ADV Nation

ADVNation Blog Relaunch

2009-10-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

ADVNation has relaunched for its 1yr Anniversary. Check out the new digs at: www.sxanimedia.com

Thank You.

Sneak Peak Notice Update: Friday something-something

2009-10-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Check back on the later part of Friday (Oct 16, 2009) for a little surprise.

Update: Apologies for the delay - due to last minute technical difficulties, please check back later on Friday October 16 (PST). Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Section23 Films announces December releases: To Love Ru, Clannad After Story, Ghost Hound part 2, and new Live Action

2009-10-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Section23 Films announces Xebec's comedy, romance series, To Love Ru. Section23 Films will be distributing the new title along with Clannad After Story and Ghost Hound for Sentai Filmworks. To Love Ru Collection 1 will be released on December 15, 2009 as an English-subtitle release.

Section23 Films also announced distribution for two new Live Action titles "the animal thriller Gun-Kyu ~ War Pigeon and the sword & sorcery double feature Makiriko / Battler Sienne Matra."

Press Release below:

SECTION23 FILMS ANNOUNCES DECEMBER SLATE

Includes Three New Anime Releases

HOUSTON, October 6, 2009 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its December 2009 slate of new DVD releases.

Section23 client Sentai Filmworks is coming out with three new home video releases, including the first volume of the popular new comedy series To Love Ru. Also coming from Sentai Filmworks in December are the second and final volumes of Clannad After Story and Ghost Hound.

Switchblade Pictures, another Section23 client, has two “live-action” DVD releases straight from Japan – the animal thriller Gun-Kyu ~ War Pigeon and the sword & sorcery double feature Makiriko / Battler Sienne Matra.

Anime Network Celebrates 7 years: Free Anime Online, Premieres: Special A, Blue Drop and Polyphonica

2009-10-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

Anime Network celebrates its 7th Birthday tomorrow on October 2, 2009. As part of the festivities, Anime Network will sport a new website design and one that also includes Social Networking elements which has been in public beta for some months.

The event will be highlighted by offering registered users of the website (free to sign up) free access to Premium content from noon Friday (October 2) to noon Saturday (October 3); as well as the special event Premieres of Sentai Filmworks and Section 23 Films' latest titles: Special A, Blue Drop and Polyphonica - prior to DVD and VOD release.

Anime Network launched publicly in late 2002 as ADV Films' TV, VOD and Digital Distribution arm and has since expanded to over 20 million households in the United States and Canada through notable Cable and Satellite carriers such as: Time Warner, Charter, DirecTV, Dish Network, AT&T, Rogers and others. In recent months, Anime Network has made a strong push in digital distribution initiatives with the new Anime Network Online Player, UK expansion, ITunes and Playstation Network launch, more content on Xbox LIVE as well as content partnerships with YouTube, Warner Brothers, Apple and Joost.

Earlier last month as part of ADV Films' assets division among several companies, Anime Network was acquired by Valkyrie Media Partners, but has since been operating business as usual, just as it has been in the last few years. Anime Network continues to cooperate and partner with the new companies post-ADV Films such as Sentai Filmworks and Section 23 Films, but also has made recent distribution partnerships with other content providers like RightStuf/Nozomi and Enoki Films.

You're Under Arrest Season 1 and 2 Premieres on Anime Network

2009-09-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Anime Network Premieres You're Under Arrest Season 1 on VOD through the various cable and satellite carriers. YUA Season 1 will also be coming to the Anime Network Online Player in the near future. The entire 52 episode-Season 1 will be shown and will subsequently be followed by the newly acquired and distributed You're Under Arrest Season 2 by Sentai Filmworks and Section23 Films, respectively. You're Under Arrest Season 2 DVD will be released on November 3, 2009.

Anime Celebrities Auction Autographed Memorabilia To Aid Injured Boy

2009-09-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON, TX - September 18, 2009 --- Several industry notables have autographed numerous anime collectibles including posters, DVDs and postcards to be sold in an online auction to raise money for a Minnesota family who recently faced an unexpected, tragic situation.

For more information, contact:
Tiffany Grant
Auction Organizer
Asukatoo@aol.com

On July 21, 2009, seven-year-old Ian Hoy was walking home from swimming lessons with his older brother, 13-year-old Patrick. They were at a crosswalk when Ian, believing it was safe to cross, was struck by a car causing massive internal wounds and traumatic brain injury. Now, almost two months later, after weeks in a coma and with a titanium plate now in his head, Ian has made incredible progress. He is re-learning how to do everything from walking and talking to dressing and feeding himself.

Thankfully, Ian is now on the road to recovery. Although dad, Stephen, is employed, Ian’s Mom Robbi has been her son’s side the entire time, unable to work. This situation has caused an incredible financial hardship on the family. The Hoys, longtime friends of Tiffany Grant (Evangelion, Chrono Crusade), are good, hard-working people who just need a little help in a difficult time. We hope this fundraiser can help get them through this rough patch and on to a brighter future. Please note that 100% of proceeds will go directly to the established fund to benefit Ian Hoy -- no actors or companies are keeping any of the profits.
To see Ian’s whole story or get updates, read more here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ianhoy

We have many fantastic items generously donated by FUNimation Entertainment, New Generation Pictures -- courtesy of Jonathan Klein (Hellsing, 3x3 Eyes) -- as well as a few things from Tiffany Grant’s personal collection. Thanks to Carrie Savage (Ikki Tousen, XXXHOLiC) and Clarine Harp (Burst Angel, Negima!) who helped gather signatures. The sale begins this Sunday, September 20, at approximately 7pm CDT (GMT - 6hrs) and will run for one week. International bids are welcome. The auction is being hosted on eBay by Power Seller, Joe Grisaffi (Cyberteam in Akihabara, Saiyuki). This is a full list of available merchandise (more detailed descriptions are on each auction page):

• Hellsing Ultimate OVA series poster signed by Crispin Freeman (Alucard), KT Gray (Seras Victoria), Ralph Lister (Walter Dornez), Victoria Harwood (Integra), J. B. Blanc (Enrico Maxwell), Steven Brand (Alexander Anderson), Yuri Lowenthal (Pip), Patrick Seitz (Luke Valentine) and Taliesin Jaffe (Leif + Director/Writer for English Dub).

• Fullmetal Alchemist Season 1 box signed by Vic Mignogna (Ed Elric), Travis Willingham (Roy Mustang), Caitlin Glass (Winry), Wendy Powell (Envy), Tiffany Grant (Marta) and Jerry Jewell (Barry the Chopper).

• Haibane Renmei postcard signed by Carrie Savage (Rakka), Erika Weinstein (Reki), Kirsty Pape (Nemu), J. D. Stone (Dai), J-Ray Hochfield (Kuu), Hunter MacKenzie Austin (Hikari) and Michael McConnohie (The Communicator).

• Ikki Tousen mini-poster signed by Carrie Savage (Hakufu), Ted Sroka (Koukin), Robin Rhodpa (Ryofu), Willow Lane (Ryomou), Taliesin Axelrod (Kannei), Patrick Seitz (Taishiji), Hunter MacKenzie Austin (Kaku), Ivan Buckley (Gakoshu), Jen Sekiguchi (Chinkyu), Greg Weisman (Sousou), William Frederick (Choko), Michael McConnohie (Narrator) and Erica Shaffer who played “Kanu” but accidentally wrote “Harumi Chono” (her role in Paranoia Agent) under her signature!

• Burn Up! OVA mini-poster signed by Tiffany Grant (Maki) and Matt Greenfield (Director/Writer for English Dub).

• Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: The Movie poster signed by Vic Mignogna (Fay Flourite), Carrie Savage (Mokona), Chris Ayres (Nanto), Greg Ayres (Masayoshi), Tiffany Grant (Lord Ashura) and Josh Grelle (Chaos).

• Paranoia Agent autograph board signed by Michael McConnohie (Detective Ikari), Liam O'Brien (Detective Maniwa), Carrie Savage (Maromi), T. Axelrod (Hatomura), Sam Regal (Little Slugger), Johnny Yong Bosch (Yuichi), Michelle Ruff (Tsukiko), Patrick Seitz (Zebra), Doug Stone (Kawazu), Erica Shaffer (Harumi Chono), Melodee Spevack (Misae Ikari), Jonathan Klein (Voice Director) and Kirsty Pape (Mrs. Kamohara) -- Kirsty is listed in the credits as “Mia Bradly.”

• Godannar Vol. 1 DVD signed by Greg Ayres (Shinobu), Tiffany Grant (Shizuru + scriptwriter) Matt Greenfield (ADR director & Producer) and Chris Ayres (Koji).

• The Wallflower Vol. 1 DVD signed by Josh Grelle (Kyohei), Greg Ayres (Yuki), Tiffany Grant (Auntie + scriptwriter) Matt Greenfield (Hiroshi + ADR director) and Chris Ayres (ADR director).

• R. O. D. - The TV - promo folder signed by Hunter MacKenzie Austin (Michelle), Hellena Taylor (Yomiko Readman/Agent Paper), J. D. Stone (Junior), Megan Harvey (Hisami) and Carrie Savage (Nancy Makuhari).

• Gatchaman postcard signed by Josh Grelle (G-6, Rufus, Minions), Tiffany Grant (Big Kid), Chris Ayres (Minions) and Greg Ayres (supporting).

Please note that some of these signatures are now pretty much impossible to get because some actors (Rachel Hirschfeld, Megan Harvey, J. D. Stone) are in still school and can't take time off to go to conventions. Others have become quite successful in mainstream TV & movies and no longer have time to attend anime cons: Yuri Lowenthal now works on Ben 10. Legion of Super Heroes and other major titles, and J. B. Blanc is busy filming TV shows like Raising the Bar and The Unit.
Additionally, most of these items are rare and out of print. All items - except the 2 DVDs and FMA box - are nicely framed and ready for display on your wall or desk.

To bid on any of these items, please got to Shop eBay-Hamburgerman or visit www.ebay.com and search for seller “hamburgerman.” For more information, please contact Tiffany Grant at Asukatoo@aol.com. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CROSS POST THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WHEREVER YOU THINK IT WILL HELP!

Anime Network adds Gakuen Alice, Devil Hunter Yohko, World of Narue, Blue Seed Beyond, Burn UP W, Wedding Peach, others to the Online Player

2009-09-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

Anime Network adds Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy), Devil Hunter Yohko, World of Narue, Blue Seed Beyond, Burn UP W, Wedding Peach, Legend of Crystania OAV, and Blood Reign Curse of the Yoma to the Online Player.

Section23 Films Press Release: Zombie Hunter Rika and Legends of the Dark Kings: FOTNS released

2009-09-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA ON SALE TODAY

Also Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story

HOUSTON, September 15, 2009 – Section23 Films, America’s fastest-growing anime distributor, is pleased to announce two great new DVD releases hitting stores today. First up is Zombie Hunter Rika, “as much a stab at silly comedy as it is an Asian zombie splatter flick” (DreadCentral.com). Next up is Legends of the Dark Kings Complete Collection, the latest anime to round out the Fist of the North Star mythos.

Zombie Hunter Rika is the third installment of the Nihombie series, which includes Attack Girls’ Swim Team (available now) and Zombie Self-Defense Force (coming October 13 from Switchblade Pictures). “If you love obscure Japanese horror flicks that are as funny as they are horrific, then this one is for you” (MovieCynics.com).

SYNOPSIS: When typical Japanese high school student Rika skips school to visit her grandfather, she fails to take into account the fact that his remote village is infested with the living dead. What happens next isn’t pretty, but fortunately, Grandpa Ryuhei just happens to be the greatest surgeon ever! Picking up what’s left of Rika, he dusts her off and rebuilds her, better than she was, into the ultimate zombie fighter! Now, together with her friends Takashi and Yuji, Rika must take on the monstrous master of carnivorous cadavers: the grand-high lowest of the low, Zombie Boss Glorian!

Title: ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA

Running Time: 86 min.
Age Rating: Unrated - VN
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SWB-2031
UPC: 702727203121
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/18/2009
Street Date: 9/15/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $24.98

Legends of the Dark Kings Complete Collection is a prequel of sorts to Fist of the North Star, the beloved classic that helped create a new generation of anime fans in America and around the world. This collection contains all 13 episodes of the series, which recounts the early, violent life of the dark protagonist Raoh, the Fist of the North Star’s oldest brother and frequent enemy.

SYNOPSIS: The only man more deadly than the Fist of the North Star is his big brother.

This is his story. In the wastelands following the great nuclear war, a legend grew of a man. “Hokuto No Ken.” The Fist of the North Star. Master of a legendary fighting technique. A man of impossible strength and endurance. Yet before Ken claimed the title of the Fist, there was another master, trained in the art of Hokuto Shinken, the King of the Fist, the Divine Fist of Heaven. Raoh: the ultimate assassin, the ultimate warrior. This is the story of the world before Fist of the North Star, and how one man took the future of a savage world into his deadly hands and reshaped its destiny. Not as a hero but as a conqueror. For in the mind of the man called Raoh, the only way to save Mankind is to grind it under his giant heel! The greatest battle is about to begin in Legends of the Dark King: A Fist of the North Star Story!

