Source: Animation Insider
DVD (English, Japanese, Japanese with English Subtitles) Catalog#: RSDVD9010 Suggested Rating: 15+ ISBN: 1-57032-069-1 UPC#: 7-42617-9010-2-7 SRP: $19.98
Right Stuf is proud to announce that on 6/24/2003 STARSHIP GIRL YAMAMOTO YOHKO the DVD COLLECTION will be re-released with ALL NEW PACKAGING at an ALL NEW LOWER PRICE of just $19.98 for all 6 OVA episodes!
From J.C. Staff (the producers of EXCEL SAGA / HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES) and Character Designer Kazuto Nakazawa (TENCHI IN TOKYO / EL HAZARD) comes a trip into the fantastic fun of the future!
A thousand years from now, the great battles between civilizations have been reduced to the shoulders of a handful of chosen champions. When a war is waged, each side picks its representatives, gives them spaceships and the fight is on! Of course if their champion looses, they must admit defeat and give in to the wishes of the other. Very handy, very civilized ... unless you don't happen to have any good fighters...
Terra team has had it tough lately: Ness' "Red Snappers" team has had things their way. Even with technically superior ships, things are bleak for Terra... To make matters worse, they only have three pilots. Despite a concerted effort to recruit girls from the past, the team simply keeps losing! Now they desparately need someone special... someone powerful, capable, and who possess a killer instinct. A pilot of extraordinary skill to crew the new model ship. They need ... Yamamoto Yohko!
Now if they can just convince her that a better life awaits her in the future, with new friends, new videogames and some very powerful hypertechnology (well some things just take less convincing than others!), Terra might be able to defeat the Red Snappers for a change!
Contains ALL 6 Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko OVA episodes!
Bonus DVD content includes: Slideshow, Outtakes, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo for English and Japanese Dialogue, and English Subtitles.
Pre-registration for the event will be $13 until May 1, 2003. If space is still available, registration at the door will be $15. Space is limited to 100 seats.
Visit http://www.kosaikon.com for more information.
Rachael Carothers KosaiKon Chairperson
Originally 116 minutes, http://alliance.hellninjacommando.net/ has gauged Miramax's version of Hero at 98 minutes.
Hong Kong-based Celestial Pictures launched its inaugural movie channel, Celestial Movies, on Malaysian satellite broadcaster Astro at 3 p.m. local time Monday in a ceremony attended by "Infernal Affairs" star Andy Lau and Shaw movies' "Queen of Swords," Cheng Pei-pei. Celestial, which owns the extensive Shaw Bros. film library, is owned by Malaysian-based conglomerate Usaha Tegas, which is a major shareholder of Astro through Measat Broadcast Network Systems. In addition to Celestial's restored Shaw Bros. classics from the 1950s through the '90s and new acquisitions, Celestial Movies will carry locally produced programming and documentaries. The channel also owns rights to Golden Harvest titles from the 1990s. "Astro is proud to be the first service in the world to provide the access to these timeless classics. I do believe that many of us will enjoy the offerings on Celestial Movies as award-winning classic titles such as 'Come Drink With Me,' 'The Kingdom & the Beauty' and 'The Three Smiles' are not easy to come by on our screens," said Chia Boon Lim, executive director of Astro. Celestial Movies will be packaged with the Phoenix Channel and Astro's Shuang Xing 1 and 2, which carry television dramas. The channel is scheduled to launch throughout Asia, Australia, North America and Europe in the coming year.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
After a bit of a slow start, the Korean video market is in the midst of a dramatic upheaval from VHS to DVD. For the third year in a row, DVD sales have more than tripled, and now, with the collapse of the videocassette market, DVD stands on the verge of becoming a significant factor in the industry. As of the end of 2002, Koreans owned 650,000-800,000 DVD players, according to figures from Culture Contents and Business Week, the main industry publication in Korea. This equates to a 3.9%-4.8% penetration rate of TV households, and a significant increase from the 228,000 in 2001 and 67,000 in 2000. An estimated 7 million DVDs were sold in 2002, representing 117 billion won ($100 million) in consumer spending. While this represents just a fraction of Korea's flourishing movie industry, 117 billion won is a huge gain from just 45 billion won in 2001. The movie magazine Film 2.0 estimates that DVD will overtake video by April.
