Sound! Euphonium: Ensemble Contest anime film blows the roof off with a new trailer. The original video animation, along with the anime’s third season, was announced in 2022 and is set to release on August 4 of this year. The trailer gives the fans an idea of what to expect from the anime film, showing Kumiko handling the auditions for the Ensemble concert.
Also known as Hibike! Euphonium in Japanese, Sound! Euphonium is a captivating musical anime series that focuses on a high school-based concert band and the levels they can achieve. The series combines elements of drama, coming-of-age tropes, and the art of music to create an emotionally charged experience. It sheds light on the ups and downs of teamwork, friendship, and self-discovery, as the characters confront their limitations and strive to put forward unforgettable performances.
With its flawless storytelling, stunning visuals, and exceptional soundtrack, Sound! Euphonium has been one of the best music anime for many years, it’s massive fanbase stands as proof. Leaving many viewers with the motivation to learn an instrument or just appreciate the music they listen to, this series deserves all the hype it receives.
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Sound! Euphonium Debuts on August 4
Written by Ayano Takeda, the novel debuted in 2015 and ended in 2018 with repeated additions to the series. The manga adaptation, illustrated by Hami, was published on the ‘Kono Manga ga Sugoi! Web’ website for one year, from 2014 to 2015, with three volumes released.
Directed by Tatsuya Ishihara and produced by Kyoto Animation, the anime adaptation aired in 2015 and the second season concluded in 2016 with overall 26 episodes. The third season was confirmed in 2022 and is set to release in 2024.
The anime film will adapt the Ensemble Arc of the manga and will play in 74 theatres in Japan and will receive a Blu-ray disc release.
Starting from June 9, the 74 theatres will distribute the second batch of MoviTicke Cards. Available only in pairs, the exclusive cards feature 12 different illustrations of Kumiko and other characters from the anime’s second season. Movie-goers can select two designs out of the 12 available options and each card set comes bundled with a plastic “petite ticket holder,” giving the fans something to collect.
About the Anime Adaptation
The Kitauji High School Concert Band Club, once a powerhouse in national tournaments and renowned for its championship reputation, faced a decline after a change in club adviser, failing to even participate in the qualifying tournament. However, with the arrival of a new instructor, the students began to steadily improve and regain their strength. The drama comes in as the artists argue over who gets to play solos, and as some prioritize their studies and leave the club.
Nonetheless, the series flawlessly puts forward the improvement of the club, character development and great storytelling. The main characters include Kumiko Oumae voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa, Reina Kousaka voiced by Chika Anzai, Asuka Tanaka voiced by Minato Kotobuki and Noboru Taki voiced by Takahiro Sakurai.
Recap of Seasons 1 and 2
The first season of Sound! Euphonium follows Kumiko as she tries to avoid band concerts after their failure. However, she is convinced to join the ensemble band at her high school. Alongside them, a former bandmate named Reina also joins the band. Despite the band’s history of never making it to nationals, they set their sights on achieving that goal.
Kumiko must train with the new ensemble, forming chemistry with the band and mending her relationship with Reina, all while searching for her passion for music. The struggles of the band’s improvement and cooperation are the main storyline for the first season.
In season two, the band prepares for their next performance after finally qualifying for the regional competition. While they attend a summer camp for practising their talents, tensions arise when a former member, Natsuki Nakagawa, wishes to rejoin, causing turmoil among some second-year students. Despite all this, Kumiko and her friends remain determined to reach nationals and unite to make their dream a reality.
Worth a Watch?
A harmonious journey of music and passion, Sound! Euphonium is a fan favourite with an 8/10 score on My Anime List. The characters are flawlessly written, making them realistic as possible. This not only elevates the anime but also adds immense emotional depth to it.
Kumiko stands as one of the best female protagonists, with many relating to her character traits. “She feels like a person that I could relate with, rather than some exaggerated caricature. She’s a little distant, but still a little lively. She’s a little self-conscious, but still a little confident” said a reviewer.
Not only did Kyoto Animation blow expectations off the roof with the artwork in this adaptation but they also nailed every camera angle, giving the concert scenes an otherworldly feel. Many musicians who watched the anime can agree that the show is also musically accurate. The attention to elements such as show how much effort the creative team has put in and why they deserve every single positive rating.
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