Wandering Samurai - 4.2001 Brought to you by the Nadesico PS Store

4.30.2001-
Golden Week, Continued...

Manga Entertainment has reportedly signed Sachiko Uchida (Bennett) as translator on the Evangelion Movies. The project is also a subcontracted by Manga to Gaijin Productions, Amanda Winn Lee's production company, and the American voice actress is directing the project.

Akadot has posted an interview with Japanese voice actress Megumi Ogata who voiced Shinji in Evangelion and Haruka in Sailor Moon.

Robotech.com has posted an interview with Animeigo producer Shin Kurokawa. Topics of conversation include the restoration and upcoming release of the original Macross. He's such a cool guy. Now, if you're a regular reader, you know that ADV is releasing Robotech and AnimEigo is releasing Macross. Just to restate what's been said a thousand times before, go with Macross.

AIA, a new game company founded by videogame industry veteran Yoshiaki Kanazawa, is preparing an Akira videogame for the Sony PlayStation 2. The Akira game will be out in August, just a few weeks after the release of the remastered Akira video and DVD. Other Akira merchandise includes the McFarlane Toys second series of anime toys shipping to retailers in September. And Dark Horse will have three volumes of the English version of the original manga series out by the time the Akira video hits the shelves on July 24th.

The Akira videogame is said to take full advantage of the three-dimensional potential of the PlayStation 2 format. The Akira offering will be only the second game created by AIA, whose first offering is the popular Illbleed game for the Sega DreamCast platform. Yoshiaki Kanazawa, the founder of AIA, founded, owned, and operated Jaleco Co. Ltd. one of Japan's leading game developers. Mr. Kanazawa recently sold Jaleco and its U.S. subsidiary, Jaleco USA, and reentered the game market with AIA, which opened its doors on April 1st of this year.

Bandai's May DVD line features Angel Links 1, Dark Soldier D (Bandai's first live action title), and Escaflowne 5 and 6. Crest of The Stars DVD was delayed due to source issues, but will come out in June and will be bi-monthly there after. Bandai and Viz will release the Jin-Roh movie in theaters starting 25 May in New York, San Francisco and LA. It'll open in Seattle on 29 June. They are hoping to get the Escaflowne movie in theatres by the end of the year. Just a confirmation that Bandai does have Love Hina, but not certain if it'll be just the TV series or if the specials, etc. are included. They are also looking into the possibility of bringing out related goods, similar to what they have done with Gundam. Titles in production now: Better Man, Fancy LaLa (DVD will have dub), Saber Marionette J to X, Silent Mobius and Brain Powerd. All titles will come out some time in 2002 and bandaient.com will hold voting on which title the fans want to come out first. Gundam 0079, 0080, 0083 and MS08 Team will start showing on Cartoon Network starting in June (tentatively). Pilot Candidate (Candidate for Goddess) is slated for October. MS08 Team DVD will be out starting July (but Jerry did have a finished DVD to give away, so the first disc is ready to go) Gundam TV (original) will be out starting in August Gundam movies DVD box, with sub/dub and DD5.1 will be out in November More "value" DVD sets like Haunted Junction and Don't Leave Me Alone Daisy will be probably released in the future by Bandai, not in the near future. Cowboy Bebop box set is slated for fall or winter 2001. It will include a box, and they are considering throwing in a figure or a DVD of extras (interviews, etc.), but noting has been finalized yet. Bandai Ent. does not yet have the rights to the Bebop movie Bandai is also working on getting Canadian distribution set up and is considering a soundtrack line.

ADV will work on next the Martian Successor Nadesico movie and You're Under Arrest movie. ADV has an option on the Gekiganger 3 OVA. Other titles in the works: Princess 9 (5 ep/DVD), Shin Getter Robo, Soul Hunter. Fans of Marmalade Boy were urged to pick up Princess 9. ADV movies in theaters: Parasite Eve, Gamera 2 (both live action), Spriggan (slated for September). Gamera and Gamera 3 will be out on DVD. ADV is hoping to get its entire backcatalog on DVD by either the end of 2001 or sometime in 2002. Bubblegum Crisis 2040 will be broadcast on TV this year as possibly will be Nadia on the Blue Water. Nadia might include a Spanish language track on the DVDs ADV is negotiations with DiC to get Sailor Moon/Sailor Moon R on DVD. Fans are urged to contact ADV so that they can go to DiC to show them how much support the show has. Future ADV DVDs will include more extras and possibly alternate angles, now that they've figured out the DVD authoring process. ADV is working on a recall for the inverted audio on the Sakura Wars DVDs; contact DLW for details. By 2002, ADV Fansub line will switch over DVDs, since the sub VHS market is nearly non-existant. They hope that this imprint will be able to concentrate on older titles (i.e. pre-1994) where dubbing would be difficult or nearly impossible. We might see the Nuku Nuku DVDs by the end of the year. Simliar to Bandai, ADV is looking into getting titles distributed in Canada, but is having problems with Canadian requirement to include a French track.

I'll be updated Nadesico PS later this week on drumming up support for the Nadesico feature and a bold move in Nadesico fandom.

In MARC news, no meeting today. Instead, just talking. Miss Bouton is not up to the task. We will be meeting tomorrow in a different room and begin Gunsmith Cats. I will show this OAV!


4.29.2001-
Golden Week. It's time for a Japanese cultural lesson. Japan's Golden Week is the week of April 29 through May 5, and is actually a succession of several national holidays put together. The customary inclusion of Saturdays and Sundays gives this week more holidays than any other except for the New Year and summer vacations (summer vacations are shorter in Japan anyway than in most other countries).

April 29 is "Midori no hi" or "Greenery Day". It used to be an Emperor's birthday, but it's now designated as a day for preserving Japan's flora and greenery. May 3 is "Kenpou Kinenbi" or "Constitution Memorial Day", a day to commemorate the enactment of the post-WWII Constitution of Japan in 1947. May 5 is "Kodomo no Hi" or "Children's Day", a day to celebrate and wish for the health and happiness of all children. What about May 4, you may ask. Well, since most people took this day off anyway because it's between the two national holidays, it has been decided that it should be a national holiday as well. A clever move but it's got a boring holiday name "Kokumin no Hi" or just plain "National Holiday". Think of it as "Betweenery Day", but if anyone's got a better idea, you should probably call Japan's Ministry in Charge of Deciding Holiday Names.

So, what does this mean for Americans? Can you just skip school and / or work this week because you watch anime? No. At least, not yet. But, what it does mean is that virtually every Japanese business is closed. This means pretty much every online Japanese store will be closed all week long. I can remember trying to e-mail HobbyLink Japan about the status of an order a couple years ago this week and not getting a reply until next Monday. Speaking of HLJ, I just placed an order for the Tallgeese II MSIA, D-Real Omegamon, D-Real Paildramon, and D-Real Garugomon.

I received two new orders for the Sage Page's unofficial Ronin Warriors VHS set today. Why am I mentioning it here? If you've been considering buying the series on tape, it is best to do so either this month or next. Early July will probably be the end for the RW set's initial run. You probably won't be seeing it available again until next summer because I'm only bringing one VCR to college. I'll be leaving for college in late August. Around that time, expect a week without updates as I get set up. But, I'm already planning an assortment of fun things for the site just prior to it.


4.28.2001-
So much Digimon! After being away for two weeks, I'm so very much behind. This week, FOXKids aired two new episodes, moving us even closer to the final arc. In Digimon Tamers new, the first four episodes have been posted online. And, some of the new D-Reals are starting to be released. Also, the Maxi singles for Biggest Dreamer and My Tomorrow are out. In American toy news, the WarGreymon, Omegamon, and Paildramon D-Reals may or may not be already released in the us as "Digi-Warriors". If they are the D-Reals, then they lack all the extra little bits of the Japanese versions. And, the paint jobs are probably not as good.

I'm not going into any more detail as to the above news because this is a busy day. And, well, I was going to do Otaku No Video on Monday in MARC, but I looked at it. It isn't 60 minutes. It's 100 minutes. So, I'm going to use the 90 minute Gunsmith Cats instead. But, I will be bringing Otaku in. Why? In AP English, we're doing year end things about ourselves where we bring in a song or video clip. I had Wings of Honneamise all set up. But, I realized that the last ten minutes really don't mean anything without the two hours that go before them. You don't understand the meaning behind Shiro Lhadatt's words. Any, since I cannot air the entire film, I'm going to be doing the last five minutes of the first OAV of Otaku. That's right. I'm going to air the clip of Kubo becoming the "Otaku no Otaku... Otaking". Of course, both Honneamsie and Otaku are from Studio Gainax. And, it is because of these early animations that Gainax's later Akira and Neon Genesis Evangelion were possible.

Also, I've decided to begin work on HALO ES while in college. Negotiate the rights to Digimon Adventure, 02, and Tamers from Toei and Saban so HALO ES can release an uncut, subtitled version in the US. It'll be sweet. Then, HALO ES will do Yoroiden Samurai Troopers, Weiss Kreuz, Sakura Wars, Zone of the Enders... Yes, I did just watch Otaku No Video this morning.


4.27.2001-
It's Friday. It's time to talk videogames. First up, our weekly Xenosaga report. Namco's official unveiling of the game is in July. Until then, it's all very quiet. Namco did say that they fully plan to ship Xenosaga in December in Japan.

In other news dealing with keeping things secret, everyone's looking forward to seeing a bit more of Metal Gear Solid 2 at E3, but they'd best look hard. It will be the last anyone gets to see of the game for some time. Konami is flouting expectations by shutting down the hype machine for the time being, promising not to release any more screenshots or information until the game's launch late this year. Yep, Mr. Kojima's putting on the stealth suit.

According to Bloomberg Japan, Square, Namco, and Enix are exchanging 5% shares in each other's companies. The combined value of the transactions will be about 44.2 billion yen, or $36.3 million at current exchange rates. Furthermore, the companies will finalize exchanges of the first 1% by the end of this week.

This financial exchange is expected to help the three companies defray some of the rising costs of development and spread the impact of the market's financial risks. GameSpot reports that the companies plan codeveloped projects, but the original Japanese press release contains no such suggestion. It is unknown how, if at all, this partnership will affect next-generation target development and target platforms.

This is good news when one plugs Xenosaga into it. Square and Namco won't be arguing over rights if each owns a bit of the other.

Now, Final Fantasy. The TetraMaster mini-game from Final Fantasy IX will appear in upgraded form in Final Fantasy XI. E-mail, chat, and the TetraMaster game will all be featured as part of the PVN -- PlayOnline Viewer Navigator -- program that comes with FFXI.

The PVN edition of TetraMaster will reportedly be an upgrade from the original FFIX version, though there's no word yet on what sort of changes are in store.

In addition to TetraMaster, another new online project may be in the works at Square. The company trademarked the name "Gummy Block" at the same time as "TetraMaster" and in the same business categories. These categories include "Providing on-line game via computer networks", "computer programs and game software downloadable from computer networks; game software for home use downloadable from computer networks; video games for home use" and several merchandise-related classifications. "Gummy Block" was also trademarked in one area that "TetraMaster" was not: a food-related category including "Coffee and cocoa; tea; seasonings; cereal preparations; sandwiches;" and several other food items. This category may have been registered for Gummy Block food merchandise tying into the "Gummy" part of the title.

As for the game itself, the name "Gummy Block" suggests a puzzle title in the vein of Tetris -- though there's no guarantee that Gummy Block will turn out to be an online game or even a game at all. However, the fact that name was trademarked together with "TetraMaster" would seem to indicate that the two are related or similar projects.

On 4.6, I mentioned the FFX Coke figures. New images are online. Tidus, Yuna, Wakka, Lulu and Auron, Rikku, Kimahri, Seymour

In other news, Wild Arms Advanced 3rd has been announced and there is more media on Blue Wing Blitz and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon.

Now, how about some anime? AnimEigo producer Shin Kurokawa has confirmed that the subtitled Macross TV series DVDs will contain the original Japanese eyecatch sequences that were edited out of Robotech. Furthermore, the AnimEigo Macross DVDs will support the DVD progressive frame by frame scan feature. In other words, but AnimEigo's Macross and not ADV's Robotech.

Bandai DVD producer Charles McCarter has revealed that the upcoming DVD version of the Gundam 08th MS Team OAV series will be uncut and will include the bonus supplemental animation exclusively contained on the Japanese laserdisc release. The American MS08 DVDs will also feature reversible covers. One side will feature the mobile suits, illustrated by mecha artist Kouji Sugiura, and the other side will feature the characters of MS08, with art done by Toshihiro Kawamoto.

In an attempt to create an ultimate version of Akira on DVD, Pioneer has confirmed that the original Streamline bud audio track may be included on the upcoming Akira DVD release. Inclusion of the early Streamline dub, though, with its dated, inferior sound quality, may reduce the overall bitrate of the movie DVD. If such is the case, the Streamline dub will be removed in order to maintain the DVDs THX certification. Pioneer is still ironing out the details over what supplementary material will be included on the second DVD in the collectors edition set. Likely possibilities include production reports, "making of" features, and a "making of" featurette focusing on the soundtrack.

Manga Entertainment is progressing on track to have the Evangelion movies available in the US by the end of the year. Dubbing is scheduled to begin soon, and project director Amanda Winn-Lee has stated that, "We hope to pack as many extra goodies on the DVD as we possibly can" including an audio commentary track with the American staff and cast and "tons of easter eggs." Manga Entertainment has actually opened the floor to the fans. Send your suggestions and recommendations for the American Evangelion movies DVD release to director Amanda Winn-Lee or Keith Burgess of Manga Entertainment.

