STAR BLAZERS: THE COMET EMPIRE
SERIES 2 - PART IV
WE'LL FIGHT THE COMET EMPIRE
BATTLE THROUGH THE RAGING FIRE
TOKYOPOP® TO TOP ITS CLASS WITH MULTI-PLATFORM RELEASE OF REAL BOUT HIGH SCHOOL Hot Property in Stores April & May with Graphic Novel, DVD & Soundtrack
LOS ANGELES – 3/12/02 – What do you get when you mix a popular high school girl with martial arts, boys and alternate dimensions? The answer: a mere taste of the action-fantasy-adventure found in TOKYOPOP’s Real Bout High School anime, and only one part of a multi-platform release that also includes a graphic novel series and CD soundtrack.
In stores May 21st, the Real Bout High School anime is a wildly fun, high-energy series directed by Shinichi Toukairin (Street Fighter II). Its stunning animation comes from the famed Studio Gonzo, whose works also include Blue Sub No. 6, Final Fantasy Unlimited, Gatekeepers and Vandread. The story introduces the capers of high school samurai girl Ryoko, who must defeat a slew of evil adversaries when she is somehow transported to the strange netherworld of Solvania.
The DVD features several hot bonuses, including special “Making Of…” featurettes, outtakes, translator’s notes, advanced motion menus, previews and limited edition premium DVD packaging. For those who can’t get enough of the music, TOKYOPOP releases the CD soundtrack on the same day. With a moving score composed by Takeshi Yasuda of Ah My Goddess! fame, the soundtrack virtually takes you right into Ryoko’s adventures.
The Real Bout High School graphic novel series will release as part of TOKYOPOP’s “Authentic Manga” (right-to-left) launch on April 23rd. With a storyline that takes place one year before the anime, the manga is still loaded with epic fight sequences, but has more of a real-life, earthbound story.
“When TOKYOPOP acquired the Real Bout High School property, we knew we had our hands on a major hit,” said the company’s President, John Parker. “We are giving fans the fullest experience possible by providing them with multiple ways to enjoy the story, with anime, manga and the soundtrack.”
Just in from Gamespot : "Tecmo has announced that it has reached an agreement with Mindfire Entertainment to produce a movie based on the Dead or Alive series of fighting games. Dead or Alive will join a number of other video game franchises that have been made into movies lately, including Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, and Resident Evil.
"To us, Dead or Alive is the perfect motion picture franchise," said Mark A. Altman, COO of Mindfire Entertainment. "DOA has set the standard for fighting games on every next-generation gaming console and has a loyal fan base throughout the world that is eagerly anticipating the release of a feature film based on this extraordinary video game series." Production on the movie will begin later this year. It is scheduled for release in 2003."
A movie version of Tecmo's Dead or Alive series is in the works.
Tecmo has announced that it has reached an agreement with Mindfire Entertainment to produce a movie based on the Dead or Alive series of fighting games. Dead or Alive will join a number of other video game franchises that have been made into movies lately, including Tomb Raider, Final Fantasy, and Resident Evil. "To us, Dead or Alive is the perfect motion picture franchise," said Mark A. Altman, COO of Mindfire Entertainment. "DOA has set the standard for fighting games on every next-generation gaming console and has a loyal fan base throughout the world that is eagerly anticipating the release of a feature film based on this extraordinary video game series."
Production on the movie will begin later this year. It is scheduled for release in 2003.
Source: http://www.videogames.com
1) Gamespot states that the International Game Developers Association will be giving Yuji Naka-the Sonic the Hedgehog and Phantasy Star creator-a lifetime achievement award.
2)Details on Final Fantasy XI payment fees for Japan are available at Gamespot .
3)Gamespot indicates that Sega's AM2 team will be displaying a new Sega game at Game Jams 2.
4)An interview with Yu Suzuki on Virtua Fighter 4 and Shen Mue II for X Box is available at Gamespot
"Comics2Film reported today that the genre thriller, BULLETPROOF MONK, has added veteran actor, Mako (PEARL HARBOR, SAMURAI JACK) to its cast. The film also stars Chow Yun-Fat, Seann William Scott and James King. It is currently filming on location in Toronto."
Source: Natsume Maya
Tuesday March 12 01:53 AM EST
Fox draws deal for 'DragonBall' live-action pics
By Chris Gardner
LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- 20th Century Fox has acquired the feature film rights to the hugely successful Japanese anime property "DragonBall" for studio division Fox 2000 to develop into a live-action franchise.
