Maison Ikkokou will be coming to DVD.
Ranma ½ is coming to DVD. Simultaneous releases for season 6 and past seasons are currently in the works.
Yes, Robotech, will be coming to DVD – 6 episodes per disc, estimating a May 2001 release.
Spriggan may still be released this Fall, but total confirmation is still on hold.
Thompson proudly announced that the much anticipated title Kare Kano (Kareshi Kanojyo no Jijou) is slated to be released beginning Fall 2001. We are currently anticipating a 4 disc release for the series, but nothing has been set in stone just yet.
He also confirmed that Right Stuf is planning to release Boogie Pop Phantom beginning this fall.
More details on these titles will be forthcoming from Right Stuf in the coming months.
Daichi Akitaro's new OVA work, Kuromi-chan may be marked by its strong individuality. Kuromi-chan finds work with an anime studio, but it's much harder than she's expected.... This is the first "anime-making anime" as far as I know. So it may be a new bible next to Otaku no Video. It will be released on March 30.
here's the latest from Score:
LATEST CELL TAPES FEATURE DBZ CCG CARDS!
Starting next week, you can watch your favorite cartoon and receive free cards! On February 20th, DBZ videotapes in the Cell series will feature special DBZ CCG rainbow holographic cards. When you buy Imperfect Cell "17's End" or Perfect Cell "Hunt for 18," you will receive two common Trunks cards and one exclusive Trunks foil card. Check out the hottest new Cell tapes and add cool cards to your collection!
NEW OFFER
Soon, you will be able to receive a randomly selected common Trunks Saga card when you purchase a Saiyan Saga Booster Pack. One Trunks Saga common card will be shrink wrapped to each Saiyan Saga 9-card Booster Pack. Stay tuned to http://www.DBZcardgame for more details about this exciting offer.
ANDROID SAGA IS COMING
The next expansion set of the DBZ CCG, the Android Saga, will release early this summer. The booster-only release offers many special features, including: A martial arts theme that makes the game faster and more exciting Battlefield cards that expand deck creation options Updated versions of old personalities Matching foil cards in each Booster Pack
Electronic Arts will distribute Capcom games in Europe, according to Gamespot. SFEX3 will be the first game to be published under this agreement, and it will come out March 3. Onimusha will be out in June.
PS2.IGN.COM has posted a report of reaction to Columbia Pictures' recently screened 15-minute trailer from its forthcoming Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Read it here.
IGN has posted a video trailer for the upcoming PS2 Z.O.E. game, you can view it here.
To celebrate the release of the upcoming Final Fantasy X RPG, Square will be holding a promotion in Japan which highlights the music of the Final Fantasy series. Music has been one of the most memorable facets of the series so far, and fans in Japan will have the chance to relive their favorite themes in remixed form. The promotion works like this. Fans of the Final Fantasy music can vote at Square's Play Online website for their favorite theme songs from FF lore. The song that turns out the most votes will undergo a slight conversion, with a new arrangement and new lyrics, and will be included with the Maxi CD for Final Fantasy X's theme song, "It is wonderful." The lyrics for the number one song will be sung by RIKKI, who's also singing the theme for FFX.
A release date and pricing info have yet to be revealed for the FFX Maxi CD. However, Square has already begun the music promotion at the PlayOnline site. Click here if you'd like to vote. The deadline is April 30th.
Source: PS2.IGN.COM
Toonami/CN has decided to broadcast Dragonball Z back to back for one full hour during the Mid-night Run, from 12:00 am to 1:00 am EST/PST starting March 26th, 2001. Toonami will still be broadcasting the new "DBZ Season 4" during midnight. There is a good chance that "Gundam Wing (UNCUT)" might replace DBZ after some time. This news is semi-Confirmed.
It looks like starting March 10, 2001 will be the end for the Saturday morning Toonami show Rising Sun. Toonami/CN to Re-air Outlaw Star. This comming, Monday Feb. 19th they will re-run all 25 eps. of Outlaw Star over again. Outlaw Star will air two times at 5:30 pm and 7 hours later at 12:30 am.
