First, Lance went over a list of recent releases (release dates, specifically), and then went over some release details for upcoming titles, mostly information that's already known but with a few new tidbits. The first two seasons of Dragonball Z that were originally released by Geneon are targeted for a Q2 2005 release. The Dragonball GT movie is due on November 16. Fullmetal Alchemist is slated for a 16-disc release with three tins in which to store the DVDs. In addition to the tins for Fullmetal Alchemist, FUNimation is also attempting to get the rights to release figures and other such merchandise for that property.
Then it was trailer DVD time. First, a trailer for FMA (one which we've seen), followed by trailers for Sakura Taisen: Sumire (new trailer, and with the usual bad pronunciation of "Sakura"), Kiddy Grade, Tenchi Muyo! GXP, Spiral (new trailer, the highlight of which was Lance headbanging when OP song hit its high-energy points), another for FMA, Blue Gender: The Warrior, a volume-specific Yu Yu Hakusho trailer, Case Closed, and volume-specific trailers for Kiddy Grade and GXP. Next up were two trailers for new properties: Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki 3 (actually a clip from an episode followed by the OP sequence) and Burst Angel (a.k.a. Bakuretsu Tenshi, using a creditless OP sequence).
Time for the announcements! Just one: Baki the Grappler, which Lance did amusingly hint at as being leaked online earlier before he stated the title.
The rest of the panel was Q&A, with prizes (DVDs, Kiddy Grade hats, a full pack of the FMA and L'Arc-en-Ciel cards, etc.) being offered to those who were called on.
Fullmetal Alchemist:
The movie is indeed a possibility, but nothing could be said at this time. The Cartoon Network broadcast will be uncut, but digital painting to reduce blood and things of that sort might happen if CN thinks its necessary. FUNi is working to get as many of the Japanese extras as possible. Only the first OP sequence will be used for the CN broadcast, but all the correct OP and ED sequences will be present on the DVDs. The dub that was presented at Otakon is not the finished dub; there is still some rerecording and other minor work to be done. The price per DVD is $24.98 as is the standard for the majority of FUNi's DVDs.
Fruits Basket:
There will be empty boxes offered alongside the full box set for those who already own the discs. As far as ever seeing Fruits Basket on TV, FUNi has been going to various networks with no success thus far due to the genre (action shows are more popular with the networks), but hopefully things will change as time goes on.
Kiddy Grade:
A question was asked about the Kiddy Grade release, to which Lance responded with the comment that FUNi was just using what they were given by the Japanese. As far as merchandise, there are the upcoming resin figures and a T-shirt, with more merchandise on the way.
After the panel, I asked Lance about the Kiddy Grade volume 2 mono audio issue. He informed me that the problem had been fixed, and that a replacement program is forthcoming.
Misc.:
While the Case Closed DVDs will reflect the proper names in the subs and via alternate angles, the covers will not be reversable. Kodocha is on track for a summer 2005 release, with lots of extras. There is no new information on a new season of Spiral. Gunslinger Girl has entered production. FUNi has been approached by The Anime Network regarding the broadcast of FUNi shows, but Lance had no information to give out since he's not involved with that sort of TV-related business.
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