"We're going to need a bigger website..." Okay, I've used that kind of quote numerous times recently with family (to the point that they're going to flog me. I felt it was quite appropriate during Star Trek: First Contact). But in this case, it does give that kind of feeling. Michael Breen has created a massive Starblazers Primer. If you have any questions on this show or know nothing about it, this is the primer to read. Major kudos to Michael for this fantastic primer!

According to Robert Woodhead in the Animeigo DVD mailing list, the blinking subtitle issue has been solved. Apparently Karaoke DVD producers ran into this problem early on and raised some holy hell over it and DVD players are built to not blink. It's in the coding of the DVD that issue is. The software being used has been reconfigured to work with this knowledge and Animeigo DVD's will no longer have blinking subtitles. And there was much rejoicing in the kingdom.

Have you been into anime for only a few months and not sure what to try? I'd recommend taking the advice of Philip Verdieck and the alternate angle review he sent in for Serial Experiments Lain.

All the way from Chile, Cristian Sepulveda sends in his review of the special limited edition Japanese release of Tenchi Muyo! in Love2-Harukana omoi!

Having trouble finding Macross Plus over at Reel.com? Here's a hint; try searching under "Macrogg". Kudos to Edmund Ng who pointed this out to me.

For those of you, like me, who want to know of every Perfect Blue review, here's the first one I've seen on a non-anime site/non-newspaper site. Check out DVD Nightmare for it!

This bit of news is popping up everywhere, and I wanted to give you guys a heads-up; Di$ney is raising their animated DVD prices to 39.99. Several online retailers have already made this adjustment. DVD Express is still listing them at the 34.95 price with their 40% discount. Personally, I'm going against my normal style and putting in all my pre-orders now.

NEWS: 08/30/99

A possible detail or two has creeped out from the CNANIME convention up in Canada this past weekend. According to Tom Smith of the Anime New Release Clearing House was told that a 1st quarter 2000 release is likely for Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star, though no date is truly set yet nor are the episodes per disc set yet. Personally, I'm betting that no matter how many episodes are on the disc, someone somewhere will be upset. With word that the disc authoring and pressing is taking place in Japan by Bandai itself, many are naturally concerned. My hope is that it will at least mimic the Japanese release which had 3 episodes each on them and retain the quality of the Bandai releases I've seen.

NEWS: 08/29/99

Looks like it's time for another Philosophy in Teacup - Everything I Need To Know I Learned From Anime...

NEWS: 08/28/99

All right boys and girls. Time's getting close on the 3 contests we're currently running. I've gotten some great entries on the Pokemon contest and nearly 400 entries in the Utena #1 contest. We've gotten about 40 entries in the Utena #2 contest, but almost 60% of them are way under 100 words, so there'll be some interesting competition on that one.

From what it looks like, the Tenchi movie has been moved to 09/14. That date looks like a Pioneer bombshell date if they get everything out (something like 6 titles!). Here's hoping they can do it...

Are you a long time El-Hazard fan? Join us in getting some deep conversation in this forum thread.

A brief look at the review listings here, and I realized I've personally reviewed about 86 titles. While practically nothing to some of the big DVD sites, that's 86 individual releases of anime on DVD. Not bad at all, but we could certainly use more.

Boo! Yes that's right, Boo! The Lethal Panda strikes twice in one night. I ran out of bamboo and had nothing else to do, but format LadyCat's column. So here it is for all the crazed Otaku. You asked the questions and she answered them... introducing Ask LadyCat! Panda Up Up and AWAY!!!!!!!!!!! - Contributed by Roman Martel

NEWS: 08/27/99

As evening comes to Southern California, the Lethal Panda strikes without warning. Yes more updates! First up are two new retailer reviews. The first is from Violet Lindsey, and offers her take on Daytona! The next is from Marc Yu and is truly an Epic Review. And now to make it easier for all you Otaku, the DVD Retailer Reviews have their own page in the "Reviews" portion of the site. I've also updated the columns page with Lord Chaos' column and made room for the upcoming "Ask Ladycat!" As we speak she is putting the finishing touches on the column. It should be up very soon. The Lethal Panda is gone like the wind. - Contributed by Roman Martel

Curses, foiled again. Adding yet another delay, Pioneer seems to have shifted the Tenchi movie ahead. A date doesn't seem set (DVD Express lists 10/14, a Thursday of all days) so I don't know when it will actually hit. For those who were here this time last year, you may have the same mindset I do: at least there are titles coming out! I also admit to being more annoyed that Strange Days was pushed back to the end of September, but am definitely looking forward to seeing Titanic next week.

Ryan Coyle has sent in his first alternate angle review for Megazone 23, Part 1. Give it a read!

