Skypilot Entertainment (http://www.skypilotentertainment.com/), producers of films and revised versions of international film properties, has announced the completion of audio and video post-production on the English language adaptation of the highly anticipated "Kai Doh Maru", the forthcoming DVD release from Manga Entertainment (http://www.manga.com) on June 24th. "Kai Doh Maru" is the brand new anime production from Japan's Production IG studios, creators of "Ghost in the Shell" and "Blood: The Last Vampire". The story is set during Japan's Heian era and follows the tale of Kai Doh Maru, a strong woman who is enlisted as a warrior with 'the four knights' to protect the capital city of Kyoto from warring enemies. The anime film combines traditional animation with stunning computer generated imagery.
Skypilot producer Peter Bavaro was chosen by anime distributors Manga Entertainment to spearhead the English production. "A variety of excellent source materials were made available to us" say Bavaro, "and the project remained 100% digital throughout production, preserved at 1:1 resolutions". All audio services were performed using ProTools Mix 24 and video post was performed on Avid Symphony systems. Bavaro adds, "We chose to post on the Symphony to keep multiple methods of color correction available, allowing us to accurately preserve the original image and eliminate even the most subtle shifts in color when creating text treatments and other necessary paint-outs".
For fans of the DVD format "Kaidohmaru" contains a variety of significant extras. In addition to the main program Skypilot revised character trailers, interviews, and spectacular 3D fly-throughs of rendered models used in the film. According to Mr. Bavaro "This is one of those works that subtly resets the frontiers of the art form, and the additional material helps exemplify the talent involved."
Kevin Wilson, Skypilot's audio engineer on the project adds, "When [Mr. Bavaro] first showed me the film I was completely blown away. The action scenes are incredible. With this kind of imagery it was essential to create custom tonalities for the voice performances. For the final mix we combined a variety of ambient "surfaces" within the digital environment to ensure the dramatic accuracy of voice placements and proximities". Wilson continues, "Even the title track by Yutaka Fukuoka is in surround, and it's one of the best examples to date of what's possible with 5.1 music mixes. Basically, if you sprung for a surround setup at home, get this disc."
According to Margo Coughlin, Production Manager for Manga Entertainment, "We are very excited about this project. Meshing 21st century animation technology with traditional artistry and story elements has resulted in a spectacular film. IG PLUS and Production I.G. have once again pushed the boundaries of imagination". Additional information about the release can be found at www.manga.com.
Skypilot Entertainment continues to supply film dubbing, territory revision and placement services for entertainment released around the world. Skypilot has provided services on over 100 titles including previous releases by Manga Entertainment such as "Virus", "Ghostsweeper" and the "RayEarth" series and continues to expand its reputation as a premier service provider for exceptional programming destined for release in North America.
Alien Nine From the creators of Excel Saga. From the screenwriter of Millennium Actress, Cowboy Bebop and Bubblegum Crisis, and the producer of Tenchi Muyo! Based on the best-selling manga by Hitoshi Tomizawa. Defense from Grade 6! Yuri is totally bummed. She just started 6th grade and has been elected to capture and eliminate the aliens that are constantly invading the school...a difficult and dangerous job! Even worse, she has to wear a creepy symbiotic alien helmet to get the job done...GROSS!
The Alien Nine DVD offers the following features: * Behind-the-Scenes Video (Making the English Dub) * Producer Taro Maki Comments on Alien Nine * Alien Nine Japanese Promos * Alien Nine Manga Preview * Art Gallery * Sketch Gallery * Alien Nine Trailers * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Alien Nine RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 GENRE: Science Fiction CATALOG #: USMD 2241 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Descendants of Darkness DVD Collection Terror stalks the night and only one man can save the innocent! Evil walks the earth and only supernatural detective Tsuzuki can stop it! Tsuzuki takes on vampires and demons with style and skill, but his afterlife has been haunted by the specter of the evil Dr. Muraki, a heartless immortal serial killer. Can Tsuzuki's brash and beautiful new partner help him control his deadly supernatural powers and defeat the villainous Dr. Muraki before he kills again? Contains episodes 1-13. "Gripping" - NewtypeUSA Magazine. "Stunningly beautiful" - AnimeNewsNetwork.com
The Descendants of Darkness DVD Collection DVD offers the following features:
* Fun Facts Video * Virtual Tarot Card Reading * Music Video * Art & Sketch Gallery * Character Profiles * Descendants of Darkness Trailers * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles * DVD-ROM Features: Art Gallery, Scripts, Cast & Production Credits...and more!
TITLE: Descendants of Darkness DVD Collection RUNNING TIME: 325 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $99.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure, Supernatural CATALOG #: USMD 2220 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Descendants of Darkness: Demon's Reckoning A Demon Snare! A mad scientist stalks Tsuzuki, seeking to cage him and clone his supernatural powers. Trapped in the diabolical doctor's laboratory, Tsuzuki comes face to face with his oldest enemy, a vengeful immortal who has hunted him throughout his afterlife. Now, his brash young partner must rescue him from the killer's underground lair, before Tsuzuki loses his soul and sanity to the demon, and is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice! Contains episodes 10-13.
