ADV UK DVD Releases for December 2004

Date: 2004 November 28 16:45

Posted by Joe

On Friday the good folks at ADV UK sent us their press release for their December releases.

Anime wise they have the following:

- Last Exile Volume 1
- Kino's Journey Volume 2
- Mahoromatic Volume 2
- Azumanga Daioh Volume 3
- Angelic Layer Volume 5
- Generator Gawl: The Collection

They're also releasing Gun Crazy 2: Beyond The Law for fans of live action stuff. The Otaku News Crew highly recommend Last Exile, the UK edition's packaging will be similar to the Madman Entertainment's Australian release, and not the shiny US Edition from Geneon/Pioneer, which means you can clearly see the lovely artwork on the UK edition. We also recommend Azumanga Daioh since everyone needs to see the mishaps of Chiyo-chan and Osaka! ^_-

Full Story

Press release as follows:

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR LAST EXILE VOLUME 1: FIRST MOVE

RETRO SF ADVENTURE TAKES TO THE SKIES THIS WINTER ON 20th DECEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th December 2004 street date for the debut volume of Last Exile, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in Japan in early 2002.

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:
From one of Japan's most renowned anime studios - GONZO (Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!) - comes a richly romantic action/adventure fantsy on an imaginary planet where retro-futuristic sky vehicales permeate the sky. Against the lavish background are the lives of a young and heropic air pilot duo - Claus and Lavie - whose assignment to make a special human delivery fails. Before they know it, they become entangled in an aerial adventure between two countries gripped in an eternal war of magnificent air battleships, noble generals, and a mysterious war-mediating Guild. Last Exile takes us to a place never before dreamed of in the vast reaches of the blue heavens.

Last Exile volume 1: First Move (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening animation, original Japanese opening, art gallery, promotional trailer, character profiles, and ADV previews.

Last Exile volume 1: First Move
Running Time: 100m approx
Street Date: 20/12/04
BBFC Classification: PG
Cat#: DLX-001
SRP: £19.99



ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.2: EMERGING LANES

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 20th December 2004 street date for the second 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. The traveler knows that it is not the end of the journey that is important. But drifting through the beautiful world, the small unintentional destinations scattered along the path that makes a worthwhile trip. Be it conversational contact with three men working on the Rails, or the exertion of the body and the careful doling out of lead slugs and mercy in a Coliseum, Kino travels through it, drifting along with the breeze. Drift along for the ride.

KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.2: EMERGING LANES (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing three complete episodes in 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen, and includes both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and clean closing animation; production sketches; and ADV Previews.


KINO'S JOURNEY VOL. 2: EMERGING LANES
Running Time: 75 minutes
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Rating: PG
Cat#: DKJ-002
RRP: £19.99


ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.2

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 20th December 2004 street date for the second volume on DVD of Mahoromatic – Automatic Maiden, the action-packed rom-com from pioneering studio GAINAX (Gunbuster, Neon Genesis Evangelion, 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 Street Abenobashi) comes the tale of an orphan and his beautiful android protector! Suguru & friends try to bust ghosts at school with the help of his lovely, dedicated maid Mahoro. Only, being a combat android, Mahoro doesn't believe in them! When the town festival comes around, Mahoro discovers the joys of performing in public, and Suguru learns to appreciate the whole celebration more. Only Miss Saori can ruin it all for them now… Finally, a new teacher at school has all the girls swooning – but he has eyes only for Mahoro, and not in a good way! The secret intergalactic war spills over into everyday life once more in the second exciting volume of Mahoromatic!

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.2 (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: Japanese commercial spots, Japanaese promotional trailer, Art Gallery, and ADV Previews.

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.2
Running Time: 100 minutes
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Rating: 15
Cat#: DMAH-002
RRP: £19.99


ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.3: RIVALS!

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 20th December 2004 street date for the third 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 classmate vs. classmate and teacher vs. Teacher! Yukari scores a critical hit against Minamo by stealing top athlete Kagura for her homeroom, but she gets more than she bargained for! Just like Tomo, the new girl is always looking to stir things up.

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.3: RIVALS! (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release containing five 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 Sakaki.

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.3: RIVALS!
Running Time: 125 minutes
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Rating: PG
Cat#: DAZ-003
RRP: £19.99

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ANGELIC LAYER VOLUME 5: DEUS EX MACHINA

FIFTH VOLUME OF VIRTUAL COMBAT SAGA DUE OUT ON DVD 20th DECEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004—ADV Films today announced an 20th December 2004 release date for the fifth 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:
The finals are about to begin, but the rules have changed. Misaki has to select a partner, forcing her to make a difficult decision—choosing between her friends. As the first matches of the tournament spring into action, Misaki renews her dedication to Angelic Layer and displays incredible courage and valor. Not only are Tamayo and Kotaro there rooting for her, but Misaki discovers she now has many fans. In the next incredible volume of Angelic Layer, Misaki experiences some surprising revelations, and her mom makes an important decision that may bring them closer together.

