Did you see mention of Gundam movies being available on 5/11 according to a DVD site in the Netherlands or on the Pioneer Entertainment site? This is actually a typo that got past people. It's not happening. I've confirmed this both with the folks over at Pioneer and at Anime Village. The Gundam title is not the potential announcement at Otakon either.

Animeigo has updated their numbers across the board today. For You're Under Arrest TV, we're at 1011 people in for it. Compared to the LD and VHS numbers... folks, you make me proud! I'm glad to see that this series is close to not only getting off the ground, but there may be a slim possibility of a DVD only release. Unlikely, but you never really know. The Urusei Yatsura numbers have been updated as well, with both TV series sets now over 800, bringing the price for each "complete" box set to 235$. Please note that they also make it official, they'll be charging via chunks of 5. So if you want TV 1-10, you'll get the first 5 and be billed for it, and when the next 5 are done (a bit further down the road) you'll get billed for that half then. Right now, that means the first 5 discs will cost 117$ plus shipping if you sign up for that first full block. Per disc cost is now 23.40$. The more people who sign on, the cheaper they get! Looks like they'll be getting credit card/payment and shipping information from people in July.

Ok folks. It's been September since I took a vacation, so now I'm taking another. Don't burn down the place without me. There is a possibility I may get an update done over the weekend, but it really depends on how things go. For those not in the know, I'm heading down to Otakon on Friday for my first anime convention experience along with my wife. We'll be hitting as many panels as possible and trying to get the dirt from every rep we can. I'm hoping to meet lots of people there from the site here, so don't hesitate to say "hi!" while I'm there. And if anyone wants to group up at some of the panels, I'm all for it!

About 2 million DVD standalone players have been sold since the formats inception. Now, the big boys in both hardware and software are looking to double it in the next 5 months. Can they do it? Based on the sales of both hardware and software during the last holiday season, combined with the large growing number of DVD-ROM owners (can you say "college kids" in September?) and the hardware shortage that occurred, it's certainly very possible. Check out this link at DVD Review for more information on some of the plans.

Be sure to read down there further as well, as authoring systems continue to get cheaper and cheaper. If anyone at Pioneer wants to donate an authoring system, I wouldn't mind cranking out some stuff for you! ;)

I'm getting some conflicting information in regards to the Fushigi box sets that are in planning from Pioneer. Once we have something firm, you can be sure I'll post about it, but as mentioned when that was posted, Diamond Comics isn't always the most reliable place.

Interested in the upcoming El Hazard: The Alternative World TV series from Pioneer? How about the El Hazard OVA series that's now in planning that will compile all the OVA's similar to the Tenchi Ultimate Edition? If so, and you haven't seen much or any El Hazard before, you'll definitely find this primer by Sean Connolly very useful!

Jean-Pierre Arevalo has sent in this great review of the region 2 release, Juubei-chan - Lovely Gantai no Himitsu Vol. 1. Why not check out Bandai Visuals latest release? We just may see it here in the U.S. someday.

NEWS: 06/28/99

Thanks to Dragon Knight for posting this informative link on the forum. This comes directly from the Viz DVD page:

For those who may not be aware, Winter 1999 extends through roughly March 2000.

Tomorrow, I'll have up the primer for El-Hazard written by the author of the Tenchi primer, Sean Connolly!

NEWS: 06/27/99

After a couple months of slumber, the Anime on DVD Resource Newsletter has returned, and with a new writer. Check out the latest volume, compiled and written by Roman Martel.

Yes, it's very much in the early stages, but it will be continually built upon. The first title has been placed in The Essential Anime Collection.

For those interested, Anime Village has a new contest going on through the end of this week, since it's timed to coincide with Otakon. What Gundam titles will they announce they're working on next? Send in your guesses and you could win some cool Gundam shows.

Be sure to check out the news from the 25th which was updated on the 26th with title by title information. I'm still trying to get things sorted out on some of the oddball issues, like Nazca having their second discs announced in Previews, while the first has been announced nowhere else by Previews as well.

Forum regular and Tenchi Primer author Kintaro Oe has sent in a few reviews today. Check out his thoughts on our fourth alternate angle review for Tenchi Muyo: Ultimate Edition as well as Tenchi In Tokyo Vol. 1, Tenchi in Tokyo Vol. 2 and finally, Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer.