Title: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KINGS: A FIST OF THE NORTH STAR STORY
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV MA
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-LDK100
UPC: 702727202520
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/18/2009
Street Date: 9/15/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

About Section23 Films

Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

RightStuf.com Section23, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade, ADV Films Sale

2009-09-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

RightStuf Sale - Full Listing of On Sale Items

Make time for bargains on titles from Section23 Films plus the labels it distributes, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures and Happy Carrot! You’ll find everything from new releases and pre-orders, such as Clannad After Story, Ghost Hound and You’re Under Arrest Season 2, to long-time fan favorites, like Chrono Crusade, Azumanga Daioh, Now and Then Here and There, and much, much more!
From now through September 21, take 40% OFF the retail prices of all DVDs and graphic novels from Section23 Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures and Happy Carrot. (This includes items that are in-stock, pre-order and on-order!)
How? Just use the following reusable coupon code when you check out through RightStuf.com:
Coupon Code: timeout
Expires: September 21, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. CDT
REMEMBER: If you’re a Got Anime member, you can stack your discounts for even more savings! (This means you have the potential to save up to 46% OFF the MSRP on DVDs and books from Section23 Films. Check out www.gotanime.com for details.)
* Not sure which products are included in the sale? To get started, just click on the “Make Time for Bargains” graphic on RightStuf.com: It will take you to a list of all of the Section23 Films items we carry! (Please note: Bargain Bin, Weekly Special and Closeout items are not eligible for this sale because they’re already awesome deals, and this will be noted on the individual product pages for these items!)

September and October 2009: Section23 Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures DVD Releases

2009-09-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

October 2009

Clannad After Story Collection 1

Ghost Hound Collection 1

He is My Master Collection 1

RahXephon Complete Collection

Kiba Complete Collection

Little Snow Fairy Sugar Collection 1

Popotan Complete Collection

Neo Tokyo / New Fist of the North Star (Double Pack)

Fistful of Fuku (Live-Action)

Zombie Self-Defense Force (Live-Action)

September 2009

Petite Princess Yucie Complete Collection

Daphne In Brilliant Blue Part 2

Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story

Other Online Retailers carrying these titles: Bestbuy.com, Amazon.com, AnimeCornerStore, AnimeNation

Section23 Films distributes first DVD titles since taking over ADV Films distribution

2009-09-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Section23 Films, the newly formed company that has taken over ADV Films' home video distribution and marketing services has issued a press release announcing its first DVD releases since the ADV-changeover. Section23 Films has released Sentai Filmworks' Daphne In Brilliant Blue Collection 2, as well as Switchblade Pictures' Live Action Japanese horror double feature Slit-Mouth Woman / Zombie Dead. The new company's logo has also been unveiled in conjunction with the press release issue.

Press Release:

HOUSTON, September 8 2009 – Section23 Films, America's fastest-growing anime distributor, is pleased to announce the the Sentai Filmworks DVD release Daphne in the Brilliant Blue Collection 2 goes on sale today, as does the live-action Japanese horror double feature Slit Mouth Woman / Zombie Dead from Switchblade Pictures.

Daphne in the Brilliant Blue is a “fun, funny, and fast-paced piece of nonsense” (DVD Verdict) featuring sexy super-agents and plenty of action. Now, with the second 13 episode collection, fans can follow this madcap thrill ride to the bitter end – and beyond!

SYNOPSIS: Maia is having a very bad day. Her life-long dreams to join the elite Ocean Agency wither and die, when, despite everyone's high expectations, she fails the entrance exams. Then, with the loss of her student status, she gets evicted! Penniless, homeless, and unemployed, Maia finds herself in the middle of a shoot-out between fugitive convicts and the Nereides ─ sexy agents who only take the most high-paying and dangerous jobs. Desperate, Maia takes the first job offered to her: to take a starring role in the next Nereides operation ─ as bait!

Title: DAPHNE IN THE BRILLIANT BLUE COLLECTION 2
Running Time: 325 mins.
Age Rating: TV PG
Language: English, Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-DBB100
UPC: 702727201820
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/11/2009
Street Date: 9/8/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

New from Switchblade Pictures, we have Slit-Mouth Woman / Zombie Dead Double Feature on DVD. It's a live-action gore-fest straight from Japan with two times the action, two times the terror, and two times the hot babes of any single horror disc available today.

SLIT MOUTH WOMAN SYNOPSIS: Her First Stab at Stardom Ended Gruesomely…Now She's Back on the Cutting Edge! As a brutal serial killer terrorizes Japan, an aspiring young journalism student makes a horrifying discovery. Could the murders be related to a missing woman, a singer whose nightmarish mutilation ended a promising career? The trail leads to an artist whose best work ALWAYS ends up on the cutting room floor! Blood will flow and the music of the night will play as the ultimate hack slashes her way through the critics in SLIT MOUTH WOMAN!

ZOMBIE DEAD SYNOPSIS: When the Sleeper Awakes…The Ultimate Nightmare Begins! A female cop wakes from a coma only to discover herself in a bizarre hospital where flesh-eating zombies stalk the halls and all the remaining humans have had their memories wiped clean! Is this a bizarre scientific experiment? Or a small part of a greater holocaust? All she knows is that in order to stay alive, she has to find a way to stop the woman-eating monsters from doing what they do unnaturally! But how can you stop something that's already died? Dead men walking take on the living in ZOMBIE DEAD!

Title: SLIT-MOUTH WOMAN / ZOMBIE DEAD DOUBLE FEATURE
Running Time: 130 mins.
Age Rating: Unrated - V
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SWB-2082
UPC: 702727208225
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/11/2009
Street Date: 9/8/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98

About Section23 Films

Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

Clannad After Story, He is My Master Premiere on Anime Network Online's Labor Day Event, Free Anime for all, 50% Off on Subscription

2009-09-04T13:28:00.000-07:00

Clannad After Story and He is My Master North American premiere exclusively on Anime Network Online - 1 month before VOD premiere and before DVD release. As part of the Anime Network Labor Day Event all premium content will be free for everyone (including the new addition, Revolutionary Girl Utena).

The Labor Day event will start on Sept 7 Monday 12:01 AM (CDT) until 11:59 PM (CDT). But that's not all... check Anime Network's website on Labor day for another surprise.

Anime Network is also offering 50% off discounts on membership discounts from now until the end of the Labor Day event on Monday Sept 7 11:59 PM (CDT).

Section23 Films will be distributing Sentai Filmworks' Clannad After Story and He is My Master DVD collections in October. Preorders are available through various online retailers like Amazon.com, RightStuf, AnimeCornerStore, AnimeNation and other retailers.

Section23 Films announces new Anime and Live Action: Tears to Tiara, You're Under Arrest S2, Special A, Blue Drop, Polyphonica

2009-09-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Section23 Films quickly fills the void after yesterday's news of the ADV Films shut down and properties transfer. Section23 Films will be handling distribution and marketing for Sentai Filmworks' and Switchblade Pictures' new titles: Blue Drop, Polyphonica, Special A, Tears to Tiara and You're Under Arrest Season 2; and in the Live Action front Ki-Gai and Nu-Meri ~ Book of the New Spawn.

All titles, including Little Snow Fairy Sugar Part2 will be released in November by Section23 Films.

Press Release below:

HOUSTON, September 2, 2009 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its November 2009 slate of new DVD releases.

Section23 client Sentai Filmworks is coming out with six new home video releases, including five anime series never before available on DVD in North America. These new series are Blue Drop, Polyphonica, Special A, Tears to Tiara, and You’re Under Arrest Season 2. Sentai Filmworks is also releasing the second collection of the anime series Little Snow Fairy Sugar in November.

Switchblade Pictures, another Section23 client, has two “live-action” DVD releases straight from Japan – the sci-fi horror collection Ki-Gai, and the sci-fi thriller Nu-Meri ~ Book of the New Spawn.

About Section23 Films

Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

Anime Network UK new titles premiere: Revolutionary Girl Utena, Alice Academy, SuperGals, KoiKoi7, more

2009-09-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has just made available new offerings for the Online Player which launched in early August for the UK: Alice Academy, Babel II-Beyond, Cosmo Warrior Z, Gun Frontier, Izumo, Koi Koi 7, Lost Universe, Metal Fighter Miku, SuperGals!, El Hazard The Wanderers and the much requested, Revolutionary Girl Utena.

ADV Films Titles and Staff to be transfered to new company: Section23 Films

2009-09-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

Robert of Anime Corner Store has gotten in touch with ADV Films now-former employees and has confirmed that ADV Films Titles will all be transfered to the new company, Section 23 Films.

UPDATE: Just got off the phone with Mike Baliff, formerly of ADV Films who is now heading up Sales and Marketing at the new company Section 23 Films. Section 23 has acquired all of ADV's former licenses and most of the staff (including Chris Oarr, Destiny, Michelle, everyone formerly at ADV that mattered), and is picking up publication and distribution of all former ADV titles, so the DVD's will remain available and our orders will just be processed and filled by the new company, so the changeover will be pretty much transparent to you guys. This includes pre-order items in the pipeline but not yet released. They will still be coming out, and the schedule will not change. We'll be updating our catalog over the next few days to reflect Section 23 as the new publisher of ADV's (former) titles. I also think it's worth mentioning that John Ledford is not part of the new company. Thanks very much to Mike for calling me personally to walk us through the changeover. Mike and I go back a long way, maybe 10 or 11 years, and I feel like ADV's former licences could not have fallen into better hands.

ADV Films assets sold - Press Release: A.D.VISION Concludes Series of Asset Transactions

2009-09-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON, September 1, 2009 – A.D. VISION, INC. ("ADV" or the "Company") announced today that June 1, 2009, the Company concluded a series of transactions that are expected to result in seamless delivery of home video products and television programming to customers.

Through an asset purchase agreement, AEsir Holdings, LLC (“Aesir”) acquired a subordinated interest in selected programming from ADV’s film library together with other intellectual property subject to all liens and security interests of the Company’s senior secured lender. The transaction requires Aesir to assume specific obligations and scheduled liabilities of the Company under legacy license agreements associated with the acquired programming.

Concurrently, the Company concluded an asset purchase agreement with SXION 23, LLC, doing business as “Section23 Films,” a home video distribution company, under which it assumes account servicing and distribution operations in connection with the library acquired by Aesir, subject to all liens and security interest of the Company's senior secured lender.

John Ledford, ADV’s President and CEO, states “We believe the actions we initiated and completed provided the same or more value to the Company’s secured lender and its programming licensors while giving other key stakeholders such as employees and customers some potential value or the reasonable probability of realizing value.”

In a separate transaction, Valkyrie Media Partners, LLC (“Valkyrie”) acquired a 100% equity position in Anime Network, Inc. (“ANI”), formerly ADV’s television unit, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement between ADV and Valkyrie. That transaction includes an assumption by Valkyrie of specific liens and security interests of the Company's senior secured lender.

In another separate transaction, Seraphim Studios, LLC acquired Amusement Park Media, the production unit of A.D. Vision, Inc.

Further announcements are expected from the respective acquiring entities over the coming days.

JrockRevolution Bento Beatbox 3 Sneak Preview

2009-08-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

JrockRevolution has just released a new sneak preview of the upcoming episode 3 and it will feature: Anime Expo 2009 Coverage, Versailles (Philharmonic Quintet) and Yuki Kajiura's Kalafina.

Update: (I received word from JrockRevolution.com's spokesperson with more specifics) JrockRevolution and Anime Network's Bento Beatbox Episode 3 will be coming to Anime Network on September 16/17 (on Wed/Thursday's update), and a 10 minute sneak peak version will be available on JrockRevolution's website in early September.

Revolutionary Girl Utena, Demon Lord Dante added to Anime Network Online Player

2009-08-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, Anime Network has added Revolutionary Girl Utena and Demon Lord Dante to its VOD offerings for cable and satellite. On this week's update, Anime Network adds episode 1 of both series, along with its weekly updated titles (AD Police, Clannad, Cosmo Warrior Zero, Cromartie High School, El Hazard: The Wanderers, Gun Frontier, Izumo, Kiba, Koi Koi Seven, Lost Universe, Metal Fighter Miku, Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat, Papuwa, Princess Resurrection, Soul Hunter, Steam Detectives, Supergals). More episodes for Revolutionary Girl Utena and Demon Lord Dante will be made available every week or every other week on Thursday - Anime Network's update day for VOD and the Online Player.

Alice Academy, Legend of Dark Kings, Babel II Premiere in September on Anime Network

2009-08-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Anime Network Premieres three series in September: Alice Academy, Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story and Babel II: Beyond Infinity. The email they sent me and other members provides some series information as well:

Alice Academy
Best friends Mikan and Hotaru grew up in a small town in the remote countryside. When Hotaru moves to a school for geniuses in Tokyo, Mikan misses Hotaru so badly that she decides to travel to Tokyo herself to find Hotaru. She finds Hotaru in a school called "Alice Academy," and finds that the school is actually for people with special powers called "Alices." Narumi-sensei, a teacher at the school, discovers that Mikan also happens to have an Alice, and Mikan is permitted into the academy.

Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story
In the wastelands following the great nuclear war, a legend grew of a man. Hokuto No Ken - The Fist of the North Star. Master of a legendary fighting technique. A man of impossible strength and endurance. Yet before Ken claimed the title of the Fist, there was another master, trained in the art of Hokuto Shinken, the King of the Fist, the Divine Fist of Heaven. Raoh: the ultimate assassin, the ultimate warrior.

Babel II: Beyond Infinity
Koichi Kamiya is a normal student, but one day, a mysterious voice wakes him up from his dream, and asks him to fight against evil in the name of Babel II. The next day, he meets Juju, Wong and the powerful Lord Yomi, who is trying to gather a powerful group of people with psychic powers to take over the world. But first, he needs Babel's Legacy, a tremendous power which can only be used by Babel's successor, and this successor is, of course, Koichi. With the help of Rohdem the black panther, Robross the giant bird and Poseidon the giant robot, he will protect the Earth from Yomi's evil forces.

(series descriptions in part via Anime News Network)

Anime Network offers Free Access to Premium content on Monday, and 50% off in August

2009-08-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

Anime Network celebrates National Lazy Day (August 10) by offering Free access to Anime Network's new Premium (Subscription) content beginning at 12am CDT Monday and ending at 11:59 p.m. CDT Monday, Aug. 10! Anime Network is also offering 50% off special pricing for those who subscribe on August 10 for the first month's subscription. Visit Anime Network's website to get in on the Anime action.

Anime Network Free VOD carriers to get more Anime

2009-08-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

In addition to Anime Network Online's UK launch, Anime Network has announced that several cable and satellite carriers: Time Warner, DirecTV, Volcano and Buckeye will now be offering up to 30 hours of Anime Network content per month (versus 10 hrs/month in the past).

Anime Network Online expands to the UK

2009-08-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

Anime Network expands to the UK by offering access to the new Online Player. Anime Network has issued the following statement:

This week the Anime Network, America's leading anime channel, launched its popular video-on-demand service in the UK, at a recession-busting monthly price of only £4.95. This is the first legitimate streaming video service available to UK anime fans (and those who are just curious), from the company behind the UK's first dedicated anime block, which appeared on Sky 195.
The Anime Network offers access to a huge library of films and series, including Elfen Lied, Lady Death, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, Azumanga Daioh and Cromartie High School, all for a monthly subscription fee far less than most anime DVDs. This is not even mentioning the many free sample episodes available without even needing to sign up in some cases!
Anime Network offers three levels of content...

Free content enables newcomers to sample a few episodes to see if anime is to their taste, and regular users to catch the first episode of something new, all without having to sign in.

Registered content is the next stage - just take a couple of minutes to set up a free account, and a load more episodes will be available. You will also have access to our extensive forums, where you can ask other fans for advice, or just chat anime.

Subscribed content is the ultimate level. For just £4.95 every month, you will have access to absolutely every show on the website, as soon as it comes out. You'll be able to gorge yourself on non-stop anime, 24 hours a day, from hundreds of hours of available series.

Just visit www.theanimenetwork.co.uk to take part in the full on-demand anime experience.

Anime Network adds Revolutionary Girl Utena, Demon Lord Dante, Daphne In Brilliant Blue

2009-08-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Continuing Anime Network's Summer kick off, new additions are on the way for both Cable and Satellite VOD as well as the Anime Network Online Player: the anticipated Revolutionary Girl Utena, Go Nagai's Demon Lord Dante, and Daphne in Brilliant Blue first episodes will be available on Anime Network On Demand by tonight/tomorrow's (August 6 update).

Revolutionary Girl Utena and Demon Lord Dante will also be available on Anime Network Online Player on August 20.

Anime Network Online Player Special Promotion: Free DVD and 50% OFF

2009-07-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has just announced that it has a special promotion event going on for the Anime Network Online Player.

Annual Online Player Subscribers will get a free DVD.

Anime Network is also extending a special offer to their Cable SVOD subscribers to grant access to the exclusive subscription content on the Online Player for 50% OFF from the available monthly, quarterly or annual Online Player subscription plans. (Proof of your cable bill with the Anime Network SVOD information is required to participate in the offer.) For more information or to participate in the offer check out the Anime Network's Special Promotion form.

August 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures DVD Releases

2009-07-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

August 2009

Darkside Blues

Orphen Seasons 1 & 2 Complete Collection

Saiyuki Complete Collection

Other Online Retailers carrying these titles: Bestbuy.com, Amazon.com, AnimeCornerStore, AnimeNation

ADV Films to distribute Sentai Filmworks licenses: Clannad After Story, Ghost Hound, He is My Master, Geneon rescues and Switchblade Live Action

2009-07-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

ADV Films to distribute new Sentai Filmworks license acquisitions: Clannad After Story, Production IG's 20th Anniversary title Ghost Hound, Gainax and SHAFT's He is My Master. Sentai Filmworks has also acquired license rescues for previous Geneon titles: Popotan and Little Snow Fairy Sugar.

Two Live Action titles have also been solicited with Switchblade Pictures: Zombie Self-Defense Force and Fistful of Fuku.

These titles are all slated for October 2009. RightStuf has begun accepting pre-orders for these titles, though other retailers should be carrying it soon as well:

Anime Network adds Clannad HQ, Princess Resurrection HQ, Prefectural Earth Defense Force...

2009-07-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has recently added HQ versions of their Clannad and Princess Resurrection offerings, as well as Prefectural Earth Defense Force and the Live Action, Public Enemy.

Anime Network adds Lady Death HD and Elfen Lied HQ

2009-07-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

In addition to yesterday's Anime Network Online Player 350+ new episodes summer schedule kick off, and last month's expansion into HD; Anime Network adds the previously never seen Lady Death the Motion Picture HD version, as well as Elfen Lied HQ (episodes 1-4 HQ now available).

A new HD toggle has been added to the Online Player where it can be toggled on for HD/HQ (when the HD icon is dark/bold), and SD version (when it's greyed out). Since Elfen Lied HD masters are not available, Anime Network describes HQ content as up-resolution version of the Elfen Lied episodes to 480p, "It's a bit like putting a standard DVD in an up-rezzing DVD player for your HD TV. The major benefit is on your wide screen monitors no letter boxing."

Anime Network Online kicks off 350+ new summer episodes today

2009-07-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, Anime Network is adding over 350+ new episodes this summer from shows like Fumoffu, Revolutionary Girl Utena, RahXephon the Movie, MazinKaiser and others -- today Anime Network issued a media alert to kick off the new shows that will start Premiering today, including: Full Metal Panic Fumoffu, RahXephon the Movie, Cromartie Highschool, Area 88 OVA, All Purpose Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Birth, Blue Seed, Burn Up, MazinKaiser, Megazone 23, Nanaka 6/17, Neo Ranga, New Cutey Honey, New Fist of the North Star, and Yugo The Negotiator.

Media alert (below):

NEW SHOWS INCLUDING FULL METAL PANIC? FUMOFFU! AND CROMARTIE HIGH SCHOOL PREMIERING ON ANIME NETWORK’S ONLINE PLAYER!

Over 350 New Episodes to Debut on Anime Network!

HOUSTON, TX — July 9, 2009 — Over 350 new anime episodes are set to release starting on July 9, 2009 until the end of August on America’s #1 Anime Channel—Anime Network!

WHAT: Fan favorites Cromartie High School and Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU! plus MANY more will be debuting this week.

This week marks the beginning of non stop new shows debuting on Anime Network’s Online Player. Among the 350+ new episodes airing over a span of 2 months is the ever popular show depicting the rough and tumble (yet incredibly hilarious!) lives of the manliest men to ever walk the halls of Cromartie High School, as well as the off the wall adventures of Sousuke Sagara and Kaname Chidori in Full Metal Panic? FUMOFFU!

WHEN: New episodes available beginning July 9, 2009

WHERE: Anime Network, America’s #1 Anime Channel

HOW: Sign up for FREE as a Registered user or buy a Premium Membership to check out all the new shows we have to offer!

More Bento Beatbox coming to Anime Network in July

2009-07-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Bento Beatbox Press Release (Next Bento Beatbox coming July 15):

Following the success of the first Bento Beatbox television program on Anime Network, JrockRevolution.com is thrilled to announce our next episode's airdate of July 15, 2009. The premiere show, which aired April 15, 2009 and featured legendary musical guests Gackt, Angelo, Luna Sea, VAMPS, and newcomers Deluhi, was recently rated as the sixth most viewed program on Anime Network. It is also being aired on the United Television Broadcasting System (UTB), which is the leading Asian Network in Southern California, reaching 6.2 million homes and 95% of all cable households in Southern California. JrockRevolution.com and Anime Network teamed up to create the ultimate Jrock video show, featuring a combination of Jrock's iconic artists along with newer up and coming Visual Kei bands who are getting a lot of buzz throughout the Jrock fan community! Hosted by Xion, from the L.A. based Jrock band VAEIDOS, with Jrock news hosted by JrockRevolution.com's Ai Aota, Bento Beatbox provides a platform for Jrock and Visual Kei artists to showcase their music videos, along with live concert performances, Jrock news, and interviews. Finally, the demand from Jrock fans for more access to their favorite bands has become a reality! Says Jonathan Platt, Bento Beat Box Producer and Founder of JrockRevolution.com
JrockRevolution.com is proud to be associated with Anime Network and AnimeNetwork.com, which is one of the leading anime sites providing programming schedules, forums and previews of upcoming anime as well as webcasting the new Bento Beatbox program. Stacy Dodson, Vice President of Anime Network, explains the program's impact on Anime Network, "Anime Network takes its ties with Japanese culture a step further, partnering with JrockRevolution.com to bring viewers the latest music videos from Japan through the hit series Bento Beatbox."

Anime Network Online Player to add tons of shows: Fumoffu, Revolutionary Girl Utena, RahXephon the Movie, MazinKaiser, Nuku Nuku, Area88 OVA and more

2009-07-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

Anime Network representative, Rai, informed me of the latest slew of titles that will be added and or will premiering on the Anime Network Online Player in July and August - which includes titles that have never legally added online before: Full Metal Panic Fumoffu, Revolutionary Girl Utena, RahXephon the Movie, Area 88 OVA, MazinKaiser, Neo Ranga, MegaZone 23, Indian Summer, New Cutey Honey, All Purpose Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Nanaka 6/17, Demon Lord Dante, Metal Fighter Miku, Cromartie High School, Blue Seed, Soul Hunter, Yugo the Negotiator, Gun Frontier, New Fist of the North Star and Papuwa.

Anime Network recently added several Enoki titles to their schedule roster (SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo, and El Hazard The Wanderers) and those will continue to receive updates throug-out the summer, as well as new episodes from Clannad, Princess Resurrection and Kiba.

ADV Films and Best Buy Store Exclusives for July

2009-07-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

According to Mania.com (Anime On DVD), ADV Films and Best Buy will be offering special store-only (not online at BestBuy.com) low priced exclusives for the month of July. The report states that these releases will be using "heavy chipboard thinpak type collections and not STACKpacks."

The confirmed list of special releases include:
Gantz Season 1 and 2 (07/07/09 UPC: 702727206726)
Blue Seed Complete Collection (07/14/09 UPC: 702727207129)
Cromartie High School Complete Collection (07/14/09 UPC: 702727207327)
Godannar Complete Collection (07/21/09 UPC: 702727207426)
Samurai Gun Complete Collection (07/21/09 UPC: 702727207525)
Maburaho Complete Collection (07/28/09 UPC: 702727207723)

Source: Mania.com

ADV Films to distribute Sentai Filmworks new license: Ten no Haoh (Fist of the North Star spin-off)

2009-07-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

ADV Films to distribute Sentai Filmworks' new license acquisition, Satelight (Aquarion, Noein, Basquash) animation studio's 13 episode Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden: Ten no Haoh, a Fist of the North Star spin-off. ADV Films will be handling localization, production and distribution of the series and it will be released under the title Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story.

In describing the title to ADV Nation, ADV Films' spokesperson Chris Oarr said, "Legends of the Dark Kings is a great show in its own right as well as an exciting chapter in the FOTS mythos. It follows the story of Ken’s big brother Raoh, another master of Hokuto Shinken. Raoh’s story takes place before the events of the original Fist of the North Star, and it’s every bit as action packed."

Legends of the Dark Kings: A Fist of the North Star Story will be released on September 15, 2009 in a complete English-subtitle box set containing all 13 episodes and will retail for $39.98. RightStuf has recently added the title for pre-order availability for $29.99 - other retailers are expected to add the title in the near future.

