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Welcome to the ANIMEfringe NewsRoom

In this section, you will find all kinds of news stories affecting the Anime scene. Much of the news is ANIMEfringe-exclusive news, directly from Japan. This new page also features a list of upcoming release dates for North America. Please send us any comments or questions. We'd love to hear feedback.


Sunrise on New Series "Inu Yasha"
10/16/00 - Takahashi Rumiko Returns to the Big League

It've been quite awhile since "Ranma 1/2" and "Urusai Yatsura", and starting today, fans of Takahashi Rumiko will be able to enjoy one of her best series on the TV once again. Starting today (October 16th night 7:00pm ~ 7:30pm), "Inu Yasha" will be aired across the Yomiuri TV / Nihon TV network in Japan. Three episodes were currently scheduled for TV release, including: "The Girl who Traveled through Time and the Boy who was Sealed Away" (Episode 01) and "Those who Search for the Jade of Four Souls" (Episode 02, October 23rd). "Inu Yasha" is a story about the school girl who released the half demon "Inu Yasha" who was sealed up in a well in the temple by the power of the Jade of the Four Souls hundreds of years ago.

For the latest information on the release schedule, character designs and staff information, visit Sunrise's official page for "Inu Yasha" at:
http://www.nifty.ne.jp/rstation/sunrise/yasya/yasya.htm


"Ah! Megami Sama ~ Boku wa Kimi wo Wasurenai ~" Premier Show Now Playing!
10/15/00 - Modern day fairy tale playing now on the big screen! And the fans LOVE it!

Finally! One of the most anticipated (without a doubt) anime movie had it's very first premier in Japan today. Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo and Yokohama were four out of the eight cities lucky enough to be choosen for the premier screenings. And as the final stages of the promotional campaign for the OMG movie, Sega Enterprise and Wow Entertainment had announced that a special movie edition poster will be included with the up-coming OMG game (limited edition) for the Sega Dreamcast game console, which is scheduled to be released on November 30th next month (quiz / amusement game).

To see a screen shot of the game, see the official page inside the Wow Entertainment site:
http://www.wow-ent.co.jp/product/consumer.html


ComicsOne Launches on the Net
10/10/00 - New Internet site offers an extensive selection of electronic manga

ComicsOne Corporation, a privately held company, today announced the launch of its internet web site ComicsOne.com (www.comicsone.com). ComicsOne is one of the first sites to provide Japanese comics in ebook (electronic) form with comics to suit every reader's taste.

For lovers of drama, the historical fiction Joan (a full-color manga!) by Yasuhiko Yoshikazu (creator of Venus Wars and Rebel Sword) will capture your imagination with its unique take on Joan of Arc.

The light-hearted shojo romance of Memi Hoshino's Dream Hotel will make you laugh and cry and laugh some more, while the evocative shojo horror in Akiko Hatsu's Devil in the Water will strike a chord with everyone's inner Goth.

And for high-powered action, check out the desert world fantasy of Kazan by Gaku Miyao, or the sexy cyberpunk future of Maico 2010 by Toshimitsu Shimizu.

For the complete press release, visit http://www.comicsone.com/aboutUs/pressRelease.html


Anno Hideaki's Official Site
10/05/00 - NGE's Director goes online

Starting October 6th, fans of Anno Hideaki (director of Neon Genesis Evangelion) will be able to see graphics and read about infos on his latest project online under GAINAX's website. The site will contain informations about his educational backgrounds, work history and the on-going projects that he's involved in, including his most recent work "Shiki-Jitsu" which is scheduled to be shown during the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 2nd.

