The 900 year old demon that falls in love with Tenchi, in the smash hit anime series Tenchi Muyo!, will soon be available as a awesome Mini Resin Bust. Standing a little taller then our Trigun bust, Ryoko is a must have for any Tenchi Muyo fan or collector.
``Akira,'' one of the earliest and most popular films in the Japanese anime film wave, is being restored in preparation for a theatrical re-release in the U.S. this spring.
Long Beach-based Pioneer Entertainment (USA), which specializes in Japanese animated programming, is spending $1 million on the restoration of the violent and gory science-fiction film released in 1988. Pioneer is planning to introduce the first DVD version of the cult favorite and a new VHS edition in the fourth quarter.
The picture, based on a comic book, follows teenage motorcycle gang members in post-World War III Tokyo who try to control one of their own members who rages out of control when he is given psychic powers as part of a military experiment.
The restoration being done by Intl. Video Conversions will include a high-definition mastering and a remixing of the audio components to create a soundtrack in Dolby Digital AC3 Surround Sound. A new English dub will also be created from a fresh translation of the original Japanese script.
FUNimation has confirmed via fax that the four Dragonball Z Android saga DVDs, "Assassins," "Dr. Gero," "Invasion" and "Invincible," will retail for $24.95 but have been delayed to an as yet to be determined release date. FUNimation has also provided distributors with the UPC codes for the Frieza: The Summoning, and Garlic Jr.: Black Water Mist DVDs. No release date is provided for either release, but this does confirm that the Frieza and Garlic Jr. story arcs will be coming to DVD in the not too distant future.
FUNimation has also announced a new round of Dragonball Z VHS releases, bringing us up to approximately 75 tapes of Dragonball Z either available now or scheduled for impending American release. As was done with the conclusion of the Frieza saga and the Garlic Jr. saga, the new round of 6 Dragonball Z TV episode tapes continues the Cell Game story arc and introduces the final boudokai tournament that kicks off the Majin Buu saga. The releases will alternate months and skip over the conclusion of the Cell saga. Perfect Cell: "Temptation" and "Perfection" are scheduled for release on April 17th. One month later, the conclusion to the Great Saiya Man and the beginning of the Boudokai tournament will be released on May 15th as "Great Saiya Man: Crash Course," and "World Tournament: Junior Division." More of the Cell saga will be released on June 19th as "Cell Games: Ultimatum" and "Perfect Cell: Unstoppable." FUNimation has not yet announced a home video release for the ending of the Cell saga, but we assume that the episodes skipped over by these just announced tapes will be forthcoming later this year.
4:00 pm --- Ronin Warriors
4:30 pm --- Sailor Moon
5:00 pm --- Dragon Ball Z
5:30 pm --- Outlaw Star
6:00 pm --- Tenchi
6:30 pm --- Superman
Bad news for Batman fans. But don't worry it will be back on Toonmai soon. There is no change in the 'Min-night Run' line-up its the same. DragonBallZ at 12:00 am and Outlaw Star at 12:30 am. Thats the news for now check back later for updates on the Toonami Schedule.
Source: http://samuelyohann99.cjb.net
This latest update to AICN mentions Momoru Oshii's next project is an anime. There's also a list of Japanese films for 2001:
01. "Satorare", released by Toho and directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro ("Bayside Shakedown"). It will be released in March.
02. "Metropolis"(anime), scripted by Otomo of "Akira"!! The film will be directed by Rintaro and will be released in June.
03. "Minnano Ie"(Everybody's House), directed by Kouki Mitani and releasing in June.
04. "Sen To Senju No Kamikakushi"(anime). Hayao Miyazaki's follow up to "Princess Mononoke" will be released in July.
05. "Akakage - Red Shadow". This hyper Ninja film will be directed by Nakano of "Samurai Fiction" fame and will be released by Toei this coming winter.
06. "Sennenn No Koimonogatari: Hikaru Genji Monogatari (Hikaru Genji Story)" This film comes out in the fall.
07. "Hotaru (Lightbug)" This film, starring Ken Takakura, comes out in the summer.
08. "One Piece: Nejimaki Island"(anime). This film comes out in March.
In Japan's box office, Battle Royale ended up at Number 2 behind Dancer in the Dark, and Avalon is number 5, behind 13 Days.
They also list the awards for the Blue Ribbon Awards, which are the Japanese equivalent to the Golden Globes.
AICN-after a long session of ranting and raving-has a review of Takeshi Kitano's new movie-Brother-which premiered at Sundance. What's interesting about Brother is that it's "his first gangster film that's primarily in English". In fact, he even got Omar Epps to star in it. So it's obvious Kitano's trying to market this film to American audiences. Anyway, the review is at the bottom of http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=8017.
Of note is that Battle Royale won best picture and Tatsuya Fujiwara(of BR)won Best New Actor/Actress.
New Animes in April (additional one) Figure 17 - Tsubasa and Hikaru (Sky-Perfec-TV) 1 hour anime program. Most of Anime programs are aired 30 minutes in every week, so this length looks epock-making (reckless?).
