Ah My Goddess Volume 2 Copyright Manga Entertainment
It’s Monday, it’s 9 o’clock and that’s time for the latest anime DVD releases to hit the UK shops. This week there’s a very meagre amount for us to choose from and this is something that hits us every now and again, this time around the single volume to choose from is:
Next week doesn’t look much better either…
The British Film Insensitive is a well known and well respected institution that is constantly on the lookout to air new and interesting films from the world to the normal people of the UK.
As if to honour their promise they will be hosting an Anime Weekend this May, from the 21-23rd May this year and will be airing a number of different and interesting films listed below.
Chocolate Underground
Based on the hit book Bootleg by British author Alex Shearer. The Good for You Party has won the election by promising health and happiness for all, but now they are in power they have announced the Prohibition law and chocolate, sweets and all things sugary are now illegal! Two boys, Huntley and Smudger, along with some friends, won’t accept this new law and, although it means risking capture by the robot enforcers and imprisonment, they begin to bootleg chocolate.
When: Sunday 23rd May 2010
Time: 1810
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone
Shinki Ikari is called for by his estranged father at the opening of this film and as he wanders around his town, which has been shut down due to an emergency announcement, he is caught in a crossfire between the United Nations and the fourth Angel. Rescued by one of the UN team, he is brought to the Tokyo-3 and NERV HQ where he is pressurised into becoming a pilot. His life is never the same again.
When: Friday 21st May 2010
Time: 1830
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
Evangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance
Shinji Ikari is now a pilot and a new EVA pilot is on the loose and is trying to destroy third Angel. Shinki and Gendo who are grief strike at the time later reveals this information to them whilst the world as they know it seems to be under attack constantly. Human understanding changes significantly towards the end of the film due to Shinji’s efforts…
When: Friday 21st May 2010
Time: 2045
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva
Layton receives a record in the mail from a famed opera singer, Jenis Quatlane. Layton remind Luke of their adventure with her, and the flashback begins. After the events of Professor Layton and the Specter’s Flute, Layton receives a letter from a former student of his, Jenis Quatlane. Jenis writes that she is performing at an opera house called the Crown Petone, and there have been many strange things happening. ~ Wikipedia
When: Sunday 23rd May 2010
Time: 2010
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
Stormy Night
A goat named Mei wanders into a barn during the night for shelter from a storm. In the barn, the goat finds another refugee. The two can neither see nor smell each other, yet huddled together fending off the cold, they begin to talk and eventually develop a friendship. They decide to meet at a later time using the password “one stormy night”. The next day, when the two meet, Mei learns that his companion from the night before was a wolf named Gabu. Despite the fact that the two are naturally supposed to be enemies, they share a bond and begin meeting regularly. However, Mei’s flock and Gabu’s pack eventually find out about this and forbid their friendship. Mei and Gabu, hoping to preserve their friendship, cross a river during a storm, hoping to find an “emerald forest” free from persecution for their friendship. ~ WikipediaWhen: Saturday 22nd May 2010
Time: 1500
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
Welcome to the Space Show
The epic adventure about five children’s summer vacation and the events and adventures that they find themselves on along the way.
When: Saturday 22nd May 2010
Time: 1730
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XT
Book here.
For full information, check out the BFI’s website here.
It’s recently been confirmed that at the Leeds Young People Film Festival that the following two anime’s will be showing in April:
Chocolate Underground
When: Saturday 3rd April
Time: 1900
Where: Hyde Park Picture House
Price: Under 19 – £2.50, Over 19 – £4.50, Over 19 with an under 19 – £3.50
The Sky Crawlers
From one of the most acclaimed manga filmmakers of all time comes Sky Crawlers, a story set in an alternative history where the world is at peace and realistic dogfights are staged to appease an aggressive population. Genetically designed Kildren are created to be the fighter pilots in these displays, never ageing until shot down in air battles. When his beautiful commander is reluctant to discuss what happened to his predecessor, new pilot Yuichi becomes determined to find the secret behind the Kildren and the battles.
When: Sunday 4th April
Time: 1900
Where: Hyde Park Picture House
Price: Under 19 – £2.50, Over 19 – £4.50, Over 19 with an under 19 – £3.50
This is great news as both are brilliant films and the second one is due out very shortly in the UK.
To book tickets and for more information, visit the Leeds Young People Film Festival’s website here.
Via Anime UK News
Sci-Fi-London frequently run a little event called the Anime All-Nighter. Each time the shows that are aired are different and this time around they’ve been confirmed as:
This is not a guarantee though as Sci-Fi-London have stated that the running order is subject to change and it’s not unusual for additions to be made last minute.
Running in conjunction with Manga Entertainment, this event is sure to be booked up very early on so make sure you check out Sci-Fi-London’s official website here.
Source: Sci-Fi-London forums via UK Anime Network
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 ReleaseRelease: 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
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:
So that’s a lot of great anime available for everyone to buy through all good retailers today.
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: 1800Howl’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: 1800Tokyo 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: 1800The 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: 1800Cowboy 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: 1800The 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: 1800Our 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: 18005cm 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:
Their full programme is available in PDF format here. Their Facebook page is available, here.
