His death at a game centre in Hong Kong's Yuen Long district came eight months after a 17-year-old game centre employee was found dead after playing Diablo II through the night.
Source: Anjiro-san via The Magic Box
Famed Comic Book Writer Keith Giffen to Deliver the Shocking U.S. Adaptation
Los Angeles, CA (January 15, 2003) -- TOKYOPOP®, the #1 U.S. publisher of graphic novels, will bring one of Japan's most disturbing and macabre properties to North America. Recognized as a modern day Lord of the Flies, Battle Royale introduces readers to a horrifying world in which reality games like today's Survivor get a homicidal maniac twist and are taken to the ultimate extreme. TOKYOPOP has tapped Keith Giffen -- one of the comic book industry's most revered writers -- to do Battle Royale's U.S. adaptation. Giffen is known for such popular U.S. comic books as Justice League and The Legion of Super Heroes, among others.
"He's perfect for the series," says TOKYOPOP Senior Editor Mark Paniccia. "He understands the nature of the story, the subtext and the delicate nature of the social message that's being sent through one of the most graphically violent comics of the century."
"I am very excited about working on this project for TOKYOPOP," Giffen adds, "I thought I knew the limits to which 'extremes' could be taken - I was wrong!"
In this manga series' chilling future, random Jr. High School classes are chosen to compete in a game called "Battle Royale." The rules: one student must become the sole survivor after three days or ALL will perish. With an island as their backdrop, the students are armed and sent out into the fields alone and unprepared for the horror that awaits them. Classmates turn on each other in a battle for survival, where treaties are made and broken, and former friends become foes as the relentless countdown continues. Amid the betrayals and rising body count, two classmates confess their love for each other and swear to survive the deadly game together.
The infamous Battle Royale manga was originally created by author/artist team Koushun Takami and Masayuki Taguchi. Its shocking social commentary has also spawned a movie adaptation by the late veteran Japanese director Kinji Fukasaku, cited as the inspiration for such famed U.S. filmmakers as Quentin Tarantino and John Woo.
Thanks to Tzara for the information
Vom 2. Februar bis zum 12. Februar startet in Köln die achte Ausgabe des Kölner Trickfilmfestivals INDAC (Int. Nights and Days of Animation Cologne)
Das Festival zeigt eine umfassende Retrospektive des Werks des weltberühmten
Studio Ghibli und seiner Meisterregisseure HAYAO MIYAZAKI und ISAO TAKAHATA.
Mit den Filmen "Prinzessin Mononoke" und "Die letzten Glühwürmchen" hatten
beide Regisseure auch hierzulande bereits Aufsehen erregt, bevor Miyazakis
Film "Spirited Away - Chihiros Reise ins Zauberland" auf der Berlinale mit dem
Goldenen Bären ausgezeichnet wurde und damit schlagartig ins Licht der breiten
Öffentlichkeit trat. Inzwischen gilt der mit zahlreichen weiteren Preisen
überhäufte Film auch als heisser Oscarkandidat bei der diesjährigen
Oscarverleihung.
Wir freuen uns in Zusammenarbeit mit Universumfilm die deutsch synchronisierte
Fassung des Films in Köln vorstellen zu können.
Nicht minder aufregend ist die Aufführung der weiteren Filme, die Miyazaki und
dem Studio Ghibli die weltweite Achtung der Trickfilmer
einbrachten. "Nausicaa", "Totoro" oder "Laputa" geniessen in Animatorenkreisen
einen geradezu legendären Ruf, John Lasseter, Regisseur von Toy Story I + II,
sieht in Miyazaki gar seinen geistigen Mentor.
Umso verwunderlicher war es, daß hierzulande die Filme dem Publikum
vorenthalten wurden.
INDAC 2002/03 ist stolz diese Lücke endlich schliessen zu dürfen.
Weitere Infos zu den Filmen und dem Zeitplan des Festivals unter
www.indac.de
Ansprechspartner: Johannes Wolters email: johannes.wolters@indac.de Tel. 0221-7200494 Fax. 0221-7200494 Handy:0179-1083349
Aufführungsorte sind die ehem. Cinemathek im Museum Ludwig, die Universität zu Köln und das Japanische Kulturinstitut (Japan Foundation)
Unterstützt wird das Festival durch das Kulturamt der Stadt Köln, der Universität zu Köln, Studio Ghibli, Wildbunch, Universum Film, Telepool, Buena Vista Germany.
Despite anime becoming laregely more available in the last couple of years, one thing has not changed: the price. So for all of us with a tight budget, Bay Area Anime has assembled a list of some low-cost alternative ways to get anime.
http://www.bayareaanime.com/animebudget.html
Re-release Of Series At New Price!
New York, NY (January 13, 2003)- Central Park Media has set January 28 for the 12 Pack DVD release date for Dynamite Dozen, offering fans a chance to purchase the newly packaged ongoing series at a lower price for only $19.99 each!