The Descendants of Darkness: Demon's Reckoning DVD offers the following features:
* Art Gallery * Character Profiles * The Legend of Suzaku Synopsis * Descendants of Darkness Trailers * DVD Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Descendants of Darkness: Demon's Reckoning RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure, Supernatural CATALOG #: USMD 2219 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Battle Arena Toshinden Based on the hit video game! Directed by Masami Ohbari (Director of Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture, Bubblegum Crisis, and Detonator Orgun). Choose your weapons. Once a year, the greatest warriors in the world compete at the famous Toshin Tournament. Master swordsman Eiji Shindo has returned to test his skill with the blade once more. But the contestants are stalked by a mysterious enemy who appears to be Eiji's long lost brother, Sho. Now, Eiji must solve the mystery behind his disappearance and prepare to face the deadliest foe he's ever fought. At last, the ultimate battle between the world's greatest fighters will be decided. But if Eiji loses, he and his friends will die...
The Battle Arena Toshinden DVD offers the following features:
* Art Gallery * Battle Arena Toshinden Retrospective Video * Fight Montage Video * Battle Arena Toshinden Trailer * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Battle Arena Toshinden RUNNING TIME: 60 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $19.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure CATALOG #: USMD 2224 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Art of Fighting From the director of Fatal Fury 2: The New Battle and Battle Angel Alita! Ryu was a struggling martial arts instructor with a pet-detective business on the side. But when he and his friend Robert chase a stray cat into the wrong apartment, they became witnesses to a brutal mob hit! Now, Ryu and Robert are on the run from a ruthless gang of criminals. They've been shot at, run off the road, and nearly blown to pieces. With nowhere else to turn, they fight back the only way they know how - with their fists!
The Art of Fighting DVD offers the following features:
* Art Gallery * Fight Montage Video * Art of Fighting Trailer * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Art of Fighting RUNNING TIME: 46 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $19.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure CATALOG #: USMD 2314 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Revolutionary Girl Utena: Temptation From Kunihiko Ikuhara (Director of Sailor Moon), Shinya Hasegawa (Key Animation Supervisor of Neon Genesis Evangelion), and based on the original manga by Chiho Saito. A new duelist has appeared, a man who may steal Utena's championship status, and the heart of her friend Shiori. But this dashing swordsman hides a terrible secret. Does he mean to break Shiori's heart, or use her as a pawn against his opponent? Swords clash and secret passions are revealed as Utena struggles to defend her title, and save Shiori from herself.
Contains episodes 27-30. "A dynamite story arc." - NewtypeUSA Magazine. "Grade A: Utena continues to be outstanding." - Animejump.com. "A great series." - AnimeonDVD.com The Revolutionary Girl Utena: Temptation DVD offers the following features:
* Interview with U.S. Voice Actor Jimmy Zoppi * Revolutionary Girl Utena: Temptation Trailer * Revolutionary Girl Utena Episodes 24-26 Storyline Synopsis * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Revolutionary Girl Utena: Temptation RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure CATALOG #: SSDVD-6210 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Beautiful Weapon Produced by Makoto Okada (Dead or Alive). Murder in the Dark! She is a blind but beautiful assassin who lures her prey into a deadly trap. None have lived to escape her murderous kiss. But now she knows too much, and a criminal mastermind has hired a killer to silence her forever. Sparks fly and the two assassins find themselves locked in a forbidden embrace. One will live, and one will die. But the Beautiful Weapon will not die easily.
The Beautiful Weapon DVD offers the following features:
* Trivia Quiz * Photo Gallery * Beautiful Series Trailers * Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles
TITLE: Beautiful Weapon RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Not Rated SRP PRICE: $29.99 GENRE: Action/Adventure CATALOG #: APCD 2306 STREET DATE: July 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: June 9, 2003
Elly Saperstein of North Lauderdale, FL, a GREENCINE subscriber who rents strictly anime, recently emailed the service to report that of the last 30 DVDs she rented from GREENCINE, only 4 were available from Netflix. "Anime fans like Elly are an under-respected and under-served DVD rental community," said Dennis Woo, Managing Partner of GREENCINE. "We support anime because we have otaku (anime fans) staff members at GREENCINE. We have a personal interest in anime as well as a business interest. We'd like all anime fans renting DVDs online to join GREENCINE to get in on our truly awesome collection." The US anime sales and rental market is estimated as a $75M+ growth industry, with over 100,000 fans attending anime-focused conventions last year. Yet, anime renters are marginalized as a niche market by chain video stores and online services focusing on blockbusters. "Anime may be number two elsewhere but at GREENCINE, we're giving anime and its fans number one treatment," adds Woo.
