Father Geek here with Scott Green and the AICN Anime report for this Wednesday... and Boy, is it a long one, but before we get to that here's something that arrived on ol' Father Geek's PC this morning that all you aspiring animators should take note of...
Hi -- thought your readers would be interested in this contest sponsored by Showtime Networks. The grand prize is a big fat check, plus an online development deal with the network. Also, there are 10 finalist prizes of $10,000 each.
Here's the info - the festival kicks off on August 20th. We are currently assembling an all-star judging panel that includes industry experts from Blue Sky, Pixar, IFILM, AMMI etc....I'll be sending that info out shortly.
< According to a post on Anime on DVD's forum, at Otakon, Kawamoto Toshihiro, the character designer for Cowboy Bebop, announced that a new Cowboy Bebop series is in the works. Its still in the very early stages (Kawamoto hasn't even finalized any character designs), so it won't be out for quite a while. Also, more Cowboy Bebop movies will be considered if the first one (coming up soon) does well in Japan.
ADV has reported that they are making progress and the translation and English dubbing of Excel Saga. They are currently set to begin dubbing, byt translating is still underway dye to the speed of the dialogue, the cultural reference, and the fabricated words. The DVD release of the series is expected to occur soon after the dubbing and translation is complete.
Excel Saga is a comedy series that is greatly anticipated by fans in the US.
More information (in Japanese) on the upcoming Kenshin OAV see here The realistic style of the previous OAV will be reused. The OVA "Star-Mist Arc," now confirmed for production, is composed of two segments, and is scheduled for video release at the end of 2001. The placement of OVA "Star-Mist" is as the continuation of the 1999 OVA production "Reminiscence"(four segments), and is likewise designed on the theme of Kenshin's own answer to his guilt towards his past. The Shonen Jump article that announced the new OAV can be seen at here,
According to NEWTYPE magazine the first volume is due out on 19. December. The second one will then be released in Februar 2002.
The OAV is being prompted by the success of ADV's release of the first OAV in the US, including the time in spent on the Billboard Top 40.
[ORIGINAL STORY] Nobuhiro Watsuki (Shueisha Jump Comic) [DIRECTOR] Kazuhiro Furuhashi [STORYBOARD/ANIMATION DIRECTOR] Kazuhiro Furuhashi [CHARA DESIGN] Aki Matsushima [SCRIPT] Reiko Yoshida [MUSIC] Taku Iwasaki [ANIMATION PRODUCTION] Studio Deen
Media Blasters announced at their Otakon panel that Berserk is shaping up for a February release.
Although ADV could not comment on the status of Noir, they said that everyone should be happy when the series does come out. The recent Japanese release of the series on DVD will not be the final version of the show. As was done with Soultaker the series production team is still working on the show. The US release will be of the definitive version.
The series, which aired April 2001 combined the style of film noir and Hong Kong action. Its the tale of two young assassins, a girl who suffers from amnesia, and one who suffers from flashbacks of horrific events.
AnimEigo's Robert Woodhead sent out an e-mail about the company's status on various releases.
They have a new preorder system that lets uses edit and change the status of your preorders for stuff like Urusei Yatsura Box Sets, Macross, and so on. You can gain access and check your information by visiting the preorder command center: www.animeigo.com/@preorder/
Urusei Yatsura Box Set 2 is shipping; we have a few extras so if you missed out on preordering it, call 1-800-24-ANIME to attempt to get in on the release.
Urusei Yatsura is a romantic comedy from Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Ranma ½ as Maison Ikkoku about a lecherous boy who most save Earth from invading oni by winning a game of tag with Lum, a girl in a tiger striped bikini, green hair and horns.
Box Set 3 will be shipping in early September.
The Macross Box Set will be shipping late September. You can still preorder it, and they will be emailing people asking for shipping and payment information later this month.
Oh My Goddess DVD Volume 1 is shipping; volume 2 will ship mid-September.
Vampire Princess Miyu Volume 2 ought to be shipping end of September, or early October.
They are working on the science fiction action series Bubblegum Crash and BAOH for DVD release, as well as more UY, and other classic titles are in the queue. They have doubled the size of the staff (from a batallion of minions to a legion of them) in order to crank stuff out faster!.
The trend at Otakon was that companies wanted to make announcements, but were prevented from doing so. AnimEigo a almost made mention of a new title acquisition, but quickly changed the subject and went off on about an hour of technical discussion. CPM hinted at at least four big titles. ADV hinted about six co-productions and Viz dropped some hints about two new manga titles that are driving me crazy.