DYNAMITE DOZEN - 12 PACK DVD Pack includes all 12 dynamic DVDs: Venus Wars, Garzey's Wing, Wild Cardz, Darkside Blues, Battle Skipper, Strange Love, NightWalker: Midnight Detective, NightWalker: Eternal Darkness, Demon City Shinjuku, Silent Service, The Complete Shamanic Princess, and Knights of Ramune.
The DYNAMITE DOZEN 12 PACK DVD offers the following behind-the-scenes features:
Ø Character Profiles Ø Art & Sketch Gallery Ø Trailers Ø Enhanced DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: DYNAMITE DOZEN RUNNING TIME: Over 20 Hours RATING: Ages 16 & Up MSRP PRICE: $239.99 CATALOG #: USMD-2294 STREET DATE: January 28, 2003 LANGUAGES: English and Japanese with English subtitles PRE-ORDER DATE: 12/16/02
Former X-Japan leader/drummer Yoshiki will contribute to Jo Sung-mo's new album, and Jo Sung-mo will take the stage at Yoshiki's concert. Yoshiki invited Jo Sung-mo to perform as the Korean singer representative at NHK's 50th anniversary concert in Japan on February 1. In return, Yoshiki will be giving Jo a new song around January 15. Jo will add lyrics to the song and perform it during the NHK show. The song will also be included in the new Jo Sung-mo album, to be released at the end of February.
According to Jpop USA Cartoon Network forges further ties with Japan even outside of it's Anime connections with a recent deal with J-Pop duo Puffy Ami Yumi who are are in the studio this week recording the theme song for the new Warner Brother's animation Teen Titans.
Full Story: The Japan Times
Joseph C. Chen. I'm the curator for the Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema, an annual film festival dedicated to promoting animation as a valid art form for rendering and producing powerful, mature movies; and, presenting the films in the venues they deserve to be seen in: 35mm, big screen, in a modern theatre with stadium seating and full digital surround sound.
We are now in our third year. In our first two festivals, all of the films that we've presented have been anime films, which tells you two things: the de facto acceptance by the anime industry to use animation in great movies; and, we love anime. :) Our programme has included Cowboy Bebop, Vampire Hunter D, Spirited Away, A Tree of Palme, Metropolis, Jinroh and Spriggan. Anime films simply look fabulous in 35mm.
The festival runs in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The third WFAC will be running in April 23rd-26th, 2003. Our programming will be expanding again this year. We are not a con, like so many others represented here; we seek to promote animation from a different direction, to bring awareness to the public and to help dispel the popular notion that animated movies are for kids. They don't have to be, and they don't have to be of fringe adult interest either (eg. Heavy Metal, etc.) - and we show movies that prove it.
AnimeNext 2003 October 3-5, 2003 Hilton Rye Town Rye Brook, NY
While to confess the bone cancer in the September last year, the fighting illness do up-to-date work deeply the work which photographed " battle * Ro y Al II " ? two supervision (72) the descending/disembarking board in the eldest son of 6 day decision and supervision the producer of the same work, deeply work health thickness is (30) came to the point of serving supervision vicarious execution. Supervision during December last year photographing to accompany pneumonia in cold, on same 21st urgent hospitalization. Toei Co., Ltd. of production * distribution as for return to actual place judged as the excessiveness physical strength. From the fact that also lag of schedule has come out, production and the script of part 1 are managed and the health thickness which masters the work it is changing, the megaphone is taken. President and others Okada Yutaka mediating/helping * Toei Co., Ltd. on the 7th, explains circumstance to the staff and others at the studio inside capital.
Source: Goo News
-Author Andy Mangels forthcoming book, "ANIMATION ON DVD" has been postponed until March. Reasons are cited as indexing issues, however this is a positve for the reader as one will have an even more complete volume to sift through when released. According to the circular, anime is only a portion of what's included in its pages.
- ANIME EXPLOSION! THE WHAT? WHY? AND WOW! OF
JAPANESE ANIMATION by Patrick Drazen, an in-depth look at films and themes, released in October, 2002. Fans can access the site for the title at:
http://www.stonebridge.com/ANIMEXPLOSION/
- The latest in Stonebridge's detailed examinations of Japanese cultural forms, Mark Schilling's "THE YAKUZA MOVIE BOOK: A GUIDE TO JAPANESE GANGSTER FILMS" is due in June including interviews, over 100 film reviews, and studies of actors and directors.
http://www.boomplustoys.net/tokyoautosalon2003/
BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT TO PREMIERE “ARGENTOSOMA” AND “KIKAIDER” AT THE LOS ANGELES COMIC BOOK AND SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION
Cypress, CA (January 9, 2003) – Bandai Entertainment announced the premiere of two new upcoming anime series, Argentosoma and Kikaider at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention on February 9, 2003 – Sunday from 11:00 to 1:00 PM.
