We at DVD Vision Japan hope that everyone is having a happy holiday. Here in Japan, we have a Winter Wonderland, and yet we still work. Oh well.
Here is some information we have received.
Cowboy Bebop, Knockin' on Heaven's Door has an official street date of January 25th. The movie will contain a Dolby 2.0 and 5.1 audio track, a special ISSB booklet, and theatrical trailers. Price is $80
Also, in honor of the new Cowboy Bebop movie, Seatbelts Future Blues has been released on DVD. Consisting of a 45 minute musical movie and over 20 minutes of concert footage, this is your chance to experience the hip sounds of Yoko Kano and the seatbelts on a stunning DVD. Price is $40.
Finial Fantasy Japan style!
There are 2 versions of the 100% CGI masterpiece Finial Fantasy: The Spirits Within being released in Japan.
Spiritual Edition ($100) 2 Disc set Disc one: The movie with DTS or 5.1 sound. Japanese and English audio tracks. Japanese and English subtitles. Multiple commentary tracks
Disc two: Same extras as on the US version. No word if the L'Arc-en-Ciel music video will make it on this version.
Regular Edition ($40) Disc one: The movie with DTS or 5.1 sound. Japanese and English audio tracks. Japanese and English subtitles. Multiple commentary tracks. Release date is February 22.
A new series called Factions of the Earth has just been released. In the future, a comet impacts the Earth. some of the human race escape to space while the ones left behind went underground. Years later, the mutated humans of Earth battle the ones that escaped into space. The series has superb animation, and is well worth the visit. Price per DVD is $55 and contains 2 episodes. Out now!
We have some additional info, covers of the above DVD's, and a new feedback/info page. Please come by and visit.
www.geocities.com/dvdvisionjapan
Cinescape states that Wes Craven will be directing the re-make of Kyoshi Kurosawa's Pulse! Production should be finished in 2002. Note that while I haven't seen Pulse, I saw Cure, and hated it, because it was too vague by the end.
Mari Iijima, the original voice actress (seiyuu) for Macross' Lynn Minmei, has been visiting Japan during December 17-23 to tape her one hour TV special for the FOLK AND ROCK MASTERS LIVE (Sky PerfecTV). She is also recording 2 songs (including the main theme) for the upcoming Galaxy Angel game in Tokyo. Upon her return to the United States, Mari Iijima will be performing live and celebrating the holidays with fans at the Genghis Cohen in Los Angeles on December 27 at 8:30 PM (PST). All fans are welcome to attend but should prepare to arrive early, since earlier engagements have been sold out in the past. More information can be found at Mari Iijima's Official Site.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is opening this Friday (12/21) at the Tower Theater in Salt Lake City, UT, and is coming back to the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, CA
BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES THE OFFICIAL ESCAFLOWNE MOVIE WEBSITE - ESCAMOVIE.COM
Hollywood, CA (December 18, 2001) - Bandai Entertainment launches the official Escamovie.com website to help promote the upcoming theatrical release of Escaflowne in theaters January 25, 2002.
A motion picture production based on one of the most popular anime titles of all time, Escaflowne is celebrated animator Shoji Kawamori's cutting-edge vision of a world where good and evil hinge on a girl's ability to find meaning for her own life.
Escamovie.com features news and information on the upcoming theatrical release of Escaflowne in theaters, background information on the Escaflowne world, characters, story, filmmaker biographies, multimedia interviews with cast and creators, trailers, and future home video information.
I-mode is a-go! Troubled Dutch telecom provider KPN Mobile has finally decided to go ahead with I-mode, although some called the decision a desperate last gamble to get the company back on track. Thanks to its ties with I-mode creator NTT Docomo, KPN will be the first to introduce I-mode to the west. It is expected that the massively popular internet/telecom service will get a simultaneous introduction in Holland and Germany. Belgium has to wait for a few months at least. KPN aims to launch I-mode early next year and announced it will eliminate the Achilles' heel of the Japanese original: Spam. According to a spokesman, all e-mail will be extensively filtered to remove unwanted messages. Dutch readers can view the original article here: http://www.webwereld.nl/cgi-bin/nav/chello.pl?9524
More Dutch manga?
Rumors about a possible new manga showing up in Dutch stores have gotten a
new impulse with this snippet of info. After the rather successful
introduction of the Dragon Ball manga, comic book publisher Glènat has been
planning to publish another series. According to 'those in the know', this
would've been either Rurouni Kenshin or GUNNM (Battle Angel Alita). Glènat
is said to have opted for GUNNM because MangaDVD will release the anime
pretty soon and they intend to ride the hype surrounding it.
In the end, this is somewhat of a downer for the Dutch fan community. GUNNM may be a fantastic manga, most ardent fans already own either the American, German or French edition. Also, Kenshin could have attracted a rather diverse crowd now that Pokémon has lost its coolness and Dragonball paved the way for more accessible action-oriented works. Some may feel that the huge leap taken from Kame House to The Scrapyard is one that can result in a nasty twisted ankle...
Now if you aren´t impressed by that, how about our ability to produce such a long text about news everybody already know?
