ADV UK DVD Releases for February 2006

Date: 2006 January 21 07:04

Posted by Joe

The nice folks from ADV Films UK are out to bankrupt British otaku as in February they'll be releasing the following titles:

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Platinum Edition Volume 7 (Final Volume)
Elfen Lied - Volume 1
DNAngel - Volume 4
Boogiepop and Others (Live Action)
Boogiepop Phantom - Complete Collection

The final volume of the Special Platinum Edition of Evangelion is tempting. Elfen Lied, is shocking to say the least, if not the most graciously violent show we've seen in a very long time, it makes other shows look very tame by comparison, not something to show your grandma, especially if she was expecting something like Hello Kitty. The fact that the BBFC passed Elfen Lied uncut with a 15 Certificate shows that times have indeed changed and we're certinally curious to see if late volumes will also get a rated 15, or if they'll get rated 18 instead.

We hear that the live action Boogiepop features supposed to be good, but we haven't seen it yet, so can't confirm it.

Full Story

Press release details as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS TO RELEASE NEON GENESIS EVANGELION -PLATINUM EDITION: 07

FINAL VOLUME OF THE SEMINAL, ACCLAIMED ANIME TELEVISION SERIES FILLED WITH EXTRAS GALORE, AVAILABLE 20th FEBRUARY 2006

LONDON, UK, 20th DECEMBER 2005ADV Films today announced a 20th February 2006 release date for the final 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. All volumes release so far have been in the top five best-selling UK anime DVDs on their respective weeks of release.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum: 07 is the final release of seven DVD volumes, which over the course of 26 episodes 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:
In the deadly aftermath, the unexpected arrival of the Fifth Child hits like a hurricane. Has Shinji found a kindred soul or does the unearthly Nagisa Kaoru have a soul at all? Prepare for the shocking conclusion to the most controversial animated series ever produced. Where Angels fear to tread, Shinji must go alone. The circle will be completed. It is Final Genesis.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum: 06 (19.99 RRP) is a DVD-only release, including both the original television version of episodes 24, 25, and 26 as well as the new Directors' Cut for episode 24. These are presented 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; The Mythology of Evangelion Part II; commentary with Matt Greenfield (ADR Director) and Sean McCoy; full length animatics for episodes 24 and 25; 12-page profile booklet filled with screen shots, and ADV previews.

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION PLATINUM EDITION: 07
Running Time: 105m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 20/02/06
Cat#: DNGE-007
Format: DVD
RRP: 19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES ELFEN LIED - VECTOR ONE

FAN-FAVOURITE SCI-FI HORROR HACKS BLOODILY INTO STORES 20th FEBRUARY 2006

LONDON, UK, 28th DECEMBER 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., is very pleased to announce that the UNCUT UK release of bloody scifi-horror anime Elfen Lied Vector One. Prepare for an orgy of violence wrapped in pink satin when the sci-fi horror spectacle hits stores 20th February 2006. Anime will never be the same!

Critics have described Elfen Lied as "weird," (Anime Planet), "surprisingly sadistic," (Gamerz Edge), and "addictive" (Animesou). No wonder, when you consider what makes this series hum! Lucy, a beautiful young mutant, is bred by the government to be the ultimate weapon. Armed with unfathomable powers, she escapes her handlers, but loses her memory in the process. Fortunately, our young waif is taken in by two well-meaning students. Now, with government killers on her trail, the disposition of a five year old, and a hair trigger for ultra-violence, Lucy and her young friends must unravel the dark secret of her legacy before it's too late.

Elfen Lied showcases the beautiful character designs and mind-bending animation fans have come to expect from ADV Films. It's the story line, however, featuring the dichotomy of a sweet young girl and blood-soaked violence, which has caught fans' attention. Provocative yet tantalizing, Elfen Lied is thoroughly unsettling. "After watching only a few episodes, I felt kind of dirty, but in a good way." (Gamerz Edge).

The Story:
Imprisoned under tight military security, Lucy, a genetically-altered human known as a Diclonius, escapes her confines in a wave of bloody violence and brutality. Now lost, alone, and stricken with amnesia, she wanders into a kindly family that takes her under their care, oblivious to the latent destructive power that this innocent-looking girl harbors!

Elfen Lied Vector One (RRP 19.99) is a DVD-only release, including four episodes in English 5.1- and Japanese 5.1-language, with English subtitles. Extras include: video segments with production art and character work from the show; clean opening and closing animations; and ADV Previews.

Elfen Lied Vector One
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/02/06
Cat#: DELF-001
Format: DVD
RRP: 19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR DNANGEL: MAGICAL GIRLS

FOURTH VOLUME OF TEEN ROMANTIC ADVENTURE OUT 20th FEBRUARY 2006

LONDON, UK, 28th DECEMBER 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th February 2006 street date for DNAngel: Magical Girls, the fourth 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 can see the story come to life!

The Story:
How much can one kid handle? In the fourth exciting volume of DNAngel poor Daisuke Niwa finds himself in some precarious situations. After the souls of Risa and Saehara are locked away in a stone he travels to the future with the help of a new friend, Towa, to save his classmates and Dark. Daisuke has to deal with Mio Hio, a crazy new student in his class who has decided that Daisuke will be herswhether he likes it or not. And if that wasn't enough, Daisuke finally gets a day off and somehow the Harada sisters and Mio end up at his house! So much for relaxation...