Argentosoma is the latest science fiction offering from the acclaimed Sunrise Studio, creators of Gundam Wing and Cowboy Bebop. Directed by Kazuyoshi Katayama (The Big O), character designs by Shukou Murase (Gundam Wing), and mechanical designs by Kimitoshi Yamane (Escaflowne). The first two episodes will be screened.
The story begins as life ends…
Takuto Kaneshiro is a gifted young man and considered by most to be something of a genius. With a sweet, lovable girlfriend, he’s got a lot of dreams for his future. But those dreams soon turn to nightmares when Takuto is involved with a freak accident during a secret experiment. He will have the things most dear to him...taken away. With Takuto Kaneshiro dead, Ryu Soma is born. And the only thing on his mind is revenge.
Kikaider the animation is inspired by the live action works of the late, Shotaro Ishinomori (Kamen Rider “The Masked Rider” and Power Rangers). Directed by Tensai Okamura with character designs by Tadayuki Konno – Kikaider the animation should not be confused with the other popular “Kikaida” live action series currently enjoying a revival in Hawaii. The first two episodes will be shown.
The genius robotics professor, Dr. Komyoji has created Kikaider – a humanoid robot tasked with the protection of Dr. Komyoji’s son and daughter. Gifted with the conscience circuit, Kikaider is given the power to simulate real emotions that helps to distinguish between “right and wrong”. Can Kikaider protect Dr. Komyoji’s children and battle against the evil Dr. Gill and his army of androids? The fight against world domination lies in the hands of Kikaider.
Fans of Japanese animation are encouraged to come and check out these latest anime offerings from Bandai Entertainment. Come early! Argentosoma t-shirts, .hack//SIGN posters, Cowboy Bebop postcards, and other promotional items will be given away to convention attendees while supplies last.
For more information about the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention, please call (818) 954-8432. Admission to the event is $5.00.
Shrine Auditorium Expo Center 700 West 32nd St. Los Angeles, California
ALL-NEW TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANIMATED ADVENTURES LAUNCH SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 ON FOX BOX
Saturday Mornings Are In For One Shell Of A Time As Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello Star In All-New Turtles Adventures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Somewhere in a sewer, New York (January 9, 2003) - They're the biggest heroes ever transformed and empowered by globs of weird, glowing green ooze. They're a family filled with love for each other - and committed to battling evil wherever they find it. Now, they're back - with all-new adventures, amazing new allies and treacherous new foes. They're the heroes in a half-shell.They're THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - and they're ready to raise shell every Saturday morning exclusively on the all-new FOX BOX beginning Saturday February 8.
From the late the 1980's through the early 1990's, kids entertainment was dominated by the original animated adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT). Now, Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello return to television - backed by the same team that turned TMNT into a mega-hit.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES was launched in 1984 as a 40-page comic book by creator Peter Laird. The all-new FOX BOX TMNT animated series combines the awesome action and irreverent humor of the early comic books - and the TMNT creator's original intent. This exciting series unfolds in a linear fashion, with each episode setting up the next - revealing surprise after surprise!
Their history is well known: One day in New York City a mysterious canister (with the letters TCRI emblazoned across it) falls off a strange truck, just as a young boy is exiting a pet store carrying a bowl that contains four newly purchased baby turtles. The strange canister strikes and shatters the bowl, and together canister and turtles spill into the sewer. The canister breaks open, covering the turtle-babies in globs of green muck.
As they bathe in the ooze, Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Donatello are found by a kind and highly intelligent rat, Master Splinter, who scoops them up and takes them under his care. Splinter soon realizes that the green ooze is rapidly mutating both his charges and himself! Splinter, who had until recently been the cherished pet of a benevolent and gifted ninja master also learned the ninja arts by watching intently as his master practiced and perfected his ninjutsu skills. As the turtles grow, Splinter used his knowledge to become the turtle's caretaker and sensei, training them in the powerful ways of the ninja.
Then there are the villains. Remember Shredder? Well, Shredder is more villainous than ever before. The Turtles' arch nemesis, Shredder controls The Foot, a global criminal organization whose history, traditions, and practices can be traced back to ancient Japan - and just opened up a New York office! There's also Baxter Stockman, founder of the new technologies company Stocktonics. To the media he's a hero, an up and coming brilliant inventor - but in reality, Stockman's a complete madman, in league with The Foot.
Said FOX BOX executive Norman Grossfeld: "The all-new TMNT takes its main inspiration from the original comic books, where the storylines, characterization, and graphic look and feel of the comic were smart and cool. By starting with the original comic series as a jumping off point, the FOX BOX TMNT immediately has stories and characters with great depth and dimension, serious butt-kicking ninja action, strong emotional undercurrents, and sophisticated humor that will appeal to a broad audience."
