News - by Ian - January 11, 2010 - 11:48 UTC - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre in London is well known for it’s love of anime. The Barbican has ran a season called Japanimation since 2006, which has been spearheaded by the co-author of the Anime Encyclopaedia – Helen McCarthy. Recently there have been some new developments at The Barbican Centre which has led to many rumours floating around the internet – such as the end of Japanimaion.
These rumours are so strong that they have even managed to penetrate the national, mainstream media such as The Guardian. There is an understandable concern that with these changes at The Barbican that unique cinema experience will be impacted and different cultures’ entertainment will be ignored and fall back away into obscurity.
Fortunately this is not the case and Helen McCarthy has gone on record on her blog saying:
Japanimation, like everything else on the Barbican Cinema schedule, will adapt to changing circumstances. We may have to fit around the builders, but we don’t intend to disappear.
This is great news to the anime community at large as it means we will continue to see Ponyo, Mai Mai Miracle, GitS and various other anime that Helen kindly organises for the viewing populace. The most vital part about the Barbican is that it’s not a seedy, back alley, underneath a huge store indie cinema, it’s a well known, respected and Government funded institute. This means people have confidence in it and what’s being shown.
Source: A Face Made for Radio: Helen McCarthy’s Blog
News - by Ian - January 10, 2010 - 20:07 UTC - Be first to Comment!
The independent and online only, UK based anime, videogame and general interesting store: Toymation, announce today their line-up of exclusive anime dog tags.
This limited edition will feature various anime characters across the spectrum and is being made to order by Styled By Sand. Each Tobi-Tag will have a run of 500 tags and every two months there will be two new designs announced by Toymation, to further enhance the uniqueness numbers 1-10 are available to be engraved with 18c Gold plating, although this will be for a slight premium.
For those who order more than one, the option of just ordering the tag and not the chain will be available.
The first two tags available are Optimus Prime and Naruto and will be for sale on pre-order today and on general sale from the 1st February 2010 for £29.99 or £19.99 for those who pre-order.
To find out more information, visit Toymation’s official website here.
News - by Ian - January 9, 2010 - 13:29 UTC - Be first to Comment!
The Japanese Art Festival is an event that is held various times a year and hosted by the legendary Akemi Solloway. Akemi is a lecturer of Japanese Culture and is of samurai descent. Her aim with the Japanese Art Festival is to promote Japanese Culture, which is far more than just anime and manga.
Japanese Art Festival
Where: Richmond Adult Community College, Parkshot, Richmond, TW9 2RE
When: 27-28th February 2010
There are no times or guests confirmed as of yet, but judging by last year’s events, we should be in for a treat. Their official website is available here.
Source: Twitter
News - by Ian - January 7, 2010 - 20:13 UTC - Be first to Comment!
Copyright Capcom Entertainment
The legendary videogame producer Capcom are due to release one of the most anticipated fighter games of the year exclusively to the Nintendo Wii. Tatsunoko v Capcom contains a plethora of different characters from anime and videogame pop-culture and some cross overs from Street Fighter, to keep everyone interested Capcom have today released a new trailer of this hotly anticipated game; which can be seen below.
News - by Ian - January 6, 2010 - 17:59 UTC - Be first to Comment!
Manga Entertainment today announced that they will be releasing of the most anticipated films of the year to the UK in September 2010. One of the most highly rated anime films of 2009, Summer Wars is the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda, the director of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
Summer Wars
Kenji Koiso is a child prodigy and this mathematically minded genius spends a large portion of his time immersed in a massive computer simulated viral world, OZ. At the beginning of his summer vacation, our socially inept genius is asked to help in celebrating his crush, Natsuki Shinohara’s great grandmother’s 90th birthday.
Before he knows it, he’s the lead of a news story about the destruction of his favourite computer game OZ and has to learn how to deal with this as well as enlist the help of Natsuki’s family to clear his name.
Release: September 2010
Format: Theatrical Release
Release: October/November 2010
Format: Standard Definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD
Yes, Manga Entertainment also confirmed today that Summer Wars will be released in both standard definition DVD and Blu-Ray DVD in September.
Update:
Manga Entertainment today confirmed that they are planning for a theatrical release of Summer Wars in September and then a DVD release in both Blu-Ray and Standard Definition in October or November time.
Source: Twitter
News - by Ian - January 4, 2010 - 14:05 UTC - Be first to Comment!
As we reported today, MVM’s latest release – Fate Night Stay Volume 1 has been released to the public and is now available to purchase. Fate Night Stay is an adaptation of the manga, of the same name – our review of Volume 1 manga is available here, and to wet your whistle MVM Entertainment have released a few new clips of this anime to us.
The clips are:
News - by Ian - January 4, 2010 - 09:00 UTC - 1 Comment
So it’s a new year and it’s time for some new anime to be released onto the UK market, the four new anime that are due to be released today are:
- The Slayers Try – Volume 4
- Speed Grapher: Box Set
- Solty Rei – Volume 6
- Samurai Deeper Kyo – Volume 4
- Fate Stay Night – Volume 1
So that’s a lot of great anime available for everyone to buy through all good retailers today.
News - by Ian - December 29, 2009 - 19:53 UTC - Be first to Comment!
It’s been announced that on the 6th February that the Anime League Club London will be running a mini-anime convention for just £5. This convention will feature various guests such ash Little Kuriboh and Masako X of Yu-Gi-Oh and Naturo Abridged, DS:London, which is a well known DS Gaming Group and the legendary Akemi Solloway.
With an Artists Alley, Video Gaming, Pub Quizes, DDR Tournament, AMV Showings, Cosplay, Anime Screenings (although no anime’s have been confirmed as of yet) and much more.
Date: Saturday February 6th
Venue: The Slug and Lettuce, 1 America Square, London, EC3N 2LS
Tube: Five minutes from Tower Gateway & Tower Hill tube stations
It costs £5 to get in (pre-pay), and you need to be 18 years or older. Accommodation is available at just £17.50 a night!
Fancy telling ALCL what they should be doing? They want to hear your thoughts on what could be happening at this mini-con here.
News - by Ian - December 29, 2009 - 19:45 UTC - Be first to Comment!
The Bexley Anime and Manga Festival, which is due to be held in February in 2010 recently confirmed their lineup with some impressive anime movies along with some manga workshops with UK Sweatdrop Studio artists such as Sonia Leong, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokémon competitions and a Cosplay workshop with Kelly Batchelor.
Their film line-up with be held in the Cineworld cinema in Bexley Heath and all films are free for anyone aged between 11-19, although they do require pre-booking. The films are:
Spirited Away
Supernatural Fantasy. Join Chihiro on a strange and mesmerising journey into a world of Japanese spirits. This magical movie stands out as one of the best loved animated fi lms of all time. From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature.
Date: 1st February 2010
Time: 1800
Howl’s Moving Castle
Fantasy Adventure. Travel to a breathtakingly beautiful world and discover the adventure, romance and fantasy of this highly rated film. From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki. Oscar nominated for Best Animated Feature.
Date: 4th February
Time: 1800
Tokyo Godfathers
Comedy-Drama. An anime masterpiece, this beautiful film vividly portrays a cold winter in Tokyo as three homeless friends find an abandoned baby in a dumpster and set out on a journey of discovery as they seek to find the parents of the child. Moving, funny and exciting.
Date: 8th February
Time: 1800
The Cat Returns
Fantasy. From Studio Ghibli, this acclaimed and entertaining film will charm viewers of all ages. After she saves a cat from an oncoming truck, 17 year old Haru discovers she’s actually saved Lune, Prince of the Cat Kingdom. A whimsical, fun adventure.
