Felt like rockin’ eighties style today with this amazing trash metal rave version of “The A-team” theme song by The Zombie Kids.  With the new movie having bombed out completely in movie theaters last month, the least I can due is take the time to remind people that not all remakes have to turn out bad.  In fact, I guarantee that this particular remake will have even the most rhythm-less nerd nodding their head before the song is finished.

More Info:

• The Zombiekids (Myspace) 
• The A-team TV series(Amazon)

Adult Swim fans, rejoice!  The new series from F/X,  Archer, embraces all that’s great about Cartoon Network’s late night series of cult animation shows while simultaneously expanding upon proven formulas for riotous results.  Sporting a delightful array of hilariously dysfunctional characters and brimming over with deliciously crass dialogue that’s as politically incorrect as it is funny; Archer artfully skewers the spy genre for uproarious results.    

Starring H. Jon Benjamin as the titular secret agent, the series revolves around the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s worst spy agencies.  In a world where spy agencies are practically a dime-dozen, Archer maybe a secret agent in the employ of I.S.I.S, but he’s also a total dick with mommy issues.  It doesn’t help that the folks aiding him in operations aren’t much better at their jobs.  Whether it’s a problem with the slightly crazed secretary with the asphyxiation fetish blackmailing her coworkers or the agencies’ top tech guy creating another sex robot in his lab again instead of useful spy gadgets, it’s obvious that the folks who work at I.S.I.S. are their own worst enemy. 

Directed and written by Adam Reed, the gentleman behind shows like Sealab 2021 and Frisky Dingo, Archer is one of the best new animated comedies to be released in the past year.   Despite animation that is obviously low budget, the show is so hilarious; you’ll hardly notice the somewhat dubious quality of some episodes (or care for that matter).  Thankfully, F/X has chosen to renew this great series for another season, but the new episodes won’t be appearing until sometime in 2011. 

Bottom Line:

Archer is a funny show that excels at lampooning the spy genre through its ridiculously flawed characters and witty dialogue.  The animation is a little on the budget side with frequantly reused character models and sets, but you’ll be laughing so hard you won’t care.  I highly recommend this series to anyone who’s a fan of Adult Swim style shows and humor. 

Final Score: 5 out 5 stars

Reviewed By: LC1

Description: Archer: Season 1 available on Hulu and Netflix.  DVD/Blu-ray not available at this time.

In the lead up the release of Alan Wake for the Xbox 360, Microsoft has begun releasing a series of live-action webisodes designed to gin up interest for game that has lingered in development hell for years.  As dubious as I am of the overall quality of a game that has been delayed for so long, I can’t deny that I’m absolutely hooked on the live-action series.  In fact, I must admit that this particular promotion has worked so well on me that I will definitely be picking this title up when it hits stores on May 18th.  Score one for the advertisement folks over at Microsoft.

The series, titled Bright Falls, began airing a couple of weeks ago and is already up to episode three. Each episode is roughly ten minutes with a total of six episodes planned.  After just two episodes, I’m completely hooked and I’m hoping the folks behind the web series are paying attention to the number of folks out there that are already clamoring for it to be turned into a full fledged TV series.  Interested viewers can catch up on the series by going to the official Bright Falls website, Machinima’s Youtube channel or downloading it from Xbox Live using the Zune Media Player.

More Info:

• Bright Falls website
• Alan Wake wiki
• Alan Wake game (Amazon)

It’s been roughly seven months since I last heard anything meaningful concerning the adaptation of The Walking Dead comic book series into a TV series. I guess AMC just got a little sidetracked making shows about hard drinking 70′s ad execs and terminally ill meth dealers. It’s okay. I’m not mad. I mean, it’s not like I’ve been waiting anxiously for the opportuntiy to watch the zombie apocolypse play out in hour long chunks for my amusement or anything…

Anyway, judging by the slow trickle of announcements that have come out over the past few weeks, it seems that AMC has finally decided to get serious about this whole zombie thing that they’ve twiddling their thumbs over for the last seven months. First, they announced that they had chosen their first official cast member for the series. Sadly, it’s wasn’t really a major announcement since they just picked some dude named Jon Bernthal to play the main character’s best friend, Shane. Shane is really not that big of character in the comic series, but maybe the show’s Academy Award winning writer and director, Frank Darabont, has something different planned for him in the series.

