Wednesday, May 14, 2008

New Funimation License :: To confirm what everyone already figured out yesterday, Funimation revealed today that they have indeed licensed 'Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino'. Also revealed is that the 13 episode series will be released on one volume sometime in 2009.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

DVD Review :: Taking a bit of a late look at a series that I almost lost track of, Red Garden Vol. 4: Blood and Thorns from ADV.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Right Stuf ::

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

RUMOR: Geneon Trying to Return to US? ::

A report over on Giapet has stated that Geneon is in talks with a major US distributor to get some of its titles back into the US market. According to the original source, the newsletter for Robert's Corner Anime Shop (which was quoted on AnimeUKNews.net):

"Geneon has been in serious talks with a major US home entertainment distributor for about the past three months to get their titles back on the street. I know exactly who it is, how far along they are, and the details that are going to make or break the deal. The trouble is I can't make any of that info public without jeopardizing our relationship with the new company, but perhaps it's helpful to let you guys know that there is something serious in the works. Whether the deal is completed or not remains to be seen, and I would advise everyone to not get their hopes up, but I will tell you this:

• If we don't hear anything by mid-summer we probably won't hear anything.
• Even if a major deal is struck, it won't involve Geneon's entire catalog circa Sept 2007. The new company will cherry pick those releases like people at Ruby Tuesday pick over the salad bar.
• The 'major distributor' they are in talks with is NOT one of the existing US Anime studios."

Everyone reading this should be sure to remember that this is still in the rumor stage though but it certainly does add a bit of excitement to the upcoming summer months as we wait to see what happens (if anything).

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

New PreSales ::

A few new presales have been opened for fans:

7/8/08

Super Robot Wars: OG - Divine Wars Vol. 8

Bandai Visual USA

49.98

Right Stuf

7/1/08	Lucky Star Vol. 2	Kadokawa Pictures USA	29.99/49.99	Also w/ Limited Edition	Amazon Right Stuf
7/15/08	Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Complete Collection	Kadokawa Pictures USA	59.98		Amazon Right Stuf

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Funi Licenses KenIchi The Mightiest Disciple ::

Funimation has announced the license of another series in their countdown to ACEN. Today the license was revealed to be 'KenIchi The Mightiest Disciple', a series about a weak and bullied high school boy who is convinced by a girl to join her dojo. The 50 episode series originally aired in Japan from October 2006 to September 2007.

Funimation has only licensed the first season (26 episodes) so far. In their press release they mentioned that the series will be released in two sets starting in January 2009.

The full plot synopsis included with the press release reads: "Not every wimp gets a chance to change his fortunes. But Kenichi just might. The guy is a walking “kick me” sign. He’s weakest among the weak and the bullies stalking his school remind him every chance they get.

With nobody on his side and zero self-confidence, Kenichi looks destined to bounce from fist to fist until graduation. Until he meets her.

There’s something about Miu. She’s kind, she’s pretty… and she’s an incredible fighter who lives in a dojo with six powerful masters of the Martial Arts – a group of experts skilled in the ancient disciplines of hand to hand combat.

These elite warriors have dedicated their bodies and minds to the endless pursuit of perfect technique.

Now, Kenichi will be their student.

He will have to do more than just toughen up. Kenichi must become the mightiest disciple and learn to stand strong for the powerless… if the training of his six new masters doesn’t kill him first."

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Gunslinger Girl II Licensed? :: Also posted to Funimation's website this morning was a "hint" about tomorrow's license announcement. The hint was a mostly blacked out image of the character Triela from the series 'Gunslinger Girl - Il Teatrino', the sequel series to 'Gunslinger Girl' which was licensed and released by Funimation back in 2005. This is purely a rumor at this point but pretty much everyone figures that this is what will be revealed tomorrow.