LATEST CELL TAPES FEATURE!
Starting next week, you can watch your favorite cartoon and receive free cards (CCG)! On February 20th, DBZ videotapes in the Cell series will feature special DBZ CCG rainbow holographic cards. When you buy Imperfect Cell "17's End" or Perfect Cell "Hunt for 18," you will receive two common Trunks cards and one exclusive Trunks foil card. Check out the hottest new Cell tapes and add cool cards to your collection!
2 more New DBZ DVDs release dates!
GameStop.com has given the release date for 2 more DBZ DVD's Great Saiyaman - Declaration (DVD) and Great Saiyaman - Gohan's Secret (DVD) both the 'Great Saiyanman' DVDs are being released on March 30th. 'Great Saiyanman' Tapes (VHS) are being released on March 20th. There is only a gap of 10 days between the releases on tape and DVDs.
Source: DBZ Kingdom
One of Sydney's most elegant and beautiful cinemas the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne in Sydney's north screened the subtitled version of Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 masterpiece 'Mononoke Hime' for three days only - the 12th 13th and 14th of February.
Greetings,
I thought I would submit this bit of news to your site. We're very excited about our recent guest additions and we're hoping this will draw in even more people to Anime Central this year. Our website at http://www.acen.org has all the details. And now, the updated guests list...
***Range Murata NEW
Character Designer for Blue Submarine No. 6
***Naoko Matsui NEW
Seiyuu of Katsumi Liqueur in Silent Mobius & Rally Vincent in Riding Bean
***Shin Nagasawa NEW
Character Designer for Square's Final Fantasy IX and newtype.com artist
***Yoshio Yamagawa NEW
Monster Designer for Square's Final Fantasy IX and X
***Mika Akitaka NEW
Mechanical Designer for Gundam, Silent Mobius and creator of Galaxy Fraulein
Yuna
***Kia Asamiya
Manga Artist for favorites such as Compiler, Steam Detectives, Silent Mobius
and Dark Angel, he is probably best known for Martian Successor Nadesico. We
welcome Mr. Asamiya for the first time to Anime Central. Check out the
Studio TRON website at: http://www.tron.co.jp/
***Yoshitoshi Abe
Mr. Abe is best known with his work on serial experiments lain and his new
project, NieA_7, which is now airing on the WoWoW cable network in Japan.
Being the innovative artist that he is, Mr. Abe has worked on numerous
artistic projects as seen on his website:
http://www.people.or.jp/~ab/index.html
***Crispin Freeman NEW
Mr. Freeman is the American voice actor who has supplied the voices for
such characters as Hallas and Zelgadis in The Slayers, Touga Kiryuu and
Dios in Revolutionary Girl Utena and Captain Tylor in the Irresponsible
Captain Tylor. His most recent work is Spark from the Record of the Lodoss
Wars TV series. He also does script adaptations for the TV show Pokemon
and has done some incidental voice acting for the movie, Grave of the
Fireflies. Mr. Freeman is a return guest from ACen99 and we're happy
to have him back in Chicago!
***Steve Bennett NEW
The loveable, huggable front-man of Studio Ironcat makes
his way to Anime Central to dispense his wisdom and share experiences of
his many years working on anime in the 80s and forming a comic book company.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll paint cels.
***Bruce Lewis NEW
Personable fellow and professional artist since 1992, drawing comics such as
Star Blazers, Gall Force: Eternal Story, Votoms, & Robotech: Invid War
Aftermath. Don't let his outward appearance fool you, this smooth operator
knows how to teach you a thing or two about drawing manga-style.
***C.B. Cebulski NEW
Former editor in chief of CPM Manga and president for Fanboy Entertainment.
***Scott Frazier
We missed him so much last year that this year he is making his third
welcomed appearance to Anime Central. Scott is now back in the States full
time and working for Trimedia which developed the popular animation Retas
system.