About a week later, AMC announced they had ordered a total of six episodes of the series. This includes the original order for the series pilot as well as five additional episodes. The first episode isn’t even supposed to begin filming until June, so hopefully this is a good sign that AMC is feeling pretty confident that the series will be another success. Add in the fact that the zombie lovin’ folks over at KNB, who have provided the special effects for films like Land of the Dead in the past, will be doing all the F/X work for the show and it looks like The Walking Dead may be dressed to impress when it finally debuts in October.

*update*

It was announced yesterday that Andrew Lincoln has been chosen to play Rick Grimes, the main character for the series. I checked out his body of work and failed to come up with anything that I could recognize him in. Sadly, I guess I’ll have to wait until October to see if he has what it takes to play the zombie fighting Rick Grime. =T_T=

Sources:
The Walking Dead wiki
ICv2 Article12
Io9 article
Mark’s Horror & Suspense Blog

It’s been rumored to be in the works for awhile, but according to the email I received just a little while ago, PS3 owners can finally look foward to an end to all those lonely nights of crying themselves to sleep because they couldn’t watch Netflix on their console like those cool Xbox 360 kids next door. Yes, it’s true. Playstation owners will finally become apart of the in-crowd when they gain access to Netflix’s online streaming library of films and TV shows next month.

To view the full press release, hit the jump.

COMING SOON: NETFLIX MEMBERS CAN INSTANTLY WATCH MOVIES AND TV EPISODES STREAMED TO TVs VIA THE PLAYSTATION®3 COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM

With Movies Streamed Instantly from Netflix, Blu-ray/DVD Playback and Downloadable Videos via the PlayStation®Network, the PlayStation 3 System Offers The Industry’s Most Comprehensive Options for Watching Movies and TV Shows

FOSTER CITY and LOS GATOS, Calif., October 26, 2009 – Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) and Netflix, Inc. [Nasdaq: NFLX] today announced that they are joining forces to make thousands of movies and TV episodes from Netflix available to be streamed instantly to TVs via the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Netflix expects to begin streaming via the PS3 system next month at no additional cost to Netflix members in the United States who have a PS3 system.

Today’s announcement pairs two of the most popular and fastest growing home entertainment brands in the U.S. The PS3 system’s installed base has reached close to 9 million units in the United States, and Netflix recently reported 11.1 million U.S. subscribers as of September 30.

The partnership further solidifies the PS3 system as the most complete home entertainment hub on the market today, enabling consumers to play high-definition games, watch Blu-ray movies, listen to music, view photos, browse the Internet, and download content from PlayStation®Network − from exclusive games to blockbuster movies and popular TV shows. PS3 system owners will soon enjoy an unparalleled experience watching their favorite movies and TV shows streamed instantly from Netflix, downloading from the PlayStation Network or watching Blu-ray/DVD media. The Netflix offering expands on the entertainment experience delivered to PS3 system owners via PlayStation Network.

For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers via Netflix ready devices such as the PS3 system and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes.

“The PlayStation 3 system has always been about more than just gaming, and it will soon be the only platform in the industry to offer consumers such a variety of convenient options for enjoying movies and TV shows,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. “Whether you want to watch content on Blu-ray disc and DVD, download it from the PlayStation Network’s video delivery service, or stream videos instantly from Netflix, the PS3 system is the only solution that offers it all.”

“As instantly watching movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix becomes an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Netflix service, our goal is to rapidly expand the devices that stream to our members,” said Netflix CEO and co-founder Reed Hastings. “As a leading game console and Blu-ray disc player, bringing Netflix to the PS3 system is a real win for both Netflix members and PS3 system owners.”