Exclusive Interview with Anime Network Vice President

2009-06-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has been active in its expansion in the last few months. Recently they launched a new expanded, subscription Online Streaming service with HD content. Right before the recent press release with the HD/Monthly service plans announcement, I was fortunate enough to be able to get in touch with them to discuss a few of the developments. The result is a rare and exclusive interview with Anime Network's Vice President, Stacy Dodson. (Click "Read Full Story..." below to read the full interview)

1) In the last 6 months it seems like there has been a lot of momentum at Anime Network with many recent deals and expansion with various partners on Video On Demand of course, through Xbox, Playstation, Apple iTunes, Warner Brothers, YouTube, but also content-providing partners. Recently, Anime Network launched the new Anime Network Online Player with a tiered system that includes exclusive content via subscription. Can you tell the readers, fans and your customers about the new system and why the progression towards a subscription system?

Anime Network:
Anime Network wants to make content easily accessible to the viewers. And partnering with the larger content providing partners makes it easy to expand our reach. The new online service is geared to those who may not have cable service available in their area. Once a subscriber you will unlock a substantial of content that is commercial free. If a user does not want to subscribe they can register and watch a large amount of ad-supported content for free.

2) The current price plan is $6.95 (plus tax) a month -- Is Anime Network considering multiple price plans for multiple months (3,6,12 months or the like at reduced prices)?

Anime Network:
The current plans we offer are $6.95 monthly, $18.98 quarterly and $69.98 annually. Since Anime Network is based in Texas and has offices here we are required to charge our Texas subscribers sales tax. All others outside the state of Texas will not have to pay sales tax.

3) The competition and offerings out there lately is fierce - whether it be free, illegal or subscription - Right now the big buzz is worldwide simulcasts of new shows or similar, like what Gonzo did last year. Are these other options something Anime Network plans to join the fray in to expand the user-base or is it a totally different market for Anime Network? How does Anime Network differentiate itself in the marketplace?

Anime Network:
We’re a cable network for one thing. Our online service is an extension of our cable offerings. Anime Network is the most widely reached Anime Channel in North America and the online service just adds to our reach. As far as acquiring new series from Japan we are constantly in discussions with licensors.

4) Anime Network has made a lot of exciting deals lately on the content front with partnerships with RightStuf/Nozomi (Aria, Maria Watches Over Us, Toward the Terra), Enoki Films (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy), SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo: Flash of a Brave Sword, El Hazard: The Wanderers, Soul Hunter, Gun Frontier, and Cosmo Warrior Zero.) Anime Network recently confirmed on the homepage that Appleseed (Movie), Lost Universe and Soul Hunter will be coming soon on the Online Player. Will any of your other new VOD offerings for Spring and Summer be coming, most notably Aria or Revolutionary Girl Utena?

Anime Network:
You can expect to see many of our new series on the online player coming soon.

5) ADV's new distributed releases like Clannad and Princess Resurrection, as well as the rescues of Central Park Media titles (Now and Then, Here and There, Grave of the Fireflies, Narue) have generated a lot of excitement. Does Anime Network plan to tap into this by offering sneak peak episodes or weekly updates of episodes of future DVD releases/new shows on Anime Network Online Player ahead of either SVOD or DVD release?

Anime Network:
Yes sneak peaks are in the future but the SVOD service will air the series first.

6) ADV's cofounder, Matt Greenfield, has been recently talking in greater detail of more re-releases of classic, Out-Of-Print and VHS only titles. Now with Anime Network recently providing access to Orphen Season 1 and Sakura Wars (both previously Out-Of-Print for years) -- Does Anime Network Online Player's new launch now offer the platform to release a lot of these ADV classics which might be too niche for viable DVD release as potential exclusive content?

Anime Network:
Yes the online player will cater to all anime fans. With the large catalog of content at your fingertips we can offer fan favorite programming as well as the top sellers.

7) What is Anime Network's stance on providing HD content to the Online Player?

Anime Network:
Not a lot of the classic shows are available in HD but as new shows become available we intend to air them in the best quality as possible.

8) Finally, is there anything you all want to say to your viewers, customers and fans?

Anime Network:
Anime Network is very excited to offer this new service to our viewers and intends to constantly improve the viewing experience. We know we have a lot of room to grow and we want to hear your suggestions. Please join our forum groups. You have a voice and it is time for it to be heard.

ADV Films Trailers also now available at Anime Network

2009-06-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has recently posted a ton of ADV Films trailers on the Anime Network YouTube Channel page as well as the Anime Network Online Player (trailers can be viewed by clicking a show thumbnail and the trailer will play before selection of a given show episode); everything from Azumanga Daioh to Elfen Lied to Full Metal Panic to RahXephon is up there with more to be posted in the near future. I've been suggesting they do this for their entire catalog of shows for some time now... all I can say is, it's certainly most welcome.

Anime Network introduces HD Content (Appleseed HD Premiere, The Place Promised In Our Early Days) and Monthly Package Plans

2009-06-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has just issued the press release with the details of their new HD content, a North American exclusive HD premiere of Appleseed (before the Blu-ray release in Japan), as well as Makoto Shinkai's The Place Promised in Our Early Days -- Anime Network is also announcing the roll-out of the new monthly package plans.

HOUSTON, TX – June 22, 2009 – Today Anime Network, America’s #1 Anime Channel, formally launched its new online player at www.theanimenetwork.com. Anime Network’s new online service includes over 40 hours of free content as well as a premium package that gives users unlimited access to more than 300 hours of anime, live action films, and J-rock videos.

Every week Anime Network Online refreshes its English-dubbed and English-subtitled programming with new episodes from hit series like Clannad and Princess Resurrection as well as modern classics like Azumanga Daioh and Elfen Lied.

Anime Network Online is also expanding its High Def offerings with everything from the high-octane actioner Appleseed to the art house favorite Place Promised In Our Early Days. Content available in High Def format is delivered in a 720p H.264 encode, providing a crisp, clear picture comparable to digital cable.

HD content is just one of the benefits of Premium Membership with Anime Network Online, which costs just $6.95 per month. Three month packages are available for just $18.95, and an annual subscription costs just $69.95.

Anime Network recently added hundreds of hours of new anime programming to its library and is adding hundreds more in the months to come, including new shows never before available in North America on broadcast or DVD. Meanwhile fans are encouraged to test out the new online player and the network’s extensive library by registering at www.theanimenetwork.com. Registration is free and can be upgraded to a Premium Membership at any time.

Appleseed now on iPhone and iPod

2009-06-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

Anime Network, ADV Film's digital arm has just released Appleseed (2004 Movie) on the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch on iTunes via an App. The App features the full Appleseed Movie, exclusive wallpapers and a Chat board. The Appleseed App is available at the iTunes store or from the iPhone/iPod for $7.99.

Anime Network Online new shows: SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo, El Hazard

2009-06-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, Anime Network started broadcasting several of the new shows for the network on Free VOD and SVOD: SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo, and El Hazard The Wanderers. Today, Anime Network adds these new shows to its lineup of on-going weekly updates to the Anime Network Online Player for Subscription members.

Anime Network adds Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat to Online Player

2009-06-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

Anime Network's been adding or Premiering a title from the ADV catalog that has never been posted online legally almost every week -- last week it was Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Rune Soldier, Colorful; and previously Full Metal Panic, and Ghost Soldiers -- today, Anime Network has just posted Broccoli and Madhouse studio's sugary comedy series, Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat. Next week looks to be a big week with several Enoki Films titles being added.

Anime Network new shows debut: SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo, El Hazard

2009-06-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

As previously reported, Anime Network's Summer line up kicked off last month with premieres of Aria, Maria Watches Over Us, Toward the Terra (movie), and Appleseed -- this week Anime Network adds several new shows never before shown on either Anime Network (SuperGals!, El Hazard) or through US/Can cable systems (Koi Koi 7, Izumo) and a return of an older classic that hasn't been on the network in many years, (Lost Universe). SuperGals! and Lost Universe are available for all Anime Network carriers, while El Hazard, Koi Koi 7 and Izumo will premiere at this time exclusive for Anime Network SVOD carriers.

For those without SVOD, Anime Network will also be adding these shows starting on June 18th for Anime Network Online Player Subscription members.

ADV Films picks up another Central Park Media title: Darkside Blues

2009-06-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last month (shortly after Central Park Media's file for bankruptcy), ADV Films picked up several Central Park Media titles: Now and Then Here and There, World of Narue, Grave of the Fireflies, and MD Geist - In addition to that, ADV Films has also acquired another Central Park Media title, JC Staff's horror-psychological movie, Darkside Blues.

Darkside Blues is slated for release by ADV Films on August 18th with a MSRP of $14.98

ADV Films to distribute Sentai Filmworks reissues of Geneon titles: Daphne, Kannazuki, Dokkoida

2009-06-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Sentai Filmworks, the North American licensing company that acquired Clannad, Princess Resurrection and Appleseed (2004 Movie) with ADV Films, has issued a press release announcing the license rescue of three previously released Geneon titles: the Science fiction-comedy, Daphne in Brilliant Blue, yuri-mecha Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (Kannazuki no Miko), and the superhero comedy Dokkoida?!

ADV Films will be handing North American distribution of the three titles slated for release in August 2009.

(More series information below through "Read Full Story...")

Press release excerpts:

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to present the first installment in the underwater sci-fi comedy Daphne in the Brilliant Blue. Daphne in the Brilliant Blue Collection One arrives in stores August 18.

Animated by powerhouse studio JC Staff (Azumanga Daioh, Excel Saga), Daphne in the Brilliant Blue follows the madcap adventures of a military academy reject who ends up part of a most unusual sort of help-for-hire agency. Originally distributed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, Daphne in the Brilliant Blue may best be described as a “fun, fast-paced piece of nonsense” (DVD Verdict).

Synopsis Maia is having a very bad day. Her life-long dreams to join the elite Marine Environment Agency wither and die, when, despite everyone’s high expectations, she fails the entrance exams. Then, with the loss of her student status, she gets evicted! Penniless, homeless, and unemployed, Maia finds herself in the middle of a shoot-out between fugitive convicts and the Nereides – sexy agents who only take the most high-paying and dangerous jobs. Desperate, Maia agrees to a job in the next Nereides operation – as bait!

Sentai Filmworks is happy to announce Destiny of the Shrine Maiden Complete Collection, a full series set that hits store shelves August 25.

Destiny of the Shrine Maiden mashes up the yuri and mecha genres to create a delicious gumbo of hot girls, giant robots, and mystical love triangles that will leave you begging for more. Originally released in the US under the Japanese title Kannazuki no Miko, Destiny of the Shrine Maiden Complete Collection assembles all 13 episodes in one DVD set.

Synopsis: The Advent of the Priestess of the Godless Month! Shy, timid Himeko happily attends school with both the popular and beautiful Chikane and her childhood friend, Souma, blissfully unaware of what's in store for her. However, the destiny of these three changes on Himeko's 16th birthday when the mark of the sun appears on her chest. What does this solar mark represent? At the same time, why has a black aura of agony burst forth from Souma? Who is the enemy? The legend of the eight-headed beast returns to Japan!

Destiny of the Shrine Maiden Complete Collection (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a two disc anamorphic release including the entire 12 episode series, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

Sentai Filmworks is excited to announce the forthcoming Dokkoida?! Complete Collection, which hits store shelves August 25.

Dokkoida?! is a mischievous send-up of superheroes, Ultraman, and diapers that is both “unpredictable… and darned funny!” (Anime World). Originally distributed in North America by Geneon Entertainment, Dokkoida?! is adapted from a popular light novel series that has also been made into a manga (published in the United States by DC Comics under its CMX imprint).

Synopsis: The Galaxy Federation Police (GFP) desperately wants to cover-up its personnel shortage with new mechanized power-suits. Suzuo, 19-years old, desperately needs a job. Tampopo needs an earthling to fit the prototype of her company's suit and declares Suzuo the perfect candidate! Strong competitors and the wacky A-class criminals fight against our hero in diapers, but they must not recognize each other out of costume or the test results will be a failure. Still, it’s OK if they all live in the same apartment building to save money, right?

Anime Network Online Premiere: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi

2009-06-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

On top of yesterday's update -- Premieres of Rune Soldier and Colorful, new episodes of Clannad and Princess Resurrection -- Anime Network has just posted the first Online Premiere of Gainax's comedy/parody series, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (episode 1 is available free for free registered members, while episodes after that are available exclusively to Anime Network Online Player subscription members).

June and July 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks DVD Releases

2009-06-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

July 2009

All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku: Complete Collection

Aquarian Age: Complete Collection

Burn Up!

Grave of the Fireflies

MD Geist (Director's Cut)

Mezzo: Complete Collection

Now and Then, Here and There: Complete Collection

The World of Narue: Complete Collection

Those Who Hunt Elves: Complete Collection

June 2009

(For online ordering, exact release dates and other cover art, click the respective links above)

Anime Network Online Premieres: Rune Soldier, Colorful; Adds: New Clannad and Princess Resurrection episodes, and more free content

2009-06-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

Anime Network today posted the Online English Premiere of Rune Soldier and Colorful. Also significant in this update are new episodes of the Online Premieres of Clannad and Princess Resurrection -- for the first time in Princess Resurrection, new episodes are being offered exclusive to Anime Network Online Player subscribers, ahead of the VOD/SVOD schedule.