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES joins the FOX BOX slate of ultra-hip animated series that includes ULTRAMAN TIGA, ULTIMATE MUSCLE, KIRBY and FIGHTING FOODONS.
About FOX BOX:
Saturday morning kids TV has taken on a whole new shape with the September 14, 2002 launch of FOX BOX. From 4Kids Entertainment, the company responsible for some of the biggest names in children's entertainment, FOX BOX is the TV network home for the all-new TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, ULTRAMAN TIGA, KIRBY, ULTIMATE MUSCLE and FIGHTING FOODONS. FOX BOX airs Saturday mornings 8:00AM-12:00PM on Fox Network affiliates nationwide.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - Turtles Lore
· In the years since the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were created, Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello have become a classic part of Americana. · Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, the creators of the Turtles, started the black and white comic book with just $1,200 in 1984. With tons of work and the support of loyal fans, they've seen the Turtles go from an underground hit to a world-wide phenomenon. · In 1983, Kevin and Peter were relaxing at Peter's house watching television and sketching. "We got real punchy!" Peter explains, and they started drawing cartoons to amuse themselves. At that time Peter was doing editorial illustration and advertising art while Kevin was working as a short-order cook and drawing comics on the side. As the evening wore on, Kevin eventually drew a bipedal turtle with nunchuks strapped to his arms and called it a "Ninja Turtle." Peter, aware of a nifty idea when he saw one, asked "Why not a teenage mutant ninja turtle?" and thus the legend was born.
· Eastman and Laird liked the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle idea too much to let it remain idle in their sketchbooks. The creative duo wrote an 'origin' story that parodied Frank Miller's Daredevil and Ronin series, comics that Kevin and Peter held in high esteem. Each Ninja Turtle was named after a renowned Renaissance artist. · Back in those days, neither Kevin nor Peter owned a computer with a spell-checker, so Michaelangelo was misspelled as "Michaelangelo" (as opposed 'Michelangelo') - fortunately everyone seems to get the point regardless of the additional letter "a." · With the story written, Kevin and Peter began doing the artwork. Since the creative duo had similar styles, they were able to switch tasks back and forth. Some pages were penciled by Kevin and inked by Peter, some pages were penciled by Peter and inked by Kevin. · Kevin had just gotten a $500 income tax refund check, so the artists decided to self-publish the comic. They borrowed an additional $700 from Kevin's uncle Quentin Eastman and used the money to print 3000 black and white copies of the first issue of the TMNT. They had enough money left over from the printing bill to take out a single one-page advertisement in a popular comic book newspaper entitled Comics Buyer's Guide. · The first issue of the TMNT went to the printer on April 1, 1984! The printer finished the job in time for Peter and Kevin to debut the title at a comic book convention in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on May 5. Oddly enough, the printer hadn't printed the Turtle comic in the usual comic book format. TMNT #1 was an over-sized book.
· Kevin and Peter decided to name their new publishing company Mirage Studios; since there wasn't an actual studio (only kitchen tables and couches with lap boards), they thought that "Mirage" was a fitting moniker. · On a whim they sent the package to the Associated Press as well as the United Press International. This initiative proved highly valuable, as several local newspapers ran long stories on Mirage Studios and their creation, the TMNT. This exposure created a demand for the interestingly titled comic that caught everyone by surprise! All 3000 issues sold out quickly, much to Kevin and Peter's delight! A second printing of the comic went to the printers and sold out its print run of 15,000 copies, and was followed shortly by a third printing that sold out its run of 35,000 issues! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit the starting gate at full speed! · The success of the TMNT comic book led to other projects. As the popularity of the comic grew, attention outside of the comics industry flourished - soon, toys and TV climbed aboard, and TMNT emerged as the entertainment mega-franchise of the early 90's. And now, they're ready for a shell of a time!
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES - Credits
Executive Producers Norman Grossfeld Gary Richardson Frederick U. Fierst
Based on Characters Created By Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman Creative Director/Consultant Peter Laird Creative Director Lloyd Goldfine
Supervising Director Chuck Patton
Supervising Producer Carole Weitzman
Producer JoEllyn Marlow
Story Editor Lloyd Goldfine Writers Mike Ryan Marty Eisenberg Eric Luke Greg Johnson Voice Director Susan Blu
Cast Raphael Frank Frankson Leonardo Michael Sinterniklaas Donatello Sam Regal Michaelangelo Wayne Grayson Splinter Darren Dunstan April O'Neil Veronica Taylor Casey Jones Marc Thompson Shredder Scottie Ray
Animation Company/ Dong Woo Animation Co. Ltd. Co-Production Partner
1st-ever Japanese sitcom makes the grade
Yomiuri Shimbun
Fuji TV's 24-part sitcom HR will begin the second half of its season on a positive note, after favorable responses from viewers following the year-end and New Year's Day specials that offered a backstage peek into how the first sitcom in Japanese television history is made and what its staff and cast are like.