Takeuchi Shouichi has sent in his latest region 2 review, Betterman Vol. #1 from Victor Entertainment. Lot's of "A's" in this review...

And for you Pokemon fans, this is definitely something you need to see...

NEWS: 08/26/99

Just a brief note that we've now added Gamecave as an affiliate. I'll admit that starting on 9/9, a lot of my time is going to be refocused on the Dreamcast. So much for sleep, neh? :)

If you're curious as to how Starblazers is, StudioNEXT.com and Voyager Entertainment Deliver Star Blazers to the Internet. Check out StudioNEXT for all the info!

NEWS: 08/25/99

How pure are you? I'm not very, at least according to this survey. Our score was a lovely 62.5% corrupt (or 37% pure). Yes, we are plain shameless otaku. What are you?

In hopefully something indicative of things to come, Animenation is starting to carry import DVD's from Japan. At present, only AD Police TV Vol. #1 is available, but at quite the price difference. CD Japan lists it at 55$ or so before import costs, and TOKYOPOP lists it for 69$. Animenation has it for 49.95! Too slick guys! Let's hope for more soon.

DVD Express has gotten in more copies of the first El-Hazard disc (184 total). I still haven't found this anywhere else.

The Lethal Panda is back, and this time he's wearing a chef's hat and an apron. You know what that means, a new, fresh from the oven Review for your enjoyment. This time it's Serial Experiments Lain - Knights. Enjoy, but be careful, it's rich and chocolatey, so wash your hands after reading. The Panda is out of here and back to oven ;-) - Contributed by Roman Martel

NEWS: 08/24/99

All right. I know I've been slacking a bit (chalk it up to covering other peoples vacations) but here's a little catch-up on the review backlog: Dragonball Z TV Vol. #8: Showdown Dragonball Z TV Vol. #9: Departure El-Hazard: The Alternative World Vol. #1 Megazone 23, Part 1 Rurouni Kenshin Recollection OVA Volume 3 by Dominick Santoriello

Pioneer also updated today listing two more DVD's. Dragonball Z - Quest and Dragonball Z - Trouble! are scheduled for an 11/09/1999 release.

NEWS: 08/23/99

All right you guys, here's a REAL SHORT contest. Entries must be received by 21:00 TONIGHT EST! Check out this contest!

Contest has ended! Check out the page for the winning entry!

Looks like competition is a-brewing. Taku Saguno sent me in a link to his new site, Animenstation, which will host DVD scans of anime titles. Currently the only one up is the region 2 Evangelion pictures, but they look pretty good!

According to my contact person at DVD Express, Tenchi in Tokyo #5 has been delayed until 09/14. The confusion on their site regarding the similarities between #5 and #6 have been rectified. Why all the delays recently? I know anime fans tend to live and die by anime alone, but get ready for more delays as the holiday season gears up. Right now, Paramount is probably owning the majority of the replication facilities for Titanic, as they're estimating a 2-3 million copy release. And with other such big titles as the Matrix and the Mummy coming up in September, replication capacity is going to be maxed out across the board. At least that's this guys guess.

Yes the lethal Panda is back. And this time he's got a friend. LadyCat is here to answer all your questions. Announcing a new column (Anime on DVD approved)! From the Creators of the DVD Retailer Review comes a new name in terror. Well more like a new name in information. It's the new "Ask Ladycat!" Column. Click on the link and read her intro. It's yet another way for you, the crazed Otaku, to be part of the site: truly interactive! See your name in print! Be the envy of all your friends! Write in now! Lethal Panda is out of here! - Contributed by Roman Martel

NEWS: 08/22/99

Starting today, we have a new column starting up. You'll want to check out the first installment of Philosophies in a Teacup by His Lordship Chaos.

NEWS: 08/21/99

In response to the quote in the 08/19 section, Clark Cheng has responded and given permission for his email to me to be posted. Read it here where it's followed by my comments.

The always interesting Todd Doogan over at the Digital Bits had a bit of a minor rant up. Check it out and look for his mention of Gunsmith Cats.

I've updated the top ten list with this weeks DVD Express information. Looks like you guys want Fushigi Yugi! It managed to hit the top spot after barely a week of being available for preorder. And you guys are definitely anime fans, as that's what a lot of the titles are. Of interest though was the growing number of Disney animated titles that were ordered over the last couple of days. As I'm really looking forward to a bunch of them (Mulan!), I'll be doing reviews of them here as well.

Daniel Fawcett has let me know that he's got an Anime in the UK on DVD site up and running now. For those looking for region 2 PAL discs, this is the place for the info!

For you older Starblazers fans, you may want to check out this Starblazers Revival Site.

Takeuchi Shouichi has sent in a couple of new region 2 reviews: Check out what's up with Tenamonya VOYAGERS Vol #1 and NANKAI KIOU NEORANGA Vol #1.