The big news was at Otakon ADV announcing they were co-producing the just announced new Kenshin OVA. They also stated that the sequel to the hyper violent Ninja Resurrection would be a TV series.
ADV talked about how they have upwards of a half dozen other series that they're co-producing in Japan.
ADV is building a new dubbing studio. Once it is online they hope to increase their speed of production of series for US release.
Right Stuf announced Dangaizer 3. Studio Ironcat announced more of the original Miyu series - volumes 2-9 I believe (Volume 1 was published years ago by another company.)
ADV essentially has all the Slayers OVA's and movies, including the new series that's coming up.
Tenshi ni Naurumon Vol. #1 is due out around December. It's looking to be a six disc release, but as its their first series, may end up being seven discs. Tenshi ni Naurumon or I'll be an Angel is a comedy about a normal boy who meets a girl who belongs to what can be best described as the anime version of the Adams Family
There was a large amount of discussion of theatrical runs of movies at Bandai's Otakon plans. The release of Escaflowne the movie has been pushed back to January so that it does not conflict with the theatrical runs of other anime movies in late summer, and early fall.
On TV Gundam MS08th is doing better in its midnight slot than the regular Gundam broadcast. The trend for successful anime series on Cartoon Network has been that they built up steam as they went along.
Fancy La La is also getting close to entering its dubbing phase, and they're deciding whether or not to dub the songs into English for that language track. The show should probably see a spring release next year.
Bandai did not reveal what the next Gundam release would be, but they reiterated the fact that all gundam series would be released, that its just a matter of time. Last year at Otakon they stress that the continuity of the series, but its importance was played down this year. Many think it will be Gundam 0080, which takes place chronologically after Mobile Suit Gundam, which is currently being released, or Turn A Gundam, with is the most recently released Gundam, and the last of the alternate Gundam series, with continuities distinct from the Universal Centuary Gundam series.
The release of series on double disc sets have done well for the releases of Saber Marionette J and Outlaw Star. The remaining Saber Marionette series, such as J Again and J to X will use the same dub cast as Saber Marionette, and two disc sets.
The remaining Saber Marionette J shows, such as J Again, J to X, etc, are all coming with the same voice cast and the same release format as the SMJ series (3 double disc sets). The new dub of the Silent Mobius series is being completed and mixed. The series will be released across 3 double disc sets. Brain Power'd will likely receive the same format for its release.
Saber Marionette is an sci-fi action/comedy about a colonized world consisting of men who have cloned themselves, and rare robotic women.
Silent Mobius is an action series about a strike force that battle supernatural forces.
Brain Power'd is a somewhat Escaflowne like mystical mecha series.
From Auld Dragon on the Central Park Media panel at Otakon on Anime on DVD's forum:
Central Park Media will be releasing the two episode Maetel Legend next year. The series is another entry in the universe of Leiji Matsumoto(Battel Ship Yamato aka Star Blazers).
Now & Then, Here & There - will be released early first quarter of next year. It will have English 5.1, but no remix of the Japanese). The episode distribution will a 5/4/4 format. The series starts with a boy with an indomitable spirit being transported to world where children are being conscripted into an army. The highly praised anime series was passed over by Pioneer because of its mature and disturbing content.
Labyrinth of Flames - released next year, and CPM said it was a fan service title like Aika,
Bandai Entertainment confirmed that the romantic comedy Love Hina will be released in February. Love Hina DVD Volume 1 can be purchased alone, or with a collector's Love Hina DVD Box. In other words, a very Japanese style release. Love Hina will be a six disc release with four episodes on each disc. There is still no word on getting the specials.
Love Hina is a romantic comedy about a high school student, who as a young child made a promise to a girl to attend a prestigious university with her. Year past, the girl moved away, and already the boy has failed the schools entrance exams several times. Between taking entrance exams he takes a job as the resident manager of an all girl's dormitory run by an aunt.
Jerry Chu mentioned that although Cowboy Bebop will be edited, that these edits will be taken seriously, and should be light. However, Cartoon Network has its own internal censorhip board, and the upcoming Adult Swim block is uncharted territory. A lot of the editing will be determined by the network's carriers as well as Adult Swim's intended (and actual) audience.
From Anime News Network's Otakon Report Viz said that Ranma 1/2 season 1 will be coming to DVD soon, and to expect a formal announcement in a few weeks.
Robotech Masters DVD Box 1 is due on 10/30/2001, which will contain both Vol. #1 and Vol. #2 from the Masters series as well as disc of extras for 44.95.
The DVD box set collection of the sci-fi western Trigun will be released on 11/20 for $199.98.