NEWS: 06/25/99

From the September Previews, there looks to be a lot of titles coming out that month. Dangit, clashing with my Dreamcast purchases! Anyway, we should see El-Hazard, The Alternative World Volume 2: Bugrom, Battle Athletes Victory Volume 6: Willpower, Black Jack, Dragonball Z Volume 10: Rebirth, Dragonball Z Volume 11: Namek, Dragonball Z Volume 12: Betrayal, Dragonball Z Volume 13: Zarbon!, Fushigi Yugi/Mysterious Play DVD Boxed Sets, Macross Plus DVDs, Nazca Volume 2: Allies, Pokemon Volume 8: Primeape Problems, Pokemon Volume 9: Fashion Victims, Pokemon Volume 10: Fighting Tournament, Sonic the Hedgehog Movie, Tenchi in Tokyo Volume 6: A New Challenge, Trigun Volume 1 & The Wings OF Honneamise.

Please bear in mind that Previews does get some weird listing information, such as having 4 DBZ/Pokemon discs in the same month, some are for the previous month.

The Fushigi information seems to indicate that all 26 episodes will be out. Here's what it says:

Essentially, if you weren't floored by Pioneer's aggressive schedule before, you should be now.

Animeigo's "current semi-official" plan for Urusei Yatsura does seem to be the 5 discs for 125$ a pop. Fence sitters, get your keisters over there. Every additional order helps bring the price down for everyone!

As said up above, I'll be back over the weekend to flesh out more things. I just got in two region 2 discs, Macross: Do You Remember Love and Seikei no Moynso, so I've got some fun ahead of me for the evening!

NEWS: 06/24/99

First things first, my review for Tenchi in Tokyo Vol. #4: A New Enemy is now up.

Is there a change brewing with the Urusei Yatsura TV DVD release? Information on the Animeigo DVD mailing list seems to point towards chunks of 5 discs at a whack, which brings the initial price down to 120$ for a set. I'm hoping for something of a more official notice regarding it, but from production reports this seems more than likely. Head over to Animeigo to sign up if you haven't yet!

And in the Pioneer rumor bin, we're hearing that they've licensed Trigun (likely to be a summer announcement). I'd definitely expect to see a DVD release if Pioneer has it. Trigun fans, share your knowledge in the forum!

While picking up a few import items over at TOKYOPOP, I noticed that they're going to be doing more domestic related items. One thing in particular caught my eye (and my stopped my heart a bit) is the Mixx DVD section which is currently empty. Uhhh...

NEWS: 06/23/99

All right folks, the 20 Questions with Manga Entertainment is all set and up for you to read. Giant Robo fans? Get your best happy face out....

I was also going to get a Tenchi in Tokyo #4 review up tonight, but after getting the Q&A all set, I figured people would forgive me. Look for that tomorrow!

NEWS: 06/22/99

Jeff Kleist sent in this alternate angle review for Barefoot Gen! Be sure to give it a read!

Animenation has listed the second Overfiend movie, Legend of the Demon Womb, with a DVD street date of 09/21/1999.

NEWS: 06/21/99

You know, with release news like this, it's no wonder that I hardly beat up the folks over at Pioneer that much. Giving us some great new releases, Pioneer has scheduled Serial Experiments Lain Vol. 2 - Knights on DVD on 08/24/199, day and date with the VHS release. In addition to that, Tenchi Forever, the 3rd (and final?) movie will be available on 08/31/1999, again, day and date with the VHS release. As long time readers will know, I firmly believe day and date releases are crucial for establishing this format. Releases that come out months later relegate DVD to a second class format, which those who've bought know it's not. With polling statistics showing that at least 60% of DVD owners swear off VHS completely, and another 30% that buy perhaps one or two tapes, companies are losing money. While it may not seem like a lot at the moment, DVD consumption is growing, and with an estimated 4 million players to be sold to retailers come Christmas time, the anime fans base is growing. Kudos to Pioneer for giving us the goods!

