Anime News Service - June 21-25 Anime News

6-25-02---- Metropolis Review

The Nando Times has posted a review of the home dvd release of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis. The headliner to the piece calls Metropolis "an anime masterpiece".

6-25-02---- Latest On Gerry Anderson Anime Collaborations

Courtesy to Justin on this news:

The latest SFX carries news that Gerry Anderson, in-between working on revamping Captain Scarlet for the *actual* 21st Century, currently has two CGI/cel-animation animated series in early production with Japanese studios - Stormforce and Eternity. Not too many details yet, but Stormforce has the premise of an alien-backed terrorist organisation on Earth (to be fair, Mr. Anderson states that he can't say more than that for fear of giving too much away), while Eternity will, interestingly, be a CGI series, CGI film - and live action film.

6-25-02---- Big Apple Anime Fest Promotional Machine Awakens

From the release:

“The Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture”

Begins August 30th Big Apple Anime Fest 2002 Expected to Draw 15,000 to Midtown Manhattan!

What: Known as “The Cannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture,” The Big Apple Anime Fest 2002 (BAAF 2002), will combine core elements from the world of sci-fi, urban/hip-hop, rave/club and cutting edge animation to draw 15,000 fans from around the world to a weekend long celebration of Anime Manga culture. This year’s event is expected to be the largest celebration of anime in the United States. The event includes film screenings, video screening rooms, autograph sessions with renowned anime directors and voiceover artists, masquerade events, and more.

When: Friday August 30th, 2002 through September 2nd, 2002

Where: Various locations including The Marriott Marquis Hotel, Virgin Megastore and other venues in New York City’s Times Square.

Info: Anime/Manga is one of the fastest growing pop-culture trends in the United States. (Think Akira, Pokemon & Dragon Ball Z!!)

This year a large number of anime stars will turn out to meet their fans. Guests of Honor including anime producer, Maki Taro, anime directors, Daichi Akitaroh and Yoshiyuki Tomino and voice actors such as Mandy Bonhomme, Rachael Lillis, Liam O'Brien, Ed Paul, Eric Stuart, and Jimmy Zoppi are already scheduled to attend.

Screening schedule, registration information and event calendar will be updated throughout the summer at www.bigappleanimefest.com.

6-25-02---- Anime Club Of Costa Rica Magazine And Club Exhibition

Thanks to Juan Pablo Saenz of Anime Club De Costa Rica based out of San Jose, for posting the following info to our Mailing Llist:

We are runing a magazine about manga and anime with the same name and now we r planing an anime exhibition at El museo de los Niños (Children's museum). This exhibition will include the whole colletion of Rurouni Kenshin Ovas (tsuiko-hen y seiso-hen), Ah! megumi sama the movie and Metropolis. This is a private exhibition for fans only. Our goal is that the otaku comunity of our country know our magazine. This magazine also have a lot of plans to expand the anime in Costa Rica, because the open tv almost dont feature anime , and now without Locomotion, we r running out of anime even in pre-paid tv. We r trying to bring more titles to the people, because all the anime known here is really poor, > dragonball, pokemon, los caballeros del zodiaco (saint seiya), supercampeones (tsubasa) and mazinger. Thanks God now the Tv Channel TELETICA is now playing Sakura Card Captor. To achieve our goals we are looking for help everywhere, and we are opening our magazine to the fandom inside and outside the country. We had articles from people in Chile, Peru and Mexico, and now i wanna to invite you to join us. Our e-mail is animeclubcr@hotmail.com The magazine is spanish only, but we will happy to know that someone out there is happy with our work. Any help and advise is welcome. We also r running an internet comunity, spanish only too, so if you wanna check it out, this is the url: http://communities.latam.msn.com/AnimeClubCR/home.htm.

6-25-02---- Street Fury Blue Import Car Expose Coming From Tokyopop

From the release:

STREET FURY BLUE Set for August 27th Release on DVD & VHS from TOKYOPOP® A Behind-the-Scenes look at the Cars & Lifestyles That Create the Import Car Scene

Los Angeles, CA (June 19th, 2002) — TOKYOPOP® has set August 27th, 2002 for the DVD and VHS release of Street Fury Blue, the third release in the Street Fury series.

