ADV UK July Releases

Date: 2004 June 01 21:54

Posted by Joe

ADV keep churning out those titles in the UK, which as always is a good sign.
In July they'll be releasing:

Rune Soldier vol. 1: Enter The Klutz
Final Fantasy: Unlimited - Phase 3
Pretear Vol. 3
King of Bandit Jing Vol. 4
Slayers Great
Queen Emeraldas

Full Story

Press Release as follows.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR RUNE SOLDIER VOL.1: ENTER THE KLUTZ

FIRST VOLUME OF ROLLICKING FANTASY ADVENTURE-COMEDY OUT 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th July 2004 release date for the DVD release of Rune Soldier vol.1: Enter the Klutz. This first volume contains four complete episodes, and debuts complete & uncut on region 2 DVD.

The talented crew behind this animated version of the original manga by Ryo Mizuno (RECORD OF LODOSS WAR) include writer Katsuhiko Chiba (Gundam Wing, Outlaw Star, Inu Yasha), animator-turned-director Yoshitaka Koyama (Dirty Pair Flash, Dragon Ball Z – the Movie 3), character designer Kazunori Iwakura (Burn up Excess, Slayers Great), animation director Takashi Wada (the upcoming Azumanga Daioh) and prolific composer Kenji Kawai (Dai-Guard, Zaion: I Wish You Were Here, Ghost In The Shell, Patlabor and the Ring movies). The varied humour will be appreciated as much by sitcom fans as role-playing aficionados, running the gamut from verbal wit to slapstick.

The Story:
Armed with Merrill's cunning, Genie's strength and Melissa's prayers, this all-female band has no trouble raiding ancient ruins—unless a magic seal blocks the way. As an investment, the girls decide to hire a magician. Any magician. Alas, all of the available magicians prefer reading to raiding—except Louie. Swallowing their pride (and several pints), the girls take on the loud, brash novice. In return, the hapless Louie gives them all the adventure they can handle—and then some!

Rune Soldier vol.1: Enter The Klutz (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing four episodes in English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include clean opening and closing animations, and ADV previews.

RUNE SOLDIER VOL.1: ENTER THE KLUTZ
Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DLR/001
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FINAL FANTASY: UNLIMITED - PHASE THREE

THIRD VOLUME OF 25-EPISODE VIDEOGAME TIE-IN SERIES AVAILABLE 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th July 2004 release date for the third volume of Final Fantasy: Unlimited, the companion anime television series to the popular Final Fantasy role-playing video games. Phase Three includes four complete episodes and is loaded with extras.

In addition to its tie-in to the spectacularly successful video game franchise, Final Fantasy: Unlimited's production team speaks to the quality of the title. Final Fantasy: Unlimited is directed by Mahiro Maeda, one of the most acclaimed anime directors in Japan. Maeda was recently hand-picked to direct two of the animated shorts included in The Animatrix, the anime side project based on the hit feature film The Matrix.

Producers for the series are SQUARE TV Tokyo (NOIR) and Dentsu (Princess Mononoke, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), with animation produced by Gonzo Digimation, animators of Hellsing, Full Metal Panic!, Zaion and several more of anime's most popular recent titles.

The Story:
Hidden throughout the vast landscape of Wonderland lie the crystalline pieces of an entity called Omega, which once consumed whole worlds, but was shattered and scattered over land and sea. Now, Earl Tyrant has sent his minions out to gather the crystals in hopes of reuniting Omega. With its collected energy under his command, the conniving Earl will become the supreme ruler of the universe!

Final Fantasy: Unlimited—Phase 3 (RRP £19.99 DVD) is a DVD-only release, containing four complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: voice actor commentary; production sketches; key animation backgrounds; reversible cover; ADV previews and more!

FINAL FANTASY: UNLIMITED – PHASE THREE
Running Time: 100m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DFF/003
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR PRETEAR VOL.3

THIRD VOLUME OF FAN-FAVOURITE SERIES AVAILABLE 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th July 2004 release date for the third volume of Pretear, the series created by Kaori Naruse and noted anime fantasy creator Junichi Sato (director of the first series of Sailor Moon and creator of Kaleido Star).

Pretear, a mahou shoujo series, combines elements of the fairy tales Cinderella (new stepmother and evil stepsisters) and Snow White (seven knights instead of seven dwarves). On its 2001 Japanese release, the title was lauded for its intense animation, in-depth characterizations, exciting battle scenes, and its beautiful soundtrack. The opening song "White Destiny" is sung by Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida. Review website DVD Times described Pretear vol.1 as "a refreshing change of pace", "a great start to the series" and "something I can whole-heartedly recommend."

The Story:
No longer the Pretear, Himeno Awayuki is powerless to stop Takako, the Princess of Disaster, from nearly killing the knight Sasame. Distraught, Himeno finds comfort with her stepsister Mawata and solace in the arms of the knight Hayate. But when Takako threatens to kill all the Leafe Knights, Himeno rediscovers the will and the way to be Pretear! Takako then sends demons to terrorize the Awayuki home. Both Himeno's family and the Leafe Knights try to exterminate these pests. But the search parties only get confused and lost. The search does turn up a secret, one that will cause Sasame to declare himself Takako's servant! But Takako rejects Sasame. The only person she wants is the future Puppet of Darkness-Mawata! Himeno and the Knights retreat to Leafenia, which they think is safe. Then Sasame and Takako invade the realm. Takako will take Sasame as a servant, provided he prove his love-by killing Hayate!