Is it really time to freeze time?
Update:
SFL have updated their site with one more title: Eureka Seven – Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers. For more information see the very last film description.
Sci-Fi-London have recently announced their new line up for the Sci-Fi-London Oktoberfest.
This well known and interesting anime all-night event starts at about 2230 with the DJ’s in the bar and the MANGAWALL for everyone to attack with their mark. Lots of goody-bags and Redbull will be on hand everywhere.
The animes that will be featured this time around are:
King of Thorn
“During the pandemic outbreak of the mysterious Medusa virus, Kasumi and her twin sister Shizuku become infected. They are separated when Kasumi is chosen to be one of a select group of 160 people to be placed in cryogenic suspension until a cure can be found.After an indeterminate amount of time Kasumi awakens from her deep-freeze hibernation, only to discover that she and a handful of other survivors are in a desolate and treacherous world populated by vicious creatures.
Although Kasumi wants to learn the fate of her twin sister, she and the other survivors want to unravel much larger mystery of what happened while they were sleeping, and if, and how, they are going to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.”
The Sky Crawlers
“Although most of us seem to be living the lives of eternal adolescents it is a lifestyle choice of our own and not one forced upon us like the Kildren in this film.Set in an alternate history where the world is at peace, but in order to ease the tension of those accustomed to war and aggression, private corporations contract fighter pilots to stage combat operations against each other for show.
The Kildren are genetically designed humanoids who have the blessing/curse of eternal youth but are also conscious that every day could be the last, because they have to take part in the staged battles. Rather than being typical maudlin teenagers, they embrace the reality of their situation and live their day-to-day lives to the full.
Directed by GHOST IN THE SHELL maestro, Mamoru Oshii, from the manga of the same name.”
Time of Eve
“It’s the near future and androids are in common usage. One day Rikuo, who has taken robots for granted all his life, discovers that Sammy, his home android, has been acting independently and coming and going on her own.He finds a strange phrase recorded in her activity log, “Are you enjoying the Time of Eve?” He, along with his friend Masaki, traces Sammy’s movements and finds an unusual cafe, “The Time of Eve”. Nagi, the waitress, informs them that the cafe’s main rule is to not discriminate between humans and androids.
Within the cafe androids do not display their status rings, and, when patrons depart, the door is automatically locked for two minutes to prevent anyone from following them to discover their true nature.
There are plenty of references to Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics to keep it interesting.”
Evangelion 1.0
“This is a rebuild of the hugely popular, Neon Genesis Evangelion series. Tokyo-3 is all that remains of Japan after the second impact. The city is being attacked by giant creatures called Angels that want to eradicate humankind.Shinji Ikari, who has not seen his father for more than eight years, receives a phone call in which he is told to urgently go to the NERV Headquarters, an organization that deals with the destruction of the Angels using giant mechs called Evas. Shinji’s objective is to pilot the Eva Unit 01, while teaming up with the Eva Unit 00 pilot, Ayanami Rei.”
Eureka Seven – Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers
“
Renton, son of scientists, and Eureka, a girl who can’t live under the sun, are raised together when very young and become very attached to each other.
One day, Eureka is taken away. Powerless at the time, Renton vows to rescue her. He enters the military and is soon assigned to the Independent Youths Unit 303 of the First Mobile Forces thanks to his exceptional performance alongside his Nirvash, a bio-mechanical armor/control system.
Unknown to Renton, lies a plot to extinguish the alien invasion that is currently happening. It involves not only him, but Eureka too.”
No actual date for this has been organised yet, but as soon as there has we’ll let you know. You can check their site out here.
Thanks to Manga UK for the tip.
From October 14th to the 29th, the 53rd London Film Festival hosted by The Times in London will screen hundreds of different films that many people may have missed in the past. Yesterday it was announced that a number of Live Action Japanese films based on anime shows will be shown this year, as part of the latest onslaught of major films to be shown in the UK.
The three films that will be:
Air Doll
“Kore-eda’s unexpected fantasy is both a charming love story and a fragile parable: an inflatable sex doll suddenly acquires a soul and starts to discover what ‘life’ really is.”Viewing:
Date: Sat 24 October
Time: 21:15
Screen: Vue Screen 9Date: Sun 25 October
Time: 13:45
Screen: Vue Screen 9More information on this can be found here.
Astro Boy
“The robot boy from Metro City gets a CGI makeover in this updating of the anime classic.”Viewing
Date: Sat 17 October
Time: 15:30
Screen: Vue Screen 5Date: Sat 17 October
Time: 15:45
Screen: Vue Screen 7More information can be found here.
Kamui
“Probably the best ninja movie ever made, Yoichi Sai’s adaptation from the legendary manga blends folk-tale, action fantasy and parable; with hot young star Kenichi Matsuyama as the hero.”Viewing:
Date: Thu 22 October
Time: 18:15
Screen: NFT2Date: Fri 23 October
Time: 16:00
Screen: NFT2More information can be found here.
This event is being funded by various different sources, but the principle funder is the National Lottery, who have funded many recent anime/Japanese film releases such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Blood The Last Vampire and The Curse of the Golden Flower.
For more information on the BFI, please click here.