HR (Wednesdays, 11p.m.), an abbreviation for homeroom, is set at a night school in Tokyo. The main character is an inexperienced English teacher (Shingo Katori), who helps his students get through their personal problems. Katori also stars in a weekly English quiz TV program, which ties in with English conversation books. When HR started in October, viewers had hoped that the SMAP star would use more English on the show. However, the program's emphasis on the language issue is limited--Katori's character uses little English in class and his lesson plans often involve simply translating Shakespearean phrases into Japanese.
But as Japanese television's first foray into the sitcom, HR is quickly developing its own distinct style.
In a way, sitcoms have more in common with theater than regular TV series. Sets are usually limited to one or two settings, thus viewers are required to imagine what is happening outside each scene. Sitcoms may be considered old-fashioned, but they are fresh in the sense that they offer a departure from heavily edited programs that leave little to the imagination.
"I always wanted the challenge of making a sitcom," said Koki Mitani, who is one of the most in-demand writers for television and theater and also writes the 30-minute program's script, directs and casts the characters. "I'm the only one in Japan who is able to make sitcoms. There have been Japanese TV programs that could almost be defined as sitcoms, but weren't in the strictest sense--they didn't feature audience laughter or anything. I dare say the history of the authentic Japanese sitcom has at last begun with HR."
Actors receive the script for each episode on Sundays. Dry runs take place Mondays and rehearsals and the actual shooting, in front of an audience of 100 people on Tuesdays, according to Mariko Dezawa of Fuji's PR department. Scenes take place in the classroom, staff room and cafeteria, and taping is done live, allowing only for one take.
Because of the nature of the show, actors sometimes make mistakes, which garner laughter from the audience and effectively adds to the spontaneity of the show.
Mitani, who believes that sitcoms are made complete by audience laughter, said "A good thing about HR is you can't take it back. The actors say they've never gone through this kind of tension for TV."
The actors for the show were hand-picked by Mitani. Nakamura Shido, a kabuki actor, who plays a delinquent 18-year-old, has garnered much of the program's limelight. Along with Nakamura, veteran actors Takehiko Ono, Akira Shirai and Keiko Toda, who regularly appear in Mitani's stage productions, have all done an admirable job. Katori appeared a little shaky at first, but has since created a harmony with the rest of the cast by making the most of each others' talents.
"My goal used to be to raise the project to the level of U.S. sitcoms, but then I realized that not all of them are taped live. Without knowing it, I had already surpassed the U.S. model," Mitani said. "So I've realized, there's no longer any model for me to follow. What I'm doing has turned out to be different from U.S. sitcoms.
"Critics say HR is not a proper sitcom, but I'm doing a Japanese version of sitcom."
Oscars.org has updated with the films which have been nominated for the Academy Award of Best Sound Editing, and Spirited Away did not make that list. According to Nausicaa.net, Disney recently released an FYC ad for that category.
Jackie-Chan.com says Shanghai Knights will open on February 7, and the site has a link to a new trailer and the latest journal entry on the making of the film.
Thanks to Daniel for these bits.
LUPIN THE 3rd
Pioneer Entertainment Debuts First Volume Of Highly-Anticipated Series On DVD January 28; Soundtrack Also Debuts Same Day
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- The illustrious Lupin The 3rd, known as the greatest thief in the world, breaks into North America as accomplice Pioneer Entertainment unleashes the famed Japanese series to American audiences with the DVD release of Lupin The 3rd, The World's Most Wanted, Vol. 1 on January 28, 2003. Featuring six episodes, Lupin The 3rd, Vol. 1 includes the “most wanted” hilarious madcap episodes: “The Return of Lupin the 3rd,” “Buns, Guns, and Fun in the Sun,” “50 To Leave Your 50 Foot Lover,” “Shaky Pisa,” “Gold Smuggling 101,” and “Cursed Case Scenario.”
A partner-in-crime, the Cartoon Network licensed Lupin The 3rd from Pioneer Entertainment and will begin airing the series on its popular Adult Swim franchise in January. One of the biggest anime franchises in Japan, Lupin's 1967 comic debut rocketed the character to stardom and subsequently a thriving franchise with 228 television episodes, 14 television movies, six theatrical films, and an extensive merchandising program. Lupin the 3rd, Vol. 1 DVD will be available on January 28, priced at $24.98. Pre-order is December 17, 2002. In addition, the 13 most wanted remixes from the television series will be available on the Sideburn Club Mix Lupin The 3rd CD January 28, for $14.98.
Lupin the 3rd – synopsis
Lupin the 3rd is the greatest thief in the world, but he's a gentleman too. Aided by two partners, expert marksman Jigen and samurai master goemon. Lupin's zany adventures take him around the world stealing extraordinary treasures, helping damsels in distress, staying one step ahead of Inspector Zenigata and matching wits with rival thief, beautiful and dangerous Fujiko.
