One of the more fascinating anime movies out there is Tekkonkinkreet, and this latest Blu-ray release certainly does it justice.
Released back in 2006, it deals with two orphans called Black and White as they patrol Treasure Town and protect it from thugs. While Black is more streetwise, White is far more innocent and is constantly daydreaming.
Both orphans are not to be underestimated, however, as when the yakuza rolls into Treasure Town, they have their work cut out for them as the two orphans cause all manner of havoc.
Starting out as a manga, Tekkonkinkreet hits you hard with its unique character designs and overall art style. Not to mention the make-up of Treasure Town.
In many ways, Treasure Town’s visuals are a character in and of itself. Taking visual cues from Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, to name a few. It also reminds me of the painstaking world-building from The Wings of Honneamise, as Treasure Town feels like a real lived in place.
Like with all good coming-of-age tales, Tekkonkinkreet deals with how Black and White survive, and how Treasure Town is part of their demeanor.
Tekkonkinkreet was also one of the first major cinematic works Studio 4°C, who are often linked to the Animatrix but whose credits are far more interesting than that.
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From Memories to Spriggan, not to mention Macross 7’s gorgeous opening, Studio 4°C has always been an interesting and quirky studio, which fits Tekkonkinkreet’s vibe perfectly.
As for this release, it’s very well done. Apart from the Blu-ray and DVD versions of the movie, you also get a 28-page artbook showing different elements from the movie from various artists.
The extras aren’t exactly that abundant, but the visual and and audio quality more than make up for that.
Overall, Tekkonkinkreet is one of those anime movies that few have heard of and even fewer have really seen. That is definitely something that should be addressed, and this collector’s edition does a very good job of doing that, as well as giving two orphans another home.
Tekkonkinkreet Collector’s Edition is currently available from AllTheAnime for £29.16.
Disclosure: AllTheAnime sent me this Blu-ray for the purposes of this review.
Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
