Now that it’s done in Hong Kong… We now have one in Taiwan!
That’s what my little birdie told me after it showed me this link from Sunrise.
Tracing back to the Taiwan’s link, it’s said the Gundam Unicorn’s release is on 6th March 2010! Not only that they will be a massive nation-wide sales of Blue Ray/DVDs on the market for this 12 year-old franchise. It’s available in Mandarin languages as well. (Huh, go figure. :) )
According to the Taiwan’s site, they originally had plans for its advance screening, supposedly held on 26th Feb 2010. However, it’s been revised and extended till the first week of March so many Taiwanese fans will get the better spectacle of fun on that day such lucky draws to get into its promotional DVDs stand, special booking and toy collection, etc, etc
Is this for real? I couldn’t believe this! After waiting patiently for several weeks since the New Year’s, they’re not going to deliver this?!?
How on earth could New Zealand cinemas decide not to have nation-wide release of this film? I was so looking forward to its Australasia release.
BUT IT NEVER HAPPENED?!?
Why? Could it really be that bad when Imagi had it screened overseas that they had to turn it down? Because it wouldn’t produce enough considerable amount of profit for SkyCity and Hoyts cinemas? It’s just doomed to be super time-waster for cinema goers, as they thought it was?
This is definitely not that cool. And I was really hoping that things would have worked out.
After watching the previous trailers, I went on to uncover further scoop trailers on the cast and crew behind the production.
After reading this from offical Gundam Unicorn page, I went ahead and found the footage video of the voice cast interviews.
They’re certainly very energetic and enthusiastic young bunch! All looking hyped-up for the movie Spring release!
The Japanese UC Voice Cast Crew – Part 1
The Japanese UC Voice Cast Crew – Part 2
BTW, these footage videos are pretty old BTW, dated like back in August when I was away on Europe holidays. The interviews come into two parts. Each ran for about 5 – 6 minutes long. Why didn’t the author just record the entire thing into one stream… I have no idea. But that’s no longer relevant as long as they’re available to view online.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with any subtitles. You might as well enjoy the whole thing while you’re here. Maybe good for those who wish to brush up their Japanese language without the need of subtitles? ;-)
After rushing back from work yesterday, I went online to check out more Gundam Unicorn movie trailers since my last post.
And… Sure enough! Here they are. ^^
Ready to impress online crowd of Gundam aficionados all over the world!
First trailer is the promo on Gundam Unicorn, how the story has finally come to the final chapter after 30 years since Universal Century came into existence. Whilst the second trailer is more of a teaser trailer of some sort. Both of them come with the subtitles on, if you turn on their caption son the right side of the control panel.
A week so ago, Sunrise made a big announcement that they’re planning to bring Gundam Unicorn into the big screen at the world premiere in Hong Kong on 6th Feb 2010 (in three days time).
Several online (and offline) comic and manga publishers throughout the Asian region are keeping a keen eye on that, especially with helping out the ticket sales. Expecting that it’s going to be massive on the day of its worldwide release.
This is so fantastic! After watching the trailer (short version) below, I feel so looking forward to book a plane ticket to HK and stay there for overnight accommodation to just watch the film.
All that effort for 2 hour+ film! (Yeah I wish)
Crazy. I know. But at least, I won’t be only one who’s that excited to look into this!!!^^
Macross Frontier (MF) are at it again. Now with their new film that’s just been released a few weeks ago, according to this blog, it’s come to dazzle the audience with incredibly stunning cutting-edge animation, wide array of VF-fighter jets flying all over the cinematic screens with its impressive air dog-fight sequences and the mesmerizing story-telling elements by none other than Shoji Kawamori, our legendary Macross director, himself.
Lots of character casts were there for the glorious evening. Shoji Kawamori is amongst the crew.
Following this anime fan’s blog, the entire MF gang were there to enlighten the MF-crazed crowd. You can see them performing the PR stage from the beginning to the every end.