Sailor Moon S TV Series Vol. #6: Small Hearts/Awakening arrives on 11/27.
ADV Films announced the second half of the Original Dirty Pair OAV, entitled Damsels in Distress will be released on 10/23 with 5 episodes of Kei and Yuri's destructive brand of justice. The third volume of the dark, but retro Getter Rob will also be released on 10/23.
Manga will finally be releasing the DVD of the X movie on 9/25. The Madhouse animation of the CLAMP manga (comic series) about a doomed boy who must chooses side in a war between two super powered faction, knowing that what ever decision is made will lead to personal tragedy. The movie features outstanding animation, and creative super-powered battles, but it is burdened in its story telling by attempting to condense a long and incomplete manga series with many characters into short movie.
Special Features Include:
The second volume of Boogiepop Phantom, with three episodes will be released on 10/30. The series by Slayers director Watanabe Takashi has been described atmospheric horror. The cover can be seen at here
From Auld Dragon on the Central Park Media panel at Otakon on Anime on DVD's forum: Utena - the 26 unreleased episodes are currently stuck in Legal Hell. CPM believes they have the rights to it, but the licensor says no, and CPM feels this is a breach of their contract.
The Utena movie will be released on October 23rd. The transparent pink keepcases (custom made for the release, the one he had was one of only three currently in existance), was displayed. Its a double keepcase, with a hub design similar to the one from Shamanic Princess' keepcase. Progressive and Anamorphic was mentioned.
From Auld Dragon on the Central Park Media panel at Otakon on Anime on DVD's forum: All of Ping Pong Club is licensed.
Project A-ko will be redone, after the Image contract expires this year. The quality of the Image release was very poor.
Also, for those who really want a Slayers fix (there was a audio problem with the Japanese language track), it was said the best way to get management to know that you really want it is to send a letter snail-mail.
There will be a redesign on the US Manga logo, but it isn't a high priority right now.
They also demonstrated some of the extras they had on current and upcoming DVD releases, and the coolest one, IMO, was the trivia/quiz thing on Detonator Orgun.
A few things happened at the Synch-Point Panel at Otakon. They showed the Digi-Charat commercial which will be airing in LA for the opening of the Gamers store and said they will continue to show the commercial at other conventions. It was also asked if the commercial would be put online and they said they would look into that.
It was stated at Synch Point's Otakon panel that the six epsiode FLCL OAV will be release on 3 DVD, and that they will be used the Japanese box art, but not Gainax's English subtitles for episodes 2-6. The covers can be seen at here
Full Metal Panic!;
Produced by GONZO
Gekito! Crash Gea T ("Heavy Battle! Crash Gea T");
Begins on October 7th, 7 a.m. on Sundays on TV Asahi Network
Produced by Sunrise
Sabaku no Kaizoku! Captain Kuppa ("The Desert Pirate! Captain Kuppa");
Begins on August 13th, 6 p.m. on Mondays on NHK satelite 2
Produced by Be Train
Shinchokyoryo The Legend of Conder Hero;
Begins this fall on BS Fuji
Mahoromatikku;
Begins this fall on BS-i
Produced by GAINAX and Shaft
Tenshi no Shippo ("The Angel's Tail");
Begins on October 4th, 6:30 p.m. on WOWOW
Produced by Tokyo Kids
AT-X Original Animation Figure17 Tsubasa & Hikaru Jisedai Animation yeno Chosen (The Challange For The Next Generation Animation);
Begins on August 13th, 2:30 a.m. on TV Tokyo
Produced by O.L.M. and GENCE
Movies:
Slayers Premium ;
Released in December with Sakura Taisen
Produced by Halfilm Maker
Gekijoban Tottoko Hamutaro Hamuhamuland Daiboken (Tottoko Hamutaro The Movie : Hamhamland Great Adventures);
Released on December 15th
Directed by DEZAKI Osamu
Shenmu The Movie;
This is a 3D CGI animation film
Released on September 6th
OAV:
Tokyo Jussho Den Fuma Gogyo Densho Sono Ichi ("The Legend of Ten Warriors Episode One") Released on August 24th by Pionerr LDC
Rurouni Kenshin Meiji Kenkyaku Roman Tan Seiso-Hen Jokan ("Rurouni Kenshin : The Story of Swordsmen in Meiji Era The First Volume")
Produced by Studio Deen
Released on December 19th by SME and Visualworks
On the comiket festival MediaWorks (Sister Princess) has announced their new TV anime series "Kokoro Toshokan" (Heart Library). Based on a manga by Nobutaka Takagi and serialized in the MediaWorks magazin "Dengeki Daioh" it tells the story of some cute female librarians. The second episode of "Alien 9" will be broadcast on Animation Theater X (Skyperfect TV) on September 2nd.