GREENCINE knows that fans want entire anime series available for rent, not just a spotty list of titles. For example, GREENCINE carries the complete collection of Sorcerer Hunters, Volumes 1 through 4. GREENCINE's biggest competitor carries only Volumes 1 and 4. FLCL (Fooly Cooly), His & Her Circumstances, Excel Saga, and GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka are other examples of collections that GREENCINE carries in their entirety, which competitors do not (as of 4/8/2003). Additionally, GREENCINE carries films from more anime distributors that any other online DVD rental service. In addition to ADV, Central Park Media, and Pioneer, GREENCINE also carries AnimEigo titles, such as Kimagure Orange Road, Oh My Goddess, and You're Under Arrest!, which are absent from the rental lists of the competition.
GREENCINE also carries titles from other respected distributors VIZ Communications, Manga Entertainment USA, Right Stuf, Dark Horse and more. GREENCINE has committed itself obtaining not only the more popular titles, but also rarities. Such collections as the Complete Speed Racer (limited to a pressing of 1,000 copies) are on order, and will be available to members at a premium level. GREENCINE hopes to introduce 25 or more rare titles each year, giving even the most seasoned fans a chance to see more anime in the format they love.
GREENCINE also carries coveted hentai titles for mature audiences, unavailable for rental elsewhere. 9 O'Clock Woman, The Adventure Kid, and Vanilla Series 1, 2 and 3 are just a few of the more popular titles in this sought after category. 4-9-03---- 5th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival And Anime Costume Parade In San FrancisicoAs posted to World Of Anime:
2003 Cherry Blossom Festival Anime Costume Parade and Costume Contest
HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO DRESS UP AS YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER!
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! Please contact William or Tak at JVM at 415/563-5220
Date: April 20, 2003 Time: 10:30AM -- CHECK-IN at City Hall Park (Grove and Polk Streets) 11:00AM -- Costume Contest Starts 1:00PM-3:00PM Parade commences from City Hall Place: City Hall (where participants meet and parade starts); Finish at Japan Center.
PRIZE INFORMATION:
1st Prize (1 person): All-region DVD Player with an Ein Plush doll 2nd Prize (3 people): .hack//Sign Limited Edition DVD Box with an Ein plush doll 3rd Prize (5 people): Record of Lodoss War OVA Box set with Ein plush doll OR Chobits DVD Box with stationery set with Ein plush doll 4th Prize (10 people): Spirited Away DVD with Ein plush OR Castle in the Sky DVD with Ein plush
CONSOLATION PRIZE: Kuro-neko plush doll, Anime DVD or Poster
Sponsored by ADV Films, AnimEigo, Central Park Media, Pioneer Entertainment, TokyoPop, Media Blasters, Digital Manga and Urban Vision
Organized by Japan Video & Media, Inc in association with World of Anime.
JAPAN VIDEO & MEDIA 1737 Post Street San Francisco, CA 94115 Direct: 415/563-5220 Fax: 415/563-5454
Yoshiyuki Sadamoto Mr. Sadamoto is one of, if not the most sought after, and adored Character Designers. His designs have given life to hit anime such as “Wings of Honneamise”, “Neon Genesis Evangelion (series and Movies)”, and most recently “. Hack (Hack//Sign)”. Mr.Sadamoto is also known for his manga works, most notably, “Neon Genesis Evangelion”. FanimeCon 2003 will be Mr. Sadamoto’s first visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Takami Akai FanimeCon 2003 is pleased to have Mr. Akai back, as a return guest. Mr. Akai was Responsible for the visual conception of the “Crest of the Stars”, and “Banner of the Stars” anime. Mr. Akai is also the creator of the popular “Princess Maker” PC software. Mr. Akai is a founding member of Gainax, and the founder of Nine Lives, a PC software Developer.
Hiroki Sato FanimeCon 2003 is pleased to welcome Hiroki Sato. Mr. Sato is one of Gainax’s most active producers. Mr. Sato’s productions include the comical “Furi-Kuri”, or “FLCL” and the incomparable “Kareshi kanojo no Jijoo” known as “His and Her Circumstances” or “Kare Kano”. FanimeCon 2003 will be Mr. Sato’s first visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.
The esteemed “Books For The Teen Age 2003 List” is now in its 74th year of publication. Each year, titles are read, reviewed and recommended for this publication by librarians for young adult readers. The list is then sold to school and public libraries in all 50 states, as well as internationally.
“We are delighted that Cowboy Bebop has been included on this very prestigious list,” said TOKYOPOP President and COO, John Parker. “It is truly great to see that graphic novels are becoming more widely accepted throughout the library system. This recognition brings us one step closer to our goal of turning ‘manga’ into a household word.”
The Cowboy Bebop manga series launched in April 2002 as part of TOKYOPOP’s “100% Authentic Manga” line—a nine-series debut of manga printed in its original right-to-left format that literally transformed the graphic novel industry. TOKYOPOP manga now consistently dominates BookScan's weekly Graphic Novel Bestseller charts. Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star—a two-volume manga series that provides an alternate telling of the famous TV show story—debuts from TOKYOPOP this month.
