If you will recall an earlier report referring to comments from Epcar and several other sources, The Ocean Group was working on a Ghost in the Shell property that was believed to be the Solid State Society movie. Well, it was close. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man cuts down the first GitS:SAC TV season into a 2 hour OVA and features a brand new cast from The Ocean Group.

Now before you go grabbing your pitchforks, keep in mind that The Laughing Man is a (greatly) shortened version of Season 1. So, you’re not losing your original English cast for an entirely new addition to the Ghost in the Shell saga. Instead, you gain an interesting second look at Season 1 and something on DVD that isn’t just TV episodes with a few new lines of dialogue added. The Laughing Man hits stores October 2nd in a 2-Disc set.

FUNimation has posted up the English dub version of episode 2 and 3 on their Glass Fleet website to check out. Simply follow the link and click on “Watch Episode” in the top menu. Volume 1 hits stores Oct. 16th in Single DVD and DVD with Box flavors.

ActiveAnime has added an audio response interview with Stephanie Wittels. Stephanie is a recent addition to the ADV roster with recent roles in Welcome to the NHK, Air, and Xenosaga the Animation as Shion Uzuki.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA, September 25, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that impressive DVD sales of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW have placed the title at Number 25 on Nielsen’s VideoScan list of the Top 100 DVD titles for the week ending September 9, 2007. VIZ Media debuted the DVD across North America on September 4. NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW is a theatrical side story based on the continuity of the massively popular NARUTO animated TV series. Nielsen VideoScan collects sell-through POS (consumer purchase) sales data weekly from traditional channels of video distribution including mass merchants, audio/video and video specialty retailers, electronics outlets, grocery stores, drug stores, and some Internet sites. Nielsen VideoScan maintains this weekly POS data in one of the largest databases of VHS and DVD products in the country.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

GHOST IN THE SHELL
The Laughing Man
October 2, 2007
$24.97
106 Mins – 2 Disc set
DVD Extras: Tachikomatic Days and Stand Alone Complex Archive

The Laughing Man story from the entire Stand Alone Complex: Season One Edited down to a new thrilling 2-hour film!

KARAS THE REVELATION
October 23, 2007
$19.97

Set in Tokyo, this 2D/3D hybrid animated feature continues where The Prophecy ends, resolving lingering questions that have been exasperating fans for months. In a city where humans and demons once held equal ground, an innate struggle for power and subservience has risen in a dangerous attempt to seize power for the demons and bring order to the streets through violent force. Nauseated by the human arrogance, the demons have declared war against them and the final battle commences between the new Karas, Otoha, and the once Karas turned despot Eko. Witness the transformation of the prophecy to revelation in this seductive and mesmerizing anime classic.

A two-disc set, packaged in a foil embossed slipcase, including The Prophecy and The Revelation will be available November 20, with a new low SRP of $29.97.

GHOST IN THE SHELL
SAC 2nd GIG – Complete Collection
November 20, 2007
$99.97
780 Minutes
7 Disc Set

Manga Entertainment presents the exciting and highly-anticipated release of the anime series- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex- Season 2 Complete Box set. Experience the enthralling series again, complete with all 7 volumes

GHOST IN THE SHELL
Second GIG- Individual Eleven
December 18, 2007
$29.97
161 Mins
2 Discs

Just as I was getting ready to wrap up the Xbox 360’s Dynasty Warriors: Gundam for review, the friggin’ machine decided to go Red Ring of Death on me. WTF!? Don’t you know Halo 3 comes out next week!? The biggest game of the Fall season and the system chooses to up and die now!?!

(more…)

The ADV/Geneon deal that would have placed sales, marketing, and distribution of Geneon’s titles in ADV’s hands has been called off between the two companies. The press releases from ADV and Dentsu (Geneon’s Japanese parent company) don’t reveal many details other than the deal has been called off, but that won’t stop the rampant speculation this weekend by fans. Over the past couple of weeks Geneon has been letting go of its sales and marketing staff so the company will have to decide something soon as ADV was set to take control as of Oct. 1st.

 Oh! And if someone sees Stephen Tang wandering around, tell him to email in. I’m not through with our Alba VS Kardashian conversation just yet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV AND GENEON

CALL OFF STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

HOUSTON, September 21, 2007—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, today confirmed that it has withdrawn plans to distribute Geneon Entertainment’s DVDs, CDs, and other product in North America.

“We regret that we could not complete an arrangement with Geneon Entertainment,” said ADV Films co-founder and President John Ledford.  “We have enormous admiration for Geneon’s line and wish them the best of luck.”

