Our contributor juliant59 has noted that PCB Productions have updated the list of credits on their website, which now includes dubbing the so far unnannouced Mär TV series for Viz Media.

New:
Robonimal Panda-Z: The Robonimation
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure 2

Updated:
Gungrave
Cowboy Bebop

Bandai Entertainment have launched a website for their October 25 release of the complete Avenger TV series, and revealed details about the main cast and crew:

Layla Ashley - Deborah Sale Butler
Nei - Elisa Fiorillo
Speedy - Rick Robles
Volk - Jamieson Price
Vesta - Wendee Lee
Par - Terrance Stone

Directed by Wendee Lee
Adapted by Stephanie Sheh
Produced by Elastic Media Corporation
(more…)

It hasn’t been announced as licensed for US distribution yet, but clips of an English dub for Toei’s magical girl series Pretty Cure have surfaced, apparently taken from German TV.

Toon Zone has put up an interview with Vancouver actor Kirby Morrow, touching upon everything from Inuyasha to Stargate: Atlantis.

UK newspaper The Guardian has posted online their Sept. 14th interview with accliamed director Hayao Miyazaki in time for the UK release of Howl’s Moving Castle. This is Mr. Miyazaki’s first interview in 10 years. Of interest, Miyazaki adds his own take of watching Howl’s with the original Japanese and new English dub.

Disney releases Miyazaki films in two formats: a subtitled version for the purists and a dubbed extravaganza for the popcorn crowd. Howl’s Moving Castle is no exception. It features the voice of Billy Crystal as the obstreperous fire demon and Lauren Bacall as the Witch of the Wastes. This is fine, says Miyazaki, because Bacall is “a fabulous woman” who brought something to the role that home-grown actors couldn’t. “All the Japanese female voice actors have voices that are very coquettish and wanting male attention, which was not what we wanted at all.”

In any case, he adds, who is to say that a subtitled print is any more authentic? “When you watch the subtitled version you are probably missing just as many things. There is a layer and a nuance you’re not going to get. Film crosses so many borders these days. Of course it is going to be distorted.”

And on the merchandising and editing of their work.

The Disney deal suits him, he explains, because he has stuck to his guns. His refusal to grant merchandising rights means that there is no chance of any Nausicaa happy meals or Spirited Away video games. Furthermore, Disney wields no creative control. There is a rumour that when Harvey Weinstein was charged with handling the US release of Princess Mononoke, Miyazaki sent him a samurai sword in the post. Attached to the blade was a stark message: “No cuts.”

The director chortles. “Actually, my producer did that. Although I did go to New York to meet this man, this Harvey Weinstein, and I was bombarded with this aggressive attack, all these demands for cuts.” He smiles. “I defeated him.”

iFilm has a put up a trailer for Geneon’s upcoming release of the Viewtiful Joe anime, featuring samples of the English cast.

Central Park Media’s Peter Tatara has announced a new contest involving their license of former Dark Image Entertainment title Outlanders. Starting Sept. 23rd, fans will be given the chance to view a scene from the OVA and vote on who you liked best in the roles. Five lucky voters picked at random will recieve a copy of the DVD due to be released Feb. 7th.

There is currently no word on whether Central Park Media will also include the older Animaze, iNC dub from 1993 when the DVD is released.

Update: Peter has confirmed for us that the new CPM DVD will only contain the original Japanese track and the new English dub. The original English master was in “unusable condition” and could not be repaired enough to be included.

Press Release: The Right Stuf International - Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars

SHINGU: SECRET OF THE STELLAR WARS DVD 5: FATEFUL CONCLUSIONS

Pre-book date: 11/01/2005 - Street date: 11/29/2005
Approximately 125 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color.
Genre: Science Fiction

DVD (English, Japanese, English Subtitles, English On Screen Translations)
Catalog#: RSDVD8039
Suggested Rating: 7+
ISBN: 1-57032-805-6
UPC#: 7-42617-8039-2-5
SRP: $29.95

Right Stuf International proudly presents SHINGU: SECRET OF THE STELLAR WARS! Created by acclaimed director Tatsuo Sato (NADESICO / STELLVIA / AZUMANGA DAIOH), with planning by Masao Maruyama (GUNGRAVE / CARDCAPTOR SAKURA MOVIES / CHOBITS), production by Masao Morosawa (GUNGRAVE / JUBEI-CHAN / NINJA SCROLL TV) and character designs by Yuuji Ikeda (SAIYUKI / GUNGRAVE / X TV)!

The fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a single middle-school student…

Pale skin, green eyes, and a piercing gaze - once you meet Kanata Myouken, you’ll never forget him. And now this mysterious new stranger is tracking down Muryou! What’s worse, he is only a harbinger of things to come. Soon after Kanata’s arrival, two very ominous spaceships appear, hanging low over the town of Tenmo… and both appear ready for a showdown at any moment. One of the ships belongs to the Galactic Federation…but who controls the other?

While the situation on Earth is becoming more tense, trouble is beginning to brew in space as well. Four of the deadly Sanadon warships have been spotted on a direct intercept course with Earth. With each passing moment, the destruction of everything Nayuta loves draws closer. Will she be able to make the ultimate sacrifice and push the power of the Shingu farther than ever before? When the body becomes a new vessel, the truth behind the Shingu will finally be revealed…

Contains episodes 22-26.

PLUS! DVD 5 features a special SHINGU: SECRET OF THE STELLAR WARS 12-page booklet!

BONUS DVD CONTENT INCLUDES:
Reversible Cover, Original US Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars Trailer, Character Bios, Line Art Gallery, Special 12-page Booklet, Interview with Director Tatsuo Sato, Original Production Notes, English Production Notes, Right Stuf Trailers, Scene Access, English Audio, Japanese Audio, English Subtitles & On Screen Translations.

Graphic of cover is located at: http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd8039.jpg

Press Release: The Right Stuf International - Kimba

The Right Stuf International is proud to announce that on November 29, 2005, one of anime’s first and brightest stars will be making his triumphant return: KIMBA: THE WHITE LION! First aired in 1965, KIMBA is known worldwide as one of Osamu Tezuka’s greatest masterpieces (along with Tezuka’s crowning achievement, ASTRO BOY). And now, in this 11-disc Limited Ultra Edition release, KIMBA: THE WHITE LION will look better than ever! With completely restored video, interviews with Fred Ladd (series producer), deleted scenes, the original Japanese pilot episode and more, animation fans young and old will fall in love with the adventures of the original lion king!

KIMBA: THE WHITE LION (1965 TV SERIES) REMASTERED LIMITED EDITION ULTRA COLLECTOR’S BOX
Pre-book date: 11/01/2005 - Street date: 11/29/2005
Approximately 1345 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color.
Genre: Adventure

DVD (English)
Catalog#: RSDVD2012 Suggested Rating: ALL
ISBN: 1-57032-941-9
UPC#: 7-42617-2012-2-6
SRP: $129.99

This Special Limited Edition will include: all original 52 Kimba Episodes masterfully restored across 11 DVDs; a special “How Kimba Came to Be” booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden; the original Japanese Episode 1 (with English subtitles); an interview with Fred Ladd; deleted scenes; the textless English opening; the original English closing; an original Character Art Gallery; a merchandise gallery; and character profiles. And to top it all off, the whole set will be released in a sturdy, high-quality, fully telescopic artbox!

ABOUT KIMBA: THE WHITE LION

From Osamu Tezuka, one of the great pioneers of Japanese animation (ASTRO BOY, BLACK JACK, HI NO TORI), comes KIMBA: THE WHITE LION, one of the “first-generation anime classics” to reach American TV - and the very first Japanese animation title to be broadcast in color, in 1965. Fans have long remembered its catchy theme song, spectacular designs, pioneering animation techniques and gentle stories.

Kimba’s enchanting adventures of friendship, jungle survival and harmony return once again in this beautifully restored complete DVD collection, ready to be introduced to a whole new generation of fans. Join Kimba along with his pals Pauly the Parrot, Daniel Baboon, and a charming assortment of other loveable characters, as he follows in the footsteps of his late father, the great lion king, making the jungle a safer, better place for everyone to live.

