ADV August 16 Releases
NEW GATCHAMAN LEADS OFF DVD TUESDAY FOR ADV AUGUST 16
HOUSTON, July 12, 2005 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce six exciting titles set to hit the streets on August 16: Gatchaman 3 & 4, the second Gatchaman Collection, Cromartie High School 4, Madlax 3, and Maburaho 3.
GATCHAMAN Volumes 3 & 4
Second Collection Contains Both Volumes Plus Extras Disk
ADV Films is proud to announce an August 16 release for the third and fourth volumes of Gatchaman as well as the second Gatchaman Collection, a box set containing both new volumes and a jam-packed with extras disk. Acclaimed comics illustrator Alex Ross provides the artwork for all eighteen volumes of the Gatchaman series, which is being released for the first time in North America in its entirety, uncut and unedited. ADV has recorded a brand new English dub and assembled loads of commentaries, documentary footage, archival material, and other extras for the classic series. This is the most deluxe anime event of the summer.
Gatchaman is the seminal 1970s anime series from Totsunoko Productions (Speed Racer, Robotech), which was recut for broadcast in the US as Battle of the Planets and later G-Force. In whatever form it appeared, Gatchaman introduced fans around the world to the wonders of Japanese animation. The cool character designs, over-the-top storylines, and complex team dynamic set Gatchaman apart from other shows – and set a standard that later programs emulated. It may well be the most influential anime series of all time. More information on the Gatchaman legacy can be found at ADV's official website here!
ADV's DVD series has proven to be a critical and commercial success. In awarding the first Gatchaman Collection a rare five-star rating, Anime Jump called it “truly top-notch – it's got good subtitles, a wonderfully accessible new dub, and a collector's package that even casual fans can afford and enjoy. This is one of the finest releases of the year, bar none.”
Series synopsis: In the 21st century, the evil organization Galactor has its sights set on global conquest. Their use of tyrannical terrorism and high-tech mayhem has the world in the clutches of fear! The only thing standing in the way of complete global dominance is the International Science Organization (ISO) and its chief scientist, Professor Kozaburou Nambu. Dr. Nambu's primary weapon in the fight for freedom is his top secret experiment: the five kids who make up the Science Ninja Team. Bird, Go!
Gatchaman 3: Icebergs & Africa (SRP $14.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 13-18 presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with voice actor Luci Christian (Jinpei) and “Gatchaman Karaoke,” plus clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Gatchaman 4: Speed Racers & Neon Giants (SRP $14.98 DVD) includes episodes 19-24, also presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with Victor Carsrud (Ryu) and “Gatchaman Karaoke,” plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Gatchaman Collection 2 (SRP $34.98 DVD) is a three-disk box set containing volumes three and four plus a disk full of extras. The Collection comes in a chipboard box with breathtaking art by Alex Ross, who provided an exclusive interview for the extras disk. Other goodies include an interview with Brian Jepson (Joe) and Joe the Condor audition footage, as well as a character profile and sketches of Joe. Other features include episode sketches, a Gatchaman Publishing Gallery, and a “What is Gatchaman?” feature. Rounding out this jam-packed extras disk is a video version of the Gatchaman manga, “The Freezing Iron Beast: Ice Creamer.”
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 & 4 of 18
Running Time: 150 minutes each
Age Rating: TV PG (V)
CAT: DGTM/003
DGTM/004
DGTM/BX2 (Collectors Box)
UPC: 702727116827
702727116926
702727134722 (Collectors Box)
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $14.98
$34.98 (Collectors Box)
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
CROMARTIE HIGH SCHOOL: MOUNT ROCKMORE!
The Fourth and Final DVD Collecting Japans #1 Comedy
ADV is proud to announce the release of Cromartie High School: Mount Rockmore!, the fourth and final DVD in the Cromartie High series, at anime outlets everywhere August 16.
Described as “hilarious” (Anime Insider), “a winner” (J! Entertainment), and “the sh*t” (Evan Dorkin, Dork), Cromartie High School is a smart, funny, slow-burn comedy that's totally absurd. It's also an early pick as “Best New Release of 2005” (Japan Hero.com).
Based on the award-winning manga series by Eiji Nonaka (published in the US by ADV Manga), Cromartie High School was produced by Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell) in partnership with TV Tokyo (Final Fantasy: Unlimited). The top rated comedy series inspired a merchandizing craze in Japan, and American anime fans have waited for years to jump on board the Cromartie bandwagon.