The strategic alliance announced jointly by ADV Films and Geneon Entertainment on August 29, which was slated to take effect October 1, would have made ADV Geneon’s sole distributor in North America. 

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

*DEATH NOTE will screen at:

Nov. 1-4: Vancouver, BC, Vancouver Asian Film Festival For show times and tickets, go to http://www.vaff.org/ *Note this will only be a screening of DEATH NOTEAbout VIZ Pictures, Inc.

(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.###

Something happened last night. Something awful which took the lives of four private high school girls. However, the next morning each of them wake up with no memories of what happened the previous day. As night falls, a flock of red butterflies appear overhead and each of the girls find themselves strangely beckoned to follow. Arriving at the same location separately, the girls are shocked to see each other. However, someone is waiting for them and has all the answers. GONZO (Gate Keepers, Last Exile, Hellsing) brings supernatural horror to New York City in Red Garden: Volume 1 - Live to Kill from ADV Films. (more…)

Continuing our coverage of the Wii game, GameTrailers has added a new Victorious Boxers: Revolution trailer featuring the same English voice cast from the Fighting Spirit TV series. Go check it out when you get a chance. Also, the new issue of EGM (Silent Hill 5!) features an ad for the upcoming game.

The evil Ungrar is plotting to take over the world and the Goddess of Vaccine World’s only hope is Mugimaru finding a suitable candidate to defeat the viruses. Komugi-chan is selected for the job, but forget everything you know about magical girl series because Komugi is going to shatter the traditional formula as only she can. The SoulTaker’s cosplaying Komugi Nakahara returns to reveal a different take on the SoulTaker world with Nurse Witch Komugi: Volume One. (more…)

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER 13 RELEASES

Includes Launch of New Series Venus Versus Virus

HOUSTON, September 14, 2007—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to present four great new titles, including the standalone feature Blade of the Phantom Master: Shin Angyo Onshi, an low-priced thin-pack collection of Shadow Skill, a new volume in the Xenosaga series, and the first volume in the highly-anticipated new series Venus Versus Virus.  These titles will be available on store shelves November 13.

VENUS VERSUS VIRUS: OUTBREAK

ADV Films is pleased to present the exciting new series Venus Versus Virus.  The first volume hits store shelves November 13.

From veteran director Shinichiro Kimura (Maburaho, Burn Up Excess) and the production team at Studio Hibari (Nerima Daikon Brothers) comes an exciting new adventure title rife with monsters, mayhem, and Gothic Lolita heroines with plenty of ‘tude!  Venus Versus Virus first aired on Japanese television in January of 2007.  Based on the hit manga series, this hot new series is an action-packed treat for fans of Underworld, Chrono Crusade, and other high-energy supernatural actioners. 

Synopsis: We all have our demons. Lucia has our backs!  Sumire is your average everyday schoolgirl. That is, if your average everyday schoolgirl can not only sense ghosts and demons, but can also dispose of them accordingly. So, when she finally meets Lucia, a specter-fighting, eyepatch-wearing power-girl from the Venus Vanguard, it’s a match made in heaven. Or rather - Hell, as it were. Together, these two will work to rid the world of the dark forces called Virus that lurk amongst us - trying to add innocent souls to their masses. They will learn from each other why a life is worth saving. They will learn from their enemies that they each have their own potential for evil. And they will hunt down the Virus and give it the beating it truly deserves. Get ready, it’s time for your vaccination.

Venus Versus Virus (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release including the first four episodes, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.  Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. 

DVD Product Details

Volume:                              1 of 3

Running Time:     100 mins.

Age Rating:          TV 14 (V, L)

CAT:                     DVV/001

UPC:                     702727173721

Pre-Book Date:   10/16/2007

Street Date:          11/13/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

BLADE OF THE PHANTOM MASTER:

SHIN ANGYO ONSHI

ADV Films is pleased to present Blade of the Phantom Master: Shin Angyo Onshi, available in stores November 13.

From Oriental Light and Magic comes a full-length anime feature about a lone warrior and the strange living weapon he commands.  Blade of the Phantom Master: Shin Angyo Onshi is distinguished by great character designs, an involving plot, and plenty of action.

Synopsis: In the ashes of Justice, Two Heroes Stand Alone!  Long ago, the legends say, there was a secret army.  Unseen until needed, these warriors struck from the shadows, protecting justice and defending the Jushin Empire from both tyrants and thieves.  They were called the Amen Osa,  The Phantom Masters.