Alien 9 is a cute series created by Hitoshi Tomizawa about three 6 year Elementary school girls who take up "alien work". It's set fifteen years in the future when aliens are not so uncommon on Earth. With a friendly alien on their heads, the girls' duty is to run around and get rid of the other aliens. The aliens with the girls are able to speak and communicate with them and feed off of their dead skin cells. The official web site can be seen www.alien-nine.com/
AT-X is also the home of "Figure 17 - Tsubasa and Hikaru" whose episodes each last one hour long and are broadcast on a monthly basis for a year (second episode due out on August 14th) (2:30 am - 3:00).
Also in the work is a new TV series of "Captain Tsubasa". Based on Youichi Takahashi´s famous soccer manga in Weekly Young Champ "Road to 2002" will focus on Tsubasa´s preparation for the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and Korea.
Bandai announced Sentou Yousei Yukikaze, (Fight Fairy Yukikaze) based on a sci-fi novel by famous author Chouhei Kambayashi. Sentou Yousei Yukikaze" is set in the distant future when earth is suddenly attacked by a mysterious force named "JAM". Human, however, is able to establish a defense wall against the invaders using fighter jets equipped with high-sophisticated A.I. Actually, this A.I. system is so highly developed that one of them starts to "think" on its own one day.
Official SF convention site: here http://www.sf2001.com
Contrary to what has been announced at the AX Pioneer panel the release date seems to be put forward to this winter. The first (only?) volume directed by Katsuhito Akiyama (BGC OVA, Dual, Original Sol Bianca) is reported to have a running time of 90 min.
The Kaijumaster reports this weekend i was at Otakon and Hikaru Midorikawa the voice actor of Tamahome stated that he begins recording for Fushigi Yugi Gaiden this week.
Commercials for the premiere of Dragon Ball next Monday at 5:30 I've started to air on Cartoon Network. Thanks for HHPTHero and Sam of Saiyan Z Rage for forwarding this.
Saiyam Z Rage has posted an interview with Cartoon Network. Interest facts include that Cartoon Network hopes to show all 26 episodes of Cowboy Bebop. When asked if Toonami could expand to the 7-8pm hour the Cartoon Network rep replied "May be!! This question pops-up quite frequently. This topic has also come up a several times in our official CN discussions. But there are no plans right now to extend Toonami to the third hour. Toonami will air 5-7 pm (ET) for a while. " On the question of Gundam 0080 and 0083 "We are still discussing on air dates for Gundam 0080 and Gundam 0083. Nothing has been set as this time. Although, airdates for Gundam 0080/0083 are being discussed a lot lately. " The interview can be read at here
The original soundtrack to the Cowboy Bebop movie, Knocking on Heaven's Door, starts sale in Japan on August 29th. The soundtrack, titled Cowboy Bebop : Future Blues, comes in a regular and limited edition. Both versions are essentially the same, except the limited edition comes with a bonus 8cm disc that contains previously unpublished songs from the television series. The complete track listing for the soundtrack disc is as follows :
The regular editon retails for 2900 yen, while the limited runs for 3200 yen. The music is performed by the Seatbelts, composed by Yoko Kanno.
Additionally, Victor Entertainment will be releasing a music video DVD disc temporarily titled Seatbelts : FUTURE BLUES. This disc is to be published by Victor Entertainment and scheduled for October 11 release at a retail of 3900 yen.
The movie itself, Knocking on Heaven's Door, is due out this September in Japan
The Disney Channel will air "Kiki's Delivery Service" (Rated G). It is a story about
a young witch-in-training supports herself and her feline companion
via an air-courier business. More info on the story can be found here;.
It will air on your Disney Channel Wednesday, August 29 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM (EST).
It was Directed and written by "Hayao Miyazaki" way back in 1989.
Starz Channel goes all "Hime" starting Thursday. Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime)
will air a several times this month on channel Starz.
Here are the air times and dates for the movie.. All times are Eastern Standard Time
(EST)
Anime Top 10's
(according to Newtype Magazine, August 2001)
Top 10 Most Popular Male Anime Characters in Japan
Top 10 Female Anime Characters in Japan
Dubbing
AnimationHQ will be hosting a chat session with Jessica Calvello, a leading dub voice over actress who can be heared in Cutey Honey, Boogie Pop Phantom, and Dargon Half amoung others. The hosted/moderated chat is to take place around the second week of September (it is yet to be finalized with Ms. Calvello) just prior to her attending Anime Weekend Atlanta, which takes place at the end of September (the 21st-23rd). AnimationHQ will also be attending AWA 7 and hopes to see people who attend the chat there also. More information will be sent like the IRC server and channel name, etc. when the plans are finalized.
