A quick run-down for people who don't want to go to the SFX forum.
Q: Could you ask if there are any plans to release another sampler any time soon like the Bento Box it would be great to see something similar from ADV.
A: At the moment we’re so busy working on our new titles for April, May, June and July, we haven’t really had time to stop and think about another one. Unfortunately it was a long process getting it made, mostly due to licensing issues, so doing a second one will be interesting to say the least. Nevertheless, I’m sure we’ll be thinking about it pretty soon.
Q: When will "Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo" come out on DVD (PAL Region 2)?
A: It has been out for quite some time in the US (NTSC region 1), but so far I haven't heard of any plans to release in the UK...
Well, here's the thing. Even though we've released a number of titles here in the UK that were released in the US by Geneon, such as Hellsing and Last Exile, we made our deals separately from them with the Japanese licensor Gonzo. Both ourselves and MVM showed interest in Monte Cristo, but I know that at the time, we were not in a position to win that particular license auction. If it is released in the U.K., chances are it will be through someone else - but you never know....
Q: Any plans of re-releasing any of your older titles on your recently established Classics Collection in the near/far future? I'm meaning older stuff that was on VHS years ago such as Street Fighter V and Shuntendoji?
A: In general we prefer to get new stuff onto UK shelves, since that's what sells, but I appreciate there are fans looking to complete their collections. Unfortunately, it may not happen for some. Street Fighter no. Shutendoji probably not.
Of course, a download library may change this....
Q: What’s the forthcoming ADV release that you’re most excited about?
A: New stuff: I'm still looking forward to This Ugly Yet Beautiful World out in March. As an SF/Action fan, I think Coyote Ragtime Show has some of the most gorgeous action sequences around, and that's out in April. Finally, the big two that have us all excited here are Le Chevalier D'Eon and Guyver: The Bioboosted Armour, out in May and June respectively.
Q: Also another quick pop in a similar vein regarding Blue Seed 2 as at one point it was going to come out (BBFC submission and all), but never materialised. Any plans, or on the backburner at the mo?
A: We had part manufactured that, and were considering a release in the autumn of 2005, but then VDC, the DVD & CD replicators, suffered a major disaster when their plant in Wembley burned to the ground. Since we lost what parts had been manufactured in that, we just decided to move on.
Q: Any plans for any cinema screenings soon? I was at the anime all-nighter last year which was a good night in all and was wondering if you intend to repeat or extend on that in the near future?
A: Yes to more screenings - already got two planned with the Barbican, possibly a premiere there as well. SciFiLondon and I are ironing out the details as we speak - I must say, if there isn't an ADV title in the selection, I'm not sure if I should be the one to present it, having presented the last couple - but I'll probably be there in the audience anyway.
--- We deliberately shied away from 18 rated material in 2004 and 2005, as we wanted to appeal to a wider and younger audience. However, the BBFC's generosity with Elfen Lied, Samurai Gun and Gantz, as well as sales, have made it worth lining up some more adult fare. Sorcerer Hunters in March will be followed by a Hellsing re-issue in April, Cosplay Complex in May - UNCUT - and Kekko Kamen in June - Uncut as mentioned earlier. A New Fist of the North Star collection will follow - something for all 18-rated tastes there.
Azumanga Daioh boxset is currently scheduled for October.
And please - if you like mecha, check out Jinki: Extend. It's a lot of fun, with pretty girls and an unusual setting in Venezuela, it has some nifty mech designs and fights, but also has a Tarantino-esque time structure that makes re-watching the 13 episodes really illuminating.
Q: Is there any official word on Sgt. Frog?
A: The official word on Sgt. Frog is - we have it, but release dates are somewhat dependant on the US, and since they've pushed back their release date, we won't be getting materials to work on until then. Suffice it to say, keep an eye out for it and all the stuff that comes with Keroro Gunso.
--- Whenever I get asked this at conventions and other events, my reply is always "what do you like to watch now?" Anime is a medium, within which you can find every genre you are familiar with from TV, books and comics, along with several others that will boggle your mind. If you like Luc Besson films, watch Noir and MADLAX. If you like Firefly & Serenity, watch Coyote Ragtime Show. If you like Guyver, the live-action movie, then watch the anime. If you liked Mark Dacascos in Crying Freeman, watch the original anime or read the manga. Basically, follow your tastes, and you'll find something to suit them.
Q: Sticking with the topic of preconceptions and differing performance by region, which of the shows passing through your office has surprised you most by its performance (good or bad)?
A: Back in 2003, Zone of the Enders performed better in the UK then it did in the US. I attribute this to the release of ZOE 2 for PS2 that year. Puni Puni Poemy kicked so much sales behind in 2005 it's just not funny - none of us saw that coming. Get Backers broke all sales patterns in all territories we study by bouncing back from a six month break between seasons to sell better than the first time around - unheard of in Japan, the US or Australia.
However, under-performers include: Pretear, Gravion, Divergence Eve, Mazinkaiser, Cutey Honey. The ones that broke my heart because I love them were Last Exile and Kino's Journey - wish more people had bought both.
Q: What is your opinion Hugh on fan dubs? Oh and DBZ fans should check out the fan made video of a live action DBZ battle, it is brilliant.
A: Not heard enough to comment as to quality. Obviously our company stance on unlicensed (and therefore illegal) activities are clear, and nothing I say here reflects in any way on our corporate stance. That said, the fact that people want to get into the voice-acting business so badly means you have to start somewhere, and from that point of view it's like playing the tennis racket in front of the mirror to a pop song - you do that until you learn how to do the real thing, at which point you have a choice: hobby or profession, and then you have to make up your mind.
