Here's the press release I found on their website. Very interesting move on their part and it really shows how they have had a longtime fan background.
===============
HOUSTON, April 1, 2007
A.D. Vision, Inc. purchases Internet portal sites 4chan.org and Animesuki.com. The move further increases their subscription base and is being hailed as the anime industry equivalent of the myspace.com purchase News Corp made in 2005.
A.D. Vision, Inc. will make minor content changes to both sites to bring them in line with corporate policies and to create synergy between content in the print publication Newtype USA, the ADV Films label, and the Anime Network. CEO John Ledford states, "What we seek to gain from this is a tenfold increase in our viewership. The 4chan site will be switched to a .com domain and will become the pre-eminent place for anime fans to hang out socially and to showcase their fanart. The Animesuki site will remain mostly a forum based site which we can offload Newtype USA, ADV Films, and Anime Network based discussion forums onto while maintaining the popular general anime discussions the site currently offers. The media download content of both sites will be switched to redirect to the ADV Films website podcasts and bittorrents download section. By making ADV Films content availble to 4chan and Animesuki subscribers we will be able to expose our online programming to a much wider audience and at the same time offer a place for anime fans to discuss our ADV Films DVD libray and our Anime Network programming."
A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network is America's #1 Anime Channel reaching more than 40 million households. It is the nation's top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (anime) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com
ADV Buys Animesuki website
-
dokidoki
- c0d3 m0nk3y
- Joined: Tue Dec 19, 2000 7:42 pm
- Status: BLEEP BLOOP!
- Location: doki doki space
- Contact:
Re: ADV Buys Animesuki website
omg ADV owns Cartoon Network as well? When did this happen? :Ooutlawed wrote:A.D. Vision, Inc. will make minor content changes to both sites to bring them in line with corporate policies and to create synergy between content in the print publication Newtype USA, the ADV Films label, and the cartoon Network.
-
outlawed
- Joined: Fri Jan 12, 2001 1:03 pm
- Location: Lost
Re: ADV Buys Animesuki website
dokidoki wrote:omg ADV owns Cartoon Network as well? When did this happen? :O
lmfao
-
Heero_Yuy84
- Joined: Mon Aug 12, 2002 12:47 pm
- Location: Fiery Pits of Hell, USA
- Contact:
-
Jebadia
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2001 8:54 pm
- Location: Parkersburg, WV
- Contact:
Indeed, buying 4chan would be catastrophic for ADV. The legions would raid like they've never raided before.Heero_Yuy84 wrote:This almost worked...
...then I saw the part about ADV buying 4chan and remembered what day it was.
The first part, while ridiculous, there is a bit of logic to...but ANY company showing interest in buying 4chan was a smoking gun that it was a prank
"If you believe in yourself, eat all your school, stay on milk, drink your teeth, don't do sleep, and get your eight hours of drugs, you can get WORK!"
Paperskunk:...PENIS!!!!!!!!! GIANT PENIS!!!!!!!!!! ERMAC WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!!!!!! GIANT JUICY PENIS!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH MY EYES!!!!!!
Paperskunk:...PENIS!!!!!!!!! GIANT PENIS!!!!!!!!!! ERMAC WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!!!!!!!! GIANT JUICY PENIS!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH MY EYES!!!!!!
-
freddy12354
- Joined: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:03 pm
- Location: Soroe, Denmark
-
JaddziaDax
- Crazy Cat Lady!
- Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2004 6:25 am
- Status: I has a TRU Arceus
- Location: somewhere i think O.o
- Contact:
-
outlawed
- Joined: Fri Jan 12, 2001 1:03 pm
- Location: Lost
For historical purposes =p
======================================================================
1999 - Posted to AAFSML and TAFMAL
======================================================================
While perusing the ADV website I came across this press release.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Austin, Texas., 04/01/99---A.D.V. Films announced today they have signed a five year licensing agreement with industry leader Sony Entertainment for distribution rights in North America for SPE Visual Works' Rurouni Kenshin. Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese Animation TV Series. Japanese Animation, or "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Unlike the United States, where animation is mainly produced for and watched by children, in Japan, Anime is created for audiences of all ages, and in just about every genre imaginable: SF, Fantasy, Horror, Action-Adventure, Comedy, Sports, and Martial Arts.
A.D.V. Films P.R. Representative Rod Petrs says, "The decision to license Rurouni Kenshin was ultimately made from our unique relationship with anime fans in the United States. After seeing the effort that fan groups put into making their own subtitled versions of Kenshin and their resulting popularity we knew that Kenshin was a winner." Petrs noted that A.D.V. was particularly impressed with the work of fans who went by the pseudoname of Hecto. "These guys were by far the closest to our philosophy. They didn't just look at translating as something to bridge the language and cultural gap. They realized that it was the duty of the translator to take liberties to make sure the show would be more enjoyable to an American audience. After all, its our duty to make this show into what is was meant to be. God forbid we try and understand or relay what the Japanese creators wanted or make it seem like this thing is even Japanese."
Due to licensing restrictions placed upon the contract by Sony Entertainment, the name of Rurouni Kenshin will be Samurai X which is the title a previous English language version had been titled.
A.D.V. Films has also announced that they will be making further name changes as well as creative changes to Samurai X. Sanosuke the gangster will now be known simply as G. The kanji which resides on his back will be referred to as the symbol for badass. A.D.V. Films has announced these changes because in the words of Petrs they will make the show "cooler". Petrs has also stated that they will be adding new animation only available for the North American release. "Honestly, we just couldn't understand why Kaoru never took that damn dojo outfit off. I mean c'mon where's the T&A? Isn't that what anime is all about?"
There exist many other changes as well which are all for the good of American fans according to Petrs. Kenshin's succession technique will know be known as bum rush because "that darn Amakakeku Ryu no whatever is too hard to pronounce".
