ADV UK DVD Releases for October 2004

Date: 2004 September 01 15:36

Posted by Joe

It's that time of the month again, ADV UK have sent us their line up for October. They'll be releasing the following titles:

- Kino's Journey Volume 1: Idle Adventurer
- Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden Volume 1
- Azumanga Daioh The Animation Volume 2: Festivals!
- Angelic Layer Volume 4: Faith, Hope & Love
- Full Metal Panic! Mission 7
- Gun Crazy: A Woman From Nowhere (live-action)

I think ADV hate my wallet. They've gone crazy and released a load of top titles all together. As always you can't go wrong with some Azumanga Daioh, but they're also releasing the last volume of Full Metal Panic! That and with Mahoromatic titles from Gainax always prove popular. They're so evil. If you've got a credit card, for crying out loud hide it!

Full Story

Press Release as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.1: IDLE ADVENTURER

LONDON, UK, 31st AUGUST 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 18th October 2004 street date for the debut volume on DVD of Kino's Journey, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan.

Kino's Journey started life as a novel series written by Keiichi Sigsawa and published by Dengeki Bunko. The story follows the unique travels of a young adventurer named Kino as well as Kino's traveling companion, a talking motorcycle named Hermes. This sensational novel series was first released back in July 2000, and currently, a total of 6 volumes are on sale in Japan. Kino's saga was made into a TV anime series in late 2003, by the impeccable combination of director Ryutaro Nakamura (Serial Experiments Lain) and screenwriter Sadayuki Murai (Perfect Blue, Cowboy Bebop, Boogiepop Phantom, Millenium Actress, the upcoming Steamboy).

The Story

Destination is a state of mind. Travelers not only find themselves in a variety of locations and geographic phenomena, but they also bear witness to the whims of culture and the skewed effects of subtle circumstance. Kino is such a traveler. Sitting astride Hermes, an internal combustion companion, Kino searches for life's answers, life's questions, and the myriad of interpretations connected to them. A wielder of cutlery, firepower and a piercing tongue, Kino is ready to embark on a journey unlike any other. Drift along for the ride.

KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.1: IDLE ADVENTURER (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, and includes both English-5.1 and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and clean closing animation; production sketches; and ADV Previews.

KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.1: IDLE ADVENTURER

Running Time: 100 minutes
BBFC Rating: 12
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DKJ-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.1

LONDON, UK, 31st AUGUST 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 18th October 2004 street date for the debut volume on DVD of Mahoromatic – Automatic Maiden, the action-packed rom-com from pioneering studio GAINAX (Gunbuster, Neon Genesis Evangelion, the upcoming Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi).

Part of the "Robot Maid" subgenre in anime, Mahoromatic sees Gainax letting down their hair after the epic mecha tragedy that was Evangelion. Based on the manga by writer Bunjuro Nakayama and artist Bow Ditama, Mahoro's adventures are brought to life by a tal;ented team headed up by director Hiroyuki Yamaga (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Wings of Honnemise) and character designer & animator Kazuhiro Takamura (Steel Angel Kurumi, FLCL).

The Story

From Studio GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi) comes the tale of one boy and his beautiful android protector! Suguru is an orphan with no domestic skills, rescued from cleaning hell by Mahoro, a 19-year-old combat droid who wants nothing more than to be his housemaid! Changes at home lead to attention at school – girls look at Suguru more, boys want to meet the new maid, and over-friendly teacher Miss Saori Shikijo sees a new rival – but what tragic secret is Mahoro hiding? It's sexy madcap comedy with a twist as only GAINAX know how to do!

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.1 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, and includes both English-5.1 and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and clean closing animation; and ADV Previews.

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.1

Running Time: 100 minutes
BBFC Rating: 15
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DMAH-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.2: FESTIVALS!

LONDON, UK, 31st AUGUST 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 18th October 2004 street date for the second volume on DVD of Azumanga Daioh, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan.

Based on the popular Azumanga Daioh manga series (which has been released by ADV Manga, and is available through import and specialist bookstores in the UK) the manga's widespread popularity has often been attributed to its unique design, with four-panel vertical strips giving it a distinctive and appealing look that is easier to read for a western audience raised on similar newspaper strips. To reflect the concept of the manga, each episode of the Azumanga Daioh anime consists of several loosely related, character-driven segments, many of which adapt creator Azuma's original strips. Produced by Genco (Serial Experiments Lain) and JC Staff (Excel Saga), Azumanga Daioh follows the day-to-day adventures of a comical group of high school girls and their equally eccentric friends and teachers. Total DVD described volume 1 as "a very funny, and brings back memories of the old Peanuts TV movies".

The Story

It's fall, and that means festivals! Yukari and Minamo's life-long rivalry shifts into high gear as their students square off in a winner-take-all, school-wide sports contest. Later, even more madness is unleashed when the culture fest brings out the animal in students and teachers alike.

Of course, if you thought everyday life with these girls was surreal, a series of revealing (and sorta freaky) dreams shows that reality is nothing compared to what goes on in their heads!

Whether it's a sports fest, a culture fest, a carnival of dreams or a host of crazy cat antics, every moment is sure to be a laugh fest! The second kitty-chasing, relay-racing, Osaka-spacing volume of Azumanga Daioh will have you in stitches!

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.2: FESTIVALS! (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes, and includes both English-5.1 and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and clean closing animation; production sketches; ADV Previews, 12-page booklet with translator notes, Japanese staff comments, and an art study on Ayumu aka "Osaka".


AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.2: FESTIVALS!

Running Time: 100 minutes
BBFC Rating: PG
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DAZ-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ANGELIC LAYER VOLUME 4: FAITH, HOPE & LOVE

FOURTH VOLUME OF CLAMP'S FIRST SHONEN TITLE DUE ON DVD 18th OCTOBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 31st AUGUST 2004—ADV Films today announced an 18th October 2004 release date for the fourth volume of the remarkable anime series Angelic Layer. With its offbeat combination of mind-controlled robots and junior high school tragicomedy, Angelic Layer was an instant success on its 2001 Japanese release, and the UK response has been strong; www.animezone.co.uk said of volume 1 "The storyline is a perfect mix of action, adventure and characterization", while www.dvdtimes.co.uk said of volume 2 "The story is engaging and while we wait for more to unfold we are given plenty of action and comedy to satisfy."


Much of Angelic Layer's hit status can be attributed to its production team. Based on a manga from the all-female studio CLAMP (Chobits, Rayearth, Tokyo Babylon, X), Angelic Layer was animated by BONES, the animators of the highly acclaimed RahXephon and Wolf's Rain.


The Story:

It's the semifinal games in Kanto, and only the best player will survive and advance to the National Tournament. The stakes are high, and Misaki and Hatoko face their toughest competitors so far. Tamayo and Kotaro are there to cheer the girls on, and it looks like Misaki has an important new supporter. The action heats up, and everything reaches a critical turning point, forcing each player to decide what it is they're fighting for. As secrets are revealed, discover the truth about Icchan, and learn about Misaki's past while she gets ever nearer her destiny in the next thrilling chapter of Angelic Layer!

Angelic Layer vol.4: Faith, Hope & Love (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: production artwork; voice-actor commentary; character profiles; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV Previews.

ANGELIC LAYER VOL.4: FAITH, HOPE & LOVE

Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DAL/004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FULL METAL PANIC! MISSION 07

FINAL VOLUME IN WELL-RECEIVED SERIES AVAILABLE ON DVD 18th OCTOBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 31st August 2004—ADV Films today announced an 18th October 2004 release date for the seventh and final volume of the popular anime series Full Metal Panic!. ADV Films is releasing Full Metal Panic! Mission 07 as an uncut Region 2 DVD with content identical to its Region 1 counterpart.

Deftly combining mecha combat, martial arts, international criminal intrigue, high-school politics and a dash of teen romance, Full Metal Panic! was enthusiastically received by viewers in Japan. The creative staff behind Full Metal Panic! is extraordinarily strong. The series was directed by Kouichi Chigara (Gate Keepers, Phantom Quest Corps) and produced by GONZO Digimation (Hellsing, Blue Sub No. 6). Total DVD said "it takes something really special to make one [mecha anime] stand out. Full Metal Panic! Is the latest series to rise above the rest, thanks in large part to its comedy," while AnimeonDVD.com said "The first volume was so good, I had to pinch myself just to see if it was real!"



The Story:

The Tuatha de Danaan is under fire! A U.S. Navy captain with an axe to grind has targeted the sub. In order to stop this modern-day Ahab, Mithril's Lt. Commander Kalinin goes straight to the top. But aboard the de Danaan, the chain of command is missing a few key links, leaving Sousuke and Kurz to find out just who is running the ship. Meanwhile, Kaname has to call on every ounce of her power as a Whispered. Boatloads of intrigue, dynamite action, and a knockdown, drag-out fight to the finish! It's all here in the final installment of Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic! Mission 07 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes in both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: a reversible cover; a fold-out poster; production sketches; clean opening and closing animations; Japanese piracy warnings; and ADV Previews.

Full Metal Panic! Mission 07

Running Time: 75m approx.
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DFM/007
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GUN CRAZY: A WOMAN FROM NOWHERE


FIRST VOLUME OF JAPANESE LIVE-ACTION "GIRLS WITH GUNS" MOVIE SERIES AVAILABLE 18th OCTOBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 31st August 2004 - ADV Films today announced an 18th October 2004 release date for the DVD release of Gun Crazy: A Woman From Nowhere, the first in a series of "Girls With Guns" action films from cult director Atsushi Muroga (Score, Junk). The sequel, Gun Crazy: Beyond The Law, will be released in December.


A crime action film designed as a modern take on classic "spaghetti" westerns, it stars Ryoko Yonekura, former ballerina and currently one of Japan's top celebrities. Highly visible on Japanese TV and in fashion, model/actress Yonekura's role in Gun Crazy is a major departure from her public personality. Sure to appeal to fans of "femme fatale" features such as La Femme Nikita and The Long Kiss Goodnight, as well as similar Japanese film series The Black Angel and Zero Woman, this is certain to bring Ms.Yonekura a whole new set of fans!


The Story:

Saki is a beautiful gunslinger on the trail of Tojo, the most vicious crime boss in Japan. The police won't arrest him. The military won't go near him. In this classic spaghetti western charged with a dose of 21st Century adrenaline, Saki knows you don't send a man to do a woman's job!

Gun Crazy: A Woman From Nowhere (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, containing the complete 70m feature in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include an interview with lead actress Ryoko Yonekura, and ADV previews.

GUN CRAZY: A WOMAN FROM NOWHERE

Running Time: 70m approx.
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 18/10/04
Cat#: DGCZ-001
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 trilogy. 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.