Sci-Fi Channel Anime Rescheduled Again
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The Sci-Fi Channel's new anime series have been rescheduled again. They are
now promising a July start. Here's a quote from their latest press release:
SAIKO-EXCITING *UK TELEVISION PREMIERE*
Begins Saturday 6 July at 10am
Brighten-up your weekend with an awesome two-hour blend of computer
games, cutting-edge animation, radical Japanese music videos and
competitions all airing in Sci·Fi's new strand SAIKO-EXCITING. Fronted
by the human face of anime, Sci·Fi's Seera, she's joined by Jonathan
Clements, who offers the latest anime news updates, and gamer-guru Emily
Newton-Dunn who gets to grips with Sci·Fi's brand new gaming show SFG.
For the first time ever in the UK, catch two of the most acclaimed anime
series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION and MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, much-
requested and eagerly awaited and at last, airing on TV! SAIKO-EXCITING
also taps into the stylish world of Japanese music videos as Sci·Fi
debuts some of the best examples of J-Pop never see before on UK
television. Finally, competitions, interactivity and audience
participation complete the two-hour line-up.
A super-bust idol and Eiko Koike (21) are a first challenge to the voice actor of an animation movie. An interview was given in metropolitan area studio on the 22nd. Koike who attended the stand-in appears in the shirt of cream-colored PICHIPICHI (The meaning of "GURAMARASU super-bust.". By yukio). The illustration of the rabbit of the bosom swelled clearly and glued upon the look of the persons concerned. The girl "my mushroom" who appears in the simultaneous public presentation work "Tekka no Maki-chan and golden Kamameshi-don" of open "ANPAN-MAN" on July 13 was played prettily. [ Swerve and go! ] Koike "although it was able to do as hard as possible, NG is repeatedly. Whether sigh voice like "HAA and HAA" being difficult" and photogravure photography realized different difficulty.
Source: eGoo
China/HK: "Is "Stormriders2" finally greenlighted? Andy Lau confirmed that director Andrew Lau and Andy's Teamwork Productions has found a company to do the CGI for the movie. The sequel will focus more on Wind (Ekin Cheng) and his new master No Name (Andy Lau). Meanwhile Andy Lau will produce Ekin Cheng's next film "Taiwanese Goddess (lit. title)", a romantic comedy co-starring Cherrie Yan and directed by Wilson Yip.
Japan: 1)"Director Junji Sakamoto ("KT") has already started shooting his next film, "Bokunchi", which is based on a popular comic of the same name. The story, which stars Mizuki Arisa, focues on the lives of a small family living in a remote fishing village.
2)"The latest word on "The Sea Watchers", directed by Kei Kumai and written by the late Akira Kurosawa, is that it's quite horrible. The direction is too dull and the acting was pretty damn horrid - even the Cannes officials have snubbed this film (and they wouldn't really snub a Kurosawa film!) for other films. Still, there is some hope for a US release from Sony Classics...
3)"The Rock was in Japan last week doing promos for "Scorpion King"...he attended the Japanese premiere of his new film, with was filled with over 3000 audience members and many popular Japanese wrestlers.
4)"Japanese wrestling superstar Masahiro Chono may be appearing in Guillermo Del Toro's next movie (it could either be "Blade 3" or "Doumu"(written by Akira's Katsuhiro Otomo'). Guillermo is coming to Japan privately next week to make a deal regarding "Doumu".
5)"Japanese "Star Wars" fans are keen to get pirate copies of "Episode 2" and are really angry at Fox for releasing the film so late compared to the rest of the world (it opens in mid July). Fox wants to avoid facing with "Spiderman" which has been ruling the Japanese box office charts for the last 2 weeks and doesn't look like it will slow down. It is a rumor that George Lucas wants to keep the number of press screenings to a minimum - people will see it no matter what the critics say!!
6)"Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa's next film, "Akaruimirai (Bright Future)" has just completed principal photography. The story is still being hidden but the director has stated that the film will make you understand things that you can't understand (?!?). The films stars Tadanobu Asano and Tatsuya Fujii and will be released early next year."
Source: AICN
I managed to pick up a Capcom press book, and found out that they will be releasing Clock Tower 3 in the U.S. As you know, Kinji Fukasaku worked on the game, and having seem a demo of the clip, it almost seemed like they used the same style of music they used in Battle Royale!
"Games will be the first of what we think will be many services," Dan Kendall, vice president of network distribution for iBlast, told Reuters on Thursday. "We have the capacity to send hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands, of files a day." Other offerings after games are expected to include Japanese "anime" cartoons, and a joint venture to deliver Hindu-language programming and sports.