Cromartie High serves up plenty of slapstick moments with broad appeal. But Cromartie's core audience is made up of sophisticated fans, who can hang with the offbeat timing and self-referential riffs that turn a goofy laff-fest into a smart meta-comedy. For those in the know, this is the series to watch. “Believe us when we tell you that Cromartie High is one of the best things we've seen in a long time” (Otaku Booty).
Synopsis: Time for the graduate volume of Japan's—and now America's—#1 campus comedy—Cromartie High School! This time, your finals include: Biology—where the delinquents of CHS bring their own pets to school; Geography—get lost on the annual high school field trip; Economics—silent Freddie becomes head of a powerful corporation; Lunch—Gorilla serves up sushi; and everyone's favorite subject, Co-Ed—visit the girls' school of delinquents where the young ladies look strangely…familiar. And, frankly, very unattractive.
Cromartie High School: Mount Rockmore (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including 21 – 26, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include cultural notes & comments, special Cromartie video clips, and the original Japanese TV warning, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Available!
The Cromartie High School Collectors Edition is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first DVD of Cromartie High School, a copy of the first book from ADV Manga, plus a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire four volume series (SRP $44.98).
The Hit Anime Is Also A Best-Selling Manga Series!
ADV Manga publishes the ongoing Cromartie High School manga series for the North American market. The third volume is scheduled for release in August. The Cromartie High School manga not only inspired the hit anime but won the Kodansha Award for Best Manga in 2002. For more details, visit www.adv-manga.com.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 4 of 4
Running Time: 75 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (L)
CAT: DCHS/004
UPC: 702727109621
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
MADLAX: THE IN-BETWEEN
Third Volume in the Sexy Super-Assassin Series
ADV Films takes the “girls with guns” genre to new heights with the release of Madlax: The In-Between, which hits stores on August 16. This tour de force from the creators of Noir pairs an unassuming teen with the gun-for-hire Madlax in an action-packed mystery with more twists than a corkscrew.
“Madlax is a great looking series…with an emotionally resonant opening theme song, smooth animation, convincing explosions, and other technical touches that make it shine” (DVD Verdict).
Directed by Koichi Mashimo (Noir, .hack//sign, Sorcerer Hunters) and designed by the full Noir team of Satoshi Osawa, Minako Shiba, Satoko Miyachi and Kinji Teraoka, MADLAX was produced by animation powerhouses Bee Train (Noir, .hack//sign) and Victor Entertainment (Excel Saga, Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, RahXephon).
Madlax: The In-Between (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 9 – 12, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include “Conversations with SSS,” original Japanese TV spots, and design sketches, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Still Available!
The Madlax Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Madlax in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire seven volume series (SRP $39.98).
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 of 7
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
CAT: DMAD/003
UPC: 702727117824
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
MABURAHO: THE WITCHING HOUR
Hexed, Vexed and Oversexed - That Spells Trouble!
ADV Films conjures big up laughs on August 16, when the third volume in the sexy magical comedy series Maburaho, The Witching Hour, hits stores everywhere.
Maburaho is the magical comedy series directed by Shinichiro Kimura (Cosplay Complex, Burn Up! Excess). Kazuki ranks at the bottom of his class at wizard school. Worse, he can only use his magic eight times his entire life before turning to dust. But while Kazuki's magic may not be top notch, his future child is destined to be the greatest magician of all time, making him the target of three hotties determined to bear his child.
Synopsis: With only three magic spells remaining before he turns to dust, Kazuki Shikimori is waging a war against fate when he's tempted to use his powers. Vexing vixens Kuriko, Rin and Yuna each want Kazuki's superior DNA for themselves, so they'll try just about anything to save his assets including some pretty bizarre remedies – like a trip to a magical hot springs and some questionable concoctions. However, one of Yuna's attempts backfires in a rather dangerous way. And is Kazuki hearing things, or is that maple tree really talking to him? Will the girls be able to save Kazuki from himself, or will their efforts be nothing more than dust in the wind?
Maburaho: The Witching Hour (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 9 – 12, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a video segment “The Art of Maburaho and a commentary track with Tiffany Grant (Kuriko), plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Still Available!
The Maburaho Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Maburaho in a custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire series (SRP $39.98).
The Hit Anime Is Also A Best-Selling Manga Series!
ADV Manga publishes the ongoing Maburaho manga series for the North American market, the first volume of which was published in April. For more details, visit www.adv-manga.com.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 of 7
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (S, D)
CAT: DMB/003
UPC: 702727123627
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
About ADV Films:
In the 13 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. ADV Films' library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” by Anime Expo, North America's largest anime convention.
Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.