Lady Death, Martian Successor Nadesico (Movie), Parasite Dolls and Yesterday are also all being offered free to Registered (free) members.

Anime Network Updates Online Player and Website

2009-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Anime Network's technical guru informed me that they have recently pushed several significant updates to the website and the Online Player:

- Improved security features for Online Player subscription ordering
- Online Player shows can now be sorted with View All, Guest, Registered, Premium options (see above left image)
- Online Player episode icons have new legends which using star symbol color schemes vs colored layers on top of the episode icons (see above right image)
- No more ads for Premium/Subscription members
- VOD and SVOD Schedule pages have been completely redone with a new visual interface as well as filter and sort by options
- More Widescreen option/tweaks coming

As far as I'm concerned, these are cool, and much welcome updates that members (including myself) have been requesting.

Anime Network no longer on Comcast

2009-05-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

Anime Network announced today that Comcast will no longer be carrying Anime Network's VOD channel in the near future and will be set to expire. Anime Network has expressed disappointment that they are unable to continue to deliver Anime content to Comcast VOD viewers and have issued the statement below:

We're, for lack of a better term, bummed that we're leaving so many Comcast users high and dry for now, but we hope to be available again very soon, so watch out for that. In the mean time, you can enjoy all the stuff we have to offer on our Online Player for free for our Registered users, and even more (over 300 hours!) anime for just 6.95 on our Premium Plan. Please keep checking the site for more details in the future.

Anime Network has been offering VOD content to Comcast since late 2002. Since then Anime Network has expanded to almost every major cable and satellite provider, as well as agressive expansion in Digital Distribution Online, iTunes, Xbox LIVE, Playstation Network. Comcast remains one of the most dominant companies in the cable landscape, however, so it remains to be seen what kind of impact this will have for Anime Network but also Anime in general on VOD. TV Networks as well in the last few years have been reducing their anime aquisitions, while US Anime distribution companies have been scrambling to offer Online alternatives to their properties. With the industry continuing to shift and adapt to the market limitations, legal Online streaming appears to be the main trend in recent times...

Anime Network launches on Nokia Ovi and new DirecTV VOD

2009-05-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Anime Network posted on their website that they have recently launched on Nokia's Ovi phone service with offerings of episodes from Kiba, Mezzo and Azumanga Daioh. Anime Network also stated that there will be more offerings on the way in the future. This is a follow up to their expansion in their mobile offerings when they launched on Sprint in 2006, and last year when they launched on iPhone.

Anime Network has also stated that they are available on DirecTV's new VOD service. They have been on the service since DirecTV's VOD beta period in 2007, and previously before that through DirecTV Pay-Per-View. DirecTV offers its customers VOD service through their HD DVR box + broadband connection. More information on DirecTV VOD is available at their website's On Demand section.

ADV Films reissue of Central Park Media tidbits

2009-05-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

A few details have recently surfaced regarding ADV Films' distribution and re-issues of their recently acquired Central Park Media titles: World of Narue, Now and Then Here and There and Grave of the Fireflies. Details surfaced through ADV Films' panel (hosted by David and Janice Williams) at last week's Anime Boston that the re-issue of World of Narue will not have the video problems that were present in the Central Park Media version of the release. ADV Films' original material for the series does not contain the video issue and they will be working on a new encoding for the upcoming DVD re-issue.

Janice Williams also stated at the Mania.com forums with regards to the DVD extras they have been able to include for the CPM rescues: all the extras for Now and Then Here and There, while Grave of the Fireflies will contain most of them (except perhaps the Art Gallery), and finally World of Narue will apparently include the all the extras as those in the previous release (the episode 10, 11, 12 commentaries were not in CPM's previous release either). No word at this time with regards to MD Geist's.

All three titles will be available for release in July and can be pre-ordered through various online retailers such as RightStuf: (World of Narue, Now and Then Here and There, Grave of the Fireflies).

Update: Ep. 10-12 commentaries were not in the CPM release either.

Anime Network adds more Clannad, Princess Resurrection, Kiba episodes, Premieres Mythical Detective Loki and Cyberteam in Akihabara

2009-05-26T09:12:00.001-07:00

Anime Network has recently added more new episodes for Clannad, Princess Resurrection and Kiba, as well as Online premieres and complete episodes for Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok and Cyberteam in Akihabara for Anime Network Online Player subscription members.

Anime Network Premieres Full Metal Panic, Ghost Stories, Rune Soldier for Subscription, adds Best Student Council, Angelic layer for free Online

2009-05-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Anime Network, today, adds and Premieres Full Metal Panic Season 1, Ghost Stories and Rune Soldier (coming in a future update) Online for the first time legally online, as exclusives for Anime Network Online Subscription members. In addition, Anime Network has also recently made Best Student Council and Angelic Layer available for Free, via free Registered members. Earlier this week, on the launch of the new Online Player subscription system, Anime Network premiered: Clannad, Princess Resurrection, Azumanga Daioh, Elfen Lied, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World and several other titles.

Update: Rune Soldier will be Coming Soon and was not one of today's slated updates.

RightStuf.com's ADV Films Studio Sale

2009-05-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Rev up for monster savings on titles from ADV Films – from hot new releases, such as Princess Resurrection, Clannad and Kiba, to fan favorites including Martian Successor Nadesico, Best Student Council, Chrono Crusade, Elfen Lied and much, much more!

From now through June, take 40% OFF the retail prices of all DVDs and books from ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures and Happy Carrot. (This includes items that are in-stock, pre-order and on-order!)"

RightStuf.com's ADV Films Studio Sale Link
Full listing of On Sale products

Anime Network debuts new Online Player Subscription Service - Online Premiere of Clannad, Princess Resurrection, Elfen Lied, Azumanga Daioh and more

2009-05-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

Anime Network debuts new Subscription service and Online Player with tiered content (Free, Registered member and Subscribed) system. Since Anime Network's Online Player debut, the service has continued to grow in popularity and has become increasingly busy -- with the launch of the new player, Anime Network has also transitioned to a new back end system that promises major improvements in content delivery for its customers and viewers.

The new $6.95/month (plus tax) subscription service grants members full access to the latest ADV Films releases, including the Online Premieres: Clannad and Princess Resurrection, Mahoromatic Season 1, 2 and Special, Kiba (did not get a complete run due to Cartoon Network cancelling Toonami Jetstream -- will be completed on Anime Network), Tsukihime, Cool Dimension - established fan favorites of ADV's that are Premiering online for the first time: Azumanga Daioh, Elfen Lied, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World as well as classic older Out-of-Print titles like Sakura Wars and Orphen Season 1 that are rare finds. Exclusive new titles like Clannad and Princess Resurrection start out with several episodes and like Anime Network's VOD schedule should get more new episodes in a future update. Other titles coming to Anime Network Online Player in the near future include Appleseed (2004 Movie), Lost Universe, Soul Hunter, and others.

For more information on the new Online Player and new shows check out their site at www.theanimenetwork.com

ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures Panel at Anime Central 2009

2009-05-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Anime News Network posted a very interesting panel report from last weekend's ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures Panel at Anime Central. ADV Films co-founder, Matt Greenfield was the guest panelist and discussed a host of issues in one of ADV's most candid and detailed events in a long time. Several noteworthy topics of the panel was discussion on more Central Park Media and Geneon license rescues, future announcements of 6 new titles with their partnership with Sentai Filmworks, as well as the announcement of 3 new Live Action titles for Switchblade Pictures: Zombies of Eureka, Zombie Self Defense Force and Siren, which Greenfield described as “a ghost story with lots and lots of sex.” Other topics included ADV's stance on Blu-ray, dubs and their manga division.

Source: Anime News Network

JRockRevolution and Anime Network Premiere the new Bento Beatbox

2009-05-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

JRockRevolution and Anime Network Premiere the new Bento Beatbox.

Several years ago, the cult-followed program Bento Beatbox by Sony / Tofu records broadcasted a variety of Japanese music videos through Anime Network -- After a haitus, Anime Network and JRockRevolution.com are now Premiering the return of Bento Beatbox throughout all Anime Network VOD cable and satellite operators as well as 6 million households in Southern California through United Television Broadcasting.

Bento Beatbox will feature 4-6 new music videos from Jrock and Visual Kei artists that will be touring or releasing albums in the U.S. and will be hosted by Xion, lead vocalist for the Los Angeles/Japan rock band, VAEIDOS.

The 30 minute premier of the new Anime Network/JRockRevolution Bento Beatbox presents 5 music videos from: Gackt, VAMPS, Angelo, LUNA SEA and Deluhi.

About the artists: (Information courtesy of JRockRevolution.com)

Gackt
Our first introduction goes to Gackt, known for his start in the Visual Kei band Malice Mizer back in the 90's, this famous front man has enjoyed a very successful solo career known as "Gackt JOB". Drawing upon multiple talents, Gackt is also known for his modeling career as well as his acting prowess in several commercials, television shows, and films.

VAMPS
Founded in 2008 by Hyde (L'arc en Ciel vocalist) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust guitarist), VAMPS entered the music scene seemingly by storm. In the summer of 2008, VAMPS released their first single "Love Addict" and followed with a 46-show tour.

Angelo
Angelo was formed in August of 2006 by ex-PIERROT : Kirito, KOHTA, and Takeo. Their first single "REBORN" was released in November 2006 and was soon followed by their second single "WINTER MOON" in early 2007. Their premier album "REBIRTH OF NEWBORN BABY" was soon after released in April of 2007.

LUNA SEA
It is a rare occasion to find a long-standing band that has maintained a solid line-up for the entirety of their career. However, LUNA SEA—originally Lunacy—is one of those gems alongside being what most would consider one of the most influential rock bands in Japan’s history.

Deluhi
Created in January of 2008, Deluhi's members consist of Juri (vocals), Leda (guitar), Aggy (bass), and Sujk (drums). Not wasting any time, they put out their first mini-album "SURVEILLANCE" the following month and followed with their first live the same month. After touring several Tokyo venues during Spring of 2008, their first single "ORION ONCE AGAIN" was released in July.

April and May 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Happy Carrot DVD Releases

2009-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

I normally post the DVD release dates prior to the month in question, since usually the solicitations information come out 2-4 months in advance or so, and are sometimes subject to change -- it's just not too practical for the info to be way in advance for your casual buyer. Having said that though, I'm a bit behind this time as I've been meaning to post this for some weeks now.

May is a big month for Sentai Filmworks and ADV Films with the completion of their new marquee titles Clannad and Princess Resurrection. ADV Films is also releasing the much fan requested extra-included Azumanga Daioh. The new Azumanga Daioh Collection is the first collection release to include the 5 minute Azumanga Daioh mini Movie. April included several re-releases and a new combo collection for UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie Seasons 1 and 2, but also noteworthy is ADV Film's first new Adult title for their Happy Carrot label, Karma Saiyuki.

May 2009

Clannad: Complete Collection 2

Princess Resurrection: Complete Collection 2

Azumanga Daioh: Complete Collection

Chance Pop Session: Complete Collection

Gilgamesh: Complete Collection

Ninja Resurrection / Blood Reign (Double Pack)

Saiyuki: Requiem / Nadesico: Prince of Darkness (Double Pack)

This Ugly Yet Beautiful World: Complete Collection

Asian Action Pack 2: Lost Memories, No Blood No Tears, Public Enemy, Conduct Zero, Jungle Juice (Live Action)

April 2009

Madlax: Complete Collection

Princess Tutu: Complete Collection

Puni Puni Poemy / Kekko Kamen (Double Pack)

Shadow Skill (TV): Complete Collection

UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie: Seasons 1 & 2 Collection

The Karma Saiyuki (Adult)

Asian Action Pack: Yesterday, Marrying the Mafia, Jail Breakers, Guns & Talks (Live Action)

Yesterday / 2009: Lost Memories (Live Action Double Pack)

(For online ordering, exact release dates and other cover art, click the respective links above)

ADV Films to fix Appleseed audio issues in the Sentai Filmworks release

2009-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

ADV Films Media Coordinator, Janice Williams, stated at the Mania.com forums that ADV Films will be correcting the audio issues that were present in the previously released Geneon release of Appleseed (2004 Movie). This new Sentai Filmworks Appleseed re-issue will have production and distribution handled by ADV Films.

On its previous release, Geneon denied the existence of the issue and unfortunately did not fix the audio issues as discussed at the DVD Talk forum: (quote below is from a collection of statements from anime users discussing the problem)

"...Many have noticed that the sound effects lacks punch with poor dynamic range and bass, almost as if its been dynamically compressed. The musical score, on the other hand, is mixed too loudly often overpowering the sound effects, especially on the Japanese tracks. The DTS track sounds too rear heavy and front light, very light..."