Source: The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood Reporter
Yahoo says Around the World in 80 Days with Jackie Chan should have a fall release.
Yahoo Movies says the sequel to The Eye should have a summer 2004 release in Hong Kong.
And if you're at the Cannes this year, you might want to look for The Matrix: Reloaded, because Yahoo Movies suggests it will be played there.
According to American Cinematheque , with the breakout success of films like Spirited Away and Metropolis and television series like Pokemon, Cowboy Bebop and Dragon Ball Z, anime has finally gone above-ground to become a pop culture phenomenon in the U.S. The Cinematheque's 1st Annual Anime Festival will feature Los Angeles Premiere screenings of features including Tamala2020: A Punk Cat From Space, A Tree Of Palme, Jungle Emperor Leo and Parasit Dolls (U.S. Premiere), plus episodes from TV series including Dunbine, Rahxephon, Brigadoon, You're Under Arrest, BERSERK, DNA2, Descendants Of Darkness, Ssci-Fi Harry and the original uncut version of Sailor Moon, as well as a tribute to hentai pioneer, Toshio Maeda (UROTSUKIDOJI, LA BLUE GIRL) plus early anime classics such as Jack & The Beanstalk and Alakazam The Great, and much more.
Further down the pike this summer June 19 - 25 will see a special event, Japanese Outlaw Masters 5.
Urban Vision has updated with a banner which shows a quick peak of what the characters will look like. It appears MadHouse has opted for the cel-shaded approach common in most videogames. Also, Urban Vision has made the following announcement:
Coming this summer 2003 from Urban Vision Entertainment...
The Ninja Scroll television series!
There will be thirteen episodes created, and the production is being overseen by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and directed by Tatsuo Sato!
We'll keep you updated on any developments here. The official website is coming soon!
While it's already known that Tatsuo Sato of Nadesico fame will be directing the show, http://www.urban-vision.com/faq.html says Takahiro Yoshimatsu of Trigun fame will be doing the chara designs.
Source: http://uk-anime.net
In celebration of this year's National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Freer, in conjunction with Otakorp, Inc., presents a daylong festival of four Japanese anime films, all in 35 mm with English subtitles. Please continue to check the website for updates and film titles. This program is held in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Akadot: http://www.akadot.com/article/article-kristinesa-01.html
Fan's View: http://www.fansview.com/2002/sainterview.htm
AnimeFringe: http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09
Anime.com: http://anime.com
In celebration of Yu Yu Hakusho moving to Toonami, FUNimation is giving away 25 DVD box sets of The Spirit Detective saga; one for each of the 25 episodes in the box set. A pretty substantial giveaway when you consider that the MSRP on the box sets is $99.95.
Rules:
Fans can go to www.yuyuhakusho.com and follow the link to the sweepstakes. To enter, they must answer 5 multiple choice questions from the 5 shows played that week. Their entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for 5 DVD box sets given each week for 5 weeks. Limit one entry, per person, per week.
Source: DVD File via Daniel
Invasion: ANIME is an in-depth look at the influx of Japanese animation (or "anime") and its effect on American culture and entertainment over the last half-century. Interview subjects include names well known to anime fans across the world. Steve Bennett, president and founder of Studio Ironcat, artists and animators Akemi Takada, Senno Knife, Makoto Uno and Nobuyuki Takahashi, North American voice actors and directors Amy Howard Wilson, Tiffany Grant, Scott McNeil and Taliasen Jaffe and international anime experts like author Helen McCarthy and Dr. Susan J. Napier, Associate Director of Asian Studies, University of Texas, are but a few of more than 20 individuals who donated their time to this project.
AUDIENCES LOVE THE INVASION
At its world premiere at the St. Louis International Film Festival last November, Invasion:ANIME brought in an estimated 65% larger audience than the Steve Speilberg-produced miniseries Taken, which showed immediately before it.
