One of the other classic magical girl series of years gone by is about to get a new lease on life in Japan as the complete Magic Knight Rayearth TV series is coming to Blu-ray. Set for release on Octobe r29th, the 49 episode TV series will be out priced at 38,880 yen. The set will have eight discs to cover the entire series run and at least for now it looks like no subtitles. The release is putting the whole TV series on Blu-ray but they’re also including the three part OVA series as a bonus feature on a separate DVD to make it complete. The original TV series got a remaster and broadcast recently on TV in Japan that looks like it’s not an upscale, so there’s definitely going to be some real value for fans with this set in terms of color clarity and detail.
The total runtime for this set is 1,340 minutes.
Extras for the release include all the lcean opening and closings and the pilot film as well as a digital gallery that will include storyboards for the first episode. Other bonus material in the package includes a 24 page booklet. The set comes in there storage boxes with a new illustration by character designer Ishida Atsuko.
Plot concept: Three young girls, Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, are transported to a magical world called Cephiro during a field trip to Tokyo Tower. They are soon greeted by Master Mage Clef, who explains to them that they have been summoned to become the Legendary Magic Knights and save Cephiro. The girls are less than enthusiastic about this idea, and only want to return home. Clef further explains that they must seek out the three Rune Gods to help them fight. He bestows armor and magical powers to each of them. They learn from Clef that High Priest Zagato has kidnapped the Pillar of Cephiro, Princess Emeraude. The Pillar of Cephiro has the sole responsibility of keeping Cephiro alive and in balance with her prayers. Without Princess Emeraude, Cephiro would fall into ruin. Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must fight off Zagato’s henchman and find the Rune Gods if they ever want to get back home. They soon learn that friendship and loyalty are the only things they can rely on in the crumbling Cephiro.
[Source: Magic Knight Rayearth BD-Box]
this needs a US release NOW.