Created by Japanese writer Akira Toriyama as a best-selling graphic novel, the property has been translated into a top-rated cartoon series, video games and straight-to-video releases, but the Fox deal marks the first time any company or studio has secured the live-action rights to the property. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In its various incarnations during the past 15 years, "DragonBall" has followed an epic story between good and evil, centering on the character Goku and a handful of friends who battle for the Earth against the deadly forces of the Saiyans, who are sweeping across the universe, leaving a path of destruction. Goku and friends' best chance for survival rests with the Namekian DragonBalls, which provide them the power to summon a mighty dragon.
"DragonBall" is perhaps best known by American audiences as a series on the Cartoon Network. "DragonBall Z" -- a series of 250-300 episodes that follow Goku's life as he grows up, gets married and has two sons -- debuted on the network in August 1998 and is the highest-rated cartoon on the network.
For last year, "DragonBall" ranked as the year's top item of interest on the Internet based on Lycos searches, topping Britney Spears, Napster and Osama bin Laden, and has become the most popular searched term in the history of the Lycos Top 50.
Fox was so high on acquiring the material that Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman Jim Gianopulos flew to Japan about a month ago to meet with Toriyama and the property's publisher, Shueisha, to confirm the studio's commitment to the project and hammer out the deal. Also as part of the deal, Fox and Shueisha have agreed to collaborate on other properties in the Shueisha library.
"Acquiring 'DragonBall' is a major coup for the studio," Gianopulos said. "It's a really great property because it has all the elements that have made great franchises powerful and endearing. It has a long-standing mythology -- in this case 15 years -- and it's been known by a generation of kids, teens and young adults. There are dozens of characters, fantasy environments and bizarre planets and villains. It's an amazing and creative property, rich in great characters and unique worlds, and we are thrilled to be involved with it."
"I have always drawn my manga (comics) with the desire to create something unique to comics, something that can only be expressed in the form of comics," Toriyama said. "I felt that if I didn't do so, the reason for the existence of my comics will become weak. But recent movies have surprised us by entering such territory that used to belong only to comics with wonderful technology and wisdom."
Gianopulos said the studio has not yet attached a writer or director to the project. He added that it's too early to say if Fox will take New Line Cinema's "Lord of the Rings" route and shoot several pictures concurrently, but that they do have high aspirations for the franchise.
Gianopulos credited his Fox team, including Fox 2000 topper Elizabeth Gabler, Fox Japan marketing head Toshio Furusawa and business affairs senior vp Victoria Rossellini, for helping to put the deal together. Gabler will oversee the project with Fox 2000 director production Jack Leslie.
Thanks to Daniel and Sany for the heads up
"Sammo has wrapped shooting Highbinders, the movie with a supernatural theme starring Jackie Chan. Sammo started as the action director and finished as the director of the action flick. Hung Gar Ban has stayed behind to help Sing Gar ban and Jackie to finish the HighBinders shoot which is set to wrap early March. Jackie has taken over as Action Director for the remaining few days.
"Sammo will take a week off in Los Angeles then return to China for development meetings on possible future work, and while there may do some work on Timmy Hung's (Sammo's son) tv series that is described as an asian MARTIAL LAW. As far as SoulCalibur goes, negotiations are underway for Sammo to direct and Jackie Chan to play a starring role. Given that negotiations are ongoing, we expect filming to happen early next year."
Source: www.sammohung.com
Thanks to Daniel for the link
STAR BLAZERS: THE COMET EMPIRE
SERIES 2 - PART III
AS WE RUSH AND HEED OUR FATE
THE COMET EMPIRE AWAITS
Description:
Prince Zordar, the greatest tyrant in the universe, has decided on his next target,... and he is moving with all the power at his command to conquer Planet Earth! A warning call has gone out from Planet Telezart, and the Star Force rushes to answer it. Ahead of them are arrayed Zordar's mighty warships, ready to stop the Argo cold. But an even more determined enemy stands at their side with a personal score to settle: Desslok of Gamilon!
Special Features:
An overview of the Comet Empire
And part 2 of an exclusive interview with Ken Meseroll and Eddie Allen, the voice actors for Derek Wildstar and Desslok!
STREET DATE: Part III - March 5 PRE-ORDER DATE: Feb. 15 CATALOG #: 2398 UPC #: 7 69071 0023 9 8
STAR BLAZERS: THE COMET EMPIRE
SERIES 2 - PART IV
WE'LL FIGHT THE COMET EMPIRE
BATTLE THROUGH THE RAGING FIRE
Description:
Fighting their way through the warfleets of the Comet Empire and their arch enemy Desslok of Gamilon, the Star Force has finally arrived at Telezart, from which have come cries of warning. At last, they meet the mysterious Trelaina, who knows the true nature of their enemy and the danger that lies ahead. But no one is prepared for the truth about Trelaina herself, who may indeed be more powerful than the entire Comet Empire!
