After a limited theatrical run in the U.S. earlier this year, Geneon Entertainment releases APPLESEED on DVD May 10, 2005 with the UMD format to come out July 5.
This sci-fi anime the film is based on the manga story by Masamune Shirow (GHOST IN THE SHELL) and directed by Shinji Aramaki (BUBBLEGUM CRISIS). APPLESEED features a groundbreaking animation style, "3D Live Anime," blending motion-capture technology and 3D computer animation, and enhanced by the latest in 2D character animation.
The film was produced by Fumihiko Sori, whose credits include CG animation work on TITANIC and directing the international sleeper hit PING PONG. The soundtrack features an eclectic mix of music from around the world, including new tracks created by Japanese artists Boom Boom Satellites, world-renowned DJ/producer Paul Oakenfold (MATRIX RELOADED, SWORDFISH), Ryuichi Sakamoto (THE LAST EMPEROR) and Basement Jaxx, among others.
Set in the year 2131, after most of the world has been devastated by war, APPLESEED chronicles the battle between mankind and bioroids, a race of cybernetic pseudo-clones designed to aid humans in domestic capacities. But when ideologies flare and aggression rises to the surface, the thin veneer of peaceful coexistence is shattered.
APPLESEED is presented in anamorphic widescreen encoded directly from HD Master in English and Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS 5.1 with optional English subtitles.
The Deluxe Limited Collector's Edition is a two-disc DVD set (SRP is $49.98) packaged in a unique steel case, which includes a making of featurette "Birth of 3D Live Anime," design archives, conceptual art gallery, APPLESEED terms, character profiles, mechanical notes, Japanese and U.S. trailers and a Briarios Action Figure. U.S.
The Collector's Edition set (SRP is $29.98) features everything from the Deluxe Limited Collector's Edition, minus the Appleseed action figure.
A Single-disc DVD set (SRP is $19.98) has bonus features that include audio commentary by the director Aramaki and producer Sori, staff profiles, Geneon previews and scene access.
Geneon Ent. (USA) Inc. (www.Geneon-Ent.Com) is a full-service producer and distributor of entertainment software including film, music, animation and television shows on VHS, DVD and CD. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Geneon Ent.s parent company is Tokyo-based advertising giant Dentsu Inc.