Bio Hunter Special Edition DVD goes on sale this Tuesday!
“A mix of the bizarre, noir… hyper-real, fusing mythical lore with earthly science to tantalize fears of both.” AKADOT.COM
People infected with a genetic code-altering virus, known as the Demon Virus, suffer horrific physical and mental changes, rendering them something more, and less, than human. They become monsters with demonic powers. One monster in particular terrorizes the streets of Tokyo, feasting on the livers of innocent women. A famed psychic holds the secret to the identity and purpose of this monster, and now he is marked for death. The Bio Hunters must get to the psychic and his beautiful daughter before it is too late!
Special Features:
Remastered in 5.1
Original Storyboard Images
UV Weblink for exclusive bonus materials
Japanese and English options
UV Trailers
Chapter Selections
contains violence, nudity and sexual situations. Recommended for mature audiences. ©1995 FUJIHIKO HOSONO/COMIC BURGER/TOEI VIDEO/GOODHILL VISION/BMG JAPAN Suggested Retail Price: $24.95 Catalog Number: UV1066 ISBN: 1-890603-66-X UPC: 6-38652-10660-5
According to an update at the Right Stuf, they list a new release in their adult section called Kizuna coming from a company called Ariztical for a list price of $29.95 and containing two 30 minute episodes. Release date is 4/23 and it appears to be subtitled only.
According to a post to the AOD forum today by David Williams of ADV, two delays are coming, Gunsmith Cats: Bulletproof and Sorcerer Hunters Vol. #1 are being bumped back to a 3/27 release. One of the reasons for this after their just being announced a week or two ago is the small amount of lead-time for retailers to make proper orders and for the sales folks at ADV to do their jobs. Just think how hard it was to find Slayers OVA, Dirty Pair Flash and the Cutey Honeys, which also all had very short solicitation windows.
CREST OF THE STARS DVD 1 UPDATE Charles is at the studios doing a final check on Crest of the Stars DVD 1, if it looks good it will be released to the duplicators.
MANGA ENTERTAINMENT KICKS OFF THE NEW CENTURY WITH MORE STREET FIGHTER ACTION
ON DVD IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH
Chicago, IL - (January 25, 2001) Manga Entertainment will release the entire 29 episodes of the original Japanese animated series Street Fighter II V (V for Victory), in four volumes: Volumes One and Two on February 27 and Volumes 3 and 4 on March 27, 2001.
From the sinister back-alleys of Hong Kong to the muddy banks of the Ganges, from Thailand to Spain and across lands unknown, Ken, Ryu and Chun Li track-down the very best fighters in the world to compete and improve their fighting skills. Featuring extraordinary animation and a wicked cast of martial arts characters, watch as these legendary warriors collide in this amazing martial arts action series.
The DVD includes: Seven half-hour episodes per volume (8 on Volume 4) with a digitally re-mastered 4x3 transfer in Dolby Stereo. The Languages options are English, Japanese and Japanese with English subtitles. Other features include Motion menus, the original Street Fighter trailers, theme song remixes, Manga fan club info, Manga web link and Manga trailers.
Running Time: 210 Minutes Retail Price: $29.95 Genre: Action/Adventure.
Street Date: February 27 Orders Due: February 9, 2001
Volume One: Selection #: MANGA4069-2 Barcode #: 6-60200-4069-2-9
Volume Two: Selection #: MANGA4070-2 Barcode #: 6-60200-4070-2-5
Street Date: March 27 Orders Due: March 9, 2001
Volume Three: Selection #: MANGA4071-2 Barcode #: 6-60200-4071-2-4
Volume Four: Selection #: MANGA4072-2 Barcode #: 6-60200-4072-2-3
Be sure to checkout the new Street Fighter Alpha movie at www.streetfighteralpha.com
We are planning to release at least ten different volumes in our Masterpiece line. The first five will be Veritechs, the next three will be Alpha Fighters and the last two is undetermined. We may do the Mospeada Cyclones. This is not all set in stone yet, but a lot of work has started for the Masterpiece line.
Kevin of Valkyrie Exchange has just pieced together a very interesting interview with George Sohn of Toynami which can be read here.
Current Signups (01/23/2001): 9766 DVD Current price: Down to $250 per set!
Super Tekno Arts' future U.S. plan for the next 6 months - 1 year involve the release of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Sci-Fi Harry and Barry Party but release dates have not been yet been decided. The compnay is still considering which mastering house is appropriate for the U.S. DVD releases of those titles. As for DVD features on those titles, plans are to include interviews with the Japanese production staff and the Skywalker Sound production staff, those kinds of interviews will also be used for the company's future web sites. Regarding Robot Carnival, A.P.P.P is currently undergoing negotiation for producing Robot Carnival II with hopes to wrap by the end of February of this year. The production staff will include a world-famous animator, SF novelist and director. A young but capable animator will also join the team. U.S. DVD release specifications are also tied up within the negotiations.
Sakura Con is pleased to announce the return of Pam Lauer, the infamous Kei from the Original Dirty Pair to our guest line-up.
Pam once had ambitions of stardom in the radio industry, but after auditioning at ADV in Houston, TX that dream was forgotten. Pam is known as "Kei" from the Original Dirty Pair. Pam has also had minor roles in shows including New Kimagure Orange Road, Those Who Hunt Elves as well as a meatier role in Dragon Knight. Pam currently lives in the Seattle area, and if you're lucky you might even pass her while walking the streets of Downtown Seattle.
Univision acquired the anime tv series 'The Red Baron' and 'Virtua Fighter' from Lain International. Both were produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and dubbed into spanish in Los Angeles CA. This is just the beginning because Univision is interested in japanese animation for all its new channels. The Red Baron or 'El Baron Rojo' in spanish (49X30min.) will be in air on February 10th. Kent de la Rosa and his friend Sally, the protagonists of this story, are fans of the new sport of 2020, the metal fight, and Kent will participate with Sally's robot, The Red Baron.
An artilce on upcoming DC games can be viewed at here.
3 pics of Dr Mario for N64 can be viewed here.
Pokemon Gold and Silver are still best-selling videogames according to this article.
Konami will release Para Para Paradise 2nd Mix in arcade in February, the sequel of their popular para para dancing game. This time the game will feature a total of 64 songs, including 48 songs from Para Para Paradise 1st Mix Plus, and 16 brand new songs. A new Para Para Mode is added to the game to teach beginners how to master the game.
In Square's PS2 online RPG Final Fantasy XI. In this game the player will be able to choose from over 2000 playable characters. To break free from language barriers, you can freely chat with other players online using a symbolic system similar to Phantasy Star Online. Unlike other online games, FFXI will have a complete storyline, and each character will have specific goals that he/she pursuits.
Square is aiming to sell around 3 - 3.5 million copies of Final Fantasy X for PlayStation 2 in Japan. The game will be coming to US in November, and sometimes this winter in Europe. They are aiming to sell around 1.4 - 1.8 million copies in US, and 1.2 - 1.5 million copies in Europe.
Square will release a new soundtrack for Final Fantasy on January 24, called Final Fantasy IX Piano Collection, retail for 2780 yen. The CD will feature rearranged Final Fantasy IX music in piano tunes.
The Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun and a number of news sources mentioned that Sega will cease production of Sega Dreamcast by the end of March in Japan. No new orders will be accepted by the end of the month. Sega announced that they will be supplying game software for Sony PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Gameboy Advance, and they are currently examining the possibility to develop for Microsoft X-Box and Nintendo GameCube. This move is to expand the profit and earnings for the company, and move the company out of the red, since a deficit of 22.1 billion yens has incurred in Sega as of March 13.
As a continue commitment to Dreamcast, Sega will continue to market the Dreamcast console until they have finished distributing the remaining inventories of the Dreamcast console in the fiscal year of 2001. Development of Dreamcast game software will continue, about 100 Dreamcast game titles will be released this year.
News source indicates that Sega is currently development 5 new game titles for Sony PlayStation 2, two new titles for Nintendo Gameboy Advance (to be released in March), and several new titles for mobile phone. Nintendo of Japan is working on a new Gameboy Color card battle game called Pokemon Card GB2 : Return of the GR Group (Team Rocket), the sequel of their popular Pokemon trading card game. The game will feature twice as many Pokemon trading cards than the previous version, and 40 new opponents are added to the game (in additional to the original 50). An improve card battler training room is added to the game, beginners to the game can learn how to operate the game in here, and you can also perform deck diagnosis in there. Pokemon Card GB2 is scheduled to release this year. (From WatchImpress Japan)
Sega of Japan has made an official announcement on their new manufacturing and development strategies. First, a structural reformation is being planned for Dreamcast manufacturing, sales and distribution, Sega will continue to support the Dreamcast, but shifting focus onto software side, over 100 game titles will be released in Japan this year. Secondly, Sega is indeed negotiating with Sony and Nintendo to supply software for PlayStation 2 and Gameboy Advance. Thirdly, Sega will continue to develop and install Dreamcast architecture into personal computers, Set-Top Boxes and other electronic devices.
In order to prove they are not letting the Dreamcast owners down, Sega of Japan announced a list of new Dreamcast titles to be released this year:
Alien Front Online (summer) - a new online battle tank game
As Snow (spring) - a new love simulation game
Bikkuri Man 2000 - follow up of the original comic action game
Crazy Taxi 2 - sequel of the taxi driving simulation game
Derby Owners Club Online - finally the hit arcade horse racing game hits home
Derby Tsuku 2 (summer) - sequel of the network horse racing game
Dynamic Golf (spring)
Far Nation (summer) - a massive multiplayer online RPG
Get Bass 2 (spring)
Guru Guru Onsen 2 (summer) - the 2nd installment of the popular online table game
K-project - a shooter from the creator of Sega Rally and Space Channel 5
Let's Make a Monster - another new title in the "Let's Make..." series, in which you make your own monsters and battle with friends like in Pokemon
NBA 2K2 - Sega of America's basketball game
NFL 2K2 - SOA's football game
NHL 2K2 - SOA's hockey game
OutTrigger - the port of the arcade 3D action game
Power Smash 2 - the sequel of the highly popular tennis game
Project Propeller Online - a new online shooter from AM2
Sonic Adventure 2 - the sequel of Sega's flagship title
Space Channel 5 II - sequel of the popular dancing game
The House of the Dead 3
Toe Jam & Earl III - sequel of the classic action game
Victory Goal 2001 - a new soccer title from Smilebit
Source: The Magic Box
DC.IGN.COM reports the Dreamcast RPG El Dorado Gate, including character designs by Yoshitaka Amano, may see a U.S. release by a third party developer. Companies such as Ubi Soft (publisher of Grandia II) or Conspiracy Games (announced publisher of Record of Lodoss War) are possibilities.
GIA has posted screens fromt Monster Rancher's Game Boy Advance title here.
Koto's latest Front Mission 3 action figure, the I.N Wanzer (SRP $24.99)- features a multitude of articulation, bold purple color scheme, an extra set of hands for grasping the oversized gattling gun, forearm mounted shield, and Wanzer piercing "Nail" forearm armament. All figures in this line offer an extremely durable construct and ALL weapons and attachments can be inter-changed with the other figures. In other FF3 news, Series 1 will be sold in two new bold colors- green and blue. The 5 Wanzers (the robotic mechs in this series) include Zenislev, Kyojun MK 107, Meledyne M1, Drake M2C and Grezex. All scheduled to ship February 2001 for an SRP of $25.99.
However, reports I'm getting about Outlaw Star is that the editing seems a bit inconsistant. For instance, in today's episode (Jan. 23) the phrases "God damnit" and "what the hell" were uttered.
Area 88 parts 2 and 3 don't have any plans to be done
Nobody has the license for Ah! My Goddess movie yet as it's too new
They do not have the DVD rights for the Yu Yu Hakusho they put on VHS
RG Veda will be on DVD this summer
Maze TV will be out this summer
Patlabor TV 1 (episodes 1-5) late 2001
Night on Galactic Railroad will be coming to DVD
They are in the process of doing proper Japanese credits on their discs and was mentioned specifically with regards to Harlock Saga, Angel Sancutary Nightwalker.
More Utena due during the middle of the year.
In regards to subtitled hentai titles on DVD, their initial research led them to believe there wasn't a market for it. After some recent new information came to their attention, they do realize there is a market for it and from July 1st on, all DVD's will be subtitled.
Source: Nikkei Sangyo Newspaper, January 18, 2001
Source: Neptune Media
"Abarenbo Shogun" is very typical of a particular type of Japanese swordplay drama. The scripts are fairly formulaic stories that show good deeds are rewarded while evil deeds are punished. The twist of "Abarenbo Shogun" is that the hero of the story is the cheerful and generous Shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa. Yoshimune routinely disguises himself as Shinosuke Tokuda, the third son of a poor Hatamoto (a retainer of Shogun) and ventures out into the city of Edo to mingle with the masses. Yoshimune frequents the Megumi fire station where the fire chief is one of the few people know the true identity of Shinosuke.
Over the years several actors associated with s/fx film and television roles have appeared in prominent roles on "Abarenbo Shogun." The Shogun’s main aide was initially by the late actor Ichiro Arishima. Arishima is perhaps best known in the west for his role as the president of a pharmaceutical company in "King Kong vs. Godzilla." The second actor to play Sobayonin was Eiji Funakoshi. Funakoshi is best known in the states for his appearances in the "Gamera" film series. Eiji Funakoshi was succeeded in the role by Tadao Takashima, who appeared in several "Godzilla" films including "King Kong vs. Godzilla." The most recent actor to take on the role is Akira Nagoya. Nagoya is most famous in Japan for dubbing Peter Falk in Japanese in the TV series "Columbo." The male and female ninjas that guard and assist the Shogun have been played by numerous actors. The first male ninja was played by Hiroshi Miyagawa, an action star famous for his roles "Key Hunter," "Kamen Rider V3" and the leader of "Jyu-Ranger." Unfortunately, his character was killed in the line of duty when he prevented an assassination attempt on the Shogun.
The longest running Jidaigeki TV series is "Mito Komon" which lasted for 31 years with 910 episodes. Over the course of the series’ run, three different actors played the part of "Zenigata Heiji." Hashizo Okawa played the role for 18 years and appeared in 888 episodes. Ken Matsudaira, the only actor to play the role of the Shogun on "Abarenbo Shogun" is getting very close to this record. In the 800th episode, Edo Castle is hijacked by a group of ronin who have a grudge against Shogun. Yoshimune learns of the unprecedented news at Me-gumi and is forced to get back the castle alone.