1. Kimura Takuya
2. Fukuyama Masaharu
3. Nakai Masahiro
4. Sakaguchi Kenji
5. Kusanagi Tsuyoshi
6. Fujiki Naohito
7. Katori Shingo
8. KinKi Kids
9. Jidaigeki
10. Inagaki Goro
Source: J-ENT
"Obviously, we're very pleased," said John Ledford, President and CEO of Newtype USA, Inc. "We launched Newtype USA at an opportune moment in terms of the growing U.S. market for anime-related content, and it shows. This is an exciting milestone for us as a magazine, and as a company."
Steve Conte here...giving y'all a heads up:
Don't miss your chance to see the full length Sony film based on the much loved Japanese Anime series "Cowboy Bebop" (you may have seen the series on the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim"). It opens TODAY, April 4th at The Angelika Film Center in Manhattan (click the link below for a synopsis of the film and other particulars)
Yours truly sings 2 songs on the soundtrack CD, the Johnny Cash inspired "Diggin" and the gorgeous "No Reply" (though only "Diggin" appears in the film) The song is extremely loud in the mix...it'll be like I'm sitting next to you wailing in your ear!
Of course, the music is incredible. I just can't say enough about the genius of Yoko Kanno who composed, arranged and orchestrated every note of the soundtrack. Having sung on many of the soundtrack episodes ("Rain", "Call Me, Call Me", "Words We Couldn't Say") and on her solo album as well as Maya Sakimoto's CD I have first hand experience. Like my own tastes, it's stylistically all over the place; classical, jazz, rock, country, hip hop, funk, soul, gospel, etc. Hey...it's MUSIC!!! Remember that stuff...way back before marketing??
Click below for more info...I'll see you at the theater, perhaps.
Angelikafilmcenter.com: New York, NY: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
The first round of our "Be A Star" contest is over and we have selected a winner from the batch of entries that made it for the first deadline, which was March 10. This was no easy task as the entries were judged on the following merits: originality, best voice, personality and accuracy.
Congratulations go to Christopher and Charles from Indianapolis! They sent in a very unique production that will be featured as a DVD extra on Dragon Ball GT Ramification. This DVD is scheduled to hit the streets in the middle of July.
Christopher directed and produced the entry and he recruited Charles to be the lead vocalist. Christopher says his motivation for entering the contest was "In hopes of being in some way a part of a show that I've spent countless hours watching." Congratulations again to Christopher and Charles as they are now part of the Dragon Ball legacy.
The "Be A Star" contest is definitely one of our most unique promotions. Fans send in a videotape of their karaoke version of the new Dragon Ball GT theme song and compete with other fans for the chance to have their entry featured in a DVD extra on an upcoming FUNimation release. We received such a great response from our fans that we extended the deadline until May 16. Another winner will be chosen to become a part of Dragon Ball history at the end of May. Check out the details at www.dragonballgt.com.
Also, I have included a media alert for the Orlando Magic, Dragon Ball Z and SCORE promotion taking place on April 9. Let me know if you have any questions, or if you need any additional information.
Goro Taniguchi: Mr. Taniguchi made his debut in the anime industry as production supervisor for Raijin-oh. Since then, he has worked as assistant director on Gasaraki and drew storyboards for One Piece and Yu-Gi-Oh. His most recent credits include directing the popular shows, Infinite Ryvius and s-CRY-ed. This is Mr. Taniguchi's first U.S. convention appearance and he is appearing courtesy of Bandai Entertainment Inc."
http://www.anime-expo.org/guests.html
Aura Battler Dunbine, first broadcast in Japan in the mid 1980's, is widely considered one of the finest and most significant titles from the "golden age" of televised anime. Conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino (creator and director of Gundam) and based on Tomino's novel Wings of Lin, Aura Battler Dunbine has long been celebrated not only for its exciting plot and extraordinary mecha designs (by Studio Nue, of Macross fame), but also for the series' emphasis on strong and detailed characterization, and the consistently excellent quality of its animation (produced by Sunrise Animation). Combining elements of science fiction and fantasy, Aura Battler Dunbine tells the story of inter-dimensional warfare on an unrivaled, epic scale.
ADV Films' Macek is producing the English-language version of Aura Battler Dunbine. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a truly classic anime series from a great creative team to our fans," said Macek. "Ever since I first became aware of Aura Battler Dunbine it has been a personal goal to make sure this masterpiece was brought to the attention of the American public."
