Press Release

ADV ANNOUNCES JANUARY 10 RELEASES

Featuring Launch of Deluxe New Macross

 

HOUSTON, December 9, 2005—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce six hot titles for January 10, beginning with the first volume of the classic anime series Macross, presented for the first time with a deluxe English dub and loads of new extras. Other January 10 releases include new volumes of Shadow Skill and Yugo the Negotiator. Rounding out the slate, we have Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda Season 5 Collection 3 and two low-priced thin-packs, Wedding Peach Season 1 and Steam Detectives Complete Collection.

MACROSS: UPON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

The Classic Series Now Available With an English Dub!

ADV is proud to announce a January 10 street date for Macross: Upon the Shoulders of Giants, the first of seven DVDs re-presenting the classic series in its entirety – and for the first time ever with an English dub! This deluxe package, featuring digitally-restored video and a brand-new 5.1 soundtrack, includes so many episodes, interviews, commentaries, and other extras that it takes two disks to hold it all!

“ADV Films actually went all out to make Macross something beyond a simple re-release and more of a full fledged event for fans” (JapanHero.com).

For many Americans, Robotech was their first exposure to anime. That classic series, which was first aired on American TV in 1985, is a sprawling epic that showcases the complex storylines, morally ambiguous characters, and sheer spectacle that are hallmarks of anime.

Before Robotech, however, there was Macross – one of three Japanese Anime series that were spliced together with a whole new script for an American audience. The original Macross has only been available to American fans in Japanese language only with subtitles.

Now at long last ADV Films is making Macross available to a new generation of American anime fans in a deluxe package featuring the uncut digitally restored video and for the first time ever, a faithful English dub in rich 5.1 surround sound

This watershed release is made all the more special with the inclusion of Mari Iijima, who is reprising her role as the Lynn Minmay, one of the central characters in the Macross saga. This is one of the few times a voice actor from the original Japanese cast has participated in the English dub – and by far the most important. Ms. Iijima is a professional singer-songwriter with numerous top 10 albums in Japan and has only appeared as a voice actress in limited fashion, with her only anime role being Lynn Minmay.

With six episodes, two interviews, a couple commentaries and loads of other extras, Macross has shaped up to become a two disks collectors item!

Synopsis: 2009. Ten years of furious conflict and frenzied construction have turned an alien wreck into a human triumph: the colossal space battleship Macross. On the day of the ship’s launch, the world waits with bated breath to witness mankind’s next giant leap. Hovering above the planet, though, the Zentradi, a merciless warrior race, seek to advance its agenda of destruction and conquest. When long-dormant systems aboard the Macross suddenly fire upon the alien fleet, the ship meant to preserve humanity may become its undoing. A war of attrition erupts, taking mankind across the solar system and beyond in a fight to justify its existence!

Macross: Upon the Shoulders of Giants (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 1 – 6, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. The extras for this historic release are nothing short of spectacular. There's an extensive interview called “Becoming Minmay” featuring singer/songwriter Mari Iijima. There is also an informative interview with Translator Javier Lopez, who is responsible for making this release the most accurate English translation of Macross ever. Also included in this volume is the original English dub of the Premiere Episode, prepared by Harmony Gold when it first tried to market Macross to American television back in 1984. There are also two fascinating commentaries: Episode 3 with ADR Director Matt Greenfield and Translator Javier Lopez and Episode 4 with Mari Iijima (voice of Minmay) and Monica Rial (voice of Misa). The Iijima/Rial commentary is particulary interesting as the two actresses compare and contrast recording for anime in 1980's Japan versus 21st century United States! Rounding out this incredible collection are extensive Liner Notes, the Clean Show Open, a Restoration Comparison showing the amazing technical improvements made to the Macross film print, and ADV Previews.

Collectors Edition Available!

A limited-edition Collectors Box for Macross is available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Macross in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire seven volume series (SRP $39.98).

