FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW YORK, NY (January 23, 2003) - Central Park Media has set February 11 for the introduction of the Animated Classics of Japanese Literature series on DVD. This most highly anticipated release will provide an excellent opportunity for the American audience to experience this award-winning literature first hand. These beautifully animated episodes are based on masterpieces of modern Japanese literature. In an effort to retain the authenticity of these programs, they are only available in Japanese with English subtitles.
The Izu Dancer/The Dancing Girl/A Ghost Story DVD The Izu Dancer by Kawabata Yasunari: · Kawabata Yasunari (1899-1972) won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1968. A young student falls in love with a traveling dancer, but societal differences may tear them apart. The Dancing Girl by Mori Ohgai: · Mori Ohgai (1866-1922) was a pioneer in the Japanese Romantic literary movement. A Japanese man working in turn of the century Berlin fathers a child with an impoverished dancer. But political difficulties force him to choose between his career or the woman he loves. A Ghost Story by Koizumi Yakumo: · Koizumi Yakumo (1850-1904) is the author of many books on the Japanese culture. A blind lute player chants the old legend. His music attracts the attention of the dead, who request a special performance.
TITLE: The Izu Dancer/The Dancing Girl/A Ghost Story DVD RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2277 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
Botchan: Parts 1 & 2/Student Days DVD Botchan: Parts 1&2 by Natsume Soseki: · Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) is considered one of the pioneers of modern Japanese literature. The new teacher Botchan has arrived, and he challenges students and peers alike in one hilarious situation after another! Student Days by Kume Masao: · Kume Masao (1891-1952) was a prolific novelist, playwright, and literary critic who devoted much of his life to improving the state of art and theater in Japan. Young Kenkichi is determined to enter a prestigious school. He sacrifices every waking hour to his studies, but at what cost?
TITLE: Botchan: Parts 1 & 2/Student Days DVD RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2275 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2/Season of the Sun DVD The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2 by Takeyama Michio: · Takeyama Michio (1903-1984) was a noted scholar and translator. He received the Mainichi Shuppan Bunkasho literary prize, for his depiction of war in The Harp of Burma. Near the end of World War II, a soldier is missing and presumed dead by his captured comrades. A mysterious monk may hold the key to his disappearance. Season of the Sun by Ishihara Shintaro: · Ishihara Shintaro (b. 1932) is a prize-winning author, cultural icon, and outspoken politician. In 1955, he was awarded the Akutagawa Literary Prize for his novel Season of the Sun. A boxer and a beautiful woman share a tumultuous relationship in post WWII Japan. Will love guarantee them a happy life, or will pride tear them apart?
TITLE: The Harp of Burma: Parts 1 & 2/Season of the Sun DVD RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2273 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2/Growing Up DVD The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2 by Mishima Yukio: · Mishima Yukio (1925-1970) was awarded the Shinchosha Literary Prize for his novel The Sound of Waves. A poor fisherman falls in love with the daughter of the most powerful man in his village. To overcome this obstacle, he must prove his bravery in a terrible sea storm.
Growing Up by Higuchi Ichiyo: · Higuchi Ichiyo (1872-1896) overcame poverty and ill health to publish some of the most acclaimed works of her generation. Two friends are torn apart when one joins a gang, betraying the bond of trust between them.
TITLE: The Sound of Waves: Parts 1 & 2/Growing Up DVD RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2280 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
All DVD Listings offer the following behind-the-scenes features:
Ø Author Biographies Ø Trailers Ø Japanese with English Subtitles Ø DVD-ROM Features Art & Sketch Gallery
Gutsoon! Entertainment, the sister company to Japanese based Coamix, has signed a distribution agreement with Ingram Periodicals to place their flagship publishing property, Raijin Comics, in a diversity of retail book stores. The deal, signed in late December, means the magazine will now be available to manga fans and readers in the mainstream market place. Raijin Comics is also distributed by: Diamond Distributors, FM International, Triple A Anime, and Digital Manga. Raijin Comic’s first issue was launched in the U.S. in Direct Market stores. December 4th, 2002 and featured Slam Dunk, Fist of the Blue Sky, City Hunter and Baki The Grappler. This week’s issue, issue #7, includes the continuation of The First President of Japan.
“Our distribution deal with Ingram could not be more timely,” said Horie Nobuhiko, Chairman Gutsoon! Entertainment and Coamix, “ the recent news of bookstores agreeing to create a category specifically for Graphic Novels and Comics means our distribution deal with Ingram ensures that manga fans and readers alike, will have easier access to buying Raijin Comics. This deal with Ingram was inevitable as Raijin Comics’ popularity continues to grow in the U.S.”
Ingram Periodicals stated, “Ingram Periodicals has noticed substantial growth in the comics category and we are taking a strong initiative to further expand our comics distribution strategies. Retailers, specifically Borders and Hastings, are taking a greater interest in comics as a profitable and successful category. Raijin Comics is the perfect fit for us, and we look forward to a long, and profitable partnership with Gutsoon! Entertainment.”
From the Yahoo article:Jackie Chan says he's sticking to kung-fu Thu Jan 23, 5:35 AM ET
TAIPEI, Taiwan - Hong Kong megastar Jackie Chan says he's sticking with kung-fu movies and has no plans to act in films featuring other martial arts, like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," which have become popular in recent years.
"My fans and producers have also dissuaded me from switching," to other martial arts, Chan told reporters Thursday.
The actor was in Taiwan promoting his latest movie, "Shanghai Knights," about a U.S. sheriff from the Old West who goes to London to track down his father's killer.
Chan said in kung fu films, the actors kick and box, and need to be more skillful than in other martial arts films, such as the Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," where the actors often fly or perform other gravity-defying acts.
He said kung-fu films have wide appeal.
"Kung-fu films don't have to be brutal. They are catering to both the young and the old," he said. "I had great fun dancing and playing in my latest film."
But Chan said he does not want to be restricted to a certain role.
"I like to try different roles. Maybe I'll shoot a film that has just a little bit of kung-fu fighting," he said.
"CASSHAN" which Mr. Kiriya who is the husband of Utada superintends for the first time is broadcast by the Fuji Television system from October, 1973 to next year June, and is a narrative film version based on the large-hit animation.
The robot developed for pollution processing causes a rebellion to human beings. In order to suppress the rebellion, Dr. Azuma of robotics converts a son's Tetsuya into a cyborg. He is a tale which fights with the robot which rebelled with the robot dog friender. Mr. Kiriya who was a schoolchild those days becomes crazy at this animation, and he says, "He wished to make when or this into a narrative film version."
He proposed the plan of narrative film version of this animation to the Syuji Miyajima producer of a Shochiku movie. A kindred spirit was found in the Miyajima producer "Who wanted to manufacture the movie on the theme of a dark view of the world", and narrative film version was determined. Mr. Kiriya who received broad art education at U.S. leading a science-of-arts school Cambridge high school and the Parsons university demonstrates the talent by "traveling" of Utada, and the promotion video of "SAKURA DOROPPUSU." The peculiar world was completed by color, molding, etc. In "CASSHAN", the costume of the characters of the near future, fine arts, an image, and production are likely to attract attention.
Moreover, although [ a Shochiku movie ] it "is undecided how Mr. Utada is concerned" at present, it is movie music, a theme song, etc. and husband-and-wife costarring may be carried out.
Source: Sankei Sports News via Yukio-san (Dead Shot Club)
Chicago, IL - (January 22, 2003) Manga Entertainment gears up for a solid 2003 with some of the most exciting anime series, first time available on DVD. First quarter new releases include The Guyver, Fist of the North Star and Virus.
"As our Manga DVD catalog continues to grow, we are excited to have such a strong selection of top rate anime series to release in 2003. Thanks to the additional storage room available on DVD, we are able to offer our fans and customers exciting programming with additional episodes and extras, as well as competitive pricing on many of our new series releases", says Mike Egan, Manga's GM.
On February 25th, Manga will release The Guyver, the long awaited sci-fi action series. This popular 12 half hour episode series is now presented on 2 explosive DVD volumes featuring 6 episodes per disc and specially priced at $24.95 SRP each. The DVDs are loaded with extras including English and Japanese languages, English subtitles, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, character bios, data files, original Japanese intros, photo gallery, Manga extras plus a free poster included in each DVD.
Also on February 25th comes Volume Two of Virus, the all-new 12 episode 3 DVD volume sci-fi action series from acclaimed anime director and character designer Masami Obari (Fatal Fury - The Motion Picture). Already being hailed as one of the best anime series of 2003, Virus combines the cybernetic vision of "Ghost in the Shell" with the complex character development and furious mecha combat of the ground-breaking "Neon Genesis Evangelion". Each DVD features 4 action-packed 30-minute episodes along with English and Japanese languages, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, English subtitles, character and mecha design boards, photo gallery and Manga extras. $24.95 SPR. Volume 3, releasing May 27th will feature a special interview with director Obari.
March 25th will introduce the first two volumes of the landmark Japanese TV martial arts series Fist of the North Star, first time available on DVD.
One of the most highly popular and recognized brand names in the anime business worldwide, the Fist of the North Star series consists of 36 half hour episodes now contained on 5 bone crunching DVD volumes. Each DVD contains 7 episodes (bonus episode on volume 5) and features digitally remastered 4x3 picture, motion menus, English and Japanese languages, English subtitles, character bios, photo gallery, prologue, Japanese credits along with Manga extras. The complete DVD collection features Episodes 33, 34, 35 and 36, never before released in the US on VHS.
Manga will focus on even more exciting anime series releases in 2003 including Rayearth, New Dominion Tank Police, Orguss 02 and the highly anticipated new release Read or Die slated for Spring. Also look for Limited Edition boxed sets on Street Fighter II V and Macross Plus.
DNA2: Metamorphosis DVD From the creator of Video Girl Ai! Junta has a problem: he's deathly allergic to girls! All this changes when a beautiful woman arrives from the future and transforms him into the super-suave Mega-Playboy. But the transformation is unstable, and if Junta can't unravel the time traveler's mystery, he (and the fate of the world) will never be the same! Contains episodes 1-3.
The DNA2: Metamorphosis DVD offers the following features:
Ø Mega-Playboy Quiz Ø Art & Sketch Gallery Ø Trailers Ø English & Japanese and English Subtitles Ø Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: DNA2: Metamorphosis RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2232 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
Ariel DVD Earth is under alien invasion, and it's time for one mad scientist to unleash his world-saving creation: ARIEL, a huge robot in giant leotards! While humanity scratches its head, the good doctor scrambles to find some reluctant teenage girls to pilot his creation. Contains 3 episodes.
The Ariel DVD, the first in Central Park Media's Authentic Anime line, offers the following behind-the-scenes features:
Ø Original Promotional Video Ø Art Gallery Ø Ariel's Song Ø Ariel's Tech Specs Ø Trailers Ø Japanese with English Subtitles Ø Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: Ariel RUNNING TIME: 150 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $19.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2269 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series Volume 4 DVD Policewoman Noa Izumi loves piloting giant robots with a passion. Trouble is, she's got a knack for demolishing the city she tries to protect. Chaos breaks loose when Noa is kidnapped by a gang of thugs, but the police rally to rescue their strongest fighter. Contains episodes 15-18.
The Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series Volume 4 DVD offers the following behind-the-scenes features:
Ø Text Interview with the Screenwriter Ø Art & Sketch Gallery Ø Trailers Ø English & Japanese with English Subtitles Ø Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series Volume 4 RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes RATING: Ages 3 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2257 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series Volumes 1-4 DVD Collection
Featuring some of the top talents in Japanese animation! . Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) . Yutaka Izubuchi (Record of Lodoss War) . Kazunori Ito (Maison Ikkoku) . Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange Road)
It's the not-too-distant future, and girl-next-door Noa Izumi is starting her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within a matter of days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime! Contains episodes 1-18 on 4 DVDs.
The Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series Volumes 1-4 DVD Collection offers the following features:
Ø Behind the Scenes Video Ø Fan Voiceover Contest Ø Text Interview with the Screenwriter Ø Art & Sketch Gallery Ø Trailers Ø English & Japanese with English Subtitles Ø Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: Patlabor: The Mobile Police/The TV Series Volumes 1-4 DVD Collection RUNNING TIME: 440 minutes RATING: Ages 3 & Up SRP PRICE: $99.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2272 STREET DATE: February 11, 2003
Full BBC News Article Here.
January Anime Release Slate Will Reunite Fans With Long-Awaited Ongoing Series
New York, NY (January 10, 2003)- Focusing on its action-packed lineup of anime properties, Central Park Media has set January 14 as the DVD release date for Descendants Of Darkness: Vampire's Lure and Revolutionary Girl Utena: Impatience And Longing. These series have poised Central Park Media as a significant force in the action-adventure, anime genre. Vampire's Lure rolls out as the 1st volume in the Descendants of Darkness series, while Impatience and Longing presents the next installment of the sword-fighting Utena in Revolutionary Girl Utena. The live action thriller Beautiful Prey, will be released under Central Park Media's Asia Pulp Cinema line.
DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS: VAMPIRE'S LURE In this action-packed, supernatural series, a vampire is on the loose, and it's up to dashing supernatural detective Tsuzuki to stop her! But are good looks, charm, and preternatural powers enough to bring this fiend to justice? Tsuzuki may have bitten off more than he can chew, and the Ministry has sent him a new partner, a volatile young man with a mysterious past. Together, they embark on the most dangerous mission of their afterlives! Contains episodes 1-3.
The DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS: VAMPIRE'S LURE DVD offers the following behind-the-scenes features:
Ø Information about the Comic Ø Character Profiles Ø Art & Sketch Gallery Ø Trailers Ø Enhanced DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: DESCENDANTS OF DARKNESS: VAMPIRE'S LURE RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP DVD: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD-2216 STREET DATE: January 14, 2003 LANGUAGES: English and Japanese with English subtitles
REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA: IMPATIENCE AND LONGING In this latest series from some of the top talents in Japanese animation today, including Kunihiko Ikuhara (Director of Sailor Moon) and Shinya Hasegawa (Key Animation Supervisor of Neon Genesis Evangelion), Utena's best friend Wakaba entertains a secret gentleman caller. But mysterious forces twist her tender feelings into jealousy and hate. Will Utena lose her friend forever? Fans of Revolutionary Girl Utena will find out if Utena has the strength and courage to duel for the life and friendship of the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya. Contains episodes 18-20.
The REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA: IMPATIENCE AND LONGING DVD offers the following features:
Ø Interview with Director Kunihiko Ikuhara and U.S. Voice Actor Carol Jacobanis Ø Art Gallery Ø Story Synopsis Ø Creative Team Info Ø Enhanced DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA: IMPATIENCE AND LONGING RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP DVD: $29.99 LABEL: Software Sculptors CATALOG #: SSDVD-6205 STREET DATE: January 14, 2003 LANGUAGES: English and Japanese with English subtitles
BEAUTIFUL PREY A beautiful policewoman is entangled in a dangerous trap at the scene of an S&M crime in this live action thriller. Caught between the sadist and his beguiling victim, she doesn't know where to turn when the game turns deadly!
