PETER PAN
© Buena Vista
We can fly!
By: Brain ThomasDate: Monday, March 05, 2007
How popular is Japanese anime? The Japanese Motion Picture Society just released a list of the top ten Japanese films at the box office for 2006, and four of those films were anime - Studio Ghibli's Tales From Earthsea was number one, followed by Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (at number 7), Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (number 8), and Detective Conan (Case Closed): The Private Eyes' Requiem (number 10). In addition, Death Note: The Last Name, the second live action film based on the manga and anime TV series, checked in at number 5.
This really isn’t that surprising, given what we know about the popularity of cartoon art in general in Japan. What is surprising is that things aren’t that different in the USA. Our domestic top ten for 2006 contains three animated features (Over the Hedge came in at number 11), and of the remaining films, two were based on comic-books and two were from franchises (007 and Pirates of the Caribbean) that might as well be. There are eleven animated features in the top 100, which explains why there were that many animated features even released – as recently as a few years ago, an animated theatrical feature was treated as some sort of special event. Last year, I found it unusual if there weren’t any playing.
This is either more evidence that animation has became more popular, or that entertainment has become more global. I’m guessing both.
SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
One of Walt Disney’s best loved animated classics makes its long awaited DVD debuuuuu- what? It’s been on DVD twice before? Oh, well this is the first “Platinum” special edition. The cynical among you may say this release is timed to promote the upcoming DTV Tinker Bell movie. Others may say it’s great to have it for whatever reason.
(O) PETER PAN (Buena Vista) 1953 feature adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s story about three children who encounter a fairy prince and follow him to an island full of adventure. 2-disc special “platinum” edition includes interactive games and activities, deleted songs, alternate opening, interview and more.
NEW DVD RELEASES
Here’s a rundown of the constant stream of anime comin’ at ya on DVD from around the world: GUYVER: THE BIOBOOSTED ARMOR Volume 3: Lost Number Commandos © ADV UFO ULTRAMAIDEN VALKYRIE 2.3: Toast That Ghost © ADV
(O) CARE BEARS: Friends Forever (Lionsgate) Forever Bears? Forever is a very long time. Six episodes.
(O) FOSTER’S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS Complete Season One (Warner Bros.) From the creator of Powerpuff Girls. A boy os forced to give up his imaginary friend, but makes a deal to keep him from being adopted by another kid. All 13 episodes on two discs, plus commentraks and unseen footage.
(O) FULL METAL PANIC: THE SECOND RAID Volume 3 (Funimation) Kaname is left alone when Souske disappears from class, and this time he seems to be gone for good. Meanwhile, civil war looms around the corner as a rogue AS decimates entire city blocks in Hong Kong. The SRT searches the fractured city for clues as to the origin of this new threat, while Sousuke rushes to master his nerve and the Arbalest both. Includes commentraks and behind-the-scenes.
(O) GAKUEN HEAVEN Volume 1: For the Love of Boys (Media Blasters) Shonen-ai romance. Ito Keita has one thing in his favor: luck! And luck has just landed him a special invitation to attend the Bell Liberty Academy for Boys, and exclusive High School only for the most privileged, the most talented, and the most beautiful. When a strange accident on move in day attracts the attention of Niwa Tetsuya, the student body president, and Saiyonji Kaoru, the class secretary, Ito finds himself the center of attention. With the eyes of a whole school of pretty boys on him, where will Ito find the time to unravel the mystery of his mysterious invitation?
(O) GUN SWORD Volume 6: Lost Prayers (Geneon) As the countdown to The Claw's launch of the catastrophic "Time of Happiness" project draws ever closer, the deadliest "Original Seven" member, Fasalina, makes her move against Van and his allies. Thrown off by her bizarre and unorthodox attack, Van incurs major damage to his Armor and is further crippled when Fasalina's comrade, Michael Garret, destroys his orbital repair satellite. Unable to mend his Armor, Van grows weaker, while Wendy goes off to secretly meet with The Claw!
(O) HELLO KITTY STUMP VILLAGE Volume 3 (Geneon) Hello Kitty and her friends make an air balloon and set off into the skies, where they find a castle floating in the clouds. They meet Little Twin Stars, Lala and Kiki, and everyone spends a wonderful time playing in the ocean of the sky along with a cluster of baby stars. Or so it seems – is there a sinister conspiracy lurking beneath those fluffy clouds.
(O) MIRACLE MAKER: THE STORY OF JESUS (Lionsgate) A claymation family is changed by a visit from Jesus.
(O) OZIE BOO! Volume 2: Learn to Live Together (Allumination) More of those darn CGanime penguins. Eight episodes.
(O) SOLTY REI Volume 2 (Funimation) Episodes 7-10. The Blast Fall demonstrated all too graphically how everything can change with no notice. Dark fades to light, and light becomes pitch black in an instant.
(O) SOUTH PARK Complete Ninth Season (Paramount) Fourteen episodes on three discs, plus “mini-commentaries” (I’m guessing these are introductory commentraks to each episode).
(O) SPEED GRAPHER Volume 6 (Funimation) Hope fails as Suitengu drags Kagura off for his final stand, the populace in panic and the government strangely silent. With the full story revealed at last, Saiga prepares to come face to face with his adversary on a far different field of battle. With documentary, outtakes and more. Limited edition includes 3 art cards and booklet.
(O) STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: Her Very First Adventures (Allumination)
(O) VEGGIE TALES: Moe and the Big Exit (Big Idea)
NOT ON DVD CORNER
We welcome the input of Maniacs who want to share input on this section, where we highlight a different genre feature that has yet to come to digital disc format – just send your suggestions to Anime Avalanche in an email identified with “NOT ON DVD” in the subject line.
(O) THE HERCULOIDS (Warner Bros.) WHV has yet to dip into the Hanna-Barbera library into their 1960s superhero shows, which is surprising considering the cult popularity of Harvey Birdman.This 1967-69 Saturday morning show, created by cartoonist Alex Toth, was a big favorite of mine and all 48 episodes (including 11 produced in 1981) would fit nicely in a box set. The ‘loids were led by Zandor, a kind of governor from an advanced civilization charged with protecting a prehistoric planet (and his family) from various alien invaders. To do this he employs a group of creatures with special abilities. There was also a Louisiana blues band named after the show in ’67! The Herculoids are a part of the line-up on the Boom Channel, but need to find a home on DVD.
And be sure to check back next week—and every week—for Mania’s Anime Avalanche! And check in every Tuesday for the latest DVD Shopping List!
Anime Avalanche (© 2007 Brian Thomas) is our weekly anime column. Brian Thomas is the author of the massive book VideoHound’s DRAGON: ASIAN ACTION & CULT FLICKS, available now!
Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at Anime Avalanche.
