Question:
What is it that the Japanese like about cowboys and the old American west? From children’s anime to teen and adult ones, every now and then there are cowboys and sometimes even Native Americans in some anime episodes or the show itself. Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw star are two names off the top of my head.
The official Japanese homepage for Satoshi Kon’s upcoming TV series Mousou Dairinin (Paranoia Agent) now hosts a teaser trailer in low resolution and high resolution streaming Windows Media format. The series may already be licensed for North American release as Geneon USA is listed in the production credits.
The official Japanese Dead Leaves homepage now hosts a trailer in high resolution streaming Windows Media format and downloadable high resolution Quicktime format. The Production IG anime is a Manga Entertainment co-production.
Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo
Galaxy Anime has updated with streaming interviews with AN Entertainment’s John Oppliger and Animerica Magazine’s Editor In Chief Julie Davis.
Broccoli has officially announced that a Galaxy Angel Special will air at 1:40 AM on December 21 (actually the morning on December 22nd) on TV Osaka and at 2:55 AM on December 25th (actually the morning of December 26th) on TV Tokyo. Furthermore, Broccoli has confirmed plans for a fourth Galaxy Angel TV series.
Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo
According to Anime News Network, the Cartoon Network has officially confirmed that Witch Hunter Robin will debut on the network next February. The network also hinted that Wolf’s Rain may air in April followed by Ghost in the Shell in July.
The Ghost in the Shell reference is presumably the Stand Alone Complex TV series rather than the movie. However, the Ghost in the Shell TV series will have to be extensively edited for American TV broadcast as it includes some content that cannot be broadcast on even live action American television.
Critical Mass has announced that the 60 minute long Mystery of Nonomura Hospital adult anime DVD will retail for $24.95 beginning on January 27, 2004.
Nonomura Byouin no Hitobito was a 2 part hentai OAV series released in 1998, based on a PC game that was ported to the Sega Saturn.
Question:
One of my friends is starting a petition to “Save anime from being chopped up and KILLED by FUNimation!” She’s all ready got roughly 50 signatures and only started yesterday. I was wondering if this could possibly work or has worked before?
TOKYOPOP has officially announced that it will publish the first volume of Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden manga in English language on May 4th, 2004.
Source: Jagged Team
Buena Vista Home Entertainment Japan has announced plans to release a 1:1 scale replica of Nausicaa’s rifle from Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind. The replica will be limited to only 100 serially numbered pieces, each coming with 3 shells and a wooden storage case. The price is 367,500 yen ($3,377) and reservations will be accepted from December 5 until January 30. If more than 100 orders are received, Disney may utilize a lottery to determine which orders are accepted.
Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo
Macross Zero OAV 3 is scheduled for Japanese release on the 28th. The Japanese Official Site now hosts a 30 second streaming Real Media clip of mecha combat from the upcoming release.
Source: Natsume Goushin Ryu Dojo
Question:
What are the chances of live action Japanese movies and TV shows based on anime, like the live action GTO, being licensed for US release? Also, do you think that any companies would want to license live action Japanese movies that might appeal to anime fans, like Moon Child? So far, it seems like the only way to get these movies (with US DVD region) is through pirating ^^;
AD Vision has issued a new press release announcing a remastered, extended re-release of Robotech; essentially an “uncut” version of an edited series. (The three Japanese series that make up Robotech are available in America in fully unaltered form on subtitled only DVD from AnimEigo and AD Vision.)
This newest release from ADV Films features a fresh, clean digital transfer of Robotech from the original film stock. New scenes cut from the original American broadcast version of Robotech have been restored, and new opening and closing credits and eye catches will be added. Additionally, the release will include the original, classic English-language dub in a new digital 5.1 sound mix and a Spanish-language digital 5.1 track with optional English subtitles (or more accurately “dubtitles”).
The first DVD volume, which will include the first twelve episodes on two discs with a handsome art box fitting both discs, will go on sale everywhere January 27, 2004 at a retail price of $29.98.
Source: Anime on DVD
Media Blasters has announced a January 27th release date for the first American DVD volume of Gunparade March. The DVD will retail at $29.95. The DVD with series collector’s box will retail at $39.95. Both editions will include a limited time mail in offer on a HWT Humanoid Combat Machine figure.
Source: Jagged Team
On Saturday, November 29th Kids’ WB! will air a “Turkey Surprise Day” event from 8am until noon, featuring a preview of the new Astro Boy TV series schedule to air on Kids’ WB! in 2004, and a “sneak peak” at the new season of MegaMan: NT Warrior.
Source: Anime News Network
The AMPAS has announced its initial list of animated films eligable for consideration as nominees for this year’s Academy Award for Best Animated Film. Three anime films are among the 11 titles: Pokemon Heroes, Millennium Actress, and Tokyo Godfathers (subject to its American theatrical premier on December 5th.)
The list of 11 candidates will be reduced to only 3 nominees that appear on the Oscar ballot. The full list of 11 candidates includes:
The anime films Patlabor XIII and Cowboy Bebop: The Movie were also submitted as candidates but did not make the cut into the second round.
Source: Animation World Magazine and Anime News Network