But now Jushin has fallen, its kingdoms destroyed and its citizens left to the mercy of zombies, beasts and sadists.   Yet from the ashes of destruction, a hero has appeared to defend the people.  His name is unknown, and no man knows who he serves… But there are clues:  the strange symbol he wears around his neck and the female living weapon he commands.   Is he the last of the Amen Osa?  The answer will be revealed, when the Blade of the Phantom Master is unleashed!

Blade of the Phantom Master: Shin Angyo Onshi (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles.  On disc extras include a “Making Of” video, storyboards, production sketches, interviews with the Japanese cast, original Japanese Theatrical Trailers and TV spots, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. 

DVD Product Details

Running Time:     90 minutes

Age Rating:          TV MA (V)

CAT:                     DSHA/001

UPC:                     702727173929

Pre-Book Date:   10/16/2007

Street Date:          11/13/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

XENOSAGA: VOICES FROM THE PAST

ADV Films is pleased to bring you the second volume of Xenosaga, the epic science-fiction adventure based off the beloved video game trilogy, in stores November 13.

From acclaimed studio Toei Animation (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Air Gear) comes a 12 episode series that gamers and anime fans are sure to enjoy.   The Xenosaga anime is inspired by the first installment of the Xenosaga video game trilogy for the PlayStation 2, Episode One: Der Wille zur Macht.  The Xenosaga games gained great acclaim from fans and critics alike, ranking as one of the most popular role-playing game series of its generation.  Whether you enjoyed the video game series or pulse-pounding space adventures, Xenosaga will have you feeling right at home!

Synopsis: New Enemies.  New Allies.  New Powers. With the destruction of the Federation’s flagship and its fleet, the survivors are now on the run, fleeing the unstoppable Gnosis.  Now wary of the hidden machinations of a mysterious organization, Shion and her friends desperately search for both a safe haven and the truth behind what really happened to the Woglinde and the fleet.  Together with new allies from the mercenary ship, Elsa, and the mega-battleship, Durandal of the Kukai Foundation, Shion’s quest will force them to relive painful memories and reveal an amazing power of the anti-Gnosis android KOS-MOS! The anime adaptation of the internationally acclaimed RPG continues in the second stunning installment of Xenosaga The Animation!!

Xenosaga: Voices From the Past (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including the episodes five through eight, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.  Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. 

DVD Product Details

Volume:                              2 of 3

Running Time:     100 min.

Age Rating:          TV 14 (V)

CAT:                     DXS/002

UPC:                     702727178528

Pre-Book Date:   10/16/2007

Street Date:          11/13/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

SHADOW SKILL COMPLETE COLLECTION

ADV Films is pleased to announce yet another beautiful, affordable new thin-pack collection. Shadow Skill Complete Collection hits store shelves November 13. “If you are a fan of anime such as Slayers, Inuyasha and Fushigi Yuugi, I definitely recommend checking out Shadow Skill.” (J!-Ent.com)

The warrior kingdom of Kuruda is home to the fiercest fighters in the world, men and women who live solely for the chance to fight and become the greatest in the world.  Young Gau Ban dreams of becoming the warrior of his generation.  Along with his adopted sister Elle and the legendary Scarface, Gau trains and battles for the mastery of the Shadow Skill.  Produced by Studio DEEN (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok, Getbackers), “Shadow Skill mixes some decent humor with fantastic fighting” (Anime Frontier).

Synopsis: The kingdom of Kuruda has known many warriors, none greater than the Sevalle, an elite breed whose mastery of martial arts has made them legendary. But for the 59th Sevalle, Elle Ragu, a.k.a. Shadow Skill, being a legend is shaping up to be something of a drag. After all, adventure alone doesn’t pay the rent, and living check to check takes its toll on even the fiercest warrior. Strong as an ox and stubborn as a mule she may be, but it’s drinking like a fish that usually gets Elle in trouble. And as she travels alongside her brother Gau, leaving property damage and unpaid bar-tabs in their wake, a new threat looms on the horizon: spies from the kingdom of Solfan have entered the picture, and Kuruda seems to be headed for war…

Shadow Skill Complete Collection (SRP $49.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including the entire series, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. 

DVD Product Details

Running Time:     650 mins.