HOUSTON, July 12, 2005 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce six exciting titles set to hit the streets on August 16: Gatchaman 3 & 4, the second Gatchaman Collection, Cromartie High School 4, Madlax 3, and Maburaho 3.
GATCHAMAN Volumes 3 & 4
Second Collection Contains Both Volumes Plus Extras Disk
ADV Films is proud to announce an August 16 release for the third and fourth volumes of Gatchaman as well as the second Gatchaman Collection, a box set containing both new volumes and a jam-packed with extras disk. Acclaimed comics illustrator Alex Ross provides the artwork for all eighteen volumes of the Gatchaman series, which is being released for the first time in North America in its entirety, uncut and unedited. ADV has recorded a brand new English dub and assembled loads of commentaries, documentary footage, archival material, and other extras for the classic series. This is the most deluxe anime event of the summer.
Gatchaman is the seminal 1970s anime series from Totsunoko Productions (Speed Racer, Robotech), which was recut for broadcast in the US as Battle of the Planets and later G-Force. In whatever form it appeared, Gatchaman introduced fans around the world to the wonders of Japanese animation. The cool character designs, over-the-top storylines, and complex team dynamic set Gatchaman apart from other shows – and set a standard that later programs emulated. It may well be the most influential anime series of all time. More information on the Gatchaman legacy can be found at ADV's official website here!
ADV's DVD series has proven to be a critical and commercial success. In awarding the first Gatchaman Collection a rare five-star rating, Anime Jump called it “truly top-notch – it's got good subtitles, a wonderfully accessible new dub, and a collector's package that even casual fans can afford and enjoy. This is one of the finest releases of the year, bar none.”
Series synopsis: In the 21st century, the evil organization Galactor has its sights set on global conquest. Their use of tyrannical terrorism and high-tech mayhem has the world in the clutches of fear! The only thing standing in the way of complete global dominance is the International Science Organization (ISO) and its chief scientist, Professor Kozaburou Nambu. Dr. Nambu's primary weapon in the fight for freedom is his top secret experiment: the five kids who make up the Science Ninja Team. Bird, Go!
Gatchaman 3: Icebergs & Africa (SRP $14.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 13-18 presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with voice actor Luci Christian (Jinpei) and “Gatchaman Karaoke,” plus clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Gatchaman 4: Speed Racers & Neon Giants (SRP $14.98 DVD) includes episodes 19-24, also presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with Victor Carsrud (Ryu) and “Gatchaman Karaoke,” plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Gatchaman Collection 2 (SRP $34.98 DVD) is a three-disk box set containing volumes three and four plus a disk full of extras. The Collection comes in a chipboard box with breathtaking art by Alex Ross, who provided an exclusive interview for the extras disk. Other goodies include an interview with Brian Jepson (Joe) and Joe the Condor audition footage, as well as a character profile and sketches of Joe. Other features include episode sketches, a Gatchaman Publishing Gallery, and a “What is Gatchaman?” feature. Rounding out this jam-packed extras disk is a video version of the Gatchaman manga, “The Freezing Iron Beast: Ice Creamer.”
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 & 4 of 18
Running Time: 150 minutes each
Age Rating: TV PG (V)
CAT: DGTM/003
DGTM/004
DGTM/BX2 (Collectors Box)
UPC: 702727116827
702727116926
702727134722 (Collectors Box)
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $14.98
$34.98 (Collectors Box)
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
CROMARTIE HIGH SCHOOL: MOUNT ROCKMORE!
The Fourth and Final DVD Collecting Japans #1 Comedy
ADV is proud to announce the release of Cromartie High School: Mount Rockmore!, the fourth and final DVD in the Cromartie High series, at anime outlets everywhere August 16.
Described as “hilarious” (Anime Insider), “a winner” (J! Entertainment), and “the sh*t” (Evan Dorkin, Dork), Cromartie High School is a smart, funny, slow-burn comedy that's totally absurd. It's also an early pick as “Best New Release of 2005” (Japan Hero.com).
Based on the award-winning manga series by Eiji Nonaka (published in the US by ADV Manga), Cromartie High School was produced by Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell) in partnership with TV Tokyo (Final Fantasy: Unlimited). The top rated comedy series inspired a merchandizing craze in Japan, and American anime fans have waited for years to jump on board the Cromartie bandwagon.
Cromartie High serves up plenty of slapstick moments with broad appeal. But Cromartie's core audience is made up of sophisticated fans, who can hang with the offbeat timing and self-referential riffs that turn a goofy laff-fest into a smart meta-comedy. For those in the know, this is the series to watch. “Believe us when we tell you that Cromartie High is one of the best things we've seen in a long time” (Otaku Booty).
