ADV UK DVD Releases For June 2005

Date: 2005 May 12 17:31

Posted by Joe

ADV UK DVD Releases For June 2005

Those nice people at ADV Films UK have sent us the details for their June DVD releases.
They've got a good selection this month with:

- Gravion: Divine Steel (1 of 3)
- New Fist Of The North Star Volume 2: The Forbidden Fist (2 of 3)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition: 03 (3 of 7)
- Last Exile: Breakthrough (4 of 7)
- Azumanga Daioh: Graduation! (6 of 6)
- Puni Puni Poemy

The Otaku News suggest you get your hands on Last Exile and the concluding volume of Azumanga Daioh. If you really liked Excel Saga, then you'll want to see Puni Puni Poemy, however we cannot be held accountable for what it does to your brain. ^_-

Full Story

Press release as follows:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GRAVION: DIVINE STEEL

NEW LOOK OLD SCHOOL TEAM MECHA ANIME CRASHES INTO STORES 20th JUNE 2005

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th June 2005 street date for the first volume of Gravion: Divine Steel. 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:
When mankind faces an alien force with technology light years ahead of Earth’s, it may take a man obsessed with the past to save them. The fate of the planet rests on whether the eccentric billionaire Sandman can build a machine as great as the myths of old. His creation is a god for the modern age, a deity forged of circuits and steel - it is Gravion! Only a young band of orphaned misfits are born with the ability to pilot this top-secret weapon. All life on the planet depends on how well they can fight the Zeravire - if they can only stop fighting amongst themselves!

Gravion: Divine Steel (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including five 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: Divine Steel
Running Time: 125m approx.
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 12
Cat#: DGV-001
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR NEW FIST OF THE NORTH STAR VOLUME 2: THE FORBIDDEN FIST

NEW LOOK OLD SCHOOL CLASSIC SMASHES INTO STORES ON 20th JUNE 2005

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th June 2005 street date for New Fist of the North Star: The Forbidden Fist, the second 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:
In the aftermath of Kenshiro’s attack on the citadel of Last Land, the boy known as Lord Doha falls deathly ill. Sara’s prognosis is dire. The serum to save his life is a two-day drive each way. There is a shorter path...but it runs through Cliffland, a land haunted by demons that practice a mysterious killing technique. Meanwhile, a new mysterious warrior arrives in Last Land, vowing to take all that Sanga has claimed. The balance of power is once again thrown into chaos as fist is pitted against fist in a struggle to see whose justice will prevail.

New Fist Of The North Star volume 2: The Forbidden Fist (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: an interview with Gackt: The Challenge of the First Time Voice Actor, Interview with Michael Zang of the Jai Yen Yen Street Combat & Self Defense System, Behind the Scenes: ADR, Character Bios and ADV Previews.

New Fist Of The North Star volume 2: The Forbidden Fist
Running Time: 55m approx.
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 15
Cat#: DFNS-002
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS TO RELEASE NEON GENESIS EVANGELION -PLATINUM EDITION: 03

THIRD VOLUME OF THE SEMINAL, ACCLAIMED ANIME TELEVISION SERIES FILLED WITH EXTRAS GALORE, AVAILABLE 20th JUNE 2005

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005-ADV Films today announced a 20th June 2005 release date for the third 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: 03 is the third 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:
The war against the Angels comes closer than ever before as new attacks target the individual members of NERV themselves! First a suspicious power failure leaves NERV defenseless, and Shinji, Asuka and Rei must find their way through an underground labyrinth to reach their Evas. Misato’s sudden promotion becomes a nightmare as she finds herself responsible for helming NERV’s attack on the largest Angel yet, while Ritsuko must race against time to decipher the secrets buried inside the core of the MAGI!

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum: 03 (£19.99 RRP) is a DVD-only release, featuring four 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 for episode 11 with Tiffany Grant (Asuka) & Matt Greenfield (ADR Director), commentary for episode 13 with Matt Greenfield (ADR Director) & Wade Shemwell (English 5.1 Mix Supervisor), The English Remix Process and ADV previews.

