Forum Buzz
By da Original S Man & asagiri2040

10/15/03 Edition

Important News

System Update: IBTL No More
Sean the Admin is cracking down on the post padding nature of "I Beat The Lock/In Before The Lock". As of the 17th, Sean will start knocking down post count in a major way for anyone who adds in a "IBTL" for a thread destined to be closed. Don't dance of the minefield, folks.

A special reminder to all who wish to join the forums, be sure to check out:

And now, onto the forums...

Ai Yori Aoshi ~ Enishi Licensed by Geneon/Pioneer
Before the series had even had the chance to air on TV in Japan, wonderful news has come in the form of a note inside Ai Yori Aoshi DVD 5. The continuing adventures of the AYA cast already has its second season licensed and will be hitting DVD in early 2004. Additions in second season including upgrading Chika-chan to be a full cast member and two new female characters from the manga series. Worshipers of the kimono Goddess will be happy to know there is still even more Aoi-chan on the way.

LAST EXILE DVD 1 / LE Version Details
Geneon/Pioneer's Stephen Tang stopped by the forums to list off what will be coming with each of the three flavors of LAST EXILE this November. The DVD itself will include an exclusive interview with Mahiro Maeda, non-credit & original Japanese opening, and a foil enhanced cover amoungst the extras. Of course, you can also upgrade to get the sturdy box version or those daring enough can go after the dvd/box/Alvis Hamilton figurine & mouse pad featuring Range Murata artwork. The final box choice is limited to 15,000 copies and will be individually numbered.

And for those curious considering the future of the Pioneer logo, Stephen noted that starting in Feb. 2004, all DVDs will carry both the Pioneer & Geneon (pronounced jenny-awn).

Sailor Moon R(eplacements)
In response to the presence of dub audio in episode 68 of Sailor Moon (included in the Sailor Moon R box set), ADV has instituted a replacement program for the disc on which episode 68 is included, with the replacement having corrected audio. All future pressings of the set will contain the corrected disc. It should also be noted that the actual press release describes the affected episode as being episode 67, which was a typo as confirmed by David Williams of ADV.

Also, it appears that ADV is offering replacements for the first season set in order to correct the video glitch noted in episode 24. Oddly, there have been no official announcements regarding this replacement, but user “Anna Sartin” has confirmed that the replacement is valid. Information can be found in the Sailor Moon thread in Glitch Disc.

Geneon release dates
Between a website update and the weekly PDF, just about all of Geneon’s January and February releases have been clarified. Continuing volumes of Chobits, Someday’s Dreamers, Last Exile, and more, plus the first volume of the recently produced, recently licensed Harlock series, to be entitled “Captain Herlock, Space Pirate.”

The Ultimate R1 DVD “EXTRA”
User “Kenneth Lee” asks the question: “What would you consider the Ultimate R1 Extra (physical bonus item) that we got (or should always get on an LE)?” His personal choice was figures or statues, and several people agreed. However, it seems that the majority vote is one for soundtracks, with other smaller numbers of votes for things such as quality shirts, pencilboards, sturdy boxes, as well as non-physical items mentioned by people who didn’t read Ken’s post. Have an idea of your own? Then contribute! Who knows who may be reading!

Top treatment for Shoujo titles?
User “Wakaba” laments the lack of “spectacular treatment” for Shoujo releases in the States. But wait! Sidekick “Sean Broestl” points out X as a good example of a high-quality release, and mentions are also made of Fushigi Yugi, Fruits Basket, and Magic Knight Rayearth 2, among others. Arguments are made that Bandai’s release of Fancy Lala was indeed a quality release, and wait-and-see attitudes are presented regarding upcoming shows such as Marmalade Boy. Also, the inimitable Licensing List Queen “Sapphire” stops by to clarify definitions of shoujo, and the fans go round and round regarding CPM’s release of Utena.

R1 Bits and Pieces
Just because a thread isn’t consistently on the first page or doesn’t have over 50 replies doesn’t mean it’s not important! Here’s where we’ll give a quick list of some of the smaller, yet significant, threads from the R1 forum that contain info about upcoming releases, statements from studio reps, or just some posts that might have the answer to a question you had that didn’t seem to have been addressed elsewhere. Read on!