Special Features:
The fortress of the Comet Empire
Trelaina and Plant Telezart - and for the first time anywhere, an exclusive interview with Tom Tweedy and Amy Howard Wilson, the voice actors for Mark Venture and Nova!
STREET DATE: Part IV - May 07 PRE-ORDER DATE: April 16 CATALOG #: 2299 UPC#: 7 69071 0022 9 9
STAR BLAZERS 2002 DVD RELEASE SCHEDULE SERIES 2 - THE COMET EMPIRE - PARTS V-VI
STREET DATES PRE-ORDER DATES
JULY 2 - PART V JUNE 11
SEP. 3 - PART VI AUG. 13
NOV. 5 - 6-PACK OCT. 15
As was done at around the time the Bebop movie left Japanese theaters, the site announces it will be closing down end of March.
KONISHIKI (38) of the talent of Origin Rikishi who first challenged the voice actor on the typical animation movie "Doraemon-Nobita and a robot kingdom" of a spring-vacation animation movie, and an actress's Chiharu Niiyama (21) carried out the stage greeting by "Nichigeki2" of Yurakucho, Tokyo which saw the show first day on March 9.
KONISHIKI sang the theme song "Walk together", and sang a duet with Chiharu in the insertion song "Not Alone."
To the hot music name as if it symbolized existence of Chie iijima (26) which was working in the comprehensive clinic in the city of Tokyo by the sweetheart of marriage countdown, the expression of KONISHIKI of this day was bright.
Toho agency says the good start which can aim at the box office revenue of 3 billion yen.
Source: Sanspo.co.jp
Source: Daniel-san
"Square of Japan has posted an official statement on its investor relations Web site that comments on the recently announced agreement between Square and Nintendo. The company said that it's currently preparing to release games for the Game Boy Advance through a new development house tentatively named Game Designers Studio, which will be headed up by Akiyoshi Kawazu. Kawazu previously worked on early games in the Final Fantasy series in addition to the SaGa role-playing series. The new development house will receive capital from Hiroshi Yamauchi's Fund Q to start development on "a new type of game." Square also reaffirmed that this will not affect PlayStation 2 development in any way and that the PlayStation 2 will remain the main platform for both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XII.
"Nintendo of America has also reconfirmed the news, stating that Game Designers Studio plans to release one game for a Nintendo system before the end of 2002, and that the game will make use of the connectivity feature between the GameCube and Game Boy Advance. Nintendo of America also said that a Final Fantasy game would be a logical choice, but did not confirm that a Final Fantasy game was in development for either the Game Boy Advance or the GameCube.
"A Nintendo PR representative in Japan has informed GameSpot Japan that a port of Final Fantasy Tactics is a likely candidate for the Game Boy Advance. Reinforcing that story, Famitsu is reporting on its Web site that Square representatives have also said that Final Fantasy Tactics is a possible candidate and that Square actually plans to release three to four Game Boy Advance games before the end of the fiscal year. US Square representatives were unable to comment on the agreement or any of its details as of press time. We'll have more on this story as it develops."
Source: Gamespot
"Just a quick word to let you know that Mamoru Oshii's film, "Avalon" is being released in France on March 27th. To kick it off in style however, an avant-première will be held Thursday, March 14th at 8:30 at the Cinéma Grand Ecran Italie in Paris, with Mamoru Oshii in person, no less. Pretty sweet methinks. I got this from the official site www.avalon-lefilm.com, but check out this link: here and click on "bande annonce" to see a new trailer for the French release, with some new shots."
RELEASE DATE SET FOR STEEL ANGEL KURUMI: ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER
NEW ANIME SERIES FEATURES SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY FARSCAPE ACTRESS
HOUSTON, March 11, 2002 - ADV FILMS has set a street date of May 21, 2002 for the DVD release of Angel On My Shoulder - the first exciting installment of the highly anticipated anime series, Steel Angel Kurumi.
Steel Angel Kurumi features breathtaking animation from acclaimed studio O.L.M. - famous for their work on the Pokemon franchise - along with an English dub starring some of the hottest actresses in anime: Kelli Cousins (Princess Nine), Monica Rial (Gasaraki), Hilary Haag (Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040), and Kira Vincent-Davis (Martian Successor Nadesico), with a special appearance by one of the most popular actresses in live action sci-fi, Claudia Black (Farscape, Pitch Black).
