ADV UK DVD Releases for August 2005

Date: 2005 June 19 15:49

Posted by Joe

Those nice folks over at ADV UK have sent us the release details for their August titles. The following should be hitting the shelves:

- D.N.Angel 1
- Divergence Eve 1
- New Fist of the North Star 3
- Gravion 2
- Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition 4
- Last Exile 5

Hopefully we'll have reviews of the above titles soon. In the meantime, the Otaku News crew recommend Volume 4 of the Eva Platinum Series (because it is Eva after all) and also DN Angel 1.

Full Story

Press release as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR DNANGEL: THE DAWN OF THE DARK

FIRST VOLUME OF TEEN ROMANTIC ADVENTURE DASHES INTO STORES 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 15th August 2005 street date for the first volume of DNAngel: The Dawn of the Dark, the first volume of the star-crossed adventure series that puts a whole new twist on the classic themes of unrequited love and secret identity!

Directed by popular manga artist Yukiru Sugisaki and produced by Dentsu (Angelic Layer), Kadokawa Shoten (Full Metal Panic!), TV Tokyo (Cowboy Bebop) and Xebec (Sorcerer Hunters), this hit anime series is based on the wildly popular manga from Asuka Magazine in Japan. The volumes of the translated manga have been flying off shelves all over the UK’s bookstores - now readers get to see the story come to life!

The Story:
Being a teenager is rough enough, but young Daisuke’s got more troubles than any ten normal guys. Due to a strange quirk of genetics, Daisuke’s been cursed with an ancient family affliction that’s sure to put some major kinks in his relationship with the opposite sex. You see, whenever he becomes... enamoured... with the object of his desires, Daisuke finds himself transformed into the legendary thief Phantom Dark! Unfortunately, the only way to return to his true form is for his ‘true love’ to love Daisuke for himself; but when she’s only got eyes for Dark, how can Daisuke compete with himself? Stealing the heart of one’s true love has never been as complicated... or intriguing... as in The Dawn of Dark, the first scintillating volume of DNAngel!

DNAngel: The Dawn of Dark (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing four episodes in English 5.1 audio and the original Japanese 2.0 soundtrack with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and closing animations, Voice Actor Commentary with Kevin Corn (Daisuke) and Vic Mignogna (Dark), Japanese Promo Trailer, Japanese TV Spots, Japanese In-Store Promo, "True Light" - The Creation of an Opening Theme, and ADV previews.

DNAngel: The Dawn of the Dark
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DDNA-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR DIVERGENCE EVE: WELCOME TO WATCHER’S NEST

In space, no one can hear you jiggle! Get ready for the well-endowed SPACE adventure to begin on 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 15th August 2005 street date for the first volume of Divergence Eve: Welcome To Watcher’s Nest. Prepare for a thrilling journey into the heart of darkness with the release of this sci-fi /action space thriller directed by Hiroshi Negishi (Shadow Skill, Burn Up W). This futuristic high-flying epic is brimming with intense space battles, high-tech fighting robots, and babes who certainly fill out their skimpy military uniforms. Divergence Eve is a dark tale enlivened by a shocking mystery that will leave you guessing till the very end!

The Story:
In the 24th Century, intergalactic space travel has become a reality. One of the first outposts in the far reaches of space is the Watcher’s Nest, a launching point for the brand new state-of-the-art inflation hole drive portal. Unfortunately, the outpost has recently come under attack by a mysterious and vicious alien force known simply as the Ghoul. A group of young hard-headed (and hard-bodied) female cadets with fresh out of boot camp have been assigned to defend the station at all costs. This bevy of beauties is unexpectedly thrown into a hornet’s nest of trouble as they finalize their training to become elite pilots in the Seraphim squadron.

Divergence Eve: Welcome To Watcher’s Nest (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including five uncut episodes presented in anamorphic widescreen with both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: Clean opening and closing animation, production sketches, Japanese promo spot, Divergence Eve mini-manga, commentary with Carl Macek (ADR Director), Kira Vincent Davis (Misaki), Luci Christan (Prime) & John Swasey, and ADV previews.