Hosted by model and actress Asia de Marcos, Street Fury Blue takes a behind-the-scenes look at the cars and lifestyles that inspired the box office smash-hit The Fast and the Furious.

Street Fury Blue gives viewers a virtual pit-pass to some of the most popular import events in the world, including the Tokyo Auto Salon and the Import Drag Racing Circuit: 2002 Season Opener. Plus, viewers get a close look at the ultimate test of car control, “drifting,” and what’s new at the Buttonwillow track.

Of course, coverage of the import scene isn’t complete unless the music and girls are included. Street Fury Blue covers the photo shoots of top import models such as “Miss Hot Import Night” Veronica Bacerra, Cover Girl Candice Michelle, and the Import Revolution models. Also included is VIP coverage of the intense Hot Import Nights show in Del Mar, CA., with plenty of modified rides, sexy girls, and thumping music.

The Street Fury Blue DVD will offer the following added features:

· Trailers and Previews of TOKYOPOP Releases
· Interactive Menus
· Scene Selection
· Canice Michelle Photo Gallery

TITLE: STREET FURY BLUE
RUNNING TIME: 70 minutes
RATING: Mature, Ages 18 & Up
SRP VHS: $14.99
SRP DVD: $19.99
PRE-BOOK: July 16
STREET DATE: August 27

6-25-02---- Slayers Maybe Not On ABC Family?

Thanks to Grant for this info:

The hype is on TV Tome http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-6707/ having Slayers listed to be on July 6 or 7. This is not going to happen. ABC Family has been showing commercials for their new summer lineup to start on July 6 and Slayers in not shown. Furthermore, here's a link to the actual ABC Family Channel Lineup for July 6th and 7th: http://www.moviepoopshoot.com/news/june02/21.html

6-25-02---- New Online Out Of print Manga Service

Natsume Maya reports Kodansha, Shogakukan and other publishers have began the online service Comic Park to produce and sell out-of-print manga on demand. At the moment there are about 85 titles/300 volumes on offer with more being added.

6-25-02---- A Flash First

Courtesy Daniel-san, an artist at Newgrounds has managed to re-enact certain DBZ episodes using stick figures, while keeping the original Japanese dialogue.

6-25-02---- Weißkreuz Gluhen Character Designs At Center Of Cancellation

Kids Station has posted this message which mentions the reason behind Weißkreuz Gluhen being cancelled earlier this year. Copyright issues reportedly arose in relation to character design. Now a new character design will be announced in Japan on July 7th in relation to the broadcast to commence in September 2002.

Source: Natsume Maya

6-25-02---- DVD Vision Japan Expands

From the release made by Matt Anderson of DVD Vision Japan:

Dear friends of DVD Vision Japan, Since March of 2002, DVD Vision Japan has seen over 10,000 new visitors on it’s front page alone. The anime community has taken notice of our reviews, updates, and other information, none of which would have been possible without your help. From preview copies of upcoming DVD releases, to press announcements, to interview access and information, we appreciate everything you’ve done to help make DVD Vision Japan the success that it is.

Due to this success, DVD Vision Japan decided in May to establish a US desk in Washington D.C. With such a large anime/ science fiction community in this area, as well as D.C.’s proximity to Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, this location seemed an obvious choice. We hope to forge new friendships, not only with members of the anime community, but with companies and retail outlets that provide anime related merchandise.

Unfortunately, this relocation will mean a temporary slow down of updates. Rest assured, we are not closing down. We will still be on line and working hard . Once we are settled, we will be right back to providing all the information, reviews and fun you’ve come to expect. Our new, expanded staff will include:

DVD VISION JAPAN Founder: Matt Anderson ( dvdvision@animefantasia.com ) Senior Editor: Ann Marie Willette-Anderson ( dvdvisionjapan@yahoo.com ) JAPAN DESK (AOMORI: JAPAN) ( dvdvision@animebb.org ) Dan Womack: Japan Desk Chief; reviewer Hervey Taylor: Non-Anime Reviewer Joe Mooney: Anime reviewer William Allen: Intern US DESK (WASHINGTON DC) Matt Anderson: US Desk Chief; reviewer ( dvdvision@animefantasia.com ) Stewart "Chip" Probst: Special Features editor ( spider_jerusalum@hotmail.com ) Bob Pocious: Technical Support

Starting 1 July, please send any screeners (review copies) to this temporary address: DVD Vision Japan C/O Stewart Probst 6 Burgess Ave. Selinsgrove PA 17870

Please send any press releases to dvdvision@animebb.org . To contact me directly, please email me at dvdvision@animefantasia.com. During this time , we plan to work on some new projects as well as improve our reviews. One new element we’d like to add to our site is to review a series in it’s entirety. This will let us give anime fans information about story and character development over a period of time, as well as in depth looks at the technical aspects of the DVDs. To this end, we would like to review any series or movies you would like to see showcased.

