Urban Vision is releasing director Yoshiaki Kawajiri's WICKED CITY on DVD. Based on a novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, the film chronicles the uneasy alliance between Earth and the Black World. The DVD will feature character biographies, an interview with Kawajiri, the theatrical trailer and English and Japanese language tracks. The release will retail for US$29.95.

Chennai, India-based Pentamedia Graphics, Ltd., formerly known as Pentafour Software and Exports, Ltd., and Film Roman, Inc. have announced a letter of intent pursuant to which Pentamedia will purchase a 51% stake in Film Roman. The deal was a US$15 million cash deal, which is aimed to close by January after regulatory and board approvals. In regards to the deal, Film Roman CEO and president John Hyde told AWN, "I think it allows us to execute our very specific five-year plan.

The sixth volume of the MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO hits video stores October 24, 2000. In "Between Heaven and Hell," a new military initiative takes the Nabesico by surprise and Akito finds himself cut adrift. Volumes 1 through 5 are currently available. The tapes retail for US$19.98 (English Dubbed) and $29.95 (English Subtitled).

Anime feature, SIN: THE MOVIE, will be seducing home viewers on VHS and DVD October 24, 2000. Lead by Colonel John Blade, HARDCORPS must uncover a string of kidnappings in Freeport and bring some semblance of peace to this crime infested 21st Century city. The flick is based on the FPS video game of the same name. Released by ADV Films, the DVD will feature both the English dubbed and English subtitled versions of the film, plus an alternate storylined version. The film will retail for US$19.98 (English Dubbed VHS) and $29.98 (DVD).

Award-winning former Disney animator and educator Larry Lauria has fourteen animation workshops scheduled between now and the beginning of July 2001. The events range from the LEAF and Moondance festivals to workshops in Tampa, Phoenix, Long Island, St. Louis area, Long Beach, Tuscany (Italy) and more. They cover the gambit from animation fundamentals and character design to writing for animation and storyboarding and range from beginning to advanced levels. For more information, email Larry at lanimate@piasanet.com.

Spontaneous Combustion, a digital studio specializing in the creation of visual effects and design, has completed the CGI effects and compositing for three 30-second spots for AT&T's "Boundless" campaign. The campaign plays on AT&T's logo as it touts its broadband technology and ends with typography that transitions from either "broadband" or "wireless" into "boundless," followed by "att.com." In "Push Pin," blue pushpins fly, hitting a white wall – forming the AT&T globe logo.

The classic anime flick, VAMPIRE HUNTER D's special edition will be descending on DVD. The film takes place in the year 12,090 AD where a lone warrior named D fights to destroy Earth's ruthless vampire feudal system. The DVD will feature a never before seen "Making of VAMPIRE HUNTER D," a sneak peek at the forthcoming video game, the theatrical trailer to the 2000 remake of VAMPIRE HUNTER D and an original artwork gallery.

This week's update to the Calendar of Events includes a wide range of international events such as the Animation Sensation Weekend in Seattle, USA; the Melbourne International Student Animation Festival, Australia; Anime A-Go-Go in Los Angeles, USA; the AnimExplosion Festival in Mandaluyong City, Philippines; a Virtual Reality Conference in London, UK; and many more!

Blur Studio recently provided motion graphics design and production services for a new 60-second spot for the U.S. Army Reserve. The spot entitled "Dot You" promotes opportunities in the Army Reserve and highlights the service's Website, goarmyreserve.com. Typography animates over the live-action, echoing values such as "leadership," "dedication" and "adventure." The spot culminates with a series of hero shots over which appears the Army Reserve's Website address.

AWN is pleased to announce the additions of Tony White, Kyle Clark, Michael Ford, Larry Lauria and Chris Robinson as hosts of new AWN Discussion Forums. Launched within the Community Center section of our parent company Website, CreativePlanet.com, these new forums give you direct access to an unparalleled group of animation industry experts. Don't be shy! Do you have questions about animation techniques, styles, tools? Have an opinion about a particular animated feature or series? Check out this forum lineup!