Please note above, just below the banner, there is a poll to gauge opinion on the clear keepcases from CPM. Be sure to voice you opinion, and if you have more to say, send them an email!

NEWS: 06/20/99

Two new reviews up for you here this afternoon (yes, we're updating throughout the day today!). Check out my review of Serial Experiments Lain: LPR-309 Promotional DVD and Bubblegum Crisis #3 International Edition OVA.

T-shirt update: Due to several behind the scenes issues, there is still no progress on this front. I am currently waiting for the art to be sent to the silkscreeners so they can get in touch with me and I can take over everything from there. At this point, it is highly-unlikely that the shirts will be ready for Otakon. I apologize greatly for this.

Contest ideas: I've got some things I can put up for contests, but I need ideas for them! And nothing too easy either. I can't be giving away a Tenchi Muyo Ultimate Edition with easy trivia questions! Send in your ideas!

It took a little extra time, but my review for Wrath of the Ninja: The Yotoden Movie is now online for your reading pleasure.

Could it be the return of the newsletter in a few weeks? After realizing that I really don't have the time to get it done each month, it now has a new writer, and the first edition should be a recap of the missed months in addition to all the ongoing news this month. If you haven't subscribed, look for the return of the icon to do so at the bottom of this page in the near future.

Gary Neuwirth has let me know that he now has images up for Barefoot Gen and Legend of Lemnear. Keep up the great work!

NEWS: 06/19/99

Under the category of "Just my luck", the day after I order the region 2 version of El-Hazard, Asuma posts on the forum asking for fan input on one of the next big Pioneer box sets for 1999, and yup, it's El-Hazard. Preliminary information is that it will contain both OVA series on it. What else will it have? You can influence it here!

Andy Richards has sent in an excellent review of the Sony S-300 for our hardware review section. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on this area so far!

NEWS: 06/18/99

Animenation had this interesting tidbit on the 3rd Tenchi movie due out later this summer:

Is this the end of Tenchi?! Japan has announced that this 35mm full length movie will probably be the last production involving Tenchi Muyo! Tenchi fans everywhere will appreciate the production quality and beautiful animation of this farewell feature. In the story, Tenchi storms off into the hills after a fight, but doesn't return. After searching for some time, Ayeka and Ryoko finally discover Tenchi seduced by a mysterious woman!

They do mention that the movie will be in 5.1 in both Japanese and English, so it should look good and sound good, so we'll have to see how it fares with audiences here.

Jon Van Dalen has sent in a new hardware review for everyone. Check out his report on the Toshiba SD-2109 model. Anyone else interested in doing some hardware reviews? Help out your fellow anime fan?

Renaud Dayen has sent in another review for our French reading membership. Check out this alternate angle review of Ninja Scroll.

NEWS: 06/17/99

Roger over at the new DiVerse DVD let me know that their review search engine site is now up. It's nice to see so many anime reviews there... I sometimes forget how many I've done. Check 'em out!

Roman Martel sends in his alternate angle version review for A Wind Named Amnesia today. How does he feel about this serious movie? You'll only find out if you read it!

The folks over at Animania Entertainment let me know that they got in their copies of Tenchi in Tokyo #4, so that's definitely streeting next week.

Continuing in our multi-lingual reviews, Renaud Dayen has provided a review of Ghost in the Shell for our French speaking readership. Reaction was positive to his first review, Dominion, so I'm pleased to have another on to add.

NEWS: 06/16/99

First up, thanks to the fifty or so people who sent me the news and urls to various articles stating what we knew quite some time ago: Divx is dead. Personally, though I rarely discussed it here on the site, I felt that the simple lack of mention about it indicated enough that this was an anti-Divx set. It's a great day indeed!

I've gotten a follow-up from CPM on a couple of things. First, The Urotsukidoji movie will definitely contain both language tracks but no subtitles. Er, I mean, no dubtitles. Sub fans can continue to be on the lookout for the Perfect Collection to follow at some point.

Midnight Panther, while not scheduled, is highly likely if not definite for a release. Good news there! And my suggestion for putting a box out with the first Lodoss TV DVD is apparently something that will definitely be looked at as the time gets closer.

