ADV UK DVD Releases for September 2005

Date: 2005 July 27 11:47

Posted by Azure

ADV Films UK has sent us their press release concerning their September UK releases. This includes a special edition of Spriggan, which will include a soundtrack CD and new commentaries. September also sees the start of the UK release of Peacemaker. The September releases are as follows:

- Spriggan Special Edition
- Peacemaker Volume 1
- Mezzo Volume 2
- Aquarian Age Volume 2
- Chrono Crusade Volume 4
- Gad Guard Volume 5
- Get Backers Volume 5

The Otaku News Crew recommend Peacemaker if you like samurai anime (with pigs in) and Chrono Crusade since we're finding it enjoyable.

Full Story

Press release as follows:

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR SPRIGGAN: SPECIAL EDITION

ACTION SPECTACULAR FROM THE CREATOR OF AKIRA & STEAMBOY IN STORES 19th SEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., is pleased to announce that the super soldiers of Spriggan are springing back into action on 19th September 2005 street date for the limited run Spriggan: Special Edition. Get ready for the release of a new deluxe Special Edition of the hit feature that features not one, but TWO BRAND NEW commentaries, one of them a UK Exclusive; the expansive Soundtrack on CD; and all wrapped up in an embossed slipcase that is guaranteed to stand out on your shelves!

Directed by Hirotsugu Kawasaki (Metropolis, Ghost in the Shell, Castle in the Sky) and supervised by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, Metropolis, Steamboy), Spriggan is based on the comic of the same name by Chu Takasige and Ryoji Minagawa, originally published in Shonen Sunday and subsequently released in the West under the title Striker. Teaming up with the acclaimed animators at Studio 4°C (The Animatrix), Otomo and Kawasaki have crafted a feature-length extravaganza that masterfully combines traditional cel animation with groundbreaking computer graphics. This exclusive Special Edition release features a new state-of-the-art video remaster and the complete Spriggan Soundtrack on a separate CD, filled with the beautifully lush music featured in the film.

What The Press Said:
"All the car chases, explosions, shoot-outs, crazy cyborgs and cool heroes you could possibly want ... then it goes mental..." - Total DVD
"A compelling mix of Raiders of the Lost Ark and James Bond adventures. Spriggan rocks the anime house and challenges the senses at every turn." - E! Online
"The most kick-butt action anime film ever released" - scifi.com (website of the Sci-fi Channel)
"A slam-bang action fest..." - Animerica
"A very visual piece of work that is heavy on action..." - Anime on DVD
"Entertaining ... part SF thriller and part action movie" - Anime Boredom
"A blast to watch ... a fun, bloody ride" - DVD Verdict

The Story:
The ancient artifact known as Noah's Ark has been uncovered. Buried underneath the North Pole and forgotten since before the birth of history, the Ark holds the potential to elevate its controller to the status of a god... as well as the power to wipe mankind from the face of the Earth in a second! Now, a desperate battle erupts across the planet as two secret organizations race to recover the lost ark - one seeks to destroy it, and the other wants to use its massive power to enslave the human race! Monstrous half-human cyborgs face off against Earth's ultimate defenders, the secret organization known as ARCAM and their elite agents, the Spriggan, in an epic duel with the future of the world as the prize!

The Soundtrack Included:
Look for the exclusive Spriggan Soundtrack, filled with the beautifully lush music featured in the film, included in this new Special Edition release!
"A most rewarding CD to listen to." Anime on DVD

Spriggan: Special Edition (RRP £21.99) is a DVD-only release, containing a 90-minute cinematic feature presented in English 5.1, English 2.0 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Extras include: UK Exclusive Audio Commentary from Anime Expert Jonathan Clements, co-author of The Anime Encyclopaedia; Audio Commentary with ADR Director Matt Greenfield and ADR Engineer Christopher Bourque; Audio Commentary with Voice Actors Chris Patton (Yu Ominae) and Kelly Manison (Margaret); the Spriggan Soundtrack CD; and ADV Previews.

Spriggan: Special Edition
Running Time: 90m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DSP-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £21.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR PEACEMAKER: INNOCENCE LOST

BLOODY SAMURAI ACTION WITH THE SHINSENGUMI SLICES ITS WAY INTO STORES 19th SEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 19th September 2005 street date for Peacemaker: Innocence Lost, a masterpiece by GONZO Digimation (Chrono Crusade, Hellsing, Full Metal Panic). Adapted from the popular manga, Peacemaker Kurogane, and declared by fans to hold the record of "most amount of blood from one sword slash," Peacemaker is set in 19th century Japan at the beginning of the Meiji period. Fans of samurai action and intrigue can expect a mix of merciless action and hilarious comedy, while world cinema fans will know, after seeing Gohatto and When The Last Sword Is Drawn (two very different looks at the legendary Shinsengumi), that tragedy must loom further down the road.