A.D.V. founder John Ledford says that Samurai X may be renamed Samurai XXX to better fit the A.D.V. Films image. Ledford says that regardless of any name changes Samurai X will definitely "open a can of whup ass" in North America this December.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================================================
2000 - Posted to AAFSML, TAFMAL, and other places I cannot recall
======================================================================
I came across this press release while perusing the ADV webpage so I thought I'd share it:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films will begin releasing the entire catalog of Japanese Animation, or "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for the nation of Japan. As an added feather in the ADV Films cap, industry insiders say that ADV beat out some pretty heavy competition for the distribution rights. "Let's just say we were proud of the outcome, no matter who we were up against," John Ledford, President of ADV FILMS, said.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have increased and easier access to hundreds of titles.
Three episodes per tape, priced for sell-through, and new tapes timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially very impressive economic monopoly.
ADV FILMS representatives stated that the company had the goal of crushing all their opposition from the very beginning.
"Let there be no doubt that we will take on all comers. And put them in their place," said Ray Petersen, a marketing representative of ADV FILMS. "We have the talent and the know-how. And frankly anyone who ever thought they were going to get to license anything good after the beginning of this year seriously needs to have their head examined. So let it be known now that it is official. We have everything."
ADV FILMS is committed to releasing the highest quality Japanese animation as soon as possible. "ADV FILMS has always believed in supplying the consumer with what they want as soon as possible. And we are willing to make those sacrifices in translations and quality control so that this can be achieved. Just look to our shinning efforts with the minor glitches on our Queen Emeraldas DVD and our inconsistent translations, especially with regards to character's names. Hell, I bet hardly anyone noticed that error in Sakura Wars where we listed the last name on the grave of Sakura's father as Shinguchi despite the fact that we knew Sakura's last name is Shinguuji and the gravestone in fact says Shinguuji. However, we understand it is important to sacrifice things like this so the American audience can get what they want as soon as possible. Heaven forbid the subtitled translation is a quality job or representative of what the characters are trying to portray. It's our responsibility to take liberties so that the American audience will enjoy the presentation more," said Petersen.
There had been plans for this distribution acquisition for some time. In fact several months ago ADV ran an ad in NEWTYPE, an animation magazine in Japan, informing the Japanese that ADV FILMS had ".com for you".
"We believe they got the message. And now so will you, the American consumer. It is for exactly these reasons that from the beginning we have aggressively pursued licensing all distribution rights from Japan," said Petersen.
With its new acquisitions ADV FILMS will be restructuring its internal development on existing projects. "We have a bold vision for 4th Quarter. With our new acquisition of all animation from Japan we were lucky enough to find one title that stands out above all the rest. There is one title that is the embodiment of our goals and plans. We plan to push back existing fourth quarter projects so that we may focus on what will be the key to economic goals for 2000. That is why we are proud to announce today that the cornerstone of ADV FILMS starting in the 4th Quarter of 2000 will be G Gundam. With such a spellbinding tale of Domon Kashu and his giant robot, Shining Gundam, anime fans across the country will be brought to tears. This show features incredible opponents such as Michaelo Chariot and Chimodey Crockett. And then there is the incredible robot's of Domon's opponents such as Gundam MacStar, Tequila Gundam, and Lumber Gundam. Domon's entrance to his robot, Shining Gundam is without question the bomb. He snaps his fingers and then rides a transport like a surfboard into the back of Shining Gundam. With such a hip character and marketable robots we knew this would be the show to propel us to the top by broadcasting our entertainment to Generations X, Y, and Z," said Petersen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess all we have to do now is check the calendar and we'll know when to expect the next Gundam release.
======================================================================
2000 - Posted to AMV ML
======================================================================
I have the following system for sale:
Dual Z80 with Pentium3 500 MhZ on the side (1 Z80 manages the AGP bus and the other manages peripherals.....this helps eliminate unneccesary cpu cycles that would otherwise slow down the pentium3.)
18k L2 Cache (SRAM on the board)
MCA Fibrechannel Raid controller with 1 terabyte drive array
AGP Matrox G400
EISA SMC Token Ring adapter
Miro DC20
20" CGA monitor
82 Key keyboard
Note: This system is a real keeper and was custom built specifically for making butt-kickin' videos. The only reason I'm willing to part with it is because I can only sell plasma so many times a month to keep food on the table. You will have to supply your own ram unless you want to buy my special add-on board I have (took a lot of time to make). My add-on board has 512 MB of ECC Ram which is composed of 1 megabyte 70ns ram chips. Together they form a memory stack (by manually implementing the stack myself I have managed to avoid a lot of those stack overflow errors caused by shoddy programming).
As a bonus I'll give away the real secret to this system's processing power. By foregoing the power supply and hooking up the 3 cpu's directly to line voltage you are able to supply a constant flow of rich chunky volts. As we all know more volts means more power and this will push the processing power up to around 5 GHz. At least for a little bit until you are contacted by your local utility company and the authorities.
Price for the computer $1500 O.B.O. (shipping free)
Price for the addon board is $50. (non-negotiable) (Measures 72"x72" shipping is $150)
Prices valid for TODAY ONLY. Enjoy and DO NOT try to make one of these yourselves. If you are not familiar with computers and/or computer jargon I would highly suggest ignoring this sale.
BTW: This will boot Unicos
======================================================================
2001 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
For Immediate Release
April 1st, 2001
Cypress, CA – Bandai Entertainment announces acquisition of Love Hina, the hit Japanese Animation romance-comedy television series for home video release. Love Hina is the touching and hilarious story of Keitarou Urashima, who made a promise to attend Tokyo University with a childhood friend but 15 years later when he is the manager at Hinata Sou (an all-girls dormitory) and preparing to enter Tokyo University he can no longer remember her name. Will Keitarou be able to fulfill his promise and meet his true love at Tokyo University or will he fall for a new love at Hinata Sou? That is if he can survive the wild parties and hijinks that the residents of Hinata Sou will put him through.