Lupin the 3rd original comic books created by Monkey Punch. ©Monkey Punch all rights reserved. ©TMS all rights reserved.
Lupin The 3rd DVD
DVD Price: $24.98
Catalog #: 11945
Street: 01/28/03
Pre-order: 12/17/02
Running time: 150 min.
Rating: 13 & up (mature themes, adult situations)
Lupin the 3rd CD- Sideburn Club Mix
Catalog #: 51892
Price: $14.98
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE, SPECS FOR RAHXEPHON-ORCHESTRATION ONE: THRESHOLD, FIRST VOLUME OF THE SERIES
ADV'S MARCH 25 RELEASE ROCKETS THE MOST ANTICIPATED TITLE OF EARLY 2003 TO AMERICAN SHORES
HOUSTON, January 8, 2003-ADV Films today officially announced a March 25, 2003 release for RahXephon-Orchestration One: Threshold, first volume of the extraordinarily beautiful and complex anime series that captivated millions in Japan, and has had the U.S. anime audience waiting impatiently for nearly a year. ADV will release RahXephon-Orchestration One: Threshold as a DVD only, and in a special edition including a custom art box, sized to hold the entire series, and an exclusive t-shirt.
RahXephon was created and directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki, the Gundam franchise), and produced by Bones (Angelic Layer), Victor Entertainment (Noir) and Fuji TV (Astro Boy, Battle of the Planets). The RahXephon series debuted on Japanese TV earlier this year and became an immediate sensation, with fierce action and the multilayered complexity of the plot and characters drawing in viewers by the tens of thousands.
The Story: The city of Tokyo has been overthrown, taken over by the Mu, invaders who have devastated the rest of the planet. Within the domed walls of the city, however, time flows in a different path, and none of the citizens even know they've been conquered. Outside Tokyo, the remnants of the human race have fought a desperate 15-year war against the Mu, knowing only that the key to victory lies within the occupied city. But no one has been able to get into Tokyo-until Ayato Kamina, a young resident fleeing a horrifying attack on the city, unwittingly breaks out. An extraordinary mystery unfolds as Ayato confronts a world he has never known, and begins to learn the horrifying secrets of RahXephon, a humanoid super weapon which apparently only he can control.
RahXephon-Orchestration One: Threshold (SRP $29.98 DVD, $44.98 DVD w/ custom series art box and t-shirt) includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Orchestration One: Threshold includes the first five episodes of the title, and extras include clean opening and closing animation; a special trailer; production sketches; a printed insert with production notes; and ADV previews.
The following quote is also attributed to Mr. Katzenberg:
"Miyazaki, who is a real visionary, made a unique and very beautiful movie
in 'Spirited Away.'..."
Morgan Freeman and Jet Li are in talks to star in the thriller Danny the Dog for Luc Besson's Europa Corp. The English-language movie is set to start production next month at locations in the UK, with studio shooting to take place in France. The script is by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen (The Fifth Element). The movie is budgeted at about $42 million. Europa will handle worldwide sales on the title and will release the film in France through its own channels. The film will be directed by Louis Leterrier, who recently made his helming debut with The Transporter.
Source: Jetli.com
Also, more Matrix Reloaded set photos can be found at Corona
serial experiments lain is slated to be shown on TechTV's Anime Unleashed programming block, and today's "The Screen Savers" (airing at 7PM, 10PM, and 2AM) will feature a segment where Morgan Webb will explain the "essential things you need to know before you dive into the weird world of Serial Experiments Lain."
Los Angeles, CA (January 7, 2003) -- TOKYOPOP®, the leading and most prolific U.S. graphic novel publisher, is about to publish three new manga series based on its successful fan-favorites Cowboy Bebop, Juline and Harlem Beat. The exciting adventure, drama and action continue with the sequels Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star, Shaolin Sisters and Rebound, all set to hit store shelves in spring 2003.
Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star One of TOKYOPOP'S best sellers and regularly ranked in the BookScan top 10 graphic novel bestseller list, Cowboy Bebop is based on the smash hit anime series. This is the phenomenal comic misadventure of interplanetary bounty hunters -- Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed --taking on the jobs even the most seasoned vets would run from. Cowboy Bebop: Shooting Star is an alternate telling of the famous TV show that contains all the same intrigue, adventure, action and gritty noir ambiance of its onscreen counterpart. A fantastic yarn in its own right, this two-volume series is a perfect addendum to any Cowboy Bebop collection.
Shaolin Sisters From master storyteller Narumi Kakinouchi -- creator of Vampire Princess Miyu and Juline -- comes the newest escapades of Julin Kenga, an only-child and heiress to a martial arts clan. Julin's life is turned upside down when an old kung-fu master hands her a magic bell and tells her she must find her two sisters! Each sister possesses a magic bell, and all three bells are being hunted by the evil King Baiwon, who plans to use their power to conquer the world.
