ANIME TODAY Hits the Tokyo Game Show With Underland Online's Mike Lewis!
Posted on: Friday, September 28, 2007
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Episode run down:
Starting out this episode is Chad with What’s Hot in the World of Anime, followed by another Uso Deshou mystery plot. We’ve kicked off our Prime Time for Bargains Sale this week, and Shawne will be joining us to tell you how you can save 40% off ADV DVDs. The Tokyo Game Show wrapped up last week breaking attendance records and one of those 193,000 was none other than Mike Lewis of Underland Online. In this half hour interview, he chats with Alison, Judy, Nick and Rich about his most recent trip to Japan which included an eye-popping run though TGS 2007.
Rich and Nick have the latest convention updates thanks to AnimeCons.com and then Lisa Marie shares her review of the classic Geneon release, El Hazard. Next, we’re back with the second part of our chat with Mike talking more about his latest trip to Japan and then join Kris and Judy in celebrating Tsukimi in the Anime and Gamer’s Guide to Japan. Rich and Nick have the six winners of our latest Galaxy Angel Contest and are starting another quick contest thanks to the folks over at Net Comics. Judy-sensei continues to celebrate Tsukimi in her latest Mini-Japanese 101 lesson and then hear some of the latest customer reviews from RightStuf.com. Finally, catch the last part of our phone call with Mike where we wrap up TGS as well as touching on some of the goodies Mike had his eye on in Akihabara.
What's Hot?
A girl named “Duck” – or rather, a little duck who wants to become a girl – falls in love with a prince. A bizarre old man gives her a pendant that makes her dream come true, transforming her into the graceful, dancing Princess Tutu, but darkness has hidden the pieces of her beloved’s shattered heart. Now it’s up to her to face the peril that lurks behind every corner and unravel a dark and twisted mystery for the survival of her prince… and herself. Make the journey through Princess Tutu’s dreams, nightmares and adventures when the Princess Tutu DVD Collection arrives on November 20th.
Something strange is happening at the private institution on Roosevelt Island: There has been a string of suicides and on the night a classmate dies, Kate, Rachel, Rose and Claire wake with no recollection of the previous evening’s events. The next night, the four girls are drawn together by mysterious red butterflies that only they can see. Converging at Central Park, they are approached by a strange woman who tells them they, just like their classmate, are dead. Now, the quartet must work together to learn the secrets of their death - and the means to return to their previous lives. Delve further into the mystery when the second volume of Red Garden, also available with a series art box, streets on November 20th!
Centuries ago, man's Armageddon birthed the vampires' wrath. As men and immortals continue to clash, the reality-shattering threat of the vampires looms over mankind. The humans’ last hope resides solely in a new breed of hunters operating under the Vatican's authority. The true battle between holiness and evil has begun and at its very center is a seemingly harmless priest who goes by the name Abel Nightroad. Collect all of this Adult Swim favorite in one swipe when the Trinity Blood Box Set arrives on November 13th.
The deadly swirling vortex known only as "Gravestone" continues to expand, destroying everything in its path - and Honoka is headed straight toward it! Blissfully unaware of the danger lying ahead, she's busy tracking sand dragons and dealing with an unexpected visitor. The mysterious raven-haired beauty, Paife, has invited herself along, claiming that she's there to help, and Honoka is about to need all the help she can get! Get The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, DVD 3 in your choice of a regular edition or a limited edition featuring exclusive puzzles with artwork from the series and a collectible art box on November 27th.
Save 25% or more on these titles by preordering them from RightStuf.com at least 10 days before their street dates. Get another 10% off by joining the Got Anime purchasing club for Frequent Buyers.
Shawne's Specials and "Prime Time for Bargains" Sale!
The beginning of the new fall TV season is here -- but we have something much more interesting on our schedule: It’s "Prime Time for Bargains" on DVDs, books, CDs and more from ADV Films. During this sale you can pick up great deals on ADV’s favorites like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Princess Tutu and Yotsuba&! to anticipated new releases including Air TV, Pumpkin Scissors, Red Garden and Welcome to the NHK!
From now until October 7th, take 40% OFF the retail prices of all DVDs and 33% OFF the retail prices of CDs, books and merchandise from ADV Films. (This includes pre-orders!)
Just use the reusable coupon code primetime when you check out through RightStuf.com! And, as always, our Got Anime members can stack their discounts for even more savings! If you’re not a member, check out www.gotanime.com to get signed up today!
To get started on your shopping spree, just click on the "Prime Time for Bargains" banner on the Rightstuf.com homepage - this will give you a full list of all ADV products. Some items, such as those in the bargain bin, are not eligible for the sale, but are already discounted even more, so scoop up some of these bargains along with your order!
Thanks to everyone who helped clean out the warehouse last week. You’ve made it easier for me to fill it back up again. Heh Heh Heh.
See all of Shawne's Weekly Specials!
Check out the Bargain Bin!
Mike Lewis, webmaster and co-founder of Underland Online!
Underland Online: http://www.phantasmagoriaonline.com/
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Mike and his wife in Hibaya Park
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At the entrance to the Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disney
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Final Fantasy VII Potion in a can
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Mike and Keisuke Kikuchi
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A kitsune mask Mike took a photo of because it’s like the one in Texhnolyze
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Marie's DVD Review: El Hazard
With all of the re-pricing and re-releases lately, I’ve finally been able to watch some of those titles I remember hearing good things about when they debuted but for whatever reason (usually my college budget) I never got around to actually seeing. That’s how I found myself watching Geneon’s El Hazard: The Wanders this weekend, the TV re-telling of the original El Hazard: The Magnificent World OVA.
