We had previously announced a street date for BOAH DVD (AV200-062) and Vampire Princess Miyu 2 DVD (AV201-071). Those dates, however, have been put on hold indefinitely due to authoring house problems beyond our control. We will announce a new street date for both later this year. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Toycom has a slew of Action Figures coming your way, all in limited supply.
*Future Ninja: has been sold out to distributors; the figures offered to the U.S. running ONLY 1000 pieces. SRP of $29.99 each.
*Giant Robo: scheduled for release this month for a SRP of $44.95. The two styles, Bazooka and Missile, will together be limited to just 6000 pieces.
*Samurai X and BERSERK: both scheduled for September release and both to have runs of 10,000 pieces.
Medicom, best known for their high quality version of another world-famous building block - Kubrick, will be celebrating 47 sets (and counting) this year with a Comic Con Exclusive. Exclusive in question will be Tetsujin 28 (aka "Gigantor") available for the first time individually and featuring a "deep blue" metallic repaint. This Exclusive will be limited to only 2001 pieces and will only be available at Comic-Con International: San Diego and Wizard World Chicago.
Oversea toy maker Kaiyodo in partnership with Diamond will be unleashing a Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA Unit 01 Glow-in-the-Dark Exclusive Figure at San Diego and Wizard World Chicago 2001. "The First Angel Adam" will come blister carded marked with a Comic Con Exclusive Sticker and limited worldwide to only 2001 pieces. Pictured above is a first hand look.
Beckett Dragon Ball Z Collector and Irwin Toys have teamed up to produce an Exclusive Teen Trunks action figure. This new Limited Edition Trunks figure is Fully Articulated and is painted using an Exclusive Metallic paint. The only way to obtain this unique Teen Trunks figure is through a special subscription page in either Beckett Dragon Ball Z Collector or Beckett Pokemon Collector magazines. A released date is scheduled for late July andquantities are limited.
The International Channel will repeat some of the anime features from April in June. Here is the schedule (schedules are subject to change without notice).
June 9 - Ninja Cadets - 1 am Eastern time (which is the same as June 8 at 10 pm Pacific time) June 9 - Princess Rouge - 2 am Eastern time (which is the same as June 8 at 11 pm Pacific time) June 16 - Earthian (parts 1 and 2) - 1 am Eastern time (which is the same as June 15 at 10 pm Pacific time) June 17 - Earthian (parts 3 and 4) - 1 am Eastern time (which is the same as June 16 at 10 pm Pacific time) In addition, we'll repeat some of the Japanese movies. Please visit here for more information.
Square has released 5 wallpapers of Final Fantasy X in their new "downloads" section of the game's promotional site in Playonline.com. The released wallpapers individually feature Yuna, Tidus and Kimali.
Square and Playstation.com has released an Official commercial trailer of Final Fantasy X. The trailer is in streaming video, approximately 3 minutes long. For the 64Kbps and higher streaming video, check Playstation.com's Movie Section. To save the movie for viewing after a download, check the site's Real Media File.
Square has released a promotional sample of their upcoming Final Fantasy X theme song, "Suteki Da Ne". The 45 second long sampler comes with an introduction announcement, one of which announcer is composer Nobuo Uematsu himself. For the sample, visit Playonline.com's Section. The Maxi single CD of "Suteki Da Ne" is scheduled for release in 7/19, priced 1300 Yen. The CD will include the vocal & instrumental versions of the song, as well as "Utikisama"- an original song by vocalist Rikki, and "Pure Heart" - the arranged vocal version of Aerith's Theme music from Final Fantasy VII.
Convenience store Seven-Eleven of Japan, has announced that a limited edition summon creature figure will come as a bonus for reservations of Final Fantasy X. While a series of summon creature figures are scheduled to be released for sales as products under the name "Final Fantasy Creatures", the Valfare' figure "Serial No.00" will only be available as a reservation bonus at Seven-Eleven. The bonus figure will come in three different variations- crystal, metallic, or full color. Reservers cannot select the color- it is chosen randomly.
Yamato's Dark Angel, Toycom imported Action Figures (in conjunction with Studio Tron: creators Kia Asamiya and Michitaka Kikuchi's art studio and Fanboy Entertainment) are to receive the Exclusive treatment. The two characters Dark and Leen from the anime Dark Angel: Phoenix Resurrection, will each receive an Exclusive Translucent Figure at Comic-Con International (July 19-22) in San Diego (sorry, no Wizard World). Leen will be cast in clear yellow, with Dark in clear orange. Each will be Extremely Limited- 300 each and will be selling for approxiamtely $14.95. As an added treat, creator Kia Asamiya will be on hand to answer questions!
The standard assortment, which had an initial first run of 3000 figures each, stand approximately 6 to 8 inches tall, each figure being extremely highly detailed and offering 12 points of articulation. These can now be found at select specialty stores such as Electronic Boutique, Suncoast, and Babbages.
Back with our New York Toy Fair 2001 coverage, we revealed to you that Toycom would be importing a highly detailed Fuchikoma (multi-limbed police robot- approximately 6" in length) and Botah (pilot- approx. 3" tall) resin statue set, to be sold in three color variants. Color variants on display included: Silver, Camo, Red, Blue, and Green.
The three different color schemes have now been revealed (choosen by input from Toycom/GITS fans): Red, Camouflaged, and Green. Blue will be a Diamond Previews Exclusive. Hey, got all but the Silver!
All come in Original Japanese packaging and are scheduled to ship in August 2001 for $65 each. Some assembly is required.
A post to the Anime Nation Forum by a representative of Japanese company Inter Asset Japan Animation Ltd. has revealed that plans are underway for an American and European release of the upcoming anime film Guilstein. The full digital action/horror film is based on a manga by Tamaki Hisao, best known to Western fans for his manga adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope. The film features script supervision by Monkey Punch, the creator of Lupin III, and a soundtrack performed by Japanese pop band ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate). According to the post, the film will be released to Japanese theaters, "in a couple of weeks," and is scheduled for American release later this summer, apparently in a subtitled version, with European distribution possibly to follow
A response via email to Anna Sartin, one of our readers, was posted on the forum this evening, talking about one of the problematic issues that surrounded their Spring & Chaos release and potentially their upcoming titles. According to Matthew Galgani of Tokyopop;
We are in the process of reviewing all aspects of the Spring and Chaos DVD and will apply all lessons learned to our future releases, including Vampire Princess Miyu. One thing that is certain is that we will be doing a literal subtitled translation for all of our releases, again including Vampire Princess Miyu.
The Right Stuf ists the following DVD releases from Media Blasters as having changed release dates:
6/26 Samurai: Hunt for the Sword DVD
7/3 Elf Princess Rane DVD
7/10 Rurouni Kenshin 8: Ice Blue Eyes (DUB / SUB / DVD)
7/17 Magic Users Club 2: Magic is So Easy! (DUB / SUB / DVD) Metal Fighters Miku DVD
7/31 Jungle De Ikou DVD Rurouni Kenshin 9: Heart of the Sword (DUB / SUB / DVD)
8/14 Magic Users Club 3 (DUB / SUB / DVD) Voogies Angel DVD
8/28 Rurouni Kenshin 10: Between Life & Death (DUB / SUB / DVD)
9/11 Apocalypse Zero 1-2 DVD
9/25 Rurouni Kenshin 11: Faces of Evil (DUB / SUB / DVD) Rurouni Kenshin 12: Blind Justice (DUB / SUB / DVD) Puppet Princess (DUB / DVD)
"Following in the tradition of dubbed series like "Rurouni Kenshin," the opening and ending theme to "DragonBall" are the original Japanese songs, re-scored and sung in English. Some may ask, "Why wasn't an instrumental of the original Japanese version used, and vocals placed over that?" Simple, my good otaku. No actual instrumentals of these songs exist. There are instrumental-type versions on a few CDs, but they have extra instruments playing the melody in them, so they are not true instrumentals. However, rather than make a ridiculous new dub opening for the show (a la DBZ), FUNimation continues to press forward in their goal to be considered a real anime company; "Makafushigi Adventure" and the closing theme, "Romantic Ageru Yo," are in the videos, and will be there with the original Japanese score throughout the entire series.
The Official Site Reports: Dragon Ball, which was scheduled to begin airing on Cartoon Network June 25, is now scheduled to begin July 23. FUNimation deeply apologizes that the airdate has again been changed. We do not anticipate any more rescheduling and appreciate your patience. We are taking every measure to ensure that the series is of the highest quality. Dragon Ball will remain in its original time slot, immediately following Dragon Ball Z. The first 28 episodes of DB will air and will contain the original music from the Japanese series. It's going to be a blast, so be sure to tune in July 23, 2001.
Infogramers DBZ Video Game is Here..
It finaly hear, we have been hearing about this for about a year now. Infogramers Inc. Reveals its first Dragon Ball Z® Game, The Legacy Of Goku®. Phenomenally Popular Property Headed to Game Boy®. Read the official press release HERE.
Source: Saiyanz Rage
AICN has a summary and review of the newest film from the director of The Ring, Chaos.
Also, AICN has a summary and a review of a film known as Wild Zero, which stars the Japanese punk band Guitar Wolf.
INFO:
-price for both days: 50 DM
-about 500 visitors (expected)
-10 Shops
-Cosplay And More
"Digital filmmaking has entered a new era. The world will come to consider this work as the standard of top quality in digital animation." - James Cameron (Director - Titanic)
Chicago, IL - June 6, 2001, Manga Entertainment is proud to announce the release of Japan's first fully-digitally-animated feature film Blood: The Last Vampire. Produced by the visionary animators at Japan's Production IG Studios (Ghost in the Shell), Blood: The Last Vampire will be released in select theatres this summer and on DVD/VHS August 28, 2001. Audiences will also have the opportunity to see the film 'digitally projected' theatrically, when Blood: The Last Vampire headlines this year's RESFEST, the international digital film festival touring the U.S. beginning this fall (www.resfest.com). In addition, Blood: The Last Vampire will receive international Internet exposure with one-time-only 24 hour streaming broadcast of excerpts from the film that will take place on August 28th at the entertainment website www.sputnik7.com. This will be coordinated with special events and promotions held at Manga's own www.manga.com/blood
"It was beautiful. It was as if the art of Francis Bacon had come to life." - Andy Wachowski (Director - The Matrix)
As Japan's first fully-digital-animated-feature film, Blood: The Last Vampire is unlike anime features of the past. While the character designs and backgrounds were created using traditional drawing techniques, these elements were painted, compiled and filmed using computer technology. The process was enhanced by the inclusion of digital lighting effects and revolutionary computer generated models, plus a variety of innovative camera techniques. The highly technical standards used in the film also extended into the musical score and sound effects which were mixed in Hollywood, CA. A 'first-time' for an anime film, Blood: The Last Vampire features a number of American characters with more than ninety percent of the film's dialogue written and spoken in the English language. The leading role of Saya is voice acted by Youki Kodoh (Snow Falling on Cedars.)
The cooperative planning behind Blood: The Last Vampire was supervised under the direction of the acclaimed Japanese animation director Mamoru Oshii. Under a study group called 'Team Oshii', the majority of the creative staff where the same artists instrumental in the development and production of the smash Japanese animation masterpiece Ghost in the Shell. The film was directed by Hiroyuki Kitakubo who started in the business as an animator for the film Akira and who has since grown into becoming a key figure in the Japanese animation industry with an impressive list of credits to date. Using more highly developed computer technologies and animation techniques than ever before, Production IG has created its most cutting-edge work of animation art ever.
"Exciting! Run to the theaters!" - Katsuhiro Otomo (Director - Akira)
Blood: The Last Vampire takes place in the fall of 1966. The Vietnam War is underway and the U.S. military machine is being supplied out of the Yokota Air Force Base - a plot of U.S. land within Japan. Within the compound, the atmosphere is charged with violent intensity as F4 combat planes take off hastily one after the next. Meanwhile, a series of suspicious suicides are reported in town.
On the Ginza subway line -- the last train heading toward Asakusa, a girl sits quietly in a dreary subway car. Her name is Saya. With a piercing gaze that would force even an adult into submission and lips tightly drawn with determination, she is the savior sent by the 'organization' to vanquish the blood-sucking chiropterans that have concealed themselves among their human hosts. Clad in a Japanese school uniform, and wielding an ancient Samurai sword, Saya must infiltrate the American school within the Yokota military compound, uncover the source of the pestilence, and eliminate it.
- "Just the sound production of this work itself might change the future of Japanese animation." - Kunihiko Ikuhara (Director - Sailor Moon)
Manga Entertainment has captured this brilliant anime feature on DVD and enhanced the release with special features such as: "The Making of Blood" Documentary; Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 16X9 Anamorphic Digital Transfer, Image Gallery, Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers, Web Links and DVD ROM content. Available in stores August 28, 2001, Pre-book: August 9, 2001.
ICv2 has learned that Pioneer has sold out the Special Edition DVD of the re-mastered Akira (see "First Look At the Akira Tin") more than two weeks before the order cutoff date of June 19th. The sellout occurred despite Pioneer's bumping the production quantity of the Special Edition Tin from 75,000 to 100,000 units. The two-disk Special Edition includes a documentary on the making of the film, a feature on the costly and exacting process of restoration, another documentary on the creation of the new soundtrack for the film, and lots of other special features. Akira will also be available in a single disk DVD version (just the film with both English and Japanese soundtracks and English subtitles) as well as in a dubbed VHS version. Although only 100,000 of the Special Edition Tins will be manufactured, Pioneer will make the 2-disk DVD version of Akira available in conventional packaging, though this version may not be available when the other three versions hit the streets on July 24th.
Although Pioneer has sold out of the Special Edition Tins, the Special Edition should still be available at the distributor level, since ICv2 has talked to several distributors who have confirmed ordering extras. Although the total number of preorders for the newly re-mastered Akira won't be known until the order cutoff date of June 19th, some industry insiders think that by the end of the year Pioneer may be able to move as many as a million units of Akira in all its various formats. This would undoubtedly make it the largest-selling anime video of all time in the U.S. market.
Lain
Trigun
Final Fantasy IX
The Lain lunchbox is based on the full sized release of last year.
From Figures.com:
Bastard!" Limited Edition Blister Pack released by Pioneer. As we have previously revealed to you, toy company Koto had plans to release a Bastard! Dark Schneider 1: Color Variant to be bundled with the upcoming Pioneer Entertainment DVD. This Limited Edition Blister Pack also includes a Bastard! anime DVD (180 minutes) containing Entire Series Episodes 1 - 6. Bundle ships in a special art work carrying case for an SRP of $40. Click below for our complete Bastard! coverage, including a better look at this Exclusive and Koto's planned next three figures.
Figures reports Diamond plans on rolling out exclusive items for Comic-Con International: San Diego and Wizard World Chicago. Figures include: Tetsujin 28 Medicom Kubrick - featuring a "deep blue" metallic repaint. 1st time offered and limited to 2001 units is a Kaiyodo Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA Unit 01 Glow-in-the-Dark Figure: The First Angel Adam blister carded.
Synch-Point, its production arm, is producing I'm Gonna Be An Angel (Tenshi Ni Naruman) and FLCL. They ran raw Japanese videos of these 2 aforementioned shows First 3 episodes of I'm Gonna Be An Angel is complete; they are actually using a couple of Japanese voice actors Showed a dub of I'm Gonna Be An Angel; they used a fandub actress, who they were very pleased with The voice actress for Utena and I'm Gonna Be An Angel is tentatively scheduled to be at AX. They plan to have the first volume for I'm Gonna Be An Angel at AX. Sync Point is holding an open call for voice actors for a United States DigiCharat commercial (with Broccoli). They do NOT have the rights currently for this series. Shooting for an end of year release for Furi Kuri (doing it with Production IG). DVD and VHS same day release scheduled. They are "still in discussion" about using the Gainax subtitles for FLCL. Digitial Manga would like to make a few changes to it. Tapes 3/3/4/4/4/4/4 - $19.95 SRP (they are planning to sell both sub and dub tapes at the same place) DVD some type of 4/4 or 5/6 format - no set SRP
Bandai Entertainment
2:00 p.m.
No new announcements for this year.
They are moving away from VHS.
"Love Hina is coming out next year."
Kanji credits may be placed as an extra in future DVD’s.
Crest of the Stars was delayed because they requested, and received, a better master copy of the series.
Escaflowne movie will be a theatrical release later this year.
They are not looking to license the Cowboy Bebop Movie.
Cowboy Bebop boxset will include the Extras DVD, but the Extras DVD is not planned to be released separately.
Gundam Wing 0083 and 0080 will be out on DVD.
Saber Marionette J Again will be released on DVD next year.
Brain Powerd and Silent Mobius will both be on DVD.
Ironic that the Bandai Entertainment representative stated he was a big fan of Love Hina and actually had a trivia question about it for a door prize. Bandai is on public record on being very unhappy about Internet DivX ;-) distribution claiming that it hurts sales, yet they expected the audience to know about it already.
ADV Films
3:00 p.m.
Many inside jokes about AnimeonDVD.com forum postings (someone even gave David L. Williams a pair of shin guards)
DLW titled the panel "The Great Dirty Pair Fan Panel and ADV too"
Lots of ADV Films trivia questions even before the panel began with prizes being anime DVD’s (about 8)
New OVA’s: Colorful, Triangle Session, Spectral Force, Battle Cop, Gamera 2, Gamera 3, Farscape, etc.
New: Arc the Lad, Excel Saga, Nadia, Orphen, Powerstone, Robotech, etc.
City Hunter 2 DVD (2 box sets of 5 discs each) – 32 episodes in 1st boxset/33 episodes in 2nd box set ($138.98 for 1st 2000 copies) with lower prices as pre-orders increase - $99.98, $74.98, $49.98 (sub-only release); might do the 1st season on DVD if CH2 DVD boxset is successful; "This is the future" for old series that retail won’t support
Goldenboy on DVD: "It’s on the list of things we really want to do"
"The goal is to get the entire back catalog on DVD by next year."
Spriggan is receiving a "platform release" (2 cities first, then releasing in other cities)
Have been "doubling in capacity every year"
"DVD has taken the entire market by storm, especially in anime"
They will have a lot of DVD only releases next year
A new set of Sakura Diaries with the LD version should be released on 2 DVD’s (direct order only)
Reference: DVD Animania
From the Urban Vision press release:
Twilight of the Dark Master will go on sale nationwide in stores June 12, 2001! Be one of the first to purchase the Collector's Edition DVD at participating retailers*, and receive a free magnet featuring the exclusive cover art!
Extra features:
Exclusive Video of the Animation Director in action!
Specially Created Cover Art!
Motion Menus
Remastered in 5.1
Weblink to contest to win an actual production animation cel
Trailers
*Participating retailers include: Camelot, FYE, Electronics Boutique, Fry's Electronics, Saturday Matinee, Record Town, and more!
Z-Day Ratings, and CN Total Day Ratings for May Programming highlights of the month included last Friday's (5/25/01, 5-7 p.m.) Z-Day, a two-hour block of Toonami's highest-rated program, Dragon Ball Z, featuring the viewers' choice (via online voting) of two episodes that aired from 5-6 p.m. Z-Day earned tripled-digit ratings and delivery increases across kid, tween and teen demographics compared to the same time period last year. Kids 6-11 ratings (3.2) and delivery (542,000) increased by 146 percent and 171 percent, respectively. Tweens 9-14 ratings (2.7) and delivery (471,000) improved by 125 percent and 171 percent, while teens 12-17 ratings (2.4) and delivery (386,000) grew by 100 percent and 117 percent. Also, boys 9-14 ratings (3.9) and delivery (346,000) posted 144 percent and 179 percent growth.
Cartoon Network set new May total day ratings and delivery network records, posting double-digit ratings and delivery growth across households and all key kids demographics. Total day ratings grew 10 percent in households (1.1) as well as 10 percent for tweens 9-14 (1.1) and kids 2-11 (2.2), and 19 percent in kids 6-11 (1.9). Total day delivery increased even more dramatically, up 18 percent in households (767,000), 26 percent in tweens 9-14 (191,000), 31 percent in kids 6-11 (315,000) and 28 percent in kids 2-11 (616,000).
Overall, the all-animation network finished May in third place in total day ratings (1.1) and tied for third place (with USA) in prime time ratings (1.6) among all ad-supported cable networks. Prime time delivery for households (1,193,000) and tweens 9-14 (311,000) set new records for the month, up 12 percent and 9 percent, respectively. May prime time ratings and delivery for kids 6-11 (3.4/564,000) and kids 2-11 (3.9/1,081,000) also charted new records. Kids 6-11 ratings increased 10 percent, while kids 2-11 ratings grew 5 percent. Delivery for both kid demographics improved by 21 percent.
Source: Saiyanz Rage
DVD standard edition in Dolby Digital/Surround w/ movie trailers. BCBJ-0867 4,800yen.
FLCL artbook to go on sale on July 13. Contains over 1,800 key animation line art from the 6-episode OVA series. Also includes all the color illustrations drawn by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, such as the posters that were given-away with a DVD/VHS purchase. A4 size. 200 pages, 24 color pages.
Please Save My Earth OVA DVD to be released in Japan starting in July. There will be 4 DVDs for the 6-part OVA, conclusion, and music image video. The first pressing will include a box illustrated by character designer Takayuki Goto.
Release schedule: Vol 1 - eps 1 & 2 7/25/01 VIZF-19 First press includes a special box VIBF-74 3,800yen
Vol 2 - eps 3 & 4 8/22/01 VIBF-75 3,800yen
Vol 3 - eps 5 & 6 9/21/01 VIBF-76 3,800yen
Vol 4 - conclusion & music image video 10/24/01 VIBF-77 3,800yen
I just got off the phone with Kia Asamiya and he has asked that I clarify a recent news item regarding the November release of the Corrector Yui manga by TOKYOPOP. TOKYOPOP's press release stated: "Corrector Yui - Kia Asamiya's maha shojo MANGA title comes to the US for the first time from TOKYOPOP this September. Crossing The Matrix with Sailor Moon, the hardwired morphing action will keep you electrified. " This statement is a little ambiguous and Asamiya-sensei wants fans to be aware that this version of the Corrector Yui manga that TOKYOPOP will be publishing is not HIS version of the manga. There are actually two versions of Corrector Yui. The Kia Asamiya version of Corrector Yui, written and drawn by Kia Asamiya himself, was published by Shogakkukan in Japan and does not have a release date in the States yet. The Corrector Yui manga that TOKYOPOP will be publishing is done by shojo artist Keiko Okamoto and is a manga adaptation of the anime series. The Corrector Yui anime ran on NHK on TV in Japan for two seasons and NHK Publications released Miss Okamoto's manga versions. Yes, the TP version of Corrector Yui is based on the work of Kia Asamiya, but he had no hand in its creation or publication. Asamiya-sensei greatly enjoys the work of Keiko Okamoto and really wants fans to check out her wonderful shojo art. He would also like to see her work on the Corrector Yui manga promoted correctly here in America. However, he does not want his fans to buy the manga expecting one thing and then to be disappointed that his art is not featured in it. Asamiya-sensei thanks his fans for their constant support of all his manga and anime projects. He hopes you will be equally supportive of Miss Okamoto's work when it is released.
This month's Licensing Show in New York will witness an anime onslaught of Poké-proportions as the U.S. office of Shogakukan Production (ShoPro)-producer of the Pokémon TV and film series-introduces a new lineup of popular Japanese series to the North American market. Japanese parent company ShoPro holds worldwide licensing rights to Doraemon-following the adventures of a robotic cat sent back in time to save a child from future calamity-and Hamtaro Tales-chronicling the escapades of a fifth grader and her pet hamster-along with a host of others that it will showcase at the market. Initial categories open for discussion include toys, publishing, stationery, accessories and apparel.
Reference: Anime News Network
DBZ series 17 released.
Irwin has just released series 17 from their Dragonball Z toy line. This series consists of Androids 17 and 18, Piccolo, Vegeta, and Goku.
Taipei-based animation studio SMEC Media and Entertainment has acquired the rights to produce an animated show adapted from Wang Du-Lu's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON book series. Ang Lee's Oscar-winning live-action film of the same name was also based on these books. SMEC's deal with the book publisher also gives them rights to produce an animated movie and home video. SMEC is now shopping the series around Hollywood. Since the live-action film was a Sony Classics release, you'd almost expect Sony's Columbia TriStar TV unit to pick up the show, especially since they specialize in animation action-adventure shows like MEN IN BLACK, GODZILLA and EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS.
Reference: UMJAMS Anime News
In a recent story we reported that Square is planning a third volume in the Final Fantasy Vocal Collection series. However, the soundtrack will instead contain songs from various Square titles. Digicube has released the track list for Square's third Vocal Collection. The disc will contain twelve vocal songs that feature eleven previously or soon to be released songs, with the inclusion of one completely new track. The complete ordered list includes:
Forevermore / Reiko Nota (The Bouncer) Small Two of Pieces / Joanne Hogg (Xenogears) Treasure Box of the Heart / Hiromi Ohta (Chocobo Racing) 9 Times / Sobut (Professional Baseball [OST not yet released]) Lovely Strains / Kotomi Kyouno (Soukaigi) Eyes on Me (Orchestra Version) / Faye Wong (Final Fantasy VIII) Somnia Memorias / Shani Rigsbee (Parasite Eve) Stars of Tears / Joanne Hogg (Xenogears) Radical Dreamers / Noriko Mitose (Chrono Chross) Melodies of Life / Emiko Shiratori (Final Fantasy IX) Song of Mana / Annika (Legend of Mana) Bonus Track: Tiny Wings / Mari Izukawa (Dice de Chocobo) Square Vocal Collection is slated to ship on June 20 and bears the catalog number SSCX-10052.
Thanks to Brandon Berg.
Yoshitaka Amano art sketches from Final Fantasy X can be viewed here.
The Right Stuf International has sent out a press release for July and August.
ADV
Two new titles were announced by ADV: Colorful (from what I can find a "sexy gag comedy," and another one of those series that was a segment from a larger TV show) and Goemon (based on the Mystical Ninja Goemon franchise, one of which was released in the US for the Nintendo 64). Other things that had been mentioned before were listed in the "next year" category, Spectral Force (Ironcat mentioned at their panel that they had complete work on the manga version they were producing for ADV) Devilman Lady, and Triangle Session. That show is amusingly enough, on the air in Japan right now, and you can see "ADVFILMS" in the copyright info. Spriggan is due for release in September, though what city will host the premiere is still in the air. The idea is to "platform" it, release it in a few big cities, then as word of mouth gets around, expand. The DVD release of the movie will be anamorphic. A number of their titles will start being DVD only, real soon. Daigaurd, Soul Hunter and Princess Nine will be DVD only. Princess Nine will be another experiment - not only will then entire series be on 6 discs, but the SRP will be $19.98. They still aren't exactly sure what to do with the other version of Sakura Diaries, but they are leaning towards a sub-only two disk set, possibly only sold directly from them. Whatever they decided, massive changes in scene orders between the two versions pretty much insure this will be a sub-only release. There is no chance for Nadesico to be redone sans overlays. The upcoming Those who Hunt Elves DVDs will use the new digital masters. They've pretty much gotten the hang of what you can do with DVDs at this point, so expect more "fancy" stuff in the future. (For example, when you get Orphen - check out the episode title screen when playing the dub vs. the sub) Expect more easter eggs as well.
In regards to Excel Saga ADV made their typical jokes about the difficulty of translating the series.
Digital Manga/ Synch Point:
Digital Manga/ Synch Point: she discussed the shows we know they are working on, I'm Gonna be an Angel (Tenshi ni Narumon) and FLCL. The Angel dub features a rather eclectic voice cast - no names given but at least one cast member from Bebop, one from DBZ and the (mentioned elsewhere) fan dub actress. The director is apparently also a voice actress in Japan. They hope to have the first volume of "Angel" for sale at this summer's Anime Expo. The series will be released across seven volumes total VHS (first two will have three eps. each.) $19.95 SRP. Since the DVDs will follow sometime later, price and episode counts have yet to be determined, but she expects 4 to 5 episodes per DVD. They are still aiming to have the first volume of FLCL by the end of the year (unlike "Angel" they have not cast the dub yet) - since they are gong for DVD/VHS simultaneous release, this may slow things down at first. As for using the "Gainax" subs - Production IG has the final say on things like that.
Bandai:
Cartoon Network has no date to start airing Gundam, but they still intend on showing it. the Gundam movies on DVD has been postponed - no date given till when. General Gundam note - its not a question of "if" but "when." Its all coming eventually. Love Hina, some time in 2002. The Esca movie will be in theatres later this year - yes dubbed. No indication on what type of release. In regards to the Cowboy Bebop movie it was stated that nothing is being looked at at this time. For the Cowboy Bebop DVD box set extra Bandai stated they will be "really nice" and "if you don't already have the series wait to buy it." The Esca movie will be in theatres later this year - yes dubbed. No indication on what type of release.
Manga :
The Fists of the North Star TV seires will probably be released in DVD box sets. Their DVD release of the Rayearth OAV is not forgotten, but they don't know when it will happen. They know they can't make their Blood packaging as cool as the R2, but are nonetheless trying to make it special. Keith is fond of "spring-loaded" DVD case. They want to get Giant Robo out for Christmas, and they have gotten a hold of a lot of extras. They are even trying to track down the rights to the Gin-Rei specials. The audience was asked if they would buy the Macross Plus movie on DVD sub only. They responded yes, but there were only about 7 of us. It was agreed that for many people price would be a factor for a sub-only release. The big thing mentioned - the rights Ghost in the Shell anime sequel have apparently already been bought by Mirimax, to Manga's disappointment.
Reference: UMJAMS Anime News
YU WATASE Reunion Artist Guest of Honor from AX98, AX2000
Anime Expo is pleased to welcome back Ms. Yu Watase as a reunion Guest of Honor representing years 1998 and 2000. Yu Watase is a very prolific manga artist whose works include (in no particular order) Gomen Asobase!, Magical Nan, Otenami Haiken!, Suna No Tiara and Mint De Kiss Me. Some of Yu Watase's more recent works, published in Flower Comics, include Shishunki Miman Okotowari, Zoku Shishunki Miman Okotowari and Epotrans! Mai. But in the United States, Yu Watase is most known for her work in the Fushigi Yuugi manga series of which the Fushigi Yuugi anime is based from. Ms. Watase's, Ayashi no Ceres series, won the 43rd Shogakukan Manga Prize. Ms. Watase's most current series is the Imadoki manga. Yu Watase is a guest of Viz Communications.
NOBUYUKI OHNISHI Reunion Artist Guest of Honor
Mr. Onishi is probably best known to anime fans for the illustrations used in the credits of Wings of Honneamise (aka, Royal Space Force), which was being screened in the theaters throughout the U.S. Mr. Onishi was born in the Chiyoda-ward, Tokyo, Japan in 1956. Upon entering Gyosei Elementary School in 1962, Mr. Onishi studied French culture, customs, and language. In 1976, Mr. Onishi entered Musashino University of Art and studied oil painting, photography, printing, illustration and graphic design. Artists that he has been influenced by include Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Dufy. He worked on the paintings for movies like, Les Fruits De La Passion (a 1980 French production) and Saraba Hakobune. In the U.S. in 1990, his works appeared at 'Steve Remington's Gallery.' A collection of his lithographs can be found in a book titled, Memories, which was published in 1992 by Yasuyoshi Yamaguchi. Mr. Onishi has kindly provided Anime Expo with a small selection of his work, that is on display in the "Special Exhibits section."
According to an Anime On DVD forum post:
Manga Entertainment will reportedly use the digital master for their release of Blood: The Last Vampire. The company also has a film master for Blood, the differences between the two are extremely minor though, and many consider the digital version to be the superior one.
Macrovision Corporation (NASDAQ: MVSN), the world leader in Digital Rights Management technologies, announced today that Palm Pictures, Chris Blackwell's multi-faceted international entertainment company with its Manga Entertainment animation division, have signed a five-year extension to copy protect 100 percent of its worldwide DVDs (digital video discs) and VHS library. "Macrovision's Anti-Copy Process is the most effective and widely used technology for preventing unauthorized copying," said Marvin Gleicher, Head of Palm Pictures. "Our agreement with Macrovision will continue to play an important role in our overall copyright protection plan for our projects." "Utilizing Macrovision's Anti-Copy Process on 100% of their titles reaffirms Palm Pictures' ongoing commitment to protect its titles," said Carol Flaherty, Vice President of Video Technology Division at Macrovision. "Palm recognizes that its content, especially 'anime', is acutely susceptible to consumer copying. By copy protecting its DVD and VHS products, Palm Pictures is providing its retailers with a valuable tool that helps maximize rental and sell-through investments." Macrovision's copy protection is designed to prevent unauthorized copying of DVD, VHS and PPV programming to VCRs without impacting the original picture. Macrovision introduced its DVD copy protection in 1997 and it is now utilized on over 70 percent of all video DVDs distributed by most Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) studios, as well as corporate, educational, and special interest rights owners. Over 500 million DVDs, 3 billion videocassettes, and 60 million digital set-top boxes have utilized Macrovision's video copy protection technologies.
On July 7th Sci-Fi epic heads to DVD in Japan. On May 5th a press event was hosted at the HMV Shibuya store, Amemiya-sensei and various production atache were on hand where plans for the DVD release was unveiled. The soundtrack CD is also posted for a July 7th release at 3000 Yen. Opening and Ending are included along with the 24 tracks on the CD.
There is a restriction to this card, the user must already modchipped PSX2 console. Usage involves the user inserting the adaptor card into the memory card slot of the PSX2 and then running the Tools-disc, a swap disc technique is performed with a driver disc. After the driver disc has been loaded, the PSX2 became a multi region DVD player. Suitable for PS2 Scph-10000,15000,18000, with no support to Scph-30001 to 30004.
As of last Friday, Yahoo, Japan underwent a very significant change. To sell and bid on the site, a service charge of 300 Yen a month has been instituted (another source said 580 a month). Much more importantly, they have now restricted their registered users to people with a Japanese credit card or a Japanese internet banking number. This pretty much eliminates non-Japanese from bidding and selling on Yahoo, Japan. Some sort of change was definitely necessary, since the everything-for-free sytems was resulting in a great number of fake auctions, where the seller would do things like cancel all the bids at the last minute or have his friend bid a billion yen so he wouldn't have to sell an item.
Anime News Service: Here's the latest feature line-up for the new issue of Animefringe:
Animefringe Vol.2 #6 - June 2001 ( http://www.animefringe.com/ )
E3 Game Round-Up Animefringe was at the mecca of all things cool in the video game world and we've got a unique 'otaku' view of what's going to be hot and what's not.
Sailor Moon à la Saban: Debunked Back in December's issue we ran a story on the legendary live action Sailor Moon demo and now we've scored an interview with the man behind the pilot, Toon Makers' Rocky Solotoff. Believe us, this interview will open your eyes to the truth...
PULP: The Other World of Manga Ready for a change of pace from all the manga you read? Why not give PULP a try? We've got the inside track on the magazine, the manga, and even an in-depth interview with editor-in-chief Alvin Lu.
Anime North - Adventures in Canada If you've never read one of Dai's articles, then there is no time like the present. You'll learn about her adventures with the Sailor JAM-boree and some insight into how to get the most out of a convention. If you don't know Dai yet, you will soon... because she's the voice of Noelle in Digital Manga's Tenshi ni Narumon!
All this, plus an Editorial on how the gaming industry is shaping up; Anime Briefs featuring info on TOKYOPOP's latest manga acquisitions: Planet Ladder, MARS, and Paradise Kiss; 7 great reviews; a new Web Showcase; Word Searches featuring Mobile Suit Gundam and Robotech, and much more!
According to Jagged Team, TDK Mediactive has gotten the rights from Mattel to make a Robotech game. Vicious Software will be developing the product. Vicious is claiming that the game might end up on GameCube, X Box and PS2.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Synch-Point (http://www.synch-point.com) is searching for Dejiko's voice! Broccoli Co, LTD (http://www.broccoli.co.jp), in conjunction with Synch-Point searches for the perfect voice to play Dejiko in a new animated commercial. Recording begins in mid July. The characters of DiGi Charat began as mascots for Gamers, a Broccoli owned Japanese store chain that caters to anime fans with character goods, trading cards and books. A combination of cuteness and comedy, the three main female characters (Dejiko, Puchiko and Rabi~En~Rose) are trying to become Idols. They all work in Gamers in Akihabara (known as the Electronic District of Tokyo). Synch-Point is aiding Broccoli in a search for the prefect female voice to play Dejiko in an upcoming commercial. Cute and sweet, but with the ability to be mean with selfish overtones. Please visit the Synch-Point website (http://www.synch-point.com/dejiko) to listen to short voice samples in Japanese. We are looking for similar voice type: high energy with comical abilities. Ability to sing required. Send demo, resume, and photos by June 20th to 12211 W. Washington Blvd. #100. Los Angeles, CA 90066. Auditions will take place on July 5th & 6th at the Long Beach Convention Center during Anime Expo. Those who are called into the audition will receive a complementary pass to the convention. The final audition will take place in front of a live audience at the convention. More information to be released on the website later on this week. Email production@synch-point.com with any questions.
Anime Expo is pleased to announce that Ms. Kikuko Inoue will be attending Anime Expo as a Voice Actress Guest of Honor. Ms. Inoue has a prestigous list of roles that include many all-time fan favorites. Among her many roles are Aa Megami-sama (Belldandy), Anpan-man (Luna), Assemble Insert (Yoshiko), Black Jack (Sayuri), Card Captor Sakura {movie} (Li Ieran), Dragon Half (Mana), El Hazard (Rune Venus), Gall Force The Revolution (Elza), Golden Boy {4} (Ayuko), Gundam Dai 08 MS Shotai (Aina Saharin), Hameln no Violin Hiki (movie) (Queen), Kaitou Saint Tail (Mimori Seira), Kekkou Kamen (Yuka Chigusa), Key the Metal Idol (Mima Toyoko), Kiki's Delivery Service (beautiful designer girl), Luna Varuga (Zena), Marmalade Boy (Kitahara Anju), Miyuki-chan in Wonderland (Queen), Moldiver (Brooke), Nadia (Electra), Ogenki Clinic (Tatase Ruko), Otaku no Video (Ueno Yoshiko), Otaku no Video (Misty Mei), Ranma 1/2 (Tendou Kasumi), Rayearth (Tatora), Saber Marionette J (Panther), Sailor Moon {Stars} (Aluminum Siren), Simpsons (Collette), Slayers {Great} (Rya), SM Girls Saber Marionette R (Brid), Toushinden (Uranus) and Weiss kreuz (Birman). Ms. Inoue has also released her first American album, Anime Toonz on Jellybean Records
There seems to be a bit of confusion over the release of ESSENCE: The Art of Yoshitoshi ABe. The book IS ON SALE NOW! Make no mistake about it, I have seen it in stores. If you go to your local retailer and they tell you it is not on sale yet or sold out from the publisher, they are wrong. Tell them you know copies are in stock and that there was a large overprinting done and that copies are still available from the publisher. Tell them to call up Diamond and place a reorder for ESSENCE for you. And if they don't want to do that, take your business elsewhere. Call The Comic Shop Locator at 1-888-266-4226 to find another comic shop in your area that may carry ESSENCE. Or you can visit www.rightstuf.com or www.animenation.com to order it. I personally sent out their orders so I know those online retailer have ESSENCE in stock. I hope you will all have ESSENCE in you hot little hands soon! Enjoy!
As we revealed to you last year, Japanese toy company Yellow Submarine (of Edward Scissorhands fame) had announced a line of 3 figures based on the comedy/drama Ah! Megami-sama (Oh My Goddess!) by Kosuke Fujishima (creator of You're Under Arrest, too). The line consists of the goddesses Belldandy, Urd & Skuld. It's about time someone made good, affordable figures of such anime icons; most of the collectibles have been very expensive resin-cast statues, model kits, and dolls. Diamond's June issue of Previews is now offering for pre-order a Shared Exclusive variant figure in this assortment- Belldandy Light Blue. The 6" figure comes with an exclusive new trading card- each individually numbered. Scheduled to ship October 2001 for an SRP of $14.99.
As we have revealed to you, Palisades hass entered the realm of collectible resin mini-busts with their first character from Yasuhiro Nightow's popular Trigun anime series- Vash the Stampede. This mini-bust was an instant success, the first limited edition run of 5154 completly selling out. Second Nightow character to receive the collectible mini-bust treatment will be none other than Nicholas Wolfwood- the massive "Cross-Gun" toting "preacher". Pictured above is their STANDARD Mini-bust, expected to ship this August (SRP $45) along side a newly unveiled Previews Exclusive Wolfwood Mini-Bust featuring a variant re-sculpted exposed cross with added sunglasses. This is being offered in the June issue of Diamond Previews for August/September release. SRP of $45.
Due to unexpected distributing company changes, Epoch's first series of Soul Caliber action figures went through some tough times prior to final release. The series, which consisted of Mitsurugi, Xianghua, and Nightmare, DID however eventually make their way to specialty toy store shelves this year via it's new found distributor- Diamond. Brushing past delays aside, oversea company Epoch persists on moving on, revealing that a new Soul Caliber 2 series is clearly in the works- most likely for early 2002 release. Pictured above is an early prototype of Astaroth, just one of the figures planned to join wave 2.
Killer Barbys
Magic Users Club TV, "I wanna do more"
Space Travelers
Rurouni Kenshin12: Blind Justice
Marriage
Zenki
Sure Death
Slight Fever Syndrome Complete
The 1st DVD volume of Galaxy Angel is out on July 25th from Bandai Visual at 3800 Yen. The CD single containing the theme "Galaxy - Bang! Bang!" sells at 1000 Yen when it hits the street in Japan in July.
- commercial's for Cardcaptor's have started on Toonami announcing the show as starting June 4th (i.e. this Monday).
Some new information regarding just when we will actually see Spriggan coming to theaters has surfaced. After receiving a well-deserved "R" rating from the MPAA, it looks like we will finally see Spriggan in theaters this September in selected cities and expand as demand for this awesome, action-packed masterpiece rises.
Robotech.com has posted the second installment of their three-part interview with Carl Macek, available here. In this round of questioning, Mr. Macek covers various questions concerning ADV Films' upcoming release of Robotech on DVD, as well as more on the original production of Robotech and the exciting extra that will be featured in the 3rd Robotech - The Macross Saga box set.
The first volume of the Original Dirty Pair OVA series, titled "Girls with Guns," has been announced with a street date of July 17th. This bilingual DVD release will contain the first 5 of 10 episodes and will retail for $29.98.
On August 28th, something a lot of fans have been waiting for will be making its way out to eager fans everywhere. The 6th and final Martian Successor Nadesico DVD, containing the last 5 episodes of this fan-favorite series will retail at the usual price of $29.98. Don't miss the explosive finale to this series!
Hot new anime releases are not the only thing everyone has to look forward to, currently in a limited theatrical run is the ultra-cool Parasite Eve movie, which will be hitting shelves on August 14th. Based off the novel that inspired the hit video game series, this subtitled VHS and DVD release will retail at $14.98 and $19.98 respectively.
Aside from Parasite Eve, the suspenseful Japanese horror movie The Hypnotist will also be hitting stores on August 14th. The Hypnotist is a part of the recent influx of Japanese suspense and horror titles coming to the US, which in recent years has been growing steadily from a small cult following to a part of pop culture, much like the popular kaiju titles Gamera and Godzilla. So be sure to check out the Hypnotist, like Parasite Eve on subtitled VHS and DVD at $14.98 and $19.98 respectively.