Source: Nihon Keizai Newspaper, January 6, 2001
Source: Neptune Media
Source: Monster Zero
Gasaraki: Vol. 5 Revelations DVD
Publisher - AD Vision
Date Available - May 22, 2001
Format - Hybrid
75 Minutes
Rating - 12+
Shadowraiders: Vol. 4 Alliance Attack DVD
Publisher - AD Vision
Date Available - May 22, 2001
Format - Dubbed in English
Genre - Computer Animation
90 Minutes
Rating - ALL
Year Created - 1998
Tenchi Universe: Vol. 8 Space III DVD
Publisher - Pioneer
Date Available - Mar 27 2001
Format - Hybrid
75 Minutes
Rating - 13+
Source: The Right Stuf And DVD Animania
Source: Anime News Network
Drama CD #2
1/25 Release
2,625 Yen
B stack
Drama CD #3
2/23 Release
2,625 Yen
B stack
G-Saviour Original
Soundtrack
2/07 Release
3,045 Yen
Novel
01/25
Shueisha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Daizenshuu reports: Since Meri went ahead and bought the two new dubbed DBZ videos today (the "Great Saiyaman" ones), I figured I'd just post up something concerning Mr. Satan, and the fact that WE TOLD YOU (:P) that the name would remain. Sure, it's.
Infogrames is currently in the pre-production phase of game development and as such, are focusing on putting the finishing touches on game design documents and acquiring necessary approvals. As soon as this process is completed, we can begin regularly updating and answering your questions about the game. Until then, stay tuned!
As previously reported the main staff of film traveled to the Northwest African country of Morocco for location and culture scounting. A new section has been added here with images and a report of this experience. According to the page the staff made the journey in June of 1999. Why did the staff travel to Morocco of all places? Light heartedly the page mentions that even some of the staff did not know the purpose for the selection. Fans can look for a sort of "Neo Morocco" atmosphere in the coming film and director Watanabe-sensei and other staff would like the unique cultural feeling of this region to come through on film as something yet unexperienced by viewers. Further, an insane number of photos were taken in the country of flora, fauna, surroundings, people, ruins etc.. to use in atmosphere and cultural designs for Heaven's Door and Kawamoto-san was eager to incorporate unique elements he found into his art contributions .
SkyPerfect TV's CS channel Animax 724 will be broadcasting all 26 episodes of the original Cowboy Bebop TV series across Japan from 2/2. Bebop will show weekly on Fridays at 3:30 PM.
Yoko Kanno has so far produced 2 original tunes for the Cowboy Bebop Movie.
Seiyuu for supporting cast members such as Vincent and Electra will reportedly be announced around March of this year.
CD's closest to being finished:
The Best of Dragonball CD Vol. 1 & 2 will be released.
Trunks Saga CD.
CD's in the works:
Garlic Jr. Soundtrack.
Android Saga Soundtrack.
Vegeta Soundtrack.
Cell Soundtrack.
Faucloner is picking the best music from the sagas and putting it on the webpage. The release dates and prices for the Trunks CD and Best of CDs should be mentioned in 30 to 40 days. On another note, he doesn't sample music.
Madman's Cafe has new Images & Details on Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Part 5:
Reader Comments Capcom has released more detail on their upcoming game, Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Part 5. The news was released in the magazine which the series is published in; the Shounen Jump magazine.
Jojo's Bizzare Adventure Part 5 will not be a fighter game as the previous Jojo Part 3 was, but a 3D action game for the Playstation 2.
No release date or price has yeet been scheduled.
Jojo's Bizzare Adventure is currently running its 6th chapter in the Weekly Shounen Jump; Shuueisha publishing.
Videogames.com has a pice on Sonic Team releasing a set of passwords for Phantasy Star Online that unlocks new costume color schemes for each of the game's nine character classes.
Dreamcast.IGN.Com reports:
January 20th marked the unveiling of AM2's Shenmue the Movie in Japan. Thanks to Japanese website Gamewatch, we've got a full set of details on what went down at the movie, and all the goodies Sega shared regarding Shenmue II. As attendees of the screening (many of whom had received tickets through a random drawing by AM2) filed into the Tokyo auditorium, a musician was performing the Shenmue theme live. The movie primarily linked the cinematic sequences from the game together, but also added pre-scripted versions of various fight and quick timer sequences. It all ended with Ryo arriving in Hong Kong, then with the message "The Story Goes On Shenmue II".
Yu Suzuki himself greeted the audience following the movie, and made made a few comments regarding Shenmue II and the original game. He first mentioned that Shenmue is on sale in America and Europe now, and as of December 2000, it had passed the one million sales mark. It's unclear if this number is for Europe and America combined, or if it includes Japanese sales as well. Suzuki then gave some solid release info for Shenmue II, stating that the game would see release in Japan this year, and would arrive on four GD-ROMs. He also commented that he'd like to release the game before Microsoft's entry into the market - so we presume the game will see release before Xbox comes out.
Following Suzuki's comments, a few of the voice actors took the stage, including the voice of Ryo, Ren and Shenhua (played by super-adorable Haduki Ishigaki).
This Gamers Republic piece has more details on Square's plans to design a rpg with Disney characters.
Square may develop another FF Anthology that includes FF4 and Chrono Trigger according to this article.
Gamers Republic has linked an upcoming 10 minute MPEG movie of MGS2 from the just released playable demo here.
Sega has finally responded to rumours that they will go mutli-platform with their games and that they will stop production of the DC before the year's up. They stated that anything official will be announced through their Japanese home office here. According to a BBC radio report earlier in the day, Konami's Japanese office has refused to comment on these matters at this time.
GameSpot Japan reports that Konami of Japan will soon debut a pay-per-download site featuring selections from its game soundtracks. Titled Konami Bit Audio, the service will debut this Thursday on Konami Music's website.
Konami Bit Audio will feature 160 songs when it debuts; additional tracks will be added each month. A few will be free to download, but most will cost somewhere between 100 and 300 yen ($0.85 to $2.50 US). The selected songs will span Konami's entire catalog, ranging from 8-bit games to modern PS2 and arcade titles. Expect tunes from Konami's ever-popular BeatMania series (including Dance Dance Revolution) to make up a large portion of the library.
Instead of the standard MP3 format, Konami will use a unique proprietary format. A free player for the format will be provided.
We will have both "Death & Rebirth" and "The End of Evangelion" on DVD and VHS. Extras haven't been determined, but we will have access to everything that's on the Japanese DVDs. I know Anno does not believe in 5.1 surround sound, so no 5.1 mix was included on the Japanese DVD.
Edit count way up this time. And several of them are self-contradictory as well.
1. The word "kill" changed to "destroy" and the word "killing" changed to "battling" in prologue.
2. Nude shot of Suzuka cut from prologue.
3. Fred's "you're growing up quickly" changed to "you're doing well".
4. Scene of Fred's flirtation with Jim cut.
5. Scene of Fred cuddling up to Gene and blowing in his ear cut.
6. Scene of Bodyguard telling Gene that Fred loves him cut.
7. Suzuka's "what I want, Mr. Luo, is your life" changed to "what I want, Mr. Luo, is to get you".
8. Suzuka's "live for another five minutes" changed to "stay for another five minutes". (Good lord CN, you've already admitted she's an assassin.)
9. Suzuka's "accept your death" changed to "accept your fate".
10. Suzuka's "die at once" changed to "perish at once".
11. Scene of Suzuka commenting that sunset was a good time to die cut.
12. Scene of Gene's finger tightening on his trigger cut.
13. Suzuka's "failed to kill him" changed to "failed to get him".
14. Scene of Gene leveling his gun at Suzuka cut.
15. Suzuka's "I'll wait for your life" changed to "I'll wait for your time".
16. Fred's "kill him first" changed to "get him first".
17. Scene of Fred offering to let Gene sleep in his room cut.
18. Gene's "this gun is useless" changed to "this blaster's useless".
19. Scene of Gene sniffing Suzuka's sash cut.
20. Gene's "let Fred live" changed to "let Fred be".
21. Scene of Gene firing two shots at Suzuka cut.
22. Scene of Gene firing two more shots at Suzuka and pronouncing her "dead" cut.
23. Gene's "payment for Fred's life" changed to "payment for Fred's job".
24. Gene's "if you're going to kill Fred you'll have to kill me first" changed to "if you're going to hurt Fred you'll have to fight me first".
25. Gene's "getting Suzuka to want to kill me" changed to "getting Suzuka to want to get me".
26. Scene of Gene telling the bodyguards that they said Fred loved him cut.
27. Scene of Fred's prolonged and ecstatic hug of Gene cut.
28. Melfina's "assassin woman" changed to "warrior woman". (Huh? Didn't we just go through this entire episode calling Suzuka an assassin? Even in the title?)
29. Gene's "kill her" changed to "destroy her".
Rei is available in her pilot costume, or her "injured" form from her defeat against the Angels. Both figues feature no articulation. Original Japanese window box packaging. In stores 7/30/01 at a comic book or specialty store near you- $79.99 each.
This vinyl offering is not to be confused with Kotobukiya's- an 11" vinyl fig of the same EVA pilot- coverage which can be found below. Diamond MAY (stressed) offer this fig as well in the future.
Animation studio Sunrise has recently released new information and images concerning Z.O.E. 2167 Idolo. The story will take place five years prior to the events of the PlayStation 2 game Zone of the Enders, and is centered on the Deimos Incident, a terrorist action by the Mars revolutionaries. During the incident, rebels attacked the United Nations Space Force base on the Martian moon of Deimos and stole one of the original orbital frame prototypes. The orbital frame prototype is shown in several images below, and may carry the Idolo name from the movie's title. Also of note is that one of the female characters that bears a striking resemblance to Viola, the antagonist of the game. Z.O.E. 2167 Idolo will be released in Japan on March 1st on Region 2 DVD and VHS for 5800 yen on either format.
Angel Links 2 DVD (Hyb): Fallen Angel
Date Available - Jun 5 2001
Format - Hybrid
Publisher - ANIME VILLAGE
Rating - 13+
Normal Price: $29.98
Bastard DVD (Hyb)
Date Available - Jun 5 2001
Format - Hybrid
180 Minutes
Publisher - PIONEER
Rating - 16+
Normal Price: $29.98
UshiCon 1 will be Feb 1-3, 2002 at the Sheraton Four Points I-35N in Austin, Texas.