Ultra Collector’s Edition DVD Extras Include:
All original 52 Kimba Episodes, fully restored; Special “How Kimba Came to Be” Booklet written by Fred Patten and Robin Leyden; Original Japanese Episode 1 (with English subtitles); Interview with Fred Ladd; Deleted Scenes, Textless English Opening; Original English Closing; Original Character Art Gallery; Merchandise Gallery; Character Profiles

Graphic of cover is located at: http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd2012.jpg

Press Release: The Right Stuf International / Critical Mass - Weather Report Girl

From acclaimed director Kunihiko Yunyama (SLAYERS GREAT, KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD) comes WEATHER REPORT GIRL, the story of one woman’s surprisingly steamy approach to the late-night news!

Channel ATV is in serious trouble. With viewer ratings at an all-time low, they’ve got to come up with an amazing gimmick, and fast, or else their sponsors are going to cut their funding! But a whirlwind is headed for ATV in the form of one Keiko Nakadai - a substitute weather girl for the prime-time news. In one quick flash of her panties, the ratings are sky-rocketing! Thanks to the public’s overwhelming support of Keiko’s brazen tactics (not to mention her gorgeous body), she’s finally secured the bright and sunny future she’s always wanted.

However, there’s a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon. Michiko Kawai, ATV’s former prime-time weather girl, is furious that Keiko has stolen her job, and she’ll stop at nothing to get it back! But poor Michiko may have bitten off more than she can chew because Keiko’s soft exterior hides a nasty vicious streak, and she’s not about to give up her dream job so easily. Japan’s airwaves are about to get a whole lot hotter this year!

Bonus DVD content includes:
Art Gallery, Right Stuf Trailers, English and Japanese 2.0 Dolby Audio, English Subtitles for On-Screen Text, Regular English Subtitles

WEATHER REPORT GIRL DVD
Pre-book date: 11/01/2005 - Street date: 11/29/2005
Approximately 86 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color.
Comedy

DVD (English and Japanese audio, English Subtitles, English On-Screen Text)
Catalog#: RSDVD2106
Suggested Rating: 17+
ISBN: 1-57032-866-8
UPC#: 7-42617-2106-2-4
SRP: $24.99

Graphic of cover is located at: http://www.rightstuf.com/outgoing/sleeves/rsdvd2106.jpg

Press Release: Central Park Media

For Immediate Release: Great Stories At An Even Greater Price

New York, NY (September 13, 2005) – Central Park Media announced that the focus this holiday season will be on great storytelling as it re-prices and re-releases three compelling works this November — the action adventure Mecha Masters box set containing works by the legendary Koichi Ohata, the supernatural action series Legend of the Dragon Kings from the screenwriter of “InuYasha: The TV Series” and The World of Narue DVD Collection based on the best selling graphic novels.

The 6-disc (4 DVDs, plus 2 CDs) Mecha Masters box set will be priced at $34.95srp, the 6-disc Legend of the Dragon Kings DVD Collection will be priced at $59.95srp and the 4-disc The World of Narue DVD Collection will be priced at $39.95srp. All individual DVDs will be available at the new, low price of $9.95srp each.

All DVDs will have audio tracks in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. All titles will have a pre-order date of October 25, 2005 and a street date of November 22, 2005.

Mecha Masters: Explosive Anime Classics
Includes M.D. Geist I & II Collector’s Series Edition, Cybernetics Guardian, Genocyber: The Collection, M.D. Geist and Genocyber I Soundtracks and bonus disc in an ultra cool collector’s box. From cyberpunk visionary Koichi Ohata!

In the future, man and machine are blending, becoming one. Science has fused cybernetics and genetically altered humans into monstrous killing machines. But even machines can have a soul, and these new super-beings may be the next step in evolution. When humanity turns against these twisted creations, it discovers the true price of its own pride and lust for power.

DVD Features Include: M.D. Geist Creators’ Commentary Track by Koichi Ohata & Riku Sanjo, M.D. Geist Graphic Novel, Storyboards, Production Sketches, Trailers, English & Japanese with English Subtitles, Extensive DVD-ROM Features… and more!