The Sentai Filmworks and ADV Films release of Appleseed with the corrected audio has a street date of June 30, 2009. ADV Films is also now distributing Appleseed through Anime Network VOD, Xbox Live and Playstation Network.

Edit: Clarification on quote source (edited content in parenthesis above).

ADV Films and Anime Network launch on Playstation Network and Google Android

2009-05-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

In addition to the recent ADV Films / Anime Network new offerings on Xbox Live and iTunes, according to Anime Network's news blog, ADV Films and Anime Network are now expanding to Playstation Network and Google's G1 Android market. On Playstation Network, ADV Films and Anime Network are offering Parasite Dolls and Appleseed (Movie) for Rent and Download to Own, and strictly for Download to Own: Burn Up, Angelic Layer, Madlax, UFO Princess (Ultramaiden) Valkyrie Season 1 and 2, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Aquarian Age, E's Otherwise and Sister Princess.

From Anime Network's post:
"The best way to find our new content on the G1 is to launch the Android Market and do a search for anime or Anime Network. Either term will bring up the shows that are available and being a Google OS you know the search will work well. I'd say that's the best way to quickly find our stuff, so give it a go and see what we got for ya.

Sony fans, dont think we forgot about you! We've put up some content on the Playstation Network (PSN) for you guys to check out. Remember, since the PSN is available on both the PS3 and PSP, you'll be able to download and watch some sweet sweet anime at home, or on the go, isnt that awesome?"

ADV Films and Anime Network add Neon Genesis Evangelion, Appleseed to Xbox Live, and Kiba to iTunes

2009-05-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks ADV Films and its digital distribution arm, Anime Network have been adding several established and new titles to both the Anime section in Xbox Live (Kiba, Mahoromatic, Mahromatic: Something More Beautiful, Tsukihime, and Pet Shop of Horrors) and have launched the ADV Films/Anime Network iTunes store.

This week, ADV Films and Anime Network have added to Xbox Live their marquee series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and concurrently with the Anime Network debut, the newly reissued Appleseed Movie (2004) which will be available for DVD release on June 30th.

Kiba Collection 1 and 2 has also been recently been added to their iTunes store.

Aria the Animation, Maria Watches Over Us North American Premiere, Appleseed debut on Anime Network

2009-05-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

As reported in the last few weeks, Anime Network will be broadcasting a ton of new shows starting this Spring. Today, (May 7th) kicks off Anime Network's new Spring and Summer Shows schedule with the North American Premiere of RightStuf/Nozomi's Aria the Animation and Maria Watches Over Us for all of Anime Network's free VOD and SVOD viewers in the US and Canada. Also debuting on Anime Network SVOD is Appleseed 2004 Movie, based on the manga series by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell, Dominion) and directed Shinji Arimaki (Bubblegum Crisis).

ADV Films license rescues Central Park Media titles: Now and Then Here and There, Narue, Grave of the Fireflies, MD Geist

2009-05-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

According to the recent Right Stuf updates, ADV Films has license rescued / or will distribute several of Central Park Media titles for reissue in July 2009: Now and Then Here and There (which recently aired on SciFi channel), World of Narue, Grave of the Fireflies, and MD Geist.

Last week, Anime News Network reported Central Park Media's file for bankruptcy, after a long period of hibernation since a series of layoffs in 2005/2006 when CPM was "significantly impacted" by the retail chain, Musicland's bankruptcy in that time period.

Title information courtesy of Anime On DVD/Mania:

About Now and Then Here and There:
Shu leads an ordinary life. At least he did until the day he meet LaLa-Ru, a girl with mystical colored eyes. Attracted by her silent mystery, Shu tries to coax the girl to talk with him, but just when he thinks he might be getting her to open up, they're both attacked by men riding monstrous machines!

In the ensuing battle, Shu finds himself sucked into a time warp that drags him 5 billion years into the future - to a world that is more like a battlefield than a place to live.

About Grave of the Fireflies:
"Why do fireflies die so young?" Orphaned and homeless, two children set out to survive on their own in post-World War II Japan. But in the face of a society that is no longer able to help them, they begin to realize that they can never escape the hardships of war, or even find enough food to survive. Awarded First Prize as Best Animated Feature at the 1994 Chicago International Children's Film Festival

About World of Narue:
Narue is an adorable schoolgirl with a secret. She's really an alien with powers right out of a sci-fi comic! But growing up is never easy, and it doesn't help when you're from outer space.

About MD Geist:
Now, Geist is free. Jerra is a planet devastated by war. The cities lie in ruins and roving gangs of bandits wander the wastelands as the remaining Jerran forces battle the Nexrum invaders. But the war is about to end. Now, the military has less than twelve hours to deactivate a doomsday device before the "Death Force" is released - a horde of unstoppable robots that will eliminate all life on Jerra.
To prevent global Armageddon, a renegade soldier - Geist - must infiltrate the impregnable Brain Palace citadel, destroy the robotic sentries, and shut down the doomsday program! Now, Geist must decide: join forces with the army that exiled him to space - or stand back and allow his adopted home world to be destroyed!

ADV Films distributes Appleseed movie in June Update Press Release

2009-05-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

Though reported previously when the DVD Release solicitations surfaced that ADV Films will be distributing Appleseed -- Today, Sentai Filmworks and ADV Films have officially issued a statement and jointly their first press release with the distribution and rescue license of Appleseed movie. This is fairly significant since this is ADV Films' first press release in a while, with good news no less.

HOUSTON, May 4, 2009—Sentai Filmworks announced its forthcoming DVD release of Appleseed, which brings the dystopian sci-fi thriller back in print for the first time in years. ADV Films handles North American home media distribution for Sentai Filmworks and will release the Appleseed movie June 30.

Appleseed was first released in North America by Geneon Entertainment (USA) in 2005. Based on the legendary manga series by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell, Dominion) and directed by groundbreaking filmmaker Shinji Arimaki (Bubblegum Crisis), Appleseed set a high-water mark for anime features in the 21st century.

Synopsis: Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces lead by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret. The outstanding feature film based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell), directed by Shinji Aramaki (Bubblegum Crisis), and produced by SORI (Ping Pong) features a soundtrack including Boom Boom Satelites, Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx and more.

Appleseed (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Prebook orders are due June 2.

DVD Product Details

Running Time: 105 mins.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V, S, L)
CAT: SF-AP001
UPC: 702727206627
Pre-Book Date: 6/2/2009
Street Date: 6/30/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

About ADV Films:
ADV is among the largest producer-distributors of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and maintains a huge catalog of English-language anime. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic!, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. ADV Films also provides home video distribution for a variety of independent clients, including Switchblade Pictures and Sentai Filmworks.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing licensors of anime in North America, including hit series like Clannad and Princess Resurrection. Sentai Filmworks is distributed on a non-exclusive basis by ADV Films.

Right Stuf's Aria, Maria Watches Over Us, Toward the Terra Premiering on Anime Network in May

2009-04-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hot on the heels of Anime Network's recent announcement of new Spring/Summer shows of Appleseed and Enoki Films titles -- Anime Network has revealed that 3 new acclaimed Right Stuf/Nozomi titles will be Premiering on Anime Network in May: Aria, Maria Watches Over Us and Toward the Terra (Movie).

Aria and Maria Watches Over Us will be Premiering on May 7th, while Toward the Terra (Movie) will be premiering on May 14th.

About Aria:
Hundreds of years in the future, mankind has transformed the harsh landscape of Mars into a world covered by water and has renamed it "Aqua." Refined gondoliers and tour guides, known as "undines," navigate the canals of Aqua's Neo-Venezia, a city that boasts both the architecture and the atmosphere of its Venetian namesake. ARIA follows the day-to-day adventures of Akari - a recent arrival to the planet and a gondolier-in-training with the prestigious Aria Company - as she works toward her dream of becoming an undine and explores her new home.

About Maria Watches Over Us:
When Yumi Fukuzawa entered the Lillian Girls' Academy, a prestigious all-girls Catholic school in Tokyo, she never imagined she would catch the eye of beautiful and demure Sachiko Ogasawara, one of the school's most popular students. Now Sachiko has offered to be Yumi's sur - her "sister" and guide for all her years at the academy. The whole idea has Yumi completely flustered: After all, they hardly know each other! The entire campus is abuzz with rumors about the two of them, but Yumi is conflicted over accepting Sachiko's offer. While she admires Sachiko, being her sur would also mean constantly being at the center of the entire school's attention!

About Toward the Terra (Movie):

Light-years from Earth, where every aspect of life is controlled by the great master computer, if you are a Psychic (called a MU) you're dead. Hunted tirelessly, the MU have been hiding for centuries from the general populace.

On this world light-years from Earth, if you are Psychic you are also dead. The Mu (as these unfortunates are called) are hunted tirelessly by the great computers that control every facet of life.

Series information courtesy of Anime News Network and Mania.com

YouTube signs content deal with Anime Network

2009-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Entertainment news outlet, Variety reports, that YouTube has signed a content deal with several media and content partners like Sony, Lionsgate, the BBC, Starz, Discovery, National Geographic and Anime Network to offer up full-length movies and TV shows for free on the site.

Source: Variety via Anime News Network

Anime Network VOD Spring/Summer 2009 Premieres: Appleseed, Utena, SuperGals, Gakuen Alice, Koi Koi 7, Lost Universe, El Hazard and more

2009-04-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has announced on its website today that it will be premiering several series starting in early May, June and July: Appleseed, and through a partnership with Enoki Films -- Revolutionary Girl Utena, Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy), SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo: Flash of a Brave Sword, El Hazard: The Wanderers, Soul Hunter, Gun Frontier, and Cosmo Warrior Zero.

For more details on the shows and upcoming schedules visit the Anime Network website.

Get Backers, Pet Shop of Horrors Premiere and others now on Anime Network Online Player

2009-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Anime Network has updated their Online Player with complete and full episodes for several ADV Films and Sentai Filmworks/ADV Films shows: Get Backers, Pet Shop of Horrors, Parasite Dolls, BASTof Syndrome and the Korean Live Action movie, Conduct Zero. This is also a significant update in that this is the first Online premiere in the US and Canada of Get Backers and Pet Shop of Horrors. Get Backers episode 1, as of this week is also available on Anime Network VOD.

These and other updates are available at Anime Network's homepage at http://www.theanimenetwork.com in the Watch Online section.

Switchblade Pictures new titles and website Update

2009-04-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

As reported earlier this month, Switchblade Pictures, ADV Films' partner for Adult, Live Action, Asian Shock movies, has licensed several new titles for distribution and that a formal announcement was to be expected soon. New details have emerged this past weekend at Kamikazecon (Houston Anime Convention), and was followed up with public confirmation this week through their MySpace blog:

"We're back from Japan with a stack of contracts and an even bigger stack of samples that we're still working our way through. Expect some exciting new announcements the second week of next month, when we share a panel with Sentai and ADV at Anime Central in Chicago, May 8-10. http://www.acen.org/

Meanwhile, we've been "notified" that the official website's been having a few issues. Grrr. This is in part due to issues with the host server, in part due to the new store integration and in part because of key web staff taking off on vacation. We're now assured that it'll be back up and running on Monday with a fully functioning store.

Hmmmm... could that be an excuse for a SALE? "

So it looks like their website: http://www.switchbladepictures.com should be working and officially relaunching next week.

Elfen Lied Director Interview

2009-04-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Anime Network and ADV Films writer and contributor, Amos Wong recently caught up with Elfen Lied Director, Mamoru Kanbe. The interview focuses on some insights to the behind the scenes production and direction of the series. Check it out at the Anime Network homepage or the interview page.

ADV Films distributes Appleseed movie in June

2009-04-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

ADV Films and/or its partner Sentai Filmworks has license rescued the Appleseed movie (2004) originally released by Geneon in North America in 2005. Appleseed movie (2004) directed by Shinji Aramaki, is science fiction remake based on characters created by Masamune Shirow. Like Clannad and Princess Resurrection, as well as a number of recent Sentai Filmworks/ADV Films releases, TBS is involved in the production.

Info on the movie via Anime On DVD:

Earth's last city, Olympus, rose from the ashes of a global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the strict guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy an idyllic peace, but only on the surface! Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's ESWAT forces led by the legendary soldier, Deunan Knute, and her boyfriend who is 75% machine. Retrieving the Appleseed will end the conflict, and Deunan alone holds its secret.

In Summary:
Director Shinji Aramaki has lived in these kinds of shows for just about his entire professional career. From the original works of Megazone 23, design work on numerous 90's cyberpunk OVAs up through his involvement in Bubblegum Crisis 2040, Wolf's Rain and Witch Hunter Robin, he's got the right eye for this kind of story and I think he did a fantastic job with this movie. As soon as it was over I wanted to see it again. When it comes to theatrical anime, I think we've unfortunately moved into the realm of expectations where every movie must be this big work of certain proportions. With most of the movies these days being such things as Millennium Actress, Spirited Away or Ghost in the Shell 2, Appleseed doesn't fit into the same mold or style as those do. Instead, it goes to tell an adapted tale of the manga series that I think does an excellent job of bringing in as many elements as possible and while some of it could be better explained within the movie, they did a great job and I'm glad I can watch it anytime I want now in the comfort of my own home.