TRANSFORM YOUR AIBO! Preorders Begin December 13th 2001
Continuing its commitment to the Entertainment Robot platform Entertainment Robot America, a division of Sony Electronics Inc., is proud to announce the release of the AIBO Transform Kit. With the new Transformation Kit AIBO owners will be able to transform their AIBO [ERS-210] Entertainment Robot into an AIBO [ERS-220] by removing its modular parts and replacing the Entertainment Robot core with the shell of an AIBO [ERS-220]. Each AIBO Transformation Kit includes: an [ERS-220] Head Unit, Tail Unit, Leg Units (4) and Upgrade Memory Stick to update the Flash Memory. After transformation is complete, each AIBO will be compatible with ERS-210/220 AIBO-ware and PC convergence software (AIBO Explorer, AIBO Life 2 and AIBO Navigator 2). Also, the AIBO can be transformed back to an ERS-210 whenever you like.
Suggested retail price is $999.00 and is available only online at www.sonystyle.com or by phone at the AIBO Adoption Hotline - 888-917-7669. Further details available at: http://www.us.aibo.com/ers_220/transform.php
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius
Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu
Monsters, Inc.
Osmosis Jones
The Prince of Light
Shrek
The Trumpet of the Swan
Waking Life
Cast is as follows:
Shiina Marie: Ohtsuka Mae
Kujou Yayoi: Kimura Ikue
Kujou Miko: Shintani Sayaka
Amano Anju: Minano Fuuko
Tachibana Natsuki: Hinano Mayo
Iritani Yuka: Itou Asuka
Ichinose Sachi: Miyanishi Noa
Kouzuki Saeko: Aina
Fujimoto Kira: Sakurai Sara
Tristar Pictures is proud to announce that Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS, directed by Rintaro ("X," "Galaxy Express 999") and written by anime legend Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira"), will open on January 25 in the top 10 markets in the US and Canada. Based on the classic manga (comic) by Osamu Tezuka, the Godfather of Anime and Manga, METROPOLIS was brought to the screen by two of the most respected figures in Japanese animation today: Katsuhiro Otomo and Rintaro. In fact, Rintaro began his career working for Tezuka on his popular "Astro Boy" (Tetsuwan Atom) television series.
In the late 1940s, long before "Astro Boy" and "Kimba the White Lion" established Osamu Tezuka as one of the most influential animators of all time, the legendary illustrator created the classic manga "Metropolis." Set in the future, Metropolis is a grand city-state populated by humans and robots, the cohabitants of a strictly segmented society. Amidst the chaos created by anti-robot factions, detective Shunsaku Ban and his sidekick Ken-ichi are searching for rebel scientist Dr. Laughton, to arrest him and seize his latest creation, Tima, a beautiful young girl. Tima is a new top-of the-line android created to succeed the leader of Metropolis. When they locate them, Shunsaku quickly comes to realize that the eccentric scientist is beyond their reach, protected by a powerful man and his fierce desire to reclaim a tragic figure from his past.
More than fifty years since it was first imagined, Tezuka's vision of the inability of scientific progress to fulfill basic human needs -- in spite of its mechanizing even the most fundamental aspects of life -- confirms him as a prophet as well as a fabulist. Directed by Rintaro and written by Otomo, the retro-futurism of the story - as well as its precautionary tale -- is spectacularly rendered in its visual style, combining the best in Japanese cel animation with the latest in digital technology. METROPOLIS has been selected to be shown at a number of international film festivals including Locarno, Sitges and Hamburg.
Tristar Pictures will release Metropolis on January 25, 2002 in New York and Los Angeles at the Landmark Nuart and in Orange County at the University Edwards. Metropolis is 107 minutes long and is not rated.
Source: Daniel
Born in 1915 Komatsuzaki was a household name to Japan´s post-war generation. His prolific career as an illustrating artist began after WWII with numerous cover arts for boys´ magazines. He also did some character designs for Toho's "The Mysterians" and advertising art for the SF novel series "Atragon". For model kits collector Komatsuzaki might be best remembered for his works on Imai´s Thunderbird and the Nitto Gamera/Gappa series, including the Mirrorman series, Dinosaur series and Military series, to name a few.
Source: Sany-san
Source: Sany
Source: Sany
"DINOSAUR co-director Eric Leighton has come on board Sony's long developing ASTROBOY movie project. In addition, though previous word suggested that the film would be live-action, current plans are for the project to be fully CG.
"ASTROBOY's effects will be done by Sony Imageworks, which had been on the selling block by its parent company. Now, Sony is looking to shift the f/x house's direction towards a Pixar-like situation.
"Todd Alcott (ANTZ) and Ken Kaufman (SPACE COWBOYS) wrote the film's script, which is based on the Japanes comic turned animated series created by Osamu Tezuka....
"Don Murphy will produce the film, along with Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson.
"Sony Imageworks is currently at work on test footage for the film. A greenlight is said to be imminent on the project, though no budget has been set. Sony is eyeing 2004 for the film's release." Source: Cinescape
Also from a post to the newsgroups, The Anime Web Turnpike has returned at it's proper URL at anipike.com.
