ADV Films, on April 18, 2006, released the 11th and 12th volumes of GATCHAMAN as well as the sixth GATCHAMAN COLLECTION, a box set containing both new volumes and a jam-packed extras disk.
Acclaimed comics illustrator Alex Ross provides the artwork for all 18 volumes of the GATCHAMAN series, which is being released for the first time in North America in its entirety, uncut and unedited. ADV has recorded a brand new English dub and assembled loads of commentaries, documentary footage, archival material, and other extras for the classic series. This is the most deluxe anime event of the year.
GATCHAMAN is the seminal 1970s anime series from Tatsunoko Prods. (SPEED RACER, ROBOTECH), which was recut for broadcast in the U.S. as BATTLE OF THE PLANETS and later G-FORCE.
In the 21st century, the evil organization Galactor has its sights set on global conquest. Their use of tyrannical terrorism and high-tech mayhem has the world in the clutches of fear! The only thing standing in the way of complete global dominance is the International Science Organization (ISO) and its chief scientist, Professor Kozaburou Nambu. Dr. Nambus primary weapon in the fight for freedom is his top-secret experiment the five kids who make up the Science Ninja Team.
GATCHAMAN 11: PHANTOMS & DEMON KINGS ($14.98) is a DVD-only release including episodes 61-66, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with Kim Prause (Jun) & Luci Christian (Jinpei), plus a new Gatchaman Karaoke, clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
GATCHAMAN 12: DEATH GIRLS & THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN ($14.98) is a DVD-only release including episodes 67-72, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Extras include a commentary track with Brian Jepson (Joe) & Winston Parish (Leader X), plus a new Gatchaman Karaoke, clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
GATCHAMAN COLLECTION 6 ($34.98) is a three-disk box set containing volumes 11 and 12 plus a disk full of extras. The Collection comes in a chipboard box with breathtaking art by Alex Ross. Video extras include a Berg Katse Profile, character sketches of Berg Katse, Interview with Edwin Neal (Berg Katse), Berg Katse audition footage, episode sketches and Gatchaman Publishing Gallery Part V Gatchaman in France. Rounding out this jam-packed extras disk is a video version of the Gatchaman manga: Science Ninja Team, Number G-6.
This release comes on the heels of ADV Films release of volume seven of MABURAHO, the fourth installment of GHOST STORIES, the second thin-pack collection of SAINT SEIYA, and the ninth FARSCAPE STARBURST EDITION.
MABURAHO is the magical comedy series directed by Shinichiro Kimura (COSPLAY COMPLEX, BURN UP! EXCESS). MABURAHO: WIZARD OF AHHHS! ($29.98) is a DVD-only release including episodes 22-24, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. On disc extras include Art of Maburaho, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
In GHOST STORIES: SENIOR SCREAMS, Satsukis award-winning art project doesnt just get her an A, it gets her a dead artist intent on trapping her inside her own painting. GHOST STORIES: SENIOR SCREAMS ($29.98) is a DVD-only release including episodes 13-16, presented in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. On disc extras include Ghost Profiles, with pictures and background text on the Japanese ghosts and demons that populate the series, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
Produced by TOEI (DRAGONBALL Z, FIST OF THE NORTHSTAR), SAINT SEIYA is a tournament saga with cosmic scope. SAINT SEIYA COMPLETE COLLECTION 2 ($49.98) is a DVD-only thin-packed release including episodes 31-60, presented in both English and Japanese with English subtitles.
FARSCAPE STARBURST EDITION 3.3 is the the ninth installment of its the series, with an expanded and updated volume that takes us through to the season finale of the third season. FARSCAPE is an adventure as broad and weird as the universe full of strange creatures, bizarre twists, irreverent humor, raucous action, passion, and romance. Produced in Australia by The Jim Henson Co. and Hallmark Ent., FARSCAPE has received the Saturn Award for Best Syndicated/Cable Series three years in a row (2001, 2002, 2003).
FARSCAPE: THE STARBURST EDITION 3.3 ($24.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including the final seven episodes of Farscapes exciting third season, complemented by extensive special features on four DVDs. Episodes in this collection: Revenging Angel, The Choice, Fractures, I-Yensch, You-Yensch, Into The Lions Den, Part I: Lambs To The Slaughter, Into The Lions Den, Part II: Wolf In Sheeps Clothing and Dog With Two Bones. Audio is presented in English 5.1 and stereo. Each episode is subtitled for the hearing impaired.
In the 14 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the U.K. Parent company, A.D. Vision Inc. encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