Comics One is now selling the manga series Lupin III by Monkey Punch oku: Midnight Eye by Buichi Terasawa Kabuto by Buichi Terasawa Offered Story: Kazuo Koike Art: Ryoichi Ikegami (Crying Freeman team) Wounded Man Story: Kazuo Koike Art: Ryoichi Ikegami (Crying Freeman team)
Diamond Previews' August release listings as compiled by DVD Animania:
Apocalypse Zero 1 & 2 DVD
Armored Trooper Votoms: Vol 14 DVD
Armored Trooper Votoms: Vol 15 DVD
Armored Trooper Votoms: Vol 16 DVD
Blood The Last Vampire DVD
Ceres, Celestial Legend Vol. 2 DVD
Demon Beast Invasion: Part 3 & 4 DVD
Fencer Minerva: The Tempest DVD
Gatchman Collection DVD
Gundam MS 08th Team Vol. 2 DVD
Gundam Wing: Operation 10 DVD
Hand Maid May: Vol. 1 Made To Order DVD
Kizuna DVD
Magic Knight Rayearth Season 1: Vol. 1 Daybreak DVD
Magic Knight Rayearth Season 1: Vol. 2 Sunrise DVD
Magic Knight Rayearth Season 1: Vol. 3 Noon DVD
Magic Knight Rayearth Season 1: Vol. 4 Twilight DVD
Magic Knight Rayearth Season 1: Vol. 5 Midnight DVD
Martian Successor Nadesico: Vol. 6 DVD
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Vol. 1 DVD
Monkeybone DVD
Nadia, Secret Of Blue Water: Vol. 2 DVD
Neia_7: Vol. 1 DVD
Oh My Goddess: Vol. 1 DVD
Oh My Goddess: Vol. 2 DVD
Patlabor Mobile Police TV: Vol. 1 DVD
Puppet Princess DVD
Ranma 1/2 - Random Rhapsody: Vol. 4 Demon Jusenkyo DVD
RG Veda DVD
Robotech Macross Saga 2 DVD Box Set
Robotech Macross: Vol. 3 DVD
Robotech Macross: Vol. 4 DVD
Rurouni Kenshin: Vol. 11 Faces Of Evil DVD
Sailor Moon S TV: Collection 4 DVD
Sherlock Hound DVD
Starblazers - Quest For Iscandar: Part 6 DVD
Slipping in a non DVD item, Pioneer will release the VHS box set of the second season of Fushigi Yugi on 8/21.
I am writing to let you know about the 2 DragonBall Z soundtrack CDs that are now available. Trunks Compendium I The Best of DragonBall Z, Volume 1 More information can be found at http://www.faulconer.com These CDs are going to be a collectors edition from the composer direct to you. With appreciation, and Regards Bruce Faulconer Composer of DragonBall Z the American soundtrack
Among the cable networks in prime time, Lifetime is leading the sweeps pack for the first two weeks (through May 9), while Cartoon Network is showing the greatest growth among the major networks. Lifetime scored a 1.8 universe rating (1.4 million households) vs. a 1.6 (1.2 million households) this time last year. Cartoon grew 12 percent in households, to a 1.6 universe rating (1.1 million). The other general-entertainment networks-TBS, TNT and USA-are flat at best.
Source: Yahoo
Japanese Guest
Hikaru Midorikawa - Aoni Productions: voice actor behind Heero Yuy from Gundam Wing, Tamahome from Fushigi Yuugi (Mysterious Play), Zelgadis from Slayers
American Guests:
Fred Perry http://www.cheetaholics.net/ best known for his work on Gold Diggers and Legacy
Scott Frazier http://sockfairy.com/scott/ worked on Bubblegum Crash, Moldiver, and Genocyber
Gilles Poitras http://www.sirius.com/~cowpunk writer of Anime Companion and Anime Essentials
Scott Houle runs Coastal Carolina STUDIOS
Pamela Weidner Editing and Directing for Coastal Carolina Voice for Skuld in Oh! My Goddess, Sheena from Shinesmen, and Miyu in Vampire Princess Miyu
Adam Warren http://www.adamwarren.com/ Dirty Pair comics , currently writes Gen 13
Steve Bennett founder of STUDIO Ironcat. Ironcat is responsible for the translations of various MANGA like Futabakun-Change!, Vampire Princess Miyu, Crusher Joe, and Cutey Honey
Ian Kim here and http://www.genesischronicles.com
Shin Kurokawa http://www.animeigo.com AnimEigo's "translator in chief"
TOKYOPOP® MANGA has been on a licensing spree, which means more cool titles for you!! Below is just a sample of what's coming. Keep up with all the new titles as we get them posted on TOKYOPOP.com. (We've signed so many recently, we haven't had time to get info on them all up online!) Corrector Yui - Kia Asamiya's maha shojo MANGA title comes to the US for the first time from TOKYOPOP this September. Crossing The Matrix with Sailor Moon, the hardwired morphing action will keep you electrified. Island - TOKYOPOP's First Korean Manga: Exotic and beautiful, Ceju Island would make a great resort...if it wasn't for the demons. From two of the top MANGA creators in Korea, comes a work that proves that MANGA knows no borders. *SCOOP* The following info is being announced publicly here for the first time: TOKYOPOP® MANGA is proud (and thoroughly juiced!) to announce that we have licensed the MANGA rights to Marmalade Boy and Kodocha (aka, Kodomo no Omocha)!! We'll keep you posted on release schedules. Marmalade Boy is the definition of dysfunctional. Miki's parents have decided to swap marriages with another couple much to her horror. But when she sees her gorgeous new step-brother Arimi, she kind of warms to the idea-until she discovers he's best friends with a boy she used to have a crush on, and now has a crush on her! Arimi is stuck in a triangle of the worst kind, as the two guys she likes are now best friends with each other. Wataru Yoshizumi is the mangaka behind Marmalade Boy. With several other titles to her credit in Japan this is the first to receive distribution in the US.
Kodocha follows the life of junior high student, Sana Kurata, a child actress with quite a diva attitude. Her histrionics go into overdrive though when a new boy, Akito, comes to school and starts getting all of the attention. Even though Sana can't stand Akito though, she really does think he's cute. Kodocha was created by Obana Miho and is a popular manga, television and OVA series in Japan.
Mr. Hisashi Abe of Madhouse Studios has a very diverse range of credits. The character designer, animation director, and director of Devil Hunter Yohko 2 and 3, Mr. Abe is also the character designer for Twilight of the Dark Master and character designer for Shin Kujaku-Oh. He was also the character designer and animation director for the series Petshop of Horrors and the OVA series Seebus. He worked on the X feature film as an assistant animation director and most recently served as the animation director for the Vampire Hunter D film.
Based on the original manga by Tezuka-sensei published between 1953-56, Princess Knight later spawned a 52 episode TV series produced by Mushi Productions, airing on Japanese TV in 1967-1968. Princess Knight told the story of a young princess in a fairy tale kingdom who must pretend to be a male for political reasons.
The Official Toonami.com Site has updated their faq section after a long-long time. There was very little new information released, but they cleared up a lot of question that were haunting Toonami fans. They also announced that "This September , Tom and Sara will be involved in a five part, interactive adventure in which the very fate of Toonami will be at stake." The good news for Sailor fans is "Toonami will be airing all three of the Sailor Moon movies - Sailor Moon R, Sailor Moon S, and Sailor Moon Super S - this year." Looks like the Sailor Movies will make it to Toonami afterall. You can read all your questions and thier answers here..
Source:
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/TOONAMI/community/faq.html
Kid's WB on a roll!!
Kids' WB! wrapped up the 2000-2001 season as the #1 broadcast network among Kids 2-11 (3.0/13), Kids 6-11 (3.6/15), Boys 2-11 (4.0/16) and Boys 6-11 (4.8/20). For the season, Pokémon: The Johto Journeys, in its 10:00 a.m. ET time period, dominated as the #1 program among all competition, including cable, in Boys 2-11 (5.8/21) and Boys 6-11 (7.2/26), and ranked #1 among the broadcast competition in Kids 2-11 (4.5/16) and Kids 6-11 (5.6/20).
Source:
http://media.aoltimewarner.com/media/press_view.cfm?release_num=55251962
Source: http://www.saiyanz-rage.net/
Blockbuster Video, for week ended May 27.. Two Dragonball Z tapes made it in the Top 20 list Sales for the "Local Sales". Not only that, but both of the newly released DBZ tapes made an enterence within the Top 5 ranked sales.. Both World Tournament: Junior Division (ranked #4) and Great Saiyaman: Crash Course (ranked #5) were released this month May 15, 2001.
full list below..
Source: WashingtonPost.com
This is the results of the 7th French Anime Grand Prix, published on the 65th Animeland (October 2000).