Anno Hideaki's Official Website is located at:
http://www.gainax.co.jp/hills/anno/index.html


Japan International Fantastic Movie Festival 2000
10/03/00 - Foriegn Movie Productions in Japan Theaters

Sponsored by the 13th annual Japan Interantional Movie Festival committee, over twenty different movies from outside Japan will be shown in the seven days festival in Tokyo; movies such as the "Legend of the Sacred Stone" from Taiwan (a 100% computer generated CG movie) and "Midnight Chaser" from Hong Kong (a movie inspired by the anime "Initial D"). Several movies from Japan are also scheduled to be shown in the festival such as "Bio Hazard 4D Executer". US movies "Bedazzled" (entitled in Japanese as: "Warui Koto Shimasho!") and "Final Destination" are also on the list.

For more information on the Japan International Fantastic Movie Festival, visit their official site at:
http://www.nifty.ne.jp/fanta/tokyo/index.htm


Sunrise the ISP
09/29/00 - Sunrise Stepping into the Internet Business World

One of the biggest companies in the anime business, Sunrise, announces the opening date for their very own ISP company - "Hinobori dotto Net!". A wide range of additional services will be provided to the future users of this new ISP service, including over one hundred domain / sub-domain names from the Gundam series for mailboxes and homepages.

The "Hinobori dotto Net!" ISP system is scheduled to make it's debut on November 1st. For more information visit the official website at:
http://www.hi-nobori.net/


Wicked City: Special Edition DVD Details
09/27/00 - Urban Vision gives Wicked City DVD details.

Wicked City: Special Edition DVD
Pre-Book: 10/6/00. Street Date: 11/7/00

There is Earth, our familiar world, and then there is the Black World, a parallel dimension that very few people are aware of. For centuries, a pact between the two worlds has been observed to maintain peace, and terms must be renegotiated soon to continue the relative harmony.

This time around, there is a militant faction that will stop at nothing to prevent the signing of a new treaty for interdimensional peace. Taki of the human world and Makie of the Black World, two agents of the elite organization known as the Black Guards defenders of the balance between the two worlds are charged with insuring the success of the treaty. It's non-stop action as these two race to consummate the peace treaty in time as wicked special effects and tremendous animation depict chaotic fight scenes bursting with energy. Everyone is waiting, either in anticipation or fear, for the final outcome!

· Airing on Cinemax!
· Interview with the world-renowned director, Yoshiaki Kawajiri!
· Remastered in 5.1! (SURROUND)
· Character biographies!
· Dual language options for English and Japanese!
· Original theatrical trailer!
· UV Weblink!

TRT: approximately 90 minutes
Not rated; contains violence, nudity, sexual situations. Suggested for mature audiences.

Based On the Novel Written By: Hideyuki Kikuchi
Directed By: Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Screenplay: Kisei Choo
English Language Version Directed By: Carl Macek

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Copyright: 1992 Japan Home Video Co. LTD. All rights reserved.
Pre-book: 10/6/00 Street Date: 11/7/00
Suggested Retail Price: $29.95
Catalog Numbers: UV1065
ISBN: 1-890603-65-1
UPC: 638652-10650-6


Evangelion Second Impact Box
09/26/00 - Here come the EVAs, Again

Like most of the anime companies in Japan, GAINAX had been busy re-releasing past series on DVDs, and among them is the limited edition "Neon Genesis Evangelion Second Impact Box". With only 5000 sets in existance, the Second Impact Box set will definitly give the old series a boost to get back to the top of the poplarity chart once again. The first box set (out of a total of three) is scheduled to be on sale starting November 15th with a price tag of 21500Yen (19350Yen for membes of the GAINAX shopping network).

The entire series (including the movie editions) will be in DVD format with brand new, original package designs by Sadamoto Yoshiyuki, a special manual / illustration poster and the remake of the 97' Evangelion game "Girlfriend of Steel" on PC compatible DVD-ROMs.


Anime News on the Go
09/22/00 - Newtype.com and Anime X-Press announces Mobile Services

Starting from October 16th, Newtype.com will be available for access through cellphones in part of the central Japan region, which will be two weeks after the official launching of TV Tokyo's Anime X-Press mobile channel on October 2nd.