The Story:
For 15-year-old Tetsunosuke Ichimura, childhood innocence has given way to a blinding thirst for revenge. Haunted by the vicious slaying of his parents, Tetsu decides to seek out the Shinsengumi, an elite group of swordsmen sworn to protect the capital. The Shinsengumi are engaged in a brutal conflict with the Choshu rebels, the same ruthless killers who murdered Tetsu's parents. In the name of justice - and against the will of his older brother - Tetsu desperately hopes to join the Shinsengumi.

But an incident late one night forces him to face reality. The Shinsengumi show themselves capable of the same brutality as his parents' murderers. Wading through a sea of espionage, intrigue, and flowing blood, the young boy must decide whether to shed his humanity and become a demon of the Shinsengumi, or to relinquish his hatred and become a Peacemaker in the spirit of his father. Revenge is sweet, but is it worth losing your soul?

Peacemaker: Innocence Lost (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: clean open and close animation; production sketches; original Japanese television spots, reversible cover, production foldout insert; and ADV Previews.

Peacemaker: Innocence Lost
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DPCM-001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR MEZZO: SHELL TWO

HOT "GIRLS WITH GUNS" TITLE SHOOTS ITS WAY INTO STORES 19th SEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced an 19th September 2005 street date for Mezzo: Shell Two, the first sizzling volume in the hot new "girls with guns" series Mezzo. Created by Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite), Mezzo is jam packed with hard-boiled action, sci-fi wonder, and kick-ass babes with guns.

The Story:
Stay alive long enough in the danger business, and you'll get a reputation. The funny thing about that - the better your reputation gets, the more people want you dead. The DSA know this all too well. Every body blow, fireball, and ricochet lets Mikura, Harada, and Kurokawa know that they're doing something right. And, it must be something very, very right - because the line separating them from a closed-casket funeral keeps getting thinner. From the undead to the Black Scissors gang, from trained assassins to the boys in blue - with so many enemies, even the tiniest friend can mean the difference between life and death.

Mezzo: Shell Two (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: clean open and close animation; production sketches; and ADV Previews.

Mezzo: Shell Two
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 15
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DMF-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR 2nd VOLUME OF AQUARIAN AGE - SIGN FOR EVOLUTION

J-ROCK FANTASY ANIME ROCKS ON IN STORES 19th September 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 19th September 2005 street date for Aquarian Age: Troubled Dreams, the second volume in this compelling new 3-disc series. Aquarian Age was adapted from a popular Japanese trading card game and the original story was undertaken by Broccoli (Di Gi Charat). This must-see fantasy anime was produced by Madhouse Studios (Sakura Wars, Chobits, X) and presented by Victor Entertainment, Inc., (Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040, RahXephon: The Movie). The awe-inspiring music was composed by Yuki Kajiura (.hack//SIGN, Noir).

The Story:
Kyota should be having the time of his life: The debut of his band has been set and beautiful girls are throwing themselves at him! Instead, he's singing the blues as the mystical war that surrounds him begins to heat up. Added to his misfortunes is his long time friend, Yoriko, who has been giving him the cold shoulder as her career as a movie star begins to take off. Why do people suddenly want to kill him and what's behind the sudden coldness in Yoriko's heart? Can he save her from the darkness sucking at her soul while keeping his own intact as well?

Aquarian Age - Sign For Evolution: Troubled Dreams (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including four complete episodes in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: reversible cover, 8-page production booklet, clean opening and closing animation, production sketches, original Japanese trailer & DVD spots, Behind the Anime feature and ADV previews.

Aquarian Age: Troubled Dreams
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DAQ-002
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES FOURTH VOLUME OF ACTION-HORROR EXTRAVAGANZA CHRONO CRUSADE

LATEST VOLUME IN NEW SERIES FROM HELLSING CREATORS OUT 19thSEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films, the leading producer-distributor of anime in the U.K., today formally announced a 19th September 2005 street date for the DVD release of Chrono Crusade: The Devil To Pay, the fourth volume in the unique and thrilling new anime series that merges spectacular action with graphic horror.

