Honey and Clover DVD 4

November 29, 2005 | 20 Comments

Dramatic - Piano Version/Short (2MB, MP3) - updated 11/12/05

Okay, first of all, who wants the piano version of Dramatic? :D I don't exactly have the full song but I did manage to rip the song used for the DVD menu and the result is the one you can get above. Because of this, the song ends up being rather short since it's originally meant to be used as a part of a loop. But I figure it's better than nothing. In other news, by now everyone probably already knows that Honey and Clover sits at number 3 on Oricon's top 10 shoujo manga in Japan today. The series is preceeded in popularity only by Nana and Hana Yori Dango. The series' popularity even prompted CDJapan to make a special page for those who want to buy Honey and Clover related items. Anyway, as usual this is an entry about the latest DVD release. So first thing first, here are some scans:

Digipack Front Cover
DVD Case, Front Cover
DVD Case, Back Cover
Clear File

As usual the DVD comes inside a specially designed box illustrated by Umino Chika herself. I wonder if in the end there will be a big box to hold all of the box. Anyway, the cover this time around features all 5 main characters dressing up in what looks like medieval setting in winter. It reminds me of that particular scene where Yamada was looking like a princess guarded by those guys from Hamadayama shopping arcade. The extra included this time around is actually a clear plastic file with the same image as the one used on the front cover. One has to question, however, the practically of such a small plastic file. But since it's a free item I suppose I shouldn't complain. Besides, I think I also got a couple more of those items from various R2 DVDs that I bought, so as far as freebies goes, this one is not out of the ordinary.

There are three extras include inside the DVD itself. The first one is an interview with Takahashi Mikako (Yamada's VA) and Tomokazu Sugita (Mayama's VA). There are some interesting stuff being discussed such as the fact that Takahashi Mikako is actually a fan of the manga itself prior to being cast as Yamada. She also mentioned how her favourite scene from the anime is the confession scene from episode 6. She also said how she actually first saw that scene from the manga that she read while standing inside the train. The problem was, she got to that page, she started crying so it was kind of funny since she was standing inside a train full of people. As for Tomokazu Sugita, he seems to like the scene where Yamada rushes in to scissor-kick Mayama in episode 3.

The second extra is actually some kind of character design/sketch gallery. They are seperated into three sections: character, item, and location sketches. The character section is not very complete. If I remember correctly, I think it doesn't include character sketches for Nomiya, Miwako, and Yamazaki. Let alone sub characters such as Shin-san. But it's good to see that they include it in the DVD anyway. The final extra is just some greetings from Suga Shikao, the singer of the various background songs used within the series. He said that he was first introduced to the series because one of his fans thought that he looks similar to Mayama. I find that amusing but on a second thought, he does look a bit like Mayama. Unfortunately he doesn't say anything else apart from this. I was kind of hoping he'll do a live performance.

I also bought the 2006 calendar but it's too big to scan and too hard to take a shot of. So in the end, I only took one photo of it.

Do not direct-link to the images. If you wish to link, point the link to this post instead. Here are the details of the items in case you're interested to purchase it:

Honey and Clover Volume 4 (Limited Release)
Format: R2 NTSC
Price: 3,948 Yen ($34.82 US Dollars)

Honey and Clover 2006 Calendar
Price: 1,680 Yen ($14.10 US Dollars)

Posted by Garten

Comments

November 29, 2005 | Mohammad wrote:

The Digipack Front Cover picture is so adorable and hilarious \(^o^)/ It practically sums up the whole show. We've got the 2 princesses who are vying for love (or other people are vying for their love depending on how you look at it), the always virtuous and considerate Takamoto (which is why he is a man of the cloth), the mature and knowledgeable Mayama (which is why he is a professor who graduated from Clover University) and last but not least, the guy who picks on them, orders them around and practically enslaves them at times, Morita (which is why he is the king) (>_>) Notice that among the three men, only Morita seems to be enjoying himself.

The calendar front cover picture is also very nice but did they have to include that perverted dog (I shiver every time I imagine what goes in his lustful mind)

Suga Shikao does look like Mayama but it is interesting to note that Mayama's voice actor also wears the same glasses as Mayama (now that's what I call compatibility)

I also see that yellow 'thing' is back again. Maybe it will get a role in episodes 25 or 26 of the show.

Excellent stuff indeed.

November 29, 2005 | Garten wrote:

and last but not least, the guy who picks on them, orders them around and practically enslaves them at times, Morita (which is why he is the king) (>_>) Notice that among the three men, only Morita seems to be enjoying himself.

LOL. That is so true, I can't believe I didn't pay attention to this little fact. I went over and check Morita's expression and his mustache does make it looks like he's grinning.

Suga Shikao does look like Mayama but it is interesting to note that Mayama's voice actor also wears the same glasses as Mayama (now that's what I call compatibility)

Haha, tell me about it! I don't remember Tomokazu Sugita wearing glasses when he was acting as Hideki in Chobits. I think he was wearing t-shirt and jeans just like Hideki back then so maybe he likes to do this to get into the role?

I also see that yellow 'thing' is back again. Maybe it will get a role in episodes 25 or 26 of the show.

That yellow thing is also on the cover of the box. It's the little fairy that blesses Yamada and Hagu. Be afraid, be really afraid. :D

November 29, 2005 | kacper wrote:

Ummm, I dont have the original tv versions anymore, so Id like to ask something. When Morita starts playing that thingie for the first time (~12min of ep11), does it also seem to be in sync with the music in the tv version?