Bandai Entertainment is definitely, “Leading the Digital Revolution” and is expanding its media products into new areas of television and theatre. Inquiries from major Hollywood and Television studios, who have become increasingly concerned over the future of their businesses as the potential of a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike becomes more real each day, have been working with Bandai Entertainment to secure new media for the Fall television and movie season. Love Hina will be an integral part of Bandai Entertainment's success in the next fiscal year as plans for the show to air on the WB Television network have already been finished with further titles from Bandai Entertainment's large library to follow for licensing by other Movie studios and television networks.
Love Hina will receive a tremendous amount of special attention for its airing on the WB Television network and already the network executives are calling the show, the "Friends" for their network. Plans call for the show to air in the WB's main primetime lineup with the hit show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Efforts are also underway to bring Love Hina up to the high programming standards of the WB Television network by returning to the roots of the comic book that the show was based upon and pushing even more beyond its wild sense of humor. Extra animation will be added to the show to make it more realistic during the hot springs sequences. This special treatment which will only be available on the WB Television series run will culminate during a special episode entitled "Hot Springs Menage a Trois." Depending on the show's success there may be further plans for a pay-per-view special to be produced by WB Television as well entitled "A Long, Hard night in Hinata Sou."
Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on home video in North America. They have distributed such notable titles like “Mobile Suit Gundam” movies, “Escaflowne”, “Cowboy Bebop”, “Jubei-Chan the Ninja Girl”, and “Outlaw Star”. Bandai Entertainment’s most recent release, “Gundam Wing” is one of the highest rated shows on Cartoon Network’ s Toonami block.
======================================================================
2001 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2001
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films has licensed the gritty sword and supernatural Japanese Anime Berserk. "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for a home video release. As an added feather in the ADV Films cap, industry insiders say that ADV beat out some pretty heavy competition for the distribution rights.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have access to another incredible television show.
Three episodes per tape, priced for sell-through, and new tapes timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially very impressive fiscal year.
ADV FILMS has already begun preparatory work on an English language version featuring an incredible cast of voice talent which has never been attempted before in an Anime home video release within the United States.
"At this point we cannot state the entire voice cast as several contracts are still pending, but we do want to announce the first and most important member of the voice acting talent. The hero and main character of Berserk, Gutts, will be voiced by the most electrifying man in sports entertainment today and current WWF champion, The Rock," stated A.D.V. Films P.R. Representative Rod Petrs.
======================================================================
2002 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2002
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films has licensed the gripping and futuristic space adventure Infinite Ryvius
"Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for a home video release.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have access to another incredible television show.
Three episodes per DVD, priced for sell-through, and new DVD's timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially groundbreaking release in terms of sales.
ADV FILMS has already begun preparatory work on the English language adaptation which will mark a major landmark for the release of an anime title in North America. The original Japanese production of Infinite Ryvius featured hip-hop grooves in its soundtrack and the North American release will be no exception either. An entirely new hip-hop soundtrack is being recorded for the North American release which will be entirely composed, mixed, and recorded by legendary rap star P. Diddy. ADV Films is expecting Infinite Ryvius to propel them to the top by broadcasting their entertainment to Generations X, Y, and Z .
======================================================================
2002 - Posted to AMV ML & Animemusicvideos.org
======================================================================
These are sad times we live in and unfortunately I have to be the bearer of sad news. This message is of an urgent nature. Please read it in its entirety as it directly relates to all AMV creators, especially those with an on-line presence.
Within the last few days several AMV creators have been contacted by members of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Most have been contacted with simple cease and desist orders but unfortunately they have decided to make an example out of some of the more well known creators. In the larger scope of things this is something that many of us saw as inevitable but unfortunately they plan on going a step farther. They have been collecting data on our practices and have taken notice of the large number of conventions which display our work. They have decided that these conventions are going to have to pay for public performance licensing.
The saddest part of all this is that the attention was brought forth by what is probably one of the more banal sides of our group of fandom: the heavy usage of Linkin Park. The RIAA is using Linkin Park as a prime measure of illegal music trading/downloading and with the advent of more AMV webpages and databases on-line we came up on their radar. We came up bigger than we should have.
If this news saddens and shocks you as it should then I highly recommend seeking out the nearest Linkin Park AMV creator in your area and informing them of the situation. I suppose we'll all just have to face reality and consider this the end of "public" AMV's on-line and the beginning of underground AMV's on-line. I can't help but feel sorry for the thousands of Dragonball Z/Linkin Park creators as this will strike them the hardest. Without the ability to publically host their files and show off their talent to the world these young people are going to lose what small voice they had proclaiming themselves as an individual and not a product of consumer culture. Some may find religion but most will likely continue on underground where people will continue to not download their files.
Mark your calendars, my friends, as today marks the end of AMV's on-line.
======================================================================
2003 - Posted to Animenewsnetwork.com, AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS PURCHASES NEW ANIME COMPANY
(Houston,Texas) - ADV Films has bought out Manga International (formerly Anime Cartoon) in a bold move to expand production facilities. This strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy will be supplemented with a large increase in anime titles through Manga International's library in addition to more production facilities.
ADV Films PR Representative Rod Peters states, "We listened to the demand from our consumers through the internet anime fan community as well as the convention circuit to increase monthly releases of titles as well as lowering prices. We estimate that we should be able to move all physical replication of DVD releases to Manga International's plants within four to five weeks. This will benefit our supply chain by allowing us to move more product into the retail level at a more agressive pace and by vertically integrating with Manga International's replication facilities we will be able to target the lower prices our consumers are looking for. An added bonus is that we will be able to entice our consumers through improved packaging of DVD releases by using Manga International's gatefold packaging with its exquisite artwork. This is clearly a win-win situation for everyone."