Independent film expert Chris Gore says, "Invasion: Anime is a great doc about Japanese animation...an independent film that deserves attention." FilmThreat.com reviewer Eric Campos writes "Invasion: Anime (serves) as a nice eye opener, offering up information that fans may not have known about from industry professionals and folks that actually study anime." And test audiences called Invasion: Anime "fun," "exciting" and "terrific history."
THE REST IS HISTORY
"The whole documentary has been a series of happy accidents," said producer Angela Alexander. Originally slated to be an inside look at science fiction/fantasy type conventions, a case of missing tape stalled that concept and gave birth to Invasion: ANIME.
"We were shooting at Project: A-Kon, a Dallas anime convention. The hotel's front desk misplaced a case of video tape we had set up for delivery during the weekend, limiting what we could shoot," explained Alexander. "So we chose to use the possibly once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to get interviews with the Japanese artists who were guests of the convention."
"The rest, as they say, is history."
Invasion: ANIME encompasses several important firsts for Tempest Productions, as it is their first feature-length production and first attempt at a modern- day subject. The company is best known for their short-form examinations of Dallas-Fort Worth history, nearing completion of a series of documentary shorts for the Centennial Celebration in Irving, Texas, and An Authentic American Haunting: The Bell Witch of Tennessee. Previous productions include Etched in Stone: A Monumental History (submitted for consideration in the CableACE awards) and Utopia Lost: The La Reunion Commune.
More information about Tempest Productions and their documentaries can be found at www.TempestProductions.com. For information about the Memphis International Film Festival, please visit www.MemphisFilmForum.com
"We really wanted to make something unique out of this project," says Isaac Lew from Digital Manga. "We strongly believe that the Pop Japan Travel tourists will really have a great experience from our services."
Besides outstanding hotel, tours, and transportation accommodations we have also included a bilingual travel coordinator who will assist in any questions or concerns during the trip. For our anime fanatics on the go, we have included all breakfast meals and additional special meals into the tour package as well.
Participants will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the booming business of Japanese anime and manga by visiting some of Japan's most famous anime production companies. What makes our tour really unique is the fact that you not only visit many traditional sightseeing spots in Tokyo, but many pop culture places like Odaiba, Kichijoji, and many more! You'll also experience the local tastes of Japan by dining at a typical ramen restaurant, eating "kaiten sushi" (sushi served on a conveyer belt) and more! We've designed this tour so participants can experience the "real" Japan and not just sightseeing out of traditional guides.
Satoru Amano, the Director of Operations of H.I.S. International Tours, Inc. in Los Angeles says, "We are very excited to have a chance to offer the Pop Japan Travel tour to people. We want many people to be able to experience the culture and beauty that Japan has to offer."
From Anime fan to Japan fan, this tour has been specifically designed to try to fit everyone's needs and interests. Pop Japan Travel prides itself on creating a tour that no one has quite seen like this before, but still offering it at an extremely affordable price! Unlike other tours offered to Japan, we feel that the Pop Japan Travel tour offers the best service at the best cost.
The first tour is scheduled to leave during spring, April 14-20, 2003. This is an ideal time to visit Japan because the weather is pleasant and the cherry blossoms may be starting to bloom at this time. Since Pop Japan Travel is unlike any Japan tour in the industry, reservations are limited. The staff encourages people interested in the tour to reserve their place right away.
H.I.S. is one of the most well-known travel bureau chains in Japan and also has many international offices all over the world that specialize in Japan travel. Digital Manga, Inc. specializes in the importation of Japanese manga, anime, and related items into the western market through its licensing, distribution, publishing, and e-commerce departments. With the efforts of both companies utilizing all their sources, we were able to create the ultimate Japan tour for people.
If any clubs are interested in a LIVE information presentation of Pop Japan Travel, please let us know and we'll come visit you in person. However, due to our busy schedule we are only accepting request from clubs within the Southern California area at this time. Hope to hear from you!
VIZ is the leading publisher of manga for English speaking audiences, serving a growing market of dedicated fans of all ages, estimating a core audience of nearly 15 million fans.
