The DVD book "Jarinko Chie Masterpiece Episode COMPLETE DVD BOOK [Kotetsu Edition]" (Pia) of the anime "Jarinko Chie" based on the manga by Etsumi Haruki was released on November 25th. The accompanying booklet contains valuable materials from the anime as well as an interview with Chinatsu Nakayama, who plays Chie, and talks about behind-the-scenes stories from the recordings and episodes with author Haruki and the late director Isao Takahata. It also contains "exchanged messages" between Nakayama and Norio Nishikawa, who plays Tetsu. Since the dubbing for the movie version, Nakayama and Nishikawa have "reunited" in the pages of the magazine. Nakayama said that the role of Chie was a perfect fit for her, saying, "Chie's life is now completely a part of my life." It is said that writer Yoshikazu Fujimoto was involved in Nakayama's selection for the role of Chie, and author Haruki revealed that he had seen the movie in which Nakayama appeared, and that the role of Chie was decided by fate. While he was impressed with Nishikawa, who plays Tetsu, saying that "his style was a perfect fit," he also commented that "he's a very serious person (laughs)." He also shared his honest thoughts after seeing Nishikawa in person for the first time in a while on Nishikawa's YouTube channel. Regarding the appeal of "Jarinko Chie," he said, "I like the fact that they fight but still get along well," and sent a message that "I'd like the younger generation to watch it."
The DVD box set includes 10 episodes (about 4 hours) in HD remastered versions, focusing on the militant episodes of Chie's pet cat, Kotetsu. The booklet also includes "Highlights and Commentary of the Included Episodes," which introduces episodes centered around Kotetsu and Antonio Jr., "Comparison of Storyboard to Main Story Changes," which introduces the changes made to the storyboards before they were made into anime, as well as "Opening Gallery & Storyboard," "Selection of Kotetsu & Jr. Cel Art," and an interview with Shunji Saito, who was the original artist, animation director, and character designer.
"Jarinko Chie Masterpiece Episodes COMPLETE DVD BOOK" is a two-volume set consisting of "Tetsu Hen" and "Kotetsu Hen," with "Tetsu Hen" released on October 28th. Each volume is priced at 2,200 yen.
