Monday, December 31st, 2001

Alternate angles (10:57 PM EST)

Metropolis (06:18 PM EST): The folks at Right Stuf have updated with one new listing today, this time for Metropolis as being released from Columbia/TriStar. Retailing for 27.95$ (a standard price point for CTS), this 109 minute disc will street on 3/12/2002.

Digital Omake (06:11 PM EST): It didn't take long, but three pieces of omake have shown up for the recently released (and still in shipping stage for many folks) Macross TV series from AnimEigo.

New affiliate (05:16 PM EST): I'd like to take a minute during the final hours of 2001 to welcome aboard our newest affiliate, the good folks at Inetdvd.com. You may have seen us talk about them before or noticed them in the FAQ, because they are the place to go to get black, white, clear and many other colored keepcases. As an added bonus, using our link will get you another 5% off of your order!

Sunday, December 30th, 2001

Forum Buzz (12:30 PM EST): While still away from his usual dank cave, Sean Broestl has found some time to bring us the latest and last Forum Buzz for 2001. A new year is almost upon us and the buzz will definitely be back.

Saturday, December 29th, 2001

Alternate angles (12:55 AM EST): For our friends down in region 4, we've got a slew of content prepped for you this morning:

Region 4 (Australia)

• Akira: Special Edition by Adam Kath
• Cardcaptors Vol. #1 by Adam Kath
• Cardcaptors Vol. #2 by Adam Kath
• Cardcaptors Vol. #3 by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: History of Trunks by Edmund Lee
• Dragonball Z: Androids - Invasion by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: Androids - Assassins by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: Androids - Invincible by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: Great Saiyaman - Gohan's Secret by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: Great Saiyaman - Declaration by Adam Kath
• Dragonball Z: Great Saiyaman - Crash Course by Adam Kath
• Martian Successor Nadesico Chronicle 1 by Matthew Whiteley

• Pokemon 2000 by Adam Kath

• Pokemon 3 by Adam Kath

Friday, December 28th, 2001

Newly reviewed (07:27 PM EST): Though we aren't going to get to all of it right away due to some weekend commitments, we've at least taken a look at the first volume of Macross TV, which you can access via our box set review.

Cheap anime (06:04 PM EST): Those looking for some post-Christmas anime sales might want to check the weekly specials at Right Stuf, where they've put the 4th Votoms box up again for 50% off as well as a number of CPM/Image discs and a smattering of ADV and Media Blasters discs.

More on Ronin Warriors (01:55 PM EST): The Right Stuf have updated with some text information on the release of Ronin Warriors. The disc will "Feature both the English "Ronin Warriors" series and the Japanese "Yoroiden Samurai Troopers" episodes uncut and presented in their original format." The 90 minute runtime likely constitutes one pass, since most people will watch only one or the other, and not list the 180 minute runtime so as to not confuse people more when they think they'd have eight episodes instead of four.

Region 2 reviews (01:27 PM EST): Let's dip briefly into our region 2 pile of reviews and see what kind of goodness we come up with:

Region 2 (Japan)

• Earth Girl Arujuna: Director's Edition Vol. #1 by Jeff Chuang
• Love Hina Christmas Special by Bedford
• Mahoromatic Vol. #1 by Jesse Durfy

Region 2 (UK)

• Dominion Tank Police Acts I + II by Jeff Billington

Omake update (10:55 PM EST): Three new pieces added to our digital omake section this morning, such as Big O Vol. #4, El-Hazard: Wanderers Vol. #2 and Mezzo Forte.

Alternate angles (10:46 PM EST): December hasn't been good for me keeping up with alternate angles, but we'll try and correct that some today as our vacation winds down.

Region 1 (North America)

• Ah! My Goddess The Movie by Karen Gellender
• Ah! My Goddess The Movie by Edmund Lee
• Battle Athletes Victory Vol. #3 by Jon Gibson
• Cowboy Bebop Perfect Collection by Dani Moure
• Crest of the Stars Vol. #4 by David Rehfeldt
• Darkside Blues by Jamal Sacranie
• Dragonball Z TV Vol. #15 by Mark McPherson
• Gasaraki Vol. #7 by Roman Martel
• Gunsmith Cats by Edmund Lee
• Macross TV Vol. #1 by Adam Fontana
• Martian Successor Nadesico Vol. #5 by Mark McPherson
• Nadia Vol. #4 by Roman Martel
• Ranma 1/2: Digital Dojo Season 1 Box Set by Tom Smith
• Ranma 1/2: Digital Dojo Season 1 Box Set by Bryan McAvoy
• Robotech Legacy Box Set 5 by Mark McPherson
• Sakura Wars by Edmund Lee
• Slayers: Book of Spells by Edmund Lee

Thursday, December 27th, 2001

More new title announcements (10:15 PM EST): It looks like the Bandai site got a bit more than a nice Love Hina Christmas image put up recently. Their release list now includes titles for May and things are only getting more confusing. The MS Gundam movies, which are compressed versions of the TV series, are being released on 05/07/2002. There are three volumes, each priced for 24.95$ but in English only. They're also available in a box set for for 69.98$. What's particularly confounding about this is that they've been previously released as subtitled VHS. And the Japanese R2 release came out ages ago.

If Bandai Japan is responsible for it, I'm starting to think that they simply don't want people seeing the Gundam that's had fans hooked on the show for twenty years, just the English language version.

Listed for a 05/21/2002 release is the first volume of Brain Powered. This 44.98$ release will contain the first 9 episodes in bilingual format. Pilot Candidate Vol. #4 arrives here as well with 3 episodes for 24.98$ in bilingual form as well as three more episodes of Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Operation Stardust in bilingual 5.1 format for 29.98$. Ronin Warriors Vol. #2, listing four episodes (as opposed to what TRSI listed earlier today for volume 1) is set for 24.98$ and lists bilingual - but I'm convinced that based on previous information from reps that it's not true bilingual, but both versions included.

New title announcement (07:21 PM EST): According to today's product updates at Right Stuf, Ronin Warriors Vol. #1 has been given a 4/23/2002 release date. The disc is set to retail for 24.95$, but lists the running time as 90 minutes. This goes against what we had been told recently of it having four episodes of the dub version and four episodes of the subtitled uncut version. Curiously, the Diamond Comics listing for it lists the running time as 240 minutes and a price of 19.95$.

KareKano Feature (07:19 PM EST): To keep folks up to date on the progress of His & Her Circumstances, the folks at Right Stuf have set up a Daily Journal of the production of the show. Be sure to check it out!

Wednesday, December 26th, 2001

Newly reviewed (09:17 PM EST): In a truly rare moment, with our newly posted review of the Japanese region 2 release of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, I've managed to be completely caught up on reviews that I have in the queue. Happy days!

Newly reviewed (01:44 PM EST): Oh happiness! We've completed the last outstanding region 1 and hentai review we had in our to-watch pile today with our review of the final volume of Demon Beast Invasion!

Tuesday, December 25th, 2001

Newly reviewed (09:23 PM EST): What's Christmas without a little more hentai? Tonight we've taken the time to check out the 11/13/2001 release of Maiden Diaries, also sometimes known as Maiden Complete, by Media Blasters.

Newly reviewed (06:01 PM EST): After the September release of the X movie from Manga Entertainment, I finally caved in and ordered the Japanese release of it after finally finding a place in stock. Thanks to the good guys at EMS and my local post office, we got in our care package today that contained that and I spent the afternoon taking in the X movie once again as well as writing the new review.

Newly reviewed (12:10 PM EST): While I'm spending Christmas alone this year, I did get a great heartwarming feeling by watching the six episode OVA series Video Girl Ai that was released on 12/04/2001 from the folks at Viz and Pioneer.

Monday, December 24th, 2001

Newly reviewed (09:14 PM EST): For our sixth and final new review of the day, we've finished watching the 12/04/2001 release of Spaceship Agga Ruter from Central Park Media.

Confirmed license (09:14 PM EST): Courtesy of a sell-sheet image provided to us from Mike Toole over at Anime Jump, we've learned and confirmed that tokyopop does indeed have the license for anime Marmalade Boy. The sell sheet lists it as a romantic comedy that spans 74 episodes and multiple seasons. Their license covers the territories of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom (as well as the vaguely worded "other English speaking territories"). They also did definitely list it coming as a bilingual release, but no other information is as of yet available. But this is great Christmas news for many.

Contest Results (08:25 PM EST): As promised, we've closed our Christmas Contest at 8 PM our time tonight and have chosen a winner. Congratulations to Thomas Ruff who will find an El-Hazard OVA box set from us under his tree (eventually)! Thanks to everyone who participated as we had nearly 4000 entries into this contest.

Newly reviewed (08:10 PM EST): Getting closer to being caught up with our stack of hentai, we've taken a digest review look at the release of Shusaku Replay.

Newly reviewed (03:35 PM EST): This is a bit of an unusual one, as we have no firm release date for it and some copies may have already made it into the market. We've taken a look at ADV Films remaster of Neon Genesis Evangelion Collection 0:1 and posted some thoughts on it. The copy we were given has the same cover art as the original, but we've been told that the corrected covers are coming, I just didn't make the cutoff. But the quickest way to tell is when the disc loads, as you'll get the new floating circle ADV logo as opposed to the various astrological symbols of their old logo.