The Story: She was the most powerful creation ever invented. Designed by a brilliant mind, using otherworldly technology, bred for military use, the Steel Angel's intent was as revolutionary as it was mysterious. But when a young boy accidentally awakens the Steel Angel Kurumi, science and strategy are thrown a curve. Now this multi-million dollar soldier is taking orders from a boy-and other forces are not happy about it. So Kurumi and her young master must seek out a secret lab and discover dangerous answers. Namely, why was Kurumi created in the first place? What is her true purpose? And why is a mysterious organization activating other beautiful, seductive, and powerful Steel Angels to destroy her?
ADV FILMS' DVD release ($29.98 SRP) of Steel Angel Kurumi: Angel On My Shoulder will feature the English-language version as well as the Japanese-language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include the behind the scenes feature Conversations with Angels, a historical background of Tashio era Japan (1912-1926), production sketches, textless open and close credits, and more.
STEEL ANGEL KURUMI: ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER Running Time: 90 Minutes; Age Rating: 17+ Pre-Book Date: 4/23/02 Street Date: 5/21/02 Format SRP DVD $29.98
From Enix.com:
"We regret to inform our fans that development of Dragon Warrior IV has been halted. This decision allows Enix to focus on developing new titles, including Dragon Warrior titles, for next generation platforms.
"We realize that this decision is disappointing for fans of Dragon Warrior IV and we hope that you continue to support the exciting, next generation titles that we will be announcing for release in North America. We appreciate your ongoing support and the feedback you have given on our message boards and elsewhere."
Source: Natsume Maya
"According to the Saturday edition of the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Square and Nintendo have reached an agreement that will bring Final Fantasy games to the GameCube and Game Boy Advance platforms. Under the agreement, Nintendo has confirmed that president Hiroshi Yamauchi will allocate money from Fund Q--a fund Yamauchi set up in January to help encourage software development--to a new Square-affiliated development house. In return, Square will establish the new development house with help from Akitoshi Kawazu, a director from the Final Fantasy development team, by the end of this month. The Square affiliate is expected to release games for both the GameCube and Game Boy Advance before the end of the year. Square properties other than Final Fantasy were not mentioned in the report."
Source: Gamespot
"By the way, this month I am going to try to make a video interview with Oshii Mamoru for the website. If any of you have some questions for Oshii-san, send me an email. If I end up using your questions I'll let you know."
Source: Natsume Maya
Tecmo announced a new Dead or Alive 3 Booster Disc for XBox, an add-on disc for the game which features new movies, costumes for various characters in the game, these extra features were included in the Japanese and Euro version of the game, which were left out in the US version due to its earlier release. Dead or Alive 3 Booster Disc is scheduled for release in US on May 7, a full version of Dead or Alive 3 is required to run the booster disc. There is a playable demo of DOA3 included if you don't have the actual game.
Here are the latest screen shots of Namco's System 246 arcade game Soul Calibur II, there are two more new / return characters: Astaroth and Yunsung. The control system has been simplified and the gameplay is improved. An improved Guard Impact system is added to the game, which allows you to run in the 8 directions while you are guarding. It is also possible to run continuously in 8 directions by pressing the direction on the joystick twice. When you are knocked down, you can choose to stand up in one of the 4 directions. In certain stages with walls, you will receive additional damage when you get hit and bounce toward the walls, but you can also recover right after you bounced back from the wall. Certain character also have a Motion Blend move (such as Mitsurugi and Nightmare), the character can run while the upper body remain in posture; as a result, the character can run toward and hit the opponent as long as the opponent is within his running path.
Images: here
Source:
Source: Natsume Maya
"While waiting to start shooting TRUE LIES 2 with James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger, comedian Tom Arnold has signed onto Joel Silver's (DIE HARD, DEMOLITION MAN, LETHAL WEAPON, THE MATRIX) new action production, CRADLE TO GRAVE. Arnold finds himself alongside stars DMX and Jet Li, who headline the film as a crime boss and secret agent who must join forces to defeat a greater evil. Arnold is going to play an arms dealer encountered by the unlikely partners. Andrzej Bartkowiak, who directed DMX in Silver's EXIT WOUNDS, directs GRAVE."