***Robert DeJesus
One of the premier american manga artists for Antarctic Press, Mr. DeJesus
has done many titles such as Ninja High School and Not Ninja High School.
Also returning:
**Neil Nadelman
Prolific translator and convention icon
**J. Torres & Takeshi Miyazawa
Writer & Artist combo for Sidekicks comic from Fanboy Entertaiment
**Jeff Thompson
Chief Designer for The Right Stuf
**Shin Kurokawa
Translator and producer for AnimEigo, leading the Macross restoration
project.
Takada Akemi-sensei is a popular around the world as a character designer and illustrator. This exhibit will showcase all the "Kimagure Orange Road" artwork Takada-sensei has drawn over the last 10 years.
Dates
1st Stage: 3/17 - 4/1
2nd Stage: 4/4 - 4/22
Time
10:00 - 18:00
Sponsor + Location
GoFA (Gallery of Fantastic Art)
Obal Bldg 2F, 5-52-2 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Admission
500yen (includes a drink)
Details
Works displayed: "Kimagure Orange Road"
Memorial merchandise for sale (telephone cards, etc)
Autograph Session
4/1/01 14:00-
To participate: Up until 3/17, we will
distribute autograph passes to the first
100 persons who purchase an illustration
book at the exhibit hall.
Source: http://www.studiopierrot.com
Some updates:
- Cartoon Network Holland will broadcast new episodes of DBZ starting next
april, when they will resume with the andoid saga
- A Dutch paperback edition of the original Dragon Ball story was presented
to the press three days ago. From the advance copies that I flipped through,
nothing seemed to be censored out or changed! The publisher, Glenat is one
of the big names in manga publishing in France. This title may open the door
for more Dutch translated manga! Commercials for this new publication are to
air during the commercial breaks of DBZ, starting later this month
- Cartoon Network Holland is trying to get Sailor Moon and Tenchi, but
nothing is solid yet.
- Only less than one week to go until the convention craze starts anew in
Holland. Those who live close to Holland may want to check out the
convention website at www.jpop-foundation.com
The videoprogram is astounding to say at least and will vary from cutting
edge works such as Jin-Roh to the funky pulp of Gatchaman (see how the show
REALLY ended!).
- AniWay issue 6 and the special 'members only' issue are ready for
distribution at www.aniway.nl
Get 'em if you understand Dutch or want to see some demented pix from our
visit to Japan!
LOS ANGELES, CA- Akadot.com, in a recent trip to Japan, met up with famed director Kunihiko Ikuhara ("Sailor Moon" and "Revolutionary Girl Utena.") In this Akadot exclusive, Mr. Ikuhara, who made several US convention appearances, reveals his exciting plans for this year. In addition to the interview, Mr. Ikuhara is Akadot's next Random Q&A victim. Read all about it at Akadot, where anime news is read.
Medicom (16 February 2001) Some well detailed toys from the beloved KUBRICK line will hit shelves this spring. GAOGAIGAR and his more streamlined variant, GAOFIGHGAR, will be out in April. Both will have detachable components and will retail for 2,480 Yen each.
Aoshima (16 February 2001)
A very nice kit of MAZIN KAIZER, the popular character from Banpresto's SUPER ROBOT WARS videogame is out this month. Keep in mind that this is a model kit which required both model cement and paint. It retails for 3,500 Yen.
Third Uncle (16 February 2001)
One of the best antique toystores in Tokyo is THIRD UNCLE. The shop is run by Mr. Akiba, the brother of the owner of FORREST GANG. Although the Third Uncle Akiba is the younger of the two, his vast knowledge toys is probably even more extensive than his older brother. Now, the famed store has launched its WEBSITE.
