This is the regular edition, not the limited edition. After watching the movie, I realized that I would not have regretted at all if I bought the limited edition. I'm not going to buy another copy, though, as I'm satisfied with this version. Even this regular edition contains commentary track by the director and the voice actors for Makoto, Chiaki, and Kousuke; Garnet music video clip; and various promotion clips.
I've written multiple times that I prefer individual frame quality over number of frames (motion). Of course, as with just about anything, especially art, it's not so black and white. After all, a frame quality also includes the illusion of motion. The animation for this movie is exquisite, but in a very different way than what I'm used to seeing lately from KyoAni works.
If KyoAni characters are like ideal imaginary characters sought after by niche group of fans, characters in this movie are ideal yet real characters. Note that both types are imperfect, because imperfection is a requirement for ideal. I want to watch characters from anime like AIR and Kanon, without interacting (interfering) with them. On the other hand, I get the yearning to interact with characters like Makoto in this movie. It's hard to explain. The softness (not lines, but rather movements) of the character animation makes them more touchable. This applies to Ghibli animation as well, but for some reason, not as much.
Voice for Makoto is absolutely amazing. I can't believe it's her first time doing voice acting. She does mention that she's actually just being herself in the commentary, so it's not all that surprising that it came out so natural, but regardless of all that, she's done one heck of a good job.
Lastly, I recommend that the original movie and this be watched in pair. I'm sure reading the original work is going to be helpful, too, but for most readers of my site, it's probably out of their reach. Watching the original movie first enhances the enjoyment for this film because this movie is actually a sequel. Many may not realize that because the events are so uncannily parallel. What can I say? History does repeat itself.
Naka Riisa, voice of Kon'no Makoto. In case you're wondering, she is quarter(?) Swede.