Age Rating:          TV PG (V)

CAT:                     DSSK/BX1

UPC:                     702727180927

Pre-Book Date:   10/16/2007

Street Date:          11/13/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $49.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

Seishun Gakuen Middle School’s tennis team is facing some stiff competition in the district tennis tournament from an unknown team. Mamoru Inoue investigates Fudomine’s checkered past while each of the Seigaku players meets an on-court rival equal to their own power. Meanwhile, Ryoma has his own problems (physically and mentally) to overcome if he’s going to take his game to the next level. Takeshi Konomi’s long-running manga and anime series returns with The Prince of Tennis Box 2: Battle Scars from Viz Media. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA, September 12, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a special cross-promotional partnership with the Langer Juice Company, a producer of a full range of top quality fruit juices, for a NARUTO THE MOVIE: Release Your Inner Ninja Online Sweepstakes. NARUTO is now one of the hottest manga and anime properties in North America and the campaign coincides with the DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW on September 4. The Release Your Inner Ninja Online Sweepstakes launched September 3, 2007 on the www.langers.com websitePurchasers of the NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW DVD can receive a coupon for Langer products and specially marked Langer Juice 10 oz. 24-packs will promote the Release Your Inner Ninja Sweepstakes on the

www.langers.com website. Customers will be asked to register for a chance to win a $100.00 gift certificate for merchandise from the VIZ Media store as well as secondary prizes of DVDs and NARUTO keychains. Select Langer Juice packs will also contain a special NARUTO Mini-Manga Sneak Peek that gives a preview of all the action of everyone’s favorite band of young ninjas. The Regan Group developed the sweepstakes micro-site and is handling the sweepstakes administration, rules and regulations, and fulfillment.The NARUTO TV series, about a boy training to become a ninja, captivates millions of loyal fans each week on Cartoon Network, while the T-rated manga version (also published by VIZ Media) has emerged as one of the best-selling and most popular series throughout North America, regularly placing in both Graphic Novel and Overall General Fiction categories on noted literary sales lists including BookScan and the USA Today Top 150.

(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.About The Regan Group

The Regan Group, is a full-service brand marketing and promotions agency, heavily entrenched in the Entertainment Industry, that specializes in innovative approaches. TRG has built a strong reputation with a proven track record of delivering leveraged partnerships, strategic planning and marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies across the U.S. and Canada. TRG celebrates its 16th year as a leader within the promotions and marketing industry and is comprised of enthusiastic individuals who are experts in the fields of pop culture, market innovation, strategy and execution. For further information please go to www.theregangroup.com or call 310.675.6161.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blue Eye, visit the series site at www.thethirdanime.com. THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE, DVD VOL. 3: GRAVESTONE Limited Edition (w/ Art Box and Puzzles) Vol. 3 of 6

- http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0728b.jpg

- http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0728c.jpg

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THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE (c) 2006 The Third Partners

THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE (c) 2006 The Third Partners

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Comic Party, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart and The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com. ABOUT KADOKAWA PICTURES USA

Shion Uzuki and her KOS-MOS project for Vector Industries are in the testing phase when the Gnosis attack the ship, the Woglinde, to obtain the Zohar artifact replica. However, not everyone attacking the Woglinde is looking for the artifact. As Shion’s life is endangered by the Gnosis attack, KOS-MOS activates herself to save Shion as part of her hidden prime directives. KOS-MOS is now able to operate independently of Shion’s orders, and this worries Shion. Based on the PS2 game Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht, Xenosaga the Animation: Enter the Gnosis adapts the original storyline found in the first game for veteran gamers and new viewers alike. (more…)

Ginta, Babbo, and Jack are back for more adventures in the land of MÄR Heaven. The Chess Pieces are on the move and their commander, Phantom, is rising from his grave. Alviss warns Ginta of the Chess Pieces, but only a real battle will convince him of the danger. Meanwhile, a princess (who happens to look a lot like Koyuki) is trapped inside a castle while the Chess Pieces threaten to take her back to the evil Queen. The trio are about to join an adventure far bigger than they ever imagined. Based on the manga by Nobuyuki Anzai (Flame of Recca) comes MÄR (Märchen Awakens Romance): 2 - The Return of Phantom from Viz Media. (more…)

Ai Yazawa’s Paradise Kiss is back for another round of love and heartbreak as the Parakiss group tries to finish George’s dress design in time for the Yazawa School of Design fashion show. Meanwhile, Yukari Hayasaka is falling for a man while trying to stand on her own two feet at the same time. Having run away from home, Yukari is going to show her overbearing mother and everyone else that the only person who should have a say in her tumultuous life is Yukari. Featuring popular J-drama actress Yu Yamada in her first seiyuu role and character designs by Yuki Nobuteru (The Vision of Escaflowne, Heat Guy J), Paradise Kiss: Volume 2 struts down the runway of Japanese fashion design for a second look into the animated drama. (more…)

FUNimation has updated their Witchblade website with 8 clips featuring the new English dub for the anime series. Volume 1 and Volume 1 with Box hit retail stores Sept. 25th.