Plans are underway to utilize key members of Manga International's translation staff to assist ADV Films in finishing production of titles licensed within the last several years and moving them rapidly into retail venues. ADV Films has already picked Hana Yori Dango as the first title to release from Manga International's backcatalog. As translation and general DVD authoring are already complete for Hana Yori Dango it only needs to go through a brief post-production check to make sure the release is up to the ADV Films reputation. A new release that Manga International was preparing before the buyout was the Renewal of Evangelion which features a new telecine and 5.1 audio mix of the seminal classic Neon Genesis Evangelion from the 1990s. Plans are already in place to move this production into the forefront of releases during fourth quarter of the fiscal year. "We can only hope that consumers will no longer complain about pricing and episode counts for our DVD releases after this visionary step forward," stated Peters.
======================================================================
2004 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
Below is a cut-and-paste of the Reuters news story. Too bad about who got it. Hopefully this won't affect too many AMV creators. Maybe it's time for the Naruto fans to unite?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK (Reuters)
Japanese animation studio ADV Films defaulted on a ten million dollar loan Wednesday. The loan was secured last year to purchase the complete TV broadcast and home video rights to the hit Japanese animation Naruto. Industry insiders have predicted this program to be the next Dragonball Z in terms of market potential.
This is a crucial blow to ADV Films which was planning to launch their new cable anime channel nation-wide with Naruto as its key block of programming. Naruto has now become the property of a collection agency (name withheld), which states that bidding began almost immediately with ADV Films' competitors. The agency reports that 4Kids Entertainment will sign a deal later today and gain sole possession of the rights to Naruto within North America.
In an interesting turn of events, Funimation, the company that gained its market presence with Dragonball Z did not enter bidding for Naruto. President Gen Fukunaga stated, "We felt me wanted to move beyond programming which was created for an 8-12 year old target audience. Currently the children who grew up watching our releases of Dragonball Z have now matured and we would like to focus on more cutting edge entertainment. We also felt that the attempts to duplicate Dragonball Z's success would be limited considering the planned 1000 episodes that Naruto is scheduled to run through. Instead of re-treading old ground we would like to concentrate expanding into new markets. We especially see good returns in more girls animated programming given the current economic boom for girls manga."
4Kids Entertainment already has plans to run Naruto with Yugioh early next year. Representatives from 4Kids Entertainment have made the decision to cut some of the more violent content which is accepted and prevalent in animated children's programming in Japan but will not be allowable in the United States, especially considering the recent push from the FCC to clean up TV and radio programming. This move will lead to the removal of 3 key episodes which center on fights with a character called Gaara. 4Kids feels that the lost material can be easily covered using a narrative exposition at the beginning of following episodes. The biggest change 4Kids will make to Naruto is to adapt the program into more consumer-friendly marketing. 4Kids has stated that since Naruto is more of a comic-relief outlet for the show they would like to focus on the Sasuke character for merchandising of toys. Subsequently the show will be retitled to "Sasuke's Ninjas and Shinobis" to better reflect the marketing of the show's most important toy asset as well as emphasize that the show is about ninjas. Following this pattern, 4Kids hopes to enjoy the toy success that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had back in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
4Kids Entertainment representatives have announced that once they acquire the rights to Naruto later today there are matters that will precede any work on preparing the American language version titled "Sasuke's Ninjas and Shinobis". 4Kids plans to take immediate legal action against three major piracy groups distributing Naruto using a peer-to-peer software called Bittorrent on the Internet. 4Kids has already stated that they have a list of people to present to law enforcement officials and have consulted with RIAA lawyers, who earlier this month subpoenaed peer to peer software users who were illegally distributing music, regarding prosecution of this type of case.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================================================
2005 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Houston,Texas) - A.D. Vision, Inc announced today plans to sell off their firm to media giant Sony for $500 million dollars. The deal gives Sony access to the ADV Films library of video and DVD titles, Newtype USA magazine, ADV Manga, the Anime Network, and ADV Toys. CEO and co-founder John Ledford states, "The timing was right for this. We have become the number one distributor of anime goods in North America but expansion beyond this point has proven difficult, especially getting penetration into non-Video on Demand cable service. Sony has plans to roll out their Animax channel in the 3rd quarter. Management was unanimous in our vote to make Sony an offer. The risk of going head to head against Sony wasn't worth it. Our company is at its highest point in terms of capital and assets while the anime market is no longer growing in size. This is simply the right move at the right time. We are thrilled that Sony saw the value in our offer and accepted. I'll look forward to seeing some of the product we produced when it gets broadcast on Animax late this Fall."
Many anime fans have been quick to comment on this shakeup in the anime market. One poster at popular anime news site http://www.animeondvd.com made the following post: "I just knew it. Everyone who didn't believe there was something up with the layoff of Monster Island is now in for a rude shock. ADV has sold us out." The cause for concern amongst the majority of fans seems to be with the plans Sony has for North American DVD production. An anonymous industry insider states, "The fans don't realize how good they had it with ADV. Sony is not going to release DVD's with the original Japanese audio and a subtitle track. They're going to dub it, air it on TV, and then sell the popular shows with no extras. Titles that do not perform well during broadcast will likely never see a home release and if they do it will be of such marginal quality the fans are going to be upset."
======================================================================
2006 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
Wow. Just wow. Here's the reuters article. Read it for yourself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
New York (Reuters) - A lawsuit has been filed against Japanese animation firm Media Blasters by Jack Thompson. The suit contends that several titles produced under the Kitty Media label are child pornography and additionally a large number of adult titles have been marketed to underage buyers. The two main works cited in the suit are Bible Black and Princess 69. Jack Thompson released a statement on Friday which stated that the web community at www.waronpornography.com is backing his efforts. John Sirabella, president of Media Blasters, has been quick to respond to the claims. Reading from a prepared statement Sirabella said, "The lawsuit holds no merit regarding the marketing to underage buyers and we will agressively defend ourselves on this. We are concerned with the child pornography charges as this is often an issue relating more to where the litigation takes place. This will be the first test for our industry in this respect. It is not a new concept that importation of video titles from cultures with different societal norms can cause problems with releasing them. We are disappointed that such action has been taken when our industry has long been established regarding releases of such adult content."