Initially, watching movies instantly streamed from Netflix via the PS3 system will be enabled by a free, instant streaming Blu-ray disc that is being made available to all Netflix members. The free instant streaming disc leverages Blu-ray’s BD-Live™ technology to access the Internet and activate the Netflix user interface on the PS3 system, which must be online via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Netflix members simply slide the disc into their PS3 systems to reveal movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. These titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members’ personal preferences, popular genres, new arrivals and members’ individual instant Queues. Members can use the Netflix Web site or navigate directly on their PS3 systems to add movies and TV shows to their Queues. With the PS3 system’s Wireless Controller, members can choose a movie to watch from their instant Queues or just play directly from any of the lists. They also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream via the Wireless Controller.

Netflix members and PS3 system owners can now reserve a free instant streaming disc for PS3 systems by going to www.netflix.com/ps3. Upon availability, the instant streaming disc will be delivered for free by first-class mail, generally one business day after members request it.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game consoles, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and its digital services which include the PlayStation®Network and the PlayStation®Store.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one® game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, and the PlayStation 3 and PSP systems for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

About Netflix, Inc.

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world’s largest online movie rental service, with more than more than 11 million subscribers. For only $8.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streamed to their TVs and computers and can receive unlimited DVDs delivered quickly to their homes. There are never any due dates or late fees. Netflix members can exchange DVDs as often as they want using a postage-paid return envelope. Members can choose from a vast selection of DVD titles and a growing library of movies and TV episodes that can be watched instantly. Netflix is partnering with leaders in consumer electronics to bring to market a range of devices that can instantly stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix directly to members’ TVs. These devices currently include Blu-ray disc players and new Internet TVs from LG Electronics; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung and Best Buy’s Insignia brand; the Roku digital video player; Microsoft’s Xbox 360 game console; TiVo digital video recorders; and, soon, the PS3 system and Internet TVs from Sony and VIZIO.

According to an article posted on ICv2 this morning, AMC has purchased the rights to make a TV series based on the zombie comic book series, The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman. The series, which follows the day to day struggles of a small band of everyday people trying to stay alive in the wake of a zombie apocalypse, would be written, directed and produced by three time oscar winner, Frank Darabont.

No word yet on when casting or production will begin, but it’s safe to assume that zombie nerds like my wife and I are suitably stoked to see this project come to fruition. Despite the pedigree of the individuals involved in the project so far, I still have deep reservations concerning AMC’s potential handling of the dark, violent and extremely gory content that is prevalent through out the series.

To read the full article, please head over to ICv2.

Just got a press release from Nozomi Entertainment (a.k.a. The Right Stuf) stating that they will be blessing us lowly otaku with even more ARIA sometime next year. They also announced that they plan to release both seasons one and two of Junjo Romantica as well as season one of Antique Bakery.

Although I’m quite pleased that the final season of ARIA will be seeing a stateside release next year, I’m a little disappointed that an HD option isn’t available. As for the two yaoi releases on the list, I’ve seen a few fansub episodes of Junjo Romantica to date. While the sight of two chicks with penises men holding each other close while pink flowers float around them isn’t really my thing, my wife and I found it charming enough that I’ll probably end up renting it from Netflix when it’s released. As for Antique Bakery, well I don’t know anything about it, but I’m sure there’s quite a few lewd jokes out there that could be made involving bread and gay sex. Since I run a classy website here, I’ll refrain from making such jokes and allow you to come up with some of your own.

Hit the jump to read the full press release complete with descriptions of all three series as well as release dates for several previously announced items.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Alison L. Roberts, Marketing & Public Relations Manager
p: 515-986-1028, ext. 7229 | e: alisonr@rightstuf.com

RIGHT STUF & NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announce
JUNJO ROMANTICA, ANTIQUE (Antique Bakery), and
ARIA: The ORIGINATION + The OVA ~ARIETTA~
Anime Expo 2009: New license and project announcements

GRIMES, IA, July 6, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and its Nozomi Entertainment division kicked off Anime Expo 2009 by making several announcements during its July 2nd panel. Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner revealed the acquisitions of the anime adaptations of JUNJO ROMANTICA and ANTIQUE BAKERY, plans for the release of the third season and OVA of the ARIA series, and additional details about the future releases for several previously announced projects including RENTAL MAGICA and the fourth season of MARIA WATCHES OVER US.