Rebound The dramatic sequel to Harlem Beat - which earned a coveted spot on the ALA "2002 Popular Paperback List" -- Rebound continues the adventures of Nate Torres, a teenager who always thought of himself as a quitter until he found the world of street basketball. Nate and the Jonan High School Varsity basketball team are poised to represent Tokyo in Japan's National Basketball Championships. But as soon as they enter the tournament, the team realizes that the competition in their neighborhood pales in comparison to the kind of game the thugs and pros at the championship will give them.
As hinted at being translated in an ANS update on Oct. 2, Things From Another World has the following pre-order info for the Metropolis manga(being released by Studio Proteus) at http://www.tfaw.com/gn/profile.html?cart=3003144817984462&sku=12167:
Metropolis TPB
By: Osamu Tezuka Cover by: Osamu Tezuka Type: Graphic Novels Genre: Manga, Science-Fiction Publisher: Dark Horse Publication date: April 2003 ISBN: 1-56971-864-4 Format: Black & white, 168pg , Soft cover, 4 1/2" x 7"
From Osamu Tezuka, creator of Astro Boy, comes Metropolis, the legendary 1949 graphic novel that inspired the animated fame that floored audiences and critics alike. In a not-so-far-off future a beautiful, artifically created girl -- unaware of her non-human background -- searches for the non-existent parents she believes must exist, wandering alone in a world populated by humans and by the slave-driven robots who serve them. Tezuka's key theme of the nature of humanity in a technological society is framed in bold relief, as well as his wry allegorical observations of the Cold War that was escalating when he created Metropolis. A brilliant work of wit and wisdom -- and guest-starring some friends you may recognize from Astro Boy! -- Metropolis is one of graphic fiction's most enduring tales, availabel for the first time in an English-language edition.
According to a newsletter sent to me, these should be the following up-coming products from FUNimation:
DBZ KID BUU Vegeta's Revenge DVD $24.95 VHS $14.95-$19.95
DBZ KID BUU The Price of Victory DVD $24.95 VHS $14.95-$19.95
(Both on January 7)
Yu Yu Hakusho The Spirit Detective Box Set (eps 1 - 25) DVD $79.95-$99.95 VHS $59.95-$79.95
Yu-Gi-Oh! Evil Spirit DVD $19.95 VHS $14.95
(Both on January 14)
Next month, the DBZ movie, Super Android 13 will be available on the 4th, and Lupin III: Dragon of Doom(aka Zantetsu is on Fire) on the 11th.
Banner of the Stars continues the space epic depicted in the original Crest of the Stars series by best selling novelist Hiroyuki Morioka. Crestofthestars.com provides the latest in news and information for both Crest of the Stars and Banner of the Stars including: story/episode synopsis, character biography, story background information, staff and cast credits/biography, multimedia and trailers, and DVD home video release information.
Banner of the Stars – No Turning Back is presented in Dolby Digital surround sound featuring Interactive animated menus, original Japanese/English language, English subtitles option, and Bandai Previews. This volume will also contain additional DVD extras and bonus materials such as a reversible collector’s cover, Hiroyuki Morioka’s commentary, Banner of the Stars Glossary, and Crest of the Stars Summary. Banner of the Stars – No Turning Back (V.1) arrives on DVD home video on 1/21/2003.
On New Year's Day on Wednesday, 25,000 people flocked to Seibu Department Stores in Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, before the doors opened at 10 a.m., with many aiming to snap up the grab bags, which are normally sealed and include surprise bargain goods.
According to company officials, Seibu chalked up some 1.05 billion yen in sales on Wednesday alone, almost matching the figure marked on Jan 2, 2002, the company's first day of sales last year.
Among popular lucky bags were those priced at 2,003 yen which included an assortment of foods, including sashimi, sushi and steaks.
Even for a bag worth 14.6 million yen that included two tickets for a round-the-world trip on a luxury liner, Seibu received 37 applications on Wednesday alone, the officials said.
At Matsuya Co in Tokyo's Ginza district, 10,000 people queued up on Thursday, and the department store offered them some sake.
Toru Yamada, a 24-year-old college student who had been in line since midnight, said, "Japan is now in recession, and that's why I want to buy carefully selected, high-quality goods."