The BEAUTIFUL PREY DVD offers the following features:
Ø Character Profiles Ø About S&M Ø Photo Gallery Ø Trailers Ø Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: BEAUTIFUL PREY RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP DVD: $29.99 CATALOG #: APCD-2207 STREET DATE: January 14, 2003 LANGUAGES: English and Japanese with English subtitles
Cypress, CA (January 21,2003) – Bandai Entertainment announced today the launch of www.dothack.com for the upcoming DVD home video release of the animated series, .hack//SIGN (pronounced dot-hack).
Visitors logging onto www.dothack.com may choose between either the anime series specific or the video game specific portions of the website. Here visitors will find background information on “the World”, differences between the .hack//SIGN (TV Series), .hack//LIMINALITY (OVA) and .hack//INFECTION (part 1) for the PlayStation®2, story synopsis, character information, staff credits, trailers, and home video release information. .hack//SIGN will premiere on Cartoon Network beginning 2.1.2003 at 3:00 PM ET
Is it a game? Or is it a world? .hack//SIGN the anime series…
“The World” is an immersive virtual gaming environment of the future. Millions of players log on each day to test their skills in virtual adventures and battles. But none of that concerns Tsukasa. Trapped within "The World", a virtual prisoner - His journey from the digital world to the real world has just begun.
.hack//SIGN boasts an all-star creative staff with character designs by famed illustrator Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion and Wings of Honneamise), an engaging and immersive storyline scripted by Kazunori Ito (Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor), and directed by Kouichi Mashimo (Noir).
.hack//SIGN – LOGIN – Limited Edition Collector’s Box (Limited to 15,000 Units) will include: A Limited Edition Collector's DVD Box, exclusive “GRUNTY” Plush Doll, .hack//SIGN T-Shirt, original .hack//SIGN CD Soundtrack, .hack//SIGN Postcard set and Stickers, and .hack//INFECTION PlayStation®2 Demo Disc. DVD Features and Extras include: Interactive Animated Menus, English/Japanese Language, English Subtitles Option, Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation, Dolby Digital Surround Sound, Dolby Digital Isolated Score Audio Track, Textless Opening/Ending, Character Gallery, .hack//INFECTION Trailer, and Bandai Previews.
Limited Edition DVD Street Date: 3/4/2003, $64.98 DVD Street: 3/18/2003, $29.98
CTHV will most likely still do the home video release.
Thanks to Scott for the info.
Thanks to Daniel for the link.
Thanks to Daniel for the information.
Yuri is totally bummed. She just started 6th grade and was elected to capture and eliminate aliens that are constantly invading the school…a difficult and dangerous job! Even worse, she has to wear a creepy symbiotic alien helmet to get the job done…GROSS!
Another release in our Original Manga line in the authentic Japanese style right to left format!
Story and Art by Hitoshi Tomizawa
5/14/03 Ages 16 and Up $15.95 224 pages Dimensions: 5.25" X 7.5" (pocket size) Black and White CPM Manga ISBN: 1-58664-891-8 UPC: 7-19987-00642-3-00111 Catalog Number: CMX 64201G
and from Manga 18:
Adventure Kid - The Original Manga Book Two: Hard Drive (graphic novel)
Story and Art by Toshio Maeda
Cyber-Sex With No Back-up!
Created in a time of war, an evil computer program has been unleashed on the unwary world, and it's trying to remake things in its own image…of sex and debauchery. Can our heroes stop this evil force, or will they succumb to the sexual urges generated by this sinister program?
5/21/03 $16.95 224 pages Dimensions: 5.5" X 8" (pocket size) Black and White Manga 18 ISBN: 1-58664-883-7 UPC: 7-19987-00635-5-00211 Catalog Number: CMX 63502G
Anime Insider #6 will be shipped with two covers, the first featuring Lupin III and the second featuring Yu-Gi-Oh! The issue will go on sale February 19th at comic book specialty stores and on March 3rd at newsstands everywhere.
All Stories, Graphics And Material © Anime News Service Unless Otherwise Cited
Questions,Comments,News Submissions