Jonathan Klein, Taliesin Jaffe, and Greg Weisman o New Generation Pictures have talked with Anime Tourist about their work on the release of the 3x3 Eyes Perfect Collection, how voice acting is different from japan, and what we can expect from NieA_7. New Generation Pictures is a media company responsible for sub/dub for anime titles such as Vampire hunter D, Golgo 13, Tenchi Muyo, Nazca, Amazing Nurse Nanako, and NieA_7. Greg Weisman is the force behind such shows as Gargoyles, Max Steele, and Starship Troopers. The Interview can be read at here
Bandai Ent has announced that the release of Crest of Stars 4: Into the Unknown DVD has been pushed back until 12/4. Crest of the Stars is a science fiction tale about a boy who is sent to live with an genetically engineer race that conquered his planet.
According to Newtype Asylum The official Sunrise (Japan) website reveals a list of Gundam and other Sci-fi animation broadcasts outside of Japan, in which two of the classic One Year War OVAs, Gundam 0080 and Gundam 0083, are scheduled for U.S. cable broadcast in September 2001.
A web page for the upcoming Inu-Yasha movie has gone online at www.inuyasha-movie.com. "Inu Yasha - jidai o koeru omoi" (Inu Yasha - Love which transcends time) will be release for the Christmas season in Japan.
[ORIGINAL STORY] Rumiko Takahashi [DIRECTOR] Toshiya Shinohara [SCRIPT] Katsuyuki Sumizawa [MUSIC] Kaoru Wada (Soundtrack: avex mode) [CHARA DESIGN] Hideyuki Motohashi, Yoshihito Hishinuma (TV) [ANIMATION PRODUCTION] Sunrise [PRODUCTION] Shogakukan, Yomiuri Television, Shogakukan Production, Nippon Television Network, Toho, Yomiuri Television Enterprise [DISTRIBUTOR] Toho
Hayao Miyazaki's directorial premiere "Mirai Shonen Konan" (Future Boy Conan) from 1978 will be released in Japan this fall. The first four volumes will be release on September 25th, and the remaining 3 will be released on October 25th.
Conan is a young survivor of a nuclear holocaust that wiped out most of humanity. A small group survived on a deserted island, but as they die off only Conan and an old man are left, until he finds a girl who has escaped from a miliary society.
The first volume is priced at 2,800 Japanese Yen, and the rest each at 3,800 Japanese Yen.
Media Blasters has announced several new licenses and releases including Mezzo Forte, Fortune Quest, Oni-Tensei, and Tokyo Project scheduled to hit stores on November 13th.
Yasuomi Umetsu's follow-up to Kite, the two episode long OAV series Mezzo Forte, will debut in the US in four different editions. Mezzo Forte will be released on 55 minute long dubbed VHS for $19.95 and bilingual 55 minute long DVD for $24.95, as well as 60 minute long uncut adults only versions on dubbed VHS and bilingual DVD retailing for $24.95 and $29.95 respectively. Supplemental DVD features have yet to be determined, but Media Blasters is hoping to be able to include staff interviews and an audio commentary track.
The Fortune Quest L TV series will debut on dubbed VHS and bilingual DVD, both featuring 5 episodes. The 26 episode Fortune Quest L TV series from 1997 is a parody of traditional swords & sorcery role playing games that should appeal to both fans of Lodoss War and fans of Slayers.
The first of 4 half-hour episodes of the hentai/horror Oni-Tensei OAV series will premier on dubbed only VHS with a retail price of $24.95.
The 50 minute long Tokyo Project action OAV will premier on dubbed VHS for $19.95 and bilingual DVD for $24.95.
Other genre releases scheduled for November 13th include Rurouni Kenshin TV series volume 14, Maho Tsukai Tai volume 5 (TV series volume 2), a double feature DVD of both Japanese "women in prison" action/exploitation Scorpion movies, the dubbed VHS and DVD premier of of the live-action Japanese sci-fi/action/exploitation film Black Angel, and the American premier of Ruggerio Deodato's first Italian cannibal horror/gore/shock film Jungle Holocaust (AKA: Lost Cannibal World) on dubbed VHS and (tentative) special edition bilingual DVD.
