Theatrical Feature - XXXHolic Manatsu no Yoru no Yume - Original Soundtrack

Managing to speak volumes about the mood of the film it accompanies without any of the visual flaims that animation itself can provide, Tsuneyoshi Saito deserves praise for his soundtrack to the film addaptation of CLAMP's popular 'xxxHOLiC' manga series. Having not seen the film myself but being a big fan of the manga, I had high hopes on ordering the soundtrack that if nothing else it would prove a good listen and perhaps a sonic backdrop to my manga readings. Now that I've actually heard the album, I must say that not only am I impressed, but most hopefull indeed for the overall film. If it can match the music in the story, visuals, and acting, it's sure to be a strong offering. The soundtrack itself is filled with piano and strings, and at times bears a resemblance to Joe Hisashi's work on 'Spirited Away,' so for fans of that soundtrack, consider this a mysterious version in miniature. Rather than having a loud or imposing sound, the melodies seem quite suited to the haunted and abandoned house the film is set in and are ethereal as Yuko's pipe smoke. Do yourself a treat, and pick this up. It's wonderful background music, and as a soundtrack, I can't recommend it highly enough.