NEWS: 08/19/99

 

From the Animeigo mailing list comes this bit from Robert Woodhead: "...for Macross, we are commissioning new digital transfers, optimized for DVD, from positive prints that were struck from the original negatives and properly stored for the past 17 years." Next spring seems so far away...

I've been given word that it looks like there may be some allocation issues next week with Lain: Knights from Pioneer. It seems like not enough copies have been pressed and orders may be difficult to fill at some places.

Is it miscommunication or something else? Even though Media Blasters has announced a couple of titles for early next year (Kite, Ninja Cadets & Best of Kitty), Clark Cheng of Media Blasters made this comment on the American Anime Dubbing Mailing List:

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Well, we haven't actually updated our website in a bit since we're busy trying to get MKR out first. While DVD may be the way of the future, it just isn't feasible to do it right now from our standpoint due to many factors. If you want to get the DVD, then you'd better not just sit there and wait for it. Honestly, sitting on your butt waiting for a DVD release isn't going to accomplish anything. Buy our products (it doesn't have to be Rayearth) on VHS. Support the company. I know this sounds kind of silly but business is a two-way street. Scratch our backs and we'll scratch yours.

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This has been brought up in the forum, and is rightly so making many people upset. It raises the question of whether anime DVD owners should purchase VHS to get the DVD in the end. As fears/concerns among some of the major Hollywood studio about their VHS market being cannibalized, and considering the smaller market that anime is, it's a valid concern for the companies. But if the majority of us (based on both polling and informal surveys) indicate that we've not been buying VHS for a long time, and the DVD owners numbers are growing, it's time to face that reality and serve both markets. At this point, a lot of people's minds are saying, "If Disney, the slow moving giant, finally realized this, then others should as well." To conclude my small rant, there are many Media Blasters titles I want. But anime is a niche in my DVD collection. And there always comes a choice, but DVD titles (anime, mainstream, import) will always come before any VHS title. Let's hear your opinion in the forum.

Like a lethal panda, I strike in the night without warning. Heh heh heh, won't Chris be surprised. Well for the first update of the morning I offer two Retail Reviews for your examination. The first comes from Tim Burgess. He critiqued his local Suncoast in Nashville. He's the first brave soul to give us a review, so come on people join in the water's fine. The next review comes from yours truly and is on Best Buy. Christy and I promise to review a on-line retailer next time. So until next time... This lethal panda is out of here! - Contributed by Roman Martel

NEWS: 08/18/99

A bit of news has started to filter back from the San Diego Comic Con. Greg Nyman writes in with word that Urban Vision saying that DNA Sights 999.9 will not be coming out on DVD since they paid a lot for the license, and it has not sold well at all. The Cockpit will be on DVD, but it may be released a bit after the tape version. Gatchaman (the new version they have) will not be out on DVD as the rights are very complicated. Final Fantasy has a very good chance of coming out on DVD. Also Tekkaman will not be out on DVD as Saban has some rights to it. Overall, it looks like there may be one or two titles that'll come out, but otherwise it looks as if we can write off Urban Vision for the most part.

Due to several requests, I've added Amazon.com as an affiliate here for those who live in California and dislike the extra taxes. We'll see how it works out.

With the information about Midnight Panther making a DVD release later this year, I emailed the good folks at CPM to see whether we'd be getting the general release version or the uncut version. To my surprise, I learned this:

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It can be set for Anime 18 version (the setting is set to play NC-17), or USMC version (the setting is set to play R). It is the first dual label release from us, since you can watch either version. We're actually quite excited about this concept.

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And in their efforts to put more content on discs, Midnight Panther's DVD-ROM content should include lots of extra pix from the film, the screenplay text, the storyboard, etc. Check out this page for the full specs direct from CPM.

Dominick Santoriello has sent in a new region 2 review today for D4 Princess Vol. #1. Check it out!

NEWS: 08/17/99

You'll notice starting with today's update, that the assistant webmaster, Roman Martel (author of many alternate angle reviews and several columns) has made his first contribution to the main news page. You'll always find his sections with his tag at the end, so you'll know that those are his bits. Anything else you read is mine of course!

While it's not anime, it's extremely noteworthy. From the Yahoo business news today, Disney announced 9 animated titles due out starting this fall. They include: "``Pinocchio,'' which became the studio's first animated classic to be released as a sell-through video back in 1985, will again make history with its DVD debut on Oct. 26.

Three additional titles -- ``101 Dalmatians,'' ``Hercules'' and ``Mulan'' -- are scheduled for release on Nov. 11. ``Lady and the Tramp,'' ``Peter Pan'' and ``Simba's Pride (''Lion King II``) will be released on DVD on Nov. 23. ''The Jungle Book`` and ''The Little Mermaid`` will be available on DVD starting on Dec. 7." Peachy! Just what I needed, another title to buy on 10/26!

