2001 Nights
Media. Manga. "2001 Nights" consists of several loosely connected short stories, all taking place in the same timeline, with the whole series spanning several hundred years. Many of the stories are related to each other (even across books), each building upon the achievements of the previous ones. The stories are often (but not always) scientifically plausible, recalling much of the early science fiction of the 1950s and 1960s. Anime. 2001 Nights. "2001 Nights" was adapted into a one-episode original video animation (OVA) under the name "Space Fantasia 2001 Nights" by TMS Entertainment and released on VHS on  June 21, 1987. It has not been licensed in English, though versions with English subtitles can be found. TO. Two stories from "2001 Nights", Night 12 ("Symbiotic Planet") and Night 14 ("Elliptical Orbit") respectively, were adapted into "TO", a two-episode computer animation (CGI) original video animation (OVA). Fumihiko Sori directed. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray by Avex in December 2009, in Japan. "TO" was released on rental DVDs on October 2, 2009 and in December 2009 as regular DVD and Blu-ray release. It was scheduled to air on TBS and BS-TBS (Japanese satellite TV  broadcaster) in November and December 2009, prior to the DVD and Blu-ray release. A 10-minute trailer was released on YouTube by Avex on November 11, 2009. Manga Entertainment a UK distributor acquired licensing in late 2010. Funimation licensed "To" for North American release in 2011. Stories. The stories that make up the complete manga are placed in chronological order, with two exceptions. By the technology used, Night 14 ("Elliptical Orbit") seems to belong somewhere between Nights 6 and 7 (after the invention of suspended animation and interstellar travel, but before the Lucifer discovery). The second, Night 6 ("Discovery ) is referenced in Night 4 (Posterity") which occurs 20 years after the launch of the probe Discovery. Reception. Reviewing the manga Mark Aragona praised Hoshino's skill in striking a balance between the scientific and the fantastical elements in his stories, noting the opus of "Lucifer Rising". Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News praised the work for its portrayal, but overcomes its inspiration "One Thousand and One Nights" and "", noting "It is reminiscent of the classics and develops its science fiction well enough on its own that is not diminished by comparisons." Anime-focus.com reviewed the "TO" OVA and  offered a mixed review of the work. While praising the graphics and special effects, it focused on the emotionless Funimation English dub which made all the worse by lifeless characters and the lack of attachment to the stories. Closing with, "This should have been a gem but the flaws are too great to make this the masterpiece it could have been." Charles Packer, found the same flaws in his review, "Whilst the disc may look eye watering spectacular, it’s difficult to get over the fact that the stories rely too heavily on clichés."