Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Official Singapore Theatrical Poster
Directed by	Masakazu Hashimoto
Written by	Akihiro Hino Aya Matsui
Produced by	Masakazu Kubo Kenji Horikawa Arimasa Okada Toshiaki Okuno Shin Omura Ichirô Takase
Starring	Christopher Robin Miller Maria Darling Sarah Hadland Wayne Forester Stuart Organ Robbie Stevens Johnathon Keeble Emma Tate Claire Morgan David Holt
Edited by	P.A. Works
Music by	Tomohito Nishiura
Production company	OLM, Inc.
Distributed by	Toho Manga Entertainment Kazé
Release date	December 19, 2009 March 18, 2010 TBD October 11, 2010
Running time	97 mins.
Countries	Japan Template:Film UK
Languages	Japanese English

Template:Nihongo title also known as Professor Layton: The First Movie and Professor Layton and the Immortal Songstress, is a Japanese animated film, and a continuation of the Professor Layton series. The movie takes place directly after the events of Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute, in which Layton's apprentice, Luke, is investigating the concept of immortality. However, the trailers of the movie have suggested that the entire film may be a flashback. According to Level-5 the movie will stay true to the games, with music, puzzles, and characters. It remains to be seen if the film will be distributed overseas, though Level-5 is keen on making the distribution. The movie was released in Singapore on March 18, 2010 showing in Japanese with English and Chinese subtitles.

Plot

Template:Fixbunching Template:Professor Layton chronology Template:Fixbunching The film begins with Layton and Luke investigating the theft of Big Ben. Layton and Luke are inside the tower, and Layton solves a puzzle to open the door to the tower. Layton realizes whoever stole the bell, escaped from the top of the tower. Layton then assembles all the suspects and Inspector Chelmey from Scotland Yard to Tower Bridge for Layton to reveal who stole the bell. Layton accuses an elderly woman, who turns out to be Don Paolo. Don Paolo jumps off the bridge, but escapes with an umbrella-propeller, only to be chased after by most of Scotland Yard's officers. Layton and Luke then meet back into the Professor's office, where Layton pulls out a record called "The Eternal Diva - Jenis Quatlane". The flashback begins of the adventure had with her, three years ago.

After the events of Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute, Layton receives a letter from a former student of his, Jenis Quatlane. Jenis writes that she is performing at an opera house called the Crown Petone, and is involved in an opera about Eternal Life. She says her friend Melina, who had died, has come back to life, as a young girl. In addition, two young girls from the London area have been reported missing, and Jenis thinks it's related to the strange things happening at her theatre. Jenis includes two tickets with the letter for Layton and Luke attend. On the way there, Luke makes the connection that the pianist, Odlaw Whistler is the father of Jenis' friend, Melina who had died, and also that Dr. Schrader helped Odlaw construct the theatre 10 years ago, the same time when Melina died. They arrive to see the enormous Crown Petone is built over the White Cliffs of Dover, Remi returns to London in search of the missing girls. Layton and Luke enter the enormous Crown Petone theatre which was and enjoy the opera. The opera tells of a story of a queen, who became very ill. All the citizens of the kingdom raced to find a cure, and ultimately Eternal Life to prevent her from dying. Just when the potion to Eternal Life was complete, the queen had died. The opera finished, and Layton and Luke begin to clap, but the rest of the audience seem bored. Then, as the stage is cleared, a masked man comes out and begins talking about the Eternal Life. He says they will all play a game, and whomever wins will get the Eternal Life, yet the losers will have to make a sacrifice and die. Much of the audience breaks into a panic and tries to flee the theatre, but the floor collapses and they fall below the theatre. Layton and Luke run to apprehend the Masked Man, but Inspector Clamp Grosky arrives to make an arrest on the Masked Man. The Masked Man turns into a balloon, floating to the top of the theatre, with Grosky handcuffed to him, falls into the ocean. The theatre begins to shake, and as the guests of the opera race to see what is going on. They see they are miles away from land, as the Crown Petone transforms into a ship and speeds away into the ocean. While some people suggest swimming to shore, Layton notices sharks surrounding the boat, what is surprising, is that sharks are no common to these waters. The rest of the guests race back to the theatre at the sound of the Detragan, a musical instrument capable of projecting many different sounds, called by many, the "one man orchestra". Jenis comes out, and Layton formally introduces her to Luke. When everyone arrives, a mysterious voice dictates the rules of the game, and then reads out, Puzzle No. 001, which asks for everyone to stand by the oldest thing one can see on the ship. While many people believe it to be the dinosaur bones, or the fossils, the correct answer is the stars in the sky, visible because of the hole in the roof in the theatre. All those who guessed incorrectly, fall into the same fate as those who tried to flee the theatre. Now Puzzle No. 002 is go to the most expensive crown. The ship is decorated in many crowns, each ornante as the next. Layton realizes that the most expensive crown is the Crown Petone, and heads to the side of the boat. Layton, Luke, and Jenis find many other contestants in the game lowering down life rafts. While Layton and many of the other contestants begin to lower the rafts, Melina, in the appearance of a young girl, pulls Jenis aside and scolds her for inviting Professor Layton, for ruining the game. Everyone manages to get into the boat, and they start to row away from the ship. Inspector Grosky, who was chased by the sharks, manages to get back to the Crown Petone, only to realize that the ship is now being destroyed by explosives. Grosky jumps off the boat, to see submarines being sent towards land, with the eliminated contestants being brought back safely to England. The mysterious voice tells the contestants they were correct, and that they will be transported to the next destination. Back in London, Remi is interviewing the parents of one of the missing girls, Nina. Remi then reports the finding to Dr. Schrader, while she hears a new report on the Crown Petone. The report said that many people are still missing from the boat. Remi races away, leaving Dr. Schrader confused about the rest of the situation. Layton and the other contestants land on an unexplored island, where contestant, Mark Broshiv, says they have landed at the mysterious island of Ambrosia.