Personally, I couldn't find this on the new CPM Animail update, but according to DVD Animania, these are the new dates for some upcoming CPM titles: Urotsukidoji: Legend Of The Demon Womb DVD - 9/21/99, Darkside Blues DVD - 10/19/1999, Midnight Panther DVD - 11/16/1999, Wild Cardz DVD - 12/14/1999, Cybernetics Guardian DVD - No Date and Silent Service DVD - No Date, Production currently on hold, Do not announce.

It can't be helped, it's the heat. It's getting to me! We're doing another contest!

Some late news from the one known as the Web Padawan, Roman Martel. Chris has foolishly given me access to write what I see fit on this site...heh heh heh. Little does he know that I plan on world domination! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! Sorry about that. Actually I'm just posting the first review of El Hazard The Alternative World Vol.1 ! Check it out and keep you eyes peeled. Who knows when I'll strike next ;-) - Contributed by Roman Martel

I had my follow-up call with Voyager this afternoon and got some new information for everyone. Speaking with Barry Winston, the DVD's will indeed follow the Collectors Edition VHS tape formula. The first disc, tentatively slated for December/January, will contain the first 5 episodes and the second volume is tentatively slated for February and will contain 4 episodes. These will be the English language version only, no Japanese language or subtitles. They are making new DLT glass masters for the DVD pressing, so there may be some improvements over the previous versions, but I'm still not terribly familiar with that area. While at this time they do not have a web presence, they are definitely going to in the near future, and at that time I'm sure you guys will bombard them with emails about getting a true subtitled version out.

It's official, Starblazers is coming to DVD. I spoke briefly with Voyager this morning (hoping to call back this afternoon for details) and they confirmed that the deal was inked last Friday, and people are just now learning about it within the Voyager company themselves.

Pioneer put up their new announcements this week, which means on 11/2 we can look forward to the 7th volume of Battle Athletes Victory: The Last Dance, which is the penultimate volume to the series.

Isaac Alexander sent in a link to his latest interview with the Encore Media Anime Programmers, who bring anime on the Action satellite channel.

800.com is running another promotion some may find quite useful: 800 Cents off any Movie purchase of $15 or more. Of course, if you're placing a large order, there's always 8,000 Cents off any Purchase of $500 or more.

NEWS: 08/16/99

Is Starblazers coming to DVD? According to an email from Patrick Judy, who had a conversation with the folks at Voyager, it looks like it. From the conversation, it looks as if it'll be the dub only version and be done similar to the Collectors Edition VHS releases, which mirror how F.H.E. did the Robotech show a number of years ago. There should be 6 DVD's for each series (I don't know enough about the show to know how many series) and they'll have the opening, an unspecified number of episodes chained together, and then the ending. There are apparently no plans for a subtitled version to be included, nor any kind of remaster of the audio or video. That doesn't surprise me much since a show from the 70's in Japan was pretty much mono and the audio tracks are probably of poor quality (if they even exist!) to do a proper remaster of any kind. Unfortunately, I've had little luck in trying to track down a site or anything to contact the Voyager folks from for confirmation, so if anyone has that, please send it in.

In anticipation of the upcoming Tenchi Forever movie, Steve Brandon has gone back and done an in-depth review of the first movie, Tenchi Muyo In Love.

Now, if you want to talk box set, and I mean a box set, check out this review from Ken Chen for the Hyper Police DVD Box Set from Japan.

Horror has a new name... All right, I admit to always wanting to say that. Regular reader Chris Steltz has dropped off a short note letting me know he's moved up to webmasterhood with the horror genre on DVD. Be sure to check out DVD Nightmare!

Eveliina Pukero has sent in her opinions on Serial Experiments Lain: Navi from Finland. I'm curious as to how the rest of the world has taken to Lain. Haven't you?

Princess Mononoke and Kiki's Delivery Service have been added to the petition page.

Look for more information to show up on Card Captor Sakura over on the Anime Showcase site to be coming up soon. In the meantime, if you've got a webpage and want to help promote the petition for the show, checkout this new page here that has a couple of banners to use.

In a follow-up with Nelvana, the one piece of wording that will change in the petition itself is that your signature is indicating that you are very interested and are willing to purchase the show. The reason being?

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Anime is acquired by businesses because it is now profitable here, not just because it is artistically unique and creative. The more people that are legitimately established as holding this position, the more likely you are to have a distributor acknowledge the tangible value of your minority group interest. If enough people will buy it to justify added costs, it would undoubtedly proceed.