Finally Read or Die and Kaidohmaru have been rumored to be licensed for distribution in the US according to Anime Tourist.
http://www.marketproshows.com/visitor/coupon.asp
SONY EXPANDS RETAIL REACH MAKING AIBO® ENTERTAINMENT ROBOT AVAILABLE AT CIRCUIT CITY AIBO NOW TO BE OFFERED AT RETAIL LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE AND ONLINE
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10, 2001 - Entertainment Robot America (ERA), a division of Sony Electronics Inc., today announced that it will continue to expand its retail distribution and sell its AIBOâ 2nd Generation [ERS-210] Entertainment Robot companions at select Circuit City Superstores nationwide and online at www.circuitcity.com. In addition, ERA also announced that the Circuit City web site is carrying the AIBO LM series, featuring the recently announced LATTE and MACARON versions of AIBO, as well as the full line of LM Series AIBOware software and accessories.
Initially, AIBO is available at 59 Circuit City Superstores in California, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Connecticut, Missouri, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kansas, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina and Washington. "By choosing Circuit City as our newest retail partner, we have significantly expanded the availability of the AIBO Entertainment Robot line-up, allowing us to efficiently fulfill consumer demand for this expanding entertainment platform," said Stuart Wallock, ERA's director of marketing and business planning.
Circuit City locations will offer the gold version of the AIBO 2nd Generation Entertainment Robot, along with AIBO Life software that allows consumers to raise AIBO from an infant to an adult, Hello AIBO software that transforms AIBO into a fully mature robot, a lithium ion battery pack, and an Energy Station for dual battery charging and LCD energy level read-outs. In addition, the complete AIBO 2nd Generation product line-up will be available on the Circuit City web site.
Hello DVD Vision Fans, We have some information about upcoming R2 (Japan)DVD Releases. Metropolis: 2 versions There are 2 versions of the Otomo/Rintaro animated masterpiece based from Osamu Tezuka's manga. The first is a Memorial Box Set ($130) 2 Disc set Disc one: The movie with DTS or 5.1 sound. Disc two: sepia pitch demonstration cg tests music videos animation tests metropolis map and character relation map Trailers metropolis map and character relation map Metropolis manic color booklet The Second is the regular edition ($40) Disc one: Movie 5.1 surround sound trailers music video Also, if you enjoyed Orgus 02, yet missed getting a chance to see it uncut with the original language, now you can. This DVD set contains all 6 episodes of the OVA series. Price is $150 ASTRO BOY BOX The first Mighty Atom box set has just been released. This DVD is made from new telecene negative. It includes the English Opening, 24 page booklet and Japanese subtitles (we don't know why) HELLSING PRE ORDER COFFIN: A limited edition release of the first episodes of Hellsing is going on now. The price is $40, and only 10,000 initial units are going to be made. If you have any questions about ordering or additional information, please contact dvdvisionjapan@yahoo.com Enjoy your DVD's! Lee Anderson DVD Vision Japan. www.geocities.com/dvdvisionjapan/index.html
-Daniel Kurland of SzR
http://www.saiyanz-rage.net
As previously reported, a new WEISS KREUZ series is due out in Japan next year. According to the latest news posted to the official WK homepage, the broadcasting station won´t be TV Tokyo as it was by the first series, but the Pay-TV channel Kids Station (SkyPerfecTV Digital Csat). First rumored to be slated for February, the start date has been put back to March 2002.
WEISS KREUZ: GLÜHEN (ger. "Glowing")
[Draft Proposal] Takehito Koyasu [Director] Hitoyuki Matsui
(Inu Yasha, Ayatsuri Sakon) [Scenario] Kazuharu Sato (Ayatsuri Sakon,
Sakura Wars - TV); Ryunosuke Kanazuki (Anime Tenchou)[Chara Design /
Animation Supervisor] Toshimitsu Kobayashi (Lupin III - 2001 TVSP) [Action
Choreographer] Jun Shibata [Art Director] Satoru Kuwahara
[Animation] Step Visual
Corporation
If you live in the L.A. area, you're in for a real treat this weekend. According to the following , the original uncut 1954 Japanese language version (with subs) of Godzilla will be showing at the Japan American Theater Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. The theater is located at 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo, and the number to call is 213-680-3700.
Synch-Point's FLCL DVD release to feature Creator/Director Kazuya TSURUMAKI commentary
Los Angeles, CA- Synch-Point is proud to announce a special feature on all FLCL DVD volumes.
FLCL will feature a running commentary by Kazuya Tsurumaki, director and creator of FLCL. Tsurumaki finally got his chance to cast creative control over a whole project when GAINAX gave him free reign to do FLCL in 2000 – and with this bizarre series the anime community found a maverick artist… and Tsurumaki himself found his artistic voice.
Tsurumaki rose quickly through the ranks of the animation world, having done work early on with Nadia: Secret of Blue Water, serving as one of the Key animators on Ah! My Goddess, and then moving into an assistant director role on the Neon Genesis Evangelion television series. That series’ director, GAINAX founder Hideki Anno, then entrusted Tsurumaki to work on the Evangelion, on which the talented animator displayed his wares. He directed the Evangelion movie: Air. Tsurumaki moved on as assistant director for GAINAX’s next project Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou (His and Her Circumstances), before being asked by GAINAX to create his own series, which has now come down to us as FLCL.
Developed by GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and animated by Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell), FLCL is a psychedelic, surreal fantasy set in modern day Japan in a little town called Mabase where the life of pre-teen Naota is torn asunder by the outrageous alien Haruko and the flirtatious, picture of innocence, Mamimi. However, Tsurumaki tosses into this relatively innocuous premise large robots that spring forth from Naota's head, secret agents that snoop around, lethal uzi battles, even more lethal Vespas, and a sophisticated satirical voice that ties everything together.