Julia Heiman, director of the Kinsey Institute, disagrees with Media Blasters stance on one side. "I cannot speak regarding the child pornography claims but the issue of marketing to children may not be so clear cut. Our own studies have indicated that of children between the ages of 12 to 17 who view anime, 70% of them have been exposed to the Bible Black title. While this does not necessarily prove an intent to market to them it does open up a a lot of questions so it may be hard for them to get that portion of the suit dismissed. Most of this research data I'm citing was compiled during our studies on teens, sexuality, and the website myspace."
Popular teen websites have been rocked lately with suits regarding pornography. Recently two teens have face child pornography charges because they posted explicit pictures of themselves on the myspace website. The anime fans seem to be taking a more active role against this type of litigiation as opposed to myspace users in general. A popular teen website for anime fans 4chan.org is organizing a grassroots fundraising effort to help defend Media Blasters. The site's owner known online as moot has stated that for every site donation made 10% will be set aside to help fight the Thompson lawsuit.
======================================================================
1999 - Posted to AAFSML and TAFMAL
======================================================================
While perusing the ADV website I came across this press release.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Austin, Texas., 04/01/99---A.D.V. Films announced today they have signed a five year licensing agreement with industry leader Sony Entertainment for distribution rights in North America for SPE Visual Works' Rurouni Kenshin. Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese Animation TV Series. Japanese Animation, or "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Unlike the United States, where animation is mainly produced for and watched by children, in Japan, Anime is created for audiences of all ages, and in just about every genre imaginable: SF, Fantasy, Horror, Action-Adventure, Comedy, Sports, and Martial Arts.
A.D.V. Films P.R. Representative Rod Petrs says, "The decision to license Rurouni Kenshin was ultimately made from our unique relationship with anime fans in the United States. After seeing the effort that fan groups put into making their own subtitled versions of Kenshin and their resulting popularity we knew that Kenshin was a winner." Petrs noted that A.D.V. was particularly impressed with the work of fans who went by the pseudoname of Hecto. "These guys were by far the closest to our philosophy. They didn't just look at translating as something to bridge the language and cultural gap. They realized that it was the duty of the translator to take liberties to make sure the show would be more enjoyable to an American audience. After all, its our duty to make this show into what is was meant to be. God forbid we try and understand or relay what the Japanese creators wanted or make it seem like this thing is even Japanese."
Due to licensing restrictions placed upon the contract by Sony Entertainment, the name of Rurouni Kenshin will be Samurai X which is the title a previous English language version had been titled.
A.D.V. Films has also announced that they will be making further name changes as well as creative changes to Samurai X. Sanosuke the gangster will now be known simply as G. The kanji which resides on his back will be referred to as the symbol for badass. A.D.V. Films has announced these changes because in the words of Petrs they will make the show "cooler". Petrs has also stated that they will be adding new animation only available for the North American release. "Honestly, we just couldn't understand why Kaoru never took that damn dojo outfit off. I mean c'mon where's the T&A? Isn't that what anime is all about?"
There exist many other changes as well which are all for the good of American fans according to Petrs. Kenshin's succession technique will know be known as bum rush because "that darn Amakakeku Ryu no whatever is too hard to pronounce".
A.D.V. founder John Ledford says that Samurai X may be renamed Samurai XXX to better fit the A.D.V. Films image. Ledford says that regardless of any name changes Samurai X will definitely "open a can of whup ass" in North America this December.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================================================
2000 - Posted to AAFSML, TAFMAL, and other places I cannot recall
======================================================================
I came across this press release while perusing the ADV webpage so I thought I'd share it:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films will begin releasing the entire catalog of Japanese Animation, or "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for the nation of Japan. As an added feather in the ADV Films cap, industry insiders say that ADV beat out some pretty heavy competition for the distribution rights. "Let's just say we were proud of the outcome, no matter who we were up against," John Ledford, President of ADV FILMS, said.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have increased and easier access to hundreds of titles.
Three episodes per tape, priced for sell-through, and new tapes timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially very impressive economic monopoly.
ADV FILMS representatives stated that the company had the goal of crushing all their opposition from the very beginning.
"Let there be no doubt that we will take on all comers. And put them in their place," said Ray Petersen, a marketing representative of ADV FILMS. "We have the talent and the know-how. And frankly anyone who ever thought they were going to get to license anything good after the beginning of this year seriously needs to have their head examined. So let it be known now that it is official. We have everything."
ADV FILMS is committed to releasing the highest quality Japanese animation as soon as possible. "ADV FILMS has always believed in supplying the consumer with what they want as soon as possible. And we are willing to make those sacrifices in translations and quality control so that this can be achieved. Just look to our shinning efforts with the minor glitches on our Queen Emeraldas DVD and our inconsistent translations, especially with regards to character's names. Hell, I bet hardly anyone noticed that error in Sakura Wars where we listed the last name on the grave of Sakura's father as Shinguchi despite the fact that we knew Sakura's last name is Shinguuji and the gravestone in fact says Shinguuji. However, we understand it is important to sacrifice things like this so the American audience can get what they want as soon as possible. Heaven forbid the subtitled translation is a quality job or representative of what the characters are trying to portray. It's our responsibility to take liberties so that the American audience will enjoy the presentation more," said Petersen.
There had been plans for this distribution acquisition for some time. In fact several months ago ADV ran an ad in NEWTYPE, an animation magazine in Japan, informing the Japanese that ADV FILMS had ".com for you".
