▪	RELEASED BY:		FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT
		▪	ASPECT RATIO:		4:3 FULL SCREEN
		▪	AUDIO:		ENGLISH AND JAPANESE DD 2.0
		▪	RUNNING TIME:		580 MIN
		▪	RATING:		TV PG
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		11/27/2007
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		02/18/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		HOLLY ELLINGWOOD

SYNOPSIS:
The Sohma’s are a family cursed, a curse which has led to their isolation for generations. When any single member of the family is embraced by a person of the opposite gender, they transform into an animal from the Chinese Zodiac! The Sohma’s have managed to keep this embarrassing little secret hidden for many, many years…

That is, until a young Tohru Honda stumbles into their life. Inspiring some and infuriating others, Tohru manages to turn life in this most unusual household upside down as Zodiac rivals clash. But above all, she must promise to keep their secret as one of her own…Or face the consequences!

All 26 episodes on 4 discs in an economical and thinpack set.

REVIEW:
The anime based on the manga has been an international sensation and is now offered for the first time in an affordable thinpack collection.

First there was the pheonomal hit manga by Natsuki Takaya. It inspired this anime series which follows the first eight volumes of the manga series with some re-sequencing of events for dramatic purposes.  Very rarely has there ever been a story of such subtle depths as Fruits Basket, and it is even rarer that an anime is able to capture the magic found in so unique and inspiring a story as this.

Although there are many comedic moments with Tohru and her growing range of Sohma friends and close calls when they’re are accidentally embraced and change into their Zodiac animal counterpart, overall though, this anime is a drama, and an immensely moving one at that. Tohru immediately captures even the most cynical heart. Despite living without a home, having lost her dear mother who was her whole world, Tohru still soldiers on and strives to believe the best in people and follow her mother’s words to be herself. In doing so, she shows a thoughtful and gentle demeanor that softly blankets a quiet perseverance and strength that is as touching as it is inspiring. Her compassion and kindness are what serve to perhaps be the key to unlocking the curse that binds those bound to the Zodiac. Some of them want to be freed desperately, each of them holds a story of sorrow that often rival Tohru’s, and many hold a tender-hearted grace in their suffering that pierces the heart.  But not everyone in the Sohma family want things to change, and some are willing to go to vile lengths to keep the status quo.

An evil curse, beautiful young men and women kept prisoner of it, and a fair maiden with a noble heart who may be their rescuer. This is part of the story of Fruits Basket, but at it’s heart is an even more moving tale of compassion, strength found within suffering, and the courage to rise above it that makes this anime so striking in its emotional depth and beautiful story telling. Tohru is a regular girl except she has an exceptional kindness in her heart, despite the great suffering she has gone through in her life. And she is not the only character to be given such mature depths and poignancy. Her two best friends and those Sohma’s closest to her, especially the handsome Yuki and Kyo, are shown to hold similar souls that, despite their brave fronts, appear to be crying softly on the inside.

During the course of the anime, viewers get to meet many of the Sohma’s and there is much fun and exceptionally lively moments to be found as we first meet the rambunctious and socially awkward Kyo, or the unusual but entertaining Haru, and the unforgettable Aya with his over-the-top flamboyant personality. Then there are the more poignant stories like the young Kisa who finds sanctuary in Tohru’s arms (a personal favorite character story) or the stern doctor of the Sohma’s who hides a broken heart. Tales of sacrifice, tales of bravery, tales of kindness found in the harshest of times. Fruits Basket is a kaleidoscope of emotions. The story starts whimsically, and then ever so subtly builds the dramatic intensity as the discovery of a damaging secret and a confrontation with the head of the Sohma household serve as the climax to the series. Although certain things are not resolved, such as the curse, that is because the anime only goes a very small part into a much longer manga series. The anime did however find a way of sequencing those first eight volumes in a fashion that gives viewers enough resolution for the time being with these particular characters to still feel a swelling in your heart, as if it has suddenly grown ten-sizes larger than it was before.

The anime touches on the profound need we all have for belonging, and that acceptance is a search that is at the heart of its tale. The animation helps convey all of this by beautifully capturing Natsuki Takaya’s breathtaking art work and subtle emotionally evocative imagery. It never hits you over the head, but instead surrounds your heart to warm the soul.

The lovely lyrical score to the anime does a wonderful job of conveying both its sense of beauty and fragility as well as hope. The voice cast is excellent in both English and Japanese. The casting for the English dubbing holds some of the most exceptional voice talent and casting choices out of any dubbed anime. Although it is nearly impossible to choose one stand out performance, that nod would have to go to Laura Bailey. Her outstanding performance in such a challenging role as Tohru Honda has proven enrapturing. The character has so many underlying emotions and Laura Bailey manages to capture gentle yet profound Tohru in every subtly layered step of the way. She managed to convey all of Tohru’s heroism beautifully, capturing her vulnerability as well as her hidden strength.
 
EXTRAS:
Bonus features include, clean opening and ending animation, FUNimation trailers, character profiles, Behind the Scenes original Japanese features, including a look at the manga that involves an interview with Hana to Yume Editor Takahiro Yagura, a look at the production of the anime at STUDIO DEEN with Akitaroh Daichi (Director) and the main staff, and interviews with the main Japanese voice cast along with recording footage. Other extras include eye catch galleries, a special interview with director Akitaroh Daichi, and three “Fruits Basket Room” original Japanese featurettes. These have Yui Horie (Japanese voice for Tohru) interviewing various cast members, including Aya Hisakawa (Yuki), Tomokazu Seki (Kyo), and Ryotaro Okiayu (Shigure). There’s still more bonus features in this set that include an illustration gallery and audio interviews with the bulk of the tremendously talented English voice cast mediated by Justin Cook (ADR Director/Line Producer).

The art box is sturdy and features Kyo, Yuki and Tohru on the cover. The thinpack DVD cases all feature reverse art.

IN SUMMARY:
Fruits Basket is part comedy, larger part poignant drama, and all heart. This is a rare viewing experience that will make you look at yourself in a new way. It will inspire viewers to find the best in themselves and be better in all that they do, particularly with those closest to them. Few anime are so moving, Fruits Basket holds that special magic that makes a person see the world with changed eyes and an opened heart.