FLCL DVD information follows:
DVD INFORMATION
FEATURING – Commentary track by the Director/Creator of the series!
(Insights into the production! Creative decisions and behind the scenes info!)
DVD Volume 1
Contains episodes 1 -2
Length: approx. 60 minutes
Release Date: January 29, 2002
Pre-Book: January 4, 2002
Volume: FLCL
Title: Vol. 1
Language: Japanese/English + English Subtitle
Catalog #: SPFC-DVD01
ISBN: 193171214X
UPC: 801975130194
SRP: $29.95
Recommended age: 13 and up
Features:
-Bilingual DVD
-2 episodes
-Character design sketches
-Translation notes
-Reversible cover
-Subtitles
-Commentary by Original Japanese Creator/Director
And more!
Naota wants to be normal. But with a talented brother leaving Japan for the US to play baseball, everyone now looks at him a bit differently. His brother's girlfriend is acting strange and now there's an even stranger girl hitting on him.
Literally.
With a bass guitar.
Oh, did I mention the robots that keep springing from his head?
Produced by GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and animated by Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell), FLCL takes animation to yet another level. Get ready for this shocking and funny digital animation about adolescence, expectations and alien intrigue. Ready, steady, GO!
Volume 1
Episode 1
12-year-old Naota already has enough to deal with at home. Both his father and grandfather are more than a little eccentric and less than a little mature. Not to mention the girlfriend his brother left behind, who is now making advancements on him.
Now, a self-proclaimed alien, Haruhara Haruko comes bursting on the scene. Naota is the key to her mission and the weirdness has only just begun.
Episode 2
Masked by semi-innocent teasing and flirting, 17-year-old Mamimi is a girl with a past; harboring secrets that Naota doesn’t fully understand. There is definitely something about her that seems more complex than she lets on. For some reason, she’s obsessed with Fire Starter, a video game about fire and a god named Cantide. And nothing is the same after she sees a black winged deity.
TRISTAR PICTURES TO RELEASE "METROPOLIS" ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 AT THE AMC EMPIRE 25 BASED ON THE COMIC BY OSAMU TEZUKA (THE GODFATHER OF ANIME) FROM FAMED ANIME LEGENDS RINTARO AND KATSUHIRO OTOMO
TriStar Pictures is proud to announce that METROPOLIS, directed by Rintaro ("X") and written by anime legend Katsuhiro Otomo ("Akira"), will open on Friday, January 25 at the AMC Empire 25 (234 West 42nd Street). Based on the classic manga (comic) by Osamu Tezuka, the Godfather of Anime and Manga, METROPOLIS was brought to the screen by two of the most respected figures in Japanese animation today: Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira) and Rintaro (X, Galaxy Express 999). In fact, Rintaro began his career working for Tezuka on his popular Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom) television series.
In the late 1940s, long before Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion established Osamu Tezuka as one of the most influential animators of all time, the legendary illustrator created the classic manga Metropolis. Set in the future, Metropolis is a grand city-state populated by humans and robots, the cohabitants of a strictly segmented society. Amidst the chaos created by anti-robot factions, detective Shunsaku Ban and his sidekick Ken-ichi are searching for rebel scientist Dr. Laughton, to arrest him and seize his latest creation, Tima, a beautiful young girl. Tima is a new top-of the-line android created to succeed the leader of Metropolis. When they locate them, Shunsaku quickly comes to realize that the eccentric scientist is beyond their reach, protected by a powerful man and his fierce desire to reclaim a tragic figure from his past.
More than fifty years since it was first imagined, Tezuka¹s vision of the inability of scientific progress to fulfill basic human needs -- in spite of its mechanizing even the most fundamental aspects of life -- confirms him as a prophet as well as a fabulist. Directed by Rintaro and written by Otomo, the retro-futurism of the story - as well as its precautionary tale -- is spectacularly rendered in its visual style, combining the best in Japanese cel animation with the latest in digital technology. METROPOLIS has been selected to be shown at a number of international film festivals including Locarno, Sitges and Hamburg.
PATRICK MACIAS AUTHOR OF TOKYOSCOPE: THE JAPANESE CULT FILM COMPANION
Meet the author and celebrate the release of TOKYOSCOPE: THE JAPANESE CULT FILM COMPANION, the latest and greatest book on the wild world of Japanese pop cinema covering Godzilla, karate, gangster, horror, Japan's infamous "pink" movies, and much more!
***************************
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1 P.M.
Free admission!
Location: KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORE 1581 Webster @ Post (inside the Japan Center) San Francisco (415) 567-7625
Map: http://maps.yahoo.com/py/maps.py? &addr=1581+Webster&csz=San+Francisco,+CA&country=us
TOKYOSCOPE: THE JAPANESE CULT FILM COMPANION By Patrick Macias Foreword by Kinji Fukasaku (BATTLE ROYALE) Afterword by Takashi Miike (AUDITION and DEAD OR ALIVE) Published by Cadence Books, 240 pages, $19.95 IN BOOKSTORES NOW www.pulp-mag.com
***************************
IF YOU MISS THIS EVENT, PATRICK WILL ALSO BE READING/SIGNING SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 AT THE PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE IN BERKELEY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BAY AREA PREMIERE OF *BATTLE ROYALE*.
