There are numerous animé DVDs being released in the UK now every month, and we feel that the best release deserves a special mention.  As such we have created this section so that we can recommend what we consider to be the best release(s) out of each monthly batch.  Please note that we only recommend anime we have seen and that the release dates of these titles can fluctuate but they are, to our knowledge, being released in the month specified.
 

*UPDATED 9/4*

*UPDATED 9/4*

April 2005

Haibane Renmei vol 1: New Feather

MVM have really gone above and beyond the call of duty with their releases this year, with a deluge of quality titles already hitting UK shelves courtesy of their deals with the likes of Geneon and FUNimation. However, few titles have oozed quality like Haibane Renmei.

Haibane Renmei follows Rakka, a teenage girl who is reborn with wings and a halo into a strange new world.  Now a 'haibane' with no memory of her former life, Rakka must learn to adapt to her new life as she discovers her environment with the help of the other Haibane.  However, despite the angelic appearance of the haibane they are not divine or magical creatures, and are treated as slightly second-class citizens by others around them.  It is into this world that Rakka comes, and must find her place.

Unique, intriguing and flippin' difficult to describe, Haibane Renmei features likeable characters, amazing animation and great music.  What the first volume lacks in drama it more than makes up for with halcyon beauty and whimsical enjoyment.  Stunning, wonderfully paced anime that deserves to be in everyone's collection.