ADV Films has not yet officially announced a release date for the first volume of Aura Battler Dunbine, but the company has confirmed that the first volume of the title is expected in July.
http://www.animerica-mag.com/features/11.04/coursecredit.html
We've got information on ADVs newest acquisition: Aura Battler Dunbine. Anyone live in the Norfolk Virginia area? There's an anime/manga con there this weekend. Find details about Oduacon. Cowboy Bebop's in select theaters now, but just when will it be on DVD? Find details here. Tokyopop's invading the UK. Osamu Tezuka's classic manga, Metropolis is out this week. And see just what my PICK OF THE WEEK is.
http://www.exophagy.com/exofest
DVD (English, Japanese, Japanese with English Subtitles, Spanish Subtitles) Catalog#: RSDVD8014 Suggested Rating: 13+ ISBN: 1-57032-138-8 UPC#: 7-42617-8014-2-6 SRP: $29.95
From Gainax, with production by Toshimichi Otsuki (EVANGELION, SLAYERS, NADESICO), chief direction and story by Hideaki Anno (EVANGELION) and character design by Tadashi Hiramatsu (EVANGELION) comes Right Stuf's latest release: His and Her Circumstances (Kare Kano)! A fan favorite for years, this title is sure to fly off the shelves!
Summer might be ending, but things between Arima and Yukino are just heating up! While Arima's prolonged summer absence gives Yukino some time to think about their relationship, she's still left in doubt. Does she really love him? Meanwhile, Arima's thinking about taking the relationship to the next level. But will Yukino feel the same way?
Then it's time for the Culture Fest! It sounds rather boring to Yukino until she discovers it's a competition with class notes up for grabs. Now Yukino is determined to win, but can she stand up against Class F's secret weapon? And there's a new mystery man in school with some diabolical plans in store for Tsubaki! Who is he and what does he want with Tsubaki?
Contains Episodes 17-21.
Special Bonus DVD features include: Translation Notes, Production Notes, Character Bios, Voice Actor Interviews, English and Spanish Subtitles, Removable "Soft" Subtitles for On-Screen Text, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo for English and Japanese Dialogue, Scene Access, and more!
Each volume will contain one of 3 completely different His and Her Circumstances DVD silkscreens!
Graphic of cover is located at: http://www.rightstuf.com/outgoing/sleeves/rsdvd8014.jpg
Courtesy: animegamers.com:F L C L (Fooly Cooly) Haruko Clear Poster
On Sale - May 2003
SRP $12.95 JAN CODE: 4510417171881
OFFICIAL FLCL Clear Poster - Printed in Japan for the US market!
This gorgeous clear poster features the fabulous Haruhara Haruko on her infamous Vespa. Vividly illustrated with bold colors, it adds light and personality to any room.
Made with quality plastic, clear posters are durable and travel very well! Perfect for dorm rooms (well ok, any room!).
With the 3rd volume of the popular series set for release for this summer, this official clear poster will tide fans over until it is out!
Sunday, May 4, 2003 TREE OF PALME Film by Takashi Nakamura (2002, running time 2hr. 15 min) Southern California premiere/panel discussion celebrate Anime. In Japanese with English Subtitles Starring Akiko Hiramatsu, Megumi Toyoguchi, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Kappei Yamaguchi Produced by Taro Maki (Japan) Screenplay (in Japanese) by Takashi Nakamura Photography (Color) by Takashi Asuhata Music by Takashi Harada
Festivals (Prizes): Berlin 02: Forum, Hong Kong 02, Melbourne 02, Ghent 02, Lyon Asian 02, Bangkok Intl. 03, Brussels Fantasy 03
A creative vision radically different from other animated works, "Tree of Palme" incorporates a mix of traditional cel and 3D animation to retell the story of Disney's Pinocchio. Ten years in development, five of those years in production, a team of more than 500 people worked on this film that deals with the spiritual journey of a wooden robot named Palme. Director Nakamura Takashi (director of animation for "Akira" and Hayao Miyazaki's former animation collaborator) directs this allegorical tale about the transience of human existence. The screening marks the Southern California premiere screening of the film. Panel discussion following the screening featuring producer Fred Ladd, responsible for the introduction of Japanese anime/manga to the United States with anime experts Fred Patten and Sadao Miyamoto.
Time: 1 pm Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles Tickets: $6 JACCC Members, $8 General Admission. Box Office: 213/680-3700.
ASTRO BOY'S "EXPEDITION TO MARS"
Rare screening of Astro Boy's Lost Episode of "Expedition to Mars", not seen in 30 years. Vintage clips from seminal anime works including Kimba, GIGANTOR, and 8 Man and the new Astro Boy Sony release also to be shown.
Time: 5 pm Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles Admission free
ANIME/MANGA VENDOR FAIR Local vendors Anime Jungle, Kamakazi Anime, Digital Manga Akadot Retail and collectors offer a wide variety of anime/manga goods and collectibles for sale
Time: 1-6 pm Location: Aratani/Japan America Theatre, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles Admission free
POSTWAR JAPANESE ANIME/MANGA EXHIBITION Pays tribute to and contextualize early Japanese anime and manga. The exhibit will feature photos, magazines, pictures, classic merchandise and ongoing video presentations of some of the world's first super hero animated characters. Producer Fred Ladd, responsible for the introduction of Japanese anime/manga into the United States, co-curates the exhibit.
The exhibit will also explore the seminal works of Astro Boy, Kimba, 8 Man and GIGANTOR. In addition, a special showing of vintage clips from seminal anime works will be continuously screened for the duration of the exhibit. Anime/manga merchandise from Japan will be available at the JACCC Center Shop.