"We believe they got the message. And now so will you, the American consumer. It is for exactly these reasons that from the beginning we have aggressively pursued licensing all distribution rights from Japan," said Petersen.
With its new acquisitions ADV FILMS will be restructuring its internal development on existing projects. "We have a bold vision for 4th Quarter. With our new acquisition of all animation from Japan we were lucky enough to find one title that stands out above all the rest. There is one title that is the embodiment of our goals and plans. We plan to push back existing fourth quarter projects so that we may focus on what will be the key to economic goals for 2000. That is why we are proud to announce today that the cornerstone of ADV FILMS starting in the 4th Quarter of 2000 will be G Gundam. With such a spellbinding tale of Domon Kashu and his giant robot, Shining Gundam, anime fans across the country will be brought to tears. This show features incredible opponents such as Michaelo Chariot and Chimodey Crockett. And then there is the incredible robot's of Domon's opponents such as Gundam MacStar, Tequila Gundam, and Lumber Gundam. Domon's entrance to his robot, Shining Gundam is without question the bomb. He snaps his fingers and then rides a transport like a surfboard into the back of Shining Gundam. With such a hip character and marketable robots we knew this would be the show to propel us to the top by broadcasting our entertainment to Generations X, Y, and Z," said Petersen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess all we have to do now is check the calendar and we'll know when to expect the next Gundam release.
======================================================================
2000 - Posted to AMV ML
======================================================================
I have the following system for sale:
Dual Z80 with Pentium3 500 MhZ on the side (1 Z80 manages the AGP bus and the other manages peripherals.....this helps eliminate unneccesary cpu cycles that would otherwise slow down the pentium3.)
18k L2 Cache (SRAM on the board)
MCA Fibrechannel Raid controller with 1 terabyte drive array
AGP Matrox G400
EISA SMC Token Ring adapter
Miro DC20
20" CGA monitor
82 Key keyboard
Note: This system is a real keeper and was custom built specifically for making butt-kickin' videos. The only reason I'm willing to part with it is because I can only sell plasma so many times a month to keep food on the table. You will have to supply your own ram unless you want to buy my special add-on board I have (took a lot of time to make). My add-on board has 512 MB of ECC Ram which is composed of 1 megabyte 70ns ram chips. Together they form a memory stack (by manually implementing the stack myself I have managed to avoid a lot of those stack overflow errors caused by shoddy programming).
As a bonus I'll give away the real secret to this system's processing power. By foregoing the power supply and hooking up the 3 cpu's directly to line voltage you are able to supply a constant flow of rich chunky volts. As we all know more volts means more power and this will push the processing power up to around 5 GHz. At least for a little bit until you are contacted by your local utility company and the authorities.
Price for the computer $1500 O.B.O. (shipping free)
Price for the addon board is $50. (non-negotiable) (Measures 72"x72" shipping is $150)
Prices valid for TODAY ONLY. Enjoy and DO NOT try to make one of these yourselves. If you are not familiar with computers and/or computer jargon I would highly suggest ignoring this sale.
BTW: This will boot Unicos
======================================================================
2001 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
For Immediate Release
April 1st, 2001
Cypress, CA – Bandai Entertainment announces acquisition of Love Hina, the hit Japanese Animation romance-comedy television series for home video release. Love Hina is the touching and hilarious story of Keitarou Urashima, who made a promise to attend Tokyo University with a childhood friend but 15 years later when he is the manager at Hinata Sou (an all-girls dormitory) and preparing to enter Tokyo University he can no longer remember her name. Will Keitarou be able to fulfill his promise and meet his true love at Tokyo University or will he fall for a new love at Hinata Sou? That is if he can survive the wild parties and hijinks that the residents of Hinata Sou will put him through.
Bandai Entertainment is definitely, “Leading the Digital Revolution” and is expanding its media products into new areas of television and theatre. Inquiries from major Hollywood and Television studios, who have become increasingly concerned over the future of their businesses as the potential of a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike becomes more real each day, have been working with Bandai Entertainment to secure new media for the Fall television and movie season. Love Hina will be an integral part of Bandai Entertainment's success in the next fiscal year as plans for the show to air on the WB Television network have already been finished with further titles from Bandai Entertainment's large library to follow for licensing by other Movie studios and television networks.
Love Hina will receive a tremendous amount of special attention for its airing on the WB Television network and already the network executives are calling the show, the "Friends" for their network. Plans call for the show to air in the WB's main primetime lineup with the hit show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Efforts are also underway to bring Love Hina up to the high programming standards of the WB Television network by returning to the roots of the comic book that the show was based upon and pushing even more beyond its wild sense of humor. Extra animation will be added to the show to make it more realistic during the hot springs sequences. This special treatment which will only be available on the WB Television series run will culminate during a special episode entitled "Hot Springs Menage a Trois." Depending on the show's success there may be further plans for a pay-per-view special to be produced by WB Television as well entitled "A Long, Hard night in Hinata Sou."
Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on home video in North America. They have distributed such notable titles like “Mobile Suit Gundam” movies, “Escaflowne”, “Cowboy Bebop”, “Jubei-Chan the Ninja Girl”, and “Outlaw Star”. Bandai Entertainment’s most recent release, “Gundam Wing” is one of the highest rated shows on Cartoon Network’ s Toonami block.
======================================================================
2001 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2001
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films has licensed the gritty sword and supernatural Japanese Anime Berserk. "Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for a home video release. As an added feather in the ADV Films cap, industry insiders say that ADV beat out some pretty heavy competition for the distribution rights.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have access to another incredible television show.
Three episodes per tape, priced for sell-through, and new tapes timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially very impressive fiscal year.
ADV FILMS has already begun preparatory work on an English language version featuring an incredible cast of voice talent which has never been attempted before in an Anime home video release within the United States.