Lastly, some Toonami news. Toonami is getting another series, but hold back the applause until you know what it is. According to CN's schedule, Cardcaptors will be joining Toonami in June. Oh, I've got more information on CN's new CEO, Jamie Kellner. He used to be CEO of the WB. He canceled Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Freakazoid, and Road Rovers. AND, remember the whole thing about Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker? If you don't, the film dealt with the death of the Joker. How? Robin shoots him. Yeah. Robin shoots him. It was animated and everything. But, Mr. Kellner saw to the changing of this. How does the Joker die in the final film? After torturing Robin, he walks away and slips in a puddle and is electrocuted.

So, Toonami's further is uncertain.


4.26.2001-
Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy... If you recall, it was believed RW would return to Toonami on July 3, 2000. It did not, BUT on July 4, the RW teaser did air. History repeats itself. I've received several e-mails on this subject. EarthboundPaula1@aol.com does a fine job explaining it...

Is this a sign...? Cartoon Network 'accidentally' put the Ronin Warriors intro on right before Gundam Wing yesterday (4-20-01). Could this mean CN still hasn't given up on the Ronins? I mean if they weren't going to show it again, might they have trashed the intro...? I don't want to believe that Ronin Warriors will never appear on Toonami again. It's too good and it's got to many fans to just disappear like that.

I must agree. You don't see the Robotech intro being accidentally put on the air. But, for some reason the RW teaser is still close at hand. Perhaps... Just perhaps... RW has not taken its final bow. E-mail toonami@cartoonnetwork.com.

Remember me mention the cut in Toonami's time on 4.23? Well, this cut came from the top. The NEW CEO of Turner Broadcasting, Jamie Kellner, ordered the cut. And, "further changes are pending". This is NOT a good thing. This is so NOT a good thing. A new guy is in charge, and he doesn't like Toonami for some reason. So, he's cutting down the time. Further, the "All DBZ" format may have been influenced from him, as well. After all, DBZ is CN's highest rated show. Sigh. You know Reactor? Don't expect anything permanent. Kellner has issued several "mandates" for the block. The guys in charge of Toonami are going through a tough couple of weeks. Hopefully, the exact nature of the further changes will be revealed soon.

And, Daizenshuu EX is back up at a new link... vegex.pokeball.net

Now, some links pertaining to the new Vampire Hunter D. Wanna see all the neato products you can buy (if you live in Japan)? You can! Wanna see a gear page about Kotobukiya's new D statue? You can! Wanna see a whole lot of pics from Do As Infinity's new video? You can! Want a D-A-I screen saver? If you've got a Mac or a PC, you can! The screen saver is from D-A-I's Rumble Fish album.

MARC did Nadesico's "Echoes of Self, Echoes of Water" today. We learned Ruri's past. I'm very proud of just how far my little army has come. Also, because we will never get to it, I revealed Akatsuki's secret. And, we talked about Munetake's final moments... Whether Gai's spirit did visit the man or his failing mind was hallucinating.

Now, want some news? We all know my PS2 doesn't work that well with DVDs. I am happy to report that Jeff Castillo's PS2 has trouble on Mononoke Hime. So, this PROVES my theory of every PS2's DVD driver being unique. I'm not alone! Now comes the news that some PlayStation 2 units will not play the upcoming Escaflowne DVD volumes 5 and 6. The DVDs do not play at all on PS2 devices with DVD driver version 1.10, giving an "UNABLE TO READ DISC" error message, even with the "diagnosis" feature enabled on the machine. Other PS2 models may also display similar problems. According to Bandai representative Jerry Chu, this is a problem with the PS2, not the DVDs themselves. This information sounds very plausible as many people have been complaining that the PS2 is a much less robust DVD player than it was originally thought to be.

It may be worth noting that these two discs are the first manufactured by Bandai's new DVD replicator, Future Media. Previous DVDs in the series replicated by Cinram did not exhibit any serious playback problems on the PS2.

So, once again, go buy yourself an all-region DVD player.

Next, any Kiki DVD rumors have been proven false. Disney's next Miyazaki release will be Laputa: Castle in the Sky. If you own the Kiki VHS, you'll see the Laputa trailer. It was supposed to come out in 1999, but the dub was utter crap. See, to get people to buy it, Disney enlisted pop celebrities as voice actors. The main chara is a thin, wiry kid. His voice? James Van Der Beek. It turned out so awful, they ditched the whole thing. Since then, two other dubs have been made by Disney, but they have yet to make anything they want to release.

Lastly, Central Park Media has announced a Patlabor DVD. Both (excellent) Patlabor movies are out in the US. Now, CPM is considering the series. The DVD contains the first five TV episodes and will be released on August 14th. CPM has already stated that the disc is the first of a tentative release, but if it does not sell well, no further Patlabor TV DVDs will be released.


4.25.2001-
Megalord. I do not have much time today. Tomorrow, I will talk about RW and VHD. Today, though, some links. Tonight's Special Unit 2 features a Japanese mummy.

The Macross the Might Have Been...

Making Sense of 15 Years of Macross...

The Ties That Bind...

From the Valkyrie to the Sturmvogel II...


4.24.2001-
Fei. Id. Coward. Fei. There may or may not be an update tomorrow.

Figures.com has more on the upcoming Rurouni Kenshin figures. Looking good.

In Germany, Mononoke Hime has just been released. Further, the OST is avaliable. Also, a German Digimon CD is also out.

A small image of what may be the Akira theatrical poster is now online.

MARC did "A Reunion that Came Too Late" today. It was Munetake's final episode. It's amazing. Everyone there got it. I didn't know if they would. But, they understood. They grew. You hate the man. After all, he killed Gai Daigoji. You hate him. You want epiosde 26 to end with Akito pressing a gun to his head. But, instead Munetake's last appearance is in 18. And... And... You cannot hate him. You watch the episode, and you can feel the change in yourself. You feel for the distraught admiral who has been betrayed by everyone and everything. Munetake was an otaku.


4.23.2001-
R-D. Big-O concluded today, and I was fully impressed. Big-O's finale was an example of how a series should end. It was just beautiful. I want to talk about it, but I know I would forget to mention so much. It was just beautiful to see how the audience believed Dorothy was the girl in red. Then, briefly we thought it was Angel. Then, again Dorothy. But, everything is shattered when we see Dorothy piloting Big-O. It was also nice to see Big-O without its face plate. This was akin to an early episode of Gundam W where the Tallgeese lacks its face. What you see is the head of a Leo. Without his face, Big-O's head was identical to the Proto-deus in the subway.

What was Big-O about? It was about life. It was about choices. It was about one's own path. It was about going into the rain without an umbrella. So much was explored. So much was left unanswered. So many questions are up to the audience to decide. What was the past? What is the future? What are the Megadeuses?

Thinking about this, I can find but one thing to express it all. It is the final line of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"...

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

It was very fitting to use Gatsby. Fitzgerald once said, "Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy". Yes, he is my favorite American writer. The ship at the end of Ronin Reserve: Circles is named Monroe Stahr, the protagonist of Fitzgerald's last work, "The Last Tycoon".

It was very fitting to use Gatsby considering what I am about to talk about next. Every empire has its fall. Toonami's Rising Sun has been gone for quite some time. It really hasn't been missed. Last summer, Toonami started its third hour. It was the Summer of Tenchi. It was the Summer of Tenchi. Toonami fully exploded and evolved. Well, all good things...

The Toonami block will lose one hour of broadcasting time. Toonami will air on Cartoon Network for only two hours from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (ET/PT) starting Monday, May 14, 2001.

From May 7 through 11, Gundam W has been scheduled to air from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM (ET/PT) to finish off the series and Toonami's first hour. It's sad. Toonami is losing where it started. But, I must say that the first hour had become a dumping block for older shows that did not perform up to CN's numbers. Toonami is shifting its focus.

Once the two-hour Toonami block starts airing on Monday, May 14, the schedule will look like this...

5:00 PM --- Superman
5:30 PM --- Tenchi Muyo
6:00 PM --- DragonBall Z
6:30 PM --- DragonBall Z

Midnight Run...

12:00 PM --- DragonBall Z
12:30 PM --- DragonBall Z

It will stay like this until mid-June. Then, we will see the original DragonBall. Big-O, Sailor Moon, and Outlaw Star will also make limited returns. But, all in all, I miss that third hour.

Now, about the new Tenchi OAV series currently in production in Japan. It is hoped to premiere by summer. There WILL be a US release, but it will not be for a long while. Actual production details are being held close.

PowerPuff Girls has been airing in Japan for several months. Hayashibara Megumi, Kamiya Maki, and Natsu Tomo have formed the limited vocal unit Power Puff Souls and are performing the current OP to the Japanese run of animation. The new song is titled "Cream Puff Shuffle".

I used to be a big PPG fan. I've got two tapes full. But, I haven't seen an episode in almost a year. Why? I drifted because of the schedule. Now, I have missed so mush I don't want to try to get back in.

The release date for the Akira DVD has shifted from 7.3 to 7.24. This is likely due to that particular week being a big holiday/vacation week for a lot of people and a lot of outdoor activities, which means a lot less foot traffic in retail stores. A shift to the end of the month makes sense, and if anyone remembers what 7.25.2000 was like, there were about 15 anime releases on that day last year. Definitely a big release period.

More information is about the deluxe edition with the special tin being made for it. Apparently the first 75,000 copies will be packaged in this collectors tin and after that it will be a typical two disc case. As for which retailers will get the tin, I do not know. So, hold off on the pre-order until this is revealed. One may have to order direct.

I've begun watching Macross Plus in Creative Writing. Note the use of the word "I". For, it is only myself who is watching the animation.

Now, in MARC news. Deepest sympathies go to our moderator, Miss Bouton. Her boyfriend died over the weekend of a heart attack. She has taken time off. I did not know whether proper to continue. Somber, I approached others. MARC will be held in Mrs. Silverstein's room this week. Today, we did Dragon Half. I prefaced it with a few words about Miss Bouton. I also passed out Pocky.

Dragon Half was a tremendous success. I knew it would be. The OAV is simply hilarious. The use of SD animation and sheer range of the seiyuu captured the audience. I was very proud. The audience, itself, was quite large. I had advertised the hell out of it since the beginning of the month. Vampire Hunter D and Macross Plus were great successes. Dragon Half was the third real feature that MARC did. It fit perfectly. Nadesico is good, strong backbone for the group. And, I only did Macross: DYRL so people knew what the big robot-looking spaceship was in Macross Plus. This week, MARC will do two more Nadesico episodes. I am unaware of how much time is left. I believe I only have 13 days left of school. I wanted to do another DBZ movie. Movie 13 was really fun. It was a nice break. But, next year will be the year for that. The new generation is being given it. I wanted to do Gunsmith Cats. Perhaps I still will. I do not know if I can. The "final exam" for the year will be Otaku No Video. When MARC began, I had sworn off the OAV for being too-Japanese. I did not believe it would be appreciated. But, everything I have done this past year has opened the group up to understand the medium far more than they did before they met me. Hai.

Gregory will be an excellent leader next year. He will finish off this year once I'm gone. He'll probably do the Tenchi films. Also, I must congratulate Stephen for reaching Xenogears's second disc. It's amazing to watch him. He's already calling it "the greatest game ever made". That should sound familiar. That's my fervor.

Tomorrow, is RW gone from CN forever? Perhaps not.

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.


4.22.2001-
IC3. Food Network's Iron Chef 3 event has been revealed. Starting June 1st, it is three nights of specials. The major events are Iron Chef vs. Iron Chef battles with hand-picked assistants AND the return of Bobby Flay. If you remember, Iron Chef's New York Battle was Flay vs. Morimoto. And, frankly, Flay was a complete ass. While Morimoto was an artist and dedicated craftsman, Flay was loud and arrogant. Morimoto was given a special knife set just prior to the battle by the previous Iron Chef Japanese. At the end of the battle, Flay started dancing on his cutting board. Totally different styles. Now, though, it's time for a rematch. Flay is coming to Japan to challenge Morimoto a second time. Yeah, like the Ohta Faction's blood feud. I can't wait to see Morimoto beat Flay one more time.

In anime news, 4Kids Entertainment has issued a press release...

NEW YORK, NY, April 19, 2001 - 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE), a fully integrated global licensing and children's entertainment company, today announced that it has acquired the merchandising and television rights to the Japanese property YU-GI-OH! for the world outside of Asia.

YU-GI-OH!, which incorporates an animated television series, video game, comic book series and card game has become very popular in Japan.

"We are excited to have acquired the licensing and broadcast rights to YU-GI-OH!" stated Mr. Al Kahn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 4Kids. "This is a continuation of our strategy of bringing popular Japanese properties to the rest of the world."

Sigh. 4Kids and FUNi really are the two studios that just... Nevermind.

Kiki's Delivery Service will be released domestically in the US later this year. There is no word on whether the original Japanese language track will be included. It's not likely. Still, the dub is wonderful. It was one of Phil Hartman's last projects. The US language version was even dedicated to him.

Right Stuf will be releasing the Macross Plus OSTs state-side under their AnimeTrax name. AnimeTrax is a joint venture of The Right Stuf International, Inc. and ADV Music/AD Vision, Inc. Licensed by Victor Entertainment, Inc. Japan. It's an interesting proposition. The Captain Tylor OSTs will also come to the US. But, I just can't be supportive.

Yohko Yanno, composer of the scores for Escaflowne and Cowboy Bebop, is a talented artist. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra fully captures the power of his notes. It's just really good music. But, it's Japanese music. Buying a domestic release just doesn't seem right. A large part of the soul is gone. The mystique and magic of an imported disc is no longer there. It changes a very fundamental basic.

These CDs are the extact same discs, though. Must US releases are changed with less tracks. I'm still not sure exactly what the US Tylor OSTs are. They look to be various tracks from the Japanese CDs compiled on two US discs.

TRSI's US release will be on 6.26 for $14.98 each. You can pre-order them...OST 1 and OST 2

Also, AngelFire's FTP isn't working. I've got a lot of Nadesico stuff to go up, but it's impossible for me to upload it all through the webshell. Now, if only Alton Brown were to fight Kobe.


