Press Release

ADV ANNOUNCES NINE NEW RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 15

Launching New Series Shadow Skill New Volumes of Gantz, Elfen Lied Round Out Super DVD Tuesday
 

HOUSTON, September 28, 2005—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce nine new DVDs set to hit the store shelves November 15, beginning with the brand new series Shadow Skill! Other DVD releases slated for November 15 include the ninth volume of the best-selling series Gantz, the fourth and final volume of Elfen Lied, volume five of the magical harem comedy Maburaho, the third volume of Area 88, the second installment in the fifth season of the Saturn Award-winning TV series Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, and new thin-pack collections of Mezzo, Peacemaker, and Hello Kitty Animation Theater – all in time for the holidays!

SHADOW SKILL: FIGHT FOR THE ONES YOU LOVE

New Fighting Anime from the Makers of Jing, King of Bandits

ADV is proud to present the first volume in the new DVD anime series Shadow Skill: Fight for the Ones You Love, in stores everywhere November 15.

Produced by Studio DEEN (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok, Get Backers), Shadow Skill is an awesome new fighting anime for the Dragonball generation! 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 adoped sister Elle and the legendary Scarface, Gau trains and battles for the mastery of Shadow Skill.

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: Fight For the Ones You Love (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes one through four, 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.

GANTZ: JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER

“A Balls to the Walls Thrill Ride!” – Anime District

ADV Films is pleased to announce that the ninth volume in the 2005’s most talked-about anime, Gantz: Judge, Jury and Executioner, is set to hit store shelves November 15! Distinguished by cutting edge animation, slick character design, and over-the-top spectacle, Gantz has cut a bloody trail straight to the top of the anime charts.

Described as “gruesome” (Anime Source), “sadistic” (Anime Daze), and “addictive” (Active Anime), Gantz is one of the top-selling series of 2005. The series has developed a following well beyond the anime fan community, with first-month sales on volume three exceeding those on the first volume by a significant margin. Retailers have struggled to keep the new disks on the shelf.

Directed by Ichiroh Itano and produced by GONZO Digimation (Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Panic!), Gantz is based on the ultra-violent, totally twisted manga series by Hiroya Oku (HEN, Zero One). If anything, the anime series surpasses its source material for sheer spectacle – so much so that it had to be heavily edited for broadcast on Japanese television. ADV Films has restored Gantz to its original, uncut form for its DVD release, much to people’s surprise.

Synopsis: This One WILL Kill You! With only a handful of players still alive, the third game continues grimly forward. But how can beings of flesh and blood defeat a monster made of metal, armed with dozens of weapons and with the ability to repair any battle damage it takes almost instantly? Has the Gantz finally placed the resurrectees in a game they cannot win? The betrayals continue in the ninth staggering volume of GANTZ!

Gantz: Judge, Jury and Executioner (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 21 - 23, with anamorphic video and presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include Hiroyuki Hayase (Sound Director), HItomi Nabatame (Kishimoto) and Masashi Osato (Kato), plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Collectors Edition Still Available!

The Gantz Season Two Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the seventh volume of Gantz in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold all four DVDs from the second season (SRP $39.98).

ELFEN LIED VECTOR FOUR

“Plenty of viewers are thanking heaven for brutally violent, sexually provocative little girls.” – The New York Times

ADV Films is pleased to announce the fourth and final volume of Elfen Lied, the sci-fi spectacle that has shocked and amazed anime fans across North America, available everywhere November 15.

Elfen Lied is one of the most notorious series of the year. Within the fan community, much has been made of the casual nudity and limb-popping violence that are its hallmarks. But discerning otaku appreciate Elfen Lied’s playful inversion of genre conventions, in which a happy “harem” setup is turned on its head and forced to play by ultra-violence rules. Or is it an ultra-violent sci-fi thriller subverted by its harem trappings? One thing is for sure – Elfen Lied is one series that fans will be discussing for a very long time.

Lucy, a beautiful young mutant, is bred by the government to be the ultimate weapon. Armed with unfathomable powers, she escapes her handlers, but loses her memory in the process. Fortunately, our young waif is taken in by two well-meaning students. Now, with government killers on her trail, the disposition of a five year old, and a hair trigger for ultra-violence, Lucy and her young friends must unravel the dark secret of her legacy before it’s too late.

Elfen Lied showcases the beautiful character designs and mind-bending animation fans have come to expect from ADV Films. It’s the story line, however, featuring the dichotomy of a sweet young girl and blood-soaked violence, which has caught fans’ attention. Provocative yet tantalizing, Elfen Lied is as entertaining as it is unsettling.