Pretear Volume 3 (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, containing three complete episodes. Includes English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: "Behind The Anime" voice actor interviews, production sketches, Japanese TV spots, and ADV previews.

PRETEAR VOLUME 3
Running Time: 75m approx.
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DPT/003
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR KING OF BANDIT JING: VOLUME FOUR

FINAL VOLUME OF EXCITING ANIME ADVENTURE-COMEDY AVAILABLE 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004—ADV Films today announced a 19th July 2004 release date for King of Bandit Jing Vol. 4. Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (Orphen, Kiki's Delivery Service) King of Bandit Jing is based upon a manga of the same title by Yuchi Kumakura, detailing the adventures of Jing, a youthful and charming Robin Hood-esque bandit who travels from town to town, stealing valuables and hearts in equal measure. Along for the ride is his randy wiseacre albatross companion, Kir, who is constantly getting the pair into difficulties.

Volumes 1 and 2 both received positive reviews from online magazine DVD Times – Asssistant Editor Dave Foster described vol.1 as "providing family entertainment of a high standard" with "quirky comedy touches and stylish action sequences", while vol.2 "continues to offer well balanced entertainment".

The Story:
Jing and Kir have scoured the world for unique treasures, always one step ahead of the law and meddlers, but will they still come out on top once they meet some fierce competition?

"The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 1)"
The mysterious Warrior of the Rising Son is vying for the throne of Zaza, a city in need of a ruler. Jing has to prove his strength when he is thrown into a tournament to win the championship and the throne.

"The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 2)"
When Jing and Kir come to steal the heir's prize, the Vintage Smile, the whole city goes on alert! Jing finds himself in the middle of a battle to the death not just in the tournament, but between Madame Earl and her rebellious young daughter Stir!

"The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 3)"
With the help of the fighter Ginjou and a lackey named Angostura, Jing and Kir may yet escape this misadventure with their lives! But when Jing is wrongfully accused of a treacherous crime, will he elude his pursuers long enough to find true love in all this turmoil?

King of Bandit Jing (RRP £19.99 DVD) is a DVD-only release, including three complete episodes. Includes both English- and Japanese-language versions, and English subtitles. Extras include: original art; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.

KING OF BANDIT JING VOLUME 4
Running Time: 75m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DBK/004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR SLAYERS GREAT

MOVIE TIE-IN TO FAN-FAVOURITE FANTASY-ADVENTURE SERIES OUT 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004 - ADV Films today announced a 19th July 2004 release date for Slayers: Great, the third movie tie-in (after Slayers: the Motion Picture and Slayers Return) to the fan-favourite fantasy-adventure anime series Slayers.

Slayers: Great brings back odd couple Lina Inverse and the buxom Naga the Serpent to entertain fans with more (mis)adventures that are equal parts action and comedy. The movie is based on a manga by Hajime Kanzaka (Lost Universe) and directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (King of Bandit Jing, Orphen).

The Story:
All Laia Einburg wants for her golem-making father Galia and her equally ambitious brother Huey is to end a long running feud. But her world gets turned upside down when short-stature Lina Inverse and overly-endowed Naga the Serpent save Laia from a rampaging golem. A grateful, but smitten, Galia asks Lina to be a model for his work. Not to be outdone, Huey makes a similar request to Naga. The results are towering remote-controlled golems in the image of our favorite sorceresses! Huey gets all the proportions right, but Galia's taste is just weird. Adding insult to injury, Galia turns Lina into a magical battery pack! Officially, Lords Haizen and Granion commissioned these golems for a contest to determine the ruler of the city of Stoner. But the lords are secretly planning to use the golems as prototypes for an army of conquest! Can Lina and Naga save the city from tyranny?

Slayers: Great (RRP £19.99) is a DVD-only release, letterboxed, including both English and Japanese 2.0 versions, with English subtitles. Extras include: Slayers trailers and ADV previews.

SLAYERS GREAT
Running Time: 60m approx.
BBFC Classification: 12
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DSL/004
Format: DVD
RRP: £19.99



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR QUEEN EMERALDAS

COMPLETE SF ADVENTURE FROM INTERSTELLA 5555 CREATOR AVAILABLE 19th JULY 2004

LONDON, UK, 1st June 2004 - ADV Films today announced an 19th July 2004 release date for the DVD release of Queen Emeraldas, the complete tale of space pirate Emeraldas from the universe of Leiji Matsumoto (Starblazers, Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Herlock: The Endless Odyssey, Interstella 5555).

The production of this tale reflects the story – traditional animation is mixed with modern CGI in the same way that Matsumoto's classic universe and old-fashioned values are combined with a brand new adventure and story-telling techniques.

The Story:
In a far distant future, a would-be master race seeks to dominate the galaxy. Against these merciless Afresians, mankind has just one hope: The mysterious female warrior known as Emeraldas. Driven by the tortured memory of her lost love. Emeraldas sails the Sea of Stars like a privateer of old, blasting the forces of tyranny into atoms with an amazing array of futuristic weapons. But when the devious commander Eldomain kidnaps a group of innocent civilians, Emeraldas is drawn into a deadly trap from which even she may not escape!

Queen Emeraldas (RRP £15.99) is a DVD-only release, containing the both episodes in English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 language versions, with English subtitles. Extras include character profiles, a Scene Slide Show, and ADV previews.

QUEEN EMERALDAS
Running Time: 60m approx.
BBFC Classification: PG
Street Date: 19/07/04
Cat#: DVDQE/001
Format: DVD
RRP: £15.99

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.