SHADOW SKILL: BROTHERS & SISTERS IN ARMS

Second Volume in the Fun Fighting Anime Series

ADV Films is proud to present the second volume in its new fighting anime series, Shadow Skill: Brothers & Sisters In Arms, which will hit store shelves January 10th.

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: Hulems, Watchers, and Divas, oh my! On the road to Julianess, surprises wait behind every hilltop, from Jura Forest to Talpa Village, danger lurks in each crag and cranny. As Gau’s oblivion towards Kyuo’s affection earns him a duel at the hands of White Lightning, a rival who gives “battle rhyming” a whole new meaning, the tensions in the group grow ever more tense. Besides being Elle’s personal pack mule, what does being brother to the 59th Sevalle earn you? How about the chance of becoming Sevalle yourself? But will Gau ever become the warrior he was destined to be, or will Elle’s “tutelage” spoil his chances? Perhaps Diaz, Elle’s older brother, can shed some light on the matter. But to get his home in Blorahan our travelers must first get past a new fiendish foe with a block of blackened ice for a heart: Louie Fransneel, A Sui Rem who threatens to stir up old grudges between Elle and Folli, erupting in a frenzy of fisticuffs and talismans!

Shadow Skill: Brothers & Sisters in Arms (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes five through eight, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include commentary with Luci Christian (Elle), Monica Rial (Feolina) & John Swasey (Director), an interview with the “additional voices” from the series, plus original Japanese opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

YUGO THE NEGOTIATOR: RUSSIA 1 – LEGACY

“Ripped from Today’s Headlines… Breaks the Mold” – DVD Talk

ADV is proud to present the third volume in the innovative new anime series Yugo the Negotiator Russia1: Honor, available everywhere anime DVDs are sold January 10. The unusual series is garnering a strong response from critics and fans alike. “Highly Addictive. It’s Fresh, It’s Interesting, and It’s Realistic. Don’t Miss This!”(Animenfo.com).

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: In a land of pride, betrayal and broken dreams, only the strong survive. When the Soviet Union collapsed, a 200 billion-dollar legacy was left buried in its ruins. The key to uncovering it lies in the hands of Nadenka, a young girl who possesses a mysterious Khristos ring. When Yugo is hired to bring her to Japan, he finds himself trapped in the midst of a deadly web of greed and treachery. Traveling to the frigid land of Siberia, Yugo is left out in the cold in more ways than one, as he discovers that his contractor has a sinister ulterior motive for hiring him. With the KGB hounding him at every step, things quickly turn from bad to worse as Yugo is subjected to an interrogation so cruel that even he may be forced to give in. His only hope lies at the end of a frozen path that even Russians fear to tread, leading straight into the heart of the enemy.

Yugo the Negotiator: Russia 1 - Legacy (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes seven through 10, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include an interview with Shinji Makari (who supplied the original story) and Shu Akana (original character and mecha designs), plus a “Character Relationship Chart” with extensive notes on each character and a special segment, “The Japanese Depiction of Russia,” plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Collectors Edition Still Available At a Super Low Price!

Limited quantities of the Yugo the Negotiator Collectors Box are still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Yugo the Negotiator in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire four volume series. Best of all, this beautiful collectors box edition is being offered at the super low suggested retail price of just $19.98.

STEAM DETECTIVES COMPLETE COLLECTION

The Landmark Anime Series In One Affordable Thin-Pack!

ADV Films is pleased to announce the January 10 release of Steam Detectives Complete Collection, a thin-pack compilation containing all 26 episodes of the anime series for just $49.98!

Based on the original manga by Kia Asamiya of Silent Mobius fame, Steam Detectives is a steampunk mystery propelled by rich characters and eye-popping animation. “There’s plenty in here to keep any serious mystery junkie happy for a long time” (Anime News Network).

