by Jason Young, staff editor, Inside AX- Anime Expo

Years from now, anime watchers will view the Haruhi series as a landmark in mainstream Japanese animation no matter how polarizing its become. With Tatsuya Ishihara’s avant-garde approach to his adaptation of Nagaru Tanigawa’s series of light novels, season one using a nonlinear narrative and season two’s “endless eight”, the Haruhi series has captured the attention of viewers worldwide about the exploits of the SOS Brigade and their rambunctious would-be-goddess leader, Haruhi Suzumiya.

As the first feature length movie in the series, with a nearly three-hour run-time, the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (film) takes place immediately after the“endless eight” and is based off the fourth light novel in the series. Oddly enough, the original novel occurs immediately after the events of the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Taking place a few days before Christmas, the film seemingly borrows a lot of elements from popular mainstream cinema, including Back to the Future and a Christmas Carol, to pose a “what if?” question. In this case, the “what if” being the disappearance of the SOS Brigade and what would have happened to the lives of Kyon and the gang had they not met Haruhi at North High. What transpires in the film is an entertaining exploit of fandomness that almost makes up for season two.

Unfortunately, those who haven’t had a chance to watch the series beforehand will be lost as the film does not spend any time introducing the characters and their quirks. I won’t try to hide it, the film is for established fans of the series only. It immediately throws you into the deep-end, assuming that you’re already familiar with the source material. And even those who had previously seen the two seasons may be taken aback some. Hence, while it won’t help win any new fans, those of you who have already watched the previous series featuring Anime Expo 2007 Guest of Honor Aya Hirano and co. should feel right at home; especially Nagato fans, as the film largely revolves around her existence as the Data Overmind. Which does come as a bit of a surprise considering that the film is called the Disappearance of Haruhi, not the Dasein of Yuki Nagato.

While the film does have its moments, particularly towards the end, its main problem comes from its pacing. Coming in at nearly three hours, the film could have easily used a bit of more time in the editing room. Particularly in the first half where we witness Kyon dealing with his plight, as it nearly brings the film to a lull. Thankfully, once the lackluster first half is finally complete, the film kicks it up a notch after it’s finally revealed as to why everyone, but Kyon, forgot about Haruhi; neatly tying a ribbon around season one and two.

Although I watched the film in its original language, all of the original English voice actors returned to reprise their roles in the film. This should please fans of both Wendee Lee and Aya Hirano as the DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack includes both 5.1 dubs. Special features include coverage of the screenings in Japan, behind-the-scenes making of as well as a bonus episode of the ASOS Brigade on DVD.

Pros:

• A satisfying, if flawed, theatrical entry into the Haruhi series.
• Very nice hi-def package, which includes both the Blu-Ray and DVD releases.
• A nice amount of DVD extras, including the usual teasers and promotional trailers.

Cons:

• The three-hour run-time is excessive.
• If you haven’t had a chance to watch Haruhi season one and two beforehand, you will get lost as the film does not do a proper job of introducing the SOS Brigade.

Tags: Bandai, review, the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya