Anime News Service - June 19-20 Anime News

6-20-02---- Patlabor WXIII DVD Release In Japan To Contain English Subs

Revealed in Bandai Visual's Digital Beat Press e-newsletter circulated on the 20th are details of the Patlabor WXII DVD Movie release in Japan. A commemoration event for the release is scheduled for August 1 from 18:00 in Shinjuku.

Courtesy Anime On DVD, Bandai Visual has uploaded a listing for the Region 2 release which mentions the upcoming region 2 release of Patlabor WXIII, due on Sept. 25, will contain English subtitles. The special edition release will run an estimated 180 minutes, contain Dolby Digital 5.1 ch audio. The disc will be single sided dual layer with Japanese & English subtitles, 16:9 letter box / Vista size aspect ratio. Bonus disc contains Dolby digital (stereo) / single sided 2 layer. Emotion serial: BCBA-1289. Tax not inlcuded the retail is 12,800. Bonus disc features are Supervision continuity covered in a special booklet, tall cases, luxurious BOX 24p liner notes. Theater trailer, TVCM and main staff interviews are also featured.

6-20-02---- Asia AICN Items

Thanks to Daniel for this news:

Japan:
1)Just a short little update on the new Battle Royale DVD released by Tartan Video in the UK. I just received it this week and can confirm that it is encoded R0 NTSC, meaning it can play on any NTSC DVD player. So yes, it is safe enough to order it without worrying about playing the damn thing. This is the original cut of the movie (not the extended version), with great video (anamorphically enhanced) and an AWESOME DD 5.1 sound. So for those of you finally waiting to see this great film, you can do so now by buying it from Amazon.co.uk.

2)- Top producer Shinya Kawai has a project titled Duel, in which he'll choose 2 young directors to make 2 short films. These two films will compete at the box office and for DVD/video sales .The director of the box office loser has to promise to do a bunch of things, including shaving their head, working the winner's next film as a PA, and appearing in the said film as an extra. The 2 directors in this competition are Ryuhei Kitamura and Yukihiko Tutumi. Kitamura's "Aragami" - a samurai zombie movie is already finished shooting. Tutumi's "2 LDK" starts shooting soon.

3)Shuseke Kaneko (director of the "Gamera" series) just finished shooting his new musical comedy "Koi Ni Utaeba" in Melborune,Australia. The star of this movie is director/actor Naoto Takenaka and teen idol Yuuka. This movie should be released in November and will release internationally sometime next year

4)Toho's new "Godzilla vs Mecha Godzilla" has just started shooting. Baseball star (and future Major Leaguer) Hideki Matsui appears in a cameo where he faces Godzilla during a practice match.

Finally, a positive review of the extra unfinished footage to Burce Lee's "Game of Death"-which is only available on a UK dvd as of now-is available at aint it cool news.

6-20-02---- Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Costume Contest Reschedule

Courtesy Rhona of Urban Vision:

Due to Anime Expo's Masquerade rehearsal time, we have decided to bump up the Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Costume Contest time from 2:00pm to 1:00pm, so fix your calendars! Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Costume Contest at booths 114 and 116, July 6th, 2002 at 1:00pm! The Grand Prize will be a Meier Link and Charlotte statue courtesy of Koto, Inc! There are some suprise prizes in store, so be sure to check it out!

6-20-02---- New Anime Games

Wise Turtle Publishing is releasing a line of games called "OVA." Each release will concentrate on a specific anime genre, featuring the innovative Ricochet game mechanics and art by popular artist Niko Geyer (www.nikogeyer.com).

Fans with knowledge on anime can find out how they might contribute to the development at www.wiseturtle.com.

6-20-02---- Beyblade In Canada

The currrent issue of TV guide mentions Beyblade as a new Anime addition to Canda's YTV network on Fridays at 5:30pm mtn starting this Friday.

6-20-02---- Anime In The Limelight Show #42 Online

Anime in the Limelight Show #42 is now available online at www.limepub.com. According to the producers:

We're also afraid that this may be the last one if Congress and the Copyright office passes the CARP measure now pending. (It was put on hold 3 weeks ago and they plan to decide in maybe a week more, if it passes #42 will probably be our last hoorah) We're asking EVERYONE to please support saveinternetradio.org and its efforts to keep internet radio FREE. Anime in the Limelight is an ASCAP licensed webcaster and proud of it. We ALREADY pay our dues, and our listeners shouldn't be made to fork over as much as 15 cents a song just to listen to AitL or any other LEGAL station. Thats UNAMERICAN!

Please visit Anime in the Limelight, share your ideas with Max and help us keep AitL on the"air". To all of our listeners, we appreciate your support and patronage over the last four years and hope we will be there to serve your listening needs for a long time to come.

Special Mahalo's to our initial supporter's Oliver Chinn (formerly of Viz Communications) who got flooded with our early listener's email demanding permission for AitL to play full songs before we got our ASCAP License,; and to Nichibei Anime Club, our old grand sponsor and long time friends. Thank you both again for your advice and support. We would'nt have made it without you.

And our neverending thanks to you, our listeners! Now because of your support, we're seriously looking at SYNDICATION! Please email the site of your top local radio station to us...and we'll see if we can't get some Anime in the Limelight of your favorite station...with a little help from our friends.

6-20-02---- Animejin UK Anime News - ADV Films Site Relaunch - Macross Plus Movie Press

From the 19th June 2002 Animejin news listings. All test in this piece Copyright Jonathan Weeks:

ADV Films UK website relaunched
ADV Films have relaunched their UK website at a new address, with a new look and new content. The website features a searchable catalogue, release news and trailers for their most popular releases. The new address is http://www.advfilms.co.uk

Manga Entertainment press release

MACROSS PLUS
RELEASED ON DVD 24TH JUNE 2002
Following the success of the 'AKIRA' DVD release in March, Manga Entertainment is proud to present another sublime DVD package, 'MACROSS PLUS - ULTIMATE EDITION'. This triple DVD pack contains all four parts of the Macross Plus series and Macross Plus The Movie edition. This is the first time all of Shoji Kawamori's masterpieces have been brought together in one exclusive package.

2040 AD - Planet Eden. The Ministry of Defence is testing and developing a transforming super-stealth aircraft, a new advanced defence vessel to counter alien attacks. Isamu Dyson is an extrovert jet fighter maverick assigned as a test pilot on the project, 'Super Nova', but the competition heats up when he discovers that his old rival Guld Bowman is a test pilot for the competing project.

As a tale of technological espionage and double-crossing is unfolding, Isamu is with the genius computer hacker, Yang, at one of computer generated pop star Sharon Apple's concerts. Yang is preparing to pull off one of the biggest computer hacking stunts ever in front of millions.

Upon Isamu's return to the New Edwards Test Centre, the dangerous rivalry between himself and Guld Bowman is reaching boiling point. Angered by the news that the Stealth Valkyrie trials have been abruptly stopped, Isamu and Yang head toward Earth to get even with the pilot-less Ghost X-9 as Guld goes after them for a final battle.

Isamu must first win the battle of the skies before tackling Guld in the battle for his childhood sweetheart's Myung's affections.

The Move Edition includes a breathtaking new opening sequence, new scenes that further clarify the relationships between key characters, plus a dramatic new ending featuring extended footage of the haunting concert given by the film's virtual pop star Sharon Apple. The end result is a film, which spectacularly conveys the director's vision while infusing striking new elements into this gripping story.

6-20-02---- TokyoScope author Patrick Macias signs at "Revenge Of The Japanese Outlaw Masters"

Patrick Macias will be selling and signing copies of his book TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion in the lobby of the Egyptian Theatre during American Cinematheque's "Revenge of the Japanese Outlaw Masters" film series featuring Ichi the Killer by Takashi Miike, Female Convict Scorpion - Jailhouse 41, and Black Tight Killers.

More info:
americancinematheque.com
http://pulp-mag.com/books/tokyoscope

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 5-8 p.m.

The Egyptian Theatre 6712 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90028

323.466.3456

General Admission $8.00 (unless otherwise noted) Cinematheque Members $6.00. Seniors 65+/Students w/valid ID $7.

TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion
http://pulp-mag.com/books/tokyoscope/

6-20-02---- Action Channel Anime Schedule

The Action Channel is showing Akira July 5 at 11:00 pm (central time) and July 9 at 10:40 pm. Also in July: New Dominion Tank Police, Bio Hunter, 3x3 Eyes, Black Magic M-66, Queen Esmeraldas, Ghost in the Shell, Tekken the Motion Picture, Appleseed (also showing in June), and Blue Seed (the last two eps -- it's showing all of June as well).

Source: Sakura389 | http://prod.starzencore.com/se/action/schedule.html

6-20-02---- Akadot At AX

According to Akadot, Akadot Retail will be at Anime Expo 2002 and will be located at booth #436 and #337. They have some reported cool events planned, including a live demonstration of how to draw manga, using screen tones, and more.

6-20-02---- Production IG's Surveilance

Courtesy Daniel's post to our ML, read about Production IG's new Surveilance PS2 videogame at this link , and see photos at this link.

6-20-02---- Jackie Chan's Accidental Spy Out In August

DVD File says Accidental Spy will come out on dvd August 13.

Source: Daniel-san

6-20-02---- Akira Makes Another List

According to OFCS, it's number 77 on the top 100 Sci Fi films of the Online Film Critics Society.

Source: Daniel-san

6-20-02---- Robotech Masterpiece Collection Hits Retail

According to the Toynami update:

Volume One of the ROBOTECH MASTERPIECE COLLECTION will be appearing in stores nationwide, starting today (June 19th). If you haven't already got a pre-order, run right out to your local video-game, comic-book or specialty retailer and check out Rick Hunter's VF-1J! Everybody here at Toynami is grateful to all the fans for their support in undertaking this mammoth project. Stay tuned for details on pre-ordering Volume 2!