We’re also looking ahead. March of 2003 will be our first anniversary. We are planning several contests and give away’s. Any support you can offer in promotional merchandise would be appreciated. Watch for more information.. Finally, we are planning to attend as many conventions as possible. We’d love to meet with representatives of your company or website and request letters of introduction. This would be a great chance to establish a face to face relationship with everyone who has been so supportive of us in the past. Please include any points of contacts and a list of conventions you plan to attend.

6-25-02---- Alien 9 Seiyuu Correction

Courtesy Kathryn ANS has been corrected, while several events for the series did take place in Japan the voice actors were relatively new talent:

otanisan yuri - hitomi tachibana
kawamura kumi - tukasa goto
tomine kasumi - satiko oda
tamaki miyu - sizuki sakomoto
hisakawa megumi - mika abe
okada chisa (the head master) - harumi tanaka

6-25-02---- Amy Howard Wilson At Anime USA

Veteran voice actress Amy Howard Wilson, the voice of Nova in Star Blazers and Miranda in the Irresponsible Captain Tylor OVA, has been announced as a guest for Anime USA 2002, set to be held on October 11-13 at the Sheraton Premiere hotel in Vienna, Virginia, outside Washington, DC. Further information on this convention is available at www.animeusa.org

6-25-02---- Cleveland Area Convention - Possible Anime Wildcard Event

If your into anime and live in the Cleveland Ohio area you might want to check out the Cleveland Colossal Convention August 4'th. It's only one day, but is packed full of things to do. Anime Screenings, Yu-Gi-OH! Card Tournament, Gundam Model Contest, Costume Contest,, Art Contest, Trivia games and Regular Door Prizes. Vendors will be on hand to buy sell and trade. It's only $5 admission or free if you wear a costume. More details at http://www.colossalcon.com

6-25-02---- Adult Swim YYH - Bebop Takeover?

Cartoon Network's schedule for Adult Swim July 6 and 13 comprises totally of Yu Yu Hakusho with July 20 and 27 being all Cowboy Bebop. In August the schedule begins to take on a pattern reflecting current programming.

6-25-02---- Mixed Media Gundam Model Scenes

Gundam modelkit builders who create their own mixed media scenes maybe interested in this Japanese site which features some excellent CG / Modelkit combo scenes.

6-25-02---- Anime Stuff R Initial D Special

From the release:

Anime Stuff R - Anime Internet Radio presents:

Session #10 - The ³Initial D² Special Running now until July 16th, 2002

How cool can an anime be that focuses on young drivers who spend the day normally but face off dueling in midnight mountainside downhill races using high-spec cars? Cooler than you think! "The Fast and the Furious" has nothing on these boys!

Join us when DJ Richard Rae will host a Session devoted to the supercharged music of one of the most surprise hit manga and anime series in recent years, "Initial D". Essentially a samurai / gunfighter series in disguise filled with suspense, excitement, revenge, and fast cars, Initial D's soundtrack features an exciting collection of high-energy, pulse-pounding Eurobeat tunes from dozens of artists including the eclectic Japanese group "move", Dave Rodgers, Mega NRG Man, and Max Coveri.

Richard will be spinning the best tunes from the TV series, the OAVs, and the movie as well as breaking in with comments and stories about Initial D - a series you won't want to ignore!

As the series announcer might put it, ³Anime Stuff R's Initial D Special - Don't Miss It!²

Show Running Time : 6 Hours, 18 Minutes, 50 Seconds.

For more information, visit our Web site at www.animestuff-r.com

How to listen to the broadcast:

Just boot up your favorite streaming audio player (Winamp for Windows, or iTunes for the Mac for example) and enter the URL http://www.live365.com/play/238847 into the player¹s streaming address function to begin playing the show. More information and links to the show can be found at our Web site.