Divergence Eve: Welcome To Watcher’s Nest
Running Time: 125m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DDVE-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GRAVION: KNIGHTS OF GRAVITY

SECOND VOLUME OF TRANSFORMERS FOR THE NEW ANIME GENERATION SOARS INTO STORES 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 15th August 2005 street date for the first volume of Gravion:Knights of Gravity. Gravion is an exciting new anime series produced by Gonzo Digimation (Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Najica), Media Factory (RahXephon) and Lantis (Heat Guy J). This is Transformers for the new anime generation!

The Story:
After spending his entire life training inside the confines of Sandman’s castle, Toga gets his first night on the town. Luna visits her birthplace of Okinawa on the anniversary of her father’s death. Mizuki’s foray into the forbidden west tower yields a few more clues as to the disappearance of Eiji’s sister.

Gravion: Knights of Gravity (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including four episodes in English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language, with English subtitles. Extras include: design sketches; Japanese trailer; clean open and close animation; and ADV Previews.

Gravion: Knights of Gravity
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DGV-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR NEW FIST OF THE NORTH STAR VOLUME 3: WHEN A MAN CARRIES SORROW

FINAL VOLUME OF NEW LOOK OLD SCHOOL CLASSIC SMASHES INTO SHOPS 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 15th August 2005 street date for New Fist of the North Star: When A Man Carries Sorrow, the final volume with a new twist for a new generation of action-hungry fans. The New Fist of the North Star trilogy, released in Japan last year, is based on the popular Fist of the North Star manga series and classic anime feature film, a globally successful franchise that has even spawned a live-action remake. UK reaction has been very strong - Anime Encyclopaedia co-author Jonathan Clements, writing in NEO Magazine, described volume 1 as "impressive ... a welcome return to Fisting territory", while Leah Holmes in SFX gave it four stars, calling it "good, shameless fun." Volume 1 was the best-selling anime DVD in the UK on its week of release.

The Fist of the North Star manga debuted in the early 1980s, enthralling audiences and selling a staggering 60 million copies in five languages worldwide. The epic saga’s success brought international renown to creators Buronson (writer) and Hara Tetsuo (artist,) and led to two hit television series, two animated feature films and one live action movie prior to this all new original animation version, the first to be written by Mr. Buronson himself. Fist of the North Star’s trademark over-the-top violence and wildly exciting action sequences quickly became legendary, making the series a staple of Japanese pop culture. The series has been parodied in several prominent anime titles over the years, most recently in fan favourites Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi and Excel Saga, both of which are also available from ADV Films.

The Story:
After escaping from the tower where Seiji imprisoned them, Tobi rallies the townspeople against Seiji, calling them to a holy war in the name of Lord Doha. When Kenshiro finally returns, he finds that the entire city has been thrown into a maelstrom of blood and agony. The war of attrition which Tobi initiated has eaten away at his soul. In a deft and devious act of betrayal, Tobi confines Kenshiro before setting off to launch his final all-out assault against Seiji and his guard. Can Kenshiro summon the power to break free from his prison? Will the justice of the North Star prevail?

New Fist Of The North Star volume 3:When A Man Carries Sorrow (RRP £19.99) is an uncut DVD-only release featuring a 55-minute feature in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Behind the Scenes: ADR, interview with Sifu Moy Saup Tung, Aaron Vyvial & the American Ving Tsun Kung Fu Academy, commentary with the English voice actors, character bios, trailers for the Italian release of New Fist of the North Star and ADV previews.

New Fist Of The North Star volume 3: When A Man Carries Sorrow
Running Time: 55m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DFNS-003
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS TO RELEASE NEON GENESIS EVANGELION -PLATINUM EDITION: 04

FOURTH VOLUME OF THE SEMINAL, ACCLAIMED ANIME TELEVISION SERIES FILLED WITH EXTRAS GALORE, AVAILABLE 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005-ADV Films today announced a 15th August 2005 release date for the fourth volume of Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition. Each episode of the enormously influential Evangelion television series has been officially revised and digitally remastered for this new release by original creators GAINAX to create beautiful, vibrant video and crisp, sparkling new English and Japanese 5.1 surround sound audio, creating the ultimate Evangelion DVD experience. Volumes 1 and 2 of the original series screened in December 2004 at the first ever International Manga and Anime Festival at London County Hall, playing to hugely appreciative audiences of all ages in the Debating Chamber, now a dramatic and comfortable screening venue. Volumes 1 and 2 were both in the top five best-selling UK anime DVDs on their respective weeks of release.