6-20-02---- I-Mode / J-spec Cellphones News

According to Asia Biz Tech, NTT DoCoMo's latest model handset, the "Digital Mova N504i," came in fourth in the ranking of mobile phone sales for the first week of June (May 27-June 2), according to a survey by Nikkei BP GfK SalesWeek3200. The N504i is the first in the "504i" series to make it into the ranks of the top five. The focus of attention for the next ranking is Sharp's "SH251i," which is equipped with a small digital camera.

1 NTT DoCoMo N503iS -0.7
2 au A3012CA -0.3
3 NTT DoCoMo D503is -2.5
4 new NTT DoCoMo N504i +6.5
5 NTT DoCoMo P211i -1.1

Unstrung's analysis of Euro I-Mode is So Far, So Good. KPN Mobile appears to have got off to a cracking start with its European version of the i-mode service from Japan’s NTT DoCoMo Inc. It’s achieved its target of getting 50,000 customers in the first six weeks of operation and says user satisfaction levels could hardly be better (see Dutch Dig i-mode).

Another piece on Unstrung, examines the possibility of FOMA rolling out too fast and too soon from the natural growth point of the market.

6-20-02---- Macross Licensing News

Courtesy Toybox DX and Macrossworld.com:

Big West, the Japanese company recently recognized as the creator and owner of all Macross character designs by a Tokyo court, no longer recognizes Harmony Gold's exclusivity with regards to selling Macross toys in the USA. A total newcomer called Sunwards has been granted the rights to distribute Macross merchandise in the USA. In their own words, from a recent press release:

"Sunwards is pleased to announce commencement of Valkyrie products overseas distribution. The distribution right is licensed by an agreement with Big West. Our first product release is VF-1S Strike Valkyrie in August. Our right is invested by Big West whose copyright ownership was judicially affirmed by the Tokyo District Court ruling on February 25, 2002. Stay tuned for more details in our website."

6-20-02---- New Ranma 1/2 Goods

Figures.com has images of some new Toycom Ranma 1/2 designer watches. Each watch comes packaged in a collectible tin case emblazoned with the Ranma logo silk-screened on top. Two different styles to choose from and retailing for a MSRP of $29.99 each.

6-20-02---- CPM Mangazone Graphic Novel Listing

From CPM Manga's Frank Panone:

This link is our Mangazone catalog and lists our Graphic Novels, including many to be released in the near future. 2MB PDF File

6-20-02---- Hamtaro Adds To Record CN Ratings Wave

Thanks to four nights of Scooby-Doo movies, new anime series Hamtaro and a host of other animated series last week, the burgeoning Cartoon Network remained in that direction with its highest ever weekly tweens 9-14 (379,000, up 25 percent from last year) and household total day deliveries (1.1 million, up 15 percent). In primetime, Cartoon Network was first in its delivery of kids 6-11 (723,000) and kids 2-11 (1.31 million).

Source: Yahoo / Media Week

6-20-02---- Beyblade - Power Rangers On ABC Family

The weekend portion of ABC Family's kids block will expand to five hours from two hours on both Saturdays and Sundays starting July 6. Two hours of kids programming will continue to air every weekday. As of July 6, the kids block lineup throughout the week will incorporate such series as the latest incarnation of "Power Rangers," and anime adventure series "Beyblade".

Source: Yahoo News

6-20-02---- Jet Li Plethora

Pictures of Hero from around the world, procedures to get a Jet Li autograph, ask him questions, and invite him to a special event, and more are now available at JetLi.com

6-20-02---- Anime Expo Items

According to the ever resourceful Daniel-san, apparently Yoko Ishida will also be at the Long Beach AX, according to http://www.anime-expo.org/guests.html. Also, some interesting panel news at http://www.anime-expo.org/events-panellistings.html:

1)Details about the Animatrix will be revealed.

2)Even though he doesn't seem to be listed as a Guest of Honor, Shoji Kawamori is supposed to present and discuss Arjuna, while Noburo Ishiguro is supposed to be presenting the Legend of Galactic Heroes film.

3)Ikuhara-san will talk about Utena.

4)The AIC staff are supposed to present Tenchi GXP.

5)And interestingly enough, Harmony Gold should be hosting the first Robotech panel.

6)Finally, an episode of .Hack is supposed to be shown at another panel.

6-20-02---- PostPet Security Hole

Thanks as always to Yukio-san of Dead Shot Club for this item:

It was announced on the 14th that the security hole was found in the popular mail software "PostPet" (the Windows version) of the Sony communication network. Free public presentation of the update version which took measures is carried out, and it is appealing for update to the user on the same day. Update is required also of an initial version. About the Macintosh version or the Windows CE version, it is satisfactory.

The company says that arbitrary programs are performed on a personal computer because a third person appends and sends a malicious file into an E-mail, or it becomes possible to destroy a file. Even if a user does not perform and peruse this attached file, it may operate, and it cannot be detected with common virus measure software.

It is what was made clear in response to indication of a user in April, this year, and the company had notified about 700,000 registration members of the service for users "a PostPet park" in May. It was asked to call attention widely and to take measures from preparation of the update version having been completed this time. It is said that there is no report of damage until now.