Based on the hit graphic novel series created by Daisuke Moriyama, available in specialist stores from ADV Manga, Chrono Crusade already had a huge fan following, affectionately known as "Nuns With Guns" by the online community. An "A" list of production talent, including heavy hitter GONZO (Hellsing, Last Exile, Full Metal Panic!), stepped in to make the animated version, and, to compliment this potent list of talent, ADV Films' DVD releases contain numerous bonus features, as well as both the original Japanese version and an all new 5.1 English language version produced by top-ranked dubbing studio ISM.

The Story:
As the forces of darkness continue their war against mankind, the depth to which the human soul can be corrupted becomes the catalyst for a nightmarish series of events. The horns of a devil take root in a child of God, a Devil's bargain is joined and Aion's monstrous plot to conquer Heaven itself advances one step closer to fruition.

Chrono Crusade volume 4: The Devil To Pay (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening/closing animation, production sketches, Azmaria's Extras Classes, character and settings information, and ADV previews.

Chrono Crusade volume 4: The Devil To Pay
Running Time: 75m
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DCHC-004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE DATE SET FOR GAD GUARD VOL.5: ACQUAINTANCES

FIFTH VOLUME OF ELECTRIC FANTASY AVAILABLE 19TH SEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films today announced a 19th September 2005 release date for Gad Guard Volume 5: Collections, the fifth volume in this atmospheric and original electric fantasy.

With signature 2D and 3D animation and a stunning attention to fantasy detail, GONZO give us a fantasy take on the mecha genre, a story that mixes metal and magic, where the city is another character, and 80s skateboards mix with 60s scooters amidst the traffic. Directed by Hiroshi Nishikiori (Angelic Layer, Azumanga Daioh), the original character designs are from Masahiro Aizawa (Zone of the Enders: Idolo, Slayers Gorgeous), the mechanical designs from Toshiharu Murata (Hellsing, Colorful, You're Under Arrest, Get Backers) and scripts from Reiko Yoshida (Samurai X: Reflection, King of Bandit Jing, Kaleido Star).

The Story:
The carefree life of these teens appear to have ended. Takumi has a new loss to deal with and things explode between Hajiki and Katana bringing Hajiki's family directly into the conflict. The life that Hajiki once knew has come crashing down and his life will never be the same. Will Arashi be able to bring Hajiki back to the home he has abandoned?

Gad Guards Vol.5: Acquaintances (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes, and includes English and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include an art gallery and ADV Previews.

Gad Guard Vol.5: Acquaintances
Running Time: 100m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DGAD-005
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RELEASE DATE SET FOR ACTION-COMEDY GET BACKERS VOL.5: VIRTUAL APOCALYPSE

FIFTH VOLUME OF ACTION-COMEDY AVAILABLE 19th SEPTEMBER 2005

LONDON, UK, 26th JULY 2005 - ADV Films today announced a 19th September 2005 release date for Get Backers Volume 5: Virtual Apocalypse, the fifth volume in this hip, action-packed series. Ginji and Ban, two continually broke guys who seem to always be down on their luck, have made it their calling to retrieve items that have been stolen or lost.... for a price of course. Though they appear to be a normal duo, Ginji and Ban both have powers that allow them to take on impressive enemies. They'll dodge bullets, defeat supernatural enemies, even risk their own deaths; whatever it takes.

The Get Backers volumes are based on the hit manga by Rando Ayamine and Yuya Aoki as seen in Weekly Shonen Magazine (Japanese), and now available in UK stores. Studio Deen, who has brought fans popular series such as King of Bandit Jing and Cowboy Bebop, animated the high stakes action scenes.

The Story:
They've fought their way through the maze of the Limitless Fortress. They've done battle with old friends and new foes. They've crept closer to the mastermind at the center of all the insanity: Makubex. But can the Get Backers possibly survive the final trials he's got in store for them? Watch as the Get Backers make their final push into Makubex's lair! Ban and Fudou face off for a deathmatch in a Roman coliseum. And assuming that the Lightning Emperor Ginji manages to survive his bout with Dr. Jackal, there's a final enemy waiting for him...a boy who can send them all to oblivion with the press of a button.

Get Backers Vol. 5: Virtual Apocalypse (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing five complete episodes presented in widescreen anamorphic format, and includes English 5.1-language and Japanese 2.0-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Commentary with translator Sarah Alys Lindholm and ADR Director Lowell Bartholomee, clean opening and closing animation, and ADV Previews.

Get Backers Vol. 5: Virtual Apocalypse
Running Time: 125m
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/09/05
Cat#: DGBK-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 www.advfilms.co.uk