Synopsis: In a world powered entirely by steam, orphaned teenage detective Narutaki finds himself up against a tour-de-force of thieves, tyrants, and an arch-enemy who may yet prove more than his match! With young Ling Ling and her father’s brilliant creation, a intelligent mechanical wonder named Goriki at his side, Narutaki has the misty streets of Steam City under his watchful eye. But darker things are lurking as a mystery from the past begins to unfold for our brave young hero! Part gothic, part mystery noir, part industrial-age mechanical mayhem, the adventures of the Steam Detectives is a one-way ticket on the adventure express!

Steam Detectives (SRP $49.98 DVD) is a DVD-only thin-pack release including episodes 1-26 presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

WEDDING PEACH SEASON 1

“Pure Pastel Adorable Cuteness” – Revolution SF

ADV is pleased to announce a January 10 street date for Wedding Peach Season 1, a thin-pack release containing 675 minutes of the Magical Girl classic for just $39.98!

Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama (Pokemon), Wedding Peach follows a group of super-powered heroines in their struggle with a malevolent harpy out to destroy love. This action-packed series is marked by “frothy, absurd humor, soap-opera romance, and engaging characters” (DVD Verdict).

Synopsis: So you want to meet someone, fall in love and get married? Think again! Love is on the run as the deliciously wicked Lady Raindevila conspires to rid the world of romance and love. With the help of her henchman, Pluie, the world is turned upside down, as lovers stab each other in the back, mothers attack daughters, and best friends try to rip each others throats out. Armed with a mysterious ruby ring, left by her mother, the unsuspecting Momoko finds herself caught in the middle of this cosmic battle. She’s cute, she’s sassy, and she’s full of love! But will it be enough? Find out in the magical first season of Wedding Peach!

Wedding Peach Season 1 (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 1-27, presented in both English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

GENE RODDENBERRY’S ANDROMEDA SEASON 5 COLLECTION 3

New Collection Takes Fans Midway Through Fifth and Final Season

ADV Films is pleased to announce a January 10 street date for Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda Season 5 Collection 3, collecting episodes eleven through fourteen of the award winning sci-fi series’ fifth season and including more than an hour of exclusive special features on two DVDs!

Starring Kevin Sorbo (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys) as Captain Dylan Hunt and based on an original concept and unproduced stories found in the papers of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda features inspiring stories of genuine heroism laced with humor, thundering action, and spectacular visual effects. A massive hit with TV audiences around the world, the Gemini Award-winning and Saturn Award-nominated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda will thrill sci-fi and action fans of all ages!

Synopsis: Captain Dylan Hunt (Kevin Sorbo, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys) has never had it easy. He’s been trapped in time near a black hole for three hundred years… struggled with a less-than-cooperative crew of renegades, aliens, and androids… seen the Commonwealth government he sought to restore fall into the wrong hands and betray him. Now, he faces perhaps his greatest challenge – understanding his own past and ultimate destiny. On the meteor-scarred planet Seefra-1, Dylan and his crew uncover a mysterious secret… merging past, future, space, and time.

From an original concept and unproduced stories found in the papers of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda features inspiring stories of genuine heroism laced with humor, thundering action, and spectacular visual effects. A massive hit with TV audiences around the world, the Gemini Award-winning and Saturn Award-nominated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda will thrill sci-fi and action fans of all ages!

Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda Season 5 Collection 3 (SRP$39.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes eleven through fourteen of season five. The release is packed with extras, including a special “Behind the Scenes” mini-documentary with Director David Winning (Pride Before the Fall), “Meet the Cast” segments with Guest Star Lochlyn Munro (Peter) and Laura Bertram (Trance Gemini), and a special piece entitled “It’s Never Easy – 100 Episodes & Beyond.” Other video extras include “On the Slate: Filming Pride Before the Fall” and “Visual Effects: From Concept to Completion,” plus TV promos, an image gallery, deleted scenes, and (of course) bloopers!

About ADV Films:

In the 13 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. 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 Gantz, Elfen Lied, Chrono Crusade, Peacemaker and DNAngel. 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.

Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier 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.