People had said that ADV should remaster the disc, and they have. Hopefully those same people who said they weren't buying until they did this will follow through on their rhetoric and do so when it becomes easy to spot. And that's all I'm gonna say about Evangelion.

Newly reviewed (01:16 PM EST): Released on 12/22/2001, today we sat down to check out our newly arrived copy of Fushigi Yugi: Eikou Den Vol. #1 from Japan. This region 2 release is the first of four OVA's based on the Gaiden novels and due from Pioneer Entertainment sometime in 2002. Since it's only 30 minutes, expect our content review to be rather spoilerific.

Newly reviewed (11:37 AM EST): What's a holiday without hentai? Not the same to be sure, which is why we won't find out cause we just finished watching and reviewing Desert Island Story X Box Set.

Advance review (10:48 AM EST): Tis the morning before Christmas, and all through the house, all that can be heard is the sounds of squeaky Japanese girls and cute little mascots. Our first new review on this semi-holiday is of the 01/22/2002 release from ADV Films of Arc the Lad Vol. #6, which brings the series to its conclusion with definitely finality.

Sunday, December 23rd, 2001

Advance review (06:26 PM EST): Adding yet another ADV title to our early reviews section (as they seem to have learned how to get their reviews to last longer on the front page), tonight we've taken a look at the 01/29/2002 release of Nadia Vol. #6: Deep Blue Sea.

Newly reviewed (05:45 PM EST): Originally released back on 10/09/2001, we've finally managed to spend some time with Bondage Queen Kate. I wish I had left her on the shelf longer...

Cover art (05:03 PM EST): We've added just under 40 pieces of new cover art this evening to Gallery 8 and Gallery 9.

Newly reviewed (12:18 AM EST): Who needs sleep when I have more Ceres to watch? That's right, after getting into the hentai earlier, we switched gears again and went back to watch Ceres, Celestial Legend Vol. #5.

Saturday, December 22nd, 2001

Newly reviewed (08:26 PM EST): For your hentai reading pleasure tonight, we've finished our thoughts on the Welcome to Pia Carrot 2 box set, which brings us another 3 discs worth of Pia Carrot goodness following the first one we reviewed back during Thanksgiving.

Newly reviewed (05:32 PM EST): Amusingly, Crest of the Stars Vol. #4 wasn't the only thing we forgot to order. When Ceres, Celestial Legend Vol. #5 came in and I put it on the shelf, I was surprised to found out I never ordered Vol. #4. There's just so much coming out these days its getting hard to keep track of. But we finally got Ceres, Celestial Legend Vol. #4 in this week and have added that one to our completed pile.

Newly reviewed (04:38 PM EST): Released on 12/04/2001, Bandai released the final volume in the opening series that has taken many fans by surprise. Though we're a bit later in our review of it than I would have liked due to my forgetting to order it and thinking I did, we've finished our thoughts on Crest of the Stars Vol. #4.

Friday, December 21st, 2001

2001 Awards Poll (11:16 PM EST): The 2001 Reader Awards Polling is now open for everyone to participate in. We'll be keeping it open until 01/11/2002 and then will take the results and write up our year in review along with them. Be sure to check it out and vote!

Newly reviewed (08:56 PM EST): Released on 12/04/2001, Right Stuf's Boogiepop Phantom Vol. #3 succeeds in making me want to claw my brain out in trying to understand just what's going on.

Newly reviewed (07:57 PM EST): While most other websites are closing down for the next week, we're just getting started in providing review content. Our next new review for the holiday season is NuTech Entertainment's box set of Inmu, more hentai from the fun folks at Pink Pineapple.

New title announcements (04:09 PM EST): The folks at Right Stuf have updated today with some new title listings. Due on 03/26/2002 is the concluding volume of Ceres, Celestial Legend 8: Denouement which contains the final three episodes. Also due that day is Ranma 1/2: Random Rhapsody 8: For the Love of Akane which also contains three episodes. Both discs retail for 29.95$. An interesting side note, Pioneer has apparently canceled orders for the dub VHS version of the Adventures of the Mini Goddesses, turning the series into yet another DVD only release.

Thursday, December 20th, 2001

Advance review (11:03 PM EST): One more for the evening, we've taken a look at the 01/08/2002 release of Princess 9 Vol. #2: Double Header from ADV Films. Expectations are not let down here folks!

Newly reviewed (09:09 PM EST): Adding another one to the completed pile tonight, we've done something of a digest review of the 12/11/2001 release of Ping Pong Club Vol. #5: Rots in Hell from Central Park Media.