MORE NEWS TO FOLLOW.
http://www.comicbookscifi.com/sept.html re-posted the Gatchaman extravaganza happening at the Shrine. For those new to the ML, Battle of the Planets and Gatchaman episodes will be shown at the Shrine Auditorium-from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.-on December 16. The first 500 people who attend can get free Battle of the Planets t-shirts. Stickers will be handed out afterwards. You can meet-and get autographs from-Janet Waldo(the voice of the princess) at 1 p.m., and win free Rhino BOTP dvd's at 2 p.m.
We're currently reviewing a copy of the Viz / Cadence Books release: TOKYOSCOPE: The Japanese Cult Film Companion. Written by Patrick Macias, illustrated by Happy Ujihashi, with introduction by Battle Royale Director Kinji Fukasaku and Afterword written by Dead Or Alive Director Takashi Miike, the book is shaping up to be the most concise English print collection of information on Japanese Cult films we've encountered and tentaviely we're trying to secure Patrick for interview.
Special Announcement #1: We can't say much, but...Shirow is over 180 pages into his work on flopping and modifying the pages of Man-Machine Interface for the Western audience. Be prepared for some surprising decisions on his part, and many subtle changes! It's kind of fun looking for them, actually. He's being assisted by the finest Photoshop artist we've ever met, Mr. Tanaka. His work is flawless! Toren's at work on the translation for the first issue now, a long 36 page one. No release schedule yet, but as Shirow is moving so quickly, next summer/fall is not unlikely. ID3 is in the planning stages and we discussed some options as to format, plus a special limited edition.
According to the newsgroup posting by Sany:
After nearly three years of anime abstinence (storyboarding doesn´t count ;), Hideaki "EVA" Anno is back in Gainax´s animation department, where his director´s chair is still waiting for him. In a somewhat back-to-the-root step, Anno will supervise a short opening animation movie for Animate´s ANIMATE EXPO 2002 (with an option on an OVA or even television outing). Now fans of Japan´s biggest anime&manga retail shop chain (how´s the LA store doing?) will surely know "Anime Tenchou" (Anime Shop Manager). Illustrated by Samurai Spirits´ creator Kazuhiko Shimamoto and featuring the story of shop manager Anizawa Meito and his crazy otaku antics, "Anime Tenchou" sets the perfect premise for Anno´s psychoanalytical approach. Storyboard and animation direction are by FLCL´s Hiroyuki Ishi, which makes you wonder if Anizawa will end up as a freak attacking people with his imaginary guitar cause they don´t want to buy Evangelion calenders.
In what might not have been the biggest surprise of the year, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" has broken box office records in Japan with 1.57 billion yen ($12.73 million) income after two showing days, eclipsing "Star Wars Episode I". Former box office No.1 "Reisei to jounetsu no aida" (Between Calmness and Passion) has slipped to the second place, while "Sen to Chihiro.." in its glorious 20 weeks still manages to hold the 3rd place.
Here´s the current Japanese movie ranking chart:
Ranking (Last week position) // Title // Distributor // Showing Weeks
01 (-) // Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone // Warner // 1
02 (1) // Reisei to jounetsu no aida // Toho // 4
03 (2) // *Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi* // Toho // 20
04 (3) // Moulin Rouge // Fox // 3
05 (7) // Onyouji ("Diviner") // Toho // 9
06 (4) // Swordfish // Warner // 5
07 (-) // Powazon // G.H. // 2
08 (6) // Kaa-chan // Toho // 4
09 (-) // Accidental Spy // Herald // 1
10 (-) // Bless the child // G.H. // 1
G.H. Gaga Humax
Reference: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/reuters/asia-76270.html
Source: Magic Box
CSFB stated that the over 810,000 software units for PlayStation 2 were sold in the period of November 18 - 24, 83% higher than previous weeks. Nintendo's most popular GameCube title is Luigi Mansion, which has sold over 257,000 units. Microsoft's best selling title is Halo, sold 97,000 units.
3" PVC Import Figures Offered... The Gatchaman craze has begun! Currently available for order via X World Imports, oversea manufacturer Uni-Five's 5 piece set of 3" PVC Gatchaman Figures. This set comes packed in a clear acrylic display box. Originally $19.55, this collectible is now marked down to $17. In addition, X World is offering Free Shipping on orders over $30.00 from now until 12/25/01.
Toybox DX has compiled the following:
Final production model shots of Bandai's reissue of the Takatoku 1:55 scale VF-1J appeared in this month's Dengeki Hobby, and things are looking great. Some highlights: The nosecone is just as pointy 'n dangerous as the Takatoku The "vents" on the bottom of the chestplate have been painted black (they were left grey on the original) Bandai has strenghtened several of the joint areas, most notably the ratchet mechanism for the wings. There's nary a sticker in sight! Everything from Hikaru's name stenciled under the cockpit to the detailing on the legs, arms, and chest has been replicated with a high-tech painting process. The packaging will look absolutely nothing like the original Takatoku version, and the toy will be packaged in Fighter mode rather than Battroid. Release date is set for later this month at a retail price of ¥6800 (roughly $60).
