▪	RELEASED BY:		ADV FILMS
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		16:9 ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH AND JAPANESE DD 5.1
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		100 MIN
		▪	RATING:		TV 14
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		10/30/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		09//17/2007
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

The main story of Air TV comes to an unexpected conclusion in this third volume. Although there is a fourth volume, it contains the follow-up episodes released after the main TV series had ended and are set during the summer, sort of like “lost episodes”. Therefore the episodes on this volume serve as the definitive conclusion to the TV series.

Heart rending and as beautiful as it is tragic. Air is an unforgettable anime. Each frame holds a breathtaking beauty. The entirety of the twelve episodes can be split into three arcs, the first dealing with Kano, the second with Minagi, and the final part with Misuzu whose story is really the main one threaded throughout the series.  Her history, the truth behind the 1000th summer, is revealed in this critical volume. A tragic chain of fate is given birth. A destiny of reincarnation is forged that is a curse and a blessing as it serves to repeat the agony of the past while providing the opportunity to free oneself in the present. A chance to be freed at last from a world of shattered nightmares and broken dreams. Free to fly.

More esoteric and cerebral than most anime series, Air truly sets itself apart from standard fair, proving to be an evocative and reflective experience. The show skirts the fine line between surprising the audience and confusing them. Towards the end I fear it lands a bit in the latter. With the time jumps and misleads, sometimes the truth and intentions of the anime can get jumbled and may end up not offering the clarity some viewers may be longing for. It starts off revealing the past from a thousand years ago when a winged priestess goes on the run from her fate with guard and friend beside her. It will set the events that follow for Yukito and Misuzu into motion and the past will collide with the present. The last episodes focus squarely on Misuzu and her life with Haruko. Their loneliness and anguish are as heart breaking as they are captivating. Keep the Kleenex box handy and have someone close by for a hug, you may need it once this volume ends.

EXTRAS:
Bonus features include a preview of Misuzu’s Summer, ADV previews, and clean opening and ending animation.

IN SUMMARY:
Air the anime comes to an emotionally powerful conclusion in this volume. Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable.