Anime News Service - January 11-16 Anime News

1-16-01---- Otaku TV News

Excerpted from the release:

Otaku Television is a public access television program that focuses on Japanese animation, video games, import toys, and anything that's interesting in the fandom community. Our first episode is finished, and it's ready to air in Prince George's and Montgomery counties of Maryland. We are working on getting the exact dates and time, so please visit OTV's website at www.otakutelevision.com for updated information. If you're an out-of-towner, or just want to have a sneak peak of the show, we are streaming Episode #1 in its entirety online at the website! You can submit viewer mail and fanart for our next episode, so be sure to let us know what you think of the show, and share your thoughts with fellown viewers in our Forum!

1-16-01---- Manga Obscenity Charge Update

According to this page, one of the obscenity charges filed against the comic store-for selling Demon Beast Invasion and Overfiend manga-has been dropped.

1-16-01---- Toynami Updates

Toynami has updated it's website with a news based front page and welcome message that the site is intended to give information on their products and services to both our fans and retailers. Contact information for general questions and spring catalogs have been added.

1-16-01---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Here more info on Square's upcoming FF X can be found. The male and female lead are named Tidus and Yunda, respectively, and this is supposed to be the first FF game with voiceovers.

1-16-01---- Dragon Ash Album And Tour Data

Japanese Hip Hop group Dragon Ash's latest album, "Lily OFDA VALLEY" goes on sale March 14th and includes 12 tracks. The group's tour "21st Century Riot" has been annonced.

1-16-01---- Happy Lesson Event

A KSS event for the OVA Game Happy Lesson is scheduled for 3/20 in Tokyo.

1-16-01---- Street Fighter ALPHA DVD Details

The DVD version of Manga release of the Street Fighter Alpha OAV will features Digitally Remastered 4x3 Transfer , "Motion Menus ",Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound English , Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Japanese, Interviews, and Street Fighter Alpha Trailer .

Source: UMJAMS Anime News

1-16-01---- New Voice In Latest Ghibli Project

The Hayao Miyazaki Web's mailing list has made mention of a seiyuu name being added for Ghibli's latest feature, "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi". Chihiro has been named to be voiced by Rumi Hiiragi who recently had a role in the NHK morning TV novel series "Suzuran".

1-16-01---- Sputnik 7 Update

DVD Animania is mentioning that Sputnik7 has added the third volume of Violence Jack. Description follows: Violence Jack: Vol. 3 Slumking. One man has risen to power in the corpse-strewn wasteland that was once Japan. His name is Slumking, and his rule over the shattered settlements of Kanto is both harsh and absolute. Running time: 40 min.

1-16-01---- Net Anime

A group at Original Net Anime is planning to screen "Lingerie Fighter Papillon Rose", a 25 episode creation via the internet from February. A small and large trailer is available for download.

1-16-01---- Outlaw Star 1st Episode Edits

Past site contributor Kyle Pope has posted a list of his personal observations in the realm of editing with the 1st Outlaw Star Episode on Cartoon Network to rec.arts.anime:

Gene's "hell" changed to "heck"
OP gone (of course)
Pirate fighter pilot's "damn" changed to "blast"
Again, see above.
Small edit of Gene and Jim playing cards in the bar.
Dialogue changed so Gene and Jim are playing Go Fish instead of Poker
Scene of Gene throwing down his Poker hand before the fight cut.
Jim's "damn" changed to "darn".
Death Rob's "killed 30 men" changed to "taken 30 men".
Blood matted out when Gene shoots Death Rob.
Scene of Gene shooting death Rob in the head cut.
Scene of Death Rob spitting up blood when Gene knifes him cut.
Scene of Gene fondling Iris' butt cut. Jim's dialogue altered accordingly.
Jim's "hit the casino" changed to "hit the club".
Scene of Gene and Jim's sexual banter before splitting up cut.
Jim's "scumbag" changed to "loser".
Scene of Gene in hotel room with hooker cut completely.
Gene's girly poster over his bed now has a digital bathing suit.
Blood matted out of street fight between Gene and the pirates.
Pirate's "damn" changed to "blast". Jim's "hell" changed to "heck".
Gene's "asshole" changed to "loser".
Pirate girl's "they've been killed" changed to "they're destroyed".
Scene of Hilda putting her gun to Gene's chest and firing cut.
Small cut from Gene putting his gun to Hilda's head cut.
Melfina wearing digital leotard in trunk.
Gene's "naked girl" changed to "weird girl" in preview.
Not an edit... They actually used the original full length ED.

1-16-01---- Japanese Rurouni Kenshin OVA Recollection Compilation DVD Box Details

From Sony in March comes a new DVD release of all 4 volumes of the Rurouni Kenshin OAV (Samurai X) series in a very special "recollection compilation" limited sale of 3000 sets. Perhaps the most interesting features on this release are a listed "Samurai X" (English dub track) track and Japanese subtitles. Also included is postrecording script and collectors box. Release is set for March 23rd of 2001 at 15200, running time is 140 minutes, 4:3 ratio included on video and Japanese subtitles. The disc is single layer, Samurai X edition track and "MEMIX audio " track is also ondisc.

1-16-01----- Kaiyodo Wolfwood Figure

Figures.com has added images of Kaiyodo's new Toy Tribe action figure- Wolf Wood-. This figure appears to be a preacher which carries a large cross wrapped in cloth and tied with belts. In actuality, this "cross" is a minature arsenal that opens up nicely when unwrapped, the cross-plank laden with pistols, the main shaft a rather powerful machine gun! Expertly designed by Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow, Wolf Wood features multiple points of articulation, a detailed cross ladden display base, and an amazing amount of accessories including: 2 pistols, opening Cross Machine Gun, an array of alternate hands, alternate head with shades, cloth and real metal chains for wrapping "Cross Gun", and a portable Confession Booth (a small church). SRP on this bad boy is $15.99 and can be found at most specialty and electronic stores.

1-16-01---- DBZ Manga Edits Update

Planet Namek reports on this quote from editor Jason Thompson in the letters section of DB manga from Viz Part 3 #8:

...As we explained in Dragon Ball Part 3 #2, the Dragon Ball manga is slightly edited, although not as much as the American TV version was. However, due to the many letters and petitions from fans, we are hoping to produce some sort of unedited version sometime in 2001. I'll announce it officially in this letters page when it's confirmed, until then, cross your fingers and check the Viz website for more news.

So the uncensored mangas are still in consideration, eh? Good to hear. Thanks to Jgjedi for forwarding this to us!

1-15-01---- Toonami UK

Toonami on Cartoon Network's (United Kingdom) official Toonami UK webpage upgraded starts today Jan. 15th ::: Cartoon Network United Kingdom is upgrading their Toonami lineup and introducing an official Toonami UK webpage, found here . The page is not yet reay, but should be ready today. These New Shows air Monday 15th January: Gundam Wing premieres on the afternoon (on digital cable, prime time) action animation block, which also includes Dragon Ball Z and Batman Beyond. Rumors have it that Tenchi will be joining that lineup sometime this year in UK, but it's just a rumor. The Toonami is expanding throughtout the planet this year.

Source: http://www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk/news/frame_main_exclude.html (Cartoon Network UK)

Referer: http://cnxtoonami.cjb.net/ (CNX: Toonami)

1-15-01---- Right Stuf Updates

The Right Stuf has released this press announcement with details of new volumes of Flint the Time Detective, "The Sands of Time", "Can't We All Get Along?" and others.

1-15-01---- CPM News

Central Park Media has relayed to the Right Stuf new details on their rollout of the Angel Sanctuary OVAs. Currently scheduled for a summer 2001 release.

1-15-01---- Animage Top 100 Anime Of The 20th Century

Japanese Animage magazine has compiled the below list of their top 100 anime works of the 20th century.

According to Planet Namek The titles are grouped into different categories:
Group 1: #1-#15 "The Blooming of Full length manga based movies to TV anime"
Group 2: #16-#29 "The Arrival of the Anime Boom"
Group 3: #30-#42 "The Rise of the Anime Fan Generation"
Group 4: #43-#47: "The World of Studio Ghibli"
Group 5: #48-#55: "The Prosperity of Comics"
Group 6: #56-#70: "The Signs of Japanimation" (this covers many titles that went to America)
Group 7: #71-#90: "The Permeatation and Diffusion of Anime"
Group 8: #91-#100: "The Readers' Picks for the Anime that should be remembered in the 21st Century"

1. Hakujaden (Tale of the White Serpant), Movie, 1958.
2. Tetsuwan Atom, TV, 1963
3. Horus, Prince of the Sun, Movie, 1968.
4. Kumotochuribu.
8. Ashita no Joe, TV, 1970
9. Lupin III, TV, 1971.
10. Gatchaman, TV, 1972.
11. Mazinger Z, TV, 1972.
13. Space Battleship Yamato, TV, 1974.
19. Spacde Battleship Yamato, movie, 1978.
20. Future Boy Conan, TV, 1978
22. Aim for the Ace, TV, 1979.
23. Akage no Anne, TV, 1979.
24. Mobile Suit Gundam, TV, 1979.
25. The Ideon Be Invoked, Movie, 1982
27. Armored Trooper Votoms, TV, 1983
28. Galaxy Express 999, Movie, 1979
29. Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro, Movie, 1979
30. Urusei Yatsura, TV, 1981
31. SDF Macross, TV, 1982
35. Daicon Films, 1983
38. Urusei Yatsura 2: Beutiful Dreamer, Movie, 1984
39. Macross: Do You Remember Love?, Movie, 1984
42. Wings of the Honnimise, Movie, 1987
43. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Movie, 1984
44. Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Movie, 1986
45. Tonari no Totoro, Movie, 1988
46. Grave of the Fireflies, Movie, 1988
47. Princess Mononoke, Movie, 1997
48. Dr. Slump, TV, 1981
49. Captain Tsubasa, TV, 1983
50. Fist of the Northstar, TV, 1984
51. Touch, TV, 1985
52. Dragonball, TV, 1986
53. Saint Seiya, TV, 1986
55. Yu Yu Hakusho, TV, 1992
56. Wicked City, OVA, 1987
57. Akira, Movie, 1988
58. Ghost in the Shell, Movie, 1995
60. Gubuster, OAV, 1988
61. Patlabor, OAV, 1988
62. Giant Robo, OAV, 1992
63. Tenchi Muyo, OAV, 1992
64. Ah Megami-sama, OAV, 1993
65. Patlabor 2:The Movie, Movie, 1993
66. Tokyo Babylon 2, OAV, 1994
67. Macross Plus, OAV, 1994
68. Memories, Movie, 1996
69. Mahou Tsukai Tai, OAV, 1996
70. Blue Submarine No.6, OAV, 1998
71. Sailor Moon, TV, 1992
72. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, TV, 1990
73. Crayon Shin-chan, TV, 1992
74. Mobile Suit G Gundam, TV, 1994
76. Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, TV, 1995
77. Kodomo no Omocha, TV, 1996
78. The Vision of Escaflowne, TV, 1996
79. Slayers Try, TV, 1997
80. Revolutionary Girl Utena, TV, 1997
82. Pokemon, TV, 1997
83. Cowboy Bebop, TV, 1998
85. Serial Experiments Lain, TV, 1998
88. Digimon: The Movie, Movie, 2000
89. Jin-Roh, Movie, 2000
90. Blood: The Last Vampire, Movie, 2000
91. Cardcapror Sakura, TV, 1998
93. Neon Genesis Evangelion, TV, 1995
94. HunterxHunter, TV, 1999
95. One Piece, TV, 1999
96. Detective Boy Conan, TV, 1996
97. Love Hina, TV, 2000
98. Sakura Taisen, TV, 2000
99. Martian Successor Nadesico, TV, 1996
100. Doremon, TV, 1979

1-15-01---- Fist Of The North Star On Showtime Beyond

American cable network, Showtime Beyond is airing two 25 minute episodes of the Fist of the North Star television series on Sunday nights around midnight ET.

Source: DVD Animania

1-15-01---- Mask Rider 30th Anniversary

This April the Sentai Live Action series Mask Rider celebrates 30 years of success in Japan (and beyond in recent years). A mobile exhibition, "Commemoration 'Mask Rider World 01' The 30th Mask Rider Anniversary" will first be setup in Osaka, Japan in a few months and then move around the country. Opening on March 16th special admission rates will apply.

1-15-01---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Nintendo of Japan has announced the retail price for GameBoy Advance and its accessories. The GameBoy Advance will retail for 9800 yen on March 21, three models will be available, including Violet, White and Milky Blue. A GBA Communication Cable will be released on the same day for 1400 yen, which allows up to 4 GBAs to communicate simultaneously, an additional cable can be connected through the communication box in the middle of the cable (see the diagram). A Battery Pack for GBA will retail for 3500 yen, which can be used for 10 hours continuously, and it can be fully recharged in 2 hours. Lastly, a GBA AC Adaptor will retail for 1500 yen, for you to play the machine indoor.

Hudson announced Bomberman Story for GameBoy Advance, the GBA version of their popular action game. In Bomberman Story there is a new Quest Mode in which you will go through a series of action adventure to rescue Max, there is also a 4 players battle mode. Bomberman is joined by the companion Bonn in the game. Bomberman Story is scheduled for release this spring.

Nintendo has released new details on their Gameboy Advance RPG Magical Vacation, and strategic RPG Tactics Ogre Gaiden, check out a full preview here.

New details on Nintendo's Fire Emblem: Maiden of the Dark for Gameboy Advance, the first GBA real time strategy RPG, the latest installment of the popular Fire Emblem series. The story is about a courageous hero who must protect his homeland from a brutal invasion by a neighboring kingdom. The two kingdoms has lived peacefully for hundreds of years, which gives the hero a mystery to solve along his quest to save his home.

Sony Computer Entertainment announced that they will be improving the monthly production of PlayStation 2 from the present 1 million units to 2 million units immediately, to achieve the projected shipment plan. The new Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation was established in early this year in Japan to increase the production of the Graphic Synthesizer and Emotion Engine.

Here are some new screen shots of Konami's Tokimeki Memorial 2 Puzzle for PlayStation, scheduled to release in Japan on March 15, featuring 10 playable characters from the popular dating simulation game.

Want to play the latest Konami PS2 games early? The January 19 issue of the Japanese game magazine Dengeki Playstation will come with a PS2 playable demo DVD, which includes interactive demo of Konami's The Zone of the Enders and Shadow of Memories, plus video clips of Metal Gear Solid 2.

Source: Magic Box

1-15-01---- Toy News

Cool Japanese Toys reports the long-awaited SOUL OF CHOGOKIN DAIKUMARYU will come out in mid-March. At the end of March, the SOUL OF POPINICA YAMATO, with sound gimmicks, light-up features, has high diecast metal content and a huge scale size.

Marmit's latest FIERCE LEGEND OF SUPER ROBOTS entry, GETTA III and GROZIER X are due soon. Clay prototypes of ZANBOT III, TRYDER G7, MACHINE SARUER and a different version of MAZINGA Z have been constructed. According to the site, the most fascinating of the ones mentioned above is Machine Saurer. The developers in charge of the project are very big fans of GO NAGAI and wanted to create a new version of this manga character. (They also had/have a desire to make FLOSR versions of the Go Nagai characters GOD MAZINGA, X-BOMBER and LIGER.) It should be pointed out that Machine Saurer is the lead character of the manga and that DEATH CROSS does not make an appearance in the storyline. Although they are enemies in toy form, Death Cross was created specifically for the Magnemo line by Takara. Also of note is that Machine Saurer and God Mazinga are interconnected. They both fight the same evil organization, which is semi-related to the group of bad guys in Liger.

1-15-01---- Dragonball Z Decoder Game

dragonballz.com is now featuring a new game on their website, (Brach's Dragonballz/Decoder Game). Filling in a 2 minute form qualifies you to win one of over 10,000 other great prizes. These Internet Decoder Cards Available at 'Brachs Dragon Ball Z Fruit Snacks' & on grocers shelves sometime January, 2001... Fans can collect all 4 Game Piece back designs to reveal a DragonBall Z® series scene from next season. A prize list can bee seen here

1-14-01---- DVD Items

Anime On DVD reports that Bandai Entertainment's Saber Marionettes J Collection 1 due on 1/9 release and delayed to 1/30, has now been bumped again to a 2/13 release. A new video master was received by the studio late last and now disc checks are underway to ensure the best quality. Animeigo is currently running a pool open to the public where on can enter to guess the replication date of titles in the next several months. The prize for guessing closest on all of them is the Macross TV set. Baoh, Oh My Goddess, Urusei Yatsura TV Box 2, Urusei Yatsura TV Box 3 and Vampire Princess Miyu are all listed for potentional release in a few months.

1-14-01---- Yamato And Gundam Java Mobile Phone Game Images And Technology Update

Gundam 0079 Java Game Yamato Java GameAs previously reported, about 1 month ago in Japan Bandai Networks announced it was developing 3 new games for mobile phones loaded with Java. The games include a classic Gundam fighting title, a Hello Kitty puzzle game and a Space Battleship Yamato fighter. To either side are some images of the 2 of these games captured from some promotional material spotted in Tokyo. A number of anime / manga related companies in Japan are taking advantage of the introduction of new Java equiped mobile phones as platform to develop software, manga, and even full blown animation that can then be introduced into the market easily via the various companies' websites by downloading the programs using new generation mobile phones. And Japan may not be the only market these types of games will ultimately be produced for. NTT DoCoMo's tie up with AT&T Corp's Wireless Group last month, with a planned 16 percent stake in the mobile phone division of the U.S. telecommunications giant, for 1.08 trillion yen (9.8 billion dollars) will lay the groundwork for the possible introduction of new technology in the U.S., including NTT's i-Mode mobile phone internet service.

Increased color and detail in images, sound / music variety, and interactivity levels in games like the ones proposed usually equal large file sizes. Many current generation of DoCoMo's 5021 i-mode models boast 256 color screens and versatile sound capabilities but the bandwidth access speed is still very lacking. The coming generation of mobile phones hitting the Japanese market are more than adequately equipped to handle these tasks. These new third-generation (3G) mobile phones will be available in Japan by early / mid-2001 and deliver data at 64 kilobits per second, about six times faster than the current standard. The current upper edge for the 3G standard is about 384 kbps maximum. But this new technology and associated services is expected to be priced to high to be within the reach of the common consumer when it debuts and so-called "2.5G" phones which take advantage of the upper limits of existing technology could upstage the 3G launch. The 2.5G phones will be able to run Java program applets which will allow for increased security, safer e-commerce and recently heralded location-based services. Java will also allow for alot of interactivity in games developed for it utilizing vibration function for instance, NTT and Sony Computer Entertainment planning to develop interactive games that can be played both on i-mode phones and the PS2 console. i-mode Java services begin their rollout in Japan this month.

1-14-01---- ARMS Anime Production Underway

According to the Web Sunday website, an anime version of Ryouji Minagawa's ARMS is currently underway. Previously Minagawa has worked on the technically stunning Akira and Spriggan Anime Movies with Katsuhiro Otomo. The manga version of ARMS features the character Ryo Takatsuki, who was fused with an alien technology highly capable of mass murder, code named ARMS. Although Ryo was really comfortable with his normal life, fate had other plans. He eventually crossed ARMS with Hayato Shingu and later, Takeshi Tomoe, who, like himself, was bestowed unimaginable powers against his will. In the meantime, a research-hungry organization has decided on their targets. A date for release of the anime version has yet to be announced.

Source: Anime Dream

1-14-01---- New Kenichi Sonada Project

Excerpted from the AIC Homepage The character designer of Gun Smith Cats, Gal Force, Bubblegum Crisis Mr. Kenichi Sonada unveiled his new project - Wrestloid Baby (Tempt). Its the story about a popular female robot wrestling game "FWFG-Female type Wrestloid Fighters Grand prix" in the future Japan. The English version for his new project is coming on 1/15, 2001.

1-14-01---- Brooklyn Anime Screenings

Excerpted from the latest announcement:

Anime Viewing January 20, 2001 @ Polytech

Video 1 Video 2
Open Video 10:30 - 11:20 CardCaptor Sakura 36-37
Inital D 3-4 11:30 - 12:20 CardCaptor Sakura 38-39
Himiko Den 3-4 12:20 - 1:10 CardCaptor Sakura 40-41
*Open Video/Break*
Legend of Basara 3-4 2:00 - 2:50 CardCaptor Sakura 42-43
Ayashi no Ceres 3-4 2:50 - 3:40 CardCaptor Sakura 44-45
*BREAK*
Angel Sanctuary OVA 2 4:15 - 4:45 CardCaptor Sakura 46

- Upcoming Meetings -
February 16-18, 2001 @Katsucon
February 24, 2001 @MNN

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Please join us at the Polytechnic University Dibner Library which can be found in MetroTech, Brooklyn, at the theoretical intersection of Myrtle and Lawrence.

Polytech is serviced by the 2,3,4,5,A,C,F,M,N,R,D,Q subway lines and the B54,61,75,57,67,26,51,38,52,25,41,37,45 busses. It is one of the most connected locations on the *planet* so there is no excuse for not going.

See http://pas.poly.edu/map.html for an area map.

Subway stop information (sorted by proximity) L O C A T I O N

Polytechnic Anime Society is located in Wunsch Hall, which is in Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, New York City. Polytechnic's Downtown Brooklyn Campus is at 6 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The main telephone is (718) 260-3600. For an enlarged map, please click below.

1-13-01---- AIC Announces 3rd Tenchi Muyo OAV Series

AIC has posted an English translation here of an interview with Tenchi Muyo co-creator Masaki Kajishima who was a director of the series in the past. According to the piece he has plans to work on two future Tenchi related OVA series in the future with the 3rd series already in production. The story focuses on a battle with a "hazy guy" named Z and the motive of the 3 highest level goddesses. A "Galaxy Police" and "Saint Pilot" themed series are also coming soon from the director.

1-13-01---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Update on Namco's upcoming Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil PS2 title. Currently scheduled for a spring release in Japan, Kumiko Watanabe, Kawaue Tomoko will be primary seiyuu in the game.

1-13-01---- What Does Uncut Mean?

An interesting piece from The Right Stuf here on applying the standard of "uncut" to anime. A small excerpt:

When I spoke with Funimation on this subject, I was informed that the company has levels of "Uncut". For instance, when the company first receives their material for DBZ, they immediately go to work to trimming the content to make the show fall under the guidelines for PG-13. Funimation stated that very little actual cutting is done to accomplish this stage, but that there is some. Next, they translate the script and "Americanize" the dialog to appeal to US audiences (and this is just for the subtitled version!). After Funimation finally dubs the show, they call this their "Uncut" version.

1-13-01---- The Robotic Nature Of Future Warfare

Is future real-life warfare destined to take on a shape similar to what we are used to seeing in the hi-tech cybernetic settings of some anime and manga? Below are thre articles of interest on this topic:

Thai 'Robocop' tools up: Roboguard could easily be fitted with a machinegun
The military get mightier: Is this the shape of GIs to come?
Petrol-powered boot lifts off

1-13-01---- Anime Village Updates

Anime Village has updated with the following new pieces in recent days:

JANUARY PRODUCTS IN STORE
Click on Store, scroll to bottom, and click on New Releases to see the new items we have for you since December 2000.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM DVD UPDATE 2
In order to clarify, the "First Gundam" DVDs official name is Mobile Suit Gundam. "First Gundam" is only a term used to differentiate it from the other Gundam series. We will be updating the release schedule to reflect this.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM DVD UPDATE
The English Language DVD is confirmed to contain the original version of Mobile Suit Gundam, with scenes not contained in the US TV broadcast. The audio track will be uncut English.

ANIMEVILLAGE RELAUNCH UPDATE
We are currently working on the video and mail servers for the new AnimeVillage.com website and have entered the final debugging/beta-test stage.

SABER MARIONETTE J DVD COLLECTION 1
Saber Marionette J DVD Collection 1 will have a February release date due to a more intensive check process. A new video master was received from Japan late last year in order to increase the quality of audio and video on the DVD release.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (FIRST GUNDAM)
The Mobile Suit Gundam DVDs (also known as "First Gundam") that are being released in August are the video and audio-enhanced US TV Broadcast English Language version. The Japanese track could not be added due to the editing required. Please note that the other Gundam DVDs (MS08th, 0080, and 0083) are being released in their uncut bilingual format. We welcome your input and comments regarding our releases. Please email support@animevillage.com.

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT 2001 SCHEDULE
Bandai Entertainment has announced a preliminary 2001 release schedule that covers the entire year, from January to December! click to read more >>>

1-13-01---- Sailor Moon R Movie On Cartoon Network

The first Sailor Moon movie called "Sailor Moon R (2000)" is airing on Toonami during the Rising Sun on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001 at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (e/p); ANS and akadot.com recently interviewed the film's director, Kunihiko Ikuhara in Tokyo look for this soon.

Source: DBZ Kingdom

1-12-01---- Perfect Blue DVD Release In Germany

Rapid Eye Video announced that they will release the DVD of Perfect Blue on the 29th January and Planet Manga announced that they will release the Manga Kamikaze from Satoshi Shiki beginning in March. Release Details for the disc are as follows:

Special features included on the DVD will be:
- DVD9
- uncut
- digitally mastered
- anamorphic transfer
- original widescreen version optimized for 16:9 TV
- Japanese dolby digital 5.1 with German subtitles
- German dolby digital 5.1
- Japanese and German movie trailers
- picture gallery
- interview with Satoshi Kon

You can order the DVD from our distributor:

Rapid Eye Video
Ebertplatz 21
D-50668 Cologne
Germany


Phone: 0049/221-7391233
Fax: 0049/221-7391337
URL: http://www.rapideyemovies.de

The price will be DM 59,95 [NOTE: this is currently about US$ 29,00 and does not include shipping and customs]

Unfortunately, it is still unknown if Rapid Eye Movies will also handle international orders, or if the DVD will be available at online stores.

1-12-01---- Sakura Taisen Live

The "Sakura Taisen Songs Show" Live event will run from this month through March 7th in Tokyo and Aoyama.

1-12-01---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Sunsoft is working on a new PlayStation 2 typing boxing game called Ashita no Joe Typing, scheduled to release in Japan on March 29, for 4300 yen. Based on the popular comic, this is a boxing game with a typing game interface, similar to the ideas of The Typing of the Dead. During the boxing matches, you will have to type the words displayed on screen, the faster you type the faster your character can respond to the action (attack or defense), and better chance to defeat the opponents. The game is based on the PC typing game of the same name, the PS2 version will have a number of new features like enhanced voice, additional characters and simplified user interface. The game will support the PS2 USB keyboard, developed by Sunsoft. Sunsoft is planning to release several other keyboarding games for PS2 in the future.

Tecmo announced that they are working on a new simulation game for GameBoy Advance title called Monster Farm Mania, no details are avaiable for the game yet.

Square has released some new screen shots of their PlayStation 2 RPG Final Fantasy X, scheduled to release sometimes between March - April. First the old FFX logo has been replace with a new one with the battle between water and fire goddess as the background. The main characters this time are Tida, a cheerful 17 year old male with a sword on his back, and the female character is Yuna, a 17 year old daughter of the master summoner, who is unhappy living in the shadow of her famous family. She rarely uses her summon power. Final Fantasy X will be the first game in the series to feature in-game facial expressions, as well as full character voices. The story seems to be able the battles between the summon beasts and their opponent Shin.

Source: The GIA

SNK will release Metal Slug X for PlayStation in Japan on January 25, for 5800 yen, ported over from SNK's latest arcade action shooter, the PS version feature a new Art Gallery Mode and Combat School Mode.

Source: The Magic Box

Rockstar Games' Oni lead, Konoko will appear in in PlayStation 2, Mac, and PC games this month. From Dark Horse Comics comes a three issue miniseries adaptation of the game on February 14th written by Dave Land and illustrated by Sunny Lee.

1-12-01---- San Jose Club Meeting

Excerpted from the announcement:

CA-West

Club Anime West meets on the second Saturday of every month
from 11 AM to 5 PM at the Empire branch library in San Jose

Meetings are free and open to the public

Schedule for 13 January, 2001

All shows are fan-subtitled unless otherwise noted

11:00 - 12:00 Hime-Chan's Ribbon episodes 7, 8
12:00 - 1:00 Open Programming
Bring what you want to show
New releases often make this the best part of the program.
(and obscure shows can make it one of the weirdest parts!)
1:00 - 1:30 Himiko-den episode 4
1:30 - 2:00 Kamekaze Kai To Jeanne #4
2:00 - 2:30 Flame Of Recca episode 9
2:30 - 3:00 Mamotte Shugogetten episode 4
3:00 - 3:30 Evangelion Genesis 0:X
"Legendary" 15th Evangelion LD
3:30 - 4:00 Maho Tsukai Tai TV episode 2
4:00 - 4:30 Tenshi Ni Narumon episode 5
4:30 - 5:00 CCS episode 22
(times are approximate, schedule is subject to change)
Questions/comments? Contact Ed Goodwin goodwine@bigfoot.com or (408) 227-4292 Our website, http://www.wenet.net/~bacuff/cawest.htm, is outdated because we're temporarily without a webmaster.

1-12-01---- First Gundam Details

Bandai Entertainment has uploaded the following pres release on it's upcoming release on the original Gundam TV series "First Gundam" to the Anime Village website:

Mobile Suit Gundam DVD Letter An Open Letter from the Executive VP of Bandai Entertainment

January 12, 2001
Last Edited 1140 PDT
From AnimeVillage.com

An Open Letter to the fan community
regarding MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM DVDS

It has come to our attention that some anime fans are disappointed in our announcement of the home video release of the original Mobile Suit Gundam television series on DVD later this year.

Our intention was always to release a dual-language DVD, as with all of our other releases. However, the reality of the current situation prevents us from doing so. As a result, these DVDs will be released as English-language only.

The reason for this is a licensing issue. As many of you know, in Japan, Gundam is the major franchise of Sunrise. And, while they are committed to increasing the popularity of Gundam around the world, at this time, they have chosen to withhold permission for us to include the Japanese audio on our DVD release. We have been negotiating with them on this point for some time, but we have been unsuccessful in changing this decision.

So rather than eliminate the possibility of any video release at all, we have chosen at this time to release the Mobile Suit Gundam DVDs in an English-only format, the only option available to us. At some future date a dual-language DVD may be possible, but for now, we must honor the wishes of Sunrise, and so we are unable to offer one.

This English-only release will not affect any of our other DVD releases of other Gundam titles (such as 0083, 0080, and MS08) or any of our other new titles (like Big O and Candidate for Goddess), as this is a specific licensing issue that applies only to the Mobile Suit Gundam television series.

We at Bandai Entertainment are certainly disappointed that we cannot release a dual-language DVD of this seminal anime title at this time, and we will continue to ask Sunrise and Bandai Visual for permission to release a version which includes Japanese audio. However, this decision is not ours to make.

Bandai Entertainment is still committed to delivering the best DVD products possible, and we will strive to continue to bring new and exciting shows to the American fans. We thank you for your understanding.

Ken Iyadomi
Executive Vice President
Bandai Entertainment, Inc.

- End of Text -

URL link to this story:
http://www.animevillage.com/aninews/AV-01-12-01-letter.html

1-11-01---- AM/PM Setsup I-Mode Site

Japanese mini mart, AM/PM plans to launch it's i-mode mobile internet compatible homepage from January 15th. There one can find location information, store name, address, business time, map image etc.. for all 1,240 stores across Tokyo, Kanagawa and Chiba, Saitama Tochigi, Gunma and Ibaraki.

1-11-01---- ADV News

ADV Films has announced that coming January 23, they're initiating an all-out assault on every PS2 and DVD player by releasing DVD's of Gasaraki 3: Betrayal, Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040: Leviathans, Blood Reign, Neon Genesis Evangelion Collection 3, Martian Successor Nadesico 2: Mission to Mars and Martian Successor Nadesico 3: Danger Zones. A new company, Liquid Manga Studios is apparently affiliated with ADV in some way now. The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin at 9:30 PM, Sunday 1.14.1, will be the location and time for the screening of CITY HUNTER: .357 MAGNUM. Martin Blacker (Joe Saeba) and Pam Ribon (Kaori) will be attending to greet and meet everyone. Admission is $5 and CITY HUNTER titles will be on sale in the lobby.

1-11-01---- New Sailor Moon Series?

From Fanboy Entertainment's Tokyo Rumor Mill: " Recently, while making the rounds in Tokyo, several industry insiders mentioned to Fanboy the rumors circulating that Naoko Takeuchi is currently in the process of updating her now "classic" Sailor Moon series for 2001. While it can not be officially confirmed (and may not be for a while), the rumors make sense given the current boom of classic manga and anime revivals in Japan. Sources indicate that the popular Sailor Moon characters will be changed and updated for a whole new generation of manga readers and anime viewers later this year. There seem to be conflicting rumors though as to if Ms. Takeuchi is simply updating the old Sailor Moon characters, creating an entirely all new cast of Sailor Scouts or combining aspects of both."

1-11-01---- Anime / Manga Gaming

Enix announced that sales of Dragon Quest VII in Japan exceeded 4 million copies. The PS RPG game is now the best-selling PSOne game in Japan and the best-selling title in the Dragon Quest series.

1-11-01---- Viz Press

Viz has released several press releases today for a number of products upcoming, such as Dragonball and El Hazard Manga, you can view them here.

1-11-01---- Pet Shop Of Horrors Special Edition DVD Release Details

Excerpted from the offifcial press release from Urban Vision:

PET SHOP OF HORRORS SPECIAL EDITION DVD
on sale 2/27/01

“This is one of those shows that, after watching, you just sit there thinking, ‘Wow that was cool.’" Shidoshi, GameFan Magazine

From Anime Legends Hisashi Abe (Vampire Hunter D) and Rintaro (Final Fantasy)…

Welcome to Chinatown’s most unique pet shop. There is a variety of exotic creatures to choose from, each with an intriguing tale to share with the lucky owner. But be careful, what you see is not necessarily what you get.

Here is a collection of four stories of lost love, second chances, and redemption. Whether or not the client can handle the responsibility, however, is a matter of life and death. The first episode, entitled “Daughter”, chronicles a couple’s attempt at having the perfect family. The second episode, “Delicious”, is a tale of betrayal and risky opportunity. The third episode, “Despair”, tells the story of a has-been actor and a love so blindly devoted, it surpasses even death. The final episode, “Dual”, brings the legendary holy beast known as the Kirin into the hands of two men, and only one will survive.

All four episodes in one complete collection!

Special Features Include:
· Never-before-seen deleted material!
· Audio Commentary by English Director and Cast!
· Remastered in 5.1!
· Language Options for English and Japanese!
· UV Trailers!
· UV Website!

Approximate Run time: 95 minutes
Warning: contains scenes of violence and brief nudity. Recommended for mature audiences.
Director: Toshio Hirata
Executive Producer: Masao Maruyama
Animation Producer: Masao Morosawa
Produced by: TBS
©MARI AKINO/POLYGRAM/TBS/MADHOUSE
Catalog Number: UV1067
ISBN: 1-890603-67-8

1-11-01---- Tyler Music Video Problem

The Right Stuf has mentioned on it's sigte that some of it's Irresponsible Captain Tylor Music Video Collection videos are missing their subtitles. Those who have purchased one of these tapes are asked to contact TRSI customer service at 1.800.338.6827 for a replacement.

1-11-01---- Asian IN Comics Exhibition

The "Asian IN Comics Exhibition", an event to introduce the comic culture of young generation Asian nations to Japan will be held at The Japan Foundation forum on Saturday, January 13. 11 cutting edge writers / creators from a number of countries will be present at the event. Each exhibit a work around the theme "Where do we go?".

1-11-01---- Bandai Unveils New Robot Pet

Bandai has announced it's entry into a rapidly growing boom of home based robotic companions. Reservation for BN- 1 will be accepted from February 21st with a limited initial sales run of 2500 units. Each BN-1 will retail at 50000 Yen and the units will ship in March. Bandai has been developing the pet for 5 years and rolled it out to a delighted public in November at Robodex in Tokyo. Onboard are sensors reponding to light, sounds and infrared. In Summer a program for personal computers is expected to be released to link with the robotic creature.

1-11-01---- Inquest Gundam Card Game Details

The February 2001 issue of Inquest magazine reiterates some things recently announced by Bandai on the upcoming Gundam Wing Card Game. Most notebly is that the game is scheduled to be released in North America in early 2001 and feature characters and MS card sets devoted to Gundam Wing TV and Endless Waltz OAV / Movie series'.

1-11-01---- Japanese Powerpuff Girls Site

An official Japanese website has been launched here for the Japanese broadcast version of the Powerpuff Girls series which has aired in the country from January 10th. The American anime-inspired series, The Powerpuff Girls will be airing in Japanese on TV Tokyo on Wednesdays at 6:30. Narration will be provided by Japanese comedian Kazuki Kosakai. A few interesting Japanese character / seiyuu relationships are as follows: Sarah Bellum - Takano Urara (Tiger, Saber Marionette J), Mojo Jojo - Ishii Kouji (Fujisawa, El Hazard).

1-11-01---- EX Changes

The new issue of EX magazine is online and includs interviews with Hagiwara Kazushi of Bastard and Takada Akemi of Kimagure Orange Road. EX has announced it will be changing it's format from monthly to an index based scheme and this will be implemented after a hiatus period.

1-11-01---- Yu Yu Hakusho Acquired

Although details will be forthcoming soon, U.S. Dragonball rights holder FUNimation has confirmed with ANS that the company has acquired an unspecified portion of the Yu Yu Hakusho Anime. Reports from this past weekend's VSDA/CES conventions have also mentioned FUNimation has acquired the Studio Pierrot Animated series.

1-11-01---- ADV Press Releases

Excerpted from the offfical press releases from ADV:

Official Press Release For Immediate Release January 11, 2001
ADV Films Announces the DVD Release Of Monster Rancher: The Problem with Pixie
ADV Films is proud to announce the forthcoming DVD release of Monster Rancher: The Problem with Pixie, the latest installment in the top-rated children’s home entertainment series. After a dangerous crossing over Heaven’s Canyon, Genki and his friends stumble upon an excavation of ruins. There, the beautiful, evil Pixie forces humans to dig up mystery disks for her master, Moo! It will take all our heroes’ strength to stop Pixie, her golem Big Blue, and her army of Clays. Finally, the group locates a mystery disk and unlocks Monol, who tells them the frightening first battle between Moo and the Phoenix! Get ready to unlock some amazing new secrets—and some really scary monsters—in this exciting adventure! In March 2001, ADV Films will bring Monster Rancher: The Problem with Pixie to DVD for your viewing enjoyment. The DVD brings the popular television adventures of Genki, Mochi, Suezo, and all of their friends to your home entertainment center in Dolby Digital sound. Monster Rancher: The Problem with Pixie will carry the suggested retail price of only $24.98. ADV Films, the premiere label of A.D.Vision, Inc. formed in 1992, is North America’s #1 distributor of top-of-the-line Japanese animation (“anime”), with titles such as Sailor Moon, Samurai X and Neon Genesis Evangelion. ADV Films, along with distributing top-quality, computer-animated titles such as ReBoot® and Shadowraiders™, and Weird-Ohs™ and the live-action sci-fi hit Farscape, also produces American and Japanese live-action programming for theatrical and broadcast release. Check out ADV Films on the web at www.advfilms.com.
Monster Rancher: The Problem with Pixie
Approx. 75 minutes Age Rating: ALL AGES!!!
Street Date: 3/20/01
Format - SRP DVD $24.98

Official Press Release For Immediate Release
January 11, 2001
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF Martian Successor Nadesico: Heavenly Bodies
HOUSTON – ADV Films is proud to announce the release of the newest addition to the top-selling Martian Successor Nadesico home video series. A beauty contest? On board the Nadesico? The crew of the ship goes crazy as the lovely ladies of the ship strip down to their bikinis for some decidedly non-military maneuvers. The fun and games turn deadly however, when the Nadesico becomes the target of a new Jovian weapon. With the ship outgunned and on the run, Yurika must find a way to turn the tables on their enemies in the 9 th pulse-pounding collection of Martian Successor Nadesico! This April, ADV Films will release Martian Successor Nadesico: Heavenly Bodies, the new exciting volume in the Nadesico video series. Nadesico: Heavenly Bodies will be available on digitally mastered VHS hi-fi in an English-dubbed version, and also in the original Japanese edition with English subtitles. Don’t forget Martian Successor Nadesico volumes 1-8, which are also available through the ADV Films catalog. ADV Films, the premiere label of A.D.Vision, Inc. formed in 1992, is North America’s #1 distributor of top-of-the-line Japanese animation (“anime”), with titles such as Sailor Moon, Samurai X and Neon Genesis Evangelion. ADV Films, along with distributing top-quality, computer-animated titles such as ReBoot® and Weird-Ohs™ and the live-action sci-fi hit Farscape, also produces American and Japanese live-action programming for theatrical and broadcast release. Check out ADV Films on the web at www.advfilms.com.
Martian Successor Nadesico: Heavenly Bodies
Running Time: 60 minutes Age Rating: 12 yrs. +
Street Date: 4/24/01
Format - SRP VHS (English-Dubbed) $19.98 VHS (English Subtitles) $29.95

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