Grade: A-

Appleseed will be available for release on June 30, 2009 through ADV Films and will carry a MSRP of $19.98. RightStuf is already taking preorders for it for $14.99.

Source: WTK through RightStuf.com June 2009 Solicitations

Kiba TV series premieres on Anime Network Time Warner, Bright House and DirecTV

2009-04-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Kiba TV premieres this week on Anime Network free VOD carriers: Time Warner Cable, Bright House and DirecTV. Several episodes were streamed via Toonami Jetstream in 2008 and the series also premiered for Anime Network SVOD carrier (Cablevision, Cox, Charter, etc.) members in December 2008.

ADV Films is also concurrently distributing the 51 episode release on DVD in two collection sets: Kiba DVD Collection 1 and Collection 2. As reported previously, Kiba is also available for purchase through Xbox Live.

Switchblade Pictures website and new titles coming

2009-04-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

ADV Films partner for Adult, Live Action, Asian Shock movies, Switchblade Pictures, has stated that it has recently inked a deal for a number of titles from Japan and that a formal announcement is to be expected soon. They have also recently updated their website: http://www.switchbladepictures.com with content, trailers and they are also working on future updates to the site including an online shop with a relaunch to be expected in the near future.

Anime Network Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009 Coverage

2009-03-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Anime Network updated their blog with coverage from Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009. The coverage is fairly general and is being covered by Amos Wong who previously wrote for NewType USA and PiQ Magazines. Check it out at their website: www.theanimenetwork.com

MazinKaiser and Shuten Doji (Double Pack) rescheduled for June 2 release

2009-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

I received information last week which was then confirmed officially by ADV Films Media Coordinator, Janice Williams, at Mania.com forums (aka AnimeOnDVD.com) that the new MazinKaiser and Shuten Doji (Double Pack) has been rescheduled for release on June 2, 2009.

This is great news for Go Nagai and mecha fans, especially in the case of MazinKaiser since the original release ADV Films put out some years ago has been long Out of Print and has since then been a title that fans have been requesting ADV to release again.

The MazinKaiser and Shuten Doji pack will be priced extremely favorably with a $26.98 MSRP, as ADV Films will be selling this set with their concept of "2 DVDs for the price of one!"

ADV Films and Anime Network distribute Anime on iTunes

2009-03-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

After a number of fan requests, ADV Films and Anime Network have now begun distributing anime on iTunes with several initial anime offerings: Saiyuki, Angelic Layer, Pet Shop of Horrors, Mahoromatic, Tsukihime.

To find the Anime Network and ADV Films offerings on iTunes click this link for the Anime Network iTunes store or search for it manually by going to the search section of the iTunes Store through the iTunes software and search "Anime Network." In the search results section, the right hand portion returns with an Anime Network link in the "Related box." Click that link to access the ADV Films/Anime Network offerings.

ADV Films and Anime Network have been expanding their digital distribution offerings over the last few months with partnerships with Crunchyroll, Joost, more anime on the new Anime Network Online Player, more offerings and expansion on Anime Network VOD, PayPerView Xbox 360, and now iTunes.

For more information on iTunes visit their homepage at http://www.apple.com/itunes/.

Azumanga Daioh 2009 Collection to include extra Mini Movie

2009-03-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

ADV Films Media Coordinator, Janice Williams, confirmed at Mania.com (aka AnimeOnDVD) that the new 2009 re-release of Azumanga Daioh DVD Collection will contain the extras from the singles releases. This is significant since the original singles released in 2004 contain the sought after 5 minute Azumanga Daioh movie extra. Unfortunately, those singles releases have been long Out of Print, and the thinpak/collection releases for the series since have not included the extras... until now. This new 2009 version will be the first release since the original singles release to contain the extras.

Azumanga Daioh Complete Collection (2009 version) is available for preorder at RightStuf for $37.49 and will be available at other retailers when released on May 26, 2009.

Clannad and Princess Resurrection DVD Collections Part 2 dated for May 2009

2009-03-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

ADV Films and Sentai Filmworks' May 2009 solicitations have been released, and to the delight of many Clannad fans, this includes the completion of both Clannad and Princess Resurrection via Part 2 collections. Also released is the Clannad Part 2 cover (image on the left).

Clannad Collection Part 2 and Princess Resurrection Collection Part 2 are both available from RightStuf for a preorder price of $29.99. Clannad Collection Part 2 is dated for release on May 5, 2009, while Princess Resurrection Collection Part 2 is dated for May 19.

Clannad Premieres, Princess Resurrection Sneak Peak on Anime Network

2009-03-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

Clannad episode 1 Premieres on Anime Network this week, which includes at the very least a few sneak peak updates for free VOD carriers (Comcast, Time Warner, Bright House, DirecTV). All episodes of Clannad will be shown on VOD carriers that carry Anime Network's SVOD package include Cox, Charter, Mediacom, Suddenlink, Insight, Wide Open West, Armstrong, Beld Broadband, Bend Broadband, Blue Ridge, Click!, Cogeco, Knology, Massillon Cable TV, Mountain Cablevision, RCN, Rogers, Service Electric Cablevision, Shaw, Sunflower Broadband and Wave Broadband.

About Clannad:

Sometimes, something as simple as a chance encounter with a strange girl talking to herself can change your life forever. Alienated from his abusive father, Tomoya has been spiraling into delinquency since the death of his mother. Nagisa's curse is her fragile health, which has forced her to repeat a year of high school. But when Tomoya impulsively agrees to help Nagisa restart the school's disbanded Drama Club, a new mechanism for change is created, acting like a magnet for other girls with equally tragic stories.
Prepare to meet the ambitious Tomoyo, who dreams of becoming class president; Kotomi, a troubled genius with a secret past; and most mysteriously, Fuko, whose disassociation with the world has become so severe that she is literally fading from existence!

Princess Resurrection premiered with episodes 1 and 2 last week for Anime Network SVOD providers, and this week it also premieres for all free VOD carriers. Princess Resurrection and Clannad are both available for Comcast, Time Warner, Bright House, Direct TV and other SVOD carriers in your VOD section.

ADV Films releases Clannad Collection 1

2009-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

ADV Films has been ahead in shipping out some of their releases to retailers recently. Those who have preordered Clannad through retailers like RightStuf or through B&M's like Best Buy undoubtedly already have their copies already -- other retailers should be getting them in the near future as the official release date was this week.

Clannad Collection 1 is available through RightStuf, Amazon.com, DVD Empire, Best Buy, DVD Pacific, Anime Nation, Anime Corner Store and other retailers.

March 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade DVD Releases

2009-03-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

(For exact release dates in March and other cover art, click the respective links above)

Princess Resurrection Premieres on Anime Network SVOD

2009-02-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

Princess Resurrection episode 1 and 2 premieres on Anime Network SVOD (subscription VOD) carriers today on February 26.

Carriers that carry Anime Network's SVOD package include Cox, Charter, Mediacom, Suddenlink, Insight, Wide Open West, Armstrong, Beld Broadband, Bend Broadband, Blue Ridge, Click!, Cogeco, Knology, Massillon Cable TV, Mountain Cablevision, RCN, Rogers, Service Electric Cablevision, Shaw, Sunflower Broadband and Wave Broadband. Comcast's Pay Per View section in the Movies and Events section of channel 1 should be getting Princess Resurrection in the near future as well.

The story revolves around a boy named Hiro who enters a rundown mansion in search of his sister. While on the search for his sister, Hiro loses his life and is resurrected by the mistress of the mansion who turns out to be a princess of the monster kingdom. This horror, comedy series by Madhouse anime studio is adaptation of Yasunori Mitsunaga's manga of the same name.

ADV Films will be distributing Princess Resurrection in Half Season, subtitle-only Part 1 and 2 sets. Part 1 (13 episodes) is scheduled for release on March 17, 2009 and will carry a MSRP of $39. Though it can be preordered at DVDPacific.com for $22. RightStuf, Amazon.com, Best Buy, and Anime Nation are amongst other retailers that will be carrying the release.

Anime Network updates Online Player

2009-02-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Due to the new beta website and Online Player, updates have slowed down a bit, but Anime Network has informed me that much progress is being made on several fronts and that viewers can expect more steady updates in the near future. Today, Anime Network posted entire complete episodes for Area 88 TV series, Chance Pop Session, Magical Play, and three movies: Jailbreakers, Marrying the Mafia and Lady Death.

Complete episodes for Angelic Layer, Area 88, BASToF Syndrome, Best Student Council, Chance Pop Session, Divergence Eve, Jailbreakers, Lady Death, Magical Play Marrying the Mafia, Mezzo, RahXephon and Saiyuki are available on the Anime Network Online Player.

Anime Network now hiring PHP/Flash programmer/designer

2009-02-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

With all the doom and gloom recently of various anime companies restructuring with staff layoffs comes some good news for a change -- Anime Network has posted on their homepage that they are looking for a Jr. PHP programmer or someone proficient in Flash (applicants need to be in the Houston area). Interested applicants can send in their resume directly to Anime Network (more information is posted at their website, www.theanimenetwork.com).

Greg Ayres releases statement about heart attack

2009-02-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Long time ADV Voice Actor, Greg Ayres was hospitalized over the weekend after suffering a mild heart attack. He is now resting at home and has recently released the statement to the various anime news sites, Anime News Network and Anime On DVD:

I know there has been much speculation and inquiry as to my health, and the events surrounding my hospitalization last weekend during IkkiCon in Austin, Texas.
I was hospitalized after experiencing chest pains and on Saturday I suffered a mild heart attack. Thankfully, due to the hard work of the hospital staff and the medical treatment I received prior, the damage to my heart was so much less than it could have been.

While I consider myself very blessed and lucky in light of all of this, there are many people that I feel the need to thank for my care over the last few days.

I am forever grateful to Dr. Paul Roach, Dr. Aaron Maxwell, Dr. Joseph Elizondo, Dr. Mahmuda Begum, Dr. Charles Anderson, and the entire cardiology Staff at University Medical Center Brackenridge for the best medical care
I could have possibly asked for.

I can never thank Paul, Cindy-Lou, Karen, India, Kasee, Sarah, and the nursing and ER Staff of University Medical Center Brackenridge enough for the quality “day in - day out” care given to me, as well as the smiles, and words of encouragement they constantly sent my way.

My family, extended “family”, and friends who never left my side, did an amazing job at allowing me the ability to focus on my recovery.

Finally, I have to thank the staff of IkkiCon for having the management and resources to deal with a medical emergency of this nature.

Fortunately, I have been able to return home to Houston to continue my rest and recovery prescribed by all of the folks above.

Sincerely,
Greg Ayres

ADV Nation would like to wish Greg Ayres the best and to have a speedy recovery!

ADV Films and Sentai Filmworks New Anime on Xbox Live: Kiba, Mahoromatic, Tsukihime, Pet Shop of Horrors

2009-02-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

ADV Films and Sentai Filmwork's new anime releases: Kiba, Mahoromatic, Mahromatic: Something More Beautiful, Tsukihime, and Pet Shop of Horrors have all recently been made available for download on Xbox Live. All episodes for these series are available for download to own and follow the industry standard price on Xbox of 160 Microsoft points ($1.99) per episode. Each series contains a short sneak peak video about the series as well.

Beyond the update, this is significant in terms of news as this is the first major update ADV Films has had in about a year on Xbox Live. It is also indicative of positive developments within ADV and its digital distribution arm, Anime Network in expanding their online presence. In addition, ADV's Anime Network has recently launched a beta-website that includes a new Online Player for free streaming of anime content.

ADV Film's Happy Carrot licenses Karma Saiyuki

2009-01-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

ADV Film's Happy Carrot (Adult label) licenses Karma Saiyuki, a 2007 OVA that's also known as, Iyashite Agerun Saiyuki. Karma Saiyuki will be released on April 14th and will be an english-subtitle DVD release.

Source: Anime Nation

FEB. 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade DVD Releases

2009-01-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

ADV Films to release Clannad and Princess Resurrection in Half Season sets

2009-01-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

ADV Films has announced that it will (at least initially) be releasing Clannad and Princess Resurrection in Half-Season english-subtitle only box sets. ADV Films Sales Account Manager Chris Oarr told ANN, "After careful consideration and talking with fans, we decided to release these series as quickly and inexpensively as possible. This kind of release pattern is new for us. We'll be watching carefully to see how it is received by the marketplace."

The Clannad set will ship on March 3 and Princess Resurrection on March 17, both titles will sell for $39.98 but can be preordered at RightStuf for $29.99.