Guests: TBA
Registration: $20 until 5/31, $25 until 8/31, $30 until 12/31, $35 at the door or $15 per day. No pre-registrations will be accepted with postmarks later than December 31, 2001.
Hotel: $85/night flat rate single thru quad.
Email: info@ushicon.com or ushicon@egroups.com
Website: www.ushicon.com (still under construction - please bear with us - as of 1/22/01, the hotel information is still wrong)
Registration/con address: UshiCon, LLC. PO Box 40937 Austin, Texas 78704
More information to come on our website and mailing list. We look forward to seeing you there!
Toho has announced their latest Godzilla film project, offering Gamera director Shusuke Kaneko the director spot on the new film. Kaneko has accepted an now more details are expected soon.
Biohazard: Director's Cut Duel Shock Version (PS)
Biohazard 2 Duel Shock Version (PS)
Biohazard 3: Last Escape (PS)
Biohazard Code: Veronica Complete (PS2)
Biohazard 5th Anniversary Memorial DVD: Wesker's Report (DVD)
Kurowu Key Chain
Kurowu Silver Ring
Kurowu Metal
Kurowu Ballpen
Biohazard Tag with serial number
Biohazard Binder
In a recent interview with FF creator Sakaguchi, a number of new details are revealed for Square's upcoming PS2 RPG Final Fantasy X. The game will have a second theme of travel, in the story the characters will have to make more travels that other games in the series. The battles will take place in the same environment as the character moves, so there will be no loading times and switching between battle scene and exploring scene, much like the original Chrono Trigger for SFC / SNES. The battle system directory Toshirou Tsuchida also hinted that the game will have a new experience point system, which focuses more on advancing the character skills and equipment than the actual character levels.
Furthermore, Sakaguchi reveals that there are currently a total of 23 games under development in the Square headquarter, 11 of which are remakes. Square is currently remaking Final Fantasy VII, VIII and IX for PlayStation 2, and they are planning to port Final Fantasy IV, V and VI to handhelds. However, Sakaguchi felt that it would be very difficulty to be done on WonderSwan and the games may head to Gameboy Advance.
Sakaguchi also revealed that Final Fantasy XI will be an online-only title, but the next one, Final Fantasy XII may return to its root as an offline title, in a traditional Final Fantasy fashion, just like FF9 when comparing to FF7 and FF8. Final Fantasy XII will be headed by Sakaguchi (FF creator), Yasumi Matsuno (the director of Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story) and Hiroyuki Ito (directory of FFIX). (From The GIA)
Namco announced that they will reveal their new arcade sword fighting game Soul Caliber 2 at the upcoming AOU show in Japan on February 23. The game is developed on the PS2 compatible System 246 arcade board.
Source: The Magic Box
Total RPG is reporting that Working Designs' official Lunar 2 strategy guide is being delayed until early February. Printing issues with extra items including stickers and poster are reportedly responsible for the delay.
Contributor Daniel submits the following:
More on Square's plans for the Final Fantasy
franchise can be read here.
They hope to have FFX and XI out in North American and Europe by November
around Thanksgiving. FFXI will be available on PS2 and PC. It will have
developers who worked on Chrono Cross and the Seiken Densetsu (Mana) series.
And they've already announced an FFXII. The people on that project have
worked on FFIX, Tactics, and Vagrant Story. Apparently FFXII will not be
networked.
Square also wants to diversify, by promoting FF products through an animated series and character-related goods.
More details on Shen Mue 2 have emerged at http://www.zdnet.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2677086,00.html
It will be on 4 discs, and along with Shenhua, will have a character-who rides a Honda bike-named Joy.
Gamer's Republic reports Sega has made a newer version of DC that will not play illegally-copied DC games. (http://www.gamersrepublic.com/allformat/CrossPlatform/News/011701/hackfree.asp)
Details that Konami and Sony are making a gaming-investment fund can be found here. Konami's Tokimeki Memorial 3 and New Tokimeki Memorial (for women) will be products of those funds. The titles themselves are expected to come out in 2002.
Enterbrain released a list of the top 100 selling games in Japan for 2000. GR has a list of the first ten at http://www.gamersrepublic.com/allformat/CrossPlatform/News/011701/list.asp.
Nintendo and KDDI have announced a new mobile adapter for GBC at http://www.gamersrepublic.com/allformat/CrossPlatform/News/011701/GBOnline.asp. It will allow the GBC to d/l games and get email.
ESSENCE: The Art of Yoshitoshi ABe
Published by Fanboy Entertainment
Black and White Interiors
Full Color Cover
72 Pages
$7.95
An all new book from Yoshitoshi ABe, one of the creators of the hit anime series Serial Experiments LAIN. Award-winning illustrator and designer Yoshitoshi ABe now brings his distinctive artwork to the United States and his fans here!