DNAngel: Magical Girls (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; commentary with Monica Rial (Towa) & Jessica Boone (Mio Hio); DNAngel Talk 2: Miyu Irino & Shunichi Miyamoto; DNAngel Music Video Collection; and ADV previews.

DNAngel: Magical Girls
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 20/02/06
Cat#: DDNA-004
Format: DVD
RRP: 19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES BOOGIEPOP AND OTHERS

UNIQUE J-HORROR FILM SCARES UP A BLOODY VALENTINE 20th FEBRUARY 2006

LONDON, UK, 28th December 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., is proud to announce the release on 20th February 2006 of Boogiepop and Others, the live-action counterpart to the critically-acclaimed, uniquely terrifying anime series Boogiepop Phantom (also available on the same day as a limited edition Complete Collection).

Acclaimed writer Sadayuki Murai, of Boogiepop Phantom, Millenium Actress and Steamboy fame, and director Ryu Kaneda (Video Girl Ai, Shenmue) create a quietly chilling addition to the J-Horror film cycle. A superb cast are brought together to bring Kohei Kadono's original award-winning novel Boogiepop Doesn't Smile to life, including Ayama Sakai (Takashi Miike's Tennen Shojo Mann NEXT, Battle Royale II, Devilman), Asumi Miwa (Uzumaki, Ju-on: The Grudge, Ping Pong), Tetsu Sawaki (Takashi Miike's Audition) and Hassei Takano (Takashi Miike's Tennen Shojo Mann NEXT, Uzumaki, Kairo aka Pulse). Producers Hakuhodo (Akira, Gad Guard), Media Works (Kino's Journey, Azumanga Daioh) and Toei Video Co., Ltd (New Cutey Honey, Re: Cutey Honey) successfully continue the current trend in Japan for live-action adaptations of classic anime.

The Story:
The cold dead of night is a dangerous time to be near the Shinyo Academy. Girls have begun to mysteriously disappear without a trace, and the school is alive with rumors. Some say the girls are just runaways, but with each new disappearance, a lingering fear grows ever stronger fear that a shinigami...the very spirit of death...is prowling through the streets of the city. They say you never see it coming...a lone whistle splits the dark silence, and it suddenly appears behind you to steal your soul...

However, Nagi Kirima has never feared the darkness. She`s determined to uncover the truth, but there aren`t many clues to follow. A mysterious new drug that`s appeared on the streets... A homeless man who`s more than he seems... A girl still haunted by a serial killer who died five years ago... Nagi must take every fragment and piece together the entire story, before more students end up missing...or dead.

For in this world, everything exists. Anything can happen at any time, and everything does happen all the time.

Boogiepop And Others (RRP 19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing the full-length uncut feature presented in letterbox format, in Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include: History of Boogiepop, Director's Commentary, cast & staff bios, storyboards, "The Making of Boogiepop" featurette, "Boogiepop In Yubari" Premiere featurette, original theatrical trailers and TV spots, and ADV Previews.

Boogiepop And Others
Running Time: 158m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/02/06
Cat#: DBGP-MOV
Format: DVD
RRP: 19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM - COMPLETE COLLECTION

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED UNIQUE HORROR ANIME RETURNS TO STORES 20th FEBRUARY 2006

LONDON, UK, 28th December 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., is proud to announce the return to UK stores on 20th February 2006 of one of the most critically-acclaimed, uniquely terrifying anime series ever: Boogiepop Phantom - Complete Collection.

From Sadayuki Murai, the writer of Perfect Blue, Millenium Actress and Steamboy, and Takashi Watanabe, the director of New Fist of the North Star & Casshan, comes a uniquely chilling experiment in animated j-horror. Studios MADHOUSE (Ninja Scroll, The Animatrix, Patlabor, Paranoia Agent) & SHAFT (Spirited Away, Mahoromatic) team up to bring Kohei Kadono's novels to life in this acclaimed series, now collected here for the first time in UK-Exclusive packaging.

What The Press Said:
"HOT DISC! spooky wonderful exquisite" Total DVD
"A+ pick a spooky sepia puzzle audacious and ambitious" scifi.com
"like Bergman taking a stroll through Twin Peaks while holding hands with William Gibson on the edge of horror as well as psychodrama, Boogiepop is a creation that stands alone in the world of animation in general a fantastic visual (and thematic) experiment."
- Montreal Fantasia Film Festival 2001

The Story:
Within the light in the darkness, inside the black of the soul, and through the pain of existence is the Phantom at least, that's what people say. Ghost stories like that can't be any worse than the reality of so many unexplained murders five years ago but there are some that can see past the stories to the truth The world is changing, the sky is on fire, people are once again disappearing, and there are stories of something not quite human stalking the night something both malevolent and omnipresent. Boogiepop?

For in this world, everything exists. Anything can happen at any time, and everything does happen all the time.

Boogiepop Phantom: Complete Collection (RRP 49.99) is a DVD-only release, containing all twelve episodes across four discs, presented in English 5.1, English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include: original Japanese promo spots; music videos; Special Edit of Closing Animation; original artwork; producer & character notes; ADR Director's Commentary across all 12 episodes; and ADV Previews.

Boogiepop Phantom: Complete Collection
Running Time: 340m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 20/02/06
Cat#: DBGP-100
Format: DVD
RRP: 49.99



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.