Newly reviewed (08:00 PM EST): Released this past Tuesday, we've taken some time tonight to watch the uncut version of Mezzo Forte from Media Blasters. More than likely we'll have someone send in an alternate angle of the edited version and we'll post that as the primary one, since I can't bring myself to buy edited stuff.

Wednesday, December 19th, 2001

Holiday deals (06:05 PM EST): For those doing some last minute Christmas shopping for others (and for yourself, as I know anime fans), there's a couple of deals going on out there. The folks at DVD Express are moving out a large chunk of their anime inventory that's been overstocked for awhile. One of the better deals out there right now is a weekly special from Right Stuf that has Yamamoto Yohko's OVA collection for 50% off. A number of other deals that forum members have tracked can be found in this thread here.

AnimEigo (07:56 AM EST): Though the arrival of the Macross boxes to their offices got pushed to this Thursday, the folks at AnimEigo aren't just sitting around. They're preparing for the hell of shipping.

Tuesday, December 18th, 2001

Esca Movie (08:18 PM EST): Bandai Entertainment is now starting to talk up the theatrical run of Escaflowne by launching a website devoted to it.

More new title announcements (05:04 PM EST): The TRSI site has updated with some new stuff, a lot of it previously known upcoming titles from Funimation. On the new side, we can expect Blue Gender Vol. #3 on 05/07/2002 with three episodes retailing for 24.95 (and released only 4 months after #2) and CPM will bow Now and Then, Here and There 2: Flight & Fall on 03/12/2002 for 29.99$.

Goodie revealed (04:53 PM EST): Back when Cardcaptor Sakura Vol. #4 got exiled to a January release date without any reason, Pioneer took fans pains to heart and promised to do something good for them when the time comes for it to be released. According to the Pioneer Animation site today, the extra will be a pretty slick one in the form of a mini pencil board from the show, similar to the one we saw in the recent Ah! My Goddess movie release. Sweet!

New title announcement (04:51 PM EST): Probably the biggest new title announcement we'll get during the final two weeks of the year as companies wind down, ADV Films has announced that Power Stone 4 : The Search Continues has been assigned a street date of 04/09/2002.

Monday, December 17th, 2001

Newly licensed (05:33 PM EST): According to an update at AnimeNation, NuTech Entertainment has licensed another bundle of hentai. This round of licensing includes Bizarre Cage, Black Mail II, Immoral Sisters, Isaku, Isaku Respect, Luv Wave, School of Darkness, Yu-No, D+vine Luv, Inmu II and Karakuri Ninja Girl. This means I better get caught up on their last round of releases that are still waiting to be reviewed. If you're looking for info on these shows, there's some basic stuff (in Japanese) at www.pinkpineapple.co.jp.

Sunday, December 16th, 2001

Petitions (06:17 PM EST): Two new reader submitted petitions have been added today, one for the OVA's to Armored Troopers Votoms to be licensed and another for Robotech: The Sentinels to be completed.

Digital Omake (06:08 PM EST): Two new pieces added to our Digital Omake page today for Hand Maid May Vol. #3 and Ceres, Celestial Legend Vol. #3.

Going Roman (06:01 PM EST): For his continually growing fanbase of readers, tonight we present an edition of "Going Roman", all Roman reviews, all Roman time!

• Armored Troopers Votoms Vol. #9
• Nadia Vol. #3
• Ah! My Goddess the Movie
• Oh! My Goddess Vol. #2

Newly reviewed (09:10 AM EST): We eked out a bit more free time in this massive packing and package-wrapping weekend to check out Pioneer's 12/11/2001 release of NieA_7 Vol. #3 and to write up the review.

Saturday, December 15th, 2001

Upcoming review (05:30 PM EST): Something some folks may be looking forward to reading, during the Christmas break when I'll have some extra time, I'll be doing a review on our latest purchase, the Panasonic DMR-E20S DVD Recorder. We got this bad boy installed into our gear rack yesterday and are having a sweet time with it. Sweet enough that we've already kicked out the VCR and the LD decks. So now the rack has *cough* four DVD capable players in it and a receiver.

I think I like DVD.

We've been playing around with the DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs as well as with our Tivo unit and are having a lot of fun. When we hook it up with the component cables though, that's when the real testing will begin.

Newly reviewed (05:29 PM EST): While the holiday rush is upon us, we managed to take a little crash time today to check out the 11/27/2001 release from Manga Entertainment of Shadow Skill: The Movie as well as write up the review.