Dates: Continues through June 1 Time: 12 noon to 5pm Tuesday - Friday and 11am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday Location: George J Doizaki Gallery, 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles Admission free
TOKYOPOP U.K. has partnered with Red Route Distribution Ltd. to extend its manga business into the country’s more than 2,000 bookstores. Red Route is the leading supplier of graphic novels to the British book trade and specialized retail market. The two companies solidified their relationship during this year’s London Book Fair, at which they featured a joint exhibit.
“Launching TOKYOPOP U.K. was the natural next step for us considering our current state of progression,” said Stuart Levy, the company’s Chairman, Founder & CEO. “And we are delighted to team with Red Route in getting TOKYOPOP manga into the hands of a whole new territory of readers.”
This news comes in the wake of an incredible year of growth for TOKYOPOP, during which the company more than doubled its revenue and increased its book trade penetration by some 300%. Just one year ago, TOKYOPOP sent the graphic novel industry reeling when it introduced its line of 100% Authentic Manga (printed right-to-left), an instant hit with consumers that far exceeded sales expectations. TOKYOPOP titles now dominate BookScan’s weekly Graphic Novel Bestseller charts, consistently achieving 50% of the top 50 positions.
1)Rumors for the next Godzilla film have it as a sequel to GXMG but with Mothra thrown in for the mix....
2)Daiei has approved production for a new Daimaijin movie.
3)Toho DVD is releasing Godzilla vs. The Thing on April 25, Monster Zero on May 21, and Godzilla vs. The Sea Monster on June 21.
www.henshinonline.com has information on legal issues over the use of Tsuburaya's Ultraman.
http://www.digitalbits.com/#mytwocents says Akira Kurosawa's Rhapsody in August will be available July 1.
VIZ ANNOUNCES NEW LOOK, NEW NAME
Former Viz Communications, Inc. Becomes VIZ, LLC; Leading Japanese Publishers Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. Share in New Partnership
April 1, 2003 (SAN FRANCISCO) - Viz Communications Inc., the largest publisher of manga (Japanese comics) in North America, and the top two publishers in Japan, Shueisha Inc. and Shogakukan Inc., announce the formation of VIZ, LLC ("VIZ"). Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. publish popular titles such as DRAGON BALL Z, HAMTARO, INUYASHA, POKéMON, and YU-GI-OH!.
Ok, here's the story....Viz is out of the live-action film biz and the films co-owned with Tidepoint have gone to Kino to distribution (Love and Pop is due in 04). They now own all the DoA films and plan a box at some point....Far as I know now, this will be a no-frills release...
Also up are a review of Getting Wild With Our Monkey
New festivals and event have been added to the site including Nippon Connection in Frankfurt, Germany (April 9-13). Retrospectives are devoted to Shuji Terayama and Osaka's young Planet Studio+1 movement, and the regular program has a ton of great films on display. Not only that, but a series of lectures and debates by industry heavyweights and demonstrations of aspects of Japanese culture are also in the offing.
April 10 will see Amsterdam's Fantastic Film Festival. Dedicated to horror, sci-fi and fantasy, Japanese offerings include Dead or Alive Final, Dark Water and Ju-on.
Paris is hosting a huge screening of interesting Japanese programming at The Maison de la Culture du Japon which plays two films every day until April 30, including such rare gems as Kumashiro's final film Hard-Head Fool (aka Like a Rolling Stone) and Masashi Yamamoto's Robinson's Garden. http://www.mcjp.asso.fr/pavril2003/cine/index.html
Italy's annual Far East Film Festival starts this month in Udine. The program includes early 20th century Japanese animation and a tribute to Teruo Ishii. These events and many more are listed at the
Please Teacher! -- Hot For Teacher Witness the unique relationship between an 18-year old high school student, who has not aged in three years due to a coma that stunted his growth and a teacher whose possesses a secret that only this student knows...she is an alien sent by the Galaxy Federation to observe the Earth. As the sole human being with knowledge of this secret, Kei Kusanagi, must marry this alien, Mizuho Kazami. Homework, dating and a gorgeous alien wife-going to school has never been quite this fun!
The Please Teacher! - Hot For Teacher DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Bandai Previews
CATALOG #: 669198227097 RUNNING TIME: 100 min. RATING: 16 and Up GENRE: Romantic/Comedy SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003
Please Teacher! (V. 1) - Hot For Teacher: LIMITED EDITION Box With DVD Kei Kusanagi isn't your typical 15 year-old high school student. He's actually an 18 year-old with a rare disorder that puts him into what he calls a "standstill." When he was younger, this disorder left him in a deep coma, which stunted his growth for the next three years! Mizuho Kazami isn't your typical teacher either. She's actually an alien sent by the Galaxy Federation to observe the earth! As the sole human being with knowledge of Ms. Kazami's secret, Kei must...marry the alien?! Homework, dating, and a gorgeous wife - going to school has never been quite this fun.