What’s interesting of this blog, as you scroll down the pages while skim reading, you are reading the translated script of the individual voice actors (and Shoji Kawamori) who presented their speeches in front of large audience. This way, you get the rough sense of what they were truly saying while the premier was going on.
It’s sure was a major hit for the crowd during that day!
As you slowly get to know the main voice actors of MF representing the film, there’s one particular (how should I say) star of the show really wowed the audience! And it’s this person’s cosplay as Ranka Lee.
And… IT’S NOT A GIRL!
I just dropped myself dead on the floor laughing hard out how hilarious this turns out to be!!! :)
Apparently, this ‘gentleman’ is a Japanese kickboxer who’s well known in the boxing community, hence he’s pretty butch. And he likes anime too. One of his obvious favourite category in anime is the cosplay. Looking at the above pictures, he’s certainly knows how to get in touch with his feminine side so acutely… :) (He’s also got his own personal blog, if you’re keen to find more about his secondary life as an otaku)
So there you have it folks. The MF movie premier for ya!
Not long ago, J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias), one of the executive producers/directors, are in talks with Hasbro making a live-action film based on the Microman series. Hasbro bought the license over the 70’s classic series as it was part of the company’s long term strategy which lead to its phenomenal debut of Transformers G1 in the 80s, thanks to Takara’s (blessed) efforts in expanding Microman product lines into this range of vehicle-transforming robots called Diaclone series.
After reading their article, I decided (with plenty of enthusiastic reasons) to go online and research further what made Microman such a hit in the late 70s….
And here’s what I encountered!
Microman series 1976-1980
From the look of this video, it consolidates all the great Microman commercial series, showcasing all the different models were made during that 4-5 year tenure. Here are some of them.
Microman Vintage Commercial – One
Microman Vintage Commercial – Two
Microman Vintage Commericial – Three
Later on, Takara,( its original company name before being rebranded as TakaraTomy) saw its Microman toylines’ potential to expand them, and eventually created an entirely new brand of toylines called the Diaclones, which are the shape-shifting miniatures that can disguise themselves into any toy vehicles ie cars, devices, airplanes, trucks etc.
Aka that’s how Transformers G1 series was born.
Here’s a couple of interesting early making of Transformers.
First Jazz Appearance
First Optimus Prime Appearance
First Dinobot Appearance
So, there you have it. Plenty of history going on here behind these vintage Japanese TV ads and how Transformers’ evolution gotten here.
Rest assured I’m certainly looking forward to watch Transformers G1’s predecessor in the big screen!!
Reading my news feed here, TV-adapted movie, Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, was announced the award winner of the 15th Asian Film Festival (AFF) in the best animation category in Lyon, France. Knowing that I was there in France on a long holiday, I’m familiar with the fact that sout-eastern parts of France are well-known for many film festival activities, be it cult or independent-related films. Cannes is a good example for its Cannes Film Festival. I never had the chance to travel down there while I was holidaying around the French Riveria. Our tour group were scheduled to stay there for two short days only.
Pity that…
Nevertheless, it was a great experience. I’m sure Lyon would be a great city to travel as well.
While browsing about it online, I found the festival video link that featured all Asian films and amongst one of them is a TV clip from the early episodes of the Evangelion.
Reading the latest news feeds from Animenewsnetwork.com, our favourite hero of the great anime classics is experience a ‘major’ fault with his rocket-powered legs which prevents him from skyrocketing at the top of the USA box office charts.
Astro Boy Movie
The US $65-million film by Imagi earned nearly US $18 million after remaining in the cinemas for almost four weeks now. It’s ranked from its 10th place to 13th last week. Think the American audience’s feedback was generally harsh with it? Don’t know. Hard to say. I heard sources from online reviews saying the film has several cliché themes were overused especially (spoilers!) in the middle and end. That could explain why it contributes to its drop. But I doubted it’s got anything to do with the plot’s weakness in telling its own unique story as compared to the original so one wouldn’t expect too much originality in its perfect form, even for the hardcore fans. It’s an adapted film after all.
Find out more info about its US Box office ranks and its comparison with other films.