4.21.2001-
The Ricefield Codfish is Back. I'm home. I believed I would return tomorrow morning, but I'm back now. I had no plans on updating tonight since I wasn't supposed to be home. But, since I am, I will. Note that tonight's update will in no way have to deal with anime. Well, that's not true. It's about anime, but as it relates to college.

Yesterday, I visited Syracuse University. I had visited last summer. And, I just didn't care for it. You should know that I'm going to college to major in the writing / directing of TV / film. Syracuse is well-known for it's NewHouse School of Communication. Yesterday was a full day of touring the NewHouse School and speaking with teachers. I was terribly impressed. I was terribly impressed with what I saw. I cannot capture the moment as I could have if this was written Friday night. But, I was amazed by what I saw.

Looking at it now, though... Babylon 5's Michael Garibaldi has a philosophy. Don't polish the chrome until you're sure the engine works. That applies here. What was that magical feeling that Syracuse had? Money. All of NewHouse was done in imported marble and sandstone. There were sculpture pieces and ornate art. A lot of money goes into the place. A lot of money is spent on the chrome. Do you understand?

Lunch was had out on the Carrier Dome. Syracuse is a big sports school. This was the second time I met the dean. The entire thing was given a soundtrack by the school's radio station. It delighted me to endless extremes to here today's top forty bubble-gum pop in a constant cycle.

I have more to say about Syracuse, but I'll mix it in with my Ithaca comments. Last summer, Ithaca was the first school I looked at. I fell in love with it immediately. It may have been the fact that I wouldn't need to take any math or science courses.

I just heard my VCR clicking. It's 9 PM. So, this means I set it to tape at 9 and 10:30 PM instead of 9 and 10:30 AM. In other words, I missed Digimon. Funny, Universe. But, there must be balance.

Ithaca. As I was leaving Syracuse, I told myself that Ithaca better put on one hell of a show to beat this. Well, Ithaca went around in the complete other direction. Syracuse's opening was done with a vast video installation documenting the school's history. Funny. I doubt Stephen Crane would enjoy being used like this if still alive. But, Syracuse had a whole film to show. Then, a woman from admissions talked. Her speech was filled with banal banter that was supposed to be funny. Now, Ithaca's opening was much different. The stage was covered in the ruins of a castle. Students will be performing "The Trojan Women" shortly. They need their castle there to practice. There were two admin speakers and two student speakers. There was a sense of a soul inside them. They were speaking from their centers. And, the humour was much higher brow. It was akin to Fraiser or The Daily Show. Much nicer.

We then split. Students spoke with (Ithaca) students. When this happened at Syracuse, all questions were directed toward beer and drinking. At Ithaca, it was all about film. Everyone there was there to make movies.

And, the students were different. It's funny. Over the summer, I was shocked by the size of Ithaca's dorms. They were insanely small. But, I'm sure that was just because they were the first dorms I ever saw. On this trip, I was amazed by how much bigger they looked. Thing is, there is no "Do you like anime?" question on the room-mate form. The ONLY question is "Do you smoke?". So, there went my chances of getting an anime newbie. From the looks of it, I will be getting a single. Why? It will be better this way. It will be easier. And, no one can complain about all my Japanese toys and CDs. But, more on this at a future time.

There was something at Ithaca that wasn't a Syracuse. There was something at Park that wasn't at NewHouse. Ithaca has less money. It's a smaller school. But, it does more with what it has. Park will buy more cameras and the newest editing software instead of a giant brass egg for the lobby that is supposed to represent "promise".

The only thing is my actual interest crossing between TV and film. I want to work in both mediums. But, I'll talk about this sometime else. Plus, no Japanese courses at Ithaca. But, I've got a way around it.

And, Ithaca's not a sports school. So, that really removes a large segment from the student population, if you understand what I mean. Oh, Ithaca DOES have sports. And, the mascot? A bomber. Let me clarify. A WWII B-17 bomber, clad in a bomber jacket and goggles.

It's just a different atmosphere.

Lunch at Ithaca was much nicer. Beside the actual food, the soundtrack was provided by upperclass music students playing a very late-night-NPR jazz.

Oh, you'll notice no mention of anime clubs. The Dark Side of the Sun (Syracuse's club) and the Anime Society of Ithaca College both were not a part of any festivities. To put it more clearly, no anime tables in the activities sessions. Well, that's just because I'm not there. Still, now is not the time for (public) machinations. Bethama, I'll be e-mailing you later.

When we went to the Ithaca Bookstore, I picked up three books on Japan. Actually, two are on Japan. The third is an illustrated version of the Art of War. What? Sun Tzu's Art of War. I mention it enough. It's a manga. It's the greatest book on military theory as told by SD charas. It's quite amazing. It's the English translation of the Japanese manga about the Chinese book.

On April 22, Syracuse will host Sonic Youth and Yo La Tenga. I'm sure Keegan-sama is overjoyed by this. I, however, am not big on US stuff. Ithaca, on April 28 will have Lewis Black speak. Yeah, Lewis Black. I guess he'll shout more than speak, though. And, volunteers are needed to work backstage. Jon Stewart came to Ithaca last year.

So, that's what I've been up to. I want to get two CD reviews up tonight. The FFVII OST kept me satiated the whole of the trip.

Look what I stole!


4.20.2001-
Tooku Made. I'll be away until Sunday. Hopefully, Digimon will tape. I'm missing SG-1, though. So, let's Luis Daniel Ramirez, the Spanish voice of Angemon has announced that dubbing will begin for the second season of Digimon on April 17th.

Sakura Wars 3 will be coming out for DreamCast shortly. Care for some wallpaper? In breaking news, Jade Cocoon II has been revealed. If you recall, the most attractive aspect of the first game was the Miyazaki animation. And, three movies from SCEI's Phase Paradox.

Sega has held a press conference and revealed that work is already in progress on Sonic Team and Amusement Vision as Nintendo Gamecube titles. Sega has already begun creating games for the GameBoy Advance, PS2, and Xbox, so seeing Gamecube on the list isn't that surprising. Sega also announced that the wildly popular online RPG Phantasy Star Online will be going multi-platform, though they did not specify which other consoles fans could expect to see it on.

Nintendo's long history of delaying the release of new hardware and the company's continued silence on all matters GameCube have led many to speculate the system would inevitably miss its proposed July ship date in Japan. Today, Bloomberg Japan reported that the GameCube's launch has indeed been pushed back, both in its home country and in the US.

The system is now scheduled for a September 14 release in Japan, with the American launch to follow in mid-November. The company further stated that pricing for the GameCube would be revealed in May, which is likely scheduled to coincide with this year's E3.

Of course, GameCube may not even come out. Nintendo Co. Ltd's legendarily outspoken CEO is at it again. Hard as it may be to believe, Nintendo's CEO is really threatening to delay GameCube's release indefinitely unless it goes over well at E3 2001. At a Japanese press conference held on April 18th, Yamauchi commented that "if the GameCube is not received well at E3, our strategy will be compromised, and that will cause a serious blow to our plans. We may even have to consider pigeonholing the sale of GameCube."

Yamauchi's well-known distaste for complex next-generation consoles and desire to focus on software may have contributed to this decision. He also may have forgotten to take his medication this morning. It is unknown at this point if he will hold his breath until he turns blue.

Koei's E3 lineup has been announced and, as usual, their release schedule would do your social studies professor proud. Included on the list is the PS2 sequel to their successful military strategy series... Kessen II. However, they'll also be branching out into the experimental. The PlayStation RPG Saiyki: Journey West is based on a Chinese folk tale about the monkey king. Yeah, the story DB is based on. And, in a bold move, Gitaroo-man is a rhythm game based on no real-life events whatsoever.

With Metal Gear Solid 2 coming out in only six months, how about some news from Shadow Moses Island? After months of anxious waiting, it's now been confirmed that David Hayter will indeed return as the American voice actor for Solid Snake in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Joining him will be Christopher Fritz returning as Otacon and Patric Laine reprising his role as Revolver Ocelot. Whether or not any other cast members from Metal Gear Solid will return remains to be seen, but the signing of these three voice actors is a positive sign that Konami of America is working to make sure the key vocal aspect remains constant into the sequel.

Now, it's time to talk about Final Fantasy.

Good news for European Squaresoft fans. The company is once again taking steps to release its games for PAL territories. Sony is partnering with Square to bring The Bouncer and Final Fantasy X to Europe, and they'll be doing a thorough job. "Our development teams have worked very hard to get the very best quality games for PlayStation 2 and we are sure that SCEE will do a great job for us in the PAL territories." Indeed, SCEE is going so far as to localize both games into five new languages, which one may assume includes new voice acting. The Bouncer is due this summer, while Final Fantasy X is currently set for the middle of next year.

Final Fantasy IV and Chrono Trigger will be released this July for PlayStation in a single set with the name Final Fantasy Chronicles. (Yes, Chrono Trigger isn't a Final Fantasy game.) Both games feature new cinema scenes not present in the SNES versions, and Final Fantasy IV has been tweaked to allow quicker navigation of towns or dungeons. The best news? If fans were wondering why FFIV wasn't included in the previous Final Fantasy Anthology, it may have been due to the delay involved in re-translating the game -- yes, for the first time in America, the "hard type" version of the game will arrive completely intact and uncensored.

Mainichi Interactive recently discussed Square's financial outlook, and in the process revealed a few points of interest to gamers. On the purely financial side, Square intends not to repeat the costly business of funding a movie -- their next film will be made entirely with outside backers. They also revealed that they'll need about 495,000 PlayOnline users per year to break even on the service, a figure much lower than previously estimated. In more visible gaming matters, Square discussed some features of the PlayOnline web browser, called PVN. Required for use in Final Fantasy XI, it will incorporate mail and chat features in addition to web browser. The article also quotes Sakaguchi as saying that FFXI will be available only on PlayStation 2 and Windows, though Tomoyuki Takechi hinted that future games in the series may go multi-platform.

In addition to playing the underwater sport Blitzball, hero Tidus will be tracking down pointers to help him learn the fictitious language Al Bhed (This language is very likely the one used by Ryukku in the Tokyo Game Show demo).

There's more information on FFX's charas. You can read about them and the upcoming Coca-Cola promotion here. And, there's also the new FFX CM.

Final Fantasy X now has a tentative North American release date of "early 2002." Previous announcements had pegged the title with a November 2001 release. Square plans to release Final Fantasy X on 7.19 in Japan for 8800 Yen. The High Quality version (Limited edition, 2 DVD discs) of Final Fantasy X will be released simultaneously, priced 2000 yen higher at 10,800 Yen. Final Fantasy X was originally scheduled for release on March, with an aim of 2.5 million copies to be sold.

Final Fantasy X Single CD Details. Nobuo Uematsu has revealed that there will be two songs to be coupled in the single CD "Suteki da ne". As announced earlier, the first song "Suteki da ne" is the theme song to Final Fantasy X, sung by Okinawa vocalist RIKKI -- the second song will be chosen from all previous FF music via an online ballot, and vocalized by RIKKI as well. (The online Ballot will be closing on 4/30/01.) The third song announced, is named "Utikisama" (read also as "Otsukisama" in standard Japanese) which translates to English as "The Moon". "Utikisama" is a newly written song, composed by RIKKI herself. Uematsu comments the song to be "very healing, and expectedly has a feeling of RIKKI... the accompaniment of Aki Kurota's Piano is also good." The CD will be released as a Maxi single. Release date and price are not yet decided. But, with the Japanese release of the game in July, one should expect both single and OST to come out soon. And, they better. I really want to order the VHD OST.

New images from FFX have been released. Deserving special mention are three CG images of Yuna in Orange Temple. She appears to be dancing. If not, it is very hot, and she is trying to cope with the temperature.

Yuna stretching...
Yuna with her head down...
Yuna looking straight at you...

I believe.


4.19.2001-
Enemy is Another Big! Today's Big-O was just amazing. The animation was beautiful. And, Big-DUO looked so cool. Monday is R-D, the final episode. If you want more Big-O info, how about an interview with Bob Buchholz, the voice of Beck as well as Gene Starwind and one of Digimon's lead US writers? Plus, you can see what Lia Sargent (Dorothy) has to say. You can also visit Konaka.com, Chiaki J. Konaka's personal website. Konaka was Big-O's chief writer. He's also Digimon Tamers's head writer.

He writes...

Thank you for seeing the 'first' season of "The Big-O" . And thank you for loving Roger and R.Dorothy. All of the staff of The Big-O want to make other new episodes. You want to see the second season? Tell your opinion to BANDAI Visual U.S., SUNRISE Inc. or to Cartoon Network.

Sincerely.

Chiaki J. Konaka
Screenwriter in chief

The guys being Big-O really want to continue the story, but they need SUNRISE to pay for the thing. I'll have more on this on Monday. You know, having Konaka-san's e-mail address can ONLY lead to bad things.

You may or may not be aware of Nightmare. It's Kotobukiya's Vampire Hunter D resin statue. I wanted to buy one last summer, but my expensive anime statue spree ended with Cloud Strife 3211 and Sephiroth 1000. Well, to mark the release of the new VHD movie, Kotobukiya has sculpted an updated statue. And, as you can see, it looks A LOT like the original. If only I was paid to run the Sage Page. And, I know I haven't spoken about this as of late, but the new Vampire Hunter D, originally scheduled to debut in both the US and Japan last year, will finally be hitting Japanese theatres on April 21st.

You can check out all the celebration at HunterD.com.

You can also revisit the VHD PSX game.

Do As Infinity is responsible for the new film's ED vocal song. The Maxi Single will be released 4.25. If you recall, TM Network sang "Your Song", the ED on the original VHD. D-A-I have a interesting site. You can listen to a clip from the new ED theme, "Faraway". You can also see a segment from the music video. Wow.

Sigh. Why must CD Japan taunt me so? I still have to get the G-Saviour film OST, too. And, I thought I had all my summer anime purchases worked out. Now, how can I make money? Did you buy you RW VHS set yet?

