Pretear Leads 8 New Release Dates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FIRST VOLUME OF PRETEAR

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ANIME SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 25 2003; COLLECTOR?S EDITION AVAILABLE

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 25 2003 release date for the first volume of Pretear the series created by Kaori Naruse and noted anime fantasy creator Junichi Sato (director of the first series of Sailor Moon and creator of Kaleido Star).

Pretear a mahou shoujo series combines elements of the fairy tales Cinderella (new stepmother and evil stepsisters) and Snow White (seven knights instead of seven dwarves). On its 2001 Japanese release the title was lauded for its intense animation in-depth characterizations exciting battle scenes and its beautiful soundtrack. The opening song ?White Destiny? is sung by Japanese singing sensation Yoko Ishida.

Collector?s Edition Available!:
Pretear: Volume 1 will be available in two versions: as a DVD in its standard case and as a special collector?s edition which includes the DVD and a custom art box sized to fit the entire series.

The Story:
Sixteen-year-old Himeno Awayuki wants a normal happy life. But when her nutty father Kaoru marries the wealthy executive Natsue Himeno finds herself living on an estate the size of a small country and saddled with two stepsisters Mayune and Mawata who won?t give her the time of day!

Little does Himeno know her life will go from bad to worse when the Princess of Disaster escapes from the realm of Leafeania. The dark princess is seeding the land with demon larva and intends to suck all the Leafe?the life force of all beings?from the world!

Lead by the brooding Hayate seven Knights of Leafe search for the only person who can stop this catastrophe: the Pretear a special girl who when merged with a knight transforms into an all-powerful defender of life. And the Pretear just happens to be Himeno! But is she up to the challenge?

Pretear: Volume 1 (SRP $29.98 DVD; $39.98 Collector?s Edition) is a DVD-only release including four complete episodes. Includes English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-versions with English subtitles. Extras include: voice actor interviews production sketches clean opening and closing animation and ADV previews.

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR ANGELIC LAYER: ON THE WING AND A PLAYER

SECOND VOLUME OF CLAMP STUDIO?S FIRST SHONEN TITLE DUE OUT NOVEMBER 25 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 25 2003 release date for the second volume of the remarkable anime series Angelic Layer. With its offbeat combination of mind-controlled robots and junior high school tragicomedy Angelic Layer was an instant success on its 2001 Japanese release and U.S. fans have been expectantly awaiting its stateside appearance.

Much of Angelic Layer?s hit status can be attributed to its production team. Based on a manga from the all-female studio CLAMP (Chobits Rayearth Tokyo Babylon) Angelic Layer was animated by BONES the animators of the highly acclaimed RahXephon and Wolf?s Rain.

The Story:
Although Misaki has just started playing the amazing fighting game Angelic Layer she is already competing against the best in Tokyo for a chance to fight in the national tournament in Kanto. She seems to be holding her own but there are a lot of tough opponents who take this game very seriously.

Even though competition is fierce her new friends Tamayo and Kotaro are cheering her on. One of her competitors is Kotaro's little sister Hatoko the amazing Kindergarten Kid. There's also a popular idol singer and even another Misaki!

Who will Kotaro root for when Misaki and Hatoko go head to head? What crazy penalties will Icchan give Ogata? Will Misaki qualify for the Nationals?

Angelic Layer: On the Wing and a Player (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including four complete episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: clean and opening closing animation production artwork voice actor commentary character profiles a mini poster and ADV previews.

Collector?s Edition Available: The first volume of the series Angelic Layer: Divine Inspiration is also available as a collector?s edition which includes the DVD a free t-shirt offer (multiple sizes available!) and a custom series art box sized to fit the entire series.

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FULL METAL PANIC! MISSION 05

FIFTH VOLUME IN HIT SERIES TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 25 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 25 2003 release date for the fifth volume of the acclaimed anime series Full Metal Panic! The title deftly combines mecha combat martial arts international criminal intrigue high-school politics and a dash of teen romance with buyers and critics alike responding strongly.

Reviews of the first volumes of Full Metal Panic!?released earlier this summer?have only fanned enthusiasm. ?Full Metal Panic! is a top-notch series that blends the laugh-out-loud humor of Love Hina and the gut-punching action of Gasaraki? enthuses Phantasmagoriaonline.com.

The buzz around the title has escalated by ADV Manga?s release of the Full Metal Panic! manga the first volume of which arrived in book and specialty stores earlier this week.

The Story:
It?s never easy being the new guy. Ask Sousuke?proving himself to a squad of teammates at least ten years his senior will be an uphill battle. But when the mission drops them deep behind enemy lines with no support it?s going to take everyone?s cooperation just to stay alive. Suffice it to say not everyone cooperates. Nor does everyone who dies actually stay dead.