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION - PLATINUM EDITION: 03
Running Time: 100m approx.
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: PG
Cat#: DNGE-003
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR LAST EXILE VOLUME 4: BREAKTHROUGH

RETRO SF ADVENTURE RACES ACROSS THE SKIES ONCE MORE ON 20th JUNE 2005

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th June 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 Tatiana are thrown together to fly a vanship to defend the Silvana from a massive attack orchestrated by Anatoray and Tatiana begins to confide in Claus when the two make an emergency landing. Sophia, who is revealed to be of royal lineage, leaves the Silvana and inherits a leading role in the Anatoray army. Then, Claus discovers through an old photograph the secret relationship between his vanship, his and Lavie's deceased fathers, Captain Alex Row and the Grand Stream all of which lead us closer to the meaning of the Last Exile.

Last Exile volume 4: Discovered Attack (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: Last Exile Tokyo Exhibition, art gallery, and ADV previews.

Last Exile volume 4: Breakthrough
Running Time: 100m approx.
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: PG
Cat#: DLX-004
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.6: GRADUATION!

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005- ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 20th June 2005 street date for the final volume on DVD of Azumanga Daioh, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan. Anime on DVD.com’s Dani Moure said "Azumanga is a hilarious show, and is easily one of the most enjoyable I’ve seen this year." Volumes 2 and 3 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. Previous volumes have charted in the top ten best-selling UK anime DVDs on their respective weeks of release.

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 "very funny, and brings back memories of the old Peanuts TV movies".

The Story
School’s almost out! But, it ain’t over yet...Mountains of career sheets and last minute homework threaten to drown the girls in a wave of paper and exams are looming larger than ever. To improve their chances, the girls go through all sorts of bizarre rituals, from splitting chopsticks to drawing fortunes. And even studying - a little. And then... the final face-off between Sakaki and the gray cat! The last tests the girls will ever have to take! It’s all here in the final wacky, wild and whimsical volume of Azumanga Daioh!

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.6: GRADUATION! (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing three complete episodes, and includes both English-5.1 and Japanese-2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Azumanga Daioh mini-movie, Azumanga Daioh movie character art gallery, production sketches, a 12-page booklet with translation notes, clean opening and closing animations, a reversible cover and ADV previews.

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.6: GRADUATION!
Running Time: 75 minutes
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Rating: PG
Cat#: DAZ-006
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR EXCEL SAGA SPIN-OFF PUNI PUNI POEMY

ANIME INSANITY RETURNS TO MASH YOUR BRAIN ONCE MORE ON 20th JUNE 2005

LONDON, UK, 3rd MAY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th June 2005 street date for the Puni Puni Poemy, the one-shot tie-in to the runaway hit satire Excel Saga. In the spirit of Excel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy keeps the parody sharp, the plot wacky, and the animation vibrant, as it relates the bizarre adventures of Poemi, the daughter of Excel Saga’s Nabeshin. The title reunites the dynamic and super-talented Excel Saga creative team, with production by J.C. Staff and Victor Entertainment and direction by Shinichi Watanabe.

The Story:
Beautiful Girls! Naughty Aliens! Dead Fish! If this anime doesn’t offend you somehow, we haven’t done our job! When evil aliens kill Poemi Watanabe’s parents, she doesn’t get mad, she gets revenge... But first she moves in with the seven crazy Aasu sisters, discovers the magic power of dead fish, develops a serious crush on a local octopus, experiences the bizarre and varied wonders and joys of fighting terrorists, S&M, giant robots and becoming a super hero... All while pursuing her REAL ambition of becoming a professional voice actress! From the creators of Excel Saga, it’s the weirdest, wildest, rudest and out and out most demented anime ever made, Puni Puni Poemy!

Puni Puni Poemy (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing both episodes of the OVA in both English-language and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include a fold-out poster, a reversible cover, behind-the-scenes, production sketches, character art gallery, clean opening and closing animation, commentary in English 5.1, "Weird Subtitles" and ADV previews.

Puni Puni Poemy
Running Time: 60m approx.
Street Date: 20/06/05
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 18
Cat#: DPP-001
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.