Preorder links:

Clannad DVD Collection 1
Princess Resurrection Collection 1

Source: Anime News Network

ADV Films' Pet Shop of Horrors to be re-encoded

2009-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Janice Williams, ADV Films' Media and Production Coordinator has stated on Anime On DVD that the upcoming Sentai Filmworks re-issue being distributed and produced by ADV Films will feature new encoding, as well as a clean up in the "grammar, timing, formatting and so on." Also noted was Sentai Filmworks decision not to use the English 5.1 mix, but rather the 2.0 mix.

Pet Shop of Horrors Complete Collection re-issue from Sentai Filmworks and ADV Films is due out on Feb. 10, 2009.

January 2009: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade DVD Releases

2009-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

* Gluttonous DVD (S) LiveAction - Available: 01.06.09
* Killer Bees DVD (S) LiveAction - Available: 01.27.09
* Maid's Secret: Welcome Home DVD (S) LiveAction Adult - Available: 01.20.09
* Maid's Secret DVD (S) LiveAction Adult - Available: 01.13.09
* Tsukihime DVD Collection (Hyb) - Available: 01.20.09
* Mahoromatic DVD Collection (Hyb) - Available: 01.13.09
* Legend of Lyon: Flare DVD (S) Adult - Available: 01.20.09
* Wedding Peach DVD Season 2 Collection (Hyb) - Available: 01.13.09
* Vermilion Pleasure Night DVD Complete Collection (Hyb) LiveAction - Available: 01.27.09
* Shinobi Double Pack DVD The Law of Shinobi/Runaway (Hyb) LiveAction - Available: 01.20.09
* Saint Seiya DVD Collection 1 (Hyb) - Available: 01.13.09
* Nadesico, Martian Successor: Prince of Darkness Movie DVD (Hyb) - Available: 01.06.09
* Megazone 23 DVD Complete Collection (Hyb) - Available: 01.13.09
* Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi DVD Complete Collection (Hyb) - Available: Jan 20 2009
* Megaman DVD Collection 1 (Hyb) - Available: 01.27.09
* Kiba DVD Collection 1 (Hyb) - Available: 01.20.09
* Hello Kitty's Paradise (El Paraiso De Hello Kitty) DVD Double Pack (Spanish) - Available: 01.27.09
* Hello Kitty's Paradise DVD Double Pack (D) - Available: 01.27.09
* Eden's Bowy Complete Collection DVD (Hyb) - Available: 01.06.09
* Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat DVD Complete Collection (Hyb) - Available: 01.27.09

December 2008: ADV Films, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade DVD Releases

2008-12-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

Anime:

* Area 88 (TV): Complete Collection (Re-release) - 300 minutes - 12/30/2008
* My Beautiful Girl Mari / A Tree of Palme: Double Pack - 12/9/2008
* Nadia, Secret of the Blue Water: Complete Collection 2 - 565 minutes - 12/16/2008
* Nanaka 6/17: Complete Collection - 325 minutes - 12/23/2008 (New collection!)
* Neo Ranga: Complete Collection (Re-release) - 600 minutes - 12/2/2008
* Nurse Witch Komugi: Complete Collection - 120 minutes - 12/30/2008 (New collection!)
* Princess Minerva - 45 minutes - 12/2/2008 (never released on DVD)
* Ushio & Tora: Complete Collection (Re-release) - 275 minutes - 12/23/2008 (Previously Out of Print!)
* Wedding Peach: Season 1 Collection (Re-release) - 675 minutes - 12/9/2008

Live Action:

* Attack Girls Swim Team vs The Unliving Dead DVD - 12/09/2008
* Chain Gang Girls DVD - 12/23/2008
* Cruel Restaurant DVD - 12/02/2008
* Death Row Girl DVD - 12/16/2008
* Gunhed DVD - 12/02/2008
* Fuccons, The DVD Complete Collection - 12/09/2008

ADV Films to distribute Princess Resurrection

2008-11-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

Hot on the heels of last month's announcement that ADV will be distributing, producing Clannad for Sentai Filmworks -- ADV Films has announced that Sentai Filmworks has licensed the horror comedy series, Princess Resurrection along with Clannad from TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System) and that ADV will be handling the release and production.

According to ANN, "The Madhouse anime studio adapted Yasunori Mitsunaga's manga about a boy named Hiro who comes to a decrepit mansion to meet his sister. However, his sister turns up missing, and Hiro loses his life during his search for her. The mistress of the mansion resurrects Hiro and reveals herself as Hime, a princess of the monster kingdom."

ADV Films CEO, John Ledford, told ANN, "Well, the title's cool for one thing. I've got resurrection on my mind a lot these days! But seriously, TBS is a great partner to work with, and Princess Resurrection is a show with lots of action, cool characters, and let's face it — it's a cool plot."

ADV plans to release Volume 1 of this series on March 17, 2009, and prior to that, ADV's Anime Network will be running episodes of the series on Video On Demand as well as online streaming of a few English-subtitled episodes

Source: Anime News Network

ADV and Anime Network expand into Joost

2008-11-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Continuing ADV's push into streaming anime online first with Anime Network Online then with Crunchyroll -- ADV has recently expanded its streaming avenues by launching its new Anime Network Joost channel.

The anime selections that are currently available:

Angelic Layer - ep. 1-26
Best Student Council - ep. 1-14
Bastof Syndrome - ep. 1-26
Magical Play - ep. 1-4
Magical Play 3D
Nurse Witch Komugi - ep. 1-5
Super Milk Chan - vol.1-4
Saiyuki - ep. 1-50
Parasite Dolls
Lady Death

If past operation is any indication, more episodes and more series will be added in coming weeks. Anime Network Online is updated weekly on Thursday morning, following the Video On Demand routine.

ADV Films talks Switchblade; outlines 12 Live Action title releases

2008-11-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

In a recent ADV interview with ICv2, ADV outlines its release schedule for Switchblade pictures, where ADV will be handling the production, distribution and packaging. According to the ICv2 story, ADV will be releasing 12 Live Action titles under the partnership with Switchblade starting on November 11, 2008.

The Switchblade releases include 3 classic Asian Shock horror titles:

Cruel Restaurant ($29.99, Dec. 2nd)

Attack Girls Swim Team vs. the Undead ($29.99, Dec. 9th)

Killer Bees ($19.98, Jan. 27th)

Five action titles:

Twin Blades of the Ninja ($19.98, Nov. 11th)

Ninjaken—The Naked Sword ($19.98, Nov. 18th)

Female Prisoner Sigma ($19.98, Nov. 25th)

Death Row Girls ($19.98, Dec. 16th)

Chain Gang Girls (19.98, Dec. 23rd)

Four comedies:

Gluttonous ($19.98, Jan. 6th)

Maid’s Secret ($24.98, Jan. 13th)

Maid’s Secret—Welcome Home ($24.98, Jan. 20th)

New Manager of the Sumo Club ($19.98, Feb. 17th)

Headlining the releases will be Attack Girls Swim Team vs. the Undead and Cruel Restaurant, which have both been praised by Asian Cult Film devotes. ADV and Swichblade are hoping to capitalize on these adult oriented, horror, comedy titles -- as Chris Oarr discussed in the interview, "It’s fresh and a little over the top and packs a lot of appeal for fans that patronize the hobby channel."

Source: ICv2.com

ADV Films to distribute/produce Clannad and Indian Summer - reissue: Mahoromatic, Tsukihime, Pet Shop of Horrors, and Jewel BEM Hunter Lime

2008-10-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

In a recent interview with ICv2, John Ledford, CEO of ADV announced it will be distributing and producing Clannad and the previously announced Indian Summer for its new partner Sentai Filmworks. The highly anticipated Visual Art's/Key's/Kyoto Animation's, Clannad is scheduled for release on April 21, 2009. The other new series, Indian Summer is scheduled for release on March 10th, 2009.

ADV will also be releasing complete box sets for previously released Geneon titles before Geneon ceased operations in North America -- the harem/maid comedy Mahoromatic on January 13, 2009; and the sequel Mahromatic: Something More Beautiful a month later on February 17, as well as the horror drama, Tsukihime on January 20.

ADV will also be re-issuing the out of print titles Pet Shop of Horrors, a supernatural horror and Jewel Bem Hunter Lime a suggestive-comedy. These Geneon, Urban Vision and Media Blasters titles will retain their original dubs.

Source: ICv2.com

ICv2 Interviews ADV's CEO John Ledford

2008-10-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

ICv2.com recently interviewed John Ledford, ADV's CEO, to talk about ADV's future: new partners, new license announcements/license rescues, various distribution models and a host of other interesting topics.

Anime Network Now Available on iPhone and iPod Touch

2008-10-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON, TX - October 17, 2008 (Press Release) - The best shows from Anime Network, America's #1 Anime Channel, are now available on the Anime channel of vSNAX Videos, a free app for the Apple iPhone and iPod touch. vSNAX is the destination for video on the iPhone, aggregating and refreshing short video clips from over 25 premium media partners every day. Anime Network titles, including Azumanga Daioh, Saiyuki and Mythical Detective Loki, are now accessible on the iPhone with updates throughout the day so that Anime fans will always have their favorite shows with them. The shows are available as short three to five minute clips, which are perfect for the mobile environment as a snack sized bite of entertainment on the go.

"We chose Anime Network as one of our newest content partners because they have an excellent catalog and anime is what vSNAX users requested" said Ian Foley, senior director of business development for Rhythm NewMedia.

"Our decision to collaborate with vSNAX Videos was an easy one, because vSNAX provides a great user experience," said Stacy Dodson, Vice President at Anime Network. "Anime fans tend to be tech-savvy early adopters. vSNAX is tailor-made for them."

ADV Films Streams over 100 hours of Anime for Free

2008-10-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

ADV Films has recently made available over 100 hours of Anime content for free on both Anime Network Online Player (English dub) and on Crunchyroll (Japanese audio/English subtitled). Crunchyroll previously announced that it had formed an agreement with various content providers, including ADV Films to provide streaming,
subscription, and download-to-own viewing for twelve animated series and
feature film properties.

This week Anime Network made available complete and full episodes for the following TV series and Movies:

Area88
Bastof Syndrome
Chance Pop Session
Diamond Daydreams
Divergence Eve
Divergence Eve Misaki Chronicles
Gilgamesh
Kino's Journey
Lady Death (Movie)
Magical Play
Martian Successor Nadesico Prince of Darkness (Movie)
Mezzo
Princess Tutu
RahXephon
Saiyuki
Super Milk Chan
Yesterday (Movie)
Yumeria (On-going posted series)

Crunchyroll has begun adding ADV Films titles (in subtitle format) as of last month and based on the initial press release, more series are to follow. Currently available are:

Angelic Layer
Chance Pop Session
Magical Play
Martian Successor Nadesico Prince of Darkness (Movie)
Nurse Witch Komugi-chan Magikarte Z (episodes 1-5)
Saiyuki (On-going posted series)
Sin (Movie)
Yesterday (Movie)

Free Streaming links: Anime Network and ADV Films Channel on Crunchyroll

Welcome to the NHK, Red Garden, Pumpkin Scissors DVD singles in December

2008-10-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

For months there was uncertainty on whether Funimation would skip the final singles and jump to box sets with the releases of Welcome to the NHK, Red Garden, and Pumpkin Scissors. To the delight of those who have the previous singles and did not want to get the box collections, Funimation's representative stated today at the Anime News Network forums:

...in addition to the box sets we will ALSO release Red Garden Volumes 4 and 5, Pumpkin Scissors v.5, and NHK v.5. They will be available through The Right Stuf in December -- though street dates have not yet been finalized. Volume 6 for all three of these series will be available at a later date, still to be determined, and will also be available via The Right Stuf.

Best regards -- Official FUNi Rep

Source: Anime News Network

ADV Films announces Clannad

2008-10-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

ADV Films announced during Sogen Con 2008 that it had acquired Clannad, the popular anime based on Visual Art's/Key's visual novel. ADV has since neither confirmed nor denied the report; with exception to co-founder Matt Greenfield coming forward a few days later after Sogen Con to reconfirm that ADV had Clannad.

ADV did tremendous work with Air, Kanon and while not relating to this, with Welcome to the NHK as well. Rejoice!

Source: Anime News Network and Active Anime

ADV Production Moving Forward

2008-10-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

After the Anime Expo 2008 surprise of ADV and the license transfer of its titles acquired with Sojitz; incomplete titles such as Wallflower, (possibly: Red Garden, Pumpkin Scissors, etc.) went to a state of limbo while ADV and Funimation worked out the agreement for production continuity. A month later at Otakon, ADV had stated that there was no deal made at that time.

At Sogen Con 2008 it was revealed by ADV that both companies have come to terms for completion -- with ADV finishing dub/production in order to preserve continuity for the remaining incomplete titles. Matt Greenfield also stated that Chris Ayres will be taking over ADR Director responsibilities for Wallflower (likely due to future ADV prospects that requires Matt Greenfield's attention).

Other developments of production moving forward have also surfaced from the ADV November 2008 Solicitations with 3 Live Action titles scheduled: Twin Blades of the Ninja, Naked Sword, and Female Prisoner Sigma.

Source: BigPants and Anime On DVD