The last couple of years have been good domestically for this property with Aria initially getting released in full on DVD in gorgeous limited editions and then sometime later working through the high-definition releases with a brand new dub. As part of the 15th-anniversary of the original TV series, March 5th, 2021 marked the debut of the new theatrical feature Aria the Crepusculo.
At the launch of that film we learned that a third project is coming with Aria the Benedizione to complete the trilogy of works that includes Avvenire. We had some details regarding it at the time and now we’ve gotten a new trailer that has revealed a December 3rd, 2021 debut for the project. It’s only a 60-second trailer but for fans of this property it definitely delivers.
Junichi Sato is back to serve as the chief director and work on the screenplay for it while Takahiro Natori serves as the director. JC Staff is handling the production with Yoko Ito serving as both character designer and chief animation director.
the new character that was introduced with Aletta, who will be played by Kiyono Yasuo. Kozue Amano came up with the character specifically for the film as Anya’s childhood friend. Additionally, Yasuno will be performing the opening theme song “Felecita” and the ending theme song “echoes” for the film.
We also recently looked at this series as part of our Ten Years Later program.
The series has seen a solid release in anime form in North America over the years with Nozomi Entertainment bringing it out in limited edition form on DVD as well as priced-down litebox releases. Nozomi is in the process of bringing out the Blu-ray releases in early 2020. The manga has seen a less than solid run between ADV Manga and TOKYOPOP over the years.
Property Concept: Akari Mizunashi, at the age of 15, has left everything behind to travel to a sparkling planet covered in water, Aqua, formerly known as Mars. By the 24th century, humans have found a way to colonize the formerly uninhabitable planet.
More than anything, Akari wants to be an “undine” – a female gondolier who navigates the canals of the Aquan city of Neo-Venezia. The city itself is a faithful replication of Manhome’s (Earth) city of Venice. To make sure that residents and tourists alike get the most from Neo-Venezia’s many wonders, companies offering guided tours via gondola were formed, one of which is named Aria Company.
As she begins her training with the prestigious Aria Company, will she be up to the challenges that await her on the path to achieve her dream?