The arc may have ended, but the aftershocks continue….
While hardcore fans are most definitely going to buy all of the four Endless Eight DVDs, some people may point out that each DVD contains only two episodes; that each DVD will be retailing for $70 USD apiece; and that overall they say each DVD is a complete and utter waste of money until a box set comes out.
But not us at Project Haruhi! No siree!
In memory of Endless Eight, the worst idea ever. May you achieve in death what you never could in life: serving as a wake-up call to the anime industry to get their act together. For better or worse, we will never forget you.
(hover over images for my comments)
As previously stated, this week marked the end of the traumatic Endless Eight arc. A belated blessing, but a blessing all the same. Having watched the episode in Japanese (it’s worth mentioning, for the sake of clarity, that I don’t actually KNOW Japanese), here’s what you’ll all have been waiting to finally see:
WARNING, THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS
If you’re bothered by episode spoilers, I suggest not reading beyond this line. Though, doubtless, most of you will be wanting more substantial proof that the arc has, indeed, ended. Continue reading
The latest volume of Newtype magazine confirms that the controversial Endless Eight arc, which has stretched on for seven episodes of Haruhi’s “second season”, will conclude this week with its eighth and final episode. This development comes as no surprise to Haruhi fans, many of whom correctly predicted E8’s length several weeks ago. The new episode is scheduled to air in Japan in approximately twelve hours.
–Via ANN
According to the latest Amazon Japan DVD sales rankings, both the Haruhi and K-On! DVD releases are performing quite well. Of particular interest are the K-On Blu-ray releases, with the Volume 2 Blu-ray (August 19 release) occupying the #2 ranking, Volume 1 at #16, and the Volume 3 (September 16 release) at #21.
The first Endless Eight Haruhi DVD (September 25 release) is currently ranked at #11, but has accrued quite a few negative one-star reviews, for a cumulative score of 1.5 stars. This would seem to indicate that Japanese fans are just as frustrated with Endless Eight as we are, but are still willing to purchase the DVDs.
The eighth episode of the new Haruhi ‘season’ has aired, and (suprise) it’s another repetition of Endless Eight. The common wisdom now is that next week’s episode with be the last E8 loop. We can only hope.
Meanwhile, in even more depressing news, the DVD release details for Endless Eight have been revealed. It seems that E8 will be released across 4 DVDS, with two episodes per DVD. Each release will retail for ¥6,930 (approximately $72 USD).
Yes, you read that right. That’s seventy-two dollars for two episodes. That means buying the entirety of E8 on DVD will cost $288.
I think I’ll wait for the box set.
–Via Random Curiosity and Sankaku Complex (NSFW)
Kyoto Animation has posted a somewhat tongue-in-cheek interview concerning Endless Eight, which appears to acknowledge the fan frustration caused by the infamous arc. The interview is conducted between “Kuroneko-man” and an unnamed animator.
Today sees the seventh episode of Haruhi’s second season newest series. It also marks the sixth episode of the Endless Eight arc, with no ending in sight. It seems the rumor that it was going to end with the sixth repetition was, in fact, nothing more than a rumor. The arc is set to continue above and beyond six episodes… the likeliest result being eight. While it has been speculated for some time, many of us have been been hoping otherwise.
Originally discovered via 2chan, confirmed at Random Curiosity.
Yutaka Yamamoto’s thoughts on Endless Eight, which found there way onto Youtube last weekend, have elicited a response from Kyoto Animation. Essentially, they deny that Yamakan ever had anything to do with Endless Eight. Their attitude can best be summed up in this quote.
This person has absolutely nothing to do with our company.
Kyoani is also claiming that Kadokawa is the primary influence behind the current E8 arc. I’m guessing this is just the beginning of the finger pointing…
Originally posted on J-CAST via Sankaku Complex (NSFW)
Yutaka Yamamoto, the director of the first season of Haruhi who left Kyoani in 2007, voiced his thoughts on the current Endless Eight arc during an Otakon panel.
_
To tell you the truth… I knew this was gonna happen a year ago.
Not to make self-excuses or anything… the concept of this idea was floating around when I was still at Kyoto Animation, and I was against it. I said, “Two episodes is the most you can do.” But, as a person who left Kyoto Animation of his own volition, I can’t help but feel somewhat responsible for the way Haruhi is now. So, I’d like to say, as a member of the SOS Brigade Committee, I apologize.