Monday, May 12, 2008

'Speed Racer' Crashes :: The first early numbers are in for this past weekend's box office in take and 'Speed Racer' is being called the “first big flop of 2008.” The film pulled in only $20.2 million on its opening weekend (the film cost somewhere around $120M to make) in the US. Early numbers are also showing that the film is doing even worse in foreign markets around the world.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

500th Review! :: I didn't notice it at the time since I thought that I had one more to go but as it turns out, yesterday's review of Buso Reskin Box Set 1 was the 500th review to be posted to this website. Thanks to everyone who has continued to visit this site and keep it alive over the last couple of years. I'll have review 501 posted later today most likely. Here's to 500 more!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Ero Game Review :: Keeping the streak alive today with review #501. Today I'm taking a look at the newest release from G-Collections, Lightning Warrior Raidy.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

New Funi License ::

Active Anime has published a press release that Funimation sent out via UPS to announce that they have licensed the series 'Save Me! Lollipop (Momotte! Lollipop)' Here's the plot summary that was included with the mailer:  

"Nina was just another girl who dreamed of finding a prince to defend her honor and protect her from harm. Little did she know, two such boys would fall from the sky! Zero and Ichii are sorcerers from another world taking part in a test. The only way to pass the curious quiz? Find the coveted Crystal Pearl.

It's going to be tough - other examines seek the jewel as well, and some will stop at nothing to capture the prize. Oh, and Nina ate the Crystal Pearl after mistaking it for a piece of candy! Ichii and Zero vow to protect her until the coveted bauble can be reclaimed. Nina's fantasy of a devoted guardian has come to life... but with danger at every turn, there's a chance this dream come true might end up a nightmare!"

The press release mentions a late 2008 release for the 13 episode series but no specific dates.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Bleach Tickets Now On Sale :: Just a reminder that the tickets for Viz Media's special theater screening of 'Bleach: Memories of Nobody' have now gone on sale via Fathom Events. The special two night premiere will take place Wedesday June 11th and Thursday June 12th at 7:30pm and will contain exclusive interviews and behind the scenes footage. A full list of participting theaters can be found via the link.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Afro Samurai Blu ray Specs ::

Got an email from Funimation about the upcoming Afro Samurai on Blu ray release. No word yet on extras but I'll update when I have word on that.

Title: Afro Samurai -- Director's Cut on Blu-Ray

Friday, May 09, 2008

Film Review ::

Went to see the live action Speed Racer film that premiered this morning and have posted my review. Trust me, it's two hours of CGI so bright you risk epileptic shock.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Bandai Visual USA Reveals More Streaming Titles ::

Bandai Visual USA announced via their MySpace blog that they will be streaming Super Robot Wars: OG - Divine Wars Episode 1 and Galax Angel Rune Episode 1 in a few more weeks. That was about as specific as they got in the blost post.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Gozer Games Releasing Anime Board Game :: This amuses my inner geek. It's been reported that Gozer Games will be demoing a new anime board game this summer called 'Collateral Damage' which will feature characters from 'Project A-Ko' and 'Dominion Tank Police'.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Viz Media Teams with Hot Topic :: Viz Media has teamed up with Hot Topic to promote the upcoming screening of the live action Death Note. Fans can now get a free ticket to the May 20th screening of the film by visiting a participating Hot Topic store and purchasing a Death Note t shirt or Death Note DVD. The promotion appears to only be open to fans 17 or older though I have no idea how strictly that will be enforced around the country. As an additional bonus, participating Hot Topic stores will also offer a 10% discount on future Death Note merchandise purchases when you present your ticket stub.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Pre-Sale Updates ::

Right Stuf just put up a notice opening up pre-sales for the first volume of Gurren Lagann from Bandai including the special edition that has the extra audio CD and Shuffle Vol. 6 which includes the series art box. Gurren Lagann contains only the sub track and will street on 7/8/08. The special edition has an MSRP of 39.98. With Bandai including the audio CD as a buyer incentive for the sub only release, it does make me wonder what they are going to offer as bonuses when they release the dub version on DVD next year.

Shuffle Vol. 6 will street on 9/9/08 and also carries an MSRP of 39.98.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Funimation Confirms Afro Samurai ::

Just got word from Funimation regarding the notice that was sent to Canadian retailers about the impending release of Afro Samurai on Blu-ray. Funimation hs said that the date for the release is 8/26 and the Blu-ray release will hit store shelves in the US and Canada.

Still no word about the technical details but as soon as I get word from Funimation about it, I'll update here.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Bandai Reveals First Dates/Cities for Girl Who Leapt Through Time ::

Big news for those fans who have been waiting to hear the news about the theatrical screenings of Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Bandai has revealed the first cities and dates to be:

Los Angeles - ImagnAsian Center from June 13th - 19th. The film will be shown in it's subbed format.

New York City - ImaginAsian Theater from June 13th - 19th. The film will be shown in it's dubbed format.

Seattle - Landmark Varsity Theater from August 29th - September 4th. The film will be shown in it's subbed format.