El Hazard opens in that setting beloved to all anime - high school. Jinnai, the egotistical and power-mad student body president, is obsessed with repaying his rival, fellow student and likable science geek Makoto, for years of perceived humiliation and slights. Makoto, on the other hand, hasn’t a clue that Jinnai can’t stand him. Thinking he’s finally found the perfect plan, Jinnai sabotages Makoto’s latest science project after hours one evening at school. However, his tampering inadvertently opens a portal to another dimension, sucking him into the world of El Hazard along with Jinnai’s little sister Namami, history teacher Fujisawa-sensei, and, of course, Makoto.
Separated and confused, how will the four ever get back home? Will they even want to? After a series of coincidences leads to Makoto rescuing the princess of El Hazard, finding Fujisawa-sensei, and tangling with some ill-intentioned giant bugs, he and Fujisawa begin to search for a route back home. Of course, things are never so easy. Not only doesn’t Makoto have a clue as to where to begin looking, but standing in his way is none other than Jinnai, who has managed in the space of less than a day to get himself captured by the giant bugs, impressed their queen with his evilness, and taken over their entire society. And all that’s before news surfaces of an ultimate weapon that can destroy the world…
My first introduction of the world of El Hazard actually came about years ago not via any of the various related anime series but through an anime music video set to the nonsense song “Hubba Hubba Zoot Zoot.” If you were on the internet five years ago, you know the one. It had dancing giant bugs, silly lip synched lyrics, and was so over the top that it was an instant classic. Having now seen the show that spawned it, I can unequivocally state it’s in perfect step with the tone of the series.
In case the summary didn’t tip you off, El Hazard doesn’t always take itself particularly seriously. Crazy coincidences, inappropriate theme park locations, the aforementioned dancing giant bugs, and even some crazy superpowers all make the show a riot. I was laughing throughout the series, especially whenever Jinnai was on the screen. But it’s not simply a madcap race from gag to gag. Thoroughly well-rounded, El Hazard’s script saves time for romance, contemplation, and a fair bit of heroically saving the world, too. It’s a light-hearted adventure that just happens to be extremely funny and enjoyable.
One of El Hazard’s standout qualities is its characterization. Originally produced as a seven-episode OVA series by the same production team as Tenchi Muyo, the TV series makes use of its 26-episode length to flesh out the characters even more without losing any of their original charm. As you might expect from the creators of Tenchi Muyo, the girls are varied and distinct. My favorite is Nanami, who takes advantage of being stranded in an unknown world to start her own business without ever once breaking down and crying; and the water priestess Miz cracked me up with her lamentations on the cloistered life. The guys hold up just as well. Makoto not only walks a fine line between playing the straight man and actually facilitating the insanity around him, but shows a welcome decisive attitude in matters of both heroics and the heart. Fujisawa-sensei is a rare adult voice on the team of good, proving you don’t have to be under the legal drinking age to help save the world. Then there’s Jinnai, who, in case you haven’t guessed by now, steals the show as a genuine “villain you love to hate.”
One thing that I was apprehensive about before popping in the first disc was the English version, since comedy doesn’t always translate well across languages. Surprisingly I ended up watching the show in English after trying out both tracks. The dub is very good, especially Bob Marx as Jinnai. He has the maniacal laughter down, and the rest of the cast is every bit as talented. I was especially pleased to note that Nanami and Makoto’s voices have a genuinely emotional feel to them rather then, well, sounding like they’re reading off a script. Everyone sounds very natural and convincing whether they’re escaping from prison or just delivering lunches.
El Hazard is a classic hallmark from the era of easy-going heroes just out for a good time and some laughs. If you liked Slayers, Magic Knight Rayearth, or, of course, Tenchi Muyo, you’ll definitely want to give this show a whirl. And if you haven’t seen any of the adventure classics, there’s no better starting point than the magnificent world of El Hazard.
The Anime and Gamer's Guide with Kris and Judy
© 2007 McDonalds
http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/tsukimi/
Source: http://flickr.com/photos/20119750@N00/485960298
Right Stuf Contests and Updates
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We’re excited to announce the winners of our latest Galaxy Angel contest! Congratulations to (1) Leo O of Los Angeles, California; (2) Julie H of Chandler, Arizona; (3) Anthony W of Suisun City, California; (4) Jessica G of Spring Hill, Florida; (5) Marlene C of Marine City, Michigan; and (6) Starr G of Midval, Utah! Each of you will soon receive a Galaxy Angel prize package from Bandai Entertainment that includes an Angel Brigade beach ball, a Normad stress ball and a Normad plushie that moves when you pull his string! |
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Next up, we have a new contest from our friends at Net Comics! This time you have the chance to win one of six canvas tote bags featuring full-color illustrations from either their Let Dai or Roureville series!
To enter, and have a sneak peek the bags, check out our Contests page, under “What’s Hot” at RightStuf.com, and get your entry in before October 11th! We’ll be announcing the winners on the NEXT episode of Anime Today!
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