PostPet has appeared on the market mostly and the user who united with the package version etc. says that the pre-installation version of a personal computer etc. amounts to estimated 9 million people. It notifies by the website and also common knowledge is aimed at to a store and a personal computer maker.

An object is "PostPet 2001" (ver.2.05 or before), "PostPet kids" (ver.1.01 or before), the "PostPet ViaVoice correspondence version" (ver.2.05 or before), "PostPet DX" (ver.1.2 or before) and the trial version before PostPet ver.2.05, and the PostPet ver.1.0x trial version.

Source: C-Net Japan

6-20-02---- AFE Report

Monster Zero describes what went on during the first day of the east coast Asian Fantasy Film Expo. Of interest is that Yasumasa Kawauchi of Bandai stated that Ultraman Cosmos is now finished, and toys for the series will no longer be produced.

New Source: Daniel

6-20-02---- News On Used Software Dealers

According to Yukio-san's Dead Shot Club Managing director Yutaka Kubota director of Association of Copyright for Computer Software (ACCS) caused entry of the volume retailer to this market, and criticized "It may also become the blow to a retail store" while he described dissatisfaction on the 14th the viewpoint of selling information is "missing" about judgment of the used game selling lawsuit in April which accepted free circulation of used game software. The place of the ACCS ordinary general meeting held in the city of Tokyo on the same day described.

Managing director Kubota director criticizes "It sees only in the position of selling a "thing" to the last, and the thing in the case of selling "information" is not assumed (judgment)" at the assembly. It was caught only by the external surface of media and it was claimed that the viewpoint as information contents was missing. Furthermore, it indicates, "Since a volume retailer did not enter into a gray zone called used sale, the quota by the retail store had been completed until now." Future "it is possible that a volume retailer enters and new article sale and used sale is also competing in a price. When it became so, it was warned whether the head of a retail store would be fastened rather." Moreover, managing director Kubota director develops his opinion about future correspondence, saying "The right of distribution which does not disappear should be accepted and, as for a volume retailer and a retail store, a merit should have the direction which performed approval system used sale of a JASRAC system." The prejudice by the JASRAC system which ACCS has asserted was shown. if examination is advanced with the other media company, the copyright management organization, etc. aiming at ACCS making the framework of new copyright management now and it is required -- law -- it is said that it asks also for revision In addition, about the illegal act of the pirate edition distribution on the Internet etc., the idea which utilizes positively and investigates the "provider responsibility method" enforced on May 27 was expressed. In the law, when it is clear that there was infringement using the service which a provider offers, a rightful claimant can ask a provider for disclosure of personal information. Literary piracy besides the infringement by slander and slander is also assumed. Managing director Kubota director said, "The information disclosure in the case of being in charge of clear literary piracy differs from privacy infringement", is that privacy consciousness increases and expressed the view that the user consciousness about literary piracy also increases in parallel. Furthermore, about activity of ACCS, "it not exposing blindly and having placed focusing on the enlightenment activities about copyright" and an understanding were calculated, and the posture in which the user community had a dialog positively was shown.

Source: C-Net Japan

6-20-02---- Gundam Wing Character Designer Sees Directorial Debut On Witch Hunter Robin

According to Natsume Maya, TV Tokyo will air Witch Hunter Robin from July 2nd. This will mark the directorial debut of Murase Shuko, who was character designer on shows such as Gundam W and Argent Soma. Chara designs are by Takahashi Kumiko.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-20-02---- Computer News: FFXI Computer Beta Test - Masked Rider Mouse

Courtesy Yukio-san (Dead Shot Club):

Square started collection of a beta tester from the 17th with implementation of the on-line RPG "Final Fantasy XI" (FF XI) Windows version beta test. Since general not only the "PlayStation 2" (PS2) version user but widely, it invites. A beta test is performed on a scale of thousands of people. A beta kit is sent to the person who invited by the website of the company and was chosen by the lottery. A beta tester plays the Windows version and reports the bug and fault which were discovered to the obstacle report site of exclusive use. A beta test cannot be played together with the 2nd edition of PS which carries out with an exclusive server and is offering the present service. In addition, with the formal version, it is said that it can play together with the same server. The Windows version mounts high resolving mode and offers more beautiful image experience. Monitor conditions are three items with the web browser more than (3) which can arrange (2) required system environment with mail accounts other than (1) free mail and a cellular phone in person "Internet Explorer 5.0" of --. Environmental construction expense including an Internet connectivity serves as a burden by the side of a user. Correspondence OS is what installed "DireceX 8.1" by Windows 98(SE) / Me/2000/XP. Required hardware serves as more than Pentium III 800MHz (four or more Pentium recommendation), more than main memory 128MB, NVIDIA GeForce series loading graphics (only an AGP bus corresponds), the DirectX 8.1 correspondence sound card, 4.5GB or more of HDD availability, a keyboard with a ten key, and a mouse. In addition, the Internet connectivity environment of the speed more than 56kbps correspondence modem is required. However, these conditions are only beta versions and are not related to the recommendation environment of the formal version. Furthermore, during a beta test period is said [ that indispensable / recommendation environment may be changed by specification change of software etc., and ]. The sale day of the formal version and a price are undecided.