Third Unlce ads in magazines such as Hobby Japan have been known to give many a collector the false hope that if they call up, (or walk into the store) they'll be able to get the simply amazing items that are pictured there. While both stores have great toys, the prized items pictured in the ads are always long sold by the time they hit your bulging eyeballs. The website is the same. Although this site exists to promote the store (now in two locations), please treat all the great pictures you see on it as a gallery. To get an idea of just how special the items pictured are, one merely has to click on "machinder" on the homepage to see a shot of five Jumbo Mazinga Z Villains. The picture headlining their "vinyl" section contains a number of rare figures of MAZINGA Z, ASTRO GANGER and POSEIDON from BABIRU 2. The large Poseidon in the back is something I have never seen before. I'd heard that there was a large talker version and maybe this is it, but your guess is as good as mine. Whatever it is, it's very, very rare!
Excerpted from Figures.com:
Bandai Entertainment and Bandai America have partnered to launch the Anime Collector set line consisting of action figures from five of Bandai Entertainment's notable titles. With a 400 percent increase in its home video and DVD sales in the new millennium, the new toy line commemorates Bandai Entertainment's success as the premier distributor of Japanese animation in the U.S.
The alliance between the entertainment company and toy maker will allow fans to bring Bandai's anime series to life with highly detailed action figures. Each collector set features one 7" fig and 2 4.5" figures based on characters from one of five anime properties. These include: Cowboy Bebop, Pilot Candidate, Outlaw Star, Escaflowne, and Big O. The collector sets will be available for an SRP of $14.99 each.
"Bandai Entertainment is a proven leader in promoting anime in the US," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Bandai America. "We believe that the anime collector sets are a natural extension of their popular series."
"We are pleased to continue working with Bandai America to bring the magical world of anime to the consumer," said Ken Iyadomi, executive vice president, Bandai Entertainment. "They have created figurines that capture the emotion and artistry of these seven properties in a unique and dynamic way."
Due to an unexpected emergency involving personal matters that occured last weekend, D-Boy regrets that they had to cancel their trip to the NY Toy Fair.
All is not lost though fans! D-Boy will be sending info our way within the week on all their upcoming projects for2001.
These projects include:
*Vinyl Figures: D-Boy has two LARGE vinyl figures planned for this year that are sure to stun collectors. One will be based on the gorgeous actress Angelina Jolie in her knock-out part as Lara Croft from the upcoming live-action motion picture Tomb Raider. Secondly, the ever popular futuristic gunslinger is back! Vash the Stampede, from the red-hot anime series and already 2 action figures and a collectible resin bust, will be getting the vinyl treatment!
*Nine Rings of Wu-Tang: been curious to what happened with this action figure line based on the hip hop rap group Wu Tang Clan? Well, the comic of which these are based on, is no longer- thus the delay. D-Boy does have plans to release two of the figures, however- Femme Kryle and Ghost Face Killa - both to kind of test the waters and see if fan interest is still there.
Dark Angel: characters from the original black and white manga. The first series will include: Dark, Leen, Zen, and Tan.Size will be 1/8 scale, that's between 8 and 10 inches tall, come equipped with a GOOD amount of articulation, base and accessories, and will come packaged in window boxes.
OFF TO KATSUKON / STUDIOS
Let's wave to Jason as he leaves on his trip for Katsukon. Jerry is in studios making trailers. You can check out some of the cool trailers made by Joe Croasdaile for Mobile Suit Gundam and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz on the latest Bandai DVDs.
FEBRUARY SPEED SURVEY
Tell us what speed your connection is, and if you'd like to watch video and listen to music online. CLICK HERE to fill out our February Survey.
OUTLAWSTAR.COM UNDER CONSTRUCTION
We're busy creating OutlawStar.com, go to the homepage and sign up to receive email when we're finished.
Dear Robotech fan,
We're sending you this email because you signed up earlier with Robotech.com. We are pleased to announce that the official Robotech website has completed its testing phase and membership is now open to the public! Membership at Robotech.com will help you get in on the latest Robotech news and will help us get feedback on future projects, so come on in!