"At this point we cannot state the entire voice cast as several contracts are still pending, but we do want to announce the first and most important member of the voice acting talent. The hero and main character of Berserk, Gutts, will be voiced by the most electrifying man in sports entertainment today and current WWF champion, The Rock," stated A.D.V. Films P.R. Representative Rod Petrs.
======================================================================
2002 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2002
(Houston, Texas) - Animation powerhouse ADV FILMS is pleased to announce a new licensing agreement that will thrill millions of anime fans around the country. ADV Films has licensed the gripping and futuristic space adventure Infinite Ryvius
"Anime" (pronounced Annie-May) as it is known amongst its fans, is a highly artistic style of animation featuring brilliant, innovative direction; stylish character design; and beautiful artwork in a broad palette of vibrant colors. Through a deal signed late Friday evening ADV FILMS successfully licensed distribution rights for a home video release.
The strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy means animation fans will have access to another incredible television show.
Three episodes per DVD, priced for sell-through, and new DVD's timed to hit street every other month, combined with strong network support, and a premium toy line creating buzz-friendly synergy, ADV Films is looking at a potentially groundbreaking release in terms of sales.
ADV FILMS has already begun preparatory work on the English language adaptation which will mark a major landmark for the release of an anime title in North America. The original Japanese production of Infinite Ryvius featured hip-hop grooves in its soundtrack and the North American release will be no exception either. An entirely new hip-hop soundtrack is being recorded for the North American release which will be entirely composed, mixed, and recorded by legendary rap star P. Diddy. ADV Films is expecting Infinite Ryvius to propel them to the top by broadcasting their entertainment to Generations X, Y, and Z .
======================================================================
2002 - Posted to AMV ML & Animemusicvideos.org
======================================================================
These are sad times we live in and unfortunately I have to be the bearer of sad news. This message is of an urgent nature. Please read it in its entirety as it directly relates to all AMV creators, especially those with an on-line presence.
Within the last few days several AMV creators have been contacted by members of the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Most have been contacted with simple cease and desist orders but unfortunately they have decided to make an example out of some of the more well known creators. In the larger scope of things this is something that many of us saw as inevitable but unfortunately they plan on going a step farther. They have been collecting data on our practices and have taken notice of the large number of conventions which display our work. They have decided that these conventions are going to have to pay for public performance licensing.
The saddest part of all this is that the attention was brought forth by what is probably one of the more banal sides of our group of fandom: the heavy usage of Linkin Park. The RIAA is using Linkin Park as a prime measure of illegal music trading/downloading and with the advent of more AMV webpages and databases on-line we came up on their radar. We came up bigger than we should have.
If this news saddens and shocks you as it should then I highly recommend seeking out the nearest Linkin Park AMV creator in your area and informing them of the situation. I suppose we'll all just have to face reality and consider this the end of "public" AMV's on-line and the beginning of underground AMV's on-line. I can't help but feel sorry for the thousands of Dragonball Z/Linkin Park creators as this will strike them the hardest. Without the ability to publically host their files and show off their talent to the world these young people are going to lose what small voice they had proclaiming themselves as an individual and not a product of consumer culture. Some may find religion but most will likely continue on underground where people will continue to not download their files.
Mark your calendars, my friends, as today marks the end of AMV's on-line.
======================================================================
2003 - Posted to Animenewsnetwork.com, AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV FILMS PURCHASES NEW ANIME COMPANY
(Houston,Texas) - ADV Films has bought out Manga International (formerly Anime Cartoon) in a bold move to expand production facilities. This strategic move is in perfect precision with industry smarts and consumer demand. ADV's immense distribution network and marketing savvy will be supplemented with a large increase in anime titles through Manga International's library in addition to more production facilities.
ADV Films PR Representative Rod Peters states, "We listened to the demand from our consumers through the internet anime fan community as well as the convention circuit to increase monthly releases of titles as well as lowering prices. We estimate that we should be able to move all physical replication of DVD releases to Manga International's plants within four to five weeks. This will benefit our supply chain by allowing us to move more product into the retail level at a more agressive pace and by vertically integrating with Manga International's replication facilities we will be able to target the lower prices our consumers are looking for. An added bonus is that we will be able to entice our consumers through improved packaging of DVD releases by using Manga International's gatefold packaging with its exquisite artwork. This is clearly a win-win situation for everyone."
Plans are underway to utilize key members of Manga International's translation staff to assist ADV Films in finishing production of titles licensed within the last several years and moving them rapidly into retail venues. ADV Films has already picked Hana Yori Dango as the first title to release from Manga International's backcatalog. As translation and general DVD authoring are already complete for Hana Yori Dango it only needs to go through a brief post-production check to make sure the release is up to the ADV Films reputation. A new release that Manga International was preparing before the buyout was the Renewal of Evangelion which features a new telecine and 5.1 audio mix of the seminal classic Neon Genesis Evangelion from the 1990s. Plans are already in place to move this production into the forefront of releases during fourth quarter of the fiscal year. "We can only hope that consumers will no longer complain about pricing and episode counts for our DVD releases after this visionary step forward," stated Peters.
======================================================================
2004 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
Below is a cut-and-paste of the Reuters news story. Too bad about who got it. Hopefully this won't affect too many AMV creators. Maybe it's time for the Naruto fans to unite?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK (Reuters)
Japanese animation studio ADV Films defaulted on a ten million dollar loan Wednesday. The loan was secured last year to purchase the complete TV broadcast and home video rights to the hit Japanese animation Naruto. Industry insiders have predicted this program to be the next Dragonball Z in terms of market potential.
This is a crucial blow to ADV Films which was planning to launch their new cable anime channel nation-wide with Naruto as its key block of programming. Naruto has now become the property of a collection agency (name withheld), which states that bidding began almost immediately with ADV Films' competitors. The agency reports that 4Kids Entertainment will sign a deal later today and gain sole possession of the rights to Naruto within North America.