Running time: 296 minutes
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rating: 16UP
WEA Selection: 752235
SRP: $34.95
UPC: 7-19987-22352-3

The World of Narue DVD Collection
Narue is an adorable school girl with a secret. She’s really an alien with powers right out of a sci-fi comic book. Join our spunky heroine as she faces androids, alien invaders, and her first date with the boy next door. It’s the sci-fi comedy that’s a direct hit to your heart. Complete Series: All 12 episodes on 4 DVDs.

4-Disc Collector’s Series Edition Features: Director’s Commentary (Disc 1), Japanese Voice Actors’ Commentary, Art & Sketch Galleries, Storyboards, Alternate Previews, Japanese Commercials, Textless Opening and Closing, Character Introductions, Japanese Voice Actor Interviews, Anime Idol Feature, The World of Narue Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 300 minutes
Genre: Sci Fi/Comedy
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752402
SRP: $39.95
UPC: 7-19987-24022-3

Legend of the Dragon Kings DVD Collection
What if dragons existed, hidden in plain sight, magically disguised as the boys next door? The Ryudo brothers seem like typical neighbors, but they hide a mystical secret. They are ancient dragons pledged to protect humanity from evil. Now, as mankind drives itself to extinction, the brothers answer the call of their destiny. Firebreathing dragons once more roam free, and the Earth is transformed into a world of enchantment!

DVD Features: Dubbing Outtakes, Trivia Quiz, Art Gallery, Character Gallery, Legend of the Dragon Kings Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 563 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752412
SRP: $59.95
UPC: 7-19987-24122-0

Legend of the Dragon Kings: Under Fire
Since Hajime was a boy, he’s had strange dreams and superpowers he didn’t understand. Now, a madman threatens his family. But if Hajime uses his powers to rescue them, his humanity may be lost forever. Contains episodes 1&2.

DVD features: Art Gallery, Character Gallery, Trivia Quiz, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles, DVD-ROM.

Running time: 94 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752061
SRP: $9.95
UPC: 7-19987-20612-0

Legend of the Dragon Kings: Under Fire/Black Dragon 2-Pack
From Osamu Dezaki, the Director of Black Jack!

Fire-breathing monster or mild-mannered teenager? Hajime has the power to transform into a dragon, and has superhuman fighting skills. When the richest man in the world targets his brothers, Hajime finds himself drawn into a nefarious plot for military domination! Contains episodes 1-4 on 2 DVDs.

DVD Features: Trivia Quiz, Art Gallery, Legend of the Dragon Kings Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 186 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752336
SRP: $19.95
UPC: 7-19987-23362-1

Legend of the Dragon Kings: Red Dragon
From the screenwriter of InuYasha: The TV Series!

Hajime and his brothers aren’t human. As each comes of age, he gains the ability to transform into a fire-breathing dragon. Wonders of magic or science, they are stalked by a mad scientist bent on dissecting them and stealing their secrets. When an innocent friend is kidnapped by the enemy, the brothers fall into a deadly trap! Will the dragons survive? Contains episodes 5&6.

DVD Features: Dubbing Outtakes, Art Gallery, Previews, Legend of the Dragon Kings Trailers, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 92 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752325
SRP: $9.95
UPC: 7-19987-23252-5

Legend of the Dragon Kings: Iron Dragon
From the screenwriter of InuYasha: The TV Series, Fake and Battle Angel Alita.

Owaru is a super-powered teenager with an attitude and lots of problems! It’s bad enough that he transforms into a dragon when he gets mad, but now the neighbors are trying to run his family out of town. Worse, the diabolical Dr. Crenshaw has dispatched an army of cyborgs to destroy him! Contains episodes 7&8.

DVD Features: Art Gallery, Legend of the Dragon Kings Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 97 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752335
SRP: $9.95
UPC: 7-19987-23352-2

Legend of the Dragon Kings: White Dragon
The dragon-boy Owaru is kidnapped by the mysterious Lady L! A double agent who was horribly scarred in a dragon attack, Lady L means to use the teenager’s super-powers to gain world domination. Alone and desperate, Owaru loses control and transforms into a monstrous wind dragon. Can his family rescue him before he annihilates the city? Contains episodes 9&10.