I also put in an inquiry as to whether we'll see any of their new Asia Pulp Cinema line out anytime. With it being a new line, there are no DVD plans right away, but apparently the best-sellers from those are likely to get the DVD treatment sometime next year. Another positive note from CPM!

I also got in my copy of Wrath of the Ninja this afternoon. Color me surprised when I found out that they used a clear keepcase! I'm still ambivalent, but I'm starting to like it some...

And in case you missed it, Monkey Magic is the first DVD title from Bandai/Anime Village. Does anyone else hear their credibility going even further down the drain? With the fact, and I mean fact that most of us knew about this two months ago since it was set up for retailers to order, how could they possibly consider it a real announcement? And that's not even going into the other fact that they're announcing it the day AFTER it actually came out? I'm sorry, but with the series of blunders and near blunders that keep coming out, I just have to wonder what the heck is going on there...

NEWS: 06/15/99

Well, there's word in the Anime Village forum section under VO News to keep alert for their release schedule through September 2000 for known titles (though formats, etc are not known), and a hint that their first DVD will be listed as well. Here's what was said exactly:

A new release schedule through September 2000 (!) will be posted sometime tomorrow.

Bandai Entertainment's first DVD title, as well as offerings from Pioneer and Viz will also be listed.

This list is based on titles we are allowed to announce as of June 1999. We can neither confirm nor deny the availability or format of other titles, or their existence, due to restrictions.

More special announcements will be made later this week regarding other issues in the Village Weekly.

I got in the latest solicitation pack from Central Park Media today. The formal announcement for Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend Movie is included with a release date of 08/17/1999. While containing two language tracks, there is no English subtitle track, as this movie was never subtitled to begin with. See the FAQ for more information. Of interesting note, with this title being the first official release under the Anime 18 banner directly from CPM, they're encoding the disc with the parental lock feature being used. The disc is encoded as NC-17. What does this mean for you? If you haven't set up your parental lock, it'll play fine. If you have set it up, you'll have to key in whatever your code is when you play it. Kudos for CPM for taking the responsible step here.

Also found within the solicitation material was the box art and layouts for the Record of Lodoss War TV series. I have to say, it's just gorgeous looking packaging. I've sent in my hopes that they'll release them individually and put a box with the first one so we can "build" our own box sets, similar to how it's done in Japan. Also of note is the solicitation for Midnight Panther, which was reviewed here in region 2 form earlier this year. In both cases, I urge you to contact CPM and let them know your strong desire for these releases on DVD!

Just to confound me, Tom Smith over at the Anime New Release Clearing House passes along that Serial Experiments Lain Vol. #1 is moved to 07/13/1999. Silly me for trusting the solicitation sheet. The El-Hazard TV series now has a firm date of 08/10 for the first volume. Keen!

NEWS: 06/14/99

Just a bit of the old behind the scenes bits today, but for those release-date hungry people, here's a "fricken bone" for you... Serial Experiments Lain Vol. #2 is due on 08/17, Vol. #3 is due on 10/12 and the final volume, #4 is due on 11/23. How sweet it is! I've posted a brief review of the first episode on the forum from the VHS screener I was sent. Overall word? Positive!

NEWS: 06/13/99

Two new reviews for everyone today, though most likely towards a narrow number of readers: Dragonball Z TV Volume 4: Pendulum Room and Dragonball Z TV Volume 5: Doom.

For the surprising number of people who emailed regarding the Hyper Police box set from Sazuma, it seems that there box sets were inputted at the wrong price (most were listed at 167). They've now been adjusted, and Hyper Police is at its new level, which translates to about 350$ US. Still a good deal considering how much is on it, but too rich for my blood.

Steve Brandon, whose written some great in-depth Tenchi in Tokyo reviews, has sent in his in-depth review of the Tenchi Muyo Ultimate Edition. Be sure to give it a read!

I've added the Hardware Review section to the main review page so that they'll be more easily found. I'm also looking for more freeform reviews of various players, especially DVD-ROM drives. With all the discussion on what players are good, lets get some good in-depth reviews! Send 'em in!

Continuing in our slight reorg, you'll note that the email tag on the sidebar is now actually a link to a contact list. Hopefully this will help in the long run.

