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Tuesday, March 30, 2004
The Cat Returns UK premiere
The latest film from Studio Ghibli, 'The Cat Returns' receives its UK premiere this Friday (2nd April) at the Barbican Cinema in London as the gala opening film in the 'Animate the World 2004' festival. Further details are on the Barbican website at http://www.barbican.org.uk
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
New anime on Fox Kids
Those of you with encyclopedic memories may recall that I reported last year when Fox Kids announced their acquisition of the rights to broadcast Sonic X and Shaman King. Both shows have now started appearing appeared in TV listings, with the first episode of Shaman King on Saturday 3rd April at 3pm, and Sonic X starting on the same day at 4pm.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
April press releases from ADV films
ADV Films have published their April press releases, including details of two new titles:
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ANGELIC LAYER VOLUME 1: DIVINE
INSPIRATION
CLAMP'S FIRST SHONEN TITLE, COMBINING MIND-CONTROLLED ROBOT COMBAT AND AN
ORPHEN HEROINE, BEGINS ON DVD 19th April 2004
LONDON, UK, 15th March 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th April 2004
release date the first volume of the startling anime series Angelic Layer.
With its offbeat combination of mind-controlled robots and junior high school
tragicomedy, Angelic Layer was an instant success on its 2001 Japanese
release, and fans are looking forward to its UK appearance,
Much of Angelic Layer's hit status can be attributed to its production team.
Based on a manga from the all-female studio CLAMP (Chobits, Rayearth, Tokyo
Babylon, X), Angelic Layer was animated by BONES, the animators of the highly
acclaimed RahXephon and Wolf's Rain.
The Story:
The moment small town girl Misaki Suzuhara arrives in Tokyo, she is thrust
into the excitement of Angelic Layer - a high-tech, fast-paced game where
dolls called Angels are controlled by the thoughts of their operators, also
called Deus. Twelve-year-old Misaki, a middle school freshman now living with
her aunt, quickly makes friends with others who are as interested in Angelic
Layer as she is. Misaki builds her own Angel, Hikaru, and begins competing in
battles where will and determination count for far more than size and
strength. Will Misaki get the hang of Angelic Layer quickly enough to avoid
defeat? Who is that mysterious man who keeps popping up, anyway? And what is
really the deal with Misaki's mom? Watch the first four fun-filled episodes
to see how Misaki fares in battle and deals with life in the big city.
Angelic Layer vol. 1: Divine Inspiration (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release,
including four complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language
versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: original Japanese art;
voice-actor commentary; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV Previews.
Running Time: 100m approx. BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/04/04 Cat#: DAL/003
Format: DVD RRP: £19.99
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ZAION: I WISH YOU WERE HERE VOL.1 -
EPIDEMIC
FIRST VOLUME IN THRILLING 2-PART SF SAGA AVAILABLE 19th APRIL 2004
LONDON, UK, 15th March 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th April 2004
release date for the first volume of the thrilling SF anime Zaion: I Wish You
Were Here. ADV Films is releasing Zaion: I Wish You Were Here vol.1 -
Epidemic as an uncut Region 2 DVD with content identical to its Region 1
counterpart.
Directed by Seiji Muzushima (Dai Guard, Generator Gawl) and produced by Gonzo
Digimation (Full Metal Panic, Hellsing, Blue Sub No. 6), Zaion found success
with Japanese fans not only through its 2001 television release, but also with
a groundbreaking Internet broadcast of the first episode. Praise for the
series has traveled across the Pacific, increasing U.K. anticipation for the
four-episode series, praised for its plot, its character designs and its
successful combination of CG and traditional cel animation.
The Story:
A meteorite crashes to Earth, bringing with it a deadly virus known as M34
that infects humans, turning them into lethal beast-like monsters. The world's
top organizations gather to form the organization CURE to combat the
infectious disease. One organization, NOA, stands in the virus' destructive
path by using solders implanted with super nanotechnology to fight the vicious
disease. But as the virus continues to spread and mutate into different
strains, mankind's only hope may be a sixteen-year-old girl...
Zaion: I Wish You Were Here vol.1 - Epidemic (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only
release, including two complete episodes in both English- and
Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Japanese
promotional clip; interviews with director Seiji Mizushima and with the
president of Gonzo Digimation; production sketches; and ADV Previews.
Running Time: 60m approx. BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/04/04 Cat#: DZA/001
Format: DVD RRP: £19.99
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Ninja Scroll press release
Manga Entertainment have sent me a full press release for the Ninja Scroll 10th Anniversary Special Edition. The new edition will feature the original full screen version as well as an 'enhanced' widescreen version, Japanese and English soundtracks, both in DTS and Dolby EX 5.1 formats, along with cast and staff interviews. The new edition is due for release on 29th March, priced £17.99.
Friday, March 05, 2004
Spirited Away press release
I have been sent the official press release for the forthcoming release of Spirited Away:
Allow yourself to be Spirited Away on DVD and Video from March 29th
OSCAR WINNER - BEST ANIMATED FEATURE 2003
A visionary work, winner of the 2003 animation Oscar (beating stiff
competition from Ice Age and Lilo and Stitch) and the Golden Bear at
the Berlin International Film Festival, Hayao Miyazaki’s stunning
feature, Spirited Away, will be released to buy and rent on DVD and
Video from March 29th.