Advance review (08:52 AM EST): Probably one of our earliest advanced reviews, we've finished up watching the complete series of AD Police: To Serve & Protect from ADV Films. This double disc set containing all twelve episodes is due on 04/09/2002 for the ultra low price of 34.98$. Those who powershop online will be able to get this bad boy for under 2$ an episode! And to be contrary to all those who despise this show... I liked it better than Slayers. Hah!

Friday, December 14th, 2001

New title announcement (03:51 PM EST): Forum regular "redrum" got an early sheet of information from Columbia Tri/Star that indicates Metropolis will receive a 3/12/2002 street date for 27.95$. According to the preliminary information, it will feature Japanese 5.1 audio, English audio, English, French and Spanish subtitles. Sounds sweet indeed.

Macross update (02:53 PM EST): According to the AnimEigo site, the first box set of the Macross series has arrived in air-expressed from the replicator, with the rest expected to follow on the 18th and then the mass shipments to the 10,000+ faithful will begin. For those who do take the religion of Macross seriously, you must go here and get this photo enlarged and set up your shrine. Shin is your god. You may not be saying it yet, but once you have this box in your hands, you will be.

Thursday, December 13th, 2001

Newly reviewed (10:01 PM EST): We've spent the past few nights watching stuff, so let's get the completed reviews done.

• Due on 02/05/2002 from ADV Films: Plastic Little
• Due on 01/29/2002 from ADV Films: Gasaraki Vol. #8
• Due on 01/15/2002 from ADV Films: Sorcerer on the Rocks
• Released on 12/11/2001 from Media Blasters: Tokyo Project

New title announcements (06:53 PM EST): According to Right Stuf, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust has been given a 2/28/2002 release date for it's English only disc with a retail price of 29.95$. No other details listed as of yet. ADV Films has listed on our forums this afternoon a new title as well. Nadia Vol. #7: Nadia's Island has been given a street date of 03/12/2002. 4 episodes for $29.98. English and Japanese with English subtitles.

New title announcements (01:31 PM EST): Showing up on the CPM site, we've noticed two new additions to their March line of releases. Due on 03/12/2002 is Maetel Legend, which runs for 85 minutes and retails for 29.95$. Also due on that day is Now & Then, Here & There: Flight & Fall which runs for 100 minutes and retails for 29.95$. Cover art for both should appear in the galleries shortly.

Wednesday, December 12th, 2001

FLCL cast! (02:43 PM EST): The final casting list for FLCL has made its way to the web for the English language version:

Lists! (01:26 PM EST): Since so many of you seem to love lists for some reason, we're going to give a try at putting out a master release list of everything to date.

Evangelion Vol. #1 Remaster (11:01 AM EST): After my brief comments Monday night about the remaster, it appears that my wording has confused some people. I clarified it some, but apparently it's still confusing.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. #1 was originally authored by AIX with ADV using freeze frames to remove jitter and overlays to replace key Japanese text sequences. After fan outrage and several months later, Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. #2 - 8 began to be released by POP/Cinram without the jitter removal process or with overlays. ADV is now remastering the first volume without the jitter removal and without overlays and it's being authored by MOFC, which is an authoring studio based nearby the ADV offices. My comments were comparing the quality of Eva 1 remaster against Eva 1 AIX version as well as Eva 2-8 POP versions based on the opening sequences. Basically, my initial impressions are that the Eva 1 remaster definitely looks better than the Eva 1 AIX version but still has some minor issues that are likely source related and that based on the opening sequences, I think that the Eva 1 remaster looks better than the POP released Vol 2-8 releases.

Tuesday, December 11th, 2001

ADV talks about the Catalog (09:28 PM EST): David Williams of ADV Films posted an interesting bit tonight talking about the current status of what's being worked on with their back catalog:

"Currently working on Miyuki-chan In Wonderland. Also working on the City Hunter movies/specials with the first out to be Secret Service since there was no subbed VHS released. And wrapping up the Crystania OVA's.

Press (05:38 PM EST): We've added two new press releases from ADV Films into one handy page where they talk up Those Who Hunt Elves Vol. #2 and Soul Hunter Vol. #2.

Reviews update (05:10 PM EST): In an effort to better serve our readers here, we've started to break out the region 2 and beyond reviews. Up until now, we've kept reviews for regions 2 and up in the same area, which we've realized is starting to get a bit crowded. We also wanted to use the region 3 section to list all the titles which we know are legal licenses and not bootlegs since we get questioned on it all the time. Keep in mind that we have not added everything we know about to this section at this time, so don't chew our heads off. Simple drop us a line letting us know what title needs to be added and its distributor.

Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 3 | Region 4

Orange Road update  (04:49 PM EST): It looks like AnimEigo's getting closer to their release of Kimagure Orange Road on DVD and they've updated their page for it with information on how to get a rebate by sending in your VHS or LD's of the TV series.

Being one of those whose name appears in the credits as being responsible for getting the show licensed and brought over along with several hundred other people, you can have my laserdiscs when you pry them from my cold dead fingers. Though I do hope those credits make their way to the DVD release.

Upcoming peek (04:46 PM EST): With the theatrical run of Escaflowne getting closer, we've managed to snag some sort of opportunity to get involved with things and Roman Martel will be doing a full review sometime soon, but has written a brief preview of said review. Press junkets can be fun, but sometimes require oddities like this.

Monday, December 10th, 2001

Advance peek (09:13 PM EST): While I'm in the midst of the time of the week when I can't do full reviews, I want to give a quick sampling of some stuff we've seen today, as you'll notice my review pile jumped in sized today. Being that we get ADV discs pretty far in advance of the street date, the first thing we check out on all of them is trailers. Gotta see what the next big thing is. Fans of Plastic Little will be superbly pleased to note that it's the first disc to get the Excel Saga trailer, a trailer which my wife termed, "More %$^#$ than FLCL I'm betting".

Speaking of Plastic Little, my perception of anime is now forever changed having experienced the jiggle counter. I'm torn between putting a screenshot of it in the review to give people a look and just letting it be a mystery until it can be experienced. The show itself looks good though it's showing a bit of its age.

The real surprise tonight was watching the first episode of Sorcerer on the Rocks. Released in 1999, it obviously looks fantastic, but it's also hilarious. It's almost like a series of scenes where you just keep saying, "I can't believe they just did that". I'm now convinced the wrong cast was used for the Sorcerer Hunter series of which this shares the same universe.

We also popped in the remastered Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. #1 and really liked what we saw. There are a few scenes that looked better than the last version but still a bit "eh" but a lot of it just looks really amazing. The authoring was done by MOFC while the rest of the series was originally done by POP/Cinram. Just from checking a few areas, I'm tempted to believe that MOFC has done a much better job with it and this volume will look better than most of the original release.

New in R2 (05:22 PM EST): All right Ghibli fans, we've learned what the next title is going to be due out on DVD in Japan from Studio Ghibli. According to Amazon Japan, Porco Rosso is due out on 03/28/2002. Thanks to 'jadafa' for the forum post.

Merry Christmas! (04:57 PM EST): Yes yes, it's just about two weeks away. That's why I'm getting my tush in gear and getting our Christmas Contest running today!

Sunday, December 9th, 2001

Newly reviewed (04:19 AM EST): Our seventh and final review of the weekend, we take a peek at the just released DVD compilation of Bubblegum Crash from AnimEigo.

Advance review (11:48 AM EST): In our sixth review of the weekend, we've taken a look at ADV Film's upcoming 12/18/2001 release of Nadia Vol. #5: Nemo's Fortress.

Saturday, December 8th, 2001

Advance review (05:55 PM EST): In our fifth review for the day, we'll take a trip down a future lane to talk about the 12/18/2001 release of the Big O Vol. #4, the concluding volume to Bandai's stylistic series.

Newly reviewed (04:35 PM EST): Released back on 11/13/2001, we've taken a look today at a title previously known as Sohryuden, but now known as Legend of the Dragon Kings Vol. #1 from Central Park Media.

Newly reviewed (11:34 AM EST): Due out on 12/17/2001 but available now directly from AnimEigo is Vampire Princess Miyu OVA Vol. #2 which concludes the classic 1988 OVA series.

Newly reviewed (09:28 AM EST): Trying to keep on top of the growing tide of December releases, we've taken a look at the 12/04/2001 release of Fight!! Spirit of the Sword from Media Blasters.

Newly reviewed (08:40 AM EST): The first of what I hope to be several reviews this weekend, we've taken a look at the 12/04/2001 release from Media Blasters of Rurouni Kenshin Vol. #13: Innocence and Experience.

Friday, December 7th, 2001

Vandread tidbits (11:59 PM EST): Some information was posted to the forum this evening regarding the 01/22/2002 release of the first volume of Vandread from Pioneer:

• Each volume contains 2 holographic foil collectible trading cards (while supplies last)
• Special holographic foil covers (DVD only)
• Digitally animated by Gonzo (the team behind Blue Submarine No. 6 and Gate Keepers)
• Presented in its original letterbox format.