Characters

Professor Hershel Layton: A tea-loving professor of archaeology from London's Gressenheller University, and an avid puzzle solver. He is no detective, but there are no mysteries he cannot solve. His adventures around the world solving cases brought him much fame, and a very good reputation.

Luke Triton: The self-proclaimed "number one apprentice" of Professor Layton. Luke follows his teacher everywhere, and is always trying to learn from him. Luke has a special talent that allows him to speak to animals.

Remi Altava: The appointed assistant of Professor Layton. She is quite knowledgeable, and is described as a heroine. She leaves Layton and Luke to investigate about kidnapped children from London with Dr. Schrader.

Jenis Quatlane: A famed opera singer who requests Professor Layton's aid. She is known to have a beautiful voice.

Juan de Squall: The true villain of the film. He is an intelligent scientist, who draws people to his side with his empty promises.

Inspector Clamp Grosky: Head of Scotland Yard, he investigates the Crown Petone to find out about the abductions. He may be old at the age of 48, but his Scotland Yard spirit will never perish!

Odlaw Whistler: The 54 year-old pianist who runs the music in the opera house. He built the Crown Petone opera house 10 years ago, along with the help of Dr. Andrew Schrader.

Melina Whistler: Odlaw's daughter and Jenis' best friend who died one year prior to the start of the film at the early age of 22.

Nina: Seven year old girl who claims to have been granted the Eternal Life. She also claims to be Jenis' friend, Melina brought back to life.

Curtis O'Donnel: 65 year old adventurous sea-captain. He wants to win the Eternal Life in order to navigate the seas forever.

Marco Brock: 45 year old amateur historian. He wants to win the Eternal Life in order to solve all the mysteries of the ancient world.

Emily Ruth: The 16 year-old, talented, and beautiful young lady. She is a champion chess player, known throughout all Britain. Her grandfather is sick, and she wants to use the Eternal Life to keep him alive.

Frederick Bargland: Wealthy CEO of the World Fleet, who lives in London. His doctor gave him six months to live, and he wants to win Eternal Life so his companies will remain successful.

Annie Doretchi: A famous British author, wrote famous mystery novel, 'Murder on the Thames'. She wants Eternal Life in order to write novels forever.

Misha Leidori: The beautiful 32 year-old widow of a former millionaire. She wants the Eternal Life so she will never age, and be pretty forever.

Pierre Starbuck: The yound 25 year-old talented soccer player, who had to give up playing due to a leg injury. He wants Eternal Life in order to play again.

The movie also features many short cameo appearances of many of the characters throughout the Professor Layton Series, including Flora Reinhold, Don Paolo, Inspector Chelmey, Constable Barton, Jack and Samara Arbatro, Stachenscarfen, Mr. Beluga, Granny Riddleton, Babette, Claudia the Cat and Dr. Andrew Schrader. The Elysian Box also makes a appearance on Dr. Schrader's office.

Music

Two albums were released in Japan containing the music of the film. One titled The Eternal Diva: Jenis Quatlane, containing all the vocal songs, and the other titled Layton Kyouju To Eien no Utahime Original Soundtrack, containing the main music from the film.