Sogo Inc's Yokohama store sold a special lucky bag for 3 million yen that included Nissan Motor Co's Fairlady Z sports car and a woman's luxury Swiss-made watch. (Kyodo News)
Hong Kong's film industry suffered a sharp slump of 17%, and an even bigger decrease in profits from home-produced movies in 2002. The industry saw a revival towards the end of the year but it was too late to bolster the end-of-year figures, Screen Daily reported. Total box office receipts were HK$862.6 (£68.7m), compared to HK$1.04bn (£82.9m) the previous year. Only 92 Hong Kong films were produced - 67 on film and 25 on digital video - down from 133 in 2001. Foreign films accounted for 60% of Hong Kong's total box office takings, leading profits from local films to drop by 24%. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was the top performing foreign film, taking HK$29.2m (£2.3m), and is still going strong. Harry Potter was the highest grossing foreign film But it was the home-grown thriller Infernal Affairs which emerged victorious, taking the most money during 2002, figures from the Motion Picture Industry Association show. It took HK$53.7m (£4.2m) between 12 and 30 December, and is still being shown on 42 screens.
http://www.advfilms.com/favorites/wildarms/index.shtml
The rustic new Wild Arms website sports the standard features that you've come to expect, such as the latest release information, series overview, character bios, desktop backgrounds, the Wild Arms trailer and much more.
Yahoo also says the Cowboy Bebop Movie has been pushed back to April.
LATEST VOLUME OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ANIME FRANCHISES IN HISTORY COMPLETES THE SAGA OF RUROUNI KENSHIN
HOUSTON, December 31, 2002-ADV Films today announced the March 25, 2003 release of Samurai X: Reflection, the fourth in a series of OVA and motion-picture releases that continue the story of the lethal and mysterious samurai warrior Rurouni Kenshin.
The thrilling story arc of Kenshin's troubled life includes the video releases Samurai X: Trust, Samurai X: Betrayal, and Samurai X: The Motion Picture. Samurai X: Reflection draws the story to its conclusion, with Kenshin struggling to return at last to his family.
The Story: Rurouni Kenshin is a wanderer, a lost soul, cursed to seek atonement for his life in the bloody trade of the samurai. During the long war to overthrow the corrupt government, he was known throughout all Japan as the Hitokiri Battousai ("sword-bearing master assassin"). But the end of the war has brought no peace to Kenshin, despite a vow to draw his sword only for the protection of those in need. Now his wife Kaoru steadfastly awaits his return, mourning his absence as well as that of their son, Kenji. Will Kenshin return before she dies of grief? The past meets the present fifteen years after Kenshin first left.
Samurai X: Reflection (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including both English- and Japanese language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include clean closing animation, production sketches, interviews with the original Japanese voice cast and ADV Previews.
SAMURAI X: REFLECTION Running Time: 60 minutes; Age Rating: 17+ Pre-Book Date: 2/25/03 Street Date: 3/25/03 Format SRP DVD $29.98
The Continent of Song is in chaos. The sinister secret society known as Demon Card is using the power of Dark Bring to destroy everything in their path. The only things capable of stopping Dark Bring are the RAVE stones ... but they were scattered around the globe in an explosion 50 years ago. Now they must be collected by the RAVE Master in order to stop Dark Bring once and for all.
Shiba had been the RAVE Master in the last battle against Dark Bring. Now he travels the land in search of Plue, the RAVE Bearer who will guide him to the lost stones. But RAVE has other plans. A new master has been chosen: Haru, a sixteen-year-old boy from Garage Island. He didn't ask to be a hero, but the role falls to him when he pulls Plue out of the sea. Alerted to the presence of a new RAVE Master, the agents of Demon Card are out to get him, and they'll do whatever it takes to see that he is eliminated and the RAVE stones destroyed.
Haru doesn't go on his quest alone. He's joined by Elie, an amnesiac girl with a taste for gambling and Musica, a Silver Claimer (warrior alchemist) whose family was destroyed by Demon Card. As they travel across the Song Continent, from Ska Village to Punk Street, they encounter many more bizarre allies and awesome opponents. The Groove Adventure begins now!
The #1 shounen (boys) series from Kodansha, one of Japan's top three manga publishers, RAVE Master has spawned a hit anime series (coming soon to the US!) and multiple console video games. Check out the first volume of the RAVE Master manga series - hitting the street on 02.11.03.
Cypress, CA (December 27, 2002) - Bandai Entertainment announced today the launch of the www.meltylancer.com website in conjunction with the upcoming DVD release of the anime feature, Meltylancer.
Meltylancer.com will provide news and information on the Meltylancer series including - story background, character biography, staff information, multimedia features, and home video release information.
Meltylancer is based on the best selling Playstation video game in Japan and one of the first animated projects by GONZO studio (Best known for their work on Blue Submarine No.6, Vandred, and Hellsing).
Enter the world of the Meltylancers!
The Galaxy Police Organization has battled intergalactic terrorism for years! Finally achieving peace in the universe, the world was finally deemed safe…until a new alien criminal menace appeared! Answering the call of duty a group of six specially trained officers have been organized. Codenamed: Meltylancers! The face of justice just got cuter!
Meltylancer - Alpha features the latest in CG animation from GONZO studio, interactive animated menus, Dolby Digital surround sound, Japanese and English language, English subtitles option, collector's foil DVD cover. DVD extra features will be textless opening and endings, a Meltylancer glossary, a special clip, and mechanical manual. Exclusive DVD Street Date: 1.7.2003
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