The Please Teacher! (V. 1) - Hot For Teacher: LIMITED EDITION Box With DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Dolby Digital Audio
RUNNING TIME: 100 min. RATING: 16 and Up GENRE: Romantic/Comedy SRP PRICE: $59.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003 LIMITED EDITION Box With DVD Includes:
* Limited Edition Box with DVD (only 15,000 Pieces made) * Reversible DVD Cover * Commercials * Episode 1 Preview * Design Gallery * Promotion Clip * Please Teacher! Trailer * Original CD Soundtrack * Onegai Teacher mini-manga * Please Teacher! Postcard Set * Bandai Previews
Fancy Lala -- A Passing Dream Just when Miho thought she's experience it all, she finds out that her beautiful sister Lala may be cheating on her boyfriend and Lyrical Productions informs her that Lala has landed her premier concert! Will having a concert so early in her career have a negative influence on the star? Will she survive her painstaking dance training? And what would happen if she lost her magic sketchbook and pen? You never know what to expect of this twisting tale.
The Fancy Lala -- A Passing Dream DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Fancy Lala Fashion Gallery * Bandai Previews
CATALOG #: 669198133596 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: Ages 7 & Up GENRE: Kids SRP PRICE: $24.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003
.hack//SIGN - Outcast (Version 2) Tsukasa has been captured by the Crimson Knights! Subaru talks with him and tries to understand his plight, but the unbalanced Sora stages a jailbreak. Tensions mount within the group as Mimiru confronts BT about her betrayal of Tsukasa. Mimiru decides to give it all up, but after a chance encounter with another player, she changes her mind. As the clues unfold, everything points to a powerful legendary item called 'The Key of the Twilight'. Could this be the source of all the trouble in The World? Everyone seems to think so. Alliances are formed and plots are hatched with everyone's sole focus to uncover this item's location.
The .hack//SIGN - Outcast DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Isolated Score Audio Track * .hack Timeline * Character Gallery * Production Art Gallery * Commercial Collection 1 * Bandai Previews CATALOG #: 669198221194 RUNNING TIME: 125 Min. RATING: Ages 13 & Up GENRE: Action/Fantasy SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003
.hack//SIGN LIMITED EDITION (Version 2) From the same all-star anime creative team: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Evangelion), Kazunori Ito (Ghost in the Shell), and Koichi Mashimo (Noir). Login to the most successful online game in history! "The World" is being played by millions of people around the world, making it the most popular game ever. Players can go online and trade items, form parties, and go on quests. But none of that concerns Tsukasa. Trapped within "The World", a virtual prisoner - His journey from the digital world to the real world has just begun. The .hack//SIGN LIMITED EDITION (Version. 2) special features include:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Isolated Score Audio Track * .hack Timeline * Character Gallery * Production Art Gallery * Commercial Collection 1 * Bandai Previews
CATALOG #: 669198221699 RUNNING TIME: 125 Min. RATING: Ages 13 & Up GENRE: Sci-Fi/Drama SRP PRICE: $64.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003 LIMITED EDITION Includes
* Limited Edition DVD Slipcover * Original CD Soundtrack #2
Banner of the Stars -- Only The Beginning (V.3) The Imperial Star Forces has suffered a catastrophic blow under the might of the United Mankinds new weapon! Admiral Bebaus is faced with losing nearly half his fleet and the main battle has only just begun! On the front lines, the Basroil's doing the best it can, but despite their valiant efforts it looks like the battle may be lost! Lafiel, who is an Imperial princess, isn't used to losing and she isn't about to start now. And just when things look their darkest... disaster strikes! Will Lafiel and Jinto survive this latest challenge?
The Banner of the Stars -- Only The Beginning (V.3) DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * Special Reversible Cover * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Production Art Gallery * Textless Ending #2 * Bandai Previews
CATALOG #: 669198218194 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: Ages 13 & Up GENRE: Action/Sci-Fi SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: May 6, 2003
Geneshaft -- Volume 1 In a final attempt to save the human race, a genetic engineering program was initiated in hopes of creating a new breed of human beings with special skills and abilities to benefit all of society. However, this newfound peace is interrupted as an artifact of unknown origin hangs between the Earth and the moon. A group of these new breed of humans have been selected to investigate, however Mika, one of the members of the team, is confused as to why she's been included since she doesn't seem to have any super abilities. Armed with a prototype ship and mecha known only as 'Shaft', this strike team may be the only thing standing between peace and the total destruction of the Earth!