6-25-02---- Harlock TV Series Delay Qualified

From the post to rec.arts.anime.misc:

An animated film has been removed from a planned Sky PerfecTV broadcast after its author protested that it was blasphemous, it has been learned.

Sky officials decided to halt the "Captain Harlock" animation after creator Reiji Matsumoto noticed that some scenes in the film, which was scheduled to run on Sky's Animation Theater X (AT-X) from June 27, could cause offence.

See Mainichi for more info.

6-25-02---- South Korean World Cup Domination Pushes Sen to Chihiro's Release Back

According to Natsume Maya-san, South Korea's unexpected progression into the semi-finals of the World Cup football tourny has delayed the release of Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi in Seoul from June 22 to June 28.

6-25-02---- Macross Director Noboru Ishiguro Confirmed For AXNY

Anime Expo New York is proud to announce the return of Noboru Ishiguro as Anime Expo New York's Director Guest of Honor.

Mr. Ishiguro is one of the best recognized and best respected members of the anime industry. His directing credits include Robotech, Macross: Ai Oboeteimasuka (AKA Macross, SDF-1 Macross: Do You Remember Love?), Astroboy, Megazone 23, Uchu senkan Yamato (AKA Space Crusier Yamato), Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Overture to a New War, Legend of the Galactic Heroes TV Series, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes: My Conquest Is the Sea of Stars.

Mr. Ishiguro has also worked on Bubblegum Crash! and Hi no Tori 2772: Ai no Kosomozon (AKA Phoenix 2772).

Mr. Ishiguro is a frequent visitor of Anime Expo and served as Honorary Chairman for Anime Expo 1999.

For additional information on Anime Expo New York, please visit our webpage at www.axny.org

6-24-02---- WWE Wrestler To Do Anime Voice

According to circulating rumors, WWE professional wrestler Mick Foley (formerly Mankind) may be lending his voice to a future English anime dubtrack.

6-24-02---- Alien 9 Acquired

ANS has learned courtesy "Jack Daniels", that the 4-part Sci-Fi / Comedy OVA series Alien 9 has been acquired for eventual release in America by a party who will make themselves known in the near future. JC Staff (Utena) produced the anime based on the manga by Hitoshi Tomizawa, Yasuhiro Irie (Cowboy Bebop, Vision of Escaflowne) supervises, Yuri Fujimoto directs. Story by Hitoshi Tomizawa. In Japan, Alien 9 played as the centerpiece of many fan events and is heavily supported by seiyuu fans.

In Alien 9, a sixth grade female student, Yuri Otani is elected to post of Alien Countermeasure Team in her class. In that role she must defend her school from Alien Invaders.

6-23-02---- Response To Nausicaa Hosoda Exodus Rumor Rebuff

In response to a recent post to Nausicaa.net, rebuffing a recent news item posted to Anime News Network, a site editor, Chris had the follwoing response which was made via the Hayao Miyazaki Discussion Group:

Regarding the post to Nausicaa.net about the Mamoru Hosoda rumor [1]

Umm, ANN didn't post that item as fact. While the headline[2] does say "Hosoda Leaves Ghibli," if you read the article itself you will notice that we state "if Hosoda has in fact left Ghibli, production on Howl's Moving Castle would be delayed." with the *if* in bold to make it clear that this isn't confirmed fact.

True, that we never mentioned that Hosoda was not a regular employee of Ghibli, but that is a detail that even after I became aware of it I did not feel deserved an update. Fact is that he was with Ghibli (temporarily) and that if he did leave... well, he left. And it appears that his departure would have been premature as it is unlikely that Howl is complete.

We also state that "... Ghibli has made no official announcement..." Also, while the rumour has been around for a while, we never posted anything until there was something semi-concrete in the form of Kakudoh's diary.

My biggest disappointment however is with the statement that we reported it as fact.

