FLCL: Progressive & Alternative Blu-ray Combo Pack (Review)

By Justin D Williams

“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.”

FLCL Progressive features all 6 episodes of the anime directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro. The sequel to one of the most insane anime ever created, FLCL: Progressive brings together members of the original team with a whole new generation of creators. From the legendary anime studio Production I.G and Adult Swim. FLCL: Progressive tells the story of 14-year-old Hidomi, her classmate Ide, and two otherworldly beings, “Jinyu” and “Haruha Raharu,” who are determined to unlock their hidden potential. Mixed up in this is an all-powerful force known as “ATOMSK,” a gorgeous vintage car… and a certain Vespa Scooter.Special Features: Meet the Creators, The Pillows.

FLCL is one of the most beloved anime series in recent memory. It holds a special place in the hearts of anime fans, especially the generation that grew up during the Toonami era. When two sequels were announced FLCL Progressive and the later FLCL Alternative. I was one of the critics that went why do we need a sequel. However, my fears were put slightly at ease when FLCL Progressive was release. FLCL Progressive does not surpass the original series. However, where it does do well is create its own niche in the universe. The main characters from the original take a back seat as we are focused on Hidomi. Hidomi is a girl who wears headphones that don’t play music and she uses this as a way to shut out the world. One thing FLCL Progressive does maintain is the coming of age aspect of storytelling. Hidomi is a point of her life she feels out of place, she can’t really grip with the issues she is dealing with mainly coming from her relationship with her family. As the story progresses we see glimpses of her true feelings through some dream sequences. Fan-favorite Haruko returns with the humor and her own plans for Hidomi. I will say this time the humor and her character are very tame and less over the top. I think it works to compliment Hidomi more reserve character. Some of the complaints I have with the story just like the first series the narrative is hard to follow at times and doesn’t really make sense. I guess that is the appeal of the show but it would help if other supporting characters in the FLCL Progressive had some character development.

Production I.G. returns now has the sole production head runner of the show. The animation, for the most part, keeps the feel of the original anime. However, like a sequel there are some updates in the presentation. Some use of CGI in certain scenes and the use of color works well. I still like the more raw feel of the first one but as a sequel, this one works. Finally, the voice acting is pretty good. The English and Japanese dub does well and brings tons of energy to the characters. However, due to certain characters’ personalities, you don’t get some of that raw energy you expect from the original. For example, Hidomi sometimes sounds monotone and uninterested and that is due to her character. While Haruko is a ball of energy and very wild. This works and credit to actors for being able to pull it off.

FLCL Alternative is a much-needed improvement from its predecessor Progressive. I think the challenge and stigma of Progressive are expectations were high in terms of the sequel. However, with FLCL Alternative creators had a little bit more room to wiggle. FLCL smartly follows four female leads going to adulthood instead of adolescence. This allows for more mature themes and locations not really hamper down by the previous school setting. What I enjoy about Alternative are the characters. The characters are more grounded, less campy but still, have the FLCL feel that you're looking for. Kana, Hijiri, Mossan, and Tomomi all get time to shine and get each arc fleshed out in the 1st half. Mossan for me was a personal favorite. Seeing how her relationship is with her siblings and her effort to keep things together I think anyone can relate too. Tomomi I would say was the weakest as I felt her character was kind of there but she does some good dialogue. However as great as these characters are Haruko steals the show. No longer a teacher she now works job to jobs in hilarious ways that will have fans laughing.  From a story standpoint as this is the last of it. I would say I was left satisfied. Haruko and Kana have great chemistry, the action was good and Medical Mechanica was always a delight.

The voice acting is much better and of course, Kahl Walgreen knocks it out. Haruko is just as energetic as ever and you feel that in the performances. I will also have to say the music is great here as well with some really catchy tunes. As far as the visual goes let's say much better from the character designs to the backgrounds to overall motion in the animation. It's a similar style but also brings something new to the franchise.

The Blu-ray combo pack also has some really cool features in this pack that fans will enjoy. A full featurette of 15 minutes of behind the scenes documentary of the making of both seasons. This was a really insightful watch as we got interviews from the cast and production crew. Fans who question why a sequel was needed will get their answers. I like how the behind the scenes show how passionate everyone is. They really do love these characters and wanted to tell new stories.

Overall FLCL Blu- Ray combo pack is a must get for fans. You get both sequels, tons of extra content as well. I say definitely buy this one.

Final Score - B+