Hamtaro, currently one of Japan's hottest television programs, will debut on Cartoon Network on Monday, June 3 in its regularly scheduled Monday-Friday 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET time periods. In this new anime series Hamtaro, the insatiably curious hamster and hamster pals "The Ham-Hams" work together to solve problems and embark on countless adventures.
Several additions to this model include items usually popular as additions in the aftermarket such as a lighter, stronger and better heat conductive carbon fiber hood and rear wing.
There are 347,006 lines of code in the DVD authoring. For comparison, another DVD-9 we compared this disc to has 6,466 lines of code. "Daydream Believers", a pretty complicated and impressive DVD-9 with several interviews, 3 commentary tracks, and many bonus features, weighs in at 13,649 lines of authoring code (and only about 800 assets). According to the company, it is possible the DVD may be the most complex currently released. The disc includes Spanish subtitles and sign tracks, whereas the packaging doesn't say that they're there.
In this week's edition of Ebert's "Movie Answer Man" column, a question about the status of "Castle in the Sky" is answered by Moriarity of AICN. [Note from Daniel: I'll just post the good part, so you don't have to scroll down. :) "Despite that, all of the Disney DVDs will be released with the original Japanese audio tracks (with English subtitles available) as well as whatever English audio dub has been produced. Ghibli will actually be handling the authoring of all of the DVDs, so they'll be comparable to the Japanese releases both in content and quality."]
Thanks to Thomas Holbrook for the news.
Source: Nausicaa.net
Also, you can read about how the Japanese movie industry is doing-with mentions of the films Go and Spirited Away-at also at the Hollywood Reporter
Thanks to Daniel for the news
In the past, Toho's and Shochiku's cinemas drew the biggest crowds in Japan's "Big Nine" cities. Distributors, whose profits are proportionate to ticket sales, were eager to get business from them and agreed to exclusive deals. That effectively gave Toho and Shochiku the power to decide which movies played where. Even after the first multiplexes opened, that system continued. Industry sources say Japanese cinema operators often forced distributors to hold a film's release elsewhere until after it had played in their theaters for a week or two. U.S. companies repeatedly protested. But as multiplex cinemas began to dominate in outlying areas, distributors' allegiance to Toho and Shochiku crumbled. Toho and Shochiku recognized this, and now operate about a dozen multiplexes each.
Los Angeles - With the recent console wars price cuts, president of SCEA, Kaz Hirai, says that the Console Wars are over - Sony wins. Please read this article: zdnet for further details.
CNN Sci-tech has a cover report detailing about the release of Final Fantasy XI in Japan: CNN
Steve McLure wrote a sneakpeak of Hikaru Utada's upcoming 3rd album at: The Japan Times and as well as other relevant Japanese music news.
Metropolis.co.jp has a feature article about Britney Spears' recent concert debut in Japan: Metropolis
Source: Natsume Maya
POPULAR SAILOR MOON ® SERIES CONTINUES ON DVD FROM ADV FILMS
HOUSTON, May 20, 2002 - ADV Films has set a street date of September 3, 2002 for Sailor Moon: Fight to the Finish! and Sailor Moon: The Doom Tree Strikes!, the seventh and eighth volumes in ADV's DVD premiere of the international best-selling title.
Sailor Moon has become a proven entertainment franchise worldwide. Hundreds of different SKUs of licensed merchandise such as toys, comic books, clothing and apparel have been sold over the past decade, generating millions of dollars in revenue. Sailor Moon has been watched by over six million viewers nationwide on Cartoon Network and on syndicated television. Cartoon Network recently announced the return of Sailor Moon to their programming starting in June.
Sailor Moon: Fight to the Finish! You think you have problems? Things are bad enough for Sailor Moon when the evil Queen Beryl tries to recapture the Rainbow Crystals, but the forces of the Negaverse finally manage to break into our universe! Now, the Sailor Scouts have to face off against both Beryl and her "doom and gloom" girls! And if that's not bad enough, there are newer and even tougher villains just waiting to take over from Beryl!
Sailor Moon: The Doom Tree Strikes! The devastating Doom Tree has arrived, and only Sailor Moon and the Sailor Scouts can stop it! As the evil Anne and Alan continue to scheme up new ways to steal the Earth's energy for the Doom Tree, will the combined power of all the Sailor Scouts be enough? The power of friendship will be tested as never before when our planet's mightiest protectors join forces in their greatest battles yet!
Previously available only on VHS, fans of the worldwide hit series Sailor Moon have anticipated the release of these episodes in the DVD format. As seen on television, these installments of Sailor Moon include the English-language, family-friendly versions of this exciting animated program. Each disc will include six episodes and will retail at $14.98.