From the official FAQ
FUNimation is adding DBZ episodes 106-108 from the Trunks Prelude to Terror video to the Z Warriors Prepare DVD so that it will contain 5 episodes (106-110).
From Bid For Power.com
Bid For Power is close to being released (about a months time) and we will have a
lot more details concerning the release next week. What I can tell you is that we
will be removing the DBZ characters but it will still keep it's anime feel plus some
extra. Dragon Ball Z Models may be available seperately.
The rep at Tokyopop just called to let Anime Nation know that the St. Tail boxed set of DVD 1 packaged with graphic novel 1 is going to be an exclusive item only available at Best Buy and Musicland stores.
Robotech.com has finally opened its integrated store. The store currently carries Robotech DVDs and CD soundtracks; wall scrolls ans posters are listed as arriving "later today" while toys and apparel are due "next week". According to the e-mail sent out by Robotech.com, they also have several hundred postcards, autographed by Carl Macek, that they plan to give away with the first DVD orders. The store can be seen at here
The new issue of the comics periodical Sequential Tart is online. Anime related items include an interview with Carl Macek about Robotech, a brief history of Robotech, an article about shoujo manga, an article about the history of Japanese sequential art, manga reviews of Juline Love Song Aqua Knight El Hazard Inu-Yasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale and Eva and anime reviews of Anime Kazemakaze.
The August issue Anime Fringe has a look at manga artist of Kia Asimiya, include an image of the artist, who had previously hidden his appearance. The issue also has looks at Anime Expo 2001, Obon Week: Japan's Festival to Honor the Dead, and ComicsOne, a digital manga (comic) retailer.
Issue 66 of Protoculture Addicts has shipped. The cover article is a look a the stylish mecha series Big O, with character and mecha design as well as a episode by episode breakdown of the series. The issue also has summaries of the Kenshin/Samurai X movie, and the television from episode 63 (after the conclusion of the Shishio story) to the end of the TV series. A noteworthy article is a look at the series Hidamari No Ki, The Tree Under the Sun, a 25 episode series that broadcast starting April 2000. The series tells the story of manga legend Osamu Tezuka's great-grandfather, a doctor, a practitioner of western medicine living during at the end of the Japanese Shogunate Era, and Manjiro Ibyua, the samurai lord who serves as the bodyguard to American Ambassador Townsend Harris.
On page 77 in this months issue of SPIN magazine there's a feature on Blood: The Last Vampire.
Panel: Animated films for adults tough U.S. sell
LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) as long as that sex and violence doesn't involve animated characters.
A panel of animation experts gathered Tuesday for a two-hour discussion of why the American public have yet to embrace animated features aimed at teenage and adult audiences. The panel, titled "American Animated Movies For Grown-Ups: Will They Really See the Light of Day?" was among the highlights of the first day of the five-day World Animation Celebration conference in Hollywood.
In a wide-ranging discussion, the seven-person panel touched on America's misconceptions about animated entertainment, the difficulties studios face in marketing animated films, and potential methods to grow the market for more mature animated work in the United States.
"The U.S. has a particularly strange legacy when it comes to animated entertainment," said Tom Sito, the panel moderator and co-director of Warner Bros.' new animated/live-action comedy from the Farrelly brothers, "Osmosis Jones," which opens tomorrow. "We've got this hangup that anything animated has to be for kids, and it's not that way elsewhere in the world."
The American perception that animated equals childish is forcing filmmakers to look outside the country, according to Craig Miller, who is working on an animated feature based on the popular Elfquest comic series through his WolfMill Entertainment. The full article can be read at here: Just Click Here Now
Screenings in New York will take place at the Loews Screening Screening Room (711 Fifth Avenue), 11th floor.
Screenings in Los Angeles are at the Sony Thalberg Theater Room F, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City. Entrance is on Madison Ave. Parking is available on the Sony lot.
It currently appears that no more Dragon Ball Z will be shown on Kids' WB.
Looks like after today, DBZ will no longer be airing on the WB. It appears that many scheduling grids were incorrect, and we're not going to see a third week on the network.
Clips from MTV Unplugged: Utada Hikaru are being shown on her website here Hikaru Utada appeared on the soundtrack of Rush Hour 2, and the Black Jack web animation.
Cartoon Network advertises that the new season of Dragon Ball Z will be airing on the 10th of September. This is a week after the previous announced date.