Providing the alternate angle before my own review, Chris Stefanowitz sent in this piece on the Wrath of the Ninja: The Yotoden Movie DVD today.

I know I still have mine to do, but here's Roman Martels review of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

NEWS: 06/12/99

First up, thanks to everyone who sent me info on the Pioneer angle icon thingymabob. I haven't had a chance to test it yet (100 emails today!), but I will soon.

Right Stuf now lists the X movie from Manga as due on 9/28/1999. You know, I almost wish Vegas took bets on release dates...

Roman Martel has sent in an alternate angle review of the 2nd Night Warriors disc, Omega today. Check it out!

Please note that I'm revamping the FAQ. Check it out and send in your suggestions. Forum members? What questions are you "tired" of seeing? Send 'em in!

Added to the links page today was Jack Chu's great looking site, Anime Next. Fans of cat girls in anime will be happy. Speaking of which, I've run into something curious for your region 2 folk to ponder and pontificate about. I noticed in the 6/11 Tokyo Pop update that the Hyper Police DVD Box Set is now available (655 minutes on 5 discs) for 350$ US. After seeing that, I went to see what Sazuma Trading out of Austria had it listed for, just for comparison. It lists there for 167 DM, which when put through the converter, comes out to 101$ US. Take off the 20% EU tax, and it came down to 83$ US. Needless to say, I had to put in an order to see what comes of it...

Looks like M2K is up to something... check out this press release from them: M-2K Launches Affiliate Label Program with Thrilling Anime, Revolutionary DVD-Multiplay Game. I'll see what I can wrangle out of them come next week.

Small changes in the forum today. I've removed the Essential Anime Collection topic. I've gotten a lot of great feedback in it, but I'm getting the feeling I'm going to be better off "just doing it myself". I've added in a Who, how and with what? topic for people to share how they're converting people to DVD. Share your stories and tricks that will help others!

Major thanks for Greg Hurst who has sent in the image mapping information I needed for the title graphic up above. Honest, I was going to learn it someday!

NEWS: 06/11/99

Ok, first off, I have to pass on this bit sent to me by Joel Patoine from this past weekends A-Kon convention:

AnimeVillage.Com was giving their forum. The question of DVD came up like it had at every forum I attended. The AnimeVillage.Com spokesman (sorry I forgot his name) proudly announced that they already had a DVD title out and asked everyone if they knew what it was. Long pause. Then growing frustrated he told us that Monkey Magic was out by them. After explaining to us hard core otaku who had made his forum at 10 am on a Saturday what Monkey Magic was.

And moving on to somewhat better news... Justin Sevakis over at Anime News Network hustled his patootie off this weekend and the aforementioned convention and attended just about every panel imaginable with a recorder. Click here for his full report. Here's the summary for the rest of you lazy butts: Ruin Explorers, Battle Angel, Ninja Resurrection, Cutey Honey, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Destroy All Monsters, which are all due out in the next six to eight months (along with others that could not yet be confirmed) from ADV Films.

Justin then goes on to say, "They are WORKING on Evangelion DVD's, and they're still ironing out the details but it should make it out (the first volume at least) by the end of the year.". If volume 1 (containing 4 episodes guys!) makes it out and into my hands by Christmas, not only will I be amazed, I'll be extremely pleased.

Next up is Viz. Please Save My Earth is likely, as Pioneer has apparently approached Viz about doing this, and apparently a subtitled version may be in the works. Fans are urged to e-mail Pioneer to beg for them to follow through. Other DVDs in the "possible" file include the Ranma 1/2 OAV's, Fatal Fury OAV's, and Video Girl Ai. PSME would be a godsend, and VG Ai would be most welcome. Folks, hit those email buttons... I'll be working on some helpful solutions in the next week or so as time permits.

From the CPM panel came this oh so joyous tidbit, sure to bring warmth to fans everywhere and show them just where there place in the market is: "Any hopes of a Slayers DVD release were quickly extinguished when the representative announced that it "would not be coming -- ever" due to the licensor's hording of the DVD rights (which is happening a lot nowadays).". Well, at least we know what the deal is. So don't send email to me guys, send it to CPM who will send it to the licensor!