The Geneshaft -- Volume 1 DVD offers the following features:
* Interactive Animated Menus * English/Japanese language * English subtitles optional * Pilot Film * Geneshaft Glossary * Bilkis Programs Explained * Bandai Previews
CATALOG #: 669198210099 RUNNING TIME: 100 Min. RATING: Ages 13 & Up GENRE: Action/Sci-Fi SRP PRICE: $29.98 STREET DATE: May 20, 2003
Los Angeles, CA - April 01, 2003 - Studio ArtFX, helmed by independent artist and animator Terrence Walker, today announced the release of a new CG trailer on their popular website. Delve into the making of Shadowskin, the second anime style OVA from Studio ArtFX, now on sale for a limited time. This sale features the Shadowskin DVD, including the extensive making-of features, on sale for only $12.99. The trailer for this original, independent animation, available in streaming Quicktime formot or a downloadable DivX version, can be seen at:
http://www.studioartfx.com/trailer_ss.html
"I wanted to make it absolutley clear, my commitment to show artists and enthusiasts how it can be done," said Terrence Waker, director of Understanding Chaos and Shadowskin OVA. "As I move forward onto new projects as well, I will continue to provide the most extensive and in-depth look into the process of how one artist made a dream into reality!"
With the DVD release of Understanding Chaos, Studio ArtFX attempted to offer independent animators everywhere a complete guide to how such a project could be pulled off by a lone animator using off-the-shelf software and hardware. Now with the making-of Shadowskin features, viewers can go even deeper into the process and find out, step by step, how Terrence Walker merged 2D digital animation with 3D CGI to achieve a look often compared to major studio productions. With detailed explanations of processes such as setting up IK chains, creating particle explosion effects and multi-layer compositing, the DVD covers every aspect of making independent animation a reality.
"I know many of the regular readers of my site are starting or are well into their own independent films," spoke Terrence Walker. "There's still a lot of artists and enthusiasts out there who, to this day, cannot imagine actually getting their project done. If these making-of features can show them that they don't need the studios, they don't need someone's financing and that they can be making their film right now, then I've done what I set out to do."
The site address:
http://www.studioartfx.com/
About Studio ArTFX With headquarters in Los Angeles, California, Studio ArtFX is a new type of studio, pushing new ideas to bring independent animation to the forefront in the digital revolution. Founder Terrence Walker has worked in the animation and video game industry for over ten years. Now with the latest tools and technology, Terrence Walker hopes to show animators everywhere that independent animation can be a reality. Studio ArtFX is currently in production on J4A, which will be the first broadcast animated series project for the studio.
Contact Studio ArtFX - email: terrence@studioartfx.com
website: http://www.studioartfx.com
Thanks to Kittybert for the news
The book is planned as a colorful and insightful guide to Japanese illustration, Japanese Comickers showcases the work of 14 young comic, anime and manga artists and provides a glimpse at the techniques that go into the making of their artwork. Exploring the work and techniques of some of the hottest Japanese artists working today, Japanese Comickers provides western enthusiasts a rare insider’s view of anime and manga.
From Hikaru Nakano’s “unique worlds… artfully drawn entirely with pencils in pastel colors” to the soft, transparent effect that Ridoru achieves through the use of software such as Adobe Photoshop, the featured artists represent a wide variety of styles and techniques. Some of the artists utilize digital tools while others work in more traditional media like watercolor and pencil. In each case, they provide detailed instruction and explanation of their techniques.
Japanese Comickers is a highly colorful book, with nearly every page featuring one or more illustrations. In addition to showcasing the work of leading artists and providing in-depth step-by-step instructions on how to achieve each artist’s results, Japanese Comickers also features:
* An introductory essay on Japanese illustration and the development of anime and manga
* A glossary of anime and manga terms, titles, and artists’ names
* A discussion of the four keywords essential to a true understanding of Japanese illustration
The 14 artists - who range in age from 19-27- featured in Japanese Comickers are: Yu Kagei, Hirofumi Fujiko, Nanamirio, Noriko Meguro, Shunpei, Hinoki Amamori, Sunaho Tobe, nini, Hikaru Nakano, Ridoru, Ryuya, Yoko Tanji, Mey Suzuki, and Ippei Gyoubu. Their work has not been explored in any other publication to date.
PUBLISHER: Harper Design International
ISBN: 0-06-051355-1
TRIM SIZE: 8 ¼” X 11 ¾ ”
EDITION: paper w/flaps
PAGES: 128 pages
ILLUSTRATIONS: 350 color illustrations
PRICE: $24.95
The New Gall Force is to premier on the British Sci-Fi Channel on Friday the 2nd of May at 12.20am. The show will run weekly at the same timeslot until the series' conclusion.
Source: UKAnime(http://www.uk-anime.net/)
Ping Pong, Ichi the Killer, and Bounce Ko Gals will be playing at New York's http://www.subwaycinema.com/ festival, along with films from Korea, Hong Kong and Thailand.
http://www.media-blasters.com/theatrical.cfm has also updated with venues for their movies.
Dead or Alive: Final will now be playing at Cleveland Cinematheque Cleveland, OH June 5-8, courtesy of http://www.kino.com/bigscreen/index.html .
Finally, if you live in the L.A. area and want to save a few bucks via student discounts or matinee screenings, http://www.laemmle.com/theatres/ will have the Bebop movie on the 11th.
All Stories, Graphics And Material © Anime News Service Unless Otherwise Cited
Questions,Comments,News Submissions