In an interesting turn of events, Funimation, the company that gained its market presence with Dragonball Z did not enter bidding for Naruto. President Gen Fukunaga stated, "We felt me wanted to move beyond programming which was created for an 8-12 year old target audience. Currently the children who grew up watching our releases of Dragonball Z have now matured and we would like to focus on more cutting edge entertainment. We also felt that the attempts to duplicate Dragonball Z's success would be limited considering the planned 1000 episodes that Naruto is scheduled to run through. Instead of re-treading old ground we would like to concentrate expanding into new markets. We especially see good returns in more girls animated programming given the current economic boom for girls manga."
4Kids Entertainment already has plans to run Naruto with Yugioh early next year. Representatives from 4Kids Entertainment have made the decision to cut some of the more violent content which is accepted and prevalent in animated children's programming in Japan but will not be allowable in the United States, especially considering the recent push from the FCC to clean up TV and radio programming. This move will lead to the removal of 3 key episodes which center on fights with a character called Gaara. 4Kids feels that the lost material can be easily covered using a narrative exposition at the beginning of following episodes. The biggest change 4Kids will make to Naruto is to adapt the program into more consumer-friendly marketing. 4Kids has stated that since Naruto is more of a comic-relief outlet for the show they would like to focus on the Sasuke character for merchandising of toys. Subsequently the show will be retitled to "Sasuke's Ninjas and Shinobis" to better reflect the marketing of the show's most important toy asset as well as emphasize that the show is about ninjas. Following this pattern, 4Kids hopes to enjoy the toy success that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had back in the late 1980's and early 1990's.
4Kids Entertainment representatives have announced that once they acquire the rights to Naruto later today there are matters that will precede any work on preparing the American language version titled "Sasuke's Ninjas and Shinobis". 4Kids plans to take immediate legal action against three major piracy groups distributing Naruto using a peer-to-peer software called Bittorrent on the Internet. 4Kids has already stated that they have a list of people to present to law enforcement officials and have consulted with RIAA lawyers, who earlier this month subpoenaed peer to peer software users who were illegally distributing music, regarding prosecution of this type of case.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================================================
2005 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Houston,Texas) - A.D. Vision, Inc announced today plans to sell off their firm to media giant Sony for $500 million dollars. The deal gives Sony access to the ADV Films library of video and DVD titles, Newtype USA magazine, ADV Manga, the Anime Network, and ADV Toys. CEO and co-founder John Ledford states, "The timing was right for this. We have become the number one distributor of anime goods in North America but expansion beyond this point has proven difficult, especially getting penetration into non-Video on Demand cable service. Sony has plans to roll out their Animax channel in the 3rd quarter. Management was unanimous in our vote to make Sony an offer. The risk of going head to head against Sony wasn't worth it. Our company is at its highest point in terms of capital and assets while the anime market is no longer growing in size. This is simply the right move at the right time. We are thrilled that Sony saw the value in our offer and accepted. I'll look forward to seeing some of the product we produced when it gets broadcast on Animax late this Fall."
Many anime fans have been quick to comment on this shakeup in the anime market. One poster at popular anime news site http://www.animeondvd.com made the following post: "I just knew it. Everyone who didn't believe there was something up with the layoff of Monster Island is now in for a rude shock. ADV has sold us out." The cause for concern amongst the majority of fans seems to be with the plans Sony has for North American DVD production. An anonymous industry insider states, "The fans don't realize how good they had it with ADV. Sony is not going to release DVD's with the original Japanese audio and a subtitle track. They're going to dub it, air it on TV, and then sell the popular shows with no extras. Titles that do not perform well during broadcast will likely never see a home release and if they do it will be of such marginal quality the fans are going to be upset."
======================================================================
2006 - Posted to AMV ML, SAC ML, Animemusicvideos.org forum, and various other forums
======================================================================
Wow. Just wow. Here's the reuters article. Read it for yourself.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
New York (Reuters) - A lawsuit has been filed against Japanese animation firm Media Blasters by Jack Thompson. The suit contends that several titles produced under the Kitty Media label are child pornography and additionally a large number of adult titles have been marketed to underage buyers. The two main works cited in the suit are Bible Black and Princess 69. Jack Thompson released a statement on Friday which stated that the web community at www.waronpornography.com is backing his efforts. John Sirabella, president of Media Blasters, has been quick to respond to the claims. Reading from a prepared statement Sirabella said, "The lawsuit holds no merit regarding the marketing to underage buyers and we will agressively defend ourselves on this. We are concerned with the child pornography charges as this is often an issue relating more to where the litigation takes place. This will be the first test for our industry in this respect. It is not a new concept that importation of video titles from cultures with different societal norms can cause problems with releasing them. We are disappointed that such action has been taken when our industry has long been established regarding releases of such adult content."
Julia Heiman, director of the Kinsey Institute, disagrees with Media Blasters stance on one side. "I cannot speak regarding the child pornography claims but the issue of marketing to children may not be so clear cut. Our own studies have indicated that of children between the ages of 12 to 17 who view anime, 70% of them have been exposed to the Bible Black title. While this does not necessarily prove an intent to market to them it does open up a a lot of questions so it may be hard for them to get that portion of the suit dismissed. Most of this research data I'm citing was compiled during our studies on teens, sexuality, and the website myspace."
Popular teen websites have been rocked lately with suits regarding pornography. Recently two teens have face child pornography charges because they posted explicit pictures of themselves on the myspace website. The anime fans seem to be taking a more active role against this type of litigiation as opposed to myspace users in general. A popular teen website for anime fans 4chan.org is organizing a grassroots fundraising effort to help defend Media Blasters. The site's owner known online as moot has stated that for every site donation made 10% will be set aside to help fight the Thompson lawsuit.