Source: Cinescape
Source: Natsume Maya
Source: Natsume Maya
"I know I already sent a message about the Hulk needing extras in San Francisco....but now they're being a little more specific: they need people to play military types. They want people who have had actual military experience but also those who just look the part or would be willing to change their appearance (i.e., buzz haircuts) to look the part. These scenes may involve action such as running, etc. so it also helps to be in good shape! The wardrobe fittings will be in early April and the shooting will start in mid April and go into May. It looks like a Monday thru Saturday shooting schedule, so there's plenty of work if you want it! For complete information, visit Beau Bonneau Casting at SFCasting.Com or call 415-346-2278."
Source: AICN
Source: Natsume Maya
Just updated from Nausicaa.net:
"From the Castro Theater's latest calendar:
SATURDAY APRIL 20 [...] SPIRITED AWAY (SEN TO CHIHIRO NO KAMIKAKUSHI) 6:30. A fabulous ghost-infested adventure full of action, suspense and a swarm of unusual creatures and compelling human characters, Spirited Away is the pinnacle of imaginative animated fantasy by Japanimation master Hayao Miyazaki. The highest grossing film of all time in Japan. In Japanese with English subtitles. Japan (2001) 125m. North American Premiere
SUNDAY APRIL 21 SPIRITED AWAY (SEN TO CHIHIRO NO KAMIKAKUSHI) 11:00 am. ...
Visit the official website at http://www.thecastrotheatre.com/
Thanks to David Powers for the updated news."
DVD VISION JAPAN INVITES YOU TO OUR GRAND RE-OPENING.
Hello DVD Vision Fans!
Starting in September of 2001, a group of like minded people got together to create a web page that reviewed anime (DVD's and series) from both the US and Japan. Despite some hard ships (What exactly were those hardships?), we presented a modest page to the anime public.
Not satisfied with our initial result we worked long and hard to decide how we were going to improve our site. We decided to join The Right Stuf, THE premiere anime distribution company, and create links so that people can order from them. We then did up some invites, and made our grand opening announcement to the anime world.
However, that was just the beginning. Due to the increased traffic on our old DVD Vision Japan site, we moved over to Cybamall.com. Cybamall.com gives us more space, unlimited bandwidth, and plenty of selling power. Since we have plenty of extra space, we are now expanding our reviews to cover all types of DVD's. From movies to informational discs, if we haven't reviewed it, don't buy it.
We have also signed up with Amazon.com and Amazon.co.jp to bring you the most purchasing options available. We'll also provide an informational page so you can order from Amazon.co.jp without having to learn Japanese! For those of you who gotta get your Japanese anime in it's original, uncut form, Amazon.co.jp will make all your otaku dreams come true.
So, after a few weeks of re-vamping our reviews, updating our links, and various other items, we are now ready to present the new DVD Vision Japan page to the world. We are holding two celebratory competitions; a make a banner contest and a DVD Vision Japan Mascot contest. The contests will run from March 10th to April 10th, with the winners announced on the first of May.
As with everything, change is a continuous process. Keep checking back with us for updates, improvements, and new reviews!
Thank you all for supporting us. We hope to have continued success, with your help.
Matt Anderson & The DVD Vision Staff http://www.cybamall.com/dvdvision/index.html
NEW ANIMATED SCIFI SHOW STRANGE FRAME / www.strangeframe.com
Set in the 29th century, strange frame follows the interplanetary flying hunk of junk "The Lone Mango" as she hauls her musical crew to explore the brave new humanity wrought by hundreds of years of genetic engineering and bio-modification.
strange frame is targeted to millions of teens and adults, who currently purchase and view Japanese anime and graphic novels. To date, this audience has been virtually ignored by North American producers.
Though still largely dismissed in this country as kiddie fare, in Japan animation (animé) is an enormously popular medium for telling cutting-edge, adult stories. strange frame pays homage to the great tradition of Japanese anime, especially Hayao Miyazaki, creator of Princess Mononoke. strange frame goes further by building on the stylistic innovations of French animator Rene Laloux and his Cannes winner "Fantastic Planet." By combining the Far East and far West, strange frame is at the forefront of American anime.
Created by award winning independent filmmaker GB Hajim and independent recording artist Shelley Doty, strange frame will bare all of the gritty, funky thang of the future in an animated show like nothing else on television. The 13 episode TV series stars the musical talents of Platinum Album percussionist Dawn Richardson (formerly of 4NON-BLONDES) who, along with Shelley Doty, lays down the grooves for the show. New York Times notable scifi author Peter Watts will lend his pen to various scripts and guest musical artists will find themselves in Jupiter's orbit.
Log onto www.strangeframe.com for news, downloads, sneak peeks, and more
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