Source: C-Net Japan

The media group (Taito-ku, Tokyo) which deals with plan development of products featuring popular characters etc. puts a "mask rider mouse" on the market from July 19. The schedule to be series-ized from now on. The 1st cartridge of the "hero mouse" series which inserted in the mask of TV character on the PS/2 mouse main part. A main part can be used exchanging it for isomorphous-like a USB mouse and an optical mouse. It is said by editorial supervision of a Shotaro Ishinomori pro and TOEI that it was made real appearance. putting on the market this time -- "the mask rider No. 1" (Takeshi Hongo), the "mask rider No. 2" (Hayato Ichimonji), and " -- four products of mask rider new No. 1" and the "mask rider V3" The serial number is shaken by 2000 limited sale each. A price is 3680 yen each. Moreover, the Collector's box which made the set one set of four kinds of masks and a mouse is also put on the market. In 500 sets of limitation, a price is 12,000 yen. The schedule which puts near "a rider man", "Rider X", an "Amazon", and "Stronger" on the market as series in the company.

Source: C-Net Japan

6-20-01---- Koyanagi On New Boyz II Men Release

The Yomiuri mentions Japanese singerYuki Koyanagi has released a new album, Intimacy, with Nathan Morris and Sean Stockman of the American R&B group Boyz II Men. Koyanagi first met the group on a TV program in January last year. She accompanied them while they sang one of their songs, this meeting led to the new project. All lyrics in the album are in English, which reportedly proved a bit difficult even for Koyanagi, who previously released an album of cover versions of songs in the language. But she received a lot of support from the two producers, with Stockman making time in his busy schedule to come to Japan last autumn to attend the recording sessions. The album will be released outside Japan.

6-20-02---- Weiß Kreuz Gluhen Broadcast Set For Fall

Koyasu Takehito's site has announced the (apparantly delayed) Weiß Kreuz Gluhen will premiere on Kids Station from September this year in Japan. Koyasu is the seiyuu for Fujimiya Aya.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-20-02---- Ultraman Cosmos Star's Absence Creates A Vaccum In Advertisement

Courtesy Yukio-san (Dead Shot Club:)

Pokemon works a substitute actor instead of an ultra-man. The incident in which the starring actor (21) of the TBS system "ultra-man cosmos" (Mainichi Broadcasting System work) was arrested on violence / extortion suspicion cast the shadow also over the sweet roll popular to children. First Baking decided to substitute CM of "ultra-man cosmos bread" for CM of the "Pokemon bread" of company goods for 14 arrested days.

By CM of "- cosmos bread", the arrested actor had bread in the leading role's Musashi member's figure, and there was a scene which makes a transformation pose and appears. CM is substituting for CM of the company goods which took in the character of the animation "Pocket Monsters" of the TV Tokyo system with other offices, and the "Pokemon bread" as a result of deliberations, although it passed by the program frame of the TBS system.

"- cosmos bread" is popular goods with which the "card" to which it comes about an addition collects popularity, and occupies 2% of the sales of the company. Although sale and the present campaign which made even 30 days the period continued for the time being, the dream of the children who imitated the hero and were eating bread was taken.

Source: Goo News

6-20-02---- DNA² Anime Acquisition Announcement Coming

Based on the original manga by Masakazu Katsura (Video Girl Ai), the longtime fan-favorite series DNA² (DNA Squared), which gained a strong following throughout the mid-late 1990's via English fansub distribution, has been acquired for the US market by a party to reveal themselves in the near future. Originally produced by Powerhouse and released in in Japan in 1994, the plot adapts Masakazu Katsura's comic story about a time traveling agent Karin from Japan's future who must find the "Mega-Playboy" responsible for an overpopulation issue. After arriving in 1990's Japan, Karin soon finds her presence has only added to the very problem she has sought out to stop.

Staff on the anime include director Junichi Sakata, Producers Shin-ichiro Maeda, You Okada, Masao Maruyama, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Storyboard by Shigezkazu Ochiai, Character Designers Kumiko Takahashi, Masakazu Katsura, Takeshi Koike, OP single Blurry Eyes by a very young L'Arc~en~Ciel and Music by Fiji Takano.

Seiyuu include: Keiichi Nanba (Junta Momonari), Miina Tominaga (Karin Aoi), Hiroko Kasahara (Ami Kurimoto), Megumi Hayashibara (Tomoko Saeki), Takehito Koyasu (Ryuuji Sugashita), Hekiru Shiina (Kotomi Takanashi), Eiko Yamada (Oharu), Ryunosuke Ohbayashi (Yokomori).

Source: "Jack Daniels"

6-20-02---- Alien 9 Manga Continuence?

Akita Shoten will publish the first issue of its new monthly shonen manga magazine Champion Red on 19 August 2002. Among the manga to be serialised in this magazine will be Tomizawa Hitoshi's Alien 9 -Emulators-, presumably a continuation of the original manga series.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-20-02---- Metropolis In Australia

Metropolis is showing in Dendy, Martin Place, Sydney, Australia on the 27th June.