[Synch-Point] Printing ceases for FLCL production booklets
Due to the popularity of FLCL, Synch-Point will no longer be printing the popular booklets currently available with the DVDs. The booklets will still be available on the SP website as a PDF file and the DVDs still carrying the booklets are marked with a sticker (not to mention they're fairly heavy!). The replacing the booklet is a two page insert.

Upcoming Soundtracks from Geneon/Pioneer & ADV Music
Geneon's music division dropped a bomb on US fans which still has many stunned. Geneon will be releasing on January 20th: Neon Genesis Evangelion OST 1, His & Her Circumstances Act 1.0, and Fooly Cooly OST 1. Definately three high profile soundtracks which no one expected Geneon to get first. Not to be outdone, ADV's David Williams has posted up a list of their December 9th releases for ADV Music: Doomed Megalopolis, Jyubei Ninpucho, Kimera, Sonic Soldier Borgman: Last Battle & Lover's Rain, and Voices of a Distant Star.

Disney/Studio Ghibli dubbing news
Disney is certainly cracking the whip to get their Ghibli titles dubbed and fully released. Porco Rosso was shown dubbed at the Austin Film Festival. Nausicaa is currently being dubbed with Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman, and Natalie Portman. And being held up but most likely the next project: Whisper of the Heart. DVDs are looking at a 2004 release for the moment.

This week in (R2) Covers
With a total lack of R1 coverart this week, we present what's going on across the sea. Warning: some R2 coverart (like The Big O: Second Season) carry major spoilers. Tread carefully.. and try not to drool too much concerning LAST EXILE cover 4. ;-)

Manga Express 999
Kiril is no longer alone as Theory has joined as a moderator for the Manga forums. As long as he's good, her fanclub won't do bad things to him. ;-)

ComicsOne

Dark Horse

TOKYOPOP

Viz

Recommendations Rundown
After a one-week vacation, the Rundown is back, trailing buckets of fun in its wake! We’s a gots some catchin’ up to do and some fans to help, so onwards! Let’s open the gate!!

4Kids/FoxBox looking to get Magical (Doremi)
Trying to expand the viewer base, 4Kids' Al Khan has told C21Media.net that they have the "Magical Doremi" license for Fox Kids to air. This, of course, has brought mixed reaction from the fanbase due to 4Kids' tendency to release the DVD rights as TV edit, dub only. No word on when this will start airing but the Spring start up of mid-season series is likely.

Odd little Azumanga Diaoh finds...
Nothing actually important, just funny what people will find. Try not to look like Osaka while you stare at them. ;-)

New shows today & coming
GONZO looks at their first movie, the Burn-Up continues on, and St. Seiya gets a 5th movie. Burn-Up: Scramble is going to be the fourth series to sport the "Burn-Up" name and the 2nd time to be a TV series. Sailor Moon episode 2 is still getting the same laughs & joy as the first. And JASCII continues to cover the world of anime just starting to air in Japan.

Big O XXIV
Only two left and then this stage play is coming to a close for now. Can this show get any stranger concerning storyline twists before the final curtain call?

PS2 Front Mission 4 dubbed in LA
Square Enix's Front Mission 4 is releasing soon and Japan and the cast is sporting some regular LA dubbing voices. The game itself looks very cool with the mecha running around. The 3 minute trailer should have many US fans jumping in desire to see it ported over soon.

Kill Bill!
Quentin Tarantino's fourth film has gathered praise and other thoughts as expected. Following Black Mamba (Uma Thurman) on her quest for revenge, she takes on her former allies as she tried to get to Bill (David Carradine). While only being the first half of the film, it has quickly gained the following to make is #1 at the box office over the weekend. Can the man who likes to film movies with more classic techniques keep the wave going to make a splash in early 2004?

Question Diver
Just dying to answer some questions? You're in luck! We have some all ready for you.

Stupid Criminal Week
We better not see any of our readers end up here. ;-)

Quote of the Week

"The only true statement about romance is this: a bunch of stuff happens, and in the end you're either pissed off or married. That's it." - BonifaceVIII

When not stopping trouble (or starting it) on the AoD Forums, S-Man can be found working on the database project at Crystal Acids and asagiri2040 can be found not updating his Rising Sun Alternative website. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan. Aoi-chan.