This by no means a complete list as you'll remember at SakuraCon Bandai said they were aiming for 300 screens.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Afro Samurai on Blu-ray ::

TV Shows on DVD has reported that Funimation will be releasing Afro Samurai - Director's Cut on Blu-ray. The information comes from a mailer sent out to Canadian retailers who were told to watch for details of the upcoming release which will include price, extras and other information. The release date given to the Canadian retailers is 8/26/08 but as the original report points out, this might be entirely different in the US.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Aria Licensed :: The countdown is over and Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment have announced that they have licensed season 1 of the hit series Aria. The series was directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon) and originally began airing in Japan in 2005 with the third season completing earlier this year. The first season of 13 episodes will be released in a box set 9/30/08 with an MSRP of 49.99. Right Stuf has already begun taking pre-orders. No extras have been announced and it doesn't seem that an English dub track is planned. No word on the second or third season at this time yet either. Right Stuf has opened an official site for the series to post updates but so far the only things there is an image of one of the characters and a release date.

ETA: Right Stuf just emailed with confirmation that there is no dub track currently planned for the release. The email also stated "There’s more Aria on the way from Right Stuf and Nozomi."

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

When They Cry Higurashi Season 3 ::

Normally I keep my news coverage to region 1 but since I have a deep love for this series (people will attest to being subjected to it), I feel compelled to report on this...

Earlier this week it was announced that a sequel live action film was already in production before the first live action film is even released into Japanese theaters (May 10th) but today it was announced that a third season will be released in an OVA.

Anime News Network reported today that in the June issue of Megami magazine (released today) it was revealed that the third season of Higurashi no Naku Koroni has the tenative title 'Higurashi no Naku Koroni Rei'. No schedule for release was mentioned, just that they hope to have some footage to preview at some point this year.

And the anticipation begins.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Right Stuf on Twitter ::

Fans of Right Stuf can now keep up to date with the latest updates from the company (just in time for their new license announcement tomorrow afternoon) by signing up to receive updates on the website, Twitter. By signing up for the websites, fans can receive updates regarding the company via text message or IMs sent to their computer desktop.

Or you can just go to the Right Stuf website and add their RSS newsfeed to your ticker.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Viz ReDesigns Store :: Viz Media has redesigned their online store. To celebrate this, Viz is offering a special BLEACH or NARUTO Mystery Box, with any purchase over $25. Both series includes five different colorful 2½ inch collectable figures from the hit program, each offered separately and packaged in special mystery boxes. The store will be updated regularly with other new and exclusive items so be sure to check it out.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

DVD Review :: Tried to get this up a bit sooner but things happened to keep me from doing that. None the less, here are my thoughts on today's release of 'Champion Joe' (Ashita no Joe) from Tai Seng.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Preview of Victorian Romance Emma ::

Wow, this slow news day sure picked up all of a sudden...

Right Stuf has sent out a mailer announcing that the first episode of the upcoming period drama series 'Victorian Romance Emma' will be available for preview with the June issue of Otaku USA. Season 1 of the series will be released by Right Stuf on 6/24/08 with an MSRP of 49.99.

Monday, April 28, 2008

More Streaming Anime from Bandai Visual? ::

A very cryptic comment was placed on the dot-anime.us Store Manager blog tonight with the subject: "New Streaming Anime Being Planned"

"Of course I don't want to give too much away but I wonder what would happen if while I was participating in a surfing tournament in Malibu and then suddenly every one was being attacked by strange shaped robots. Would me and my fellow surfers surrender or fight to save our lives and, dude, Malibu too???

Well, I guess you'll have to wait just a few more weeks to see!"

Let the speculation begin!

Monday, April 28, 2008

New Interview ::

I've published a new interview onto the site with Voice Actor/ADR Director Brina Palencia from Funimation. In the interview she talks about Hell Girl, School Rumble, Illumitoon, her music and more. I apologize for the larger than usual font size in the article. I will fix it asap.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Bandai Visual USA Confirmed Worldwide Blu ray ::

Anime News Network reported that Bandai Visual USA announced that they will be releasing a number of series simultaneously around the world this fall on Blu-ray format. The only title mentioned to be part of the intital release schedule was the sci-fi series 'Freedom'. Discs will be released with Japanese, English and other language subtitles. The move is aimed to eliminate the regional differences in release date and price in an effort to combat unauthorized distribution online.