I'm leaving tomorrow at 7 AM to visit Syracuse and Ithaca. I won't be back until Sunday. I'll have an update early tomorrow morning. I had hoped to get a Nadesico review up before I leave, but that's unlikely. I doubt I'll even start.


4.18.2001-
Daemonseed. Today's Big-O was just wonderful. How did you celebrate Heaven's Day? We saw the full arsenal of the Megadeus as Roger tried to tear down the daemonseed. But, he could not win. It only ended with the tree's maturation. It was a wonderful episode. Dorothy's growing. Norman shined, too. It was interesting to see Dorothy and Roger exchange presents. Besides the fact that Dorothy bought Roger a funeral tie, and Roger got the girl's birthday wrong, it was interesting to see that they kept each other's gifts. I had expected them to give them to the sax player and his girlfriend. Plus, the robot animation was particularly well done.

Tomorrow's episode will feature the mecha I first reported on on 2.19. You can see the toy here. Odds are Angel will be piloting it. It's obviously of the same design as Big-O. What's its name? Big-DUO. And, considering it's episode 12 of 13, she may not make it out alive.

Remember that machine under the city in "Underground Terror"? Well, in the Japanese version, it was referred to as "Proto-deus".

I started watching Mononoke Hime on "Slow Turtle", my PS2. And, living up to his defective nature, there are glitches. I love how the Universe delivers onto me defective tech. And, we must remember this is my second PS2. Of course, all Tatara-san is asking for Heaven's Day is an all-region DVD player.

Another thing. In Big-O, all memories of the past are gone. Today's episode furthered this. All memories of religion are gone. It's amazing. Starting anew, we know not of faith. Still, people go to churches not knowing why. One of Roger's monologues included a line about fractural memories giving us glimpses of insignificant parts of the past. Roger was talking about religion.

This website is done on a mac. This next bit of news is for Keegan-sama and anyone else out there with an Apple. From Macworld UK...

Adobe is set to announce Japanese-language versions of Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader 2.0 and Adobe Content Server 2.0. It will also announce support from comic book-content provider Ebook Initiative Japan (EBI), according to Yoh Tsujimura, a spokeswoman for Adobe. Adobe and EBI are banking on network publishing becoming a major part of the publishing industry, and will seek deliver e-book content, a category of devices that EBI plans to promote. EBI has its roots in a 145-company experimental research-organization that, from 1998, began distributing e-book content to terminals stationed at major bookstores. These companies went on launch EBI in May 2000. EBI president and CEO Yuusuke Suzuki believes that, because comic books have a 40 per cent share in the current publication market in Japan, they will be also be in demand in the e-book market.

I'll be switching over to a Titanium PowerBook this summer from my current iMac as I prep for college. Again, there will probably be a solid week or two without updates this fall as I move.

I've got all sorts of fun updates planned for late summer. Of course, they'll be only mildly amusing to everyone but me. And, with all luck, the ASIC website will have a distinctive flair come the fall. ASIC sponsored a Ranmathon last weekend. This fish can't wait to get into a bigger ocean to spread his wings. No, that wasn't supposed to make sense. But, it's this witty commentary that keeps you coming back, right? Sigh. Yeah, people who've got a thing for Vegeta and Treize really do have a problem with ambition. I've already got the HTML in my head, perhaps I'll start making the graphics right now. I've got a seven page term paper on Swift's "Modest Proposal" due soon. That's why I'm rambling. I've only got three pages full of baby eating. How am I supposed to squeeze out any more? If that didn't make sense, I suggest finding a copy of "A Modest Proposal". It's called satire. You know, I can cannibalize (no pun intended) the old DFFQI logos. Mwahahahaha.

Special Unit 2 is on UPN tonight at 8. Give it a try. Seven Days is on hiatus. SU2 is actually good. It's fun. It's really fun. Of course, if you look at the plot, SU2 really is the bad guy.


4.17.2001-
Winter Night Phantom. Dastun's driver was voiced, quite blatantly, by Tai's VA. As for Miss Cybil's last name, I could say it's spelled "Rowen", but I don't want to jump to conclusions. Another great episode. And, we've got a review of the series from the Orlando Sentinel. Read it. I want to know what you think. It'd odd. The review starts out glowingly. It seems to defend it. It seems to give Big-O praise. It seems to really like it, but, then, with the last few paragraphs, the tone radically changes to one completely against the series. Why? I don't know. All the arguments prior to it is pro Big-O, but it ends angry at the animation because it is ANIMATION. Read it. I want to know what you think. You could even e-mail the writer. nimperiale@orlandosentinel.com. But, if you do, be nice. Don't give her ammunition.

AnimEigo representatives have revealed that Oh! My Goddess will be released on two domestic, single layer DVDs. OAVs 1-3 will come on one disc while the longer OAVs 4 and 5 will be on a second disc. AnimEigo's Spirit of Wonder DVD, first released in January, is now out of print.

Next, it's time to read an interview with DBZ's Gen Fukunaga. It helps put a human face on him. But, you can't trust anyone whose favorite chara is Vegeta. And, "creative adjustments" isn't a happy word. Fukunaga and Digimon's Nimoy should get in a fight over whose dubs are worse.


4.16.2001-
Twilight Universe. I got back earlier tonight. Where to start? I had two VCRs set to tape things. One didn't. So, I have yet to see Saturday's Digimon 02 and today's Big-O. As for the actual trip, I brought my G-Saviour OST, Final Fantasy IX PLUS OST, and Ruri Hoshino Vocal Album. It's amazing to sit and translate katakana in a hotel room. Also, I've noticed a tiny scratch on the inside of the Ruri CD. Did my new CD player do it? I watched Iron Chef a lot. If you recall, Christmas was me watching DBZ -- the last new episode CN aired -- with my family talking around me. But, with Iron Chef, we all watched together. Too bad Kobe didn't win. Starting June 1, Food Network will air a three night IC3 event which will be composed of three new battles and two two-hour specials. It'll be big. As for what it exactly is, it's unknown. I have been told that Iron Chef has been canceled in Japan.

On the ride back, there was a car with a license plate reading "DBZ 6099". Recall that Executive Order 9066 legalized WWII internment camps. Now, though, the BIG thing. Sunday night, I saw something. I saw anime. Are you aware of the International Channel? I wasn't. I sat back and watched an episode of DBZ on Sunday night. FUNi had yet to dub it. It was original in Japanese without subtitles. The TV Tokyo logo was stamped onscreen. It was wonderful. It centered on the World Martial Arts Tournament and a ZTV movie recapping the Cell Games. Then, Chibi-Trunks fought and ended his fight with two quick kicks. Further, for the first time, I saw the ED animation for "Bokutachi Wa Tenshi Datta". Goku with angel wings. Wow. I had never expected that. Great! So, if you get I-Channel, watch Sunday nights at 9 PM. Of course, I don't get it. Maybe Ithaca does. Also, I-Channel's currently doing an anime festival. I-Channel's Japanese programming includes...

Hodo 2001
A weekly news magazine featuring leading Japanese news- and opinion-makers with highlights of the week''s events. Produced by Fujisankei Communications, Inc.

Fujisankei News
One of Japan's most watched news programs, transmitted daily via satellite. Features international news, sports and human interest stories. Produced by Fujisankei Communications, Inc.

Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ
Two of the hottest comedians in Japan - Ma Chan and Hama Chan - host a music-based variety show featuring interviews and performances of today's most popular Japanese pop artists.

Armored Trooper Votoms
Armored Trooper Votoms can now be seen in the United States exclusively on cable, exclusively on International Channel! For thousands of years in its history, the Astragius Galaxy has been at war, as the Gilgameth and Balalant army fight a never-ending struggle for supremacy. Also placed within the standoff is the Merukian army, an ally with the Gilgameth side that shares technology and resources.

Irresponsible Captain Tylor
Angered over the death of their Emperor, the Raalgon Empire seeks revenge from their enemies - the UPSF forces! Only one crew - one captain - will stand in the way. Or will they? Join the comedic misadventures of Captain Tylor and the crew of the Soyokaze as they attempt to sleep, well fight their way through the war!

Love Complex
This drama comically depicts various types of "love" as shared between a parent and a child, a man and a woman, and between women. Gou and Ayumu are two handsome bachelors working for an elite company, Wonder Electronics. Each has had their share of problems with women. Gou, the ultimate womanizer, pursues any woman in sight, while Ayumu is unable to say "no" to his mother's orders. Headquarters has just given the pair a special assignment - to find the person responsible for embezzling 9 million-yen. Gou and Ayumu discover that the primary suspects for this incident are the 7 beautiful secretaries - each of whom has a deep hatred towards men. Be sure to watch as Gou and Ayumu must not only find the culprit, but also keep their personal issues from interfering with the investigation. Starring Karasawa Toshiaki, Sorimachi Takashi, Kimura Yoshino and Ryo (Naomi) Director: Kensaku Sawada

Sports Japan
A daily sports highlights show that showcases the events in the Japanese baseball, sumo wrestling, formula one, track & field (to only name a few) worlds.

Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z picks up where the original Dragon Ball series left off. The last five years have been ones of almost heavenly peace, and our hero, Songoku, is the proud father of a son named Songohan who is now four years old. However, the era of peace is suddenly shattered when the evil Radditz, with his many super powers, returns. Radditz is revealed as the older brother of Songoku, and the old sibbling rivalry between Songoku and Radditz results in a terrible fight in which Radditz stabs Songoku. Now Songohan, a little boy with a big heart and great powers of his own, must take up the mantle and fight against his uncle to avenge his father.

I must make a note to start J-Channel, someday. In the mean time, there IS TV Japan.

While away, the only big news story was the statement that the Toonami music CD will be released in May...

Toonami: Deep Space Bass.

Track 1: Ignition
Track 2: Gundams Are On Earth
Track 3: Anvil Snare - (remix)
Track 4: Dragon
Track 5: Information Leak
Track 6: Arabic
Track 7: D&B - (remix)
Track 8: Depthcharge
Track 9: Tension
Track 10: Prayer
Track 11: Crashgroove
Track 12: Puff&Bass
Track 13: Darknight
Track 14: Starwind
Track 15: Capslock
Track 16: Broken Promise
Track 17: Walking Stick
Track 18: Spacetime

$14.

On a personal note, my mouse isn't working all that well. And, if the mouse doesn't work, I can't do much clicking. So, I'm back, but I don't know how back I will be. I'll be doing the updates, but responding to e-mail takes significantly more mouse clicks. So, that may take some time.


4.13.2001-
Digital Fantasy. Tatara-san is away from late this morning until late Monday night. We'll say he's researching Xenosaga. So, let's fill this last update up.

Sony is releasing an official PS2 remote in Japan. There should be a US release sometime near the close of this year. Also, it's been said that the remote and a memory card will be packed in with Japanese PS2s in the basic box (for now). There will also be a new PS2 model out in Japan soon. The model SCPH-30000 will go on sale on April 18th and replace the current Japanese model SCPH-18000. The 30000 model will feature a built in hard drive and 100Mbps broadband ethernet adapter. Unlike the current issue 18000 model, though, the 30000 model will not include a memory card or wireless DVD remote as pack in accessories. Sony has set the 30000 model at an open price, meaning that retailers are free to charge whatever price they want for the system.

Sales of PlayStation 2 games have begun to pick up in Japan with several titles now breaking the 300,000 mark in total units sold. The second best selling PS2 game in Japan, though, The Bouncer, has amassed only half as many sales as the million selling Onimusha in the US. And even Onimusha, the best selling PS2 game so far is no match for the 4.06 million copies of Dragon Quest VII sold for the PlayStation so far.

According to a new statement by Hideo Kojima, creator of Metal Gear Solid and Zone of the Enders, Microsoft's Xbox is not the powerhouse system Microsoft promotes it as. According to Kojima, the only advantages the Xbox has over the PlayStation 2 are a slight increase in graphics capability and programming features built into the Xbox that have to be custom created for the PS2.

On 4.1, I preordered the Zone of the Enders OST from CD Japan. Now, through The GIA, the details are being revealed...

Konami has announced plans to release a special-edition soundtrack for Zone of the Enders in Japan. The soundtrack will include the opening and closing themes in addition to digitally mastered versions of the background music. Also included in the package is mech concept art by Yoji Shinkawa, famous for his character designs in Metal Gear Solid.

The Z.O.E soundtrack will be released in Japan on April 25.

The complete track list includes:

Title - The Origin
Introduction
Leo Stenbuck - Break Out
Factory - Vivid Transparency
VR - The Fourth Dimension
Flowing Destiny - Piano Arrange
Global 1 - Forever And Ever
Are you alright, Celvice?
Boss - Neves
Celvice! This way, quickly!
Residential Block - S02
A Light with a name of HOPE - Piano Arrange
Radar - Pandemonium
Global 2 - Virus
City - THE EARTH LIGHT
Mountain - Who Can Read The Future?
Rock Thunderheart - Function
A Light with a name of HOPE - Protect Me
You need this done to you.
Flowing Destiny - Resolution
Ada - Promise
Flowing Destiny - Memories
Neith - Risky
Viola - Silent Death
Anubis - Impossible
Jehuty will self-destruct?
Flowing Destiny - Ending Theme 1
KISS ME SUNLIGHTS - Opening Theme
A Light with a name of HOPE - Ending Theme 2 / Celvice's Theme

And, I bought mine 13 days ago. Note that the OP theme is placed at the end of the OST between the ED themes. That's actually quite nice, keeping the vocals together. Also, note that Anubis's theme is titled "Impossible". That's funny, Konami. That's VERY funny.

Sony will release the mainland Asian version of the Playstation 2 to countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore in July. The Asian version PS2 will include an instruction manual printed in multiple languages and will feature region-free DVD playback capability since so many Asian release movie DVDs are manufactured without region code restrictions. Realize what this means? Import an Asian PS2 and you've got yourself a coveted all-region DVD player.

