ADV UK DVD Releases For February 2005

Date: 2005 January 07 20:03

Posted by Joe

Those nice people at ADV Films UK have sent us the details for their February releases. The selection looks very promising as always with:

- Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Edition vol.1
- Last Exile Volume 2
- Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden Volume 3 (Final)
- Kino's Journey Volume 3
- Azumanga Daioh Volume 4
- Angelic Layer Volume 6
- RahXephon-The Motion Picture: Pluralitas Concentio

The Otaku News Crew feel like their spoilt for choice this month, we recommend Eva Platinum Edition Volume 1, if you haven't already got Evangelion on DVD, Last Exile Volume 2, Azumanga Daioh Volume 4 and RahXephon The Motion Picture. Normally we tend to suggest two titles a month, but it's too hard to pick this time around!

Full Story

Press release as follows:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS TO RELEASE NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: PLATINUM EDITION VOLUME 1

FIRST VOLUME OF THE SEMINAL, ACCLAIMED ANIME TELEVISION SERIES FILLED WITH EXTRAS GALORE, AVAILABLE 21st FEBRUARY 2005

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005—ADV Films today announced a 21st February 2005 release date for the first 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.

Neon Genesis Evangelion – Platinum: 01 is the first 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.

The Story:
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. Piloted by a special team of teenage warriors, these giant bio-mechanical humanoids are the only thing that can withstand the force of the Angels` defense fields long enough for the pilots to tackle the invaders themselves in hand to hand combat! With the lives of every soul on the planet at stake, these few youngsters must reach down deep inside themselves to find the strength and courage necessary to meet the Angels head on in a desperate attempt to save mankind.

Neon Genesis Evangelion – Platinum: 01 (£19.99 RRP) is a DVD-only release, featuring the first five episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 5.1- language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and closing animation; Episode: 01 commentary by director Matt Greenfield; Episode: 02 commentary by Matt Greenfield and Spike Spencer ("Shinji"); and ADV previews. The first pressing will include limited edition collector's slipcover packaging and profile booklets filled with screen shots, Japanese commentaries and character profiles.

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION – PLATINUM EDITION: 01
Running Time: 125m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DNGE-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR LAST EXILE VOLUME 2: POSITIONAL PLAY

RETRO SF ADVENTURE FLYS THE UNFRIENDLY SKIES ON 21st FEBRUARY 2005

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 21st February 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 volume 1 "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.

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 deliver Alvis to the airship Silvana's Captain, Alex Row. But much to Claus' anger, Alex Row accepts Alvis inhumanely into the Silvana and leaves the duo and their damaged ship behind. Claus and Lavie fly to Silvana to retrieve Alvis, but the airship is savagely attacked by Guild-controlled star-shaped vessels. Claus and Lavie are forced to take on the attackers on a borrowed Silvana vanship. The Silvana is severely damaged. Dio Eraclea of the Guild flagship notices Claus' unusual flying talents and vows to have a duel with him. More than ever, Claus and Lavie realize they are wrapped up in the mysterious conspiracies of war controlled by the omnipotent Guild.

Last Exile volume 2: Positional Play (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 closing animation, original Japanese closing, commercial collection, art gallery, character profiles, and ADV previews.

Last Exile volume 2: Positional Play
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DLX-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR FINAL VOLUME OF MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.3

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005— ADV Films today announced a 21st February 2005 release date for the third and final 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). Jonathan Clements wrote in Neo magazine that "deep down, with its schooldays nostalgia and its ticking time limit, Mahoromatic is really about that other perennial Gainax subject – staying forever young … Mahoromatic's English-langauge cast give it their all … this show's digital origins make for a pin-sharp transfer to DVD."

The Story
From Studio GAINAX (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi) comes the tale of one boy and his beautiful android protector! What's wrong with cute android Mahoro asking Suguru out on a date? Only that Suguru has never been out on one! And Mahoro is his maid as well – what is a boy to do? As always, only Miss Saori could make things any harder… Knowing what she risks, Mahoro still goes out to meet SAINT android Ryuga in his challenge to the death! It's time for Mahoro to reveal all her secrets in the third and final volume of Mahoromatic!

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.3 (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: voice actor commentary; art gallery; and ADV Previews.

MAHOROMATIC – AUTOMATIC MAIDEN VOL.3
Running Time: 100 minutes
BBFC Rating: 15
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DMAH-003
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.3: WARNING – CURVES AHEAD

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 21st February 2005 street date for the third volume on DVD of Kino's Journey, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan.
www.animeondvd.com UK reviewer Dani Moure described volume 1 as "filled with … rich characterisation and storytelling… wholly satisfying … a stunning series…easily one of the best releases of the year", while Jonathan Clements, writing in Neo Magazine, wrote that it "defies summary… the pale colours are so painterly that the screen often gains canvas textures … philosophical and classy."

Volume 2 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.