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Will we see more acquisitions being bought by companies like Nelvana and DiC? I'm sure we will, but not to the same extent and level as the domestic anime licensing companies. My feelings on this are only slightly mixed. As was evidenced by at least Otakon, the makeup of fandom is drastically changing, which is very much needed. More women and younger kids are getting into things after they've gotten exposure to Sailor Moon and Pokemon. Heck, I got into anime after Robotech, so I'm the same kind of person to an extent. While sure to upset some people if a subtitled version is never produced, is it worthwhile or not in the end to "sacrifice" a couple of series to bring in the new crowd of fans? If "sacrificing" Card Captor Sakura brings more shoujo and other shows via the companies like ADV, CPM and Pioneer, is it worth it? I'm going to say yes, emphatically.

NEWS: 08/14/99

Brief update here today. Many thanks to Derek Sherman who sent me in this correspondence he's had with Nelavana, the company who has picked up the rights to Card Captor Sakura and is aiming for a TV distribution similar to Sailor Moon and Dragonball Z.

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Derek - it already seems clear to me that an organized effort in underway, based on the deluge of e-mails sent to our website today, bearing the same message - in some cases literally the same message. A petition would indeed by a more practical means by which to approach the matter. I would consider passing it on to the distributor to whom we sell the Home Video rights to - a party still unidentified at this time. If you have access to the person or website managing the concentrated effort, I would appreciate the change in tactic, and you have my okay to forward this message to any applicable organized fan-based group.

It is important to understand though that it is the nature of the business that there may already be an English and/or subtitled and/or edited version of the series, or that Kodansha, or the underlying rights holder, or the buyer/broadcasters may try to negotiate the right with us to be able to specify the approach taken.

Please be patient while a number of variables are settled. Your enthusiasm is appreciated and again, encouraging.

James

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In light of this, I have quickly added both this information and the petition itself to the pages here. I will be contacting Nelvana as well to let them know of this home. This is also NOT a solely DVD petition, but a petition asking for a subtitled version on both formats. Since no home video distributor has yet been named, there is some room to maneuver (Pioneer? Guys? nudge nudge wink wink?) and we'll see how things pan out. If you CCS fans out there can come up with some slick looking banners for it, we can definitely use this petition area as a main driving force for getting this done properly. I look forward to working with everyone on this.

NEWS: 08/13/99

The Top Ten orders (cumulative) for August is up for both Reel and DVD Express. Be sure to see what people are most interested in here.

Daniel Fawcett sent me a brief note mentioning that most UK anime fans seem to have missed that MD Geist announcement. Now guys, it looks like Manga UK is releasing Ghost in the Shell on DVD on October 11th, with further titles possible. So make sure to scoop 'em up or I'm coming over there and taking all the cute women who speak in such lovely accents.

DVD Express is looking to help make next week an anime week. New releases include: Dragonball Z #8: Showdown (179 copies), Dragonball Z #9: Departure (149 copies), El Hazard: The Alternative World #1: The Priestess Of Water (537 copies) and Urotsukidoji: Legend Of The Overfiend (394 copies). I include the copy count for those curious folks (like myself) who check these things out and see how they fare over the weekend as preorders are shipped. I'm surprised by the high count of El-Hazard, but it's a good surprised. Slick looking cover artwork, can't wait to get mine in!

Speaking of El-Hazard, if you're looking for more information on it, check out this shrine but be aware of spoilers!

NEWS: 08/12/99

Update to the below: DVD Express has added Fushigi to their list. You can snag it for 119.98, or just about 80 bucks off of list price.

For those wanting to get in on early pre-orders, I spoke briefly with DVD Express and they indicate it's likely to be ready on their page as early as tomorrow. And speaking of them, they do have in 25 copies (as of this writing) of Record of Lodoss War which is becoming increasingly hard to find. Image is being wishy-washy in telling some people it's not discontinued and telling others it's readily available.

Is anime making its way into the UK? UK anime company Kiseki has announced that MD Geist has a cut off preorder date of 08/30 at Black Star. UK readers, chime in on the forum and give us the lowdown!

The July contest is over, and our winner is chosen! Congratulations go out to Paul Marquette! Send me your address information and a new DVD will be winging it's way to you! Click here to check out the winning entry!