6-19-02---- Small Snow Fairy Sugar Website To Close

The seemingly unique Japanese phenomena of a website for an anime series being started up for the period of release and then being closed is claiming yet another URL, Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar's (Small Snow Fairy Sugar) official website will be closing on 1 July 2002. A wallpaper is available for download to mark the closing.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-19-02---- Anime AICN News

From Anime-AICN (http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=12546) to our mailing list, courtesy Daniel-san:

1)"Comic Book Resources has posted an interview with creator of the Road to Peridition comic, Max Collins, here. Collins, who describes Road to Perdition as a thematic cousin of father and son assasin manga Lone Wolf and Cub, expresses his interest in anime, and manga, particularly Cowboy Bebop. ' My biggest comics-type enthusiasm of late is the anime 'Cowboy Bebop' -- remarkable stuff, absolutely great. The mangas of that are weak, though; I'd love to do 'Cowboy Bebop' comics...There's a dream project!"' "I'm in the middle of a Batman project called 'Child of Dreams," reveals Collins. "It's a massive graphic novel by Kia Asamiya of 'Silent Mobius' fame; I've been given a rough translation and carte blanche to do the American version.

2)"From the web site of translator Studio Proteus: Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface is officially scheduled for release in October, 2002. Regarding the status of the "standard" and "adult" versions of the books, Shirow has not decided on that yet--or, to be more accurate, he waffling now. He modified the pages from the limited hardcover release for the mass-market paperback in Japan, and at first he seemed amenable to letting us do a version with the original images, but now he's not sure. He seems to feel he may have gone a bit too far in the hardcover. At this point all we can do is wait and see what he decides. You'll be able to purchase the issues via mail order or at your friendly local comic book store.

And a review of the Dreamworks re-make of the Ring is available at AICN

6-19-02---- Galaxy Express 999 Wine Set News

Galaxy Express 999 memorial label sake wine sets go on sale, commemorating 50 years of Matsumoto Leiji's work next month. Each set will comprise three bottles of wine, and the three labels for those bottles will combine to form one illustration. The wines with the first part of the story will be on sale between 29 July 2002 and 31 August 2002. Then over the following five months sales will continue so that the original Galaxy Express 999 story will be told over six illustrations (18 labels). Sale of these sets of original story label wines will be limited to 2,000 units per month. Price 9,999 yen per monthly set (including tax and shipping, presumably within Japan). For details of the sake for the first month (from Ishikawa, Shiga and Tottori prefectures) and a small picture of the bottle labels, see this link.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-19-02---- More On New Lupin TV Movie

From Yahoo Groups' Lupin The Third Mailing List via Daniel:

http://www.ntv.co.jp/kinro/h140726.html:

"Lupin the Third: Episode 0 'First Contact'" airs 26 July @ 9:03PM on NTV. This is the fourteenth Lupin special to air. A quick run through the fish gives a rough outline of the plot.

Lupin is just starting out as a thief and sets his eyes on the treasure of a mafia boss. The treasure turns out to be a book of alchemy that contains the secret to creating a metal that is harder than diamond. Lupin manages to steal the book, but there is a problem. The book is encased in a tube made out of the metal the book describes; on top of that, the tube has no key.

The summary goes on to explain how the story will show how Lupin meets Fujiko, Jigen, and Zenigata. Goemon even gets a mention.

6-19-02---- Vampire Hunter D: Blodlust Costume Contest

From Rhona of Urban Vision:

Are you going to Anime Expo? Are you cosplaying as a character from Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust? Come by the booth on Saturday, July 6th, 2002 at 2:00pm! We'll be having a little friendly costume contest, complete with Bloodlust prizes! Prizes include posters, production cels, and statues! There may be some special prizes in store as well! Show off your Bloodlust costume creation! Judging will be based on workmanship! If you don't have a costume, come by the booth anyway and check out all the fun! See you there!

6-19-02---- Fan Service Rumors Confirmed On DOA Volleyball

From Jagged Team courtest Daniel:

Tecmo recently commented on a rumor that has been going around the 'net about a topless mode. The post below came from the forums at the Tecmo site: "We're creating a Beach Volleyball game that we envisioned a long time ago. Yes, it will have beautiful women and some objectionable material. We're creating the game the way we want it to be, we are not striving for a Teen or Mature rating. Whatever ESRB gives us, is what we have to live with. We will not have any Sexual Intercourse or Penetration in the game, that is the only thing that can make it a Adults Only game. Having nudity will not necessarily mean will receive a Adults Only rating. Rated R movies is like having a Mature rating in a way. The game will not suffer in gameplay, just imagine the fluidness of DOA3 but playing VolleyBall. Plus, it's not only a VolleyBall game?" When asked if this was confirmation of the mode Tecmo replied "There could be? But then again?" So is this a hint of what's to come for the DOA girls? I guess everyone will just have to wait and see.

