New Blu-ray Release and Soundtrack for ‘Wings of Rean’ Announced

The celebrated anime Wings of Rean is set to receive a new Blu-ray release and soundtrack in 2024, coinciding with its 20th anniversary. The announcement, made during a special event in Shinjuku, Japan, highlighted the enduring legacy of this unique series, which first captivated audiences in 2005.

Originally a sequel to the 1980s light novels by Yoshiyuki Tomino, Wings of Rean features the character Shinjiro Sakomizu and is set in the world of Byston Well. This world is also known for the iconic series Aura Battler Dunbine, although Wings of Rean is considered a separate narrative. The intricate mythology surrounding Byston Well includes various interpretations, with Dunbine and its spin-offs, alongside the 1990s anime Garzey’s Wing, contributing to a diverse storytelling landscape.

The anime introduces a unique take on mecha designs, resembling “aura samurai” that reflect the bizarre insect origins of their construction in Byston Well. This approach aligns with the artistic vision of Kazutaka Miyatake, whose insect-inspired designs are a hallmark of the original Dunbine series. Fans of the genre continue to appreciate these designs, as they remain a focal point in recent merchandise and video games, including the popular Super Robot Wars series.

At the time of its release, Wings of Rean was one of the first Original Net Animation (ONA) series, paving the way for future projects in the medium. The event highlighted the significance of this release, which included a discussion featuring key figures such as Yoshiyuki Tomino, character designer Masashi Kudo, producer Yoshitaka Kawaguchi, and voice actor Jun Fukuyama, who portrayed the character Asap Suzuki.

The talk covered various topics, including the impact of Another Century’s Episode 2, a game that featured mecha from Wings of Rean. With this event, fans expressed hope that the upcoming Blu-ray will be made available internationally, much like the original DVD releases that garnered a loyal following in the West.

In addition to the Blu-ray announcement, the orchestral score by Yasuo Higuchi will also see a proper CD release in 2024. This is particularly noteworthy as the score was one of the few merchandising elements absent back in 2005. While a digital release was made available in recent years, the physical CD will allow fans to enjoy this remarkable music in a tangible format.

As the 20th anniversary celebrations continue, the renewed interest in Wings of Rean underscores its relevance in contemporary discussions about anime. The combination of a new Blu-ray release and soundtrack offers both nostalgia and fresh opportunities for appreciation of this innovative work.