Life is a series of journeys. As one ends, yet another begins until destiny has fulfilled itself. Just as we prepare to end one journey and take on another, so do Aoi and Kaoru. After thirty six episodes and two mini-specials, the time has come to finally say goodbye to the cast of one of the most endearing shows to grace our shores in ages, Ai Yori Aoshi.

The final volume ends the story with the bang many, including this reviewer, were hoping for. The beginning of the disc offers a rare glimpse at Aoi's more "casual" side: the side of her that has her own wants over just what is best for everybody else. Kaoru and Aoi connect on a level that has not been seen since the beginning of the original Ai Yori Aoshi. The result is a wonderful dramatic piece that has as much impact as the very first episode. As the series approaches its final episode, everything builds up to an effective climax and the much needed release. The series completes its run with grace, style, and respect in its bittersweet finale.

Episode nine sees the entry of a special end theme and animation sequence. Like the first season, this new animation and music set is only used for the single episode. The song used in this new animation sequence is "presence" by the Indigo. The piece itself is a softer, more relaxed melody that focuses on how love between two can light the darkest of paths, and overcome the greatest of obstacles in life.

Aoi and Kaoru finally get a chance to spend some quality time together.	Tina just found out that she didn't qualify for the american stereotype awards this year.

For the final volume, Geneon created a package that would be extra-special to fans. Like the previous volumes, this release is also available in a disc-only edition, and a special edition that comes with a special trading figure. The double-sided cover makes its return for a third volume, The first cover features a shot of Kaoru and Aoi sitting in a loving embrace. The back of the case features four scenes from the series, a list of the disc's contents features, a short summary, and an episode list set in front of a scene of Miyabi sitting on the veranda with Uzume. The second cover utilizes an image of Aoi and Tina in pajamas for the front. The back of this cover contains a brief list of the disc's contents, accompanied by an arrangement of several images from the episodes on the disc. The insert offers a chapter list, as well as several screens from the disc. Inside the insert is a tasteful, windswept shot of Aoi standing in front of the Sakuraba household. The back of the insert features Mayu, who is standing next to her piano. The extras features on the disc are different from the offerings given on the previous discs. Aside from the creditless ending for episode nine, the disc contains a featurette titled "Yoko Live at AX '04." The feature is a ten minute excerpt from Yoko Ishida's concert at the 2004 Anime Expo, most notably her performances of "Towa no Hana" and "Treasure," the opening themes from Ai Yori Aoshi and Ai Yori Aoshi~ Enishi respectively. The cinematography for this short extra is gorgeous, with wonderful use of camera and audio to convey the atmosphere of the concert.

The tale of Aoi and Kaoru has finally come to a close. From the very beginning to the final end credits, Ai Yori Aoshi~Enishi has been a heartwarming experience that could sway even the most jaded fans. Even as it moves out of the spotlight and out of the buzz of mainstream fandom, Ai Yori Aoshi stands above its competition as a true modern classic.

Distributor: Geneon
Creator: Kou Fumizuki/AiAo Project
Released: 2004

Video Quality: A-
Audio Quality: A-
Presentation: A
Content: A+
Overall: A