What is expected to be the largest presale to date for a Korean film -- coming from a Japanese company -- is set to be finalized by the end of the American Film Market, according to distributor KangJeGyu Films, which is representing and producing the most ambitious film ever made in the country, "Tae Guk Gi." Likely to have the English title "Brotherhood," "Tae Guk Gi" is budgeted at $11.5 million -- the most expensive film ever made in Korea -- and is being directed by Kang JeGyu, who set the Korean film industry alight in 1999 with his hugely successful thriller "Shiri" (acquired for the U.S. by Columbia).
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
"Infernal Affairs," the hit Hong Kong police drama that last year became the country's highest-grossing film, is to be made into a trilogy, with a prequel set to start shooting at the end of April. "With the success of the film and the consumer reception to it so far, we want 'Infernal Affairs' to be a franchise," said Jeffrey Chan, head of distribution and sales at Media Asia Distribution, which financed and released the film in Hong Kong and is handling international sales. MAD also will finance and distribute the prequel and sequel, Chan said. The prequel will take place 10 years before the events that unfold in "Infernal Affairs," which is a tense drama about a struggle between an undercover policeman and a gangster. While the film's main stars, Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, will make an appearance, Chan said the focus will be more on the key supporting cast in "Infernal Affairs," Anthony Wong and Eric Tsang. A younger cast will play the roles of Lau and Leung from 10 years previously, while major actors Tony Leung Ka Fai and Francis Woo will make guest appearances. Media Asia recently sold remake rights to "Infernal Affairs" to Warner Bros., which has an option to remake rights on the two new films as well.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The Korean film industry enjoyed two firsts at the American Film Market on Saturday, with Cinema Service announcing a remake deal with Miramax on a film that has yet to be completed and CineClick Asia closing a major presale deal with France on one of its upcoming films. Both deals have set precedents.To date, all remake deals -- a growing trend for the Korean film sector -- have been made on completed films, CS international business director Jennifer Muhn said. The film acquired is "Teacher, Mr. Kim," directed by Jang Gyu-sung. Over at CineClick, Kim Jee-Woon's horror film "A Tale of Two Sisters" was presold for a six-digit sum by Wildside Films, signaling the first time that a French company has prebought a Korean film, according to managing director Youngjoo Suh.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Master thief Lupin the Third...is about to make his Hollywood debut--possibly stealing his way into becoming Japan's next cultural export a la Pokemon and Godzilla. Gerald R. Molen, producer of...Schindler's List, has acquired the film rights to the work and is determined to make the story of Lupin a box office success. "As far as whether or not we know it will be a success, no one ever knows," Molen said Tuesday while in Japan to meet the comic's artist, Monkey Punch, 65, whose real name is Kazuhiko Kato, and start preparatory work on the film. "We'll go home from here with a lot of wonderful ideas and a lot of enthusiasm and go to work," he told reporters at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Tokyo. Lupin the Third, which started out as a comic in 1967, is extremely popular in Japan, inspiring a TV cartoon show and five animation films. More than 3 million copies of the Lupin comic books have been sold. Lupin, a grinning young man who breaks the law but never anyone's heart, could easily translate into the latest silver-screen heartthrob action hero, much like Spider-Man. Kato, Lupin's creator, said he would leave artistic control to the film professionals and insist on little else than keeping the five main characters. "I'm so thrilled I could fly," he said. "I want the film to continue as long as the 007 series."
As war with Iraq seems closer than ever, what can we learn from watching anime? The latest in the bi-monthly column "From Here to Shinjuku" takes a brief look at war and mecha in an installment called "Lessons of the Giant Robot."
The column can be read online at: http://www.popmatters.com/columns/ruh/030226.shtml
==
Brian Ruh
Japanese Anime, Manga, and Popular Culture Research at: http://www.animeresearch.com
Hi guys, just wanted to let you know that Robotech.com will be holding a contest during Giant Robot Week... The mission is to find one tiny part of one episode that has been noticably altered! Robotech will be airing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on Cartoon Network during their Giant Robot Week! Entries will be accepted during these days through a submission form (and because of time zone concerns and fairness, we're taking a random drawing of all correct entries):
Thanks to Daniel for the submission.
North America's largest publisher of manga and producer of some of Japan's most recognizable animation, including Pokemon, Hamtaro, ZOIDS, and Inu Yasha, today announced a three-year exclusive agreement with Ventura Distribution, Inc. for the U.S. and Canada, the country's premiere independent home video distribution company and a major consolidator of home entertainment labels for some of the nation's largest wholesale, retail, catalog and e-commerce accounts. The partnership is effective March 1, 2003.
