AnimeNation Anime News Blog

While Bandai Visual first confirmed its plans for a domestic release of the Gunbuster movies last January, Bandai Visual revealed at this past weekend’s FanimeCon convention that the American release of the two re-cap movies will include the Noriko and Nono figure included with the Japanese limited edition DVD release. Furthermore, Bandai Visual is considering an American limited theatrical release for the movies.

Update, May 31, 2007
Bandai Visual has clarified that the Gunbuster movies will be released in a standard edition and a limited edition that includes the Japanese figure. Bandai Visual has also clarified that no plans for theatrical distribution have been considered, or are planned.

Source: Anime News Network

Japanese singer-songwriter Izumi Sakai, better known as Zard, died on Sunday of a brain contusion after falling three meters (10 feet) off the landing of a staircase at the Keio University Hospital. She was undergoing treatment for cervical cancer. Sakai, whose real name was Sachiko Kamachi, was 40 years old. The ex-model wrote and performed theme songs for numerous anime projects, including Slam Dunk, Yawara! Special - Zutto Kimi no Koto ga…, Dragon Ball GT, Chuuka Ichiban!, and Detective Conan.

Source: Asahi

Production IG’s English language homepage now hosts its latest interview with a member of the Chevalier animation staff, animation director Kyoji Asano.

Source: Anime News Network

Digital Manga has uploaded a video preview for its upcoming original Vampire Hunter D manga to Youtube. The Vampire Hunter D manga website will open on June 4th. The manga will debut worldwide in November.

Right Stuf International’s Anime Today podcast episode 41 features an interview with Justin Sevakis, manager of strategic development for ImaginAsian TV, regarding ImaginAsian’s acquisition of distribution rights to the Orguss, Cat’s Eye and Nobody’s Boy Remi anime television series.

The lagest Geneon Talk Radio podcast features an audio interview with Black Lagoon American release producers Satoshi Fujii and Jiro Okada. The producers discuss aspects of the English language production including auditioning the voice talent, producing a behind-the-scenes featurette for the DVD extra, the common factor between the English and Japanese actresses who voice the character “Revy,” and more.

Anime Expo has announced that new J-pop supergroup SKIN will perform at the convention on June 29th. SKIN consists of veteran J-pop superstars Yoshiki, Gackt, Miyavi, and Sugizo.

ADV Films’ American release of the live action Japanese horror film Ghost Train will screen at New York’s Two Boots Pioneer Theater from June 6-13.

Kung Fu Cinema has reported that Viz Pictures has acquired distribution rights to the live action film adaptation of Chika Umino’s manga Honey & Clover. The film is tentatively scheduled for limited American theatrical release this winter, followed by a domestic DVD release.

Japanese television network NTV has announced development of a live action television series adaptation of Tadashi Agi & Fumiya Sato’s Tantei Gakuen Q manga. The 2001 manga was adapted into an anime television series in 2003 and a live action TV special in 2006.

Source: Mantan Web

Anime Expo has announced that Japanese Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya voice actresses Aya Hirano (Haruhi), Yuko Goto (Mikuru), and Minori Chihara (Yuki) will attend this year’s convention as guests of honor.

In addition to appearing on panels and having autograph sessions, the three voice leads will also perform a live concert on Saturday June 30th at 4:30 pm at the Long Beach Arena, next to the convention center. The Winner of Bandai Entertainment, Inc. Haruhi Dance Contest will be allowed to join the actresses on stage to perform the “Hare Hare Yukai” dance.

Toei Animation has announced development of a new trilogy of 3D educational Galaxy Express 999 anime films. The short films will be screened in IMAX theaters in Japan, and possibly internationally.

Galaxy Express 999 ~ Timeline of the Starry Sky: The Sun and the Extinction of the Dinosaurs will premier on July 14th. Outer Space and the Horse Head Nebula, and The Expanse of Time Space: The Starry Sky is a Time Machine, will follow.

Source: AnimeAnime & Anime News Network

The July issue of Kodansha’s Afternoon Magazine has reported that a new You’re Under Arrest anime TV series is currently in production. Anime series character designer Atsuko Nakajima will once again provide the animation character designs for this new series. MD Geist, Genocyber, and Burst Angel director Koichi Ohata will direct the new anime.

Source: Moon Phase message board & Anime News Network

The 8th episode of Bang Zoom! Entertainment’s AnimeTV video podcast now features an extended review of Tsubasa Chronicle.

Anime Expo is seeking qualified applicants to serve as judges for the numerous cosplay events scheduled for this year’s Anime Expo convention. Applicants should send a resume to cosplay@dslextreme.com.

Resume requirements are:

• Name
• Home Address
• Contact Phone Number(s)
• E-Mail
• List of personal accomplishments related to cosplay/costume making (i.e. awards, convention titles, etc.)
• List of professional experiences/skills related to costume aspects within the entertainment industry (i.e. commissions, practical work experience, positions, internships, etc.)
• A brief summary about yourself (i.e. who you are, background, why you are a qualified judge)