A slew of new region 2 announcements made their way into my mailbox today courtesy of CD Japan. One that will be of great interest to people is the first Gundam title to be announced on DVD, Turn A Gundam. The new solicitations are A.D.POLICE Action.3, Nankai Kio Neolanga Vol.6, EAT-MAN'98 6 [MEGA MIX], OVA Record of Lodoss War-DVD+CD BOX(Perfect Limited item), THE ADVENTURES OF MINI-GODDESS IN THE HANDY "PETITE"SIZE! 5, Ultraman GAIA 1,Ultraman GAIA 2, Ultraman GAIA 3, Ultraman GAIA 4, Eden's boy episode3, CARDCAPTOR SAKURA Vol.1, CARDCAPTOR SAKURA Vol.2, Shin Hakkenden Vol.2, Movie version Uruseiyatsura Remember My Love DVD, Jubei chan-Secret of Lovely eyepatch-Vol.4, Super doll Ricca chan STEP.10, Turn A Gundam, Taiho shichauzo(YOU'RE UNDER ARRESET)Special 4, Ultraseven Vol.10, Ultraseven Vol.9, Tenamonya Voyagers Vol.3, Tenshi ni narumon! Vol.3, TENCHI MUYO! in LOVE/in LOVE2 W-feature, Nanako kaitaishinsyo Opr.2 Memories of you, Battle Athletes Daiundoukai track 18-20, Beast Wars Neo Cho Seimeitai Transformer SPECIAL, Himiko-den Vol.6, Better man Vol.2, Vioce ragger Vol.6, Seikai no monsyo Vol.5, Seihou Tenshi Angel Rinks 2, Mahoutsukai Tai! Vol.1, Yusyaou Gaogaiger DVD-BOX Zenhan set and Record of Lodoss War Hero Knight Legend-DVD-BOX2. Remember, these are all region 2 releases in NTSC from Japan.

NEWS: 08/11/99

Squeaking in a bit, my review for Battle Athletes Victory Vol. #4: Spaceward Ho! is now online.

Well, the date has been set at last. Pioneer's Fushigi Yugi has been announced with a release date of 10/26/1999. Will you be buying? Take the poll! Of course, one of the ironies of this is that the Urusei Yatsura box will probably street at the same time...

Going through the mail here, looks like some information has seeped out from Anime Village on some titles. One reader sends in this bit about Escaflowne: "we would love to bring it to America on DVD. We are hoping for sometime next year." Other reports in from Gencon (with a thanks to Tony Sharma) is that Escaflowne will be out after the dub is done, and the Saber Marionette TV series will not be coming to DVD since they are not going to dub it and don't want to anger fans by providing only one language DVD's. I like that logic; since we can't please everyone, we'll please nobody. Well, there's another couple hundred bucks to spend elsewhere. Make your voice heard here!

Good deal to be found? Justin Sevakis of ANN chimed in that an Electronics Boutique in his area marked down the Urusei Yatsura movie, Beautiful Dreamer down to 10$. It may be a localized thing (such as DVD not selling well in that store) but worth looking into if you have the time.

The Tenchi/July contest will be judged on Thursday as opposed to Wednesday. Some things have come up that are taking me away from giving the entries the proper amount of attention.

NEWS: 08/10/99

For those waiting, DVD Express has gotten in their copies of Battle Athletes Victory #4. My review will be up tomorrow night.

Okay, I've gotten in scans of the new information sheets sent out to retailers from my good friends over at Animenation. Check out page 1 and page 2. DVD Review was wrong (so direct flames to them, not me). The scans ARE large in size, but not terribly so.

For those looking for more information on the Porco Rosso releases, check out this link for the French release information.

NEWS: 08/09/99

Manga has finally made the formal announcements for Macross Plus. Though sure to cause ire among many, it looks as if they've split them from two episodes on a disc to single episodes (basically 4 DVD's, which is what the VHS and LD releases got as well) for 29.95 each. The first two volumes look like they'll be released on 09/28 and will contain the following extras: Trailers, Photo Gallery, Manga 2000 Commercial, Palm Picture Commercial, Manga Fan Club. No mention was made of audio formats (i.e. 5.1 remix) but that information should show up soon. I've emailed Manga for a confirmation, but you can find the source for this at DVD Review under the 08/09 new title announcements. Since there are two separate UPC numbers listed, this gives me indication that it could be accurate.

For those of you that are now sending me nasty email over this, here's where to get the information directly as posted on DVD Review:

Notice the two separate UPC codes. I hope this information proves to be false, and am awaiting confirmation, but again, this is the first information printed about these releases outside of an anime page.

Carlos Salgado has sent in his second review of the Kurogane Communication series. Be sure to check it out as well as the great looking cover art!

Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day we'll be taking entries for you to win a FREE COPY of Tenchi in Tokyo #3!

The t-shirts have officially shipped (ah, the joys of scowls and muttered words from my fellow man at the line in the post office...) and should be winging their way to people as you read this. As said earlier, we are likely to do another run of them later in the year, though we need to do 36 as a minimum since it's a four-color image. Depending on the feedback we get and what kind of interest there is, we'll go from there.

Filling in the last blank review in our library, Chris "Strazer" has sent in his review of the long-released Ultraman II DVD!