"VIZ decided to partner with Ventura based on their stellar reputation in the industry, and the quality of their sales, marketing, and operations teams," said Rick Bauer, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, of VIZ, LLC. "Ventura's performance-driven culture, coupled with its commitment to customer satisfaction, enables VIZ to quickly react to opportunities in the dynamic home entertainment market."
VIZ, founded in 1986, is a multi-media entertainment company specializing in the localization and brand management of hit Japanese entertainment properties for U.S. audiences. VIZ offers an integrated product line of consumer entertainment including magazines, comics, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks.
"As two of the most innovative companies in our respective industries, Ventura Distribution, Inc., looks forward to this new relationship with VIZ, LLC," said Larry Hayes, President of Ventura Distribution, Inc. "VIZ' reputation for high quality manga and anime, and its solid relationship with two of the top publishers in Japan, make for an extremely synergistic partnership with Ventura. We look forward to the many successes that lie ahead." "This new business relationship also contemplates an expanded opportunity for both companies to develop and market new anime brands together" comments Craig Sussman, Ventura's Executive Vice President.
Ventura Distribution is a dynamic, 10-year-old home entertainment company that provides full service sales, marketing, manufacturing and distribution for independent studios. Among the many video lines it represents are Time Life Video, Billy Blanks' TaeBo Series, BET Video, Razor&Tie, Showtime, Respond 2 / 19 Television and VAS [Video Action Sports] just to name a few. ^^^Ventura Distribution also exclusively distributes programming of its in-house labels, UrbanWorks Entertainment and StudioWorks Entertainment. In addition to anime, Ventura's diverse programming genres include classic television, cult and foreign films, documentaries, extreme sports, family entertainment, feature films, inspirational, music, fitness, urban and other specialty product lines.
Based in San Francisco, VIZ, LLC is one of the top five comics publishers in the U.S. and is a subsidiary of Shogakukan and Shueisha Inc., two of the top publishers in Japan. VIZ is the leading publisher of manga for English speaking audiences, serving a growing market of dedicated fans of all ages, estimating a core audience of nearly 15 million fans. The company holds more than a 50% market share of Japanese comics in the U.S.
Daniel adds Ventura also happens to be the distributor for many of the American Cinemateque's Japanese films, such as Black Tight Killers and Audition.
For those of you who have been keeping up with the Serial Experiments Lain fanart contest (being hosted by the creators of thought experiments lain and Distortion Gallery), please note that the contest will be ending soon. Entries will be accepted no later than Saturday, March 1st. The winners will be announced shortly after that. Even if you aren't planning to submit an entry, check out our gallery. So far, 44 people have sent in their work.
The contest site can be found here: http://www.cjas.org/~leng/lainart.htm
Note also that TechTV is helping to promote this contest. You can read TechTV's article about the contest here: http://www.techtv.com/animeunleashed/print/0,23102,3416797,00.html
While recognizing the value and significance of the anime titles they were granted permission to broadcast, Cartoon Network is also bound by the exigencies of daytime broadcast-including the requirement that the content they broadcast be, per FCC regulations, suitable for children. Cartoon Network's edits, which were minor, were in accordance with FCC broadcast requirements.
ADV Films is very pleased that Cartoon Network requested episodes of these titles in their week-long celebration of the "giant robot" genre of anime, and we hope that their enthusiasm for the broadcast of anime will continue and grow.
Appearing at the event will be special guests – Sean Schemmel THE voice of DragonBall Z’s Goku, as well as Debi Derryberry, voice of Jimmy Neutron and Tenchi Muyo’s Ryoki, they will be signing autographs and giving daily talks at the Tamarket Anime Area. In addition to the guests we’ve got a whole lot of anime screenings and activities planned for this event including:
Madman Anime Theatre – Back again with more anime programming than ever before! This year we’ve got some hot exclusives including the finale of DragonBall Z, The Australian Premiere of DragonBall GT and DBZ movie 7 – Super Android 13. But wait there’s more. We’re also premiering some great upcoming titles from Madman including: Argento Soma, Noir, RahXephon, NeiA_7, PLUS HEAPS MORE.