According to this http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/20010811wo13.htm article in the Daily Yomiuri, Bandai Co. (Japan) will begin selling "life sized", plastic Zaku models. The models will human sized rather than full size. 1.5 metres tall and weigh 30 Kg (a real life sized Zaku would be 20.5 metres tall). The model is the largest model ever produced by Bandai, and will retail for 198, 000 yen (approx US$1620) when it goes on sale in December. Can't wait till December to own one? Bandai will seel a few of the models at C3 Pre in Tokyo on August 26th. Anime News Network has a picture of the Zaku model here
According to Anime News ServiceOn August the 4th a completion ceremony was held in Tokyo for the eagerly awaited Cowboy Bebop movie, in which a preview version was shown to the public. The show was hosted by the project´s producer, famous seiyuus like Hirokazu Yamadera (Spike), Megumi Hayashibara (Faye) and the director Shin´ichi Watanabe himself.
However, that was not the end version of the movie. "Even if it´s said so the movie isn´t fully completed yet" Watanabe admitted to the audience. "So it isn´t really a completion announcement ceremony" he then added with a smile. "Cowboy Bebop - Tengoku no tobira" (Door of heaven) is scheduled to get its Japanese theatrical release in the first week of September. Till then more sound bits and footage could still be added.
Here are some data about the movie which have been announced:
COWBOY BEBOP - Tengoku no tobira [Theatrical release] Beginning of September 2001 [Distributor] Sony Picture Entertainment [Director] Shin´ichi Watanabe [Voice Actors] Hirokazu Yamadera, Umbo Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Aoi Tada, Tsutomu Isobe, Mickey Curtis
[Story] Set in a distant future when space travel between planets is enabled by hyperspace gates humans have migrated to far-flung constellations. But like the western frontier, lawlessness and amorality are present everywhere in the solar system. Join Spike and his crew on their non-stop race through the galaxy on the Bebop, always on the hunt for nasty criminals.
It´s just another day when they are after a bounty on Mars, when a strange event unfolds. After a devatasting explosion on a highway an unknown disease begins to spread among the people. The situation gets really disastrous when the disease claims over 500 victims. As the local government sets the highest bounty ever in the history on the head of the culprit it´s time for Spike and friends to enter the action. But there's a little problem: the man they search for is someone who´s already died on the official score...
ADV has announced the upcoming DVD release of Harmony Gold's Robotech: The Macross Saga: Flight 4.
"Join Dana Sterling and the 15th as they stand to defend the Earth against the next alien force, which seeks the secrets of Robotechnology, that lay buried within the wreck of Zor's legendary space-battle fortress. Fifteen years of peace are shattered when a new invasion force - the Robotech Masters - wage war against the Earth's struggling survivors. The victor's prize is control of the mysterious Protoculture Matrix - the secret powerhouse of Robotechnology. A whole new cast of heroes and villains re-invigorate the powerful story of intergalactic war and personal drama that has made Robotech one of the most enduring science fiction adventures of all time. "
Revelations and Robotech Masters: Robotech Legacy - Collection 4 (featuring A New Threat, Revelations, and includes original opening/closing sequences from the original Japanese series; a gallery of the original Robotech Masters comic book covers; production sketches; and more exclusive international clips available exclusively in this 3-disc collector's edition) will be released on 10/2/01.
Those attending the August 24th US Theatrical Premiere of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust at the Egyptian Theatre are in for a treat - Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Animation Director/Character Designer Yutaka Minowa will be attending! They are taking some time out of their busy schedules to fly here to attend the premiere and meet the fans! The composer Marco D'Ambrosio will also be attending, as well as many members of the vocal cast, such as John DiMaggio and John Rafter Lee.
Tickets are on sale now at the Egyptian box office - visit www.egyptiantheatre.com for more information.
Dark Horse has released their September solicitations.
The book 5 of the 6 Akira collections will retail at $27.95 for the 416 page collection.
Dark Horse describes it as "In the 21st century, the once-glittering Neo-Tokyo lies in ruins, leveled in minutes by the infinite power of the child psychic giant, Akira. Now a wasteland of rubble and anarchy, the Great Tokyo Empire rises, a ragtag group of zealots and crazies who worship and fear Akira and his mad prime minister, Tetsuo, an angry teen with immense powers of his own - and equally immense twisted ambitions. The planet at large is not taking the threat lying down, however, and the might of the world is ready to take on the Empire, but will technology's most advanced weaponry be enough to destroy Akira - and is Tetsuo an ever greater threat? The fifth chapter in a sweeping epic of over 2000 pages, Akira 5 is the penultimate act of a mind-blowing graphic-novel masterpiece of awe-inspiring imagination and gut-wrenching power, and the inspiration for the classic Akira animated film. "
The first November will see the first release of Gunsmith Cats creator Kenichi Sonoda's EXAXXION. CANNON GOD EXAXXION #1: STAGE 1 part 1 (of 8) will be 58 pages. "It's a typical school day for Hoichi. He's skipping class and beating the stuffing out of a bunch of upperclassmen, which makes him about the only person on the whole planet who isn't glued to the television - today's the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Space Elevator, a gigantic earth-to-orbit elevator built by those lovable aliens, the Riofaldians, who arrived on Earth ten years ago. Today, the mass media is proud to report, tens of thousands of Riofaldians are working side by side with humanity, as good neighbors on the march to global prosperity. Hoichi's ultra-rich, ultra-brilliant, and ultra-eccentric grandfather (the author of a loony book claiming the Riofalds are out to take over the Earth) doesn't agree and this has driven a wedge between him and his equally eccentric grandson. But that - and the histo!