Spirited Away grossed over a million pounds in the UK on its initial
release in September to become the highest grossing Japanese film
ever. In Japan Spirited Away is the highest grossing film ever,
where it earned over $230m. With its depth and complexity, the
unique visuals, the dream-like spectacle, Spirited Away enchants
both adults and children alike.
The English language version is executive produced by Toy Story
director John Lasseter and features the voices of Daveleigh Chase
(Lilo and Stitch, The Ring), Mihael Chkis (The Sheid) and Lauren
Holly (What Women Want).
Technical Information
Spirited Away is available to buy on Video and DVD from March 29th 2004
The feature packed DVD has been produced to a premium technical
specification and includes these extras, many of them previously
unseen outside Japan:
DISC ONE:
Original Japanese language feature
English language Disney produced feature
Audio: English Stereo, English 5.1,
Japanese 5.1 - Subtitles: English
Full feature storyboard to scene comparison
DISC TWO:
The Making of Spirited Away Nippon TV special - With English subtitles
Japanese Trailers And TV Spots - 30 Min - with English subtitles
Trailer of Cat's Return
Introduction by John Lasseter,
Behind the Microphone - voice talent featurette,
Disney US Trailer,
Meet Hayao Miyazaki
Sales Information
Distributor - Optimum Home Entertainment
Catalogue Number : OPTD0052
Certificate : PG
Running Time :120mins
RRP : £19.99
Dealer Price : £13.61
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Arc the Lad premieres on Sci-fi
The Sci-fi Channel have posted their April schedule on their website, revealing the start of a new anime series. Arc the Lad will premiere on 24th April.
Full details can be found at http://www.uk.scifi.com
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
March press releases from ADV Films
ADV Films have published their press releases for March, confirming details of three new titles:
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FINAL FANTASY: UNLIMITED - PHASE ONE
FIRST VOLUME OF 25-EPISODE VIDEOGAME TIE-IN SERIES AVAILABLE 15th MARCH 2004
LONDON, UK, 28th February 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 15th March 2004
release date for the first volume of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, the companion
anime television series to the popular Final Fantasy role-playing video games.
The initial volume includes four complete episodes and is loaded with extras.
In addition to its tie-in to the spectacularly successful video game
franchise, Final Fantasy: Unlimited's production team speaks to the quality
of the title. Final Fantasy: Unlimited is directed by Mahiro Maeda, one of the
most acclaimed anime directors in Japan. Maeda was recently hand-picked to
direct two of the animated shorts included in The Animatrix, the anime side
project based on the hit feature film The Matrix.
Producers for the series are SQUARE TV Tokyo (NOIR) and Dentsu (Princess
Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), with animation produced by
Gonzo Digimation, animators of Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Zaion and several
more of anime's most popular recent titles.
Set in the fantastical world popularized in the Final Fantasy games, FF:U is
an epic adventure of stunning visuals and fast-paced action.
Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 1 (RRP £19.99 DVD) is a DVD-only release,
containing four complete episodes. Includes both English- and
Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: voice
actor/actress commentary; production sketches; key animation backgrounds;
preliminary FF:U illustrations; reversible cover, printed character booklet;
clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.
Running Time: 100m approx. BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/03/04 Cat#: DFF/001
Format: DVD SRP: £19.99
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FIRST VOLUME OF PRETEAR
FIRST VOLUME OF CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES AVAILABLE 15th MARCH 2004
LONDON, UK, 28th February 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 15th March 2004
release date for the first volume of Pretear, the series created by Kaori
Naruse and noted anime fantasy creator Junichi Sato (director of the first
series of Sailor Moon and creator of Kaleido Star).
Pretear, a mahou shoujo series, combines elements of the fairy tales
Cinderella (new stepmother and evil stepsisters) and Snow White (seven knights
instead of seven dwarves). On its 2001 Japanese release, the title was lauded
for its intense animation, in-depth characterizations, exciting battle scenes,
and its beautiful soundtrack. The opening song 'White Destiny' is sung by
Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida.
Pretear Volume 1 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete
episodes. Includes English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-versions, with English
subtitles. Extras include: voice actor interviews, production sketches, clean
opening and closing animation, and ADV previews.
Running Time: 100m approx. BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/03/04 Cat#: DPT/001
Format: DVD SRP: £19.99
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR SLAYERS RETURN
MOVIE TIE-IN TO FAN-FAVOURITE SLAYERS FANTASY-ADVENTURE SERIES AVAILABLE 15th
MARCH 2004
LONDON, UK, 28th February 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 15th March 2004
release date for Slayers: Return, the second movie tie-in (after Slayers: the
Motion Picture) to the fan-favourite fantasy-adventure anime series Slayers.
Slayers: Return, based on a manga by Hajime Kanzaka (Lost Universe) and
directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (King of Bandit Jing, Orphen), brings back odd
couple Lina Inverse and Naga the Serpent in a series of (mis)adventures that
are equal parts action and comedy.
Slayers: Return (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, letterboxed, including
both English and Japanese 2.0 versions, with English subtitles. Extras
include: Slayers trailers and ADV previews.
Running Time: 60m approx. BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/03/04 Cat#: DSL/003
Format: DVD SRP: £19.99
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