ADV Films - the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan – has announced three new and exciting titles set to hit the streets on September 12th. The titles include the fifth volume of the classic Macross, disc three of Michel, and the third volume of Nanaka 6/17!
Macross: When Worlds Collide is the fifth 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’s become a must-have for every anime fan.
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, 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.
DVD Synopsis: Strange things are happening within the Zentradi fleet: secret meetings, use of contraband materials and even hints of civil disobedience from previously unshakable warriors! The female Meltran fleet is affected as well, as one of their finest abruptly goes rogue on a path of personal vengeance. Meanwhile, on the Macross, human lives are in equal disarray, as simple misunderstandings multiple into events that can and will shatter worlds. Love hurts and sex kills as the war of the worlds becomes the war of the sexes in the fifth scorching volume of Macross!
Macross: When Worlds Collide has a suggested retail price of $29.98 is a DVD-only release including five episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include liner notes, character stats, the video “The Men of Macross: An Interview with Vic Mignona (Hikaru), Brett Weaver (Roy), and John Swasey (Captain Global),” Commentary with anime experts David Williams, and Janice Williams (ep 22), plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. Macross: When Worlds Collide is now available for pre-order at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
ADV Films will also release the next volume of the first animated series completely produced and directed by acclaimed animation studio DR Movie (Final Fantasy: Unlimited, Dragon Drive). Prepare yourself for the third exciting installment of Michel: The Forest and the Fog set to hit store shelves Sept. 12th.
Michel is a magical adventure sure to delight all ages. On the island of Sitel, Michel lives amongst fairies that have the power to keep nature in harmony. One fateful day, the Black Hammers chasing after Kim accidentally stumble upon the fairies and learn of their power and quickly kidnap them. Now it's up to Michel, Kim, and the rest of the fairies to rescue their friends from captivity and save the world.
DVD Synopsis: Since the Tree of Life has begun to grow once more, it speaks to Kim and Michel to help them rescue the captured fairies. However, the Black Hammer Gang always seems to be one step ahead of them. Salome and her goons travel the world across desolate plains and thick fog in a never-ending search for treasure.
Kim, Michel and Poyo stay close behind these thugs in an effort to thwart Salome’s evil schemes and save the kidnapped fairies. When a misunderstanding threatens Kim’s confidence in Poyo, will Kim and Michel still be able save more of the imprisoned fairies? Hang on for another wild ride in the next exciting volume of Michel!
Michel: The Forest and the Fog has suggested retail price of $14.98 and is a DVD-only release including four full episodes presented in English 2.0. Extras include clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Michel: The Forest and the Fog is now available for pre-order at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
ADV’s last title for September 12th release is the third and final volume in the hilarious comedy series featuring magical girls, high school hijinks and… head trauma? Get ready for a laugh riot when Nananka 6/17: Nanaka vs. Nanaka! hits store shelves. Directed by Hiroaki Sakurai (Cromartie High School) and jointly produced by GENCO and J.C.Staff (Azumanga Daioh), Nanaka 6/17 is a high school comedy with magical charm. 17 year old Nanaka Kirisato has it all: she's beautiful, she's bright, and she's at the top of her class. But somewhere along the way, Nanaka lost touch with her classmates - including her best friend Nenji - who think she's become an arrogant snob!
One day, in the midst of an argument with Nenji, Nanaka falls down a flight of stairs and gets seriously injured. The diagnosis is acute amnesia, and now Nanaka thinks she is six years old - and a magical princess! To add to the fun, she believes that Nenji also made a wish to become an adult. Let the magical misunderstandings commence!
DVD Synopsis: Will it be the 17-year-old bookworm, or the 6-year-old brat? Well, you’ll have to watch and find out – as the final volume of Nanaka 6/17 delivers a festival of frenzied fun – plus a Special Bonus Episode that never aired in Japan! Poor Nanaka becomes overwhelmed with the upcoming Cultural Festival, and things keep getting crazier as she flips back and forth between her two rival personalities.
Will the sophomores’ Magical Domiko stage play be a major disaster? Will 17-year-old Nanaka do away with 6-year-old Nanaka once and for all? If so, will Nenji even get to say goodbye to his kindergarten companion? Once thing’s for sure – you won’t want to miss the heart-wrenching, revealing conclusion to Nanaka 6/17!
Nanaka 6/17: Nanaka vs. Nanaka! has a suggested retail price of $29.98 and is a DVD-only release including the final four episodes, plus a bonus episode, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a video preview for the un-aired bonus episode plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Nanaka 6/17: Nanaka vs. Nanaka! is now available for pre-order at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
Your Talkback on this Story