Animejin News - 3rd July 2000 This is the 153rd irregular bulletin comprising the latest news section from Animejin, an independent, non-profit website dedicated to anime in the UK. Please visit us at http://www.animejin.org.uk. All feedback welcome. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Manga Entertainment Press release ================================= X "BEAUTIFULLY ANIMATED" MANGA MAX **** "SUPERB... A MUST SEE" GAMERS REPUBLIC At the millennial edge, the concluding battle for humanity's future is staged. Kamui Shirou's destiny has been decided as he returns to Tokyo to face his ultimate challenge. The DRAGON OF HEAVEN, defenders of the Earth, stand ready to protect the world from the DRAGON OF EARTH, the seven angels of legend, who embrace the devastation of the planet to bring about its purification. Now Kamui must decide which side to fight for although he's very reluctant to. It isn't until realising that his two childhood friends, Fuma and Motori Monou, are in grievous peril that Kamui decides to step into his fated position in the climatic struggle of the Year of Destiny. Although depicting the end of the world, 'X' is not the usual hyper-paced battle of psychic powers. The film favours a dreamy almost hallucinogenic approach that lends it more of a European art-house feel than traditional anime. Visually it is absolutely stunning. 'X' was directed @ The Madhouse studios in Japan (named after its crazy collective of employees) by industry veteran Rin Taro. Having worked as Director of Animation on such titles as 'Astro Boy' and 'Kimba the White Lion', Taro worked exclusively in TV before directing Galaxy Express 999, his first animated theatrical feature. Following recent theatrical screenings at the Leeds International Film Festival and One Dot Zero, 'X' is released on video on August 14 by Manga Entertainment and will be available at all major retailers priced £13.99 (dealer price: £9.53). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clements wins Japan Festival Award ================================== Jonathan Clements is to receive a Japan Festival Award for "outstanding achievements in furthering the understanding of Japanese culture in the UK", specifically for his work editing Manga Max magazine. He said: "When even my own publishers question my commitment, this award is particularly valued and appreciated. I could not have succeeded without Manga Max's many contributors all around the world, who often worked with impossible deadlines and little recognition, all with the aim of bringing the Far East just that little bit closer. I'd also like to thank Vanessa Coleman, Phil Hession and Ben Gibbons, whose design and production skills ensured the magazine looked professional, even when created out of utter editorial chaos, and the many kind people from English, American and Japanese companies, who believed in the magazine and what it stood for. As some of you already know, issue 20 will be my last, but I cannot think of a better finale than winning this coveted award. I am truly honoured, and I thank you all." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- More anime on TV ================ Sci-fi Channel has started a season of anime films all showing on Saturday nights. The dates and titles are: 8th July: Golgo 13: The Professional 15th July: Castle of Cagliostro 22nd July: Macross Plus 5th August: Goodbye Lady Liberty 12th August: Armageddon 19th August: Violence Jack Check listings for exact times. =========================================================================== Current UK anime release schedule ================================= All of the following dates are subject to change. 10th July : Perfect Blue (MD), Rayearth vol. 1 (MT), Bubblegum Crisis 2040 vol. 2 (AT), Original Dirty Pair vol. 3 (AT), Oh My Goddess vol. 1 (VT), Kimagure Orange Road vol. 2 (VT) 7th August : Queen Emeraldas (AT), Street Fighter II V vol. 5 (AT), Martian Successor Nadesico vol. 1 (AT) Urusei Yatsura Movie 1 (VT), Urusei Yatsura OAV vol. 1 (VT) 14th August : Rayearth vol. 2 (MT), X (MT) 11th September: Yotoden 3 (AT), Bubblegum Crisis 2040 vol. 3 (AT), Original Dirty Pair vol. 4 (AT), Rayearth vol. 3 (MT) 9th October : Guyver 1-6 (MD), Martian Successor Nadesico vol. 2 (AT), City Hunter The Movie (AT), Dragon Half (AT,dub) 6th November : Bubblegum Crisis 2040 vol. 4 (AT), Original Dirty Pair vol. 5 (AT), Those Who Hunt Elves vol. 1 (AT), 13th November : Patlabor 1&2 (MD), Ninja Scroll (MD), Street Fighter Alpha (MT) 4th December : Samurai X vol. 1 (AT), Street Fighter II V vol. 6 (AT), Martian Successor Nadesico vol. 3 (AT) (A)=ADV Films, (M)=Manga Entertainment, (K)=Kiseki Films, (V)=MVM (T)=VHS tape, (D)=DVD, (B)=Both --------------------------------------------------------------------------- To receive Animejin News by e-mail, send a BLANK e-mail to subscribe@animejin.org.uk. 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