Anime fans, get ready to revisit a heartwarming and heartbreaking classic! Nobody’s Boy Remi ( Ie Naki Ko ), the beloved 1977-1978 anime series, is launching on Blu-ray Disc on May 11, 2025, thanks to AnimEigo. This release isn’t just a simple HD upgrade; it’s a chance to experience a piece of anime history in a whole new dimension – literally!
A Tale of Hardship and Hope
Nobody’s Boy Remi is based on Hector Malot’s timeless 1878 French novel, Sans Famille (meaning “Without Family”). The story follows Remi, a young boy living a simple life in the French countryside. His world is turned upside down when his estranged father returns and reveals a shocking truth: Remi is adopted. In a desperate bid for money, Remi’s father sells him to Vitalis, a traveling musician.
Heartbroken but resilient, Remi embarks on a journey with Vitalis and his troupe of performing animals. Together, they travel across France, facing hardship and discovering the harsh realities of life. Along the way, Remi clings to the hope of finding his real family and a place to call home. It’s a deeply moving story about friendship, loss, and the unwavering pursuit of happiness.
A Pioneer of 3D Anime
What makes this Blu-ray release particularly special is that Nobody’s Boy Remi was the first anime series ever produced in limited 3D! Back in 1977, without the advanced technology we have today, the creators used a clever technique called the Pulfrich effect to create a sense of depth. This optical illusion utilizes lateral movement to create a subtle but engaging 3D experience.
The Blu-ray set includes 3D glasses, allowing you to experience the anime as it was originally intended. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of 3D – the effect is optional, and the anime can be enjoyed in 2D without the glasses.
What to Expect on the Blu-ray
The Nobody’s Boy Remi Blu-ray release is a four-disc set packed with goodness for fans of classic anime:
- All 51 episodes in HD: Enjoy the entire series in beautifully remastered high definition.
- 2D and 3D presentation: Experience the anime in its original 3D format or in traditional 2D.
- Japanese and French audio: The release includes the original Japanese audio and a French dub. Note that an English dub is not included.
- English subtitles: High-quality English subtitles are provided for the Japanese audio.
- 3D glasses: Each Blu-ray Disc set comes with a pair of 3D glasses to experience the Pulfrich effect.
- English promos: Includes English promotional material.
- Special slipcover: Those who order from the MediaOCD store will receive a special slipcover.
The Minds Behind the Masterpiece
Nobody’s Boy Remi is the work of a talented team of anime creators:
- Director: Osamu Dezaki ( Tomorrow’s Joe, Space Adventure Cobra, Clannad, Black Jack The Movie, Lupin the 3rd: Bye Bye, Lady Liberty)
- Character Design: Akio Sugino (Tomorrow’s Joe, Black Jack, Cat’s Eye, Genji Monogatari Sennenki)
- Episode Scripts: Haruya Yamazaki (Gegege no Kitarō, Ashita no Joe, Ganso Tensai Bakabon), Keiko Sugie (The Rose of Versailles, Astro Boy), and Tsunehisa Itō (Black Jack, Hamtaro, Aim for the Ace!)
- Music: Takeo Watanabe (Mobile Suit Gundam – The Movie Trilogy, Kyojin no Hoshi, Candy Candy)
- Animation Production: TMS Entertainment (then known as Tokyo Movie Shinsha) and Madhouse.
Story and Themes
Nobody’s Boy Remi is set in 19th-century France and tells the story of Remi, who lives with his mother in a small village. His life takes a dramatic turn when his father reveals he is adopted and sells him to a traveling artist named Vitalis.
Remi becomes part of Vitalis’s troupe, which includes trained animals like dogs and a monkey. As they travel, Remi learns to play the harp and perform for audiences. The journey is filled with challenges as they face poverty, hunger, and the harsh realities of the time.
The series explores themes of:
- Family and belonging: Remi’s search for his real family is a central theme, highlighting the importance of familial connections.
- Resilience: Remi faces numerous hardships but remains strong and determined.
- Friendship: The bonds Remi forms with Vitalis, the animals, and other characters demonstrate the power of friendship.
- Social inequality: The series depicts the struggles of the poor and marginalized in 19th-century France.
A “Ruined Childhood” Classic?
AnimEigo is releasing Nobody’s Boy Remi under its new “Ruined Childhood” imprint. This label aims to capture the dark, fleeting, and often ironic sides of youth. While Nobody’s Boy Remi is certainly a heartwarming story, it’s also filled with tragic and shocking moments that can leave a lasting impression.
Where to Watch
If you can’t wait for the Blu-ray release, Nobody’s Boy Remi is currently streaming on RetroCrush.
The Enduring Appeal of Nobody’s Boy Remi
Nobody’s Boy Remi has captivated audiences for decades with its compelling story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation. The anime is well-known in various countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Latin America, Canada (in French), France, the Netherlands, Italy, the Arab world, Indonesia, Russia, and the Philippines. Its themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness resonate with viewers of all ages.
A Bit of History: Hector Malot and Sans Famille
Hector Malot (1830-1907) was a French writer who penned over 70 novels, but Sans Famille remains his most famous work. The novel was inspired by the Italian street musicians of the 19th century. Sans Famille has been adapted into various forms, including films, TV shows, and even an opera, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Remi: Boy or Girl? Two Anime Adaptations
It’s worth noting that there are two anime adaptations of Sans Famille. The 1977-1978 series, Nobody’s Boy Remi, stays true to the novel by featuring Remi as a boy. However, a 1996-1997 anime series titled Remi, Nobody’s Girl ( Ie Naki Ko Remi) reimagines the main character as a young girl. While both adaptations are based on the same source material, they offer different perspectives on Remi’s story.
A Classic Reborn
The Nobody’s Boy Remi Blu-ray release is a must-have for anime enthusiasts, fans of classic literature, and anyone who appreciates a touching and thought-provoking story. With its remastered visuals, optional 3D presentation, and fascinating historical context, this release offers a unique opportunity to experience a true anime classic. Don’t miss your chance to own this piece of animation history when it arrives on May 11, 2025!