Planetweb and Ergosoft, a wholly owned subsidiary of Koei, have shipped their PlayStation 2 browser to retailers in Japan. Consumers will now be able to enjoy such functions as web browsing, email, and chat on their PS2 console. The so-called EGBrowser supports the growing array of USB modems for the PS2. In fact, the software itself can be purchased as part of bundles that include various USB modems.

"Planetweb is excited to provide an Internet solution for the PlayStation 2 in Japan," Ken Soohoo, president and CEO of Planetweb, said. "The Planetweb browser and libraries will play a pivotal role in expanding the PlayStation 2 experience into the online world."

The Planetweb software will support the use of both the USB mouse and keyboard peripherals on the PS2. Ergosoft will license the TCP/IP network stack library and browser to game developers.

Care for a blowout on Kessen II news? How about some Simpsons Wrestling?

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within has moved from its previous release date of July 13 to Wednesday, July 11, giving the film a two-day jump on the competition. There are also images of two of the vehicles used by DEEP EYES in the film.

Now, we move from Slow Turtle to Takatomon. There is probably one person who gets this joke.

Anyone see this?

A look at every movie. A link that I'm not quite sure of. Games and coloring. Uncoming events, including Yamato's DOOR. And, Wallpapers, desktop watches, and a Digi-script / hiragana converter. You really must check out the last link. You know how everything in Digimon is written in a strange, foreign language. Not Japanese. Digi-code. Well, you can now translate the Digi-symbols to Hiragana!

Also, an interview about DOOR.

Now, just when you think you're the biggest Digimon fan because you're importing a Paildramon D-Real, I present to you...

Two Hikaris
A very beautiful Tai and Yamato
Tai and Kari
Takeru
Yamato
A pair of Izzys
Tai Squared
Ken
Ken and Yolie
Isn't the right Izzy kawaii?
More Izzy

Next, the very first thing in the anime fan guidebook is that any hair color is natural. It's simply an extension of a character. It helps distinguish them and their personality. So, you didn't give any through to Yamato and Takeru being blonde, right? Well, there is a REASON that they're blonde. Their mother, also blonde, isn't Japanese. Their mother is French.

You know the TV studio that appeared in Digimon? It's FujiTV. Here's a better look.

Oh, Slow Turtle's the name of my PS2. Takatomon is what Guilmon calls Takato in Digimon Tamers. It may also be the name of my CD Player. It's either Takatomon or Karuikane (a Nadesico reference). Hmmm... I don't want to talk about Tamers until 02 finishes in the US. So, this really is it. I'll be in Pittsburgh until Monday night. I'll be inside a little nijikon bubble sustained by the G-Saviour OST, FFIX PLUS OST, and Ruri Hoshino Vocal Album. Know what's funny? The Pittsburgh Comicon starts April 27.

If you want do so some Tamers reasearch...

Toei
FujiTV
Bandai
NEIC
AnimeIntro

Remember to stay out of the genjitsu sekai! V!


4.12.2001-
Missing Cat. Big-O continues. There were some fairly obvious edits. The entire scene with the VTOL airship was cut up. Blood was removed. Shots were taken out. It was a nice episode which further developed Dorothy. I don't like the villain designs, though. They fit with Batman, but they are too cartoony for the realism of Big-O. Yes, they don't fit with the realism of robot girls and giant robots.

Tomorrow, I'm leaving. I will have an update, though. It will be very early. Today, I'm putting up all the news I can.

I want to talk about the new Gundam CM airing. It's for the US model kits. A bunch of builders stand around and state the level of the kit and the time it took them. I don't like it. I really don't like it. It seems exclusionary and elitist. It doesn't get me wanting any US kits.

Manga Entertainment has announced that they will be releasing the unedited Neon Genesis Evangelion Movies. The new movies chronicle the 26 episodes of the original series. Death & Rebirth will contain excerpts of the first 24 episodes with some additional material edited-in (yes added in instead of edited out), and will have first 3rd of the new ending (episode 25). The Evangelion Movie (AKA "End of Evangelion") will contain episodes 25 and 26 (the alternate ending) in their entirety.

Manga is currently planning to release both the VHS and DVD versions of the shows on 10.31.

It's been hinted at that CN may be looking at TRSI's Captain Tylor series for a Toonami run. ADV Films has rescheduled Gasaraki 5: Revelations from 5.22 to 6.19. Media Blasters has announced the release of Voogie's Angels on DVD scheduled for July 31st. Orphen Vol. 1 has been assigned a street date of July 10th.

The official Cowboy Bebop site at Cowboy Bebop.com has been redesigned. An English edition is forthcoming, but the Japanese version is worth a look for a great interface that captures the tone of the series. The site has been divided into section for "News" with new information about movie tickets for the movie and upcoming merchandise, "Heaven's Door" with characters shots of Spike, Faye, Jet and Ed for the movie, "Original Sessions" about the TV series, "Bebop U.T." is till under construction, "Big Shots" with creator spot lights, insights, and diaries modeled after the series's bounty hunter show within a show with Punch and Judy, and "YMCA: Youngman's Cowboy Association" which is the site forums, featuring cowboy wannabe Andy. A section dedicated to the series's Japanese DVD release will be up on 4.15.

It's been confirmed that Akira Toriyama's new manga will be published in the June issue of Monthly Shounen Jump magazine in Japan will be only a single 22 page "yomi-kiri" or one-shot story.

Also, an official statement has been made on DragonBall AF. What's DBAF? Of all the rumored DBGT sequels, AF was the most credible. And, for quite some time, it appeared as if it was going to come together. But, Toei has made an official statement that the rumors are just rumors. There is nothing more to DBAF than over-active otaku imagination.

The third DBZ voice actor vote is now ongoing. This time, we get to choose Shao, one of Pilaf's underlings.

On 3.13, I reported...

Although they are still taking order as usual, Express.com filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. Express, formerly DVDExpress, became a major name in the .com retail industry by being one of the first companies to routinely sell DVD movies below cost, hoping to recover the loss through increased sales and an increasing consumer base. Rumors of financial trouble and a possible company closure have plagued the company throughout the dotcom fallout. Express marketing VP Susan Daniher had no comment for the press regarding the future of the company.

Something else to note is that Game Cave a great anime store was folded into Express.com. Game Cave was great years ago. I got my first OSTs from them. Of course, they were selling me SM copies for the price of real Japanese versions. Sigh. Anyway, Express.com began "upgrading their server" recently. Or, stalling 'cause they're out of capital. I had placed an order for Nadesico DVD 4, and all three Outlaw Star DVDs on 1.31. The Nadesico DVD and last Outlaw Star disc were released late last month. But, Express.com, out of money, has yet to get them in.

Yesterday, the following was sent...

Dear EXPRESS.COM Customer,

EXPRESS.COM recently upgraded our computer system. Unfortunately, we were not able to convert orders placed prior to February 28, 2001 to the new system. We regret any inconvenience this might cause you.

Please note you are never charged for any items that do not ship. If you wish, you may place a new order at your convenience.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

So, this means the order is gone as well as any preorder discount. So, back to Amazon.com and RightStuf.com for my anime.

Sakura Wars... Perhaps it was a good thing my Outlaw Star order was canceled.

The Japanese Ministry of General Affairs announced the number of subscribers to DSL internet services in Japan stood at 68746 as of the end of March. DSL subscription there has skyrocketed over recent months, as of February, 2001 there were 34372 subscribers, and only 10194 subscribers as of January. NTT and Japan Telecom Co., Ltd. are two of the main service providers in Japan, ADSL there offers 512Kbps max connection at a close to 4050 Yen / month fee.

This weekend a stage greeting event was staged in Tokyo for the rerelease of Battle Royale in its less edited "Special Volume" version. It was announced the original R-15 release drew 1,800,000 viewers generating 2.5 billion Yen in sales. Staff and cast were on hand. The special volume has a running time of 1 hour, 53 minutes. About 100 new edits are in this version.

Seiyuu working on SME Visual Works are expected to appear at the event VOICE ARENA 2000 'Chat festival in spring' which runs run through to tomorrow.

In addition to the ever-popular Jessica Calvello, Tiggany Grant, and Brett Weaver, both Hilary Haag and Kira Solar will be attending Anime Weekend Atlanta this year (Sept. 21-23, 2001). AWA is talking with several other ADV VA's as well, but that those haven't been firmed up yet. ADR director David Williams will be at Anime Central (5.11-13), Animazment (5.25-27), Project A-kon (6.1-3) and Otakon (8.10-12), with Lowell Bartholomee, one of the ADR directors from Monster Island, joining at A-kon.

You may want to check out Nadesico PS for 66 new entries in the compendium.


4.11.2001-
The Call From The Past. Don't you just love Big-O? The stylized animation is just so beautiful. And, yes, it was completely necessary for Angel to strip down like that. I must say that giving her scars where her wings were removed was a very nice touch. Perhaps she's related to Van. Today's episode featured a section of the original Japanese OP theme. This is why CN can use it in the promo. When Big-O was fighting the evil bot, that vocal music playing was the series's main motif. Isn't it great? Something funny is that in the middle of the song, one of the lines is "Cast in the name of God... Ye not guilty". Toonami changed it on Big-O's monitor, but they couldn't redo the music. Of course, the line is shouted pretty quickly.

I really love Big-O. I'm going to have to get it on DVD.

I have to thank Shilling-san for my new CD Player. Nothing like getting tech for $10 under retail because you know an inside man. Plus, out of my own good will, I'm giving Will Rampart his birthday. I'm also making Mark copies of all my Seven Days tapes.

Seven Days. It really is a great series. And, it's so underground. Of course, it is now on hiatus, replaced by "Special Unit 2". It may not be coming back.

Be sure to watch The Daily Show tonight at 11 PM on Comedy Central. There will be a segment on Japanese toys. And, right in the promo, there are a big wallscroll hanging up with the cast of Digimon Adventure standing together. Tomorrow, I'll be doing a big videogame / Digimon writeup to make up for my absence this weekend.


4.10.2001-
A Legacy of Amadeus. Big-O continues to be good. I wasn't too crazy over the chara design of the creepy scientist, though. I just learned today that I will be on "vacation" from Friday until Tuesday. Believe me, I would prefer to stay at home. But, I will be gone. That means no Videogame Roundup or V-Tamer Party this week. I will also be away next weekend, too. So, the same thing applies. And, I do have a lot of great new game and Digimon news.

And, I've got to choose what CDs to bring.

MARC did more Nadesico today. We were going to do some Cockpit, but the VHS wouldn't play. Following the break, it's Dragon-Half, the conclusion of Nadesico, DBZ Movie 12, Gunsmith Cats, and Otaku No Video.

Hey, I've got a job for you. Go and download Sakura Wars's OP theme, "Geki! Teikoku Kagekidan". Trust me. It's purely addictive. It and EVA's "Cruel Angel's Thesis" are probably the greatest OPs ever composed.

Going back to Big-O, I reported on Bandai's US toys on 2.19. It's time for a recap. As you can see, there are two sets. The first is Roger, Dorothy, and Big-O. The second looks to be Angel and a yet-unknown giant mecha. But, from the looks of it, it may very well be another Megadeus. It has the same basic design and structure. Can you say "last episode"?

Tatakae Otaking!


4.9.2001-
Bring Back My Ghost. The actual location of Paradigm City was hinted at today. The river that flows through it is the Hudson. So, that places Paradigm in New York State. And, it is very likely it is New York City.

Moving to another paradigm, a new anime is shattering the broadcast paradigm. SkyPerfecTV network's newest entry to its "Animated Cartoon Theater X" is an animation coming in May featuring the creative force behind Steel Angel Kurumi and To-Heart. Titled "Figure 17 Tsubasa And Hikaru", it is a rather unique entry to the broadcast landscape in that it will last an one hour, air monthly for one year, and feature near theatrical quality animation throughout. Heading the project are sci-fi bishoujo wizards director Takahashi Naohito (Kurumi) and character designer Senba Yuriko (Kurumi). Opening theme is "Boy" performed by The Alfee. The broadcast premiere is set for Sunday, the 27th of May at 22:00. Planning is by GENCO, Monster / Mechanical designs are by Yasuhiro Nishinaka, Sound Supervisor is Atsushi Watanabe, Sound Production is by HALF HP STUDIO, Animation production is by OLM. Voice cast includes Yashima Akiko, Tomiko Orikasa and Kikuko Inoue. It is scheduled to run through May of 2002.

Today, MARC was supposed to do Grave of the Fireflies, but because only the normal members showed up for the "event", we did the end of DBZ Movie 13 and some Nadesico. Tomorrow? More Nadesico and, hopefully DBZ Movie 12. I'm giving you the MUCH abridged version of events.

Now, want to influence DragonBall history? The second voice actor vote is now ongoing. This time, we get to choose Pilaf, the first major baddie.

I've got to add a note to my Nadesico site concerning the feature film. I'm going to try to get something done to organize fans against an overlay.

Now, real Toonami news. A hush-hush meeting with a Toonami exec was recently held. By the way, this is third hand info, as I have yet to read the actual transcript. But, according to AnimeNation, licensing broadcast rights to Lodoss and Nadesico have proven unsuccessful so far, although both series may make it onto Toonami someday. CN is not interested in Saber Marionette because it "feels too similar to Sailor Moon," nor Generator Gawl or Gasaraki because they are both "a little slow." There is interest in both Cowboy Bebop and Evangelion. No Miyazaki anime will be coming to the Cartoon Network as the American rights to all of it are owned by rival company Disney. "Macross" (no explanation of movie or TV) may be coming to Toonami in the future.

Due to licensing problems, CN will not be airing the Sailor Moon movies. "As far as Sailor Stars goes, it looks grim." The network has not aired Sailor Moon first or second season episodes recently as a reaction to over saturation of these episodes from broadcasts on other networks.