Following up on earlier bits and pieces about seeing some Ghibli on DVD via the Disney group, Jeff Kleist talked to a rep there and got this back from them: "I talked with the Disney rep today, and he told me that Joe Hisashi is rescoring the film for possible theatrical release. Apparently the Mouse didn't like the silent parts of the film, so they hired him to "fix" it. He did say that a Kiki and/or Laputa DVD will not appear before Feb/March 2000, as they have those dates set." My guess would be that post-March is when we'd see a Mononoke VHS or DVD, and they'd "tentpole" something like Kiki out around the same time.

In an interesting tidbit sent in, Dedale sent in that Porco Rosso (Kurenai no buta) is scheduled for October 6 in France (Zone2), edited by PFC Video. If not for the PAL/SECAM issue, it'd be interesting to see how it comes out and what kind of language options there will be.

Color me impressed, but Animeigo updated their Macross section for the third week in a row. Current Signups (8/9/99): 1326 DVD, 105 VHS.

Even more amazing, the Urusei Yatsura numbers were updated. UY TV DVD 1 - 40 914 $23.00/DVD x 10 = $230.00, UY TV DVD 41 - 80 954 $23.00/DVD x 10 = $230.00, UY Movie/OVAs DVD 864 $23.50/DVD x 8 = $188.00. Bear in mind again that the TV prices are actually half that, as you'll get them in two 5 disc blocks spaced apart by a couple of months.

And yet even more amazing, the petition of interest series has been updated. Something tells me the automated program they have for user verification is making things easier for them. You're Under Arrest 1075, Yuu Yuu Hakusho (aka Poltergeist Report) 562, Magical Stage Fancy Lala 407, Yawara! 576. These are just DVD numbers, by the way.

NEWS: 08/08/99

Well, there was something completely unexpected. While sitting down to enjoy The Iron Giant in the theater today, I was treated to a trailer for the Pokemon movie due out in November. There's something really neat about seeing Pikachu in a large screen trailer...

Minor adjustment to yesterdays news. I mistakenly attributed Asuma as the producer for the Fushigi & El-Hazard box sets. I have been sufficiently slapped. :) My apologies to the actual producer.

NEWS: 08/07/99

News has filtered in on the forum regarding the Fushigi Yugi box set that's coming up. According to Asuma, 26 episodes will be spread across 4 DVD-9 discs in a 7/6/7/6 format. extras are still being worked on, and they will include, but not be limited to, image galleries of VHS key art, cels, and a translated (non-video) interview with Ms. Watase. Also mentioned was that the packaging has not yet been finalized, but could be another unique package similar to the Tenchi box set, although thinner. I would like to take a moment to remind people that it's the content of the box, not the box, that matters.

I got in this information from reader Greg Burrows today regarding a conversation he had with an Urban Vision rep about their possible DVD output. They had this to say: At this point, it is not quite cost-efficient for Urban Vision to distribute titles onto DVD. As a DVD-owner myself, I asked my boss this very question, actually, and he said that since we are such a small company with pretty selective titles, it would be too costly, I guess, to do DVD format. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to start printing out our titles on DVD (I sure hope so). We'll have more information on this progression on our webpage. So that's where they stand. If you want to see upcoming flicks like Wicked City and Vampire Hunter D on DVD, send a polite email to them at info@urban-vision.com. If they get a couple thousand emails over the course of a week, who knows if that would help.

The top ten has been updated with DVD Express and the first week of titles via them.

Full known information has been updated for: Serial Experiments Lain Vol. #3: Deus, Dragonball Z Vol. #9 - Betrayal and Dragonball Z Vol. #10 - Collision.

We've been getting some good entries in the 2nd Utena contest, but we're also getting a lot of very short (i.e. disqualified) entries. Remember, it's a 100 word minimum! And for a prize that includes the Utena DVD, a Utena CD of your choice and a playing deck of cards, you have to show some effort!

NEWS: 08/06/99

All right, I'm feeling like a true otaku right now. Melanie and I have spent the evening getting labels made, making the boxes and then packaging the t-shirts. We've now got this huge stack of boxes ready to go to the post office on Monday. Boy are they gonna love me. And after that, it was off to write a few new reviews. All while wearing one of the new shirts. Is that otakuness or what?

While admittedly they aren't in-depth reviews, I've got the goods on two recent Pioneer/Viz releases; Pokemon Vol. #6: Seaside Pikachu and Pokemon Vol. #7: Psychic surprise. I admit to being more and more a Pokefan every viewing of this show. Heck, I've even got a Charmander and Squirtle plushie on my CD rack! Who's going to be first to commit me?

In region 2 reviews today, Carlos Salgado has sent in his latest with a review of the first volume or Kurogane Communication. Be sure to check it out!