Anyone else ever notice how clinical it sounds when you refer to it like that?

Monday, April 28, 2008

Anime Club Leaders :: If you run an anime club and are interested in promoting your club and be a guest contributor to this website at the same time, I'd like to hear from you.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Staff Openings ::

After thnking about this for quite a long time, I've finally decided that it's the right time to open the doors to guest writers on this website and bring on new staff members. This site has been open for almost three years and in all that time I've always done everything on this website by myself with the exception of lots of the technical items which can be credited to my site host (who by the way rocks, hi Alan).

All of the reviewing on this website will continue to be done by me but I am opening the door to writers and aspiring writers to start sending me your writing samples. I'm accepting ideas and suggestons for different article writers and the best ideas will be given a trial run on the website with the readers eventually deciding who gets picked to stay on as regular staff. I'm looking for people who are interested in contributing weeky to the website so please be prepared to submit regular updates.

So if you want to write for this website, send me your ideas and a sample article/submission. All submissions should be 800-1200 words and preferably previously unpublished. Spelling and grammar counts! All positions are non paying at the moment with some form of compensation to be decided upon later. If you're an aspiring witer, this is a great chance to get some exposure.

Send all submissions to otakureview@gmail.com

Friday, April 25, 2008

Vexille Screening in Washington DC ::

A screening of the upcoming release from Funimation, 'Vexille' will be taking place Thursday, May 29th at 6:30pm in Washington D.C. The screening is being held jointly by the DC Anime Club and the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan. It takes place at Japan Information and Culture Center Embassy of Japan. More information about the event can be found at the official DC Anime Club website or the Japan Information and Cutlure Center Website.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Right Stuf Counting Down to New License :: Right Stuf is counting down to yet another new license annoucement this year at their 'Coming Soon' site. The countdown will last until May 1st, 3pm EDT/ 12pm PDT at which point the new license will be revealed. You may remember Right Stuf revealing their license of 'Maria Watches Over Us' in March via this method.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Code Geass Clips ::

IGN has posted two exclusive clips from the upcoming series 'Code Geass'. The series follows a young rebel named Lelouch living in a world where Japan has been conquered by The Holy Empire of Britiannia. It will premiere on Adult Swim, Saturday April 26th at 1:30am.

At Sakura-Con it was announced that a streaming version would be available on Adultswim.com the Friday before the Saturday airing.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bleach: Memories of Nobody Theater Page Opens ::

Fathom Events has opened the official event page for the upcoming nationwide screening of 'Bleach: Memories of Nobody' presented by Viz Media. The event takes place on June 11th and 12th at theaters across the country with tickets going on sale to the general public on May 9th.

Also a reminder that tickets for the nationwide live action Death Note screening went on sale yesterday.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Shuffle! Gets Ender Box :: Funimation announced today via Anime on DVD that they will releasing a collector's art box along with the release of Shuffle! Vol. 7.

Monday, April 21, 2008

DVD Review :: I was actually really shocked with how much I liked this one but you can judge for yourself. I've posted my thoughts on last month's highly anticipated release of Appleseed Ex Machina.

Monday, April 21, 2008

NYCC Tops 60K! :: Just a quick note this morning with ICv2 reporting that New York Comic Con reached 64,000 attendees over the weekend!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Ironic Progress Made on Piracy ::

I file this story under ironic and feel justified in doing so. Anime on DVD posted a press release today from the Animation Co-Op Defense League (ACDL), a consortium of Adult Animation Distributors & Studio’s. In the press release, the ACDL says that they have already taken major strides in combating anime piracy online taking down "10,738 infringers, including: 5006 Movie file-sharing links, 2123 Picture file-sharing links and 3609 Blog posts."

“Last year we collectively decided to group our resources; to band together and take the offensive against anyone and everyone throughout the world stealing our content”, said ACDL Director and Adult Source Media President, Wendy Crawford.