CN commonly doesn't broadcast the original Japanese opening credits to anime TV series because they can't get the distribution rights to these animation clips. The Toonami representative explained, "The openings that the American videos contain aren't even the original openings either. Don't get caught up on those. They are created for the American market. Sometimes you see the original Japanese openings, but usually we can't get permission for them. And generally, they are pretty cheesey anyway... Ours are better."

So, there's the good and the bad together. I've got a lot to say about Japanese OP and ED sequences sucking. They don't! Further, a clip of the original Big-O OP theme was used!

Also, Midnight Run will be getting an exclusive series this fall. Cowboy Bebop? Perhaps.

I'm getting a CD Player by Wednesday in a weird backwards way. Two-Mix or Digimon? Sigh. I'll hope to have some scans of my Vegeta-san doujin soon as well as other pics of my favorite Saiya-jin. Of course, this all depends on how much space is on my hard drive. Plus, there's a little black project I can't talk about yet.

Hey, does anyone know if I used the line "War brings sorrow, but we must fight to protect our loved ones from that sorrow" in any of the stories at newvanguard.cjb.net?

RRE premiering Fall 2001! Mwahahahahahahaha!!!


4.8.2001-
Slow News Day... Nothing's going on. So, let's copy and paste a set of four press releases from Bandai...

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF THE BIG O ON DVD

"Batman the Animated Series Meets James Bond" - Kidscreen

Cypress, CA - Bandai Entertainment announces the home video release of the hit anime series, The Big O exclusively on DVD (JUNE 19, 2001). From the creators of Cowboy Bebop, director Kazuyoshi Katayama combines the best of Japanese animation with the style and look of the West.

A mysterious occurrence known only as "The Event", has caused the residents of Paradigm City to lose their memories. Paradigm City, has since recovered-- but under police rule, its citizens are forever questioning what happened to them, so long ago. Does Roger Smith, a self-styled "Negotiator", along with the powerful Big O, have what it takes to unravel this mystery? Sworn to protect Paradigm City, his allies, and himself - What connection does Roger and the Big O have with the city's past...

Broadcast on Cartoon Network's popular Toonami block, this exclusive DVD release features animated interactive menus, a bilingual language track (English/Japanese), English subtitles, trailers, textless openings, creator commentary, and staff interviews. Bandai America will also be featuring The Big O for a new action figure toy line, Anime Collectors. The biggest hit, the biggest DVD release, get ready for The Big O!

The Big O Volume 1 - DVD Bilingual/English Subtitles Extras: Trailers / Textless Openings / Interviews Running Time: 100 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $24.98 UPC# 669198183591 / EDP# 11545 Order Date: 5/1/2001 / Street Date: 6/19/2001

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF ANGEL LINKS - FALLEN ANGEL ON DVD

"Now THIS is entertainment!" - Animerica

Cypress, CA - Bandai Entertainment announces the home video release of Angel Links - Fallen Angel exclusively on DVD (JUNE 5, 2001). From the Outlaw Star universe, Meifon is the president of a private security force and captain of the starship, the Angel Links. Along with her crew, the Angel Links is tasked with protecting those would be preyed upon by space pirates.

It's business as usual for the crew of the Angel Links as they continue their war against the Pirates in the Oracion star system. However, even the busy crew of the Angel Links needs some time off to have a social life. Kosei meets with a Pirate girl, but it's not what everyone thinks-or is it? And Meifon gets a mysterious invitation to hear "the Song of Mermaids." She's confident that she knows who her secret admirer is, but this date turns out differently than anyone could imagine!

The Angel Links series gives a different glimpse into the Outlaw Star world focusing on a new crew and new enemies. This exclusive DVD-only release features animated interactive menus, English, Japanese language tracks, English subtitles, trailers, and bonus clips.

Angel Links Fallen Angel - DVD (V.2) Bilingual/English Subtitles Extras: Trailers / Textless Ending Running Time: 75 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $29.98 UPC# 669198098697 / EDP# 10367 Order Date: 4/17/2001 / Street Date: 6/5/2001

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF SABER MARIONETTE J - DVD COLLECTION 3 ON DVD

"Superb!" - Manga Max

Cypress, CA - Bandai Entertainment announces the home video release of Saber Marionette J - DVD Collection 3 (JUNE 19, 2001). Created by Satoru Akahori, Hiroshi Negishi & Tsukasa Kotobuki (Toshinden) - Japoness is a planet inhabited only by men.the only women are advanced androids known as marionettes. Otaru is in for a little lesson in life and love as he stumbles across three special marionettes, Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry, who have special circuits giving them human-like emotions. Facing invasion from Faust and his Saber Dolls, Otaru and company are the last line of defense.

The leaders from every corner of Terra II have decided to hold a council in Japoness to determine what must be done about Faust's invasion. With the lives of everyone on Terra II hanging in the balance, their decision is final! What role will Otaru, Lime, Cherry, and Bloodberry play in the upcoming battle? The true purpose of the maiden circuits is finally revealed! And that knowledge could mean the loss of his beloved marionettes forever!

This final DVD installment of the Saber Marionette television series features animated interactive menus, English, Japanese, AND Spanish language tracks, English subtitles, an exclusive Saber Marionette J music video, and trailers. The DVD Collection contains 8 episodes in one 2-disc set!

Saber Marionette J DVD Collection 3 Trilingual (English/Japanese/Spanish)/English Subtitles Extras: Trailers / Music Videos Running Time: 200 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $44.98 UPC# 669198051791 / EDP# 10445 Order Date: 5/1/2001 / Street Date: 6/19/2001

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY ANNOUNCES THE HOME VIDEO RELEASE OF ESCAFLOWNE "LIGHT AND SHADOW" AND "FOREVER AND EVER" ON DVD AND VHS

"A sweeping saga of romantic fantasy!" - Toons: The Animation Magazine

Cypress, CA - Bandai Entertainment announces the home video release of Escaflowne - Light and Shadow and Forever and Ever on VHS and DVD. (JUNE 5, 2001). Creator Shoji Kawamori (Macross Plus) brings to life the story a girl transported to the mysterious land of Gaia. Here she meets a young Prince and the suit of armor, Escaflowne. Their adventure is filled with danger, encountering trustworthy allies, all the while chased by deadly enemies.

Wishing to get away from all the fighting, Hitomi finds herself suddenly transported back to Earth on the very day that she originally left. She has one chance to get back to Gaea, but it will mean endangering her friends again. Meanwhile, on Gaea, the war continues unabated as the Doomsday Weapon is deployed. But this means little to Dornkirk, who seems to be on the verge of achieving his goal. The fate of Gaea lies in a white dragon and the heart of a girl from the Mystic Moon!

An unparalleled fantasy adventure, these VHS and DVD releases marks the final installment of the Escaflowne television series. The DVD releases feature animated interactive menus, English, Japanese language tracks, English subtitles, staff interviews, Club Escaflowne, Esca PSX animation footage, concert clips, and trailer from the upcoming movie.

Escaflowne Light and Shadow (V.7) DVD Bilingual/English Subtitles Extras: Trailers / Interviews / Club Escaflowne Running Time: 75 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $29.98 UPC# 669198043697 / EDP# 10478 Order Date: 4/17/2001 / Street Date: 6/5/2001

Light and Shadow (V.7) VHS English Language Running Time: 75 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $19.98 UPC# 669198045639 / EDP# 71149 Order Date: 4/17/2001 / Street Date: 6/5/2001

Escaflowne Forever and Ever (V.8) DVD Bilingual/English Subtitles Extras: Trailers / Esca PSX Animation Footage / Concert Clips / Movie Trailer Running Time: 75 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $29.98 UPC# 669198043796 / EDP# 10477 Order Date: 4/17/2001 / Street Date: 6/5/2001

Forever and Ever (V.8) VHS English Language Running Time: 75 min. / Rated 13UP SRP: $19.98 UPC# 669198045738 / EDP# 71150 Order Date: 4/17/2001 / Street Date: 6/5/2001

Wag the Dog's been on TNT about twenty times this weekend. It'll be on again Tuesday at 10 PM. It's a great film.

"Producing is like being a samurai warrior."


4.7.2001-
Wanna be the Biggest Dreamer! Digimon Tamers premiered last week in Japan. I'm saving the Sage Page's data on the actual episodes until 02 concludes in the US. I will say that Tamers is exciting and so very strong. It's wonderful. It's absolutely wonderful.

Now, let's talk about owning Digimon. You can always tape it off the TV, which I'm currently doing. But, let's say you want something else. FOXKids has released the first dozen episodes on VHS and DVD, but there are no plans to put the whole series out. So, one needs to go another way. This MAY be the whole of the first series, but I've got no other info. Here's the first 16 episodes in English. Now, if you want the entire set of Digimon Adventure you can get it through this and this. Of course, it's in Cantonese. If it were in Japanese, I would have already ordered it. The last option is the actual Japanese DVDs. Scroll down. It'll cost you about $1300 for all of Adventure and 02.

Now, more Digimon toys from the Tokyo Toy Show. I'm going to talk about the D-Reals, new hyper-detailed figures. They retail for 1200-1500 Yen or so. I really want the Omegamon and Paildramon D-Reals. One can purchase them from a US-based importer for $30 each. But, I'm not one of those people. Now, I present to you a secret link. Hobby Link Japan is based in Japan and ships directly from there. Use it wisely. You can order smaller model kits for $4 and the D-Reals for $15. Of course, I am out of money. My Nadesico: Prince of Darkness Drama Album finally came. And, I need a new CD Player. So, it's up to you. But, I won't be making any purchases for a month of two.

Now, let's peer into the future of Digimon 02. The following is the Sage Page's original glimpse at the remainder of Digimon 02. This comes from my watching of the Japanese episodes. My Japanese is far from perfect, but I believe I've gotten the majority of the data right.

Episode 37 - The Gigantic Mega, Qinglongmon / Kyoto Dragon
Shakkoumon stands up two Black Wargreymon's attacks, showing just how strong Angemon is. The Digidestined summon forth Qinglongmon (dubbed as Azulongmon) from all the Holy Points and final Holy Stone. Qinglongmon is a massive monster that looks like Seadramon, if made out of clouds, and wrapped in chains. He wears a helmet similar to Lighdramon/Raidramon, and has four eyes and a beard. He's incredibly strong. The episode ends with Black Wargreymon, after spouting digi-blood, disappearing to search for his purpose, realizing that his sole intent isn't to fight. It is revealed that there is a greater threat to the Digital World.

Episode 38 - Holy Night, the Great Digimon Gathering / A Very Digi Christmas
Aired right around Christmas in Japan, the Digidestined celebrate snow and presents. There's even a Digimon 02 Christmas CD out. It's got some great stuff like Ken and Daisuke's "Minna No Christmas". It's a sweet episode in which the Cody forgives Ken and Ichijouji invites everyone from Digimon Adventure and Digimon 02 to a Christmas Party. Also, the romance between Tai and Sora is explored. You'll really smile as you see just how innocent Ken is. He spends Christmas night alone with Leafmon. Also, digimon start invading the real world. Oikawa is introduced. The dub is handled very well. It is different, but it is handled very well. I was very impressed with it. Kari's story in the dub was a slow song in the original episode, but the dub was nice. The Ken / Cody moment in the beginning was done quite nicely. And, Daisuke wanted to play strip poker. I think this is one of the best I've seen.

Episode 39 - Everyone Sally Forth! Imperial Dramon! / Dramon Power
With digimon stomping on Tokyo, drastic times call for drastic measures. Izzy summons Deshi Gennai from his computer. He gives the Digidestined the power of Qinglongmon. All the Digidestined from the two series are gathered together except Ken and Daisuke. Those two are out fighting Triceramon. Qinglongmon's power finds them and evolves Paildramon into Imperial Dramon. The dub was quite choppy and ill-done, especially when compared to "A Very Digi Christmas". It was never explained how or why Izzy summoned Gennai. Further, Wallace / Willis from the third movie was mentioned. But, "Supreme Evolution! The Golden Digimentals!" was a gaiden and never happened in the series's timeline. We did see some nice shots of Gennai destroying data.

Episode 40 - New York, Hong Kong, The Battle Royal! / Digi-World Tour: Part 1
To fight the digimon flooding into the real world, the Digidestined across the planet unite. The Japanese Digidestined spread out to lead the army. The main fights take place in New York City (Mimi and Davis) and Hong Kong (Izzy and Kari). There was a joke early in the dub version where Takeru and Tai mention helping the "French Resistance". A WWII nod?

Episode 41 - Coral and Versailles, The Free Fight!
The fighting continues in Australia (Jou and Cody) and France (Takeru and Tai). The Digidestined have paired up into teams consisting of a member from Adventure and a member from 02.

Episode 42 - Love and Borscht, The Fierce Battle!
Ken and Yamato fight in South America while Yolie and Sora battle in Russia.

Episode 43 - Attack of The Demon Corps
Ken remembers his past as Yolie and Kari fight Lady Devimon. Imperial Dramon evolves into Fighter Mode.

Episode 44 - The Deadly Struggle with The Dark Digimon
Oikawa introduces himself. He is responsible for the Digimon Kaizer. More of Ken's past is revealed. Implanted into him shortly after Osamu's death was a "dark seed". Oikawa planted it to mature. He now removes it.

Episode 45 - The Gate of The Dark
Paildramon fights against Demon. Ken opens the dark digiport. More of the relationship between Ken, Daisuke, and Jun is explored.

Episode 46 - Black Wargreymon vs. War Greymon
Black Wargreymon appears in the real world and attacks Oikawa's hideout. Tai and War Greymon arrive to appeal to Black Wargreymon. The two megas fight until Fighter Imperial Dramon comes to the battle.