Synopsis: The mysterious organization protecting humanity from the deadly power of the Diclonius is faced with the devil’s bargain. Will they unleash #35, the deadliest mutant yet, to hunt Lucy down? Or will they risk letting the notorious killer slip through the cracks? Things have never been easy for the young misfits at the heart of this battle, but they’ve never had it harder than this. As Kohta learns how Nyu’s past is inextricably tied to his life’s greatest tragedy, he may find that protecting her means destroying himself. Even those who have already lost pieces of themselves to this brutal fight have more to lose. As Nana goes from hunter to hunted, and Bandoh from lawman to outlaw, the shadow of death creeps closer. And what of the man who the diclonius call “Papa?” How far will Kurama go?

Elfen Lied: Vector 4 (SRP $29.98 DVD) is an anamorphic release presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Video extras include character artwork, production artwork, original Japanese cover artwork, clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Limited Collectors Edition Still Available!

The Elfen Lied Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Elfen Lied in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire four volume series (SRP $39.98).

AREA 88: TIGHTROPE AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

"...Each G-pushing, missile-launching moment of aerial combat makes it easy to forget that you`re watching animated flight sequences instead of the real thing."
– The Daily Texan

ADV Films is pleased to announce the November 15 release of Area 88: Tightrope at the Speed of Sound. This is the third volume in the high-flying anime series, which features meticulously rendered fighter planes and realistic dogfights that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

First broadcast on Japanese television a little over a year ago, Area 88 is based on the classic manga by Kaoru Shintani with a screenplay by Hiroshi Onogi (RahXephon, Macross Zero). It tells the story of Shin Kazama, an ace pilot on the verge of a comfortable life with a commercial airline. Tricked into joining a motley crew of mercenary fighter pilots, Shin’s only way out is to complete the three year term or pay $1.5 million to break the contract. Truly innovative animation and heart-pounding suspense transport you to a world where every breath could be your last. At Area 88, there’s no such thing as a normal day.

Synopsis: All supply transports to Area 88 have been cut off by the enemy. With the base running low on fuel and ammunition, supply costs have soared. The task of freeing the base from the enemy’s stranglehold falls to Shin Kazama and a couple of unlikely pilots. Then, as if that weren’t enough, a sniper holds the base hostage. The pilots are willing to fight, but they have to locate the sniper first, so Makoto Shinjou decides to help out with his photographic skills. The thanks he gets is the ride of his life in a cavorting fighter jet on a dangerous roller-coaster ride through a narrow canyon. The well-protected enemy base lies at the opening to the canyon, but who will make it and who will fail?

Area 88: Tightrope At the Speed of Sound (SRP $29.98 DVD) is an anamorphic release including episodes seven through nine, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include production sketches, an interview with Isamu Imakake (Director) & Satoshi Yano (Sound Director), an interview with Isamu Imakake (Director) & Shinichiro Tachi (Director of Photography), aircraft specs, and character bios, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Collectors Edition Still Available!

An Area 88 Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Area 88 in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire four volume series (SRP $39.98).

MABURAHO: SURPRISES & SUSPICIONS

"Entering the world of Maburaho is like enrolling in a naughtier, less politically correct Hogwarts." – Zap2it.com

ADV Films conjures big up laughs on November 15, when the fifth volume in the sexy magical comedy series Maburaho, Surprises & Suspicions, hits stores everywhere.

Maburaho is the magical comedy series directed by Shinichiro Kimura (Cosplay Complex, Burn Up! Excess). Kazuki ranks at the bottom of his class at wizard school. Worse, he can only use his magic eight times in his entire life before turning to dust. But while Kazuki’s magic may not be top notch, his future child is destined to be the greatest magician of all time, making him the target of three hotties determined to bear his child.

Synopsis: As if high school wasn’t difficult enough, Kazuki Shikimori is now dealing with life as a ghost! But that minor setback hasn’t deterred Yuna, Kuriko and Rin from trying to woo him. Although it appeared Kuriko only had eyes for Kazuki, a mystery man comes into her life who might change everything. Not only that, it seems that classmate Nakamaru’s genes may be superior to Kazuki’s, forcing the girls to rethink their positions. Shino, the enigmatic ghost collector, is still after Kazuki. Can he escape her cunning attempts to cage him? Plus, could there be new rivals on the scene for the girls to face? For Kazuki, being dead is the least of his problems!

Maburaho: Surprises & Suspicions (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes 16-18, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include an “Art of Maburaho” segment and an interview with ADV graphic artist Fumiko Chino, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

Collectors Edition Still Available!

The Maburaho Collectors Box is still available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of Maburaho in a custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire series (SRP $39.98).

GENE RODDENBERRY'S ANDROMEDA SEASON 5 COLLECTION 2

“Another Legendary Journey” – Sci-Fi Entertainment

ADV Films is pleased to announce a November 15 street date for Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda Season 5 Collection 2, collecting episodes six through ten 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 found in the unpublished 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 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.

Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda Season 5 Collection 2 (SRP $39.98 DVD) is a two DVD release including episodes six through ten of the fifth season presented in anamorphic video and English 2.0 with close captioning for the hearing impaired. Special features include two “Meet the Cast” segments with Lisa Ryder (Beka Valentine) and Brandy Ledford (Doyle), Behind the Scenes video segment with Visual Effects Supervisor Bruce Turner, a special feature “Visual Effects: From Concept to Completion,” TV promo spots, an art gallery, and – of course – bloopers!

PEACEMAKER Complete Collection

"It mixes comedy, action, politics, and unpredictability into a big bowl of fun, then throws samurai and effeminate men on top. That, my friends, is a winning combination."- Anime News Network

ADV is proud to announce the ultimate samurai saga of the holiday season, Peacemaker Complete Collection, which hits store shelves everywhere November 15. “With a good mixture of serious adventure and comedy, this show is a winner. Highly Recommended” (DVD Talk).

Known for its winning combination of elegant design, serious adventure, and sharp comedy, Peacemaker was produced by the acclaimed GONZO Digimation (Gantz, Chrono Crusade) with character designs by noted craftsman Akemi Hayashi (Fruits Basket). The series follows the career of 15-year old Tetsunosuke Ichimura, who joins the elite Shinsengumi swordsmen after his parents are murdered by Choshu rebels.

Synopsis: For 15-year-old Tetsunosuke Ichimura, childhood innocence has given way to a blinding thirst for revenge. Haunted by the vicious slaying of his parents, Tetsu decides to seek out the Shinsengumi, an elite group of swordsmen sworn to protect the capital. The Shinsengumi are engaged in a brutal conflict with the Choshu rebels, the same ruthless killers who murdered Tetsu’s parents. In the name of justice – and against the will of his older brother – Tetsu desperately hopes to join the Shinsengumi.

But an incident late one night forces him to face reality. The Shinsengumi show themselves capable of the same brutality as his parents’ murderers. Wading through a sea of espionage, intrigue, and flowing blood, the young boy must decide whether to shed his humanity and become a demon of the Shinsengumi, or to relinquish his hatred and become a Peacemaker in the spirit of his father. Revenge is sweet, but is it worth losing your soul?

Peacemaker Complete Collection (SRP $89.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including all 24 episodes of the groundbreaking anime series, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.

The Hit Anime Is Also A Best-Selling Manga Series!

ADV Manga publishes the American edition of the ongoing Peacemaker manga series. Three volumes have been published to date. For more details, visit www.adv-manga.com.

MEZZO Complete Collection

All 13 Episodes in a Single Affordable Thin-Pack!

ADV Films is pleased to announce a Mezzo Complete Collection, a thin-packed set of all 13 action-packed episodes, in stores everywhere anime is sold November 15.

Created by Yasuomi Umetsu (Kite), Mezzo is jam packed with hard-boiled action, sci-fi wonder, and kick-ass babes with guns, “a high-speed chase through a carnival funhouse, featuring caterwauling over-caffeinated preteen girls providing the soundtrack” (DVD Verdict).

Synopsis: Her name is Mikura and she’s all about service with a smile. So what if that service is cracking skulls and the smile happens to be on the other end of a loaded gun? With a killer body, vicious skills, and an attitude to match – Mikura gets away with murder (literally). It’s a good thing, too – because in the world of Mezzo, staying alive is never easy!

Meet the Danger Service Agency (DSA), a high-risk trio that pays the bills by putting their asses on the line. Ducking bullets, and dodging punches, the trio find themselves working for a friendly ghost and a foxy weathergirl – helping old friends and hunting down an extraterrestrial. Whether you’re looking to run recon on a cheating spouse or smuggle a deadly virus, if the job reeks of danger, there’s only one team to call. With Mikura and friends on the case, danger has never looked so good.

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

HELLO KITTY ANIMATION THEATER Complete Collection

Over 325 Minutes of Fun!

ADV Films is pleased to announce the November 15 release of Hello Kitty Animation Theater Complete Collection, a thin-pack set containing all 26 episodes of the popular cartoon for a suggested retail price of just $29.98. Perfect for kids and kids-at-heart, this Hello Kitty® collection gives fans a chance to experience the original Japanese audio track, the first time a Hello Kitty® feature has done this in the U.S.!

Hello Kitty®, the flagship brand of Sanrio, is loved and enjoyed by people of all ages around the world, and has a multi-million dollar retail presence with strong appeal for fans of Barbie Fantasy Tales Collection, Disney classics and Strawberry Shortcake.

Everyone’s favorite feline, Hello Kitty®, is here with her friends in some of the best fairy tale stories of all time! Come along and join Kitty, Mimmy, Badtz-Maru, Pochacco, My Melody and Dear Daniel as they re-tell your favorite classic tales in their own adorable style.

Hello Kitty’s Animation Theater Complete Collection ($29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release containing all 26 complete episodes, presented in English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 audio with English subtitles.

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.