ESSENCE: The Art of Yoshitoshi ABe is a 72 page perfect bound, prestige format collection spotlighting the best of Yoshitoshi ABe's manga and anime artwork. Written, drawn and designed entirely by Yoshitoshi ABe himself, ESSENCE is an incredibly beautiful collection which puts the work of one of Japan most acclaimed illustrators in the hands of his American fans and followers. His sensitive linework and attention to detail was first seen in Serial Experiments LAIN, the hit anime series of last year. Since then, ABe's art has been becoming more readily available, seen on posters, lunchboxes and lithographs, but nevr in print.. until now! Never has there be such a complete collection of the best of his work. ESSENCE will also feature new manga stories, character designs, figure studies, rejected anime and game ideas and designs as well a few surprises ABe has chosen to include for his Western fans. This collection is sure to appeal to everyone as ABe's style has been praised and
mimicked by many Western critics and artists as well. See what all the hype is about. This is the true ESSENCE of Japanese art!
This book will be printed on high quality #80 Smooth Offset paper and feature glossy UV coated card stock covers at Abe-sensei request. Abe-sensei will be personally overseeing the design and production of ESSENCE. This premium 72 page collection will be a prestige format, perfect bound book. It is the first of several Yoshitoshi ABe comics you will see over the months to come.
Check http://www.fanboyinc.com/essence.jpg for a look at the cover.
SIDEKICKS #3
Story by J. Torres
Art by Takeshi Miyazawa
Published by Fanboy Comics
Black and White Interiors
Full Color Cover
32 Pages
$2.75
Since when did students have to deal with crappy cafeteria food, loud snoring roommates and zits big enough to be seen from Mars? On top of surviving Battle-Bot VR programs, passing Superhuman History mid-terms and getting detentions for morphing, flying or turning invisible on school grounds, that is. Welcome to the world of Terry Highland and her classmates at Shuster Academy. High school has certainly changed.
The long-awaited third issue of the critically acclaimed, hit comic series series from J. Torres, creator of Alison Dare and The Copybook Tales, and Japanese manga sensation Takeshi Miyazawa. Every school has its secrets and legends, and a school for super-powered teens is no diffferent. Except the secrets the halls of Shuster Academy hold are a little bit more bizarre, and dangerous, than most myths. Terry Highland makes it her mission to get to the truth behind some of the legends and drags the rest of the student body into it with her. Just who are Biff, Bam and Pow? Will the truth they discover change the future of the academy and superheroing forever? Combining J. Torres' strong sense of characterization and dialogue with the breathtaking manga art of Takeshi Miyazawa, SIDEKICKS is for comic and manga fans alike! (Delayed and resolicited from last year.)
MOBIUS KLEIN #4
Story and Art by Kia Asamiya
Published by Fanboy Entertainment
Black and White Interiors
Full Color Cover
32 Pages
The gathering of the world's most powerful wizards in Tokyo continues. Joining Gigelf Liquer are fellow mages from around the globe, many of who's names should be familiar to Silent Mobius fans - Maverick, Yamigumo, Cheyenne, Saito. Why has the Magician's Guild been forced to convene? The dire emergency that threatens Tokyo, and quite possible the fate of the entire planet, is finally revealed. Also, Fuyuka is plagued by dreams of a mysterious stranger... a stranger clad in black leather who looks just like her!
SPELLBOUND: The Magic of Love #3
Story and Art by Tomoko Taniguchi
Published by Fanboy Comics
Black and White Interiors
Full Color Cover
32 Pages
$2.95
The conclusion of the all new original manga series created exclusively for U.S. fans from shojo manga superstar Tomoko Taniguchi! In this final issue, Ami's magic abilities come full circle. She finds new powers she never knew she had and their intoxicating force is almost overwhelming. Will Ami be able to control the mystical energies she has unleashed and save Hiro or will she be seduced by them and side with Nicole? Will she turn to the dark side or will her love for Hiro, her friends and family help guide her back to the road of righteousness? And what will happen to Miyako City if she loses control?
Spellbound combines elements of the supernatural from shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed with the MTV edge for hip fashion and music, all with an authentic manga feel.
New Animes in April (additional one) Hanaukyo Maid-tai [Hanaukyo Maid team] A highschool student Taro became the head of Hanaukyo family. He fears women so much, though there are many maids in Hanaukyo family. They can't even touch him, but only Mariel can communicate to him. (directed by Ide Yasuki)
The TV shows are: Sister Princess (on-air schedule unfixed), Hajakyosei Dangaio (unfixed), Cold Gehna (unfixed), Bakuten Shoot Baybrade (begins in April at TY Tokyo), Shin-Shirayuki Densetsu Preytia (begins this spring) and Motto Ojamajo Doremi (on Feb the 4th at TV Asahi). As for OVAs, _Alien 9_ part 1 will be released by Bandai Visual in June, Z.O.E.2167IDOLO by Bap on March the 1st, Denshin Mamotte Shugo Getten 5 by Toei on Feb the 23rd, Nekojiru So by King Record on Feb the 21st, and Shin Getta Robo vs. Neo Geta Robo 2 by Bandai Visual on Feb the 25th.
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