6-19-02---- Action Channel Re-Launch Bolstered By Exclusive Anime Slate

According to a new ACTION channel (www.actionmoviechannel.com) release, it's July re-launch is crowned by the acquisition of four Anime titles: the world television premiere of X, the restored version of Akira the #1 rated Anime film of all-time, Metropolis and 3X3 Eyes. The films will be part of "Animidnight" which will feature Anime titles every Friday at midnight. Other new packages will include "Martial Arts Mayhem" (the best of the best martial arts films), "Saturday Action Zone" (an action-packed film every Saturday at 10:00 p.m.), "Dimension X" (featuring sci-fi films), and "Battlefront" (war films).

"Anime is an extremely important element of the ACTION channel’s re-launch," says Stephan Shelanski, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Scheduling. "We have been programming Anime since 1999 and it has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm by subscribers and fans of the genre. The acquisition of these four titles is huge for the channel." ACTION’S ANIME SLATE

X - In this world television premiere, the future of the universe rests on one young man who must decide whether to destroy either the Dragons of Earth or the Dragons of Heaven, two opposing armies.

Akira – The #1 Anime title of all-time was first released in 1988 and restored in 2001. The plot centers on a secret government project known as Akira, where anti-government activists, greedy politicians, irresponsible scientists and a powerful military leader all have their footprints linked.

Metropolis – Based on Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 silent film, this version features a powerful leader who plans to unveil a highly advanced robot and his violent son who vows to destroy it. Film director James Cameron comments, "It has beauty, power, mystery and above all…heart. Images from this film will stay with you forever."

3 X3 Eyes – A savvy boy is drawn into the spellbinding world of immortals and three-eyed demons and is forced to confront this hidden world in order to find some sense of humanity.

Courtesy to Matt Anderson of DVD Vision Japan for the news

6-19-02---- USA's First Cosplay Magazine Coming

Courtesy to Remy for this info:

An independent Cosplayer magazine, America's first, is being published by a Californian company. The URL for the website is http://www.snowcrest.net/fox/jag.

Jag is accepting submissions in print or digital form for their publications. Snailmail is ACCM c/o J-A-G Picture Production, 1119 Elm St., Willows, CA 95988.

6-19-02---- Toei Launches Online SFX Fan Locus

Courtesy Yukio-san in Kanagawa (Dead Shot Club).

TOEI establishes the membership system image distribution site "TOEI special effects BB(BroadBand)" which carries out Internet distribution of the special-effects hero works, such as "mask rider series" and "super squadron series", in a broadcloth band on July 15. The schedule of August 1 to charging.

It distributes by specializing in the "special-effects work" considered that especially the Internet user gets interested also in 30,000 contents in which it receives that the domestic broadcloth band user exceeded 4 million people, and TOEI has it.

simultaneous -- the formal website of the theater work "mask rider Ryuki EPISODE FINAL" of summer public presentation schedule, and "Ninpuh squadron(Ninpuh Sentai) Hurricaneger SHUSHUTSU and THE MOVIE", and cooperation Mutual promotion deployment is aimed at by performing distribution of a making image etc.

An image format is Real form and zone width prepares two kinds, 32kbps(es) and 350kbps(es). The narrow band user was also considered. A fee is the monthly amount of 500 yen. 100 - 200 yen is separately charged to vapor view contents for every work. EC settlement-of-accounts service "PayCounter" of KDDI and the "electronic data half ticket" of the public key code base of an access ticket system (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) were adopted as settlement of accounts.

Source: C-Net

6-19-02---- Update On Ultraman Star Arrest

A huge thanks on this item also to Yukio-san:

The ultra-man cosmos with which starring talent was arrested is to the broadcast the speciall edit version.
The male talent of starring and A (21) are arrested on suspicion of injury etc., and "it is a volume on the speciall edit version" will be broadcast on the 22nd and the 29th. [ of the TBS system "ultra-man cosmos" (after / 6-0 / Saturday) which the close had determined as a matter of fact the middle ] The inquiry of thousands of affairs pours in the Mainichi Broadcasting System (Osaka-city) which makes from a televiewer. It was made to make a tale end in the form on which "A is not made to appear as a result of deliberations." Inclusion of series is already ended now. The reorganization collection of 49 were broadcast until now, and 16 for un-broadcasting is carried out.

Source: Goo

6-19-02---- New Mecha Godzilla Lead Role Filled

From MosterZero:

July 16, it turned out that talent Yumiko Shaku (24 yrs old) would play the leading role in Godzilla vs Mecha-Godzilla. Although Shaku just made her film debut in "Shurayuki Hime" at the beginning of this year, she was luckily selected for this major role. Yomiuri Giants baseball player Hideki Matsui also appears in the movie. Shaku will devote herself to play a Self-Defence Force woman who operates Mecha-Godzilla against Godzilla.

This is the 26th movie since the Godzilla was born in 1954. One of the more popular kaijus, Mecha-Godzilla will make his fourth appearance in 28 years. Upgrades are expected from the previous model in Godzilla vs Mecha-Godzilla (1993).

Although Shaku has already appeared in a few dramas and commercials, her continuous film appearance does not even make her vain. "I'm very honored to be able to play a role in such a historical kaiju movie". She watched and learned from all previous 25 titles in video before the film starts on the 20th.

