FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES OCTOBER 2 TITLES

Launches New Series Welcome to the NHK

HOUSTON, August 20, 2007 – ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to present three great new titles, including the fifth volume in the high-flying series Air Gear, an new thin-pack collecting the taut political thriller Yugo the Negotiator, and the first volume in the new psycho-comedy series Welcome to the NHK.    These titles will be available on store shelves   October 2.

WELCOME TO THE NHK: FIRST CONSPIRACY

A Dark Comedy Every Geek Must See

ADV Films is pleased to bring you the first volume in Welcome to the NHK, the dark comedy that shines a light on a serious social problem all geeks, nerds, and otaku can relate to.  Welcome to the NHK: First Conspiracy hits store shelves October 2.

From Studio GONZO (Afro Samurai, Chrono Crusade) and director Yusuke Yamamoto (Sgt. Frog) comes Welcome To The NHK, the series that turns a humorous eye to the NEET generation (Not In Employment, Education, or Training).  Throw agoraphobia into the mix and you’ve got comedy gold!  Originally a hit novel from critically-acclaimed author Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Welcome To The N.H.K. has also been adapted into a manga series of the same name (published in North America by TOKYOPOP).  Welcome to the NHK is a dark comedy filled with social satire, interesting characters, and crazy conspiracy theories that is sure to appeal to anyone with a little nerd in them.  “Whether you are a proud otaku, a fan that lives in constant fear of being perceived as a geek by your friends, or a borderline hikikomori, you will see a part of yourself in it, and have lots of fun in the meantime” (Protoculture Addicts).

Synopsis: Sato’s life is going down the drain. He’s dropped out of college, only goes outside once a week and sleeps sixteen hours a day. Surviving on a steady diet of internet porn sites, he finds himself falling further into a pit of despair.  Then he has a sudden epiphany. Sato decides that the sinister broadcast company known as “The NHK” is trying to transform their viewers into jobless, societal recluses, and they bombard them with images of cutesy anime girls.  Unable to resist the charms of such addictive programming, innocent victims like Sato are soon too busy watching TV, reading erotic comics, and playing pornographic computer games to pursue a normal life.  In Sato’s darkest hour, he has a chance encounter with a beautiful girl named Misaki, who claims that she can cure him of his perverse ways. Is this mysterious visitor an angel of mercy, or a devilish agent of the NHK?  Will he get a job and counter the evil organization, or will he submit to his weakness and download porn all day? Swimming in a sea of corruption, Sato prepares for the battle of his life. Welcome to the NHK!

Welcome to the NHK: First Conspiracy (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including the first four episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.  Video extras include a “Conspiracy Handbook 101,” plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. 

DVD Product Details

Volume:                              1 of 6

Running Time:     100 minutes

Age Rating:          TV MA

CAT:                     DNHK/001

UPC:                     702727177620

Pre-Book Date:   9/4/2007

Street Date:          10/2/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

AIR GEAR: A BATTLE OF KINGS

ADV Films is pleased to present the fifth volume in the high flying anime series that Anime News Network called “straight up cool!”   Air Gear: A Battle of Kings goes on sale October 2.

Based on the hit manga series by Oh! Great (Tenjho Tenge) and produced by Toei Animation (Dragonball Z, Zatch Bell), Air Gear is set in a world with a need for speed.  This is the un-edited version that fans have been waiting for, so say good-bye to the crows and get ready for Air Gear to go!  “Air Gear packs a nice giddy punch of charmingly goofy action married with good natured competitions delivered at a whiz bang pace” (DVD Verdict).

Synopsis: The rage in the cage continues for Ikki’s storm riders but who will emerge from the Sewer Coliseum as the true king?  It seems Agito has set up his teammates and all the storm riders for a big-time bust, just so he can get his ferocious fangs on his lost Regalia.  But an even bigger plan has been set into motion…and if it succeeds, everything will change!  The question is will the Crow be able to fly high enough to ride the wind, or will his wings break, making him splatter on the ground?  See for yourself…who will win the Battle of Kings!

Air Gear: A Battle of Kings (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including the episodes 18-21 plus a Special Trick episode, 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:                              5 of 6

Running Time:     125 minutes

Age Rating:          TV MA (L,S)

CAT:                     DAG/005

UPC:                     702727168420

Pre-Book Date:   9/4/2007

Street Date:          10/2/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $29.98

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

YUGO THE NEGOTIATOR

COMPLETE COLLECTION

“Suspenseful, Edgy, and Absolutely Gripping” – Anime News Network

ADV Films is pleased to present an attractive, affordable new collection of the critically-acclaimed political thriller Yugo the Negotiator. Yugo the Negotiator Complete Collection goes on sale October 2. “This show is highly addictive.  It’s fresh, it’s interesting, and it’s realistic.  Don’t miss this!” (DVD Verdict)

 

Yugo the Negotiator is an anime tour of the world’s hot spots, where terrorism is hatched and kidnappings are commonplace. Our hero is not a dashing spy or unstoppable soldier, but a globe-trotting negotiator whose mastery of multiple languages, psychology, and iron will set him apart from all others in his trade.

Based upon the original manga by Shinji Makari and Shu Akana, Yugo the Negotiator breaks into a fresh new genre of anime by featuring a highly realistic storyline and setting. Sometimes, a strong wit and a sharp tongue are the deadliest weapons a soldier can wield.

Synopsis Pakistan: Episodes 1-6

A hostage has been taken in Pakistan; the chances of his survival are slim to none. Yugo Beppu,  the world’s leading private negotiator, is called to the scene by the hostage’s daughter to deal with a fierce anti-government faction. Walking a dangerous line between the powerful military and ruthless guerrillas, it will take more than words for Yugo to survive in the blazing desert.

Synopsis Russia: Episodes 7-13

When the Soviet Union collapsed, a $200 billion legacy was left buried in its ruins. The key to uncovering it lies in the hands a young girl who possesses a mysterious Khristos ring. When Yugo is hired to bring her to Japan he finds himself trapped in a deadly web of greed and treachery. Traveling to the frigid land of Siberia, Yugo discovers that his contractor has a sinister ulterior motive for hiring him. Yugo must unlock the mystery of the Romanovski rings or be sentenced to death.

Yugo the Negotiator Complete Collection (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a DVD-only collection including all 13 episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. 

DVD Product Details

Running Time:     325 minutes

Age Rating:          TV 14 (V, L)

CAT:                     DYG/BX2

UPC:                     702727150425

Pre-Book Date:   9/4/2007

Street Date:          10/2/2007

Format:                 DVD

SRP:                     $39.98

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 Networkâ„¢ 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 Mangaâ„¢, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.