Funimation kicked off their Escaflowne Kickstarter this past weekend and not surprisingly it didn’t take long to reach its minimum funding goal of $150,000. With just about $165,000 so far, the series and move is moving forward with the new English-language adaptation and will now start working towards various stretch goals to make the Kickstarter edition even more special. Since it’s going to be going until March 31st, there’s plenty of time to build this up even more and hit some of the pretty sweet goals that are in store.
Some of the stretch goals include:
$200,000 – In addition to the series’ new dub, The Vision of Escaflowne Part 1 will be upgraded to include a special feature of the new English cast, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. This will be added to the Kickstarter Edition of Part 1, the standard edition available outside of this Kickstarter, and the Collector’s Edition.
$250,000 – The Part 1 Kickstarter Edition release will receive a second upgrade—the art cards will be upgraded to a saddle-stitched art booklet, and the chipboard box that houses the release will get special foil printing. Remember that this is only on the Kickstarter-specific release!
$500,000 – You’re invited to a VIP backer-only Escaflowne party! We’ll arrange a U.S. visit for original director Kazuki Akane at a major U.S. anime convention, and provide an exclusive VIP party for Kickstarter backers only. (Transport and lodging are not provided.)
Plot concept: High school student Hitomi is transported from Earth to the magical world of Gaea, where she meets boy prince Van Fanel, and is caught up in his quest to unite the countries of Gaea against the ominous Zaibach empire. On the way, she discovers an hidden ability and strives to unravel layers of mystery surrounding Van, his past, and the giant machine known as Escaflowne.