The Eternal Diva Jenis Quatlane

Tracks

1. Record of Memories 1:19
2. Let This Happiness Be Eternal 1:46
3. A Transient Life's Departure 2:06
4. Jenis' Tears 1:38
5. The Eternal Diva 7:03
6. A Song of the Stars 0:37
7. A Song of the Sea 0:49
8. A Song of the Sun 2:16
9. Indigo Memories 1:39

Disc length 19:13

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva Original Soundtrack

Tracks

1. Cold Open ~Professor Layton's Theme 2:38
2. Prologue to the Adventure ~Puzzles 1:27
3. Travel Guide ~De Squall's Theme 1:40
4. Compensation 1 ~Detragiganto's Theme 0:33
5. Departure to the Voyage ~De Squall's Theme 2:05
6. Detragan's Echoes ~Whistler's Theme 1:06
7. Rules for the Survivors ~Tense Atmosphere 0:46
8. Puzzle Number 001 ~Puzzles 3 1:56
9. Compensation 2 ~Detragiganto's Theme 0:21
10. Puzzle Number 002 ~Puzzles 5 4:11
11. Melina's Tenacity ~An Uneasy Atmosphere 0:27
12. People of the Past ~The Looming Tower 2:13
13. The True Crown ~De Squall's Theme 1:54
14. About London ~About Town 0:43
15. The Passionate Whistler ~Whistler's Theme 1:26
16. The Legendary Kingdom ~Theme of Ambrosia 0:56
17. Rest ~A Moment of Peace 0:53
18. A Pursuer Approaching 1 ~A Pursuer Approaching 1:18
19. Puzzle Number 003 ~Revolutionary Idea 0:54
20. Adjusting the Pace ~Pursuit in the Night 1:11
21. Compensation 3 ~Detragiganto's Theme 0:12
22. Escape! ~Professor Layton's Theme 2:24
23. Puzzle Number 004 ~The Plot Thickens! 2:07
24. De Squall Appears ~De Squall's Theme 1:01
25. Professor Layton's Piano ~A Song of the Sea 0:32
26. A Pursuer Approaching 2 ~A Pursuer Approaching 1:04
27. Remi's Efforts ~Remi's Theme 0:31
28. Whistler's Experiment ~Dangerous Experiment 2:10
29. The Mystery Explained! ~Professor Layton's Theme 2:34
30. Great Conspiracy ~De Squall, Ambrosia's Theme 2:36
31. Prelude to Destruction ~De Squall's Theme 1:07
32. Detragiganto Appears ~Detragiganto's Theme 1:43
33. Jenis' Crisis ~Tense Decision 0:21
34. English Gentleman of the Future ~Luke's Theme 1:53
35. The Final Battle ~Time of Conclusion 1:49
36. The Dream Collapses ~Theme of Ambrosia 1:38
37. Father's Memories ~Whistler's Theme 0:35
38. Nearby Thoughts ~Whistler's Theme 2:46
39. The Eternal Diva / Jenis Quatlane (CV Nana Mizuki) 6:55

Disc length 62:36

Sequels

Level 5 has recently stated that they wish to release a Professor Layton movie every winter, and that they are already producing the next movie, with the working title, Professor Layton and the Second Movie. It is rumored that Eternal Diva is part of a proposed trilogy of Layton films. Besides the animated movies, a live-action movie is in the works as well.[1] While not strictly committing to a second movie, director Akihiro Hino has stated that the "second season" of the Layton series, (which begins with Professor Layton and the Specter's Flute) was originally imagined with another movie.[2]

Reception

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva has been a general success in both Japan and Singapore. The movie has been reviewed online and has been given generally good reviews. GameSync.net gave it a positive review, calling it "wholeheartedly entertaining and heartwarming, with a dash of British wit and eccentricity." [3] IGN UK gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising its plot, animation, and how the puzzles were incorporated into the film, but criticized its "overreliance of CG." The website also noted that its one of the first "good" video game movies. [4]

Home Video

Manga Entertainment UK has licensed the film for DVD and Blu-ray Disc release in the United Kingdom in September 2010. The Manga Entertainment release will be dubbed by the voice actors used in the UK release of the game, incluing two new voice actors Sarah Hadland and Wayne Forester. Several versions of the film will be released. A standard DVD release, a standard Blu-Ray release, a 3 disc DVD and Blu-ray combo pack, and a 3 disc collector"s edition that will include a 600 page book containing artwork. Kazé has licensed the film for DVD and Blu-ray release in France, Germany and all the countries of Europe where the games were published. No North American release has currently been announced.

External links

• Official Professor Layton website
• Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva website
• Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva at Imdb