Members who subscribe to the Anime X-Press mobile service (with a monthly fee of 300Yen) will be granted access to exclusive online mini games inspired by anime series such as the "Rokuman Tenkai Monkorenaito" and "Love Hina" through the mobile service network.


"Ah! Megami-sama" Movie Release Date
09/19/00 - Release Date Finalized

With official release date of the OMG movie less than one month away, all cell works and BGM productions are scheduled to be finished by the end of September with only a small delay from the original planning schedule. And as part of the pre-release celebration, the first edition of Greeting Cards and Windows system wallpapers set will be available for download starting September 21st at midnight. Official opening of the OMG movie had been finalized on October 21st (with premier showings on the 15th).

For more information on the first edition greeting card / wallpaper set, see the Japan download page at:
http://comeon.cplaza.ne.jp/megamisama/index.html


Major A-Ko Fan Sites Announce Merger
09/03/00 - 'Little Graviton' and 'Graviton City' form partnership

Exciting news for avid fans of the 'Project A-ko' anime series on the Web -- Today, Little Graviton webmaster Tim Hodge and Graviton City webmaster Neil Creek announced to the public their plans to form a site partnership. Both sites will be merging their respective content into a single massive A-ko fan site, making it a very hot ticket for any A-ko fan.

A portion of the official press release issued by Hodge and Creek follows:

"Today Graviton City announced a new and exciting partnership with one of the other Project A-ko fan sites online, Tim Hodge's "Little Graviton". In the continuing effort to provide the broadest range of highest quality A-ko information online, Graviton City approached Mr Hodge with the proposal to enter into a partnership. This arrangement suits both parties well. Mr Hodge will be able to display his unique content to a much larger audience within the existing framework of Graviton City. Graviton City will gain Mr Hodge's content and renewed enthusiasm for online A-ko fandom."

The merger will officially take place at around 12:00 PM EST, and is located at:
http://www.gravitoncity.com/


Classic Anime "Ah! Megami-sama" and "Riding Bean" on DVD
08/20/00 - Classic Anime series' role in the DVD Revolution

In recent years, DVDs had become the main stream media for amost anime series, replacing LDs and in many cases even VHS tapes. However, the DVD revolution affects both new and old anime series alike. Following the re-release of the "Macross Plus" and "Macross Dynamite 7" series last month on DVD; as part of the celebration for the up-coming "Ah! Megami-sama" (aka "Oh! My Goddess") movie this October, TBS and KSS had announced the re-release of the original "OMG" OVA series on DVD in two different editions. The first volume of both editions will contain the first two episodes of the OVA series (standard edition scheduled to be out on August 22nd, and special edition, bundled up with free tickets to the special screening of the OMG movie mid October is due out on September 22nd)

Also scheduled to be out in September (September 27th) is the DVD edition of the classic anime "Riding Bean" (1989), one of the old-time classics from the hands of famous artist Sonoda Kenichi, creator of well known series such as the "Gun Smith Cats", the original "Gall Force" and "Bubble Gum Crisis".


Radio Drama "Kita e - White Illumination" Internet Debut
08/20/00 - Dreamcast Game turns Internet Drama

JOQR (Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Inc.) in cooperation with J-Stream (a Japan Online streaming / broadcasting company) recently announce their latest joint project, an online radio drama show based on one of the most famous relationship simulation software from the Sega Dreamcast game console Kita e - White Illumination following the smashing success of the radio-only drama show by the same title. With an original storyline written by Hiroi Ouji, who's most well known for his work in the Sakura Taisen game and anime series, the first broadcasting period of the experimental internet radio show (containing the first three episodes) will run from the 14th of August to the 3rd of September, available for online viewing / listening via the server on the JOQR network.