For the DVD features, beyond the standard bilingual tracks with English subtitles, we'll get non-credit openings, promotional video clips and a character design gallery. But what's the show about? Here's how they describe the first volume: For generations, the men of the planet Tarak have waged a valiant war of survival against their fierce enemies of the planet Mejale - women! Hibiki finds himself completely out of his depth first as a stowaway on a space battleship then as the prisoner of the women who hijack it! A strange missile send the hijackers into a remote corner of the galaxy where the women and their prisoners encounter a mysterious new enemy that may force them to join forces! Can men and women actually work together without killing each other?!

New title announcement (09:09 PM EST): Sending off the week with a bang, David Williams of ADV Films has posted another sweet release date on the forums this evening. Dirty Pair Flash: Random Angels is set to street on 02/26/2002. It'll have 5 episodes for $29.98. English and Japanese with English subtitles.

Forum Buzz! (05:36 PM EST): Yo yo yo! Sean's back again this week, this time without his cable modem and living in the world of dialup, so this buzz is a bit different than usual.

G Gundam: Breathe easy (05:02 PM EST): According to a tidbit posted to the forums today, Jerry Chu of Bandai confirmed that the release of G Gundam will be bilingual and subtitled. He also made an amusingly cryptic remark about the dub only Mobile Suit Gundam and saying something along the lines of not being able to include the subtitles... yet.

New title announcements (04:55 PM EST): According to information posted at AnimeNation, Yu Yu Hakusho is set for a March 2002 release.

"FUNimation has confirmed that the first two home video volumes of the Yu Yu Hakusho TV series will premier on uncut VHS and DVD early next year. Volume 1: Artifacts of Darkness, will be available on February 6th. Volume 2: Yusuke Lost, Yusuke Found will be available on March 12th. The 80 minute VHS tapes will retail for $19.95 and the DVDs $24.95."

Press (04:53 PM EST): The folks at Media Blasters have sent out their latest press release detailing their March 2002 array of titles in all genres as well as some theatrical live-action information.

Site tweaking (08:55 AM EST): Be afraid, be very afraid!! We've started to do a little tweaking around the old homestead here and have added two new things today. The first is that we're in the initial phases of working towards a new FAQ Section, which should be of benefit to all (there is a forum thread in the general section detailing this). We're also getting set to move over some of our existing polls into our new polling software. With this we're finally getting away from outsourcing it and doing it all here. There's also a poll in there regarding audio equipment that I'd love to see people take a minute or two and weigh in on as more and more shows are coming out in 5.1 format, we need to get the word out that our systems can handle it!

Thursday, December 6th, 2001

Inu Yasha cast (09:05 PM EST): Reader Dylan Thomas pointed us towards the Ranma 1/2 Perfect Edition site where they have listed some of the dub actors being used for the upcoming Inu Yasha release as given to them by Toshi Yoshida who is getting the first three episodes dubbed at the moment.

Advance review (08:58 PM EST): Due out on 02/19/2002 from Bandai Entertainment, we've taken the evening to write down our thoughts on their release of Love Hina Vol. #1. In the future, we'll also be appending the review with our thoughts on the box that's being released with it as well. For those who don't know, two flavors are being released; the DVD by itself for 29.99$ and the disc with the box to hold all six discs for 34.95$. I would guess this means we won't see a box set afterwards, so if you want a box for this series, get it early and not later.

New title announcement (07:57 PM EST): Let's get another new disc listed tonight! According to David Williams of ADV, Volume 2 of Soul Hunter: All the Queen's Men will street on 2/12/2002. This disc will contain four episodes for $29.98.

Boxes boxes boxes! (06:47 PM EST): Outside of our licensing list manager, it seems like everyone just loves boxes! Boxes! C'mon, feel the energy. Boxes! We've learned tonight that when the third volume of Now & Then, Here & There from CPM is released, a box set version will also be released containing all three discs as well as a disc full of extras. But fear not if you can't wait until around May for the box set to come out, the box will be sold with the extras disc by itself so you can enjoy this series on as its released. Plans for where it will be available are being finalized and we'll update once we know.

Revolutionary update (06:38 PM EST): According to some information given out in the chat this evening from Justin Sevakis of Central Park Media, they've acquired the materials and have them in their hot little hands for episodes 14-26 of Revolutionary Girl Utena. That's right folks, work is getting ready to begin on the Black Rose segment of the series.

Limited item notice (06:24 PM EST): It looks like the folks at Right Stuf are working with ADV for a new limited item. With the apparent success of the Bebop box set, it's no surprise they're trying something else. This time, it's a combo deal of ADV's Burn Up W DVD with the previously out of print T-shirt associated with it in either L, XL or XXL. And it's limited to a run of only 1000 as well. The neat part? It's priced at only 19.98$ for both items together, which is like a 35% discount and getting the shirt for free. Hopefully this will go over well and we'll see some more limited stuff being done this way. I've also been told that those who buy this package will also get some advance notice on the upcoming Burn Up Excess series as well as some special offers for it when announced.

