ADV UK DVD Releases for September 2004

Date: 2004 July 30 16:43

Posted by Joe

It's that time of the month again, ADV UK have sent us their press release. September looks like an interesting month with the the following titles:

- Hellsing: The Collection
- Mazinkaiser vol.1
- New Cutey Honey vol.1
- Rune Soldier vol.2
- Final Fantasy: Unlimited vol.4
- Pretear vol.4
- Slayers Gorgeous

We recommend Slayers Gorgeous and Hellsing: The Collection.

Full Story

Press Release as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR HELLSING: THE COLLECTION LIMITED EDITION

THE COMPLETE GOTHIC ACTION-HORROR SERIES RISES FROM THE DEAD ONCE MORE ON 20TH SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004—ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for Hellsing: the Collection, the complete action-horror anime. ADV Films is releasing Hellsing:The Collection as a limited edition 4-disc set with unique art & packaging.

A bloody blend of vampires, gunplay and Gothic England (that's Gothic as in Slimelight, not Byron), Hellsing was enthusiastically received by viewers in Japan, the US, Australia, and the UK. Total DVD described it as "far superior to the overrated Vampire Hunter D", top anime website Az:uK's Jonathan Haylock called it "a classic in the making" and added "If ever an anime should appeal to the UK fan, then this is the one…", while SciFi Channel's Jonathan Clements praised the animation, calling it "a vampire anime with a refreshingly European look", benefiting from "a script that recalls some of the better horror of recent years". Based on creator Kouta Hirano's popular manga of the same name, the series was produced by GONZO Digimation (Blue Sub No. 6, Full Metal Panic!, Zaion and the upcoming Last Exile).


The Story:

Blessed by the Church, licensed by the State, damned for all Eternity - all that stands between England and the Undead! The Hellsing Organization – frontline operatives in a shadow war against unspeakable evil! Led by Sir Integra Hellsing, grand-daughter of the notorious vampire hunter, they protect Queen & country with a number of secret weapons, but none more fearsome than the rogue vampire, Arucard! Joined by Seras Victoria, a former policewoman now vampire sired by Arucard, they must defend both themselves and the nation from enemies on all sides – including the past…

Hellsing: The Collection (RRP £49.99) is a DVD-only release, including the complete series of 13 episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: music video, staff interview, creditless endings, concept art collection and ADV Previews.


HELLSING: THE COLLECTION (Limited Edition)

Running Time: 335m approx.
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DHS/100
Format: DVD
RRP: £49.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR MAZINKAISER VOL.1: TURBO SMASHING SENSATION!

FIRST VOLUME OF OUTSTANDING RETRO-STYLED OVA TIE-IN TO CLASSIC MECHA SERIES MAZINGER Z AVAILABLE FROM 20TH SEPTEMBER 2004



LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for the first volume of the Mazinkaiser OVA series, the latest tie-in to legendary director Go Nagai's mecha classic Mazinger Z.

Nagai, an elder statesman in the world of anime and manga, is the renowned creator of such anime touchstones as Getter Robo Grandizer, the Devilman series, New Cutey Honey (also released by ADV this month) and The Devil Lady. His Mazinger Z was the first-ever anime or manga robot piloted by a human and the title is credited with launching the super-robot era of 1970s anime. Mazinkaiser has since its 2001 release in Japan earned richly deserved kudos as a stylish old-school update on the giant robot genre.


The Story:

Dr. Hell has resurrected an ancient army of mechanical monsters to conquer the world but first he has to destroy the photon power lab and the one thing standing in his way: Mazinger! But it's going to take more than defeating Mazinger for Dr. Hell and his evil henchman Baron Ashura to clear their way for world domination because there's a new kid in town—MAZINKAISER—and he packs quite an atomic punch!

Can young Kouji Kabuto as the runner behind the amazing robot Mazinkaiser deal out the thunder faster than Dr. Hell's army can take it? With the help of the team of Mazinger Boss Borot and Venus Ace photon power may yet save the world!

Mazinkaiser Vol.1: Turbo Smashing Sensation! (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including four complete 16:9 anamorphic widescreen episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions with English subtitles. Extras include technical specs, original Japanese artwork, production sketches, clean opening and closing animations, and ADV Previews.

Mazinkaiser Vol.1: Turbo Smashing Sensation!

Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DMK-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GO NAGAI'S NEW CUTEY HONEY: COLLECTION 1

FIRST DISC OF UPDATED SEXY ACTION CLASSIC OUT 20th SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for the DVD release of New Cutey Honey: Collection 1. This first volume contains four complete episodes, and debuts complete & uncut on region 2 DVD.