Now if only the mainstream anime market could get together for something like this.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

New Interview & Album Review :: Before SakuraCon, I had the chance to conduct an interview with the bassist of the Portland, Oregon based Asian synth pop band The Slants, Simon Young. The interview was meant to be posted to another outlet but due to issues never was. So I'm posting it here for readers to enjoy as well as a review of their album, 'Slanted Eyes, Slanted Hearts'.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Bandai Gets GitS2 :: Anime on DVD is reporting that Bandai has acquired the distribution rights to 'Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence'. Bandai has revealed that the release is not only going to get a new dub track which will match the previous features and TV series but it will also be seeing a blu ray release to go along with the DVD release. No release date has been revealed though they hinted at sometime in 2008.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Funimation Blu-ray :: Funimation has sent out a mailer revealing that in September they will be releasing 'Robotech: Shadow Chronicles' on Blu-ray with 20 minutes of extra footage that wasn't shown on the original DVD release. Also listed as extras are: ' “Birth of a Sequel: The Making of The Shadow Chronicles.”, never-before-seen deleted scenes with directors commentary, outtakes, animatics and more.' The new special edition release will street on 9/2/08 with an MSRP of 39.98.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Anime Expo Hosts World Premiere ::

Anime News Network is reporting that Anime Expo will be hosting the world premiere of the new mech series 'Linebarrels of Iron' (Japanese title: Kurogne no Linebarrels) based on the manga by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi. The anime's director Masamitsu Hidaka will be a special guest at Anime Expo and present the series to fans there for the first time in the world.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Viz Media @ NYCC :: Anime on DVD reported on Viz Media @ NYCC earlier: Not much was revealed at the panel besides Hunter x Hunter getting a box set release similar to Buso Reskin. Also asked at the panel was the status of Mar, Prince of Tennis and Hikaru no Go which were said to just be "on a break."

Friday, April 18, 2008

Funimation @ NYCC ::

Giapet has some notes up regarding the Funimation panel at NYCC today. The panel didn't reveal anything new but it is being reported that the reason why One Piece isn't airing on Cartoon Network at the moment is due to issues between the network and Toei but has nothing to do with Funimation. They do hope it gets back on the air soon (naturally).

Still no word on any of the Geneon titles but apparently the reason why it's taking so long to get anything licensed is due to intense fighting for licenses.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Bandai @ NYCC ::

Here are the updates from Bandai at New York Comic Con today via Anime on DVD:

~ Code Geass will be released in two box sets. The first season will released as a part one box set with nine episodes on two DVDs. It will have a limited edition release (74.99 MSRP) as well as a standard release (39.99). The limited edition release will contain the first manga volume, original C soundtrack and the Sound Episode CD.

The release for season one part two will have episodes 10 through 17 on two DVDs, the set will also contain episode II CD and Geass manga. A third set will be released containing episodes 18 through 25 on two DVDs and contain the Original Soundtrack II, Sound Episode III and Geass manga.

~ Bandai also announced the licenses of: Gundam 00 and Gurren Laagan

~ Bandai plans to rush to get the entire series out in subbed only format during July, August and September. A re-release will occur in the first quarter of 2009 that will contain a dub track.

~ Ghost Slayers Ayashi Vol. 1 will retail at 64.98 with a street date of 9/2/08. The First volume will contain the first two episodes on two DVDs and includes a limited edition box with 16 page guidebook with manga. A bundle release will retail at 39.98 and single volume release at 24.98.

Updated: Giapet has noted that the release will first be available at Anime Expo before it's official release in late July.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Bleach Movie Screenings ::

Fathom Events and Viz Media are teaming up once again to air a new movie in theaters across the country. It has been announced that on June 11th and 12th at 7:30pm there wil be screenings around the country of 'Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody'. Like the 'Death Note' premiere in May, 'Bleachthe Movie' will also be shown with exclusive footage which will take fans into the character creation process along with an interview with the director.

Tickets go on sale to subscribers of the Shonen Jump newsletter May 2nd - 8th with sales opening to the general public on May 9th. A full theater list has not been published yet but one would imagine that it's going to be similar to the theater list for the Death Notes movies which screen in late May around the country.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Funimation on YouTube; Sale Annoucement :: Funimation sent out a mailer today announcing their own channel on YouTube. The mailer mentions that fans will be able to see the latest trailers, interviews and other exclusives. Also announced in the mailer is a new sale with box sets being marked down 25%.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Vexille Premiere in Boston :: Funimation has posted details regarding the premiere of the upcoming release, Vexille, at the Independent Film Festival of Boston. The OVA will air twice at the festival on Friday April 25th at 11:00 PM and again Monday April 28th 9:30 AM. The screenings will take place at Somerville Theater located in Somerville. To purchase tickets, visit the IFF Boston homepage.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

DVD Review ::

New review today is of the March release of Tweeny Witches Vol. 1: Arusu in Wonderland from Media Blasters.