Episode 47 - The Seal of Black Wargreymon
Oikawa remembers the past. He remembers the creation of the Digital World and his part in it. He remembers a man named Hiroki... Cody's deceased father. The two were once close friends. And, just as the Kaizer looked like Osamu, the young Oikawa and Hiroki looked like Ken and Daisuke. They so loved videogames, they began to create creatures on their computers. These imaginary creatures are what would become the digimon. The monsters that Oikawa and Hiroki drew would be given life. Oikawa only changed after Hiroki's tragic death, just as Ken became the Kaizer after Osamu's death. In the present, Ken follows a mysterious girl named Noriko. She now possesses the mature dark seed. Oikawa harvests the dark seed and Cody's grandfather appeals to him to remember Hiroki. Oikawa's path has always been to preserve the memory of Hiroki, but somewhere, it became perverted. Hiroki wouldn't want this. Oikawa cries, ready to throw away all the evil he had made when the dark seed flowers. Oikawa becomes possessed and fires off a powerful shot of energy at Cody's grandfather. Black Wargreymon appears to take the hit, only to die from it.

Episode 48 - Terror! Belial Vamdemon!
Oikawa travels to another dimension (using the cards the Digidestined used to travel back to Earth in Digimon Adventure). There, Oikawa splits into two forms. It is revealed that Oikawa was, himself, possessed. In Digimon Adventure, it was believed that War Greymon killed Vamdemon (Myotismon). In actuality, as the Digidestined disappeared to fight the Dark Masters, Oikawa watched, holding out a photo of Hiroki, showing his slain friend that their imaginary world was real. Oikawa wanted desperately to go to the Digital World with the children. A voice told him he could. This voice? Myotismon. The monster entered into Oikawa and possessed him. Now, the monster has everything it needs and rises again as Belial Vamdemon. A look in the dictionary shows that belial is "a personification of wickedness and ungodliness alluded to in the Old and New Testaments". As for Vamdemon, VAMpire DEmon MONster. He'll probably be given the dub name of Demon Myotismon. (It's been revealed to be Malo Myotismon) So, the truth has been revealed. Myotismon is behind all this.

Episode 49 - The Last Armor Digivolution
Belial Vamdemon scatters the Digidestined. Alone, they must confront their fears. Pulling themselves back together, they summon all the digimon to attack the evil.Fuji TV's Digimon 02 site has an image of Flamedramon, Raidramon, and XV-mon all fighting together.

Episode 50 - Our Digital World
The final episode. How can I put this? How can I describe this? The Digimon Adventure storyline spans 104 episodes. For me to import all the DVDs would cost $1300, not including shipping. But, I am just crazy enough to believe that I can and will do this. The ending is that good. The only thing I can compare it to is Captain Tylor's last episode. Anyone who has has seen the Tylor series immediately calls the last episode "the best ending, ever". I know how this sounds, but it is true. Digimon's final episode is right there beside Justy Ueki Tylor. It is just so perfect. It is just so fitting. It is just so happy. I can't write happy endings. I can't do it. I wish I could write something as tear-jerkingly terrific as "Our Digital World". The episode is filled with new vocal songs that capture the innocence and the emotion. All the children of the world team together to stop Belialvamdemon. It is their combined spirit that triumphs, destroying Vamdemon's body. To defeat his soul, the children under his enslavement break free and realize their dreams, creating their own digivices and partner digimon. Oikawa, too, finally lives his dream as he becomes a digidestined. But, it is too late. And, with Cody crying, telling him not to go, he fades away, his data to spread across the digital world to reformat it to what it once was. Everyone is there. The casts of both Adventure and O2. Their parents. Deshi Gennai. It is over. It is over. And, then, we return 25 years in the future... 2027.

Daisuke is the owner of an international Chinese noodle restaurant chain. Tai is the ambassador to the digital world. Yamato is an astronaut (and the first man on Mars, planting the Japanese flag in the red soil). Sora is a fashion designer. Joe is a doctor. Izzy is a digital world researcher. Takeru is a novelist. Hikari is a kindergarten teacher. Ken is a plainclothesman (a detective). Yolie is his wife. Cody is a lawyer. Mimi has her own cooking show. In their adult lives, their digimon partners have stayed with them. They all have children. And, their children now play in the digital world.

You realize that there are only ten episodes left to air in the US.


4.6.2001-
Transcend Christ. Xenosaga. Is there any word more beautiful? This week's videogame roundup is full of hard drive choking goodness.

Now, Xenosaga! Before anything else, download the video shown at TGS. You have no idea the sheer emotions that it brings to me. This is Episode I. This is the origin. This is the birth of Eldridge and Deus. Xenogears is Episode V. This is just the greatest thing that has ever happened.

It's funny. There have been rumors of this project for over a year, but none were really taken seriously. Previously, it had been called "Project X", and the "X" was in the same splatter font that is was in Xenogears. But, it's been made official. Namco is making an RPG called Xenosaga helmed by Tetsuya Takahashi, director of Xenogears. Further, the music and art design will also be handled by Xenogears alumni. Let's just see the staff list...

Director and Scenario Writer: Tetsuya Takahashi (also on XG)
Executive Producer: Masaya Nakamura
Producer: Hirohide Sugiura
Music Composition: Yasunori Mitsuda (also on XG)
Production Designer: Junya Ishigaki (Mechanical Designer on XG)
Additional Production Design: Kouichi Mugitani and Takumi Sakura
Art Director: Yasuyuki Honne (also on XG)
Character Designer: Kunihiko Tanaka (also on XG)
Screenplay: Sei Sato
Programming Director: Toshiaki Yajima

The question is who has the rights to Xenogears. Is it Square, or is it Tetsuya Takahashi? Japanese copyright laws aren't that rigid, and Square may let them slide, but it would just be interesting to see where the rights actually fall. Further, if Square retains the rights, US copyrights are a lot tougher. In other words, Namco may be unavailable to release Xenosaga in the US.

Xenosaga is being worked on by MonolithSoft. Please note that MonolithSoft is a completely different company than the US Monolith company, a PC game developer.

For everything about the game, A HREF="http://thegia.com/news/0104/n01a.html">read this.

Xenosaga.com has been registered by Namco, but nothing is there yet. The formal introduction will be at the Ebisu Garden Hall in Tokyo on July 8. Lastly, the game's full name is "Tetsuya Takahashi's Xenosaga".

Final Fantasy X's trailer is online, and it is pretty. So, what are you waiting for? Download now. Plus, buy a Coke. Of course, you'll still need to be informed.

FFX will also have a musical minigame called Funky Fantasy. You can see an image of the game and hear short clips of the remixes of Eyes on Me and Melodies of Life.

Long ago, I made note of the Biohazard 5th Anniversary set. It comes in a suitcase and is filled with every Biohazard game save Gun Survivor and loaded with goodies. So, take a look for yourself. With only 10,000 copies, get yours today!

Anubis_soundwave@yahoo.com gives us a link to a happening at the Tokyo Game Show, namely Sega helping out Xbox. Also, finally, a picture of the Japanese Xbox controller.

Now, last week, I mentioned Ace Combat 4. Well, this week there's more to go up. So click here to learn just why Ace Combat 4's subtitle is "Visions of Heaven".

If you've still got space on your computer, there's always Japanese commercials.


4.5.2001-
Underground Terror. Big-O continues. One thing to note is if you listen to the Toonami intro to the series, you can hear the last few words of the Japanese theme when the title is displayed. Next, the translation seems to be confused about what a "Megadeuce" is. At times, it refers to the class of mecha that Big-O is. At other times, it's referring to any giant robot. Roger called the skeletal mecha in the subway a Megadeuce while later, Mummymon said that the skeletal bot was "even stronger than the Megadeuce (Big-O)".

Also, listen to the music played when the evil monster / robot first appears. I first noticed this yesterday. The theme that's played is VERY SIMILAR to Godzilla's Japanese motif.

Tomorrow, World's Finest is airing from 5 to 6. This means no Big-O at 5:30. But, there will still be an episode at 12:30. This is when the Midnight Run starts to get ahead of the afternoon block.

Toonami's Big-O site is online.

And, according to Chiaki Konaka, scriptwriter of Big-O, there will be a second Big-O series that has yet to start production.

From DragonBallZ.com...

Dragon Ball was originally scheduled to hit Cartoon Network on May 7, but that date has been moved to June 4. We apologize for the delay, but you only have to wait a little bit longer. Dragon Ball will remain in its original time slot, 5:30pm Eastern Standard Time, immediately after Dragon Ball Z. These episodes are going to be a blast, be sure to tune in June 4.

Continue to watch for updates and chances to vote on perspective Dragon Ball voice actors here at www.dragonballz.com. Remember, if these episodes are successful CN will pick up more of them, so tell you friends to watch.

Also, FUNimation is only dubbing a small portion of the series. If the ratings are good, they will do the rest. And, the music's being kept original. Yeap, the original Japanese BGM is being used.

Continuing DBZ news, DragonBall Z has been in the Lycos Top 50 since its inception. The year 2001 has been especially good to DBZ, as it has spent about half of the year in the top spot. This week DBZ placed third, but first with the kiddies. Lycos put together its first top 50 list exclusively for kids 5-12. DragonBall Z snagged the top spot. Goku and Vegeta were the only anime characters to make the list at 44 and 49 respectively.

But, DBZ isn't the only anime in the Top 50. No. Let's see what else is there.

7) ĘDigimon
10) Gundam Wing
12) Sailor Moon
19) Outlaw Star
27) Transformers
30) Hello Kitty
32) Tenchi Muyo

The Top 50 can be found here.

Ever been to Daizenshuu EX? Well, the site's owner has posted this...

I appreciate any and all help you can give.

Recently, we've all found out about the problems at eFront. Today it was announced that as of April 5th at midnight PST, all sites hosted on eFront will be gone. At this point, my own site ("Daizenshuu EX") and other sites hosted by Anime Network ("Temple o' Trunks," included) are already gone from browsers (we are in the process of downloading as much as we can from our FTP before it's gone to back things up).

I want to stress that both "Daizenshuu EX" and "Temple o' Trunks" will return in full-force in the near future.

Right now, I'm keeping our main page up on my old AOL URL from "VegettoEX's Home Page" (http://members.aol.com/VegettoEX).

Despite the fact that our regular URL is gone forever, we're breaking the latest news concerning "DragonBall," and the fact that FUNimation Productions, Inc. will be using the original Japanese score in their English dub of the original "DragonBall" TV series, which will begin this June on Cartoon Network.

If you've never been, it's a great site with a lot of DBZ and GT mp3s and clips.

To MARC today. Why? Our moderator's car's muffle broke and she had to get it fixed. But, there are two new posters in the Art topic about upcoming events.


4.4.2001-
Electric City. I'll tell you what, the style that Big-O is drawn in doesn't do robots that well, but it does women quite well. The sleek and sharp style creates some very captivating female charas. Yeah, Angel really had to wear that skin-tight suit.

Also, have you been watching the 12:30 episodes? Is it just me, or are they the same ones done at 5:30?

The Kansas City Star and Seattle Times both have anime-related stories. The latter is about DBZ. I watched it today after not seeing it for a while, and I must say that DBZ is a good, solid animation. There's something basic about it. There's something so instinctual and archetypical.

Now, I reported on 4.2 about FUNimation stating that CN will be only airing 50 episodes of DBZ this year instead of finishing it off. Why? It's actually very simple. FUNimation has halted production of DragonBall Z, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Blue Gender to focus entirely on the production of the original DragonBall. So, because Toonami wanted the original series, FUNi doesn't have the resources to do both at once. And, to make sure the series is done right, they've dropped everything else.

Want more Vampire Hunter D news? The jury of the 19th Brussels International Festival of Fantasy, Thriller, and Science Fiction Film gave Vampire Hunter D "Special Mention of the Jury 2001 for Artistic Direction".

Plus, 1200 people from the US are being invited to a special preview event of the film being held in Japan and a special commemorative Vampire Hunter D cell exhibition is planned to occur at the Ikebukuro headquarters of Animate on April 14th. Apparently, I'm not important enough to be among them.

If you're in Japan, Animate has announced that the animation merchandise Akihabara shop in Tokyo will move from Showa Street to Chuou Street and expand their scale on April 25. This will place their new location much more closer to one of the retailer's major merchandising competitors - Gamers Akihabara branch.



4.3.2001-
Dorothy Dorothy. Big-O episode two premiered. I like it. I have to say that the animation does not lend itself to giant robots, but I like it. And, Roger is just so cool. You gotta love a guy whose house rule is that everybody's gotta wear black.

If you're wondering about the episode's title, "Dorothy Dorothy". It can be taken two ways. First, Roger screams "Dorothy! Dorothy!" when pulling the girl from the criminal mecha. Second, Dorothy is the SECOND Dorothy built. So, she is "Dorothy Dorothy" or "Dorothy Squared".

Now, I can confirm that yesterday's "Megadeuce" was not just a mispronunciation. Big-O was called it several times today. Apparently, "Megadeus" is too religious. And, the "Cast in the name of Good... Ye not guilty" really is bugging me.

One thing, Dorothy's full name is R. Dorothy Waynewright. The R is for "Robot". Today's episode saw Roger and Dorothy visit her father's grave. Because of the snow, all that was visible was "Wayne". Wayne. Get it? Get it?

Again, the cockpit design and manipulation controls are just so cool.

The bad guys seemed to bee a nod to Lupin the Third.

Today, we -- I -- watched the beginning of The Cockpit in Creative Writing. I must give a nod to Pause-sama for a capital job defending the animation. Leiji Matsumoto has a distinct style. And, it didn't go over well.

MARC began DBZ Movie 13, the best of the DBZ movies.

I'll have links to where you can buy the Big-O DVDs tomorrow.

The final Hunter X Hunter episode aired in Japan.

There's more on the Robotech front. Originally, ADV was going a bunch of small sets, then there was going to be a single large one, then back to the little ones. Now, it's been hinted at that the set coming out in June will be ALL of the Macross saga. But, this is only a rumor, and contradicted by a new press release...