Legendary manga and anime creator Go (Mazinkaiser, The Devil Lady) Nagai revisits here his classic 70s series Cutey Honey, now enjoying a further revival in Japan courtesy of a live-action theatrical release adapted by director Hideaki (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gunbuster) Anno. This 8-part series picks up Honey's story a decade after the end of the first series, but takes a more mature approach to the storylines and visuals.

The Story:

From the Legendary Go Nagai (Mazinkaiser, The Devil Lady, Devilman) comes Cutey Honey, the ultimate instrument of justice in the battle of good versus evil! In a futuristic world where evil comes in all shapes and sizes, she is the ultimate warrior. CUTEY HONEY is a one woman S.W.A.T. team whose android chassis is capable of changing at will into a dazzling array of hard-hitting hardbodies each with its own unique set of skills, weapons, and other impressive physical attributes!

New Cutey Honey: Collection 1 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four episodes in English and Japanese language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include a live Press Conference, Phone Messages, a Production Portfolio, a live Cosplay event, and ADV previews.

New Cutey Honey: Collection 1
Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DC-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR RUNE SOLDIER VOL.2: ADVENTURE FOR DUMMIES

ROLLICKING FANTASY ADVENTURE-COMEDY CONTINUES ON 20th SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for the DVD release of Rune Soldier Vol.2: Adventure for Dummies. This second volume contains four complete episodes, and debuts complete & uncut on region 2 DVD.

The talented crew behind this animated version of the original manga by Ryo Mizuno (RECORD OF LODOSS WAR) include writer Katsuhiko Chiba (Gundam Wing, Outlaw Star, Inu Yasha), animator-turned-director Yoshitaka Koyama (Dirty Pair Flash, Dragon Ball Z – the Movie 3), character designer Kazunori Iwakura (Burn up Excess, Slayers Great), animation director Takashi Wada (the upcoming Azumanga Daioh) and prolific composer Kenji Kawai (Dai-Guard, Zaion: I Wish You Were Here, Ghost In The Shell, Patlabor and the Ring movies). The varied humour will be appreciated as much by sitcom fans as role-playing aficionados, running the gamut from verbal wit to slapstick.

The Story:

Two treasure hunters needed a good magician to help them open magic seals on ancient site. But they got Louie. And now they can't seem to shake him. This time, it's a field trip for some junior priestesses. The purpose? To clean out a zombie nest and give the juniors some training. But when the zombies keep coming, it turns into a learning experience for everyone.

Back in town, Melissa's old fiancé surprises everyone and demands her hand in marriage. Will Louie defend her honor? What's Merrill saying about a "Darling Jar?" And what surprises will Louie and the girls find in the Palace of Ordeals? Crack open your textbooks and get ready to find out in the next thrilling volume of Rune Soldier!

Rune Soldier Vol.2: Adventure for Dummies (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four episodes in English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening and closing animations, and ADV previews.


RUNE SOLDIER VOL.2: ADVENTURE FOR DUMMIES

Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DLR/002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FINAL FANTASY: UNLIMITED - PHASE FOUR

FOURTH VOLUME OF 25-EPISODE VIDEOGAME TIE-IN SERIES AVAILABLE 20th SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for the fourth volume of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, the companion anime television series to the popular Final Fantasy role-playing video games. Phase Four includes four complete episodes and is loaded with extras.

Reaction in the UK has been wonderful, with it fast becoming one of ADV's best-selling titles. DVD Times said of volume 1, "there is plenty here to enjoy, from the visceral thrills offered by the inventive action sequences to the promise of greater things to come … at this stage FF:U offers good old-fashioned entertainment", while Animeboredom.co.uk said "There are many things here that will please fans of the videogame series".

In addition to its tie-in to the spectacularly successful video game franchise, Final Fantasy: Unlimited's production team speaks to the quality of the title. Final Fantasy: Unlimited is directed by Mahiro Maeda, one of the most acclaimed anime directors in Japan. Maeda was recently hand-picked to direct two of the animated shorts included in The Animatrix, the anime side project based on the hit feature film The Matrix. Producers for the series are SQUARE TV Tokyo (NOIR) and Dentsu (Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), with animation produced by Gonzo Digimation, animators of Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Zaion and several more of anime's most popular recent titles.

The Story:

Feeding on the hearts of those consumed by terror, Chaos is finally revealed as the true force behind Earl Tyrant's power. By destroying and swallowing up the outside worlds and then ensnaring their residents in the chaotic landscape of Wonderland, Chaos grows ever more powerful. But even the enormous energy generated by the final destruction of Fungus' world is not enough to fill Chaos's greedy belly.Meanwhile, Omega seems to be inexplicably drawn to the subway. Fabula intervenes and saves Lisa and the twins from Omega's latest attack, only to deposit them in a desolate iceland. Luckily, they are saved by the Comodeen and they decide to join forces to stop the spread of Chaos and restore order to Wonderland. Setting off in Cid's deep-sea submarine, the group is soon entrapped in Pist's deadly Ocean Puzzle, an interdimensional maze. Each successfully completed cube will bring them closer to freedom, but too many errors and they will be dropped to the bottom... where Chaos patiently waits to consume them whole!