I've gotten a lot of requests about the t-shirts in the past couple of days, mostly from people who've started reading the site after the whole deal was over. For those who are curious as to what the artwork looks like, check out the image here. More than likely, we'll be doing another run towards the end of the year and it'll go a lot smoother the next time since the artwork is already completed.

With luck, future reviews of my own should come at a slightly better pace. In the past two weeks, Mel and I have managed to finish all 48 episodes of the Kimagure Orange Road Limited Edition LD set. That's one monkey off my back! Though with word that it's likely to see release on DVD once Animeigo gets their pipeline figured out and in place, I could be watching it all again soon enough. And I'd love it!

NEWS: 08/05/99

Real minor update tonight. I'm in the midst of getting boxes made for all the t-shirts (and consequently, just found out my printers ink supply is dead. Talk about slowing things up!). Ya ever have one of those days? Anyway, addresses are updated and I'll get everything going over the weekend for that.

For those who had trouble using the new DVD EXPRESS link, I've got everything fixed. Looks like there was a hiccup somewhere in both the forum copy of it and the one on the sponsors page. Still, things went very well in the few hours it was up and lots of anime was purchased (22 discs in fact!).

And fixing a glaring omission, the Anime Showcase site has been added to the sidebar. I really don't want to know how that one slipped by me.

NEWS: 08/04/99

The T-shirts have officially arrived, and they look mahvelous. It is very likely that we will start sending them out on Monday (blame the 10+ hour days I work this week). During that time, if you've moved or think your address might be incorrect, you can email us at tshirts@animeondvd.com and we will confirm your address for you.

After a year of waiting, DVD Express has finally kicked off their affiliate program. You'll note the tiny one on the left and one placed into rotation up above. Your patronage is most humbly appreciated. :)

Pioneer listed a few new releases today. Look for the 3rd Lain disc on 10/12 as well as two more Dragonball Z releases. There's been rumor abound that after the Pioneer license is up, someone else is taking up the following volumes and it's likely that they will be dual language since volume 18+ is uncensored. When we know more, you'll know more.

With thanks to the folks over at ADV, they've supplied the answers to the twenty questions submitted by you. Check out the full article here.

For those entering the 2nd Utena contest, please note that it says a minimum of 100 words, not a limit or maximum of 100 words.

And for those who follow DVD more religiously in general (like myself), here's food for thought in regards to a possible Mononoke release: Canadian Miramax DVD distributor Alliance. They're releasing Miramax titles as special editions and with 16:9 support that the Disney U.S. releases don't get.

NEWS: 08/03/99

All right... it's August. Time for a big contest. With support from Digital Eyes and Animenation, along with myself of course, we present the August 1999 Anime on DVD Contest!

My apologies to anyone who has having trouble using the banner links to DVD City recently. Looks like a small bug snared me in the code, but it's all fixed now.

Now here's something interesting for all your conspiracy hounds. I contacted fellow webmaster Peter Bracke over at the DVDFile. Pete and I chat somewhat regularly since we both started our sites pretty close to each other, and since it's difficult for me to get any major studio information, he squeezes for me once in awhile. Anyway, I asked if he knew anything about the Mononoke movie and the other Ghibli shows that Disney/Miramax/BVHV has. You know what? They do have DVD rights for it. More than likely, it was an all-media clause. And yes, before you ask, I will be setting up two new petitions today; Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke post-theatrical.

NEWS: 08/02/99

Animeigo has posted new numbers on the Urusei Yatsura page.

Bear in mind, that the sets are actually half the price listed, as they're being released in blocks of 5 as opposed to 10. They have yet to update this page properly in quite some time (making it very difficult for newer people to figure out what's what).

Also of interest is the number of signups for the various shows that they may eventually do. These are even more backburner now that they have the Macross project to do. Guys? How about hiring another translator so you can do two projects at once?

Speaking of Macross, here's the new numbers: Current Signups (8/2/99): 1093 DVD, 74 VHS. Doubled in about a week for DVD and VHS. Looking good...

Contrary to rumors department: There have been several people reporting that the Record of Lodoss War DVD set is being discontinued and will be put out by CPM on their own. I've followed through with CPM and they followed up with Image, and Image had this to say: "No. It's probably our best seller in the anime line. We have it in stock and more inventory on order". So if your preferred retailer is telling you otherwise, you tell them you know better.

Anime on DVD is Expensive... but isn't anime in general expensive? Check out the latest article by Marc Yu.

Looking for some trailers and such on the upcoming Tenchi movie? Check out this section of the Anime Emporium! And speaking of the site, Gary has sent me several new links from his site for such shows as Lain, Project A-Ko and Utena! Check 'em out directly at his site or through the reviews on this site!