And speaking of things that won?t die the rivalry between Kaname and Tessa finds new life on Tessa?s home turf. It?s the de Danaan?s first birthday and Kurz has taken the mike to emcee a racy game of bingo for the crew?promising the winner a red-hot kiss from Captain Testarossa! Will Sousuke win the big prize? Everything is turned up full-blast in the fifth scorching volume of Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic! Mission 05 (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including three complete episodes. Includes English 5.1- and 2.0-language versions and a Japanese 2.0-language version with English subtitles. Extras include a reversible cover; a fold-out poster; production sketches; clean opening and closing animations; Japanese piracy warnings; and ADV Previews.

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR FOURTH VOLUME OF AURA BATTLER DUNBINE

AN ANIME CLASSIC COMBINING SWORDS AND SORCERY TANKS HORSES MOTORCYCLES BIPEDAL MECHA AND MORE; AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 18 2003 release date for Aura Battler Dunbine: Escape from Byston Well the fourth volume of the 49-episode anime classic.

First broadcast in Japan in the mid 1980?s Aura Battler Dunbine is widely considered one of the finest and most significant titles from the ?golden age? of televised anime. Conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino (creator and director of Gundam) and based on Tomino?s novel Wings of Lin Aura Battler Dunbine has long been celebrated not only for its exciting plot and extraordinary mecha designs (by Studio Nue of Macross fame) but also for the series? emphasis on strong and detailed characterization and the consistently excellent quality of its animation (produced by Sunrise Animation).

Stateside critics have been overwhelmingly appreciative of ADV Films? release of the landmark anime series since the first volume hit stores in July calling it ?a lost treasure of the 80s? for U.S. audiences (Ain?t It Cool News); and ?the kind of show that reinvigorates me into watching more anime.? (Anime on DVD).

As befits the title?s extraordinary production pedigree Aura Battler Dunbine is a rich and complex tale mingling a fantasy-inspired setting with an anachronistic blend of technologies and spicing the mixture with extensive elements sourced from ancient folklore of the British Isles.

The Story:
An unexpected turn of events completely changes everything! While defending Elf Castle against Drake Luft?s invading army Show Zama unleashes a powerful blast of ?aura power? which propels him into the Aura Road where he transported back to Japan. Unfortunately he didn?t count on another battler making the journey with him. Back in Byston Well the crew of the Zelerna must face the new threat posed by Luft?s new recruits from Upper Earth.

Aura Battler Dunbine?the stuff that legends are made of. An epic one-of-a-kind adventure created by Yoshiyuki Tomino (Gundam) which dives headfirst into a rich fully defined world to create one of the most unique anime experiences ever envisioned.

Aura Battler Dunbine: Escape from Byston Well (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release containing four complete episodes. Includes both English 2.0- and Japanese 2.0-language versions with English subtitles. Extras include: a production portfolio; clean opening and closing animation; and ADV previews.

Collector?s Edition Available!
The special edition ?Memorial Box? including the first volume of Aura Battler Dunbine: Tales of Byston Well and a high-quality (?hard?) custom series art box sized to hold the first six volumes of the series is still available (SRP $39.98).

ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR KING OF BANDIT JING: VOLUME FOUR

FOURTH VOLUME OF THRILLING ANIME ADVENTURE TALE TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 25 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 25 2003 release date for the fourth volume of King of Bandit Jing. Directed by Hiroshi Watanabe (Orphen Kiki?s Delivery Service) King of Bandit Jing is based upon a manga of the same title by Yuchi Kumakura detailing the adventures of Jing a youthful and charming Robin Hood-esque bandit who travels from town to town stealing valuables and hearts in equal measure. Along for the ride is his randy wiseacre albatross companion Kir who?s constantly getting the pair into difficulties.

The Story:
Jing and Kir have scoured the world for unique treasures always one step ahead of the law and meddlers but will they still come out on top once they meet some fierce competition?

?The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 1)?
The mysterious Warrior of the Rising Son is vying for the throne of Zaza a city in need of a ruler. Jing has to prove his strength when he is thrown into a tournament to win the championship and the throne.

?The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 2)?
When Jing and Kir come to steal the heir?s prize the Vintage Smile the whole city goes on alert! Jing finds himself in the middle of a battle to the death not just in the tournament but between Madame Earl and her rebellious young daughter Stir!

?The Masquerade Ball of ZaZa (Part 3)?
With the help of the fighter Ginjou and a lackey named Angostura Jing and Kir may yet escape this misadventure with their lives! But when Jing is wrongfully accused of a treacherous crime will he elude his pursuers long enough to find true love in all this turmoil?

King of Bandit Jing: Volume 4 (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including three complete episodes. Includes both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions and English subtitles. Extras include: clean opening and closing animation and ADV Previews.