From non-convention news, I received a solicitation pack from Pioneer today for Serial Experiments Lain. I don't say this to make you guys jealous (I was frankly shocked that I got it), but it included a sell sheet, the first VHS screener (dub) and a 4 minute promotional DVD that was used in Japan. It's really quite neat. It was designed to showcase DVD's abilities, as the four minutes contains the main piece and two alternate video angles for the entire four minutes, in addition to 2 alternate audio tracks. It loops over itself into the next angle. And it's in 5.1! I doubt the TV show is, but this is a gorgeously produced disc. I wish that Pioneer would produce some sort of trailer/promotional disc for a lot of their shows. They'd get a lot of interest I'm sure.

And while I'm on the subject, if anyone who has the Pioneer 414 model knows how to turn off the multi-angle camera icon, I'd be ever so pleased. My manual is still packed away somewhere!

That'll sum things up for today. I'm still very strapped for time right now, but hope to get several bits up over the weekend, including an early review of Wrath of the Ninja from a reader here, the start of the Anime Essential Collection and a preliminary review of the Serial Experiments Lain show.

NEWS: 06/10/99

You know, it's been six months since I did this. Here's the June 1999 Rant. I mean, editorial!

For our ever growing French reading readership, here's a review of Dominion Tank Police from Renaud Dayen.

And for those of you who may have been following my experiment with Sazuma Trading in Austria for region 2 imports, I can't speak for the anime side of it yet, but I did get my copy of Leon: Integral Version in just over a week. I'll wait and see how long for the Hakkenden disc I ordered takes, but with imports, it always takes time.

NEWS: 06/09/99

My review for Battle Athletes Victory #3 is now up for your reading pleasure.

Oh, the confusion! For those who weren't aware, Right Stuf handles Pioneer animations customer service side of things. From the sound of it, the phone number given previously is accurate, but was given out too early. Looks like we should hear things come Friday or next Monday. But the Right Stuf is the correct number!

NEWS: 06/08/99

We're starting to come back to life here at Anime DVD central! The move is 90% completed and the PC side of it is now up and running again. Regular updates will start up again shortly (including a new review for our growing French-reading membership). Basically, I need to get past this heat exhaustion!

We're catching up on rumors and semi-official bits from this past weekends A-Kon. Here's what ADV had to say...

"On the ever growing plate of DVD's we announced our intention to do the following on DVD: Ruin Explorers, Queen Emeraldas, Battle Angel, Sonic the Hedgehog The Movie, and Cutey Honey. There was also a hint that we are working hard to get the Neon Genesis Evangelion DVD's started on as well."

We've gotten word that the dub for Maison Ikkoku has definitely been cancelled. What does this mean for DVD-land? Nothing good I'm afraid to say. I've passed on the list of emails to the folks there as they may pursue something in the near future with it. If you're interested it in it at all, sign the petition and contact Viz and tell them you're interested in seeing it on DVD!

Got more from A-Kon? Get any dirt from some reps? Post it on the forum!

If you hadn't seen this before, and I haven't seen any new updated information (anyone tried it yet?), here's where to call regarding missing plaques (note the q, it's not a plague!) and the missing frosted slipcovers for the Tenchi Muyo DVD set:

We are very sorry for this error. Due to an oversight, the studio that produced this DVD did not add the plaque as they should have. You will need to contact Pioneer directly at 800.421.1621. This number will be active on Monday, June 7th. Pioneer will take care of the plaque replacement.

NEWS: 06/06/99

Some sporadic information from this weekends convention is coming to light, but take it with a grain of salt of course. ADV reps indicate that the Slayers should be heading to manufacturing any day now, and a June release is highly likely. Pioneer reps indicate that they'll have their entire back catalog out on DVD by the end of next year. There's a couple of nice "Perfect Collections" in the works, and fans like me who love their early titles like Kishin Corps and Moldiver should be pretty darn happy with that. If you've got information to share, email me and post it in the forum too!

As an FYI, I'll be pretty sporadic for most of this week. I'm in the process of moving, and my net access may be interrupted here and there. If you don't see an update here, be sure to check out DVD Animania (besides, you should be looking there every day to begin with!) and keep an eye on our forum for late breaking developments in the Tenchi Muyo packaging issue.