"When Godzilla goes on a rampage, it shows sorrow. It's not just an entertainment movie" She has become Godzilla savvy in such a short period, and has learned why Japanese citizens have loved it for such a long time.

Shaku plays a member of the special Self-Defence Force that was formed in order to exterminate special creatures (kaijus). She operates Mecha-Godzilla against Godzilla. Her film costumes brought to attention are such as a gallant military uniform, combat jacket etc.

In "Godzilla vs Megaguirus "(2000) Misato Tanaka challenged the hard battle scene of climbing up Godzilla's back. In this movie the battle will be held by remote control. But hard action scenes are expected as much as her previous movie "Shurayuki Hime". "I have not been always a good athlete " To keep fit she has not missed doing 200 sit-ups each day, and her abdominal muscles show it.

Although her cute smile demonstrates her nature at all times, she is supposed to play a quiet, kind of self-poise character in this movie. "This character is the opposite personality from me. But I will do my best to work out my idea of a sexy but strong girl role." One thing she is disappointed in is there won't be a scene where she gets involved with Matsui of Yomiuri Giants whom Shaku is a big fan of Godzilla.

6-19-02---- Right Stuf Reschedules And Postponements

From the release:

HIS & HER CIRCUMSTANCES VOL. 1 RESCHEDULED; RELEASE DATES POSTPONED FOR RIGHT STUF, ANIMETRAX & CRITICAL MASS TITLES

HOUSTON, June 19, 2002 - Right Stuf, International has rescheduled the release dates for His & Her Circumstances Volume 1 DVD. The new pre-book date is June 25, 2002. The new street date is July 23, 2002.

ADV Films regrets to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control, the release dates for the following Right Stuf titles distributed by ADV Films have been postponed until further notice:

Right Stuf:
RSDVD8012 His & Her Circumstances Volume 2 DVD

Animetrax:
AT9316 Slayers Try BGM 1 CD Soundtrack AT9317 Slayers Try BGM 2 CD Soundtrack AT9318 Yamamoto Yohko Vocals CD Soundtrack

Critical Mass:
CMDVD6981 MeiKing DVD CMDVD6982 Campus DVD CM6932 Campus VHS

The titles affected will be resolicited when ship dates can be guaranteed by Right Stuf. All current orders for these products will be held, and each customer with an open order will be contacted when new ship dates are available, and given the opportunity to hold, cancel, or modify their order.

6-19-02---- Animeigo Dates

Courtesy to Daniel-san for this info:

Luis Cruz of www.lupinencyclopedia.comwww.lupinencyclopedia.com has informed me that Animeigo intends to put out the Lupin movie: Fuma Conspiracy on dvd by Christmas. Fuma is considered one of the best Lupin films, along with Cagliostro and Walther P-38; although it bears more resemblance to the former film. Of note is that Toshio Furukawa(Ataru Moroboshi) voices Lupin in this movie. Also, the rest of the intended release dates for Animeigo titles are as follows:

UY Box Set 4 (Episodes 15-20) : Late August
UY Box Set 5 (Episodes 21-25) : February 2003
UY Movie 1 (Only You, Subbed & Dubbed) : Late November
YUA Box Set 1 (Episodes 1-12 + Bonus Disc) : Early October
YUA Box Set 2 (Episodes 13-24 + Bonus Disc) : Late December
YUA Box Set 3 (Episodes 25-36 + Bonus Disc) : Spring 2003
YUA Box Set 4 (Episodes 37-52) : Summer 2003
Lone Wolf & Cub 1 : Early December
Lone Wolf & Cub 2 : Late Spring, 2003
Zatoichi 1 : Early Spring, 2003

Crusher Joe (Movie & OVAs on 1 disc) : Late August
Arcadia of My Youth : Spring 2003
Dagger of Kamui : Spring 2003

6-19-02---- Para Para Paradise Coming To USA?

From list memeber / contributor Rey Albert Pilaro:

I saw an interesting lineup for the PS2 releases at http://ps2.ign.com/release.html. We're not dealing with not one, but two Bemani games are heading to the U.S. on PS2. First off is the American version of DDRMAX with exclusive songs not found in the arcades or the Japanese imports. Slated for mid-November this year.

Now this caught my attention: As I was scrolling down the list, the next game caught me by surprise. "Para Para Paradise" is mentioned on the release list near the bottom end of the page and slated for a 2003 release. I don't know if this game will arrive in America, but only time will tell.

6-19-02---- She Videogame

Courtesy Daniel:

"On Tuesday, Konami announced that it will release an adventure game based on the Japanese comic She, the Ultimate Weapon for the PlayStation 2. Created by Shin Takahashi, the comic book has sold more than 2 million copies in Japan. The love story is about a high school boy named Shuji who meets and falls in love with a young girl named Chise, who happens to be an "ultimate weapon." Though no details have been revealed about the game, the company has labeled it a "multi-story, multi-ending love adventure game." "The game will be developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, and it is scheduled for a spring 2003 release in Japan."

Source: Gamespot

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