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum: 04 is the fourth release of seven DVD volumes, which over the course of 26 episodes will include new cast and crew commentaries, four bonus Directors’ Cut episodes and seven animatics (moving storyboards). Each volume also includes a limited edition collector’s slipcover in an exclusive metallic finish, limited to the first pressings only. Created by acclaimed director Hideaki Anno (Nadia, His and Her Circumstances) and produced by studio GAINAX (FLCL, Mahoromatic), NAS (Yu-Gi-Oh!) and TV Tokyo (Serial Experiments Lain), Neon Genesis Evangelion is the story of a reluctant young hero, called upon to pilot an immense robotic weapon in battle against alien invaders in the year 2015. As the remnants of the human race cower in subterranean cities, a deadly war is being waged on what is left of the planet. On one side are the mysterious beings known as Angels; on the other, the special agency NERV and mankind's last hope, the awe-inspiring Evangelions.

The Story:
Betrayals and revelations erupt across NERV when Unit 01 falls prey to a terrifying new Angel. Swallowed by a living shadow, Shinji’s mind begins to collapse as bizarre hallucinations assault his sanity... or are these visions glimpses of the true reality? As Ritsuko debates destroying both the Eva and its pilot, Kaji’s allegiance comes into question and Misato finds herself trapped in the middle. The discovery of what lurks inside a top secret hanger to shake anyone’s faith in Mankind!

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum: 04 (£19.99 RRP) is a DVD-only release, featuring three complete episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 5.1- language versions with English subtitles. The volume is housed in an exclusive metallic finish slipcover. Extras include: clean opening and closing animation; commentary with Tiffany Grant and Matt Greenfield; full length animatics for episode 15; 12-page profile booklet filled with screen shots, That Little Red-head Girl and ADV previews.

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION - PLATINUM EDITION: 04
Running Time: 75m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DNGE-004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR LAST EXILE VOLUME 5: GRAND STREAM

RETRO SF ADVENTURE RACES ACROSS THE SKIES ONCE MORE ON 15th AUGUST 2005

LONDON, UK, 6th JUNE 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 15th August 2005 street date for the second volume of Last Exile, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in Japan in early 2002. Anime on DVD.com’s senior UK reviewer Paul Jacques called it "pleasing on both the eye and the brain" and "a great start to a new series, with quality oozing from every pixel." Last Exile made its UK festival debut at Swanseas Animation Days (SAND) in November 2004, while it then screened in December at the first ever International Manga and Anime Festival at London County Hall, playing to hugely appreciative audiences of all ages in the Debating Chamber, now a dramatic and comfortable screening venue. Volume 3 was in the top five best-selling UK anime DVDs on its week of release.

With signature 2D and 3D animation and a stunning attention to fantasy detail, GONZO takes us with Last Exile to a place never before dreamed of; it is both an aristocratic dystopian future story and a deeply thoughtful political fable, all wrapped in the brilliant design and movement of Japan’s top anime talent. Directed by Koichi Chigira (Gatekeepers, Blue Submarine No.6, Full Metal Panic!), the original character design is from famed artist Range Murata (Blue Submarine No.6), and the mechanical designs are from legendary creators Mahiro Maeda (Blue Submarine No.6, The Animatrix, Final Fantasy: Unlimited) and Makoto Koboyashi (Final Fantasy: Unlimited, Gravion, Gravion Zwei, Birth).

The Story:
Claus and Lavie's fathers died attempting to cross the Grand Stream to deliver a message from Anatoray to Disith. Empress Sophia obtains a copy of the original message and discovers it suggested the two empires join forces to defeat the Guild and obtain peace in the skies!

However, to defeat the Guild, one must take possession of the Exile, so Empress Sophia plans to command the Silvana to cross the turbulent Grand Stream to locate the Exile. Can they accomplish this dangerous feat within the critical six days?

Last Exile volume 5: Grand Stream (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes in both English and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening version 2, art gallery, and ADV previews.

Last Exile volume 5: Grand Stream
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 15/08/05
Cat#: DLX-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 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.