Collector?s Edition Still Available!
Volume 1 of King of Bandit Jing is available in a handsome collector?s edition which includes the DVD and a custom series art box sized to fit the entire series (SRP $39.98).

ADV ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR EDEN?S BOWY: EDEN?S WAR

FIFTH VOLUME OF THE BEAUTIFUL HAUNTING ANIME FANTASY TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 18 2003 release date for Eden?s Bowy: Eden?s War fifth volume of the acclaimed anime fantasy series noted for its multilayered complexity and wide-ranging appeal. Eden?s Bowy is based on a manga by Tennoji Kitsune and was directed by Tsukasa Sunaga (Southern Cross) with character designs by Kazui Hiroko (Ranma ½ Oh! My Goddess!).

The Story:
Our heroes got a hint of Yulgaha?s power in the battle for Rubeez but nothing could have prepared them for the attack on Chanaccare! With terrifying swiftness bombers unleash destruction on the city below and Yorn and his friends?not to mention most of his enemies?must run for cover or face certain annihilation. But dodging the bombs won?t guarantee their safety. Hairra is to be melted down for scrap. Elisis and the old warrior are kidnapped. And Yorn?s about to be soul-sucked and transformed into the ultimate weapon.

War engulfs the world! When the bombs fall will Parella sacrifice her memories?or her life? Can Fenice save Hairra from destruction? Can God Hunters fly on wooden wings? And will Konyako obey her Aunt and use her prime time TV spot to whip Yanuess into a blood-frenzy or will she choose a different path?

Eden?s Bowy: Eden?s War (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including four complete episodes. Includes both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions and English subtitles. Extras include clean opening and closing animation; Eden's Bowy trailer; character profile insert; mini poster; and ADV Previews.

ADV FILMS ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR CITY HUNTER TV: SEASON TWO COLLECTION TWO

FIVE-DISC COLLECTION TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18 2003; A SUBTITLED JAPANESE-LANGUAGE RELEASE AT NEARLY 800 MINUTES!

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 18 2003 release date for City Hunter TV: Season Two Collection Two. The subtitled Japanese-only collection includes 31 complete episodes from the second season of the legendary long-running Japanese animated television series. City Hunter is centered on the (mis)adventures of .357-packing professional bodyguard/clean-up man Ryo Saeba known as City Hunter. For all his abilities City Hunter is burdened by an active libido?which always seems to get in the way of his missions!

The City Hunter franchise has generated millions of dollars in revenue worldwide with comic books movies a television series and other merchandise all enjoying strong viewership and brisk sales. The City Hunter manga series by Tsukasa Hojo sold millions of copies every week in Japan while the television series scored big ratings all over the world. City Hunter also spawned a hit film starring international movie star Jackie Chan.

The Story:
Are you in trouble? Did you make an unsuspecting deal with a crooked businessman? Are dastardly villains threatening your life? Are you a beautiful woman? Well then just write XYZ on the message board at the Shinjuku Station and Ryo Saeba troubleshooter expert marksman and incurable ladies? man will be there to rescue you before you know it. And his partner the feisty Kaori with her trusty assortment of 100-ton hammers and mallets won?t be far behind. City Hunter is back with more action more danger and more mokkori excitement than ever before!

City Hunter TV: Season Two Collection Two (SRP $89.98) is a DVD-only release including 31 complete episodes on five DVDs. In Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include City Hunter TV trailers and ADV Previews.

ADV FILMS SETS RELEASE DATE FOR RUNE SOLDIER: FISTS OF FOLLY

FIFTH VOLUME OF HILARIOUS ANIME ADVENTURE SAGA TO BE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 18 2003

HOUSTON September 12 2003?ADV Films today announced a November 18 2003 release date for Rune Soldier: Fists of Folly fifth volume of the anime adventure tale combining fantasy magic comedy and epic quests in one irreverent package. Rune Soldier was created by Ryo Mizuno the mind behind the acclaimed Record of Lodoss War anime.

The Story:
Louie enters the ring once again! This time it?s for a tournament pitting fighters against each other in true hand-to-hand combat. Conrad and Leonard join in on the party but the party turns to panic when it?s found out that the host is a target for assassination.

Of course Louie still has plenty of time to practice his punches. Whether it?s fighting ghosts in Merrill?s new home or sparring against Genie in a wine-carrying foot race he has more than enough to keep him busy. But a storeroom full of magical items becomes the devil?s playground for busy hands and when Louie?s hands latch onto an item that can change a person?s shape he learns that some things are better left untouched!

Rune Soldier: Fists of Folly (SRP $29.98) is a DVD-only release including four complete episodes in both English 5.1- and Japanese 2.0-language versions and English subtitles. Extras include: tri-fold booklet insert poster art puzzle pieces tattoos clean opening and closing animation and ADV previews.

Posted on Friday, September 12, 2003 (Archive on Sunday, October 12, 2003)