Final Fantasy: Unlimited—Phase 4 (RRP £19.99 DVD) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: voice actor commentary; production sketches; key animation backgrounds; reversible cover; ADV previews and more!

FINAL FANTASY: UNLIMITED – PHASE FOUR
Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DFF/004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR PRETEAR VOL.4

FINAL VOLUME OF FAN-FAVOURITE SERIES AVAILABLE 20th SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for the final volume of Pretear, the series created by Kaori Naruse and noted anime fantasy creator Junichi Sato (director of the first series of Sailor Moon and creator of Kaleido Star).

Pretear, a mahou shoujo series, combines elements of the fairy tales Cinderella (new stepmother and evil stepsisters) and Snow White (seven knights instead of seven dwarves). On its 2001 Japanese release, the title was lauded for its intense animation, in-depth characterizations, exciting battle scenes, and its beautiful soundtrack. The opening song "White Destiny" is sung by Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida. DVD Times describes Pretear as "a refreshing change of pace" and "a more intelligent brand of mahou shoujo (magical girl) show".

The Story:

No longer the Pretear, Himeno Awayuki is powerless to stop Takako, the Princess of Disaster, from nearly killing the knight Sasame. Distraught, Himeno finds comfort with her stepsister Mawata and solace in the arms of the knight Hayate. But when Takako threatens to kill all the Leafe Knights, Himeno rediscovers the will and the way to be Pretear! Takako then sends demons to terrorize the Awayuki home. Both Himeno's family and the Leafe Knights try to exterminate these pests. But the search parties only get confused and lost. The search does turn up a secret, one that will cause Sasame to declare himself Takako's servant! But Takako rejects Sasame. The only person she wants is the future Puppet of Darkness-Mawata! Himeno and the Knights retreat to Leafenia, which they think is safe. Then Sasame and Takako invade the realm. Takako will take Sasame as a servant, provided he prove his love-by killing Hayate!

Pretear Volume 4 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing three complete episodes. Includes English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: "Behind The Anime" voice actor interviews, production sketches, Japanese TV spots, and ADV previews.

PRETEAR VOLUME 4

Running Time: 75m approx.
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DPT/004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR SLAYERS GORGEOUS

MOVIE TIE-IN TO FAN-FAVOURITE SLAYERS FANTASY-ADVENTURE SERIES AVAILABLE 20th SEPTEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 30th July 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 20th September 2004 release date for Slayers: Gorgeous, the fourth movie tie-in (after Slayers: the Motion Picture, Slayers Return and Slayers Great) to the fan-favourite fantasy-adventure anime series Slayers.

Slayers: Gorgeous brings back odd couple Lina Inverse and the buxom Naga the Serpent to entertain fans with more (mis)adventures that are equal parts action and comedy. The movie is scripted by original novelist & manga author Hajime Kanzaka (Lost Universe), and directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (King of Bandit Jing, Orphen, the upcoming Detective Loki).

The Story:

Lina Inverse and her sidekick Naga the Serpent are happily enjoying lunch when the entire town ducks under cover before an invasion of Marlene Culvert and her legion of bloodthirsty dragons. The cause of the invasion? Marlene is in a feud with her father, the king, over her allowance. Lina leaps into action to defend the village against Marlene, her tetrad knights and her dragons, but her dependable Dragon Slave spell fails her. Right when she thinks she has won, the real battle has just begun!

Slayers: Gorgeous (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, letterboxed, including both English and Japanese 2.0 versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Slayers trailers and ADV previews.


SLAYERS GORGEOUS

Running Time: 60m approx.
BBFC Classification: U
Street Date: 20/09/04
Cat#: DSL/005
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

About ADV Films:

ADV Films is the leading producer-distributor of Japanese animation ("anime") in the United Kingdom, with the firm's holdings including such premier titles as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Spriggan, Samurai X, RahXephon, Hellsing, Martian Successor Nadesico and Full Metal Panic! In addition, ADV Films distributes select fine programming in other genres, including live-action science-fiction titles such as the legendary updated Gamera films. Aside from moving-picture content production and distribution, ADV Films' U.S. parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., is the publisher of Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly in the English-speaking world, and is the operator of North America's Anime Network cable channel. In addition to the London office, A.D. Vision, Inc. maintains world headquarters in Houston, Texas, USA with additional studios in Austin, Texas and offices in Tokyo. For more information, please visit ADV Films on the web at http://www.advfilms.co.uk