DVD Features: Art Gallery, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 94 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752364
SRP: $9.95
UPC: 7-19987-23642-4

Legend of the Dragon Kings: Blue Dragon
THE FINAL CHAPTER! From the screenwriter of InuYasha: The TV Series.

Throughout his family’s adventures, Hajime has always been the leader, the strong older brother, and the dragon with the greatest superpowers. Now he is the prisoner of the secret agent known as Lady L. As his younger brothers scramble to outwit her army, they are shaken by premonitions. Ancient prophecies are coming to fruition, and Lady L’s mad plot is the key to unlocking their supernatural destiny! Contains episodes 11&12.

DVD Features: Art Gallery, Legend of the Dragon Kings Trailers, Previews, English & Japanese with English Subtitles.

Running time: 92 minutes
Genre: Supernatural Action/Adventure
Rating: 13UP
WEA Selection: 752390
SRP: $9.95
UPC: 7-19987-23902-9

About Central Park Media:
Central Park Media has been a leading supplier of anime in the United States since 1990. The company currently manufactures and distributes three home entertainment lines, each offering anime product for a distinct and discriminating audience: U. S. Manga Corps, Central Park Media and Software Sculptors. With exclusive rights to hundreds of book, video and music products, the company has become a leader in integrated media, as well as a leading publisher of graphic novels under its CPM Press label. Central Park Media also carries a broad array of documentaries released under its CPM label, as well as live-action Japanese feature films under its Asia Pulp Cinema label.

For high resolution, downloadable artwork and information, please visit CPM’s electronic press kit at:
www.centralparkmedia.com./cpmdb/presskit.cfm

Angie Beers
Sean Broadhurst
Leda Davis
Carol Anne Day
Lucas Gilbertson
Maizun Jayoussi
Maureen Jones
Gerald Matthews
Cheryl McMaster
Scott Roberts
Mariette Sluyter
Ryan Stockert
Jeffrey Watson

(Cast was not credited with characters.)

Directed by Teri Snelgrove
Adapted by Gabrielle Gulko
Produced by The Ocean Group
Recorded at Blue Water Studios

Doki Doki School Hours Vol. 1 is due out from Geneon Entertainment on November 08 and will retail for $34.98 with a collector’s box, and $24.98 without.

AnimeOnDVD has posted an interview with Funimation actress Caitlin Glass.

ADV Films has revealed the cast list for its upcoming release of the Shadow Skill TV series:

Elle Ragu - Luci Christian
Gau Ban - Greg Ayers
Faurink Maya (Folli) - Christine Auten
Kai Shink - Chris Patton
Jin Sutra - Mike McFarland
Iba Sutra - Marty Fleck
Kyuo Lyu - Hilary Haag
Vai Low (Scarface) - John Swasey
Caravan Master - Jason Douglas

Directed by John Swasey
Adapted by Boaz Dror

Updated:
Piano
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Cowboy Bebop

Toonarific conducted an interview with Vancouver newcomer Maryke Hendrikse not too long ago, where she talked about her background, voice acting, and a bit about playing Lunamaria Hawke in Gundam Seed Destiny.

Cartoon Network and Viz Media now have Naruto promo clips available featuring samples of the English cast.

Today RightStuf.com added a listing for Galaxy Angel A: Complete Collection to be released on 12/27/05. CrystalAcids.com has confirmed with Bandai Entertainment that it is indeed the first 26 episodes of the 3rd Galaxy Angel series. In Japan, Galaxy Angel’s 3rd season are referred to as “Galaxy Angel A” for the first 26 episodes and “Galaxy Angel AA” for the second 26 episodes. So, don’t be surprised if you see “Galaxy Angel AA” on the shelves next year.

Galaxy Angel’s first and second TV series can already be found in stores everywhere.

Updated:
D·N·Angel
The Melody of Oblivion
Planetes