The theatre will also play host once again to some great anime activities including
Madman Cosplay Contest - After a very successful competition at comicfest! 2002, the Madman Cosplay Contest is back again, dress up as your favourite anime character and win lots of great prizes! Kamehameha! Blast-Off contest - Judged by Goku himself Sean Schemmel, scream your lungs out and win great prizes! In addition to the anime theatre we’ve also got a stack of anime panels and activities for you to check out, at the Tamarket Anime Area including:
Anime Shopping Guide Panel – A guide on how to shop for anime goods online and around town. Anime Anytime Karaoke Sessions – Back after a successful run at comicfest sing your favorite anime themes and tunes in this daily event. Anime Trivia Contest - A new addition to the event, grab a group of friends test your anime knowledge. Madman Entertainment Panel – A Q&A session with Australia’s no.1 anime company. Also throughout the weekend, there will be an art contest running. This is an open art contest so anime/manga/comic book, anything is encouraged, even original art. Details will be up shortly. There will also be a cosplayer’s photo area, where cosplayers can hang out together, and get tips from one another about cosplaying or just to chill out.
Don’t forget to check out the Supanova website for more details at http://www.supanova.com.au.
Tokyo Babylon (DVD) Prequel to X: The Movie and created by CLAMP (Card Captor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth). Animation by the studio behind Perfect Blue and X: The Movie.
Psychic investigator Subaru Sumeragi is hot on the tail of a serial killer who seems to have some supernatural powers of his own. When Subaru encounters a young girl placing a curse on his suspect, the mystery deepens. The body count continues to rise, and Subaru must solve the case quickly, or he may become the killer's next target!
The Tokyo Babylon DVD offers the following features:
* Creative Team Bio * Art Gallery * DVD Sneak Previews * English and Japanese with English Subtitles * Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: Tokyo Babylon RUNNING TIME: 95 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $19.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2281 STREET DATE: April 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: March 10, 2003
DNA2: Turbulence (DVD) From the creator of Video Girl Ai and the director of Geobreeders.
Space age technology transforms girl-phobic Junta into the infamous Mega-Playboy! (He hasn't got any special powers, but the force of his charm is superhuman.) All the prettiest girls in school fall madly in love with him, and with so many in pursuit, mayhem is sure to follow! Contains episodes 4-6.
The DNA2: Turbulence (DVD) offers the following features:
* Art & Sketch Gallery * Character Profiles * DVD Sneak Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles * Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: DNA2: Turbulence RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $29.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2245 STREET DATE: April 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: March 10, 2003
Big Wars (DVD) From the director of Dirty Pair.
At the dawn of the 21st century, war rages on Mars. Captain Akuh and his crew are on a top-secret mission to destroy an enemy warship when an officer is stricken with an alien mind control plague. As the plague spreads, inciting madness and treason, Akuh must complete his mission, annihilate the alien battleship, and save the fate of the human race!
The Big Wars DVD offers the following features:
* Art Gallery * DVD Sneak Previews * English & Japanese with English Subtitles * Extensive DVD-ROM Features
TITLE: Big Wars RUNNING TIME: 70 minutes RATING: Ages 13 & Up SRP PRICE: $19.99 CATALOG #: USMD 2226 STREET DATE: April 8, 2003 PRE-ORDER DATE: March 10, 2003
Quentin Tarantino's new movie Kill Bill is so long, the filmmaker now plans to turn it into two separate films. The film, starring Uma Thurman, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox and Lucy Liu, was originally scheduled to hit American cinemas screens in October, and now it is expected that the second part will be released just weeks later. David Carradine, who stars in the drama says, "Shooting has been going on so long - with Quentin continuing to write scenes, that plans are afoot to turn Kill Bill into two 90-minute features that would be released within five weeks of each other. I probably shouldn't be saying this, but what the hell - they can't fire me." He adds, "It's a brilliant marketing plan. The first film would end with a cliffhanger, so that everyone would want to see the second half." Carradine, who landed his role in the flick after Warren Beatty dropped out, is expecting to go before cameras again to shoot extra scenes for the movies.