TOKYOPOP® ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF 8 HOT, NEW PROPERTIES
Manga, Anime and Soundtrack Titles Guaranteed to Wow Fans in 2002
LOS ANGELES - 12/4/2001 - As part of more than 450 new products launching in 2002, TOKYOPOP® has licensed the rights to eight significant properties across multiple entertainment platforms. The move boosts TOKYOPOP®'s portfolio to more than 70 core brands and strengthens the company's position as an entertainment industry leader. Acquisitions include Initial D, Real Bout High School, Cowboy Bebop, GTO, Alexander, Onimusha, Love Hina, Angelic Layer and Priest. The deals range in scope, each consisting of one or more category, and also represent the company's further expansion into television, film and consumer products.
"These exciting acquisitions complement our current broad base of properties, and further solidify TOKYOPOP® as the most comprehensive multi-platform distributor of international entertainment titles," said John Parker, the company's President & Chief Operating Officer. "We are delighted to bring them to fans in North America."
Initial D
An enormous hit in Japan, Initial D sold more than 30 million graphic novels and boasted a 50% television share in its time slot. This highly anticipated anime/manga title is well known for its take on the street-racing scene. Following a delivery boy as he earns his way up through the echelons of street racing, Initial D is a "coming of age" story that plays like The Fast and the Furious.
Real Bout High School
The global interest sparked by this property sent international television buyers into a frenzy at this year's MIPCOM Jr., where TOKYOPOP® highlighted its recent anime acquisition. Adding ammunition to success, TOKYOPOP® has now secured rights to the eagerly awaited manga series, upon which Gonzo Studio's popular television show is based. In this epic adventure, a high school samurai girl joins forces with her teacher to fight a host of horrific monsters when she's suddenly summoned to the strange world of Solvania.
Cowboy Bebop
With an enormous level of built-in fan loyalty, Cowboy Bebop follows the popular anime series currently airing on the Cartoon Network. TOKYOPOP®'s manga and anime guide pick up where the anime leaves off, with more adventures and answers to fans' questions about the show. The year is 2071 in the world of Cowboy Bebop. Space exploration, intergalactic criminals and bounty hunters co-exist in a cyberpunk future.
GTO - Great Teacher Onizuka
GTO is the next big wave in anime -- no shojo, no big eyes, no "save the world" plot. The story of a motorcycle gang member-turned teacher who decides it's time to grow up and become a man, GTO serves up a "real life" mix of urban drama and physical comedy. In Japan, this anime and manga series was so successful that it spawned a hugely popular live action television series, the final episode of which posted the highest comedy/drama ratings ever in Japanese television.
Alexander
This animated science fiction epic is based on the adventures of Alexander the Great, with character and concept designs by Peter Chung, creator of MTV's seminal hit animation series Aeon Flux. Alexander was directed by Rintaro (Metropolis) and produced by MAD HOUSE, Japan's top producer of cutting-edge animation. Alexander features distinctive characters, epic battle sequences and complex storytelling.
The Sounds of Onimusha
This soundtrack to the Sony Playstation 2 and Xbox Onimusha games features a one-of-a-kind score that is already garnering critical acclaim. The powerful, haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and traditional Japanese instruments have coined composer Mamoru Samuragoch a "video game maestro" by Time magazine.
Love Hina
As U.S. fans eagerly await their taste of Love Hina manga, this mega-popular comic book series has already spawned a highly successful and constantly sold-out product line in Japan. Love Hina follows the hilarious antics of Keitaro, a socially awkward student whose attempts to get into college get him "stuck" as manager of an all-female boarding house full of beautiful women.
Priest
With the acquisition of Priest, TOKYOPOP® continues to solidify its position as the only U.S. company bringing authentic "manwha" (Korean comics) to North America, while adding to its current Korean titles, Island and Ragnarok. This popular horror-western follows the antics of Ivan Isaacs, a former priest who sold his soul to a supernatural power and now uses his newfound abilities to fight the demon lord Temoraze and his zombie minions. Ivan is the only one who can stop the evil, but the power he sold his soul to might not exactly be good either.
Yes, it's official. There's even a statement from the studio on their webpage as to why the Japanese track was omitted from the disc (bitrate/space concerns because of the DTS track.
Note that the statement does hint to a _possible_ future release of a DVD with the Japanese track.
I can probably dig up that URL if necessary; a search in the region 2 forum should do the trick. But to sum it up:
1. A Japanese dub _does_ exist, but...
2. ... it's not included on neither the US DVD nor the Japanese DVD that has been announced so far.
Yes, the site famous for classics like Gohan's Transformation, light-hearted tributes like Mario Bebop, and scathing parodies like Bumble Bee is alive after 4 days of being shut down. But wait, there's more! Wish you could win those Robotech prizes at www.robotech.com , but you don't know how to use flash? Go to http://www.newgrounds.com/flash/index.html to learn the tricks of the trade from experts and novices alike!
I know I told you that Cinescape updates as new products are added, but you gotta see the cute Godzilla and Ghidora beanie babies! Plus the action figures keep getting more and more awesome.