The following press release and news item explain the features and aim of the new venture:
Harmony Gold launches Robotech.com
Robotech franchise enters the new millenium on the internet.
Author: Morris Marketing
LOS ANGELES, CA (February 15, 2001) -- Harmony Gold today announced the official opening of the Robotech.com web site to the general public. Eagerly anticipated by Robotech fans from over 40 countries, "The Official Headquarters of the Robotech Universe" offers a rich and entertaining experience to all enthusiasts of science fiction and animation.
Fans can access the latest official news, high-quality graphics, media, and a detailed online "Infopedia" dedicated to the Robotech universe. However, the true centerpiece of the web site is its rapidly growing community section that allows thousands of registered users to communicate online with one another and chat with the cast and crew of the hit series. Fans can also shop in the secure online store to get their hands on the hottest new Robotech merchandise, including toys, posters, apparel and DVD videos.
"We are delighted to provide longtime animation fans an online community where they can experience firsthand the latest exciting developments in the Robotech universe," said Alan Letz, Senior Vice President of Harmony Gold. Word-of-mouth alone drew unprecedented levels of traffic to the web site during its pre-launch testing cycle and racked up over 40,000 registered users before it was even opened to the public.
Exploding onto syndicated television in 1985, Robotech fueled the transforming robot craze and drew legions of loyal fans with its richly detailed Japanese animation and dramatic science-fiction storyline. Its ground-breaking production design also launched a worldwide licensing phenomenon with premier manufacturers such as Tiger Electronics, Playmates, Matchbox, Revell and Ballantine/Del Rey. Robotech continues to be one of the most recognized animated television series to this day, leading a wave of merchandising that has spawned several toy lines, musical soundtracks, dozens of novels, role-playing games and over 400 comic books. Products currently under development include highly-anticipated DVD videos, new transformable toys, and next-generation console games from Mattel.
Formed in 1983, Harmony Gold is a leading production, acquisition and distribution company of quality international television programming, producing some of the most classic and history-making programs in the industry. Harmony Gold is a division of The Harmony Gold Companies, whose interests range from theatre management, real estate and finance to film and telelvision production.
The Robotech web site is located at: http://www.robotech.com.
Welcome to Robotech.com!
So, the website wasn't a hoax after all!
Author: Steve Yun, Editor in Chief
Welcome, dedicated Robotech fan, to the Robotech.com website! Finally, after fans have been waiting in anticipation for months, we're here!
A quick tour of the site is in order:
News: You're looking at it. Actually, if you hit the News button on the left, you'll see an index of past news articles. Obviously, this section is pretty empty right now, but we're going to have some pretty nice announcements in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
In the Community section, membership is required. This allows you to take part in surveys and polls, play trivia games, submit fanfics and fan art, and to plug your own website. There is also a forum, where you can discuss all things Robotech with your fellow fans. It's also a good place to let Harmony Gold know what you'd like to see in the future.
The Infopedia is where you can gather information about the Robotech series. There's a brief introduction to Robotech, for those of you who are new to this whole thing. There's the Encyclopedia Robotech, which will be filled out in the weeks to come. The Robotech Timeline is here to finally settle some things that have been up in the air concerning Robotech continuity. The Mecha Database may be of great interest to some of our hardcore fans, as it includes revised names and statistics for a more accurate continuity and greater consistency. The Episode Guides are all here for those of you who haven't memorized every single episode yet. The Character Bios include most of the major characters at the moment, and will be filled in with minor characters over the coming weeks. Last of all, there's an FAQ section for those of you who would like to see if your questions have already been answered. If it hasn't been covered in the FAQ's already, the section also allows you to submit questions to Robotech.com.
The Gallery is where you'll be able to pick up images, audio clips, video, Flash movies, banners and files. Keep checking back, as we'll be adding in rarely seen images soon, and will even be adding in brand new, never-before seen graphics!
The Robotech Store is not open at the moment, but look for announcements soon. Quite a few people have emailed or written letters to us asking where they can get Robotech toys or if Robotech episodes are still available on video. Well, they're a'comin.