[1]: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/newspro/latest_news.shtml#newsitem1024648999,33656, [2]: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=2193

6-23-02---- Slayers American Broadcast Set

Without a formal announcement to date, it seems past angling and positioning for a venue across which to broadcast the Slayers TV series has finally seen a positive connection with the website, TV Tome mentioning the ABC Family network will broadcast it on Saturdays at 9:30 AM. A note below the main listing mentions a debut on either July 6th (Saturday) or 7th. The English dub version is almost certain to air, featuring personalities of the self styled American seiyuu pantheon which have become fixtures on the convention circuit. Among the noteworthies are Lisa Ortiz (Lina Inverse) and Crispin Freeman, who's performcance as Zelgadas is highly praised in the fan community.

6-22-02---- From The Pages Of Entertainment Weekly

In the June 28/ July 5 issue of Entertainment Weekly, a review of Disney's new animated film, Lilo and Stitch, compares Stitch to Pikachu. (They call him a cross between a koala and the yellow mouse.) While that may not seem like a big deal at first, most mainstream entertainment magazines tend to compare an anime to a recent movie, not the other way around. Also, a documentary on Bruce Lee called "A Warrior's Journey" will air on AMC on July 2 between 8-9:30 p.m. It's supposed to have 30 minutes of unearthed footage from Game of Death.

Source: Daniel

6-22-02---- Egyptian Theater Insights

Wrapping up a wave of excellent Egyptian theater Intelligence gathering, Daniel has passed on the following musings to our ML:

When I was at the Egyptian Theater, I talked to some of the staff selling dvd's, and I asked if the American Cinemateque owns Battle Royale, and the vendors said they don't. They also told me that an unknown studio may have picked up the re-make rights to the film.

6-22-02---- Other Films At The Egyptian Theater

During Daniel-san's most recent trek to Hollywood's Egyptian Theater, details on the following films were also picked up:

Princess Blade will be shown on Friday August 9 at 9:45 p.m. in Japanese w/ subs; Ghost in the Shell and X the movie will be shown as a double feature starting at 9:45 p.m. August 16, both dubbed; Spriggan will be at the Egyptian Friday August 23 at 10:15 p.m. in Japanese with subs; and Versus will be present Saturday, August 24, 7:15 in Japanese with subs. Also, for those interested, there will be two tributes to Gerry Anderson(Space: 1999 and Thunderbirds) on Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m., and Saturday August 24 at 4 p.m.; he will be present after each screening to discuss his work.

6-22-02---- Cowboy Bebop Knockin On Heaven's Door Movie North American Premiere

Daniel has obtained the following from the Egyptian Theater (Hollywood) Catalog:

The Cowboy Bebop movie will be showing Sunday August 11 at 5 p.m. at the Egyptian theater in Hollywood. As mentioned earlier, the title has been changed from "Knockin On Heaven's Door" to simply "Cowboy Bebop: The Movie". It will be presented in Japanese with subtitles. Running time seems to be 120 minutes, which is around the same time as Jonah's R2 version; thus no content should be edited post-9/11 as rumoured. Unfortunately, I haven't seen the original in raw or fansubbed format, and I can't make it to see this version. Therefore, if there's anyone else who has seen the film and who can make it, feel free to do so and report on anything that could be edited. (such as the rumoured Yoko Kanno music).

6-22-02---- Hosoda Net Rumor Debunked

While the final word on this item is as yet not forthcoming, the following info comes courtesy Daniel:

A rumor has been raging in the Japanese net community for a month or so about HOSODA quitting the Howl's Moving Castle project and/or quitting Studio Ghibli. Anime News Network has reported it as a fact ("Hosoda Leaves Ghibli" is the title of the article), when it is purely rumor (or a translation-caused misunderstanding) at this point.

We know the following for facts:
1.He has never been a regular employee of Studio Ghibli.

2.He was brought in to direct this one film only (similar to the director of Neko no Ongaeshi and Umi ga Kikoeru)

3.There is no official word from either Studio Ghibli or HOSODA as to whether he has quit the Howl project.

Until such time as things can be confirmed or refuted by actual facts, we feel it's best to keep the rumors down.