Production Includes: TAF/TMS * WOWOW * KOKO * SEGA * ZET
On Nov. 21 in Tokyo a press conference event for the new project was held, staff and cast gathered to speak. Of note is the Digital HD aspect, according to the speakers this will be one of the first series of it's type to utuilize full HD data size, it was elaborated on that Korean support to Pada Pada was lended. The band "GARNET CROW" staged a live performance of "Naked story", a main opening tune. WoWoW is set to broadcast "Airship Adventure" every week on Saturday nights at 19:30 as well as every week on Sunday mornings at 9:30 (repeat broadcast). 26 episodes are planned. Ichiro Yano has been selected to direct.
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THE FUTURE FOLK BLUES
In honor of the new Cowboy Bebop movie, Seatbelts Future Blues has been released on DVD. Consisting of a 45 minute musical movie and over 20 minutes of concert footage, this is your chance to experience the hip sounds of Yoko Kano and the seatbelts on a stunning DVD. Price is $40.
METROPOLIS:
For those of you who own the "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within" DVD were treated to a trailer for the Kashiro Otomo/Tezuka anime feast Metropolis. This movie, which was released in June of this year, will be out on DVD December 7th for $40.
GATE KEEPERS IS BACK!
Fan fave Gate Keepers (just released in the US) will be coming back to Japanese DVD players next year. Called Gate Keepers 21, this new story takes place in the 21st century, with a new group of kids with gate powers. Will the old cast return? We don't know.
GHIBLI COLLECTION IS IN ENGLISH!
Since Disney seems to have a problem releasing the Ghibli movies with the Japanese audio track, you may have to fork over a few extra bucks to get the first three DVD's in the Ghibli Collection. Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, and Mononoke Hime have both Japanese and English audio tracks as well as English subtitles. Also, all three are double disk sets with some extras.
UNDERSTANDING CHAOS: A NEW US ANIME
The folks at Studio Artfxhave created a short lightwave rendered CG film called "Understanding Chaos". This small group has just released their movie on DVD. The DVD contains a making of segment. Check out their website and down load the trailer. It is worth taking a look at.
after the last Tylor OVA airs on Dec. 9, due to popular demand, we'll air some of the specials previously aired on IC for all those who missed them. They will air at 11 pm Eastern time/8 pm Pacific time -
Dec 16 - Ninja Cadets
Dec 23 - Sailor Victory
Dec 30 - Shinesman
Jan 6 - Tokyo Vice
Jan 13 - Earthian part 1
This is all we have scheduled at this point, although it's probably safe to
assume we'll air Earthian Part 2 on Jan 20.
Ghibli film showings abound
It turns out that the Ghibli film season that I have reported on before
will be touring the country during January and February, and showings are
scheduled at several locations. The full list of showings is too long to
include here, but here is a list of the venues and start dates:
Glasgow University from 1/2/02
Exeter Picture House from 16/2/02
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff from 4/1/02
Showroom, Sheffield from 11/1/02
Phoenix Cinema, Oxford from 18/1/02
Metro Cinema, Derby from 10/1/02
Cornerhouse, Manchester from 5/1/02
Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 11/1/02
Queens Theatre, Belfast from 15/2/02
Glasgow Film Theatre from 5/1/02
Arts Picture House, Cambridge from 5/1/02
Watershed Cinema, Bristol from 3/2/02
Electric Cinema, Birmingham from 18/1/02
Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry from 15/2/02
Contact individual venues for details.
Anime Encyclopedia interview online
An interview with the authors of the Anime Encyclopedia, Jonathan Clements
and Helen McCarthy has been made available online. The interview was
conducted in Atlanta by Sci-Fi Dimensions the day after the books release.
The interview can be found at
http://scifidimensions.fanhosts.com/Dec01/clements_mccarthy.htm
Sailor Moon merchandise poised to strike
Now that Sailor Moon has made the transition to terrestrial TV, official
UK releases of various merchandise have been announced. Fans should keep
their eyes pealed in the coming months for toys, dolls and cuddly toys
based on the series.
Free anime DVD (sort of)
Anyone on the look out for some cheap anime should check out the latest
issue of the Playstation magazine Playnation, which comes with a free anime
DVD containing 'Dominion Tank Police Acts I & II'. The contents of the DVD
are taken from the Manga Video release of the same name. Playnation is
available now from all good newsagents (and quite a lot of the bad ones
as well) for £2.99.
Current UK anime video release schedule
With ADV Films on hiatus, and nobody else reporting any firm plans for next
year, the schedule is rather slim at the moment. Things should pick up
again after Christmas.
All of the following dates are subject to change.
