer to contribute music for the sequel FLCL productions. Lead singer Sawao Yamanaka delves into how their music became more popular outside Japan after FLCL was created and how thankful he is for that fandom.

The Making of FLCL Progressive & Alternative (HD, 14:24) is an even more extensive making-of featurette which delves into the development of the project with an emphasis on the English ADR dubbing process (as a follow-up to the beloved dub created for the original anime). Stephanie Sheh wrote the FLCL dub script for the sequels and was a casting director involved in the project. Sheh discusses her journey from Sych-Point, a Japanese media company, to becoming involved on the original FLCL (where she performed the English dub role of Mamimi). English dub director Michael Sinterniklaas discusses his involvement in the project and how he felt inspired by FLCL to buy his own Vespa. Sinterniklaas discusses the voice-actors and their roles.

As the behind-the-scenes featurette is explored, Production I.G. and the return of The Pillows is delved into more. The footage also showcases the English dub cast working on their recordings: including Kari Wahlgren (Haruko), Steve Blum (Yoga), Robbie Daymond (Ide), Xanthe Huynh (Hidomi), Allegra Clark (Jinyu), Marianne Miller (Mossan), and Ray Chase (Tabata Kanda). It's great access to the recording booth.

Kari Wahlgren (Haruko) is interviewed about as returning to the part which helped launch her own voice-acting career. Wahlgren discusses her part in the English dub and what it was like to return following so many years. It's an emotional interview which fans will enjoy as they remember the original FLCL anime experience.

FLCL Progressive Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The first of two sequels to the original FLCL, FLCL: Progressive is an energetic and action-packed slice of life sci-fi story that blends the ordinary with the surreal. The series rekindles some of the creative magic the original had in spades but is never as good as the first FLCL. Fans should be cautiously excited to see the follow-up: there's plenty to enjoy here (as long as expectations are reasonable). Recommended.