November 29, 2005 | Ren wrote:

I also bought the 2006 Calendar. Isn't it a lovely thing to behold? Now that my computer is working, I do intend to attempt to take pictures of it. I'll let you know if it works out!

November 29, 2005 | shine wrote:

Garten you are so awesome for providing us with the acoustic version of Dramatic. I know many Hachikuro fans frequenting your site will be very thankful. I can't stress enough how masterfully done the soundtrack of Honey and Clover is. The music is as much a part of the series as is the story and the animation. I wish they would release a second soundtrack that includes the full length piano versions of Dramatic and Waltz. If you love the series, the music should move you as well. Time and again it helps lighten the incessant things plaguing my mind. The OST, to me is a catharsis, calming, vibrant, and soothing. H&C fans shouldn't be without it.

Ah this is sounding like a rave of Hachikuro again. I can't help it. This is the only anime I've raved and mentioned to nearly all my friends (anime and non-anime afficionados alike). Now each time I watch a new series, I can't help but compare and get turned off at how they pale in comparison to this series. Everything else seems so poorly done and lack luster. In a way I feel sad that I can't enjoy other anime as much as I did. Raising standards increases disappointment, however I'd rather be disappointed often if I'll have the opportunity to be mesmerized by a series such as this.

November 29, 2005 | Naddie wrote:

Ahhh, now I REALLY wish Hachikuro is licensed - I'd so buy the DVDs, even if they're not the same versions as the Japanese R2 DVDs. (Which I really hope it is, but what can you do. I mean, Umino Chika's illustration itself... Ah, maybe they should just license the manga, seeing how it's widely popular now.) Is there any chance at all of this happening, I wonder?

I mean, even if they try to license it, I know there's the hassle of the insert songs that they'd have to look into, too. Or, worst case scenario: they decide to change the insert songs and just insert some other songs they'd thought appropriate T_T Which would just be sad.

November 30, 2005 | Lodess wrote:

In what ways is Honey and Clover more mesmerizing than the other Japanese anime? What was the best property of this anime, and how did it show this property? Lastly, what company produced this, and when would the live movie be coming out?

November 30, 2005 | Os wrote:

So Hachimitsu is only behind Hana Yori Dango and Nana. Apparently Nana is REALLY good, but I have yet to watch the movie or read the novel, Hana Yori Dango IS good, but not as good as Hachimitsu. Thanks for a H&C update. Its been so long, I'll take anything at this moment.

November 30, 2005 | paper Weather wrote:

Did anyone else realize how much Morita's face resembles the Pringles logo?

November 30, 2005 | usagi wrote:

I actually saw that at Tower in Shibuya the other day. As soon as I picked it up, my wallet started to cry pathetically. So I put it back down again. :/

But if the Chika bear is in the extras, I might just have to shell out after all!! :D

November 30, 2005 | Sakura_Saku wrote:

If you live in Japan and can read Japanese, you should try buying the dvds from this place:

http://www.messe.gr.jp/boys/info/hachi/index.html

They have limited items like tote bags and hagu's brooch for those who buy the dvd from them.

November 30, 2005 | RC wrote:

Hmmmm....the picture of the gang on that "special page" looks an awful lot like one for Fruits Basket; it must be a popular pose.

November 30, 2005 | Troll wrote:

Hi Garten.

Do you know this magazine?

Girlie
http://www.timemachinelabo.com/girlie/top.html
(written in Japanese)

Amazon link

-Girlie volume 08-
Chika Umino Long interview.
Lohmeyer Senpai !!! (about DVD5)
Hachi Kuro Movie.

and Paradise Kiss.

-Girlie volume 05-
Chika Umino interview.

[omake]
Lohmeyer Ham
http://www.lohmeyer.co.jp/

[omake no omake]
UKULELE FORCE
http://www.geneon-ent.co.jp/music/ukulele/gncl1029.html
"Theme of Darth Vader" is good. (^-^;
(Please listen to the sample music.)

November 30, 2005 | Garten wrote:

Nope, never seen that before. So thank you for pointing me to those links. And since we're talking about foods, I may as well point out some links about Fish Sausages (Morita's favourite) :D

A Brief History of Japanese Fish Sausage
http://www.cosmicbuddha.com/blog/archives/001096.html

Gyoniso World:
http://www002.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gyonikukan/index.html

November 30, 2005 | Abeer wrote:

AAH! Honey and Clover rules! and thanx for the piano version of dramatic. Id really love it if u can get the piano version of Waltz as well cuz it rocks too. Anyway i am waiting to see if there are episodes 25 or 26

December 1, 2005 | cerulean wrote:

Is this the last DVD, with the extra two episodes?

December 1, 2005 | Troll wrote:

DVD5 : chapter.12,chapter.13,Lohmeyer Senpai SP(Yakiniku party & Nyanzaburo)
DVD6 : chapter.14,chapter.15,chapter.16
DVD7 : chapter.17,chapter.18,Fujiwara Designs Episode(The story that Miwako coordinates the dress of Yamazaki. maybe...)
DVD8 : chapter.19,chapter.20,chapter.21
DVD9 : chapter.22,chapter.23,chapter.24

December 7, 2005 | sfok09 wrote:

I'm waiting and saving up for the complete box set (hopefully there will be one)!!! Honey and clover is definitely number 1 in my list!

December 8, 2005 | Mei wrote:

I just watched the last ep of H&C, it was a nice touch to add the part where Takemoto finally told Hagu that he liked her.

By the way, thank you very much for sharing the piano version of Dramatic. But the link is expired. Could you reupload it again please? Thank you!

January 23, 2006 | SniperB wrote:

could u reupload the dramatic piano version?