Angelic Layer vol.5: Deus Ex Machina (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.5: DEUS EX MACHINA
Running Time: 100m approx
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: PG
Cat#: DAL/005
RRP: £19.99


ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GENERATOR GAWL: COMPLETE COLLECTION

NEWLY PACKAGED LIMITED EDITION OF COMPLETE SERIES AVAILABLE 20th DECEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 20th December 2004 street date for the limited edition DVD set of Generator Gawl: Complete Collection, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in Japan in early 2002.

Generator Gawl: Complete Collection is a thermonuclear fusion of action, comedy and mystery, spinning a web of intrigue with eye-catching art, startling plot turns and compelling characters. Created by the writing and directing team of Seiji Mizushima (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Dai-Guard, Zaion), and Hidefumi Kimura (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Dai-Guard) with mechanical designs by Kenji Teraoka (Noir, Arc The Lad, Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex) and produced by Tatsunoko Productions (Battle of the Planets aka Gatchaman, Robotech:the Macross Saga), western reviewers have been impressed: www.animeboredom.co.uk said "It is all done with flawless pacing. Nothing is as it seems, and this is the only anime with an ending that left me literally breathless."

The Story:
In October 2007, Professor Takuma Nekasa uncovers a gene code that will unlock our body's greatest mystery and expose mankind to its greatest threat. So Gawl, Koji, and Ryo, three young scientists from the future, must travel back in time to correct this mistake from the past. The catch? They have only three months to save the world from the mysterious and cunning Ryuko Saito and her "Generators," unearthly assassins posing as humans. As Ryo and Koji try to complete their mission, Gawl must become like his enemies to fight on their terms – and it may cost him his humanity!

Generator Gawl: Complete Collection (RRP £39.99) is a DVD-only release, containing the complete 12 episode series on 4 discs in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include character introductions & designs, generator schematics, creditless opening & closing animations, and ADV previews.

Generator Gawl: Complete Collection
Running Time: 310m approx
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 12
Cat#: DGG-100
SRP: £39.99


ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GUNCRAZY: BEYOND THE LAW

SECOND VOLUME OF JAPANESE LIVE-ACTION "GIRLS WITH GUNS" MOVIE SERIES AVAILABLE 20th DECEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004 - ADV Films, the #1 producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., announced a street date of 20th December 2004 for the DVD release of Gun Crazy: Beyond the Law, a dramatic live-action movie.

Gun Crazy: Beyond the Law is an Atsushi Muroga (Score, Junk) crime action film that's loaded with mystery and intrigue at every turn. Starring Rei Kikukawa, currently one of Japan's famous actress and model, this film is great for fans of femme fatale features La Femme Nikita and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

The Story:
Yuki is an idealistic young lawyer who's finding out that law and justice are not always hand in hand. When she confronts a client about their criminal ties and discovers that her firm has been party to the deception, Yuki finds herself looking down the losing end of a barrel. That is until a mysterious hit man named Takita intervenes leaving Yuki to redefine her idea of justice. Seeking Takita's guidance, she forms a dangerous alliance that will lead her into a world of crime and vigilante payback. But when the tables turn, the only things Saki has to lose are the ones she loves. Will Yuki turn on her masters? Or is she too far down a road of no return?

Guncrazy: Beyond The Law (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, 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 Rei Kikukawa, and ADV previews.

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.

Gun Crazy: Beyond The Law
Running Time: 70m approx
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 18
Cat#: DGCZ-002
SRP: £19.99

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR GUNCRAZY: BEYOND THE LAW

SECOND VOLUME OF JAPANESE LIVE-ACTION "GIRLS WITH GUNS" MOVIE SERIES AVAILABLE 20th DECEMBER 2004

LONDON, UK, 19th November 2004 - ADV Films, the #1 producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., announced a street date of 20th December 2004 for the DVD release of Gun Crazy: Beyond the Law, a dramatic live-action movie.

Gun Crazy: Beyond the Law is an Atsushi Muroga (Score, Junk) crime action film that's loaded with mystery and intrigue at every turn. Starring Rei Kikukawa, currently one of Japan's famous actress and model, this film is great for fans of femme fatale features La Femme Nikita and The Long Kiss Goodnight.

The Story:
Yuki is an idealistic young lawyer who's finding out that law and justice are not always hand in hand. When she confronts a client about their criminal ties and discovers that her firm has been party to the deception, Yuki finds herself looking down the losing end of a barrel. That is until a mysterious hit man named Takita intervenes leaving Yuki to redefine her idea of justice. Seeking Takita's guidance, she forms a dangerous alliance that will lead her into a world of crime and vigilante payback. But when the tables turn, the only things Saki has to lose are the ones she loves. Will Yuki turn on her masters? Or is she too far down a road of no return?

Guncrazy: Beyond The Law (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, 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 Rei Kikukawa, and ADV previews.

Gun Crazy: Beyond The Law
Running Time: 70m approx.
Street Date: 20/12/04
Format: DVD
BBFC Classification: 18
Cat#: DGCZ-002
SRP: £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.