Source: Nausicaa.net

6-22-02---- AXNY Announces DBZ Writer Takao Koyama

Anime Expo is honored to announce Mr. Takao Koyama as its Writer Guest of Honor. Mr. Koyama's illustrious career writing for such shows as Gatchaman, Dragonball, Saint Seiya, Project A-ko, Time Bokan, Urusei Yatsura, Dr. Slump, Shurato, NG Knight Lamume & 40 and Slayers

Mr. Koyama is also the founder of Brother Noppo, a writer's collective that he started with his proteges, and he has a lot of proteges. They include Hideki Mitsui (former AX GoH), Yumi Kageyama, Aya Matsui (former AX GoH), Satoru Akahori, and some 21 more. Without him or his proteges, shows like Gundam Wing or Sakura Wars wouldn't have been written.

This is Mr. Koyama's first trip to an American anime convention.

6-21-02---- FLCL Volume 1 Delayed - Again

From the release:

FLCL Volume 1 street date has been shifted to August 13, 2002

The DVD release, a co-production between Synch-Point (http://www.synch-point.com) and Production I.G. (http://www.production-ig.com), has a commentary track by director Kazuya TSURUMAKI, among other extras.

Due to a video glitch in the master tape, this title has been delayed. Synch-Point is dedicated to put out a quality product and to that effect has delayed the DVD for a month to assure the product will satisfy the consumers.

Added extras include commentary track and a bonus booklet insert with extra information about FLCL that includes over 20 pages of exclusive liner note information, background PLUS special manga sequence translation!

FEATURING – Commentary track by the Director/Creator of the series!
(Insights into the production! Creative decisions and behind the scenes info!)
DVD Volume 1
Contains episodes 1 -2 Length: approx. 60 minutes Volume: FLCL - Fooly Cooly
Title: Vol. 1
Language: Japanese/English + English Subtitle
Catalog #: SPFC-DVD01
ISBN: 193171214X
UPC: 801975130194
SRP: $29.95
Recommended age: 13 and up

Features:
-Bilingual DVD
-2 episodes
-Character design sketches
-Translation notes
-Reversible cover
-Subtitles
-Commentary by Original Japanese Creator/Director
-Special insert with liner note information and manga (comic) sequence from the animation!

6-21-02---- Media Blasters Live Action And Anime Acquisitions

Daniel mentions, after checking out this MB link, he looked up their Tokyoshock section, and found out they have also acquired-in addition to Pistol Opera, Versus, and Visitor Q-Bounce KO Gals, Pyrokinesis Cross Fire, and Samurai Fiction. And in their Anine Works section (here) they seem to have picked up Jungle Emperor Leo.

6-21-02---- Pop Japan Statistics

Akadot has began updating a new running collection of associated sales and performance figures for various media and merchandise in Japan which include:

Television Anime Series Statistics
Current Anime DVD Sales Statistics
Top Male Anime Characters
Top Female Anime Characters
Top Anime Goods' Sales
Manga Statistics
Anime CD/Singles Statistics
Weely Video Game Statistics
Weekly Jpop Sales Statistics

6-21-02---- New Cartoon Network Exclusive Anime Pilot?

While details at this point remain sketchy and unconfirmed, ANS has obtained a bead on a possible newly planned project which may debut on Cartoon Network in the coming months, involving an (again possible) unprecedented joint production between Japanese and American animation production teams. Watch for more details in the future.

6-21-02---- AXNY Announces Japanese DBZ Seiyuu Mayumi Tanaka

According to Mike Tatsugawa, Anime Expo New York (www.axny.org) has announced Ms. Mayumi Tanaka as its Voice Actress Guest of Honor. Ms. Tanaka's impressive career includes some of the best recognized characters in anime history. Included in her credits are Young Satoru Kanzaki from Area 88, Seneca from Arion, Yu from Giant Gorg and Ryunosuke Fujinami from Urusei Yatsura. Ms. Tanaka is probably her best remembered for her roles of Kuririn and Yajirobe from Dragonball and Dragonball Z, Giovanni from Night on the Galactic Railroad and of course, Pazu from Laputa. Among her more recent roles are Kanna Kirishima from Sakura Taisen and Koenma from Yu Yu Hakusho. Ms. Tanaka has also had roles in 3x3 Eyes, Dragonball GT, Fire Tripper, Rurouni Kenshin, Sailor Moon and Wataru. This is Ms. Tanaka's first trip to an American anime convention.