JUNJO ROMANTICA

Right Stuf, Nozomi Entertainment and Kadokawa Pictures USA announced the license for the first and second seasons of JUNJO ROMANTICA, as well as plans to release the series on DVD in two “season box sets” – with Japanese audio and English-language subtitles – during 2010.

The romantic comedy is a 24-episode anime adaptation of Shungiku Nakamura’s ongoing boys’ love manga and features direction by Chiaki Kon (When They Cry – Higurashi, Nodame Cantabile: Paris) and animation by Studio DEEN (Gravitation, Kyo Kara Maoh!). The Junjo Romantica manga is published in North America by TOKYOPOP.

Misaki is struggling to prepare for his upcoming college entrance exams, so his older brother, Takahiro, arranges for his friend – the best-selling novelist Akihiko Usami – to be Misaki’s private tutor.

However, when Misaki visits the famed author’s home, he’s shocked: In addition to the critically acclaimed books, Usami also writes boys’ love novels with lead characters that bear a striking resemblance to himself and Takahiro! Misaki’s angry – and pretty freaked out – but his nightmare is just beginning when Usami wakes up in a bad mood and comes on to him! With a tutor like that, how will Misaki ever manage to pass his exam? And why does he feel so mysteriously drawn to Usami?

It’s just the first of three intertwining love stories…

Visit romantica.rightstuf.com for more information about the Junjo Romantica anime and to view the series trailer.

ANTIQUE (a.k.a ANTIQUE BAKERY)

Right Stuf and Nozomi announced its license for the anime adaptation of ANTIQUE BAKERY, also known as “Seiyo Kotto Yogashi Ten -Antique – ” or simply “Antique.” The 12-episode series is currently scheduled for release in 2010, as a single DVD box set with Japanese audio and English-language subtitles.

Based on the manga by Fumi Yoshinaga, the series aired as part of Fuji TV’s popular noitaminA animation block – home to series including Honey and Clover, Paradise Kiss, Moyashimon (Tales of Agriculture) and Nodame Cantabile. It features animation by Nippon Animation (The Wallflower, Fantastic Children, Library War) and Shirogumi, Inc. (Moyashimon) and opening and closing music by the band Chemistry.

The original manga received the Kodansha Manga Award for shoujo manga in 2002 and also served as the inspiration for a live-action Japanese television drama and a recent live-action Korean film adaptation that drew approximately 1 million moviegoers during the first 15 days of its release in 2008. The Antique Bakery manga is published in North America by Digital Manga Publishing and was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2007.

As Keiichiro Tachibana abandons his ordinary office job to open a bakery, he envisions a workplace inhabited by a cute (female) wait staff and a predominantly feminine clientele. Instead, his employees include a former classmate whose standing as a gifted pastry chef is almost eclipsed by his reputation as a gay man of irresistible charm, a former boxer with an insatiable sweet tooth, and his childhood friend and sometime bodyguard. Each day brings with it new customers and complications, but at the bakery “Antique,” this unlikely quartet of handsome men may just have the recipe for culinary success!

Visit antique.rightstuf.com for more information about the anime series.

ARIA The ORIGINATION + The OVA ~ARIETTA~
ARIA Lithographs

Kleckner also confirmed Right Stuf and Nozomi’s license for ARIA The ORIGINATION. This third and final season of the ARIA anime series will be released in a DVD box set, along with The OVA ~ARIETTA~, in 2010.

For the 2009 holiday season, the anime publisher also has plans to release lithographs featuring artwork from ARIA The ANIMATION and ARIA The NATURAL. Each limited-edition and numbered print will be priced at $49.99 and include a certificate of authenticity. The release schedule for the prints will be determined by a “fan vote” that is scheduled to take place in July 2009.