ADV Films and Harmony Gold Announce DVD Release of Robotech The Macross Saga

HOUSTON - ADV Films is proud to announce the upcoming DVD release of Harmony Gold's Robotech The Macross Saga, the event of the millennium that millions of fans everywhere are waiting for!

This June, hold onto your seats as the premiere collections of the original Robotech series hit the shelves with a giant robotic force never seen in the DVD retail industry! With 6 exciting episodes on each DVD and a suggested retail price of only $14.98 each, Robotech The Macross Saga: First Contact and Robotech The Macross Saga: Transformation will literally fly off the shelves, and you do not want to miss out on that action!

Robotech The Macross Saga: First Contact When a mysterious battleship crashes onto Macross Island in the South Pacific, the future of mankind is changed forever. Realizing that there are hostile forces in the universe, the people of Earth race to rebuild the SDF-1 as their first line of defense against a possible alien attack. But even as they struggle to master the science of Robotechnology, the vengeful Zentraedi armada is approaching the Earth!

Robotech The Macross Saga: Transformation The danger continues to mount for the survivors of Macross City and the crew of the SDF 1 as the ship's arrival on Mars sets up a new turn of deadly events. Under constant attack by the giant Zentraedi, hounded at every turn and desperately short of resources, the humans wage a desperate battle for survival. But in the shadow of war, the power of love takes on an unexpected significance, for it is the strength of the human heart that may turn the tide of the battle!

Macross Saga 1: The Robotech Legacy will also be available, which will include not only the DVDs for Robotech The Macross Saga: First Contact and Robotech The Macross Saga: Transformation, but also a special edition Extras disc. This bonus disc will contain the English version of Codename: Robotech (75min.), an audio commentary track by Carl Macek (Story Editor for Robotech) and abundant production sketches. It will also include an international clip featuring French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese audio tracks, and this Macross Saga 1: The Robotech Legacy carried the extraordinary suggested retail price of only $44.98.

Strap into your Veritech and get ready for the ride of your life! Don't miss out on the phenomenon called ROBOTECH when this classic animated sci-fi series that's thrilled millions of viewers for over fifteen years finally arrives on DVD! To find out more about this anticipated release, check out the Official Robotech Website at .

About Harmony Gold: Formed in 1983, Harmony Gold is a leading production, acquisition and distributions company of quality international television programming, producing some of the most classic and history making programs in the industry. Harmony Gold is a division of The Harmony Gold Companies, whose interests range from Theatre Management, Real Estate and Finance to Television and Film Production.

About ADV Films: ADV Films, the premiere label of A.D.Vision, Inc. formed in 1992, is North America's #1 distributor of top-of-the-line Japanese animation ("anime"), with titles such as Sailor Moon, Samurai X and Neon Genesis Evangelion. ADV Films, along with distributing top-quality, computer-animated titles such as ReBoot¨ and Shadowraiders(tm), and science fiction hits like Farscape(tm), also produces American and Japanese live-action programming for theatrical and broadcast release. Check out ADV Films on the web at http://www.advfilms.com.

Pre-Book Date: 5/22/01 Street Date: 6/19/01

Robotech The Macross Saga: First Contact Running Time: 150 minutes; ALL AGES!!! CAT# DRT/001 SRP $14.98

Robotech The Macross Saga: Transformation Running Time: 150 minutes; ALL AGES!!! CAT# DRT/002 SRP $14.98

Macross Saga 1: The Robotech Legacy Running Time: 375 minutes; ALL AGES!!! CAT# DRT/BX1 SRP $44.98

We end with Vampire Hunter D. From Urban Vision's release...

At the Fanime Con panel, we announced our plans for releasing the new Vampire Hunter D movie this year! We are planning a theatrical run in September, shooting for a wider release than how anime has been shown so far, which has only been in art houses. We would like to hit the top 20 cities in the US (at the very least, the top 8) to begin with, and then judging from responses and requests, we would be glad to extend the release schedule. If all goes according to plan, we will follow up with a home video and DVD release around Christmas. We should be finalizing the schedule soon, and will let everyone know what develops! At the panel, we had voice actor information, storyboards and original press materials for viewing, such as the Korean and Japanese movie posters. On April 21, 2001, Vampire Hunter D will make its theatrical debut in both countries. For pictures, check out Fans View courtesy of Kevin Lillard. Not mentioned at the panel is the fact that there will be a whole lineup of Vampire Hunter D merchandise along with the movie! More details as that develops!

The Japanese website is up for Vampire Hunter D! While it is still under a bit of construction, feel free to check it out at http://www.hunterd.com - currently it's only in Japanese, but the English site is in development.

Look for information coming up in Newtype's April and May issues, Animage's April and May issues, [featuring an interview with the director Yoshiaki Kawajiri in the May Animage], AX May issue and more!

You can view a CM for the movie with Real Video and in Quicktime (160) and Quicktime (320). It's similar to Urban-Vision trailer only with actual chara dialog. Can you say "best animation ever"?

SUGOI!


4.2.2001-
Roger the Negotiator. Big O premiered today on Toonami. And, this is the second time I'm writing this update because my computer froze right when I was writing about the Yamato Valkyrie (see below).

The Big O. I have mixed feelings about this series. But, since it's only been one episode, it's too soon to tell. The first thing that one notices is the animation. Big O was animated by the same studio that did the latter Batman episodes. It shows. This stylized animation worked for Batman, but Big O tells a different story. Roger Smith looks cool and a lot like Bruce Wayne. Norman, his butler, is Alfred. Dorothy may just be the cutest android ever. She and Melfina will have to get into a fight to settle this one.

Of course, the actual Big O is a giant mecha. And, this is where the problems really start. The animation is very clean and very sharp and very stylized. Big O just doesn't look right. Now, by "look" I am not referring to the machine's aesthetic design. Rather, I'm speaking of the overall image and presence. I can't simply categorize it, but Big O just doesn't look right. It is the animation. It just doesn't work. Big O doesn't come off as a Wing Zero or Aestivalis does. The shading... The detail... Something is wrong.

Big O's cockpit, though, is quite ingeniously designed and may be the most realistic mecha cockpit I've ever seen. It takes a page from Escaflowne and Sakura Wars in making an almost arcane pilot house.

Now, it's time for the edits. I was surprised Roger sipping a beer in a bar was kept in, but this was made up for with two later changes. First, Big O is a "Megadeus" class mecha. The dub called it a "Megadeuce". This may have just been an honest mispronunciation, but the second BIG CHANGE would give evidence to the contrary. When Big O is activated, a line scrolls across its front monitor. In the dub, "Cast in the name of Good... Ye not guilty." In the original series, "Cast in the name of God... Ye not guilty."

So, it's the old "remove any religious undertones" game. Well, just you wait until Xenosaga, my friends!

As for the actual story, it is too soon to tell. I wasn't that impressed, but I've only seen the first episode. There are twelve more to go, and there is a lot of potential. So much can be explored. I so hope the "do robots have souls" storyline is brought up. Episode two premieres during tonight's Midnight Run at 12:30. That's just the timeslot it needs for me to fall in love.

Big O will be available on four DVDs this year through Bandai.

And, when all the Robotech box set mess has you ready to end it all with a cleverly aimed shot from your import Paildramon figure's spring-loaded cannon, you remember that Cowboy Bebop will be released in one set this fall with a disc of extras, limited figures, and a poster.

Since I want to talk about Nadesico and I can, rumors persist that CN is very interested in the series. The final episodes will be released on VHS this summer.

In Vampire Hunter D news, Urban Vision hopes to get the new Vampire Hunter D movie into wider release than Princess Mononoke aiming for at least the top eight markets, hopefully top 20. VHD 2000 premieres in Japan and Korea in April, in the US probably late summer (September was mentioned). English is the original language for this title. Japanese and Korea wide releases will actually be in English with Japanese/Korean subs. A DVD release is likely for Christmas with tons of extras since UV has been involved from the beginning with the production. It will have Japanese and English languages and most likely anamorphic.

Now, from DragonBallZ.com...

Q: Why does FUNimation censor Dragon Ball Z episodes?
A: There just would not be any Dragon Ball Z in North America without our censoring it because the Japanese company who owns it would never have allowed it into North America without having it broadcast on TV and broadcasters would never take it without censoring. In addition to our uncut versions, we produce a direct translation version on DVD with original music and voice and we subtitle it in English.

Q: When will Dragon Ball GT videos be available?
A: We plan to move forward with GT as soon as we are finished with DBZ. Therefore, the earliest videos would be available is 2003.

Q: What is FUNimation's plan for the remaining 10 DBZ movies that are unreleased?
A: Currently we have the rights to Movies 1 - 6, of which we have released 1-3. We are planning to release Movie 4 in the fall, and movies 5 and 6 should also be released within the next 12 months.

Q: How will the remaining episodes be released and when will the newest set of episodes broadcast?
A: Expect us to continue to release episodes on home video and DVD as fast as retailers will take them until we have completed the series. Cartoon Network plans to air approximately 50 episodes beginning this September and finish the remaining episodes starting in September 2002. Here is the home video release schedule for the next 3 months: March 20: Great Saiyaman - Declaration; Great Saiyaman - Gohan's Secret April 17: Perfect Cell - Temptation; Perfect Cell - Perfection; May 15: Great Saiyaman Crash Course; World Tournament - Junior Division. We provide both the uncut and edited versions. Be sure to look for these new splendorous videos at Musicland, Sam Goody's, SunCoast, Camelot, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Blockbuster, Coconuts, Saturday Matinee, Record Town, Strawberries, the DBZ Store online and many other retailers.

This is interesting and contradicts reports of CN getting all of DBZ done by the end of the year. And, if you're wondering about Chibi Goku's US voice...

The envelope please...and the winner is voice #1. Stephanie Nadolny, voice #1, will be the voice of Goku in Dragon Ball. FUNimation would like to thank everyone that participated in this, the first ever voice vote. We appreciate your help in making this an overwhelming success (Give yourselves a big pat on the back). We want you as fans to enjoy Dragon Ball and any show that FUNimation produces as much as possible.

Figures.com has information on Webdiver, the only new Transformer at the Tokyo Toy Show.

Also, eight inch Tidus and Yuna figures.

Going back to Robotech / Macross, the US licensing issue over Yamato's hyper-detailed, transformable Macross Plus Valkyrie series still lingers in limbo. In Japan, though, Yamato is finally getting to the mecha that Tatara-san so wants. On display at their Tokyo showroom was an exclusive look at their new prototype... The VF-1. Of course, no one wants to post images of the classic Valkyrie.

The company has wrapped up work on their Macross Plus series, which consists of the YF-21 Omega (released), YF-19 Alpha (released), and the VF-11 Thunderbolt (coming soon). All are comprised of diecast and plastic parts and can be transformed into three modes: Gerwalk, Flight, and Soldier.

We end today, with an important message to remember... MAY PRE HOUSE THE SEAMY SIDE VOLITATION!!!


4.1.2001-
Digimon Tamers premiered today in Japan.

There was an update yesterday. It was late because Angelfire's FTP is currently offline, but it went up. If you missed it, you may want to check the archives. There was a Nadesico review and Xenogears background that went up, too.

Gasaraki Vol. 4 will finally be out on 5.1.

Gunsmith Cats: Bulletproof is out now.

The first two Robotech DVDs are being delayed from 5.22 to 6.19. There's a twist. Originally, ADV was going to release a boxed set every two discs, but it was then decided to release on MASSIVE boxed set following the release of the entire series. Well, ADV's reversed their decision. ADV will be releasing the first Robotech: Macross Saga - Box Set on 6.19. The set will feature an audio commentary track by Carl Macek (Story Editor for Robotech), production sketches and an international clip featuring French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese audio tracks. Damn it! I wanted on RIDICULOUSLY-HUGE box set at the conclusion.

But, you also have to remember that the Japanese Macross series is also being released.

AnimEigo has posted images from Super Dimensional Fortress Macross. AnimEigo is restoring the series, too. So, their release is more than just a subtitle of Robotech. Personally, my money is invested in Macross rather than Robotech. Why? Tatara-san likes buying series in one big order. And, Macross will be done in a box set. Further, it's MACROSS. Robotech was the bastardized Americanization. Don't get me wrong, I love Robotech, but if you ask me what my favorite Robotech saga is, it's MACROSS.

Here's a little release from TRSI...

Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water is coming to DVD!

The World's Fair, Paris, 1889: a young inventor crosses paths with an enigmatic girl and her pet lion. Suddenly they find themselves pursued by a villainous trio intent upon stealing the magical Blue Water. Thus begins an epic adventure inspired by Jules Verne's masterpiece 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Join Nadia and Jean as they travel the high seas in search of Nadia's homeland and her past, their only clue the mysterious jewel Nadia wears.

Can they unravel the Secret of the Blue Water before it is too late? Discover Nadia, Secret of Blue Water, the animated series beloved by millions, and find out for yourself!

Contains episodes 1-4, in both English Dubbed and Japanese with English Subtitles formats. Here's your chance to own one of the best anime series of all time, in a format which will show the quality of the program!

This disc is scheduled to be released June 19.

Of course, if you have some serious money to throw around, you can't go wrong with these These Escaflowne and Hitomi statues.

And, G-SAVIOUR - Complete Version (BCBF-807) will be available on 5.25 in Japan for 6300 Yen ($51.42). The DVD will contain twenty minutes of never before seen footage.

And, I just purchased the ZOE OST, FFIX Piano Collection, and EVA: Birthday Of Rei Ayanami from CD Japan. I really want some Digimon CDs, too. I saved at least $25 by importing directly rather than getting the discs from a US shop. Of course, shipping really makes up for it. Sigh.

Hey, anyone know what "Idolo" means? Nevermind. Spanish for "idol". Check out my review of ZOE to understand. What the hell kind of ending is this?


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