Source: 2/25/03 http://us.imdb.com/PeopleNews/
Thanks to Daniel for the ML submission.
DVD Vision Japan has also just posted a short photo report of Katsucon 9, held in Crystal City, Virginia. To view the report, you can visit the link at: http://www.dvdvisionjapan.com/katsucon91.htm
AnimeNext is pleased to announce the dates and location for our 2003 event. AnimeNext 2003 will be held in Rye Brook, NY at the Rye Town Hilton on October 3-5, 2003. The Rye Town Hilton is located just minutes away from NYC, and is conveniently located near mass transportation.
Until March 1, you can register for an incredibly low rate of $20! You can register on-line or through the mail. Visit our website for additional information:
Courtesy to Niels for the info.
Coming this Autumn from Buena Vista...
Castle in the Sky Kiki's Delivery Service Pom Poko Whisper of the Heart Only Yesterday Porco Rosso
Alright, I've seen the poster at the Nuart(where they're already showing the trailer), and it has a tagline which reads something like, "They're here to save the planet. For a price." Apparently, they decided to go the Jackie Chan route in promoting it by having Spike posing with two women, while he's holding a gun. (Elektra on his right and Faye Valentine on his left.) In the actual dub trailer, it looks like they're emphasizing the action scenes above all else, and they explicitly mention terrorists and biochemical weapons when they describe the story. Plus the style's reminiscent of Guy Ritchie's "Snatch" trailer where the characters are placed in 70's still shots.
Interestingly enough, it appears Sony is trying to sell the movie on its own, making no references to the tv show. (In fact, they even re-introduce the characters.)
Volumes 5 and 6 of YU-GI-OH! home videos - Evil Spirit of the Ring and The Scars Of Defeat - were released January 14, 2003.
Based on a popular Japanese comic book series, YU-GI-OH! follows the adventures of Yugi and his buddies - Joey, Tristan and Tea, who spend most of their free time playing the coolest new game ever ... Duel Monsters. The game allows them to challenge their minds using logic and strategy while players pair up different mystical creatures against one another in wild, magical duels. When Yugi's grandfather gave Yugi an old Egyptian artifact called the "Millennium Puzzle," Yugi pieced the puzzle together and was infused with incredible mystical powers. With the help of his friends, his belief in the heart of the cards and the mysterious power of his Millennium Puzzle, Yugi sets out on the adventure of a lifetime!
VOLUME 7: DOUBLE TROUBLE DUEL
Episode 19, Part I Trapped in the labyrinth cave, Yugi and his friends find an alternate exit, but the door is guarded by Pegasus' Paradox Brothers. Yugi and Joey will no longer be battling solo. They must band together in a team battle against the Paradox Brothers.
Episode 20, Part II Yugi and Joey pool their strengths and manage to fend off their opponents' monsters, but things are about to change as the Paradox Brothers summon the almighty Gate Guardian, a monster that reflects all attacks.
Episode 21, Part III Yugi and Joey each unleash their strongest monster, the Summonded Skull, and the Red-Eyes B. Dragon, but their strength pales in comparison to the tremendous power of the Gate Guardian.
DVD extras: Monster stats, preview of Konami's new video game Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelists of the Roses and an exclusive YU-GI-OH! music video.
VOLUME 8: FACE OFF: YUGI VS. KAIBA
Episode 22, Part I Using the magic of the Millennium Eye, Pegasus traps Mokuba's soul inside a card right before Kaiba's eyes! In order to earn the right to challenge Pegasus, Kaiba must first beat Yugi and take his star chips.
Episode 23, Part II Kaiba summons the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, the strongest monster in the game fused from three Blue-Eyes White Dragons! Yugi has lost all his powerful Duel Monsters, but a true duelist never gives up!
Episode 24, Part III Yugi begins spinning a strategy to put the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon to rest, but he must decide whether to claim victory or spare Kaiba his life. Yugi's heart is split in two!
DVD extras: Monster stats, preview of Konami's new game Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duelists of the Roses and an exclusive YU-GI-OH! music video.