Visit aria.rightstuf.com for more information about the ARIA anime, its DVD releases and its products.

Additional Release Dates and Info for
RENTAL MAGICA – Part 1, MARIA WATCHES OVER US and More

Finally, Kleckner revealed release dates and additional details for several ongoing and upcoming series:

- The Irresponsible Captain Tylor OVA Series Remastered DVD Collection is scheduled for July 28, 2009, and the value-priced His and Her Circumstances (Kare Kano) DVD Collection is scheduled for August 25, 2009. A trio of releases helmed by legendary anime creator Osamu Tezuka – Astro Boy DVD Mini Set 1, Astro Boy DVD Mini Set 2, and Kimba: The White Lion DVD Mini Set 1 – will be available on October 6, 2009. And a value-priced DVD set featuring the Boogiepop Phantom animated TV series and its live-action prequel film Boogiepop and Others will arrive just in time for Halloween on October 27, 2009.

- RENTAL MAGICA DVD Collection 1, the first of two planned box sets for the 24-episode series, is scheduled for November 2009. As previously announced, the set will offer fans the option of viewing the show in both “broadcast order,” as it aired on Japanese TV (and appeared on the Japanese DVD release), or “chronological order,” according to the timeline presented in the novels that served as the anime series’ inspiration. Additionally, each box set will include a book that features well over 100 pages of background information about the series and its mythology.

Visit rentalmagica.rightstuf.com for more information about Rental Magica, to view the trailer and to pre-order the first box set.

- The MARIA WATCHES OVER US (Maria-sama ga Miteru) – Season 4 DVD Collection is currently scheduled for 2010.

- And in addition to producing shirts and apparel with art from licensed properties, Nozomi has plans to continue its line of original designs (Sounds of the Samurai, Ninja Crossing and Crane Inspiration).

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (“anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us, ARIA and Gakuen Alice, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.

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]]> http://www.otakugaijin.com/news/nozomi-announces-more-aria-and-some-other-gay-stuff/feed/ 2 http://www.otakugaijin.com/film/full-review-futurama-into-the-wild-green-yonder-5-stars/ http://www.otakugaijin.com/film/full-review-futurama-into-the-wild-green-yonder-5-stars/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:44:15 +0000 Laughncat 1 http://www.otakugaijin.com/?p=109

Alas, saying goodbye is so hard to do sometimes. Although I’m grateful that Futurama finally got the send off it deserved, I’m quite bitter that it had to end at all. Still, I guess I should be glad that the crew of Planet Express got the chance to go out at the top of their game, rather then devolving into mediocre dreck like Family Guy and The Simpsons.

The movie begins with the crew spending time with the Wong family on Mars, playing golf and destroying the natural wildlife to make way for new shopping malls. Eventually, they encounter a group of eco-feminists who demand that the Wongs cease their senseless destruction of Mar’s natural habitat and eventually, through a series of misadventures, Leela and Amy end up joining them. In the meantime, Bender get’s in trouble with the Don Bot and Fry gains the ability to read minds. Amazingly, this only covers the first thirty minutes of the film and only a portion of the plot.

Although there’s a ton of stuff going on in the film, everything is paced very well. Unlike Bender’s Big Score which dragged on interminably or the disjointed topsy-turvyness of Bender’s Game, everything plays out slowly with all the disparate threads continuously building towards the movie’s final climax. I won’t spoil it for you, but I was very happy that one of the longest running issues in the series was FINALLY dealt with. Unfortunately, it also made the ending all the more bittersweet.

As with the series and the last three films, the animation and sound was top notch. Other then disgust at the crappy paper packaging that the film comes in, I don’t have any complaints at all with this release. Shocking, I know. =^_^;;=

Bottom Line:
If your fan of the show, I can’t think of any reason not to run out and buy this movie as quickly as your weak nerdy legs can carry you.

Final Score: 5 out 5 stars
Reviewed by: Laughncat 1
Review Format: DVD

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