In the meantime, why not check out a few reviews?

Tenchi Muyo Ultimate DVD Edition by Ryan Rosal
Tenchi Muyo: Daughter of Darkness by Saturn King
Region 2 release of You're Under Arrest! OVA by Edmund Gehringer Edmund Gehringer

Here's the information I received from Manga about their upcoming releases:

June 29- Tetsuo II: Body Hammer & Tokyo Fist - Manga Live
Aug 31- Wings of Honneamise, Blackjack and Macross Plus Vol 1 &2
Sept 28- Macross Plus vol. 3 & 4
Oct 26- The Castles of Cagliostro
Nov 23- Devilman Vol 1 & 2

And as always, dates may change....

NEWS: 06/03/99

I don't know if many people were waiting for my review of this before buying it, but I've completed my review for the Tenchi Muyo Ultimate DVD Edition. Check it out, and be sure to chime in on the poll at the bottom.

In regards to the overblown gold plaque controversy with the Tenchi box set, here's the information that's come out from DVD Express today about it:

We are very sorry for this error. Due to an oversight, the studio that produced this DVD did not add the plaque as they should have. You will need to contact Pioneer directly at 800.421.1621. This number will be active on Monday, June 7th. Pioneer will take care of the plaque replacement.

Please note that the number is not operating until Monday, and that it will be in PST time. This is definitely a quick response to a minor problem. Hopefully some of the flaring tempers in the forum will now simmer down...

NEWS: 06/02/99

Is You're Under Arrest TV coming to DVD? Nothing official has been said, or unofficial either, but looking at the survey/signups over at Animeigo, it's worth noting that we're theoretically only 100 VHS orders away from making this a reality. This is providing that 1200 is the minimum needed for YUA TV. The page indicates that 1200-1500 are necessary, but I believe just hitting the 1200 with the necessary marks (750 DVD preorders needed and it's at 896 now, 300 VHS preorders needed and it's at 202 now) will spur Animeigo into the licensing phase and get things rolling since it's close. I believe the same occurred with the Kimagure Orange Road TV series as well. If you were hesitating on this great series, don't. It's worth every penny!

And continuing in the Animeigo thread, you'll notice on their Urusei Yatsura page that the discs are now down to 24$ individually if you preorder directly from them and in a big chunk. While the price is still off-setting for casual fans, this is a real treat for the die-hard otaku who want to get a large chunk of anime at once. And from the mailing list, things are going quite good in terms of the authoring! Video quality is said to be excellent, and they're now testing various subtitle methods to get the best results. Remember, every new pre-order that signs up helps lowers the price for everyone!

I've heard this a couple of times in email and once in the forum, but there's rumor that the company that did the packaging for the Tenchi Muyo! Ultimate DVD Edition goofed in putting the sticker on every package when it should have only been the first 3000 that actually had the plaque in it. I've heard in those same emails that there may be some kind of way of getting the plaque (extras being made?) for those who feel that got burned. With or without the plaque though, this is an amazing set! Nothing official has come out of Pioneer yet though.

NEWS: 06/01/99

My latest review is now up! Check out Odin: Photon Space Sailer Starlight in our review section. And before you wonder why that's up before the Tenchi Box, it's because we watched it last night. Melanie and I just finished episode 5 of the Tenchi set, but had to stop for the night so she can watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We'll watch the next two episodes on the disc tomorrow night and post a review of that disc. So far, I'm in love with it. If the El-Hazard or Fushigi box sets are this good, Pioneer has 1999 in its pocket.

Tenchi has arrived, and it is good. Due to the fact that there's about 8 hours of animation, I won't be able to do a full review probably until later this week. Let me run off a couple of things though based on just watching the first episode: Japanese 5.1 is gorgeous, the early episodes are properly translated and not dubtitled like the first laserdisc releases, animation quality is stunning, the Encyclopedia is amazing, and the voice actress for Sakuya is a hottie. This set is likely to garner A's across the review chart. In the meantime, check out the alternate angle review that was sent in over the weekend!

Congratulations to Alisa Pinyo! She's won the first three Pokemon DVD's from our Memorial Weekend contest!