To read more about this online drama show and direct links to the Real Media formatted files of the show, visit JOQR's official site at:
http://www.joqr.co.jp/webdrama/


NA Release Dates: October 1 - December 31
Date: Title: Company: Format:

Oct 03 Outlaw Star DVD 1 Bandai Bilingual DVD
Oct 03 Blue Submarine 6 Vol 4 Bandai Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Oct 03 Silent Mobius Vol.7: The Final Battle Bandai Sub VHS
Oct 03 Vision Of Escaflowne Vol 1: Dragons And Destiny Bandai Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Oct 03 Jubei-Chan Vol.2: Heart of Steel Bandai Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Oct 03 Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol. #2 Media Blasters Bilingual DVD
Oct 05 Ranma 1/2, Outta Control 12: Eat, Drink, Man-Who-Turns-Into-Woman VIZ Sub VHS
Oct 10 Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 Vol. 8: Contagion ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 10 Generator Gawl Vol. 1 ADV Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Oct 10 Samurai X (Rurouni Kenshin) OVA Vol. 1 ADV Bilingual DVD
Oct 10 Slayers Try Vol.6: A Hero Descends? Software Sculptors Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 10 Shamanic Princess Vol.3: Guardian World Central Park Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 10 Digimon: Digital Monsters Vol.4 (ep 10-12) FOX Kids Video Dub VHS
Oct 17 Record of Lodoss War TV DVD Central Park Bilingual DVD
Oct 17 3x3 Eyes Vol.1: Immortals Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 17 Vampire Hunter D: Special Edition Urban Vision Bilingual DVD
Oct 20 Ranma 1/2, Martial Mayhem 1: Buns of Steel VIZ Sub VHS
Oct 24 Martian Successor Nadesico Vol. 6: Between Heaven & Hell ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 24 SIN: The Motion Picture ADV Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Oct 24 DragonBall Z: The History of Trunks FUNimation Dub VHS
Oct 24 DragonBall Z: Imperfect Cell-Encounter FUNimation Dub VHS
Oct 24 Kimba Vol.13: A Desperate Gamble Right Stuf Dub VHS
Oct 24 Kimba Box Set 2 Right Stuf Dub VHS
Oct 24 Irresponsible Captain Tyloer OVA Vol.4 Right Stuf Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 24 Flint, the Time Detective 1: Blast From the Past (Eps 1-3) Right Stuf Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Oct 24 Flint, the Time Detective 2: The Power of Good (Eps 4-6) Right Stuf Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Oct 31 Devil Fighter Kocho Media Blasters Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Oct 31 Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol. 3 Shadow Elete Media Blasters Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Oct 31 Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol. 4 False Prophet Media Blasters Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 31 Blackjack Manga Video Bilingual DVD
Oct 31 AngelCop: The Movie DVD Manga Video Bilingual DVD
Oct 31 Magic Knight Rayearth OVA Vol.3 Manga Video Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Oct 31 Legend of Black Heaven Vol.1: Rock Bottom Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Oct 31 Amazing Nurse Nanako Vol.2: Fire Cracker Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Oct 31 Explorer Woman Ray Central Park Sub VHS
Nov 07 Nadesico Vol.1: Invasion ADV Bilingual DVD
Nov 07 Brain Powered Vol.6: World's End Bandai Sub VHS
Nov 07 Cowboy Bebop Vol.13: The Real Folk Blues Bandai Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 07 Cowboy Bebop Collector's Boxed Set 2 Bandai Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 07 Cowboy Bebop Session 6 Bandai Bilingual DVD
Nov 07 Tenamonya Voyagers Bandai Bilingual DVD
Nov 07 Outlaw Star Collector's Boxed Set 2 Bandai Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 07 Photon Complete DVD U.S. Manga Corps Bilingual DVD