ry of mankind - is about to change forever! Don't dare miss the series that's redefining the giant-robot story for the 21st century - Cannon God EXAXXION!"
" Nanotechnological battlesuits that make the wearer superhuman, alien invasions, city-smashing giant robots, insanely powerful handguns, cover-to-cover action, and lots of sexy women - alien, human, and android! - make this signature Sonoda with a futuristic punch!"
In BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #62: STIGMATA, the immortal swordsman Manji has an opportunity to talk to Master Sori, the artist and Shogun's ninja about the mysterious blonde haired assassin Hyakurin. BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: THE GATHERING VOL. II TP collects the second part of the story o Manji battle against a trio of Ittö-ryü swordsmen and Rin attempt to pass through the Edo check points after being wrongfully accused a being a brutal murderer.
Lone Wolf and Cub volume 16: The Gateway Into Winter will feature 320 pages for $9.95. Ogami Itto chose to take his infant son on the assassin's road rather the commit suicide after being framed by the Yagyu clan. Now the tables are turned. In desperation Yagyu Retsudo sends his last child, his daughter after Itto. Itto also has his final showdown with the Kurokuwa ninja clan, and faces bounty hunters sent by the Yagyu.
In OH MY GODDESS! PART XI #4: MYSTERY CHILD part 2 (of 8) the goddess Belldandy and Kiiechi meet a boy who is not human, but Belldandy cannot tell if he is god, or demon.
The anthology SUPER MANGA BLAST! #18 features new entries for Club 9, Seraphic Feather, Shadow Star and 3x3 Eyes.
An interesting monthly web animation, MK Ultra 3 can be found online at Brooks Jewell
Now... On with the news of everything remotely related to the world of Anime/Manga...
Here's Scott...
One of the large summer anime conventions, Otakon took place last weekend.
A Fan's View's photographic report on the convention can be seen at here, Anime News Network's report on Otakon can be read at here and Anime on DVD's can be seen at here
The New Cowboy Bebop
Excel Saga Update
More Information on Kenshin OAV
Berserk Time Frame
Noir Update
Recent AnimEigo News
Licensing Blind Items
ADV Productions
Misc Otakon Announcments
ADV's Slayers status
Tenshi ni Naurumon Release
Bandai Plans
New Central Park Media Title Date
Love Hina Release Info
Cowboy Bebop Edit For Cartoon Network Info
Ranma 1/2 DVD Release
US Release Info
Utena Info
CPM Title Updates
Digi Charat/Gamers Info
FLCL Release Info
Anime coming to Japan
Source: Animage, September issue Series
ARMITAGE - DUAL MATRIX
Fushigi Yugi Gaiden Udate
Dragon Ball Commercials on Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network Interview
Cowboy Bebop Heaven's Door OST
Miyazaki on Cable
Princess Mononoke on U.S. TV (PG-13)
Crest of Stars Delayed
More Gundam on TV?
Inu Yasha Movie News
Miyazaki's Directorial Debut on DVD
New Media Blasters Announcements
FUNimation Dates (Dragon Ball Z and Blue Gender)
Bid For Power Has a Release Date
St. Tail DVD boxed set update
Robotech.com Store Opens
Anime Periodical News
Metropolis Screenings
Story Date: 8/12/01
Thursday, September 6 at 7:00 PM Sony Thalberg Theater Room F
No More DBZ on WB
Hikaru Utada Unplugged
New DBZ September 10th
Bandai to Sell "Life Sized Gundams"
Bebop Movie News
Next Round of Robotech Press Release
Robotech: Robotech Masters - A New Threat, Robotech: Robotech Masters -
Special Guests attending the Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust Theatrical Premiere
Dark Horse November Manga Releases
Interesting Web Animation