10th December: Gundam Wing vol. 1 (T), Gundam Wing vol. 2 (T)
27th December: Sailor Moon vol. 3 (VT)
February 2002: X (MD)
April: Akira (MD)
Forthcoming: Evangelion Movie (MB), Virus (MB), Dirty Pair Flash (AD),
Ninja Resurrection (AD), Slayers (AD), Gunsmith Cats (AD),
Samurai X (AD), Burn up W (AD), Sin: The Movie (AD),
Samurai X: The Movie (AD), Generator Gawl (AB),
Gasaraki (AB), Cardcaptors: The Movie (B),
Oh My Goddess Movie (VB),
(A)=ADV Films, (K)=Kiseki Films, (M)=Manga Entertainment, (V)=MVM,
(T)=VHS tape, (D)=DVD, (B)=Both
Source: The Magic Box
01/02 (3) Glasgow University Laputa Castle in the Sky
01/02 (3) Glasgow University Defenders of the Forest
01/02 (3) Glasgow University Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
02/02 (1) Glasgow University My Neighbour Tortoro - Dubbed
16/02 (1) Exeter Picture House My Neighbour Tortoro - Dubbed
17/02 (1) Exeter Picture House KiKi's Delivery Service - Dubbed
23/02 (1) Exeter Picture House Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
04/01 (7) Chapter Cardiff Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
06/01 (2) Chapter Cardiff Grave of Fireflies
20/01 (2) Chapter Cardiff My Neighbours the Yamadas + On Your Mark
13/01 (3) Chapter Cardiff My Neighbour Tortero - Dubbed
27/01 (2) Chapter Cardiff The Crimson Pig
02/02 (2) Chapter Cardiff Whispers of the Heart
17/02 (2) Chapter Cardiff Defenders of the Forest
10/02 (2) Chapter Cardiff Laputa: Castle in the Sky
24/02 (2) Chapter Cardiff Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
26/01 (1) Chapter Cardiff Kiki's Delivery Service
11/01 (7) Sheffield Showroom Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
18/01 (3) Phoenix Oxford The Crimson Pig
28/01 (3) Phoenix Oxford Luputa:Castle in the sky
01/02 (3) Phoenix Oxford Kiki's Delivery Service
08/02 (3) Phoenix Oxford Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
09/02 (1) Phoenix Oxford Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
16/02 (2) Phoenix Oxford Grave of Fireflies
23/02 (3) Phoenix Oxford My Neighbour Tortero - Dubbed
10/01 (1) Metro Derby Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
17/01 (1) Metro Derby Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
24/01 (1) Metro Derby Grave of Fireflies
31/01 (1) Metro Derby My Neighbour Totaro - Subtitled
05/01 (1) Cornerhouse Manchester Kiki's Delivery Service
06/01 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester Laputa: Castle in the Sky
10/01 (1) Cornerhouse Manchester Whispers of the Heart
12/01 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester Grave of Fireflies
12/01 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester On Your Mark - short
19/01 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester Defenders of the Forest
25/01 (3) Cornerhouse Manchester Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind
01/02 (7) Cornerhouse Manchester Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
03/02 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester My Neighbour Totaro - Subtitled
10/02 (2) Cornerhouse Manchester The Crimson Pig
11/01 (3) Filmhouse Edinburgh Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind
18/01 (7) Filmhouse Edinburgh Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
20/01 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh Grave of Fireflies
24/01 (3) Filmhouse Edinburgh My Neighbour Tortero - Dubbed
28/01 (3) Filmhouse Edinburgh Defenders of the Forest
05/02 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh Laputa: Castle in the Sky
07/02 (3) Filmhouse Edinburgh Kiki's Delivery Service
12/02 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh Only Yesterday
15/02 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh Crimson Pig
19/02 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh Whispers of the Heart
22/02 (2) Filmhouse Edinburgh My Neighbours The Yamadas + On
Your Mark
15/02 (3) Queens Theatre Belfast Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
18/02 (1) Queens Theatre Belfast Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind
22/02 (1) Queens Theatre Belfast Kiki's Delivery Service
23/02 (1) Queens Theatre Belfast The Crimson Pig
24/02 (1) Queens Theatre Belfast Only Yesterday
25/02 (1) Queens Theatre Belfast My Neighbour Tortaro - Subtitled
05/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre The Crimson Pig
08/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind
12/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre Kiki's Delivery Service
15/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre Grave of Fireflies
19/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre My Neighbour Tortero - Dubbed
22/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre Only Yesterday
25/01 (7) Glasgow Film Theatre Princess Mononoke - Subtitled
(tbc)
26/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
29/01 (1) Glasgow Film Theatre My Neighbour the Yamadas + On
your Mark
05/01 (1) Arts Picture House Cambridge My Neighbour Totaro -
Dubbed
18/01 (2) Arts Picture House Cambridge Laputa: Castle in the
Sky
20/01 (1) Arts Picture House Cambridge Kiki's Delivery service
22/01 (1) Arts Picture House Cambridge Nausicaa of the Valley
of the Wind
22/01 (1) Arts Picture House Cambridge The Crimson Pig
25/01 (2) Arts Picture House Cambridge My Neighbour Totaro -
subtitled
27/01 (1) Arts Picture House Cambridge Princess Mononoke -
subtitled
03/02 (1) Watershed Bristol Nausicaa of the Valley of the
Wind
10/02 (1) Watershed Bristol My Neighbour Totaro - Dubbed
17/02 (1) Watershed Bristol Laputa: Castle in the Sky
23/02 (2) Watershed Bristol Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
18/01 (4) Electric Birmingham My Neighbour Totaro - subtitled
18/01 (7) Electric Birmingham Princess Mononoke - subtitled
22/01 (3) Electric Birmingham Whispers of the Heart
25/01 (4) Electric Birmingham Only Yesterday
15/02 (2) Warwick Arts Coventry Princess Mononoke - Dubbed
The Right Stuf reports GTO's initial volume will go on sale in America on 03-19 retailing at $29.98 on DVD.
Anime On DVD has received word Central Park Media has aquired the rights "Yami no Matsuei" (Descendants of Darkness) TV, with plans to release the 13 part series via a 3 DVD release.
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