New title announcements (05:49 PM EST): Keeping me busy tonight, David Williams of ADV has posted a street date for us. Those Who Hunt Elves Vol. #2 : Elf Stripping for Fun and Profit has been given a street date of 02/12/02 with six episodes for $29.98.

ADV expands (05:47 PM EST): As anime continues to grow in popularity in the US, the Japanese licensors are getting more receptive to actual goods being produced for the shows that they license. While details are minimal at the moment with more information promised soon, ADV's David Williams posted today that they're expanding into producing wallscrolls for some of their properties. The first titles up include Burn Up Excess, SiN, Orphen and AD Police.

Wednesday, December 5th, 2001

Newly reviewed (09:54 PM EST): Having just gotten it in this past Saturday, we've finally managed to wade through the goodness that is known as the Ranma 1/2: Digital Dojo Season 1 Box Set from Viz & Pioneer. During this busy holiday month (and a month where my wife and daughter are going away for ten days around the holiday without me), I've only got a few hours a night to do much, so we're limiting ourselves to 3-4 episodes a night. We'll be a bit slower on reviews this month, but I think after the sheer number of reviews we've done over the past year, a slight slowdown should be ok with everyone. :)

Press (07:08 AM EST): A late night (by east coast standards) press release came in from the folks at tokyopop last night, and it does a fairly decent job of clarifying some of their newly licensed properties. Of course, it also mentions Angelic Layer in the beginning and makes no further reference to it....

Tuesday, December 4th, 2001

Love Hina (10:07 PM EST): Proving that he's got more funny in him than I do, Mike Toole over at Anime Jump posted a great piece on the logo being used for the Love Hina region 1 release.

Digital Omake (10:03 PM EST): Two new pieces added tonight to our Digital Omake page, one of them being the extremely funny one we mentioned previously from Orphen Vol. #3 as well as another for Saber Marionette J Collection 3.

FLCL tease (09:56 PM EST): Stephanie from Synch-Point posted a bit of a tease to entice some holdouts into looking at picking up their upcoming FLCL DVD's. "I just wanted to let you guys know that there will be an extra audio/subtitle track with Tsurumaki-san's director commentary on the FLCL DVD. Hopefully that will win some of you guys over." If ever there was a series where I want to hear the director talk about the show, this is definitely one of them. We also updated the recent two-part article with one piece of information that needed to be changed. They aren't producing the DVD's in house but rather they're being done by Stream POP, formally known as POP/Cinram, one of our favored authoring houses.

CPM tidbit (06:06 PM EST): For those who've been wondering, we learned the official title for CPM's upcoming release of Himiko-den. After all, you wouldn't expect it to be just that. According to what we learned in the chat this evening, it will be titled Legend of Himiko. Those who had heard the other choices will be much relieved.

Monday, December 3rd, 2001

Talking to Synch-Point (05:06 PM EST): Following up on the first part we posted on Saturday, the second half of the Behind the Scenes with Synch-Point talks about the dubbing process, translation and the upcoming DVD releases.

Sunday, December 2nd, 2001

Love Hina Event (08:11 PM EST): Today was the day for the AnimeOnDVD.Com Love Hina Event which we've covered in some detail here. The entire event seemed to go off without a hitch and we had a nearly packed house with a really fun crowd. We're definitely going to look into doing this again.

Saturday, December 1st, 2001

Talking to Synch-Point (04:12 PM EST): Taking advantage of some of our west coast connections, we recently sent off our staff reviewer and columnist Roman Martel to the offices of Synch-Point to see what he could find out. Thankfully, he wasn't booted out the door but rather invited inside and got an interesting look at who the people behind the logo are and what they've got up their sleeves. The first of two parts.

Newly licensed (01:18 PM EST): According to a surprise announcement in our chat this afternoon, Justin Sevakis of Central Park Media announced their acquisition of Yami no Matsuei. This translates literally to Descendants of Darkness. At this time, it's being tentatively planned for a 3 disc release in a 5/4/4 style, but that's not firm yet. For more information on the TV broadcast of this show, check out this site.

Forum Buzz (01:01 PM EST): With the holidays, this column's been a bit off schedule, but it's making its way back this weekend with a new installment.

Daily Contest (08:00 AM EST): Congratulations go out to our thirtieth and final winner in the ADV DVD A Day contest, Kevin Michalske. Kevin snagged the last copy of the Blue Seed Vol. #4!