Date: 18th February
Time: 1800
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Sci-Fi Action. This cult classic is a thrill ride of epic proportions. Action packed with a nail-biting finale, this film is not to be missed at this rare cinema screening. A perfect introduction to anime for new fans and awesome fun for those already devoted.
Date: 11th February
Time: 1800
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Sci-Fi Romance. What would you do if you could leap back in time? When Makoto stumbles upon this very power she seizes the chance to get better exam scores and put right certain personal mishaps from her past! A journey of self discovery and romance follows. Acclaimed as one of the greatest anime movies of recent years, this outstanding movie is a festival highlight.
Date: 22nd February
Time: 1800
Our review of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is available here.
Sky Crawlers
Sci-Fi. An intense new movie from Ghost in the Shell director, Mamoru Oshii. Stunning state of the art animation and an intelligent story make this a modern anime masterpiece. In a peaceful world a never ending war is fought in the skies by kildren – young people who never grow old. Discover the secrets of this strange yet familiar world in this important new movie. Presented by Manga Entertainment.
Date: 25th February
Time: 1800
5cm Per Second
Romance. From Makato Shinkai, this trio of interconnected short stories explores the excitement and melancholy of young love. The title refers to the speed it takes a cherry blossom to fall from the trees to the ground. Visually stunning, absolutely mesmerising and distinctly Japanese. Presented by Manga Entertainment.
AND
K20: Legend of the Mask
Action. A live action Japanese superhero movie with international star Takeshi Kaneshiro. Fight scenes, stunts and a lighthearted plot – the perfect night out at the cinema and an exclusive presentation at the BAM Festival! A superb example of Japan taking on Hollywood and winning. Presented by Manga Entertainment.
Date: 1st March
Time: 1800 for Sky Crawlers followed directly by 5cm Per Second
How to book
Advance booking is recommended for all festival events.
To book your place at any event either:
- Visit any Bexley library to book tickets in person.
- Call 020 8303 7777 (option 4) to reserve tickets for all events.
- Text event title/date with your name and age to 07837 269967.
- Email bam@bexley.gov.uk stating the event title/date and your name and age.
Their full programme is available in PDF format here. Their Facebook page is available, here.
News - by Ian - December 20, 2009 - 21:04 UTC - Be first to Comment!
It has recently been announced that the UK premier of the much loved anime film, Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance will be debuting in Scotland this year. This film will debut in the Glasgow Film Festival, which runs between the 18-28th February 2010 and showcases hundreds of different films, spanning all genres and mediums of film.
To make this even more interesting, the legendary Jonathan Clements, the co-author of the Anime Enclopedia and the author of his 2008 insiders book, Schoolgirl Milky Crisis: Adventures in the Manga Trade, will be introducing this film to the audience.
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance
“Continuing where the previous film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, left off, the movie opens with a new EVA pilot, Mari Illustrious Makinami, launched with EVA Provisional Unit 05 to destroy the Third Angel which is attacking the arctic Bethany Base of NERV. She successfully defeats the Angel by self-destructing Unit 05, safely ejecting at the last moment.” ~ Wikipedia
Venue: Glasgow Film Theatre
Date: 15th February 2010
Time: 1745
Cost: 12-19 Year Olds – £3.50, otherwise £7
So that’s an exclusive showing of this film on the 15th February in Scotland.
You can buy tickets and find out further information, here.
News - by Ian - December 14, 2009 - 19:13 UTC - Be first to Comment!
It’s Monday, so that means more anime released onto the UK market. Well, normally it does. This Monday only has one new title being added to the wealth of anime that’s been released this year. That one title is:
- Naruto Unleashed: Series 8 Part 1
So if you’re a Naruto fan, then it’s a must have.
As always this DVD is available through all good retailers.