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
A traveller sees the road – treading the beaten path to happen upon cleverly concealed clumps of untramped tales of untamed hearts. What does she think she believes? Wistful wishes of floating on the breeze; a girl's dream dismissed – her magic undiminished. What writs are fit to read? Set in library, a censorship conflict, the reader plays the victim, the author: the antagonist. What are families for? The mechanics of loyalty are found deep within – beyond the oblivion of love, behind the circuitry of faith. Kino sense what others pass by – what lies between the blades of grass. What lies bisect the bonds long past. Drift along for the ride.

KINO'S JOURNEY VOL.3: WARNING – CURVES AHEAD (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.3: WARNING - CURVES AHEAD
Running Time: 75 minutes
BBFC Rating: PG
Street Date: 21/02/04
Cat#: DKJ-003
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.4: FRIENDS!

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005— ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 21st February 2005 street date for the fourth volume on DVD of Azumanga Daioh, the acclaimed anime series that premiered in early 2002 in Japan. www.animeondvd.com UK reviewer Dani Moure reviewed volume 1 thus: "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.

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
Hooray! Festival season is back! Get ready for a slew of crazy new challenges in the sports fest, culminating in an action-packed 10-K race. The ever-hyper Tomo is dying from excitement, but Osaka is afraid of just plain dying! Later, Chiyo-chan adds to the hilarity as she scrambles to pull things together for this year's culture fest. Will it be a big hit – or a miserable miss – for our cast of high school cuties? But wait – there's more! Curricular activities aren't the only source of action. Between classes, the girls doggedly debate things like the colour of pandas, the merits of dieting, and the existence of Santa – or even more improbable, Mr. Kimura's wife! And, speaking of spouses, isn't it time Minamo found a man? Her busybody mother sure seems to think so! With trips to Hokkaido, Magical Land and a hilarious visit to the local karaoke club, this charming, comical, costumed volume of Azumanga Daioh proves once and for all that time spent with friends is time well-spent!

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.4: FRIENDS! (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 art studies of Yomi and Nyamao.

AZUMANGA DAIOH VOL.4: FRIENDS!
Running Time: 125 minutes
BBFC Rating: PG
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DAZ-004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ANGELIC LAYER VOLUME 6: INHERIT THE LAYER

SIXTH VOLUME OF CLAMP'S FIRST SHONEN TITLE DUE ON DVD 21st FEBRUARY 2005

LONDON, UK, 7th January 2005—ADV Films today announced an 21st February 2005 release date for the penultimate 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." Volumes 1 and 2 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.

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:
With the finals well underway, Misaki and friends decide to take a well-deserved break at the beach, but Icchan and his group are there, too. A secret love is revealed, and new loves bloom as the whole gang takes a break from the stress of the tournament at the seaside.Many more secrets about the past come to light, and Misaki goes on another date, but it's not with who you'd expect. The time has come for two players to qualify for the championship match, while the rest get left behind. Find out who will sit in the stands, and who will get the chance to Inherit the Layer!

Angelic Layer vol.6: Inherit The Layer (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including three 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.6: INHERIT THE LAYER
Running Time: 75m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DAL/006
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR RAHXEPHON – THE MOTION PICTURE: PLURALITAS CONCENTIO

MOVIE RE-TELLING OF BEST-SELLING SERIES AVAILABLE ON DVD 21st FEBRUARY 2005

LONDON, U.K., 7th January 2005 - ADV Films today officially announced a 21st February 2005 release for RahXephon—The Motion Picture: Pluralitas Concentio, the movie-length re-telling of the extraordinarily beautiful and complex anime series that captivated millions in Japan, the USA and the UK. ADV Films will release RahXephon—The Motion Picture: Pluralitas Concentio as an uncut Region 2 DVD with content identical to its Region 1 counterpart.

RahXephon was created and directed by Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki, the Gundam franchise), and produced by Bones (Angelic Layer), Victor Entertainment (Noir) and Fuji TV (Astro Boy, Battle of the Planets). The RahXephon series debuted on Japanese TV in 2002 and became an immediate sensation, with fierce action and multilayered complexity of the plot and characters both drawing in viewers by the tens of thousands. RahXephon—The Motion Picture: Pluralitas Concentio will benefit from theatrical screenings this February as part of Sci-Fi-London 4, the 4th London International Festival Of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film, taking place over 2nd – 6th February 2005 in London, and then on tour round the country. Visit http://www.sci-fi-london.com/ for more information.

The Story:
Return to the world of RahXephon, where humans and Mu fight for dominance over a shattered Earth, and giant statues are the ultimate weapons. Where music forms the fabric of the universe and the link between two hearts is the thread upon which the fate of humanity hangs. It is still a love story, but it is not the same story. Not exactly. Prepare for new visions and new revelations, as the other side of RahXephon is finally revealed.

RahXephon: The Motion Picture (RRP £19.99 DVD) is a DVD-only release, containing a 120-minute feature in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 language versions with English subtitles. Extras includes a 10-page RahXephon booklet and ADV previews.


RAHXEPHON—THE MOTION: PLURALITAS CONCENTIO
Running Time: 120 minutes
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 21/02/05
Cat#: DRX-008
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 films. 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.