6-21-02---- Slayers Disc Replacements Fixed

According to the Right Stuf, CPM has fixed a new batch of Slayers TV replacement discs, so TSRI has reactivated their joint Slayers: The Exchange program. If you're a Slayers fan who still wants to exchange your DVDs, just mail in your original Slayers DVDs along with the Slayers Exchange Form plus $9.99 (US$13.99 in Canada) for shipping and handling and you'll get a brand new set of remastered Slayers DVDs! Note: Non US/Canada customers, please email TSRI customer service for information.

6-21-02---- World Premiere Of Armitage Dual Matrix On CinemaNow.com

CinemaNow.com will host the world premiere webcast of the new film Armitage Dual Matrix, starring the voice of Juliette Lewis, FREE for one day only, Tuesday June 25th. CinemaNow is currently streaming the first Armitage movie, Armitage Poly-Matrix.

Source: Pioneer Animation

6-21-02---- Japan For Sale Album Commercials In USA

Sony Music Japan will reportedly broadcast TV ads for their new Japanese Pop album compilation Japan For Sale 2 from July 8th. MTV2, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and the Sci-Fi Channel will play host to the ads. For more info: www.japanforsale.net.

6-21-02---- New TMNT Animation Studio News

According to Toon Zone:

"We've gotten in the TMNT story bible, which defines the direction that the show will take, the characters that will appear and the plot synopses for the first season. It's great stuff that will be both warmly familiar and cooly surprising! We're very excited about 4Kids' devotion to make the new TMNT cartoon the best ever - and from what we've seen so far, we're confident this will be the case! Whether you're an old school comics fan, original Turtle toon fan, or brand new to the TMNT altogether, this show will have something for you to dig! The animation studio that has been signed up has worked on the "Men in Black" and "Jackie Chan" toons (to name but two), so ya know that the animation will be some of the best to be seen on Saturday morning television!

Characters that will be appearing: the four original Turtles, Master Splinter, April, Casey Jones, The Shredder, The Foot and Baxter Stockman - sure, there's more - but some stuff has to be a surprise."

6-21-02---- Eva In Chile

Anihabara mentions, Evangelion will start at June 23rd, 2002 19:00 CLST on Chilevision [in Spanish]. Source: Pablo Jimenez Martinez (http://kircher.freeshell.org/).

6-21-02---- Misc Asian Cinema News

Courtesy Daniel:

Perhaps hoping to wash away the bad taste left in everyone's mouth after that 1998 Godzilla remake debacle, Sony Entertainment has just announced a new Ultimate Godzilla Collection box set of five classic Godzilla flicks. Hitting stores on 9/17 are Godzilla's Revenge, Terror of Mechagodzilla, Godzilla Vs. Mothra, Rodan, and the original classic that started it all, Godzilla King of the Monsters. (Note that the previous Goodtimes DVD release of Godzilla King of the Monsters is now out of print.) These cheapie issues are all presented in full frame and mono with only some Godzilla facts as extras. Retail is a low $12.95 each, or $39.95 for the box.

Source: DVD File

Jackie Chan will star in Walden Media's "Around the World in 80 Days," based on the Jules Verne novel, which Frank Coraci ("The Wedding Singer") will direct. A domestic distributor is expected to come aboard shortly. The project, being tailored for Chan, is about the Englishman Phileas Fogg, who sets out to travel the world in an unprecedented 80 days. With him comes his new valet (Chan), and the duo embark on an adventure to exotic places and cultures. Michael D. Weiss and David Titcher are the original writers of the script. In keeping with Walden's educational mandate, "80 Days" will stay true to Verne's classic adaptation, including the time period, which is set in the late 18th century. Chan, repped by Talent Entertainment Group, next stars in DreamWorks Pictures' "The Tuxedo" and Touchstone Pictures/Spyglass Entertainment's "Shanghai Knights." Coraci, repped by Endeavor, also directed "The Waterboy." Walden is in production on "Holes," which Columbia Pictures will distribute. Walden had no comment.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

6-21-02---- Versus Theatrical Venue News

Media Blasters states Versus will be in San Francisco at the Torn Sprockets Festival on Octover 18. Also, a Versus press kit(along with one for Freeze Me, Fudoh, Riki Oh, Scarlet Diva)is now available at the same url. The press kits include stills, reviews, ads, and information on cast and production staff.

Thanks to Daniel for the news

Source: Gamespot

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