News - by Ian - December 7, 2009 - 18:59 UTC - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Yen Press
Whoops! Looks like someone mixed their dates up and forgot to announce to the world Yen Press’ Christmastime manga offerings. As a form of apology, the below are all available immediately from all good retailers and some Waterstone’s stores as well. With a metric ton of manga, some of which are truly brilliant (such as Higurashi) and need to be bought immediately. These mangas are:
- Black God: Vol 7
- Cat Paradise: Vol 2
- Comic: Vol 8
- Crimson Shell
- Croquis Pop: Vol 6
- GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class: Vol 2
- Goong: Vol 7
- Higurashi When They Cry: Curse Killing Arc: Vol 1
- Ichiroh!: Vol. 2
- Jack Frost: Vol 2
- Sarasah: Vol 2
- Sugarholic: Vol 2
- The Antique Gift Shop: Vol. 9
- Very! Very! Sweet: Vol 5
- You’re So Cool: Vol 5
- Zombie-Loan: Vol 7
These mangas have been available since the 3rd December.
News - by Ian - December 7, 2009 - 18:44 UTC - Be first to Comment!
It’s Monday, so this means that there’s a chance that we’ll be seeing some new anime releases and this week, unlike last, that’s exactly what we’ve got. With 5 new DVDs, one of which is a complete collection, there’s plenty of new anime to watch and enjoy. Those new shows are:
- Desert Punk – Volume 6
- Aquarion – Volume 2
- X TV – Volume
- Gunparade March – Volume 3
- Saiyuki Reload Complete Collection
As always these are all available from all good retailers and our own Store above.
News - by Ian - December 5, 2009 - 21:56 UTC - Be first to Comment!
Logo © Yen Press
Recently the well known manga distributor, who distribute manga from Soul Eater to Yotsuba!?, have announced that they will be serialising the successful Gossip Girl TV show as a manga in the monthly Yen Press Anthology.
Gossip Girl: For Your Eees Only will be an original reimaginations of the grils’ senior year focusing on the lives of Vanessa and Blair, which will be written and illustrated by HyeKyung Baek.
Kurt Hassler, Publishing Director of Yen Press says: “There are few series in the publishing world that have been as impactful or successful as Cecily von Ziegesar’s GOSSIP GIRL. The novels have captured the imaginations of young women around the world, and we look forward to demonstrating with GOSSIP GIRL: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY that graphic novels as a medium can be just as welcoming to girls as it is to boys.”
The Yen Press Anthology is available in the UK monthly via Yen Press’ official website.
News - by Ian - December 2, 2009 - 09:00 UTC - Be first to Comment!
As part of Film4’s continued commitment to airing Anime in the UK and as part of their War Season, today at 2340 the Isao Takahata classic will be airing. Grave of the Fireflies is a well known and much loved Studio Ghibli classic, but rather than focusing on the usual happy, nature elements that many of the Ghibli collection does, Grave of the Fireflies is a hard hitting movie about war time and post war Japan.
Grave of the Fireflies
“Animated drama set in Japan toward the end of WWII. Two children fall on hard times as a result of the war, and try to go it alone
Hailing from Studio Ghibli, home of Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away), Grave Of The Fireflies is a sophisticated, deeply moving film, adapted from Akiyuki Nosaka’s 1967 semi-autobiographical novel by Isao Takahata.
It concerns the fate of two children, struggling to survive in Japan toward the end of the Second World War. Using the device of the protagonist narrating the story after his death, it’s unequivocally tragic – but it’s also potentially one of the most powerful war movies ever made, showing suffering not just from the perspective of the Japanese (unusual for Western audiences reared on US WWII fare), but also from that of non-combatant children. They’re explicitly lambs to the slaughter, young lives cut off before their time. In fact, visually, the fireflies of the title are comparable with falling firebombs, but in symbolic terms they’re analogous with the children – they shine brightly and die all too soon. ”
Airing:
2nd December 2009 – 2340
This harrowing film is a must watch for those who haven’t seen it just yet. So get your recorders going or stay up late and watch this show tonight.