A) BEST TV SERIES
01 : Escaflowne (+1 . 21,32%)
02 : Evangelion (-1 . 15,48%)
03 : Cowboy Bebop (E . 8,50%)
04 : Saint Seiya (-1 . 8,35%)
05 : Card Captor Sakura (E . 6,15%)
06 : Serial Experiments Lain (E . 4,25%)
07 : Nadia (-2 . 2,73%)
08 : City Hunter (-4 . 2,43%)
09 : Taiyou No Ko Esteban (-3 . 2,28%)
10 : Dragon Ball Z (-2 . 1,97%)
11 : Versailles No Bara (+2 . 1,82%)
12 : Pokemon (E . 1,82%)
13 : Utena (E . 1,82%)
14 : Sailor Moon (-7 . 1,52%)
15 : Slayers Next (E . 1,37%)
16 : Kimagure Orange Road (-7 . 1,29%)
17 : Slayers (-7 . 1,14%)
18 : The Simpsons (-8 . 1,06%)
19 : Macross (-1 . 0,91%)
20 : Blue Seed (-8 . 0,83%)
B) BEST ANIMATION MOVIE
01 : Princess Mononoke (E . 40,82%)
02 : Grave Of The Fireflies (-1 . 10,17%)
03 : Perfect Blue (E . 7,89%)
04 : Tonari No Totoro (-2 . 4,32%)
05 : Akira (-1 . 3,34%)
06 : Jin-Roh (E . 3,03%)
07 : Ghost In The Shell (-4 . 2,28%)
08 : Porco Rosso (-2 . 1,97%)
09 : Disney's Tarzan (E . 1,75%)
10 : Saint Seiya, The 1st Movie (+2 . 1,67%)
11 : Disney's Lion King (-3 . 1,29%)
12 : Pokemon, The 1st Movie (E . 1,29%)
13 : Disney's Mulan (-6 . 0,91%)
14 : Dragon Ball Z, The 1st Movie (+4 . 0,76%)
15 : Disney's Fantasia 2000 (E . 0,76%)
16 : Lupin III - The Cagliostro's Castle (-1 . 0,76%)
17 : The Prince Of Egypt (-12 . 0,61%)
18 : The Wings Of Honneamise (-3 . 0,61%)
19 : Kimagure Orange Road, The Movie (+3 . 0,61%)
20 : Sailor Moon, The Movie (+3 . 0,61%)
C) BEST OAV
01 : Rurouni Kenshin (E . 38,24%)
02 : Please Save My Earth (-1 . 9,18%)
03 : Record Of Lodoss War (-1 . 7,13%)
04 : Gunbuster (+13 . 4,40%)
05 : Macross Plus (-2 . 4,02%)
06 : El Hazard (+13 . 1,82%)
07 : Gunnm (+12 . 1,75%)
08 : City Hunter - The Secrets Services (+2 . 1,67%)
09 : Slayers (-5 . 1,52%)
10 : Vampire Princess Miyuu (-5 . 1,44%)
11 : Queen Emeraldas (+2 . 1,21%)
12 : Tenchi Muyou ! (= . 1,21%)
13 : Aah ! My Goddess (-4 . 1,06%)
14 : Video Girl Ai (-7 . 0,76%)
15 : Ranma 1/2 (+3 . 0,68%)
16 : Tokyo Babylone (+1 . 0,68%)
17 : BlackJack (-11 . 0,61%)
18 : Golden Boy (-11 . 0,53%)
19 : Iria Zeiram, The Animation (-5 . 0,53%)
20 : Kojiro ! (E . 0,53%)
D) BEST HOPE
01 : Escaflowne, The Movie (E . 11,38%)
02 : Detective Conan (+3 . 8,35%)
03 : Fushigi Yuugi (-2 . 6,07%)
04 : Evangelion, all movies (+2 . 5,69%)
05 : Kareshi Kanojo No Jijou (-3 . 4,93%)
06 : X (= . 3,72%)
07 : Card Captor Sakura, The 1st Movie (E . 2,35%)
08 : Rurouni Kenshin, TV Serie (= . 2,20%)
09 : Gundam, all TV Series (+15 . 2,05%)
10 : Gundam Wing (+8 . 1,90%)
11 : Sailor Stars (+1 . 1,82%)
12 : Angel Sanctuary (E . 1,75%)
13 : Hunter X Hunter (E . 1,75%)
14 : Yuu Yuu Hakusho, TV Series (-1 . 1,75%)
15 : Laputa (+3 . 1,52%)
16 : One Piece (E . 1,37%)
17 : Nadesico (-4 . 1,29%)
18 : Tonari No Yamada-kun (E . 1,29%)
19 : Kodomo No Omocha (E . 1,14%)
20 : Onii-sama He (the complete series, because all chapters are never
broadcasted) (E . 1,14%)
E) BEST FEMALE CHARACTER
01 : Ayanami Rei (= . 9,33%)
02 : Kinomoto Sakura (E . 8,42%)
03 : Hitomi (Escaflowne) (+1 . 6,53%)
04 : Faye Valentine (E . 4,25%)
05 : San (Princess Mononoke) (E . 4,25%)
06 : Ayukawa Madoka (-4 . 4,17%)
07 : Lain (Serial Experiments Lain) (E . 3,34%)
08 : Nadia (+1 . 3,34%)
09 : Soryu Asuka Langley (-6 . 3,26%)
10 : Oscar (Versailles no Bara) (= . 3,26%)
F) BEST MALE CHARACTER
01 : Van Fanel (+1 . 12,22%)
02 : Saeba Ryo (-1 . 11,99%)
03 : Kenshin (+11 . 9,79%)
04 : Spike (Cowboy Bebop) (E . 7,97%)
05 : Ikari Shinji (-2 . 5,69%)
06 : Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke) (E . 4,48%)
07 : Li Shaolan (Card Captor Sakura) (E . 1,97%)
08 : Cobra (-4 . 1,90%)
09 : Kobayashi Rin / Shion (-4 . 1,67%)
10 : Pegasus Seiya (-1 . 1,44%)
G) BEST SONG
01 : Zankoku Na Tenshi No These (= . 11,38%)
02 : Yakusoku Ha Iranai (= . 11,00%)
03 : Duvet (Serial Experiments Lain) (+11 . 5,39%)
04 : Tank (Cowboy Bebop) (E . 4,55%)
05 : Pegasus Fantasy (+1 . 3,95%)
06 : Ending Theme of Princess Mononoke (E . 3,11%)
07 : Rinbu Revolution (E . 3,11%)
08 : Catch you Catch Me (E . 2,66%)
09 : Voices (-6 . 2,58%)
10 : French theme of Cities Of Gold (-3 . 2,50%)
H) BEST FRENCH SEIYUU
01: ROPION Vincent (= . 14,57%)
02 : LEGRAND Eric (= . 5,92%)
03 : FAUVEAU Naike (E . 4,32%)
04 : LEGRAND Patricia (E . 3,87%)
05 : JANKOVIK Olivier (E . 3,19%)
06 : CURTIL Emmanuel (+1 . 2,50%)
07 : RENO Jean (+2 . 2,12%)
08 : PEYTHIEUX Philippe (E . 2,12%)
09 : LAFFORGUE Stephanie (+3 . 1,97%)
10 : REIGNOUX Donald (-2 . 1,75%)
Animeland received for this Anime Grand Prix, more of 1500 responses. 55% from male, 44% from female and 1% who didn't say their sexe.
Metal Gear Solid 2: "like many of the fall releases just getting to the final, final approved stages... We are looking into some other video game licenses."
Anime 2: "line is close to going in production as well as the 'scuffed up'bike and the Kanada figure that sits on the motorcycle."
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