At the top, there are links for the Macross Saga, the Robotech Masters and the New Generation segments of Robotech. These sections provide some of the same materials as the infopedia, but breaks them up into the 3 different chapters of Robotech so that you can just peruse through your favorite parts of Robotech.
Also, take the time to read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use at the bottom of the page. Please be aware that they are subject to change at any time, and will most likely be updated before the full launch.
Well, that concludes our quick tour of the site. I encourage you to play around the site and explore it for yourself. If there are any bugs or errors, please let us know through the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the site. Thank you for your time, and enjoy playing with the new Robotech.com!
Steve Yun
Robotech.com
Read the full interview at Core Magazine here
Thanks to Daniel for this news:
According to gamespot, Konami has delayed Castlevania Chronicles, a game based on the X68000 version of Castlevania. The game was supposed to come out for the PSX on March 22.
It's been announced that Atlus will release an enhanced version of Maken X for the PS2. Details at this page.
Sega of Europe has announced that the DC will go down to 99 pounds. This info was obtained from this location.
Screenshots and a summary of Nintendo's Golden Sun rpg-for GBA-can be found at this site; while more pictures of Mario Advance can be found at at this location.
Mario Advance has not been officially announced for North American release. And finally, a preview of the U.S. DDR can be found at this site.
1)Battle Royale is all the talk now as it battles for distribution in various markets around the world. I (Father Geek) have been lucky enough to see this motion picture uncut and take my word for it it is phantastic to say the least. Like Harry and Tom Joad I was expecting an explotation film like some of the "B" kung Fu houses produce, or at the best a Troma type product, buuuuuut NOOOOOOOOOO I saw a 1st class study of violence and terror and what it can do to us all, even the most innocent. Top of the line production values and surprisingly complex performances from all the children make this a truely great film going experience. This crossed my desk this morning:
2)" This is probably worthless to you but I'm currently living in Japan and just because it was never mentioned, Battle Royale is based on a Japanese comic. From what I've heard the movie is nowhere near as gory and blood-filled as the comic. Apparently the movie really backed off from that as compared to the comic.
I have to admit that I haven't seen the movie because obviously over here it's not in English and I don't know Japanese that well yet. However, every politician and his grandmother has openly stepped out against it, including the Prime Minister. Granted, with his 78% DISapproval rating his opinion doesn't mean that much, people here need something to harp on about and give the appearance of accomplishing something with the economy in the shape that it's in.
Maybe it's a spectacular film and if you've seen a screening then it's moving in the right direction, but if the Japanese as a whole have their way, it probably won't get far from here.
Son Goku"
3)Father Geek back with one more bit on BATTLE ROYALE. Its being whispered in cigar smoked rooms out in tinseltown that Artisan Digital Media is seriously looking into the rights on this flick.
Japan News:
4)Seijun Suzuki[director of Lupin: Legend of the Gold of Babylon], another
Japanese master of action/cult films, will direct a film for the first time
in 8 years. It is going to be remake of "Koroshi No Rakuin". The film is
already in production and is trying to participate at Cannes this year. It
will be released in Japanese theatres this fall.
5)- "Satorare", the new film by Motohiro (director from "Bayside Shakedown" and "Space Travellers"), got a great impression from the audience during its first test screening. The strange thriller is about a guy whose inner thoughts could be heard by anyone in close proximity. I missed this screening but I'll see it in 2 weeks and will follow up on this film at that time.
Source: Aint It Cool News
February 16, 2001: Gundam fans in Toronto, Canada, take note: the newly remastered Mobile Suit Gundam (0079) movie part I (140mins) will be screened this week on February 17 (3:00pm), March 10 and 31 at AnimeXtreme located at the Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., Toronto (tel: 416-516-2331). - Silver Khosla (AnimeExtreme)
All Stories, Graphics And Material © Anime News Service Unless Otherwise Cited
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