Synopsis: Time for the graduate volume of Japan's—and now America's—#1 campus comedy—Cromartie High School! This time, your finals include: Biology—where the delinquents of CHS bring their own pets to school; Geography—get lost on the annual high school field trip; Economics—silent Freddie becomes head of a powerful corporation; Lunch—Gorilla serves up sushi; and everyone's favorite subject, Co-Ed—visit the girls' school of delinquents where the young ladies look strangely…familiar. And, frankly, very unattractive.
Cromartie High School: Mount Rockmore (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including 21 – 26, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include cultural notes & comments, special Cromartie video clips, and the original Japanese TV warning, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Available!
The Cromartie High School Collectors Edition is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first DVD of Cromartie High School, a copy of the first book from ADV Manga, plus a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire four volume series (SRP $44.98).
The Hit Anime Is Also A Best-Selling Manga Series!
ADV Manga publishes the ongoing Cromartie High School manga series for the North American market. The third volume is scheduled for release in August. The Cromartie High School manga not only inspired the hit anime but won the Kodansha Award for Best Manga in 2002. For more details, visit www.adv-manga.com.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 4 of 4
Running Time: 75 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (L)
CAT: DCHS/004
UPC: 702727109621
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
MADLAX: THE IN-BETWEEN
Third Volume in the Sexy Super-Assassin Series
ADV Films takes the “girls with guns” genre to new heights with the release of Madlax: The In-Between, which hits stores on August 16. This tour de force from the creators of Noir pairs an unassuming teen with the gun-for-hire Madlax in an action-packed mystery with more twists than a corkscrew.
“Madlax is a great looking series…with an emotionally resonant opening theme song, smooth animation, convincing explosions, and other technical touches that make it shine” (DVD Verdict).
Directed by Koichi Mashimo (Noir, .hack//sign, Sorcerer Hunters) and designed by the full Noir team of Satoshi Osawa, Minako Shiba, Satoko Miyachi and Kinji Teraoka, MADLAX was produced by animation powerhouses Bee Train (Noir, .hack//sign) and Victor Entertainment (Excel Saga, Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, RahXephon).
Madlax: The In-Between (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 9 – 12, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include “Conversations with SSS,” original Japanese TV spots, and design sketches, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Still Available!
The Madlax Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Madlax in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire seven volume series (SRP $39.98).
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 of 7
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
CAT: DMAD/003
UPC: 702727117824
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
MABURAHO: THE WITCHING HOUR
Hexed, Vexed and Oversexed - That Spells Trouble!
ADV Films conjures big up laughs on August 16, when the third volume in the sexy magical comedy series Maburaho, The Witching Hour, hits stores everywhere.
Maburaho is the magical comedy series directed by Shinichiro Kimura (Cosplay Complex, Burn Up! Excess). Kazuki ranks at the bottom of his class at wizard school. Worse, he can only use his magic eight times his entire life before turning to dust. But while Kazuki's magic may not be top notch, his future child is destined to be the greatest magician of all time, making him the target of three hotties determined to bear his child.
Synopsis: With only three magic spells remaining before he turns to dust, Kazuki Shikimori is waging a war against fate when he's tempted to use his powers. Vexing vixens Kuriko, Rin and Yuna each want Kazuki's superior DNA for themselves, so they'll try just about anything to save his assets including some pretty bizarre remedies – like a trip to a magical hot springs and some questionable concoctions. However, one of Yuna's attempts backfires in a rather dangerous way. And is Kazuki hearing things, or is that maple tree really talking to him? Will the girls be able to save Kazuki from himself, or will their efforts be nothing more than dust in the wind?
Maburaho: The Witching Hour (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 9 – 12, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a video segment “The Art of Maburaho and a commentary track with Tiffany Grant (Kuriko), plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Collectors Edition Still Available!
The Maburaho Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Maburaho in a custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire series (SRP $39.98).
The Hit Anime Is Also A Best-Selling Manga Series!
ADV Manga publishes the ongoing Maburaho manga series for the North American market, the first volume of which was published in April. For more details, visit www.adv-manga.com.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 3 of 7
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (S, D)
CAT: DMB/003
UPC: 702727123627
Pre-Book Date: 7/19/2005
Street Date: 8/16/2005
Format: DVD
SRP: $29.98
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
About ADV Films:
In the 13 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. ADV Films' library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” by Anime Expo, North America's largest anime convention.
Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.