SAILOR MOON: FIGHT TO THE FINISH! Running Time: 135 Minutes; Age Rating: All Pre-Book Date: 8/6/02 Street Date: 9/3/02 Format SRP DVD $14.98
SAILOR MOON: THE DOOM TREE STRIKES! Running Time: 135 Minutes; Age Rating: All Pre-Book Date: 8/6/02 Street Date: 9/3/02 Format SRP DVD $14.98
RELEASE DATE SET FOR CITY HUNTER: THE MOTION PICTURE
ADV RELEASES FULL LENGTH CITY HUNTER ADVENTURE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON DVD
HOUSTON, May 20, 2002 - ADV Films has set the street date of July 23, 2002 for City Hunter: The Motion Picture, the second DVD release from the world famous action franchise. This is the first time the popular anime feature has been available to American fans on DVD.
The City Hunter franchise has generated millions of dollars in revenue worldwide with comic books, movies, a television series, and other merchandise. The City Hunter graphic novel series by Tsukasa Hojo sold millions of copies every week, while the television series scored big ratings all over the world. City Hunter also spawned a hit film starring international movie star Jackie Chan. The Story: A mysterious soldier known only as the Professor takes his revenge on the government that betrayed him - and Tokyo is brought to its knees! Unless the government pays the Professor an impossible ransom, downtown Tokyo will be completely destroyed, and the Professor's beautiful sister will be the first to go! Only City Hunter - expert detective, master sharpshooter and shameless ladies' man - has the skills necessary to protect his city. The bullets fly furiously and the women have never been more tempting as City Hunter uses all his wits and charm to keep Tokyo from being blown sky high. City Hunter: The Motion Picture is an explosive drama that will rock your senses and blow you away!
ADV's release of the feature-length City Hunter: The Motion Picture ($29.98 SRP) comes with the English-language version, as well as the Japanese language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include character bios, original Japanese TV spots, clean credit animation, and ADV previews.
CITY HUNTER: THE MOTION PICTURE Running Time: 90 Minutes; Age Rating: 15+ Pre-Book Date: 6/25/02 Street Date: 7/23/02 Format SRP DVD $29.98
RELEASE DATE SET FOR MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO: COMPLETE CHRONICLES
THE ENTIRE MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO SERIES NOW AVAILABLE IN ONE COMPLETE COLLECTION
HOUSTON, May 20, 2002 - ADV Films has set a street date of September 24, 2002 for the Martian Successor Nadesico: Complete Chronicles, a special collector's edition package containing the entire Martian Successor Nadesico television series on six discs.
Based on the manga created by Kia Asiyama (Silent Möbius) in Japan's Monthly Ace magazine, Martian Successor Nadesico has been hailed as one of the best anime series of the nineties. It's winning combination of satire, action and drama earned the series many accolades, including being named "The Best Anime show of All Time" by a 1998 Animage Animation Fan Survey.
The story: The Earth, the Moon and our Martian Colonies are under alien attack and our space fleets are powerless to stop the invasion. Disgusted by the incompetence of the Terran military, the independent arms manufacturer Nergal builds its own space battle cruiser and launches a new offensive in a desperate attempt to save the Earth. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of trained military personnel, the crew is a little unorthodox.... With a reluctant assistant cook as a pilot, a ditsy General's daughter in command, and the largest contingent of geeks, misfits and anime fans ever sent into orbit, the poor enemy Jovians won't stand a chance! There's love, war and giant robots galore in the award winning anime masterpiece Martian Successor Nadesico!
ADV Films' release of the Martian Successor Nadesico: Complete Chronicles ($89.98 SRP) contains the entire twenty-six episode series on six discs in the English language, along with the Japanese language version with English subtitles. DVD extras include character bios, clean credit animation, and ADV previews.
MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO: COMPLETE CHRONICLES Running Time: 650 Minutes Age Rating: 12+ Pre-Book Date: 8/27/02 Street Date: 9/24/02 Format SRP DVD $89.98
Source: Natsume Maya
Thanks to Daniel for the news
May 23 Robotrix 4 Star Theater, San Francisco, CA
May 23 Versus Seattle Int'l Film Feastival, Seattle, WA
May 24 Visitor Q Alamo Drafthouse, Austin, TX
May 29 Visitor Q Cinema Arts Centre, Huntington, NY
June 06 Riki Oh - The Story of Ricky The Uptown, Minneapolis, MN
June 07 Freeze Me Cinema Village, New York, NY
June 08 Visitor Q Facets Cinematheque, Chicago, IL
June 09 Visitor Q CineVegas, Palms Casino, Las Vegas, NV
June 14 Visitor Q Clinton Street Theatre, Portland, OR
June 14 Visitor Q Cinema du parc, Montreal, Canada
June 15 Riki Oh - The Story of Ricky 11th Annual Florida Film Festival, , FL
June 27 Robotrix Alamo Cinema Draft House, Austin, TX
June 28 Visitor Q Cinema Village, New York, NY
July 05 Scarlet Diva Cinema Village, New York, NY
July 25 Freeze Me Facets Cinematheque, Chicago, IL
August 16 Freeze Me Clinton Street Theatre, Portland, OR
September 06 Riki Oh - The Story of Ricky Coolidge Corner, Brookline, MA
From the release:BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF THE JAPANESE ANIMATED .hack//SIGN SERIES FOR RELEASE ON DVD HOME VIDEO AT THE ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (“E3”)
Los Angeles, CA (May 22, 2002) – Bandai Entertainment announced today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (“E3”) - the acquisition of the Japanese animated series, .hack//SIGN (pronounced dot-hack) for release exclusively on DVD home video. A release date has not yet been scheduled. Is it a game? Or is it a world? .hack//SIGN the anime series… “The World” is immersive virtual gaming environment of the future. Millions of players log on each day to test their skills in virtual adventures and battles. But when reality and virtual reality collide, a whole new adventure unfolds. .hack//SIGN boasts character designs by famed illustrator Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Neon Genesis Evangelion and Wings of Honneamise), an engaging and immersive storyline scripted by Kazunori Ito (Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor), and directed by Kouichi Mashimo (Noir and Irresponsible Captain Tylor).
Bandai America’s video game division has also announced at E3 the release of .hack for Playstation 2. .hack features the perfect fusion of action/RPG game play presented in an anime format. In addition to the .hack PS2 game a separate OVA DVD disc will also be included (Please note that the OVA series is a completely different and separate series from .hack//SIGN). Touted as a “Virtual MMORPG or Massively Multiplayer Online RPG, .hack utilizes the latest in rendering technology enabling environments to transform in real time. Alongside game play, .hack gamers will also have the option to choose between Japanese and English dialogue. Scheduled for release October 2002, .hack carries a suggested retail price of $49.98. For more information, please visit www.dothack.com.
DVD File states that the Accidental Spy will be out on 8/21 along with Jet Li's "The Master".
World$B!G(Bs Largest Entertainment Store Signs on for Second Year as Sponsor of BAAF Autograph Sessions NEW YORK (May 21, 2002) ? The Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF), considered to be the $B!H(BCannes Film Festival of Anime Manga Culture," announced today that The Virgin Megastore Times Square will be returning for the second year in a row as the event$B!G(Bs Guest Appearance Venue, where Festival VIPs will sign autographs as well as participate in $B!H(Bmeets and greets.$B!I(B BAAF will take place over Labor Day Weekend (August 30th ? September 2nd), and will celebrate all aspects of Anime Manga Culture, a growing phenomenon that promotes appreciation of Asian artistry in animation and graphic novels. Guests of honors such as anime producer, Maki Taro, and anime director, Daichi Akitaroh, along with voice actors such as Mandy Bonhomme, Rachael Lillis, Liam O'Brien, Ed Paul, Eric Stuart, and Jimmy Zoppi are expected to attend numerous events at the Megastore. Additional guests will be added as the holiday weekend draws near.
$B!H(BThe events that we held at the Virgin Megastore last year were such a success that we are thrilled to partner with them again this year,$B!I(B said Hiro Awanohara, Marketing & Sales Manager for Big Apple Anime Festival. $B!H(BFans of anime know that the Virgin Megastore has always been on the cutting edge with music, videos, and DVD$B!G(Bs and they certainly recognize that Virgin is leading the way with Anime Manga culture. $B!H(B
As one of New York City$B!G(Bs biggest attractions and the largest entertainment store in the world, the Virgin Megastore Times Square store has 600 listening posts, 100 video viewing stations and a one-and-a-half story music video screen. Anime lovers can watch continuous anime programming on the $B!H(Bjumbo$B!I(B screen throughout the entire weekend of the Big Apple Anime Festival. In addition to hosting top anime artists and their works, Virgin will have an Anime and Graphic Novel sale. Big Apple Anime Fest goers can look for big savings on new and classic Japanese animation DVD$B!G(Bs and graphic novels.
$B!H(BIt was obvious to us from working with Big Apple Anime Fest last year that many of our customers love anime and that sales of anime are on the upswing. A partnership between Virgin and The Big Apple Anime Festival is a perfect match,$B!I(B said Andy Moreno, East Coast Marketing Manager for Virgin Megastores. $B!H(BWe are certain that our participation in the Labor Day weekend festivities will help to make it a huge success for both Virgin and The Big Apple Anime Festival.$B!I(B
Virgin will also run promotional campaigns for the Big Apple Anime Festival at all three of its New York locations, which include Times Square, Union Square and Westbury, LI. Anime fans can look for ticket give-aways, posters, flyers, DJ announcements and much more.
About Big Apple Anime Fest (BAAF) - www.bigappleanimefest.com
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