Nov 07 Slayers Next DVD Collection Software Sculptors Bilingual DVD
Nov 07 Wicked City: Special Edition Urban Vision Bilingual DVD
Nov 14 3x3 Eyes Vol.2: The Demon Seal Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Cardcaptor Sakura Vol.1 Pioneer Sub VHS, Sub DVD
Nov 14 Cardcaptors Vol.1: Tests of Courage Pioneer Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Nov 14 Fushigi Yugi OVA Special 1 Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Tenchi Universe Collection Vol.4 Pioneer Bilingual DVD
Nov 14 Burn Up W Complete ADV Dub VHS
Nov 14 Bubblegum Crisis TV Vol.9: Burning Metal ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Samurai X (Rurouni Kenshin) OVA Vol.2 ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Nov 14 Lost Universe 3 ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Nov 14 Pokemon Vol.23: Show Time! VIZ Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Nov 14 Pokemon Vol.24: Into the Arena VIZ Dub VHS, Dub DVD
Nov 14 Virgin Fleet Central Park Dub VHS
Nov 14 Magic Knight Rayearth 2 Vol.7: Live Media Blasters Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Magic Knight Rayearth 2 Box Set Media Blasters Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Slayers Try Vol.7: Showdown Software Sculptors Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 14 Slayers Try Vol.7 Collector's Box Set 2 Software Sculptors Dub VHS
Nov 14 Maze: Evil Labyrinth Software Sculptors Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 21 Rurouni Kenshin TV Vol.4: False Prophet Media Blasters Bilingual DVD
Nov 21 DragonBall Z: Bardock The Father of Goku Movie FUNimation Dub VHS
Nov 21 Ranma 1/2, Martial Mayhem 11: Nightmare On Happosai Street VIZ Dub VHS
Nov 21 Gundam Wing Vol.6: Heroes Betrayed Bandai Dub VHS
Nov 21 Gundam Wing Vol.7: The Home Fires Bandai Dub VHS
Nov 21 Gundam Wing Operation 4 Bandai Bilingual DVD
Nov 21 Trigun Vol.5: Angel Arms Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Nov 21 Hyper Doll Perfect Collection DVD Pioneer Bilingual DVD
Nov 21 Phantom Quest Corp. Perfect Collection DVD Pioneer Bilingual DVD
Nov 27 Irresponsible Captain Tylor OAV Vol.5 Right Stuf Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 27 Irresponsible Captain Tylor OAV Box Set Right Stuf Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Nov 27 Irresponsible Captain Tylor Music Video Collection Right Stuf Sub VHS
Nov 28 Fushigi Yugi DVD Box Set 2 Pioneer Bilingual DVD
Nov 28 Parallel Dual! Vol.2: Student Housing Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Nov 28 Gasaraki Vol.2: The Circle Opens ADV Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Nov 28 Golden Boy 1-3 ADV Dub VHS
Nov 28 Macross II Movie Manga Video Bilingual DVD
Dec 05 Bubblegum Crisis TV Vol.10: Burning Metal ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Dec 05 City Hunter: Secret Service ADV Dub VHS
Dec 05 Golden Boy 4-6 ADV Dub VHS
Dec 05 Monster Rancher Vol.5 ADV Dub VHS
Dec 05 Monster Rancher Vol.6 ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Dec 05 Nadesico Vol.7: Contact ADV Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Dec 05 Sakura Diaries Vol.4 ADV Dub VHS
Dec 05 Vision of Escaflowne Vol.2 Bandai Dub VHS, DVD
Dec 05 Jubei-Chan Vol.3: Heart of Steel Bandai Dub VHS, Bilingual DVD
Dec 05 Don't Leave Me Alone Daisy Collection Bandai Bilingual DVD
Dec 05 Outlaw Star Collection 2 Bandai Bilingual DVD
Dec 12 Slayers Try Vol.8: Try Again Software Sculptors Dub VHS, Sub VHS
Dec 19 Gestalt Media Blasters Bilingual DVD
Dec 19 Princess Mononoke Buena Vista Trilingual DVD
Dec 26 Sol Bianca-The Legacy Vol.3: Going Home Pioneer Dub VHS, Sub VHS, DVD
Dec 26 Tenchi Universe Collection Vol.5 Pioneer Bilingual DVD

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