TITLE: Volume 7: Double Trouble Duel TITLE: Volume 8: Face Off: Yugi vs. Kaiba RUNNING TIME: Approximately 60 minutes RATING: Not-rated SRP VHS: $14.95 SRP DVD: $19.95 PRE-BOOK: February 11, 2003 STREET DATE: March 18, 2003
Source: The Hollywood Reporter via Daniel
The official site is at http://www.cowboybebopthemovie.com , but it's not active as of yet.
Thanks to Daniel and Purple Jelly for the news
Toonami 52 more eps of DB 15 more eps of DBZ to start 3/17/03 95 eps of Rorouni Kenshin starting 3/03 26 eps of SD Gundam 26 eps of .Hack//Sign 12 eps of Kikaider 26 eps of Blue Gender 52 more eps of Hamtaro 13 new eps of Big O 50 eps of Yu-Gi-Oh! 100 eps of Pokemon
Adult Swim 26 eps of Trigun
Also a note for transformer fans - they've picked up 26 eps of the new Transformers Armada.
Source: CN Press Release via The Right Stuf and Daniel
In the press conference, the 11th term officer was introduced after the general meeting of ACCS (Association of Copyright for Computer Software) on February 14. The new officer of ACCS (Association of Copyright for Computer Software) will determine, and a cartoonist's Mr.Reiji Matsumoto will take office as one director. It was approved by the ordinary general meeting held in Tokyo on February 14.
The reason for having greeted Mr.Reiji Matsumoto as a director is that contents, such as comics and animation, are also digitized and it came to circulate as one of the computer software now. Although the measure has so far been taken against literary piracy acts, such as a pirate edition, focusing on business software in ACCS, activity towards literary piracy extermination is promoted also about digital contents, such as comics and animation, from now on.
Especially in ACCS, contents, such as animation, and game software besides comics, are also indicated that the pirate edition of Japanese products is circulating in large quantities in the Asian area.
ACCS performs the protection activities of copyright in cooperation with the government and investigating authorities of Asian countries while striving for information gathering. By 18 persons, as for having been decided as a director of the 11th term (the term of office is from April, 2003 to March, 2005) of ACCS, Kenzo tsujimoto (CAPCOM CEO) is inaugurated as a chairman of the board of directors. Three persons, Mr.Reiji Matsumoto, Kazumi Kitagami (KONAMI COO), and Ayumu Kawai (DE-CONTRIVE CEO), are newly appointed.
Source: Impress Watch
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today from the New York International Toy Fair that the Company has signed a new Master Toy License with FUNimation Productions, Ltd., for one of the Company's top animé properties, Yu Yu Hakusho®. Cartoon Network announced last week that beginning on March 3, Yu Yu Hakusho® will join the network's Toonami Block, airing Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. eastern/pacific time.
JAKKS Pacific will manufacture action figures, accessories and playsets based on Yu Yu Hakusho®, the popular series from Japan that follows the adventures of fourteen-year-old Yusuke Urameshi. JAKKS received the master toy license for Yu Yu Hakusho® for North America from FUNimation, and expects to have product hit retail shelves by Q4 2003, in time for the Christmas season.
"Yu Yu Hakusho® has been one of the highest-rated animé shows in Japan and, and we are elated to add the premiere brand to our Boys Action Division," commented Jack Friedman, chairman and chief executive officer of JAKKS Pacific. "FUNimation's arsenal of top boys properties, coupled with our vast experience in producing innovative action figures and related products will further position us as a leader in boys action toys. We are confident that the enormous fan base for animé action figures will be excited about the new line of figures from JAKKS."
"JAKKS Pacific has proven success in marketing highly detailed and authentic action figures, playsets and accessories for leading boys properties, and we are excited by the innovation they will introduce for the Yu Yu Hakusho® toy line," said Gen Fukunaga, president and founder of FUNimation Productions. "Yu Yu Hakusho® has been the only show to rival Dragon Ball Z® ratings in Japan, even at the height of Dragon Ball Z's popularity, and with the show's placement on Cartoon Network's Toonami Block, the show and toy line are poised for significant success in the U.S. market."
All Stories, Graphics And Material © Anime News Service Unless Otherwise Cited
Questions,Comments,News Submissions