Almost through with Escaflowne. This show is so good that I can't believe I am sitting here watching it for the first time on BD. The visuals are perfect (a bit of grain, but the clarity is insane). It's slightly depressing to see such loving and painstaking hand-drawn work, as it's easy to remember that this show existed at the very end of an era that valued such craftsmanship. Just to show you how amazing it looks:
The soundtrack is moving. I can't believe all these feels. Those characters, these emotions! I'd like to be able to offer a more insightful and analytical post, but I'm afraid that I've been too busy just absorbing it all than focusing on all the details. Perhaps on my next watch. One interesting thing that I did pick up on was the design choice to keep Hitomi in her sneakers. She is usually found in her seifuku, but instead of the classic loafer, she constantly sports her runners. She is a sprinter as a metaphor - because she runs away from her problems. I thought this was interesting because it's designed around her archetype, rather than being an afterthought.
When this is over - I'm not sure how I'll rate it, or if it's even necessary to put a rating on a show this impactful - but I know I'm going to remember it forever.