[ Podcast ] Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Interview (x2): Helen McCarthy on Osamu Tezuka & MANGA CROSS-STITCH

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 9, 2009

Next up, on the podcast front, we have a super-sized interview — spread across two episodes — with another favorite guest, Helen McCarthy. She has a pair of new books out this holiday season, The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga and Manga Cross-Stitch, and her genuine (and contagious) enthusiasm about both topics shines through, yet again!

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Discusses THE ART OF OSAMU TEZUKA
With Writer & Anime Expert Helen McCarthy
Behind the scenes at RightStuf.com, “If you like Gakuen Alice,” reviews, contests & more in episode 106!

GRIMES, IA, November 20, 2009 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Helen McCarthy – the author of the recent books The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga and Manga Cross-Stitch – to episode 106 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new interview, McCarthy discusses what anime and manga fans can gain by learning about the background of Astro Boy and Black Jack creator Dr. Osamu Tezuka, the relevance of his work to today’s audiences, how her biography’s pop culture perspective differs from a more academic examination of his career, and which Tezuka works are her very own personal favorites. (The rest of this interview, focusing on her other new book, Manga Cross-Stitch, will air in episode 107 of Anime Today on December 4, 2009.)

A trailblazer in the field of anime writing and journalism, McCarthy’s recent published works include 500 Essential Anime Movies, Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation and The Anime Encyclopedia (co-authored with Jonathan Clements). One of the world’s foremost experts on Miyazaki and the works of Studio Ghibli, she has also curated several seasons of lectures and screenings at London’s Barbican Cinema and is a featured guest and lecturer at conventions and events worldwide, including the recent opening weekend of the Smithsonian Institution’s current exhibition, “Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime.”

Listen to it NOW!
- With show notes;
- Enhanced version; or
- Audio-only version

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Discusses MANGA CROSS-STITCH
With Writer & Anime Expert Helen McCarthy
Anime & Gamers’ Holiday Guide, Nabari no Ou, reviews, contests & more in episode 107!

GRIMES, IA, December 4, 2009 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Helen McCarthy – the author of the recent books The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga and Manga Cross-Stitch – to episode 107 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new interview, McCarthy discusses Manga Cross-Stitch, the elements shared by manga and embroidery, and how fans can draw inspiration from anime and manga into their own creative endeavors. (The rest of this interview, focusing on her other new book, The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, can be found in episode 106 of Anime Today.)

Listen to it NOW!
- With show notes;
- Enhanced version; or
- Audio-only version

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[ PR ] Fan Vote for TYLOR Lithographs Announced

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 9, 2009

[November 25, 2009]

RIGHT STUF & NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announce
THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR Lithographs
Fan vote determines which print will be produced first;
Poll now open at www.tylor.com

GRIMES, IA, November 25, 2009 – Anime producer and online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. and its Nozomi Entertainment division are pleased to announce plans to release lithographs featuring art from The Irresponsible Captain Tylor anime series and to open a poll – accessible via www.tylor.com (and animetoday.com) – to determine which piece(s) of art will be produced.

Fans are invited to view the pieces and cast their votes from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, December 11, 2009, for their favorite of the nine art options, which include character, ship and promotional works.

As with the recently released ARIA The NATURAL lithograph, each limited-edition print will be priced at $49.99 and include a certificate of authenticity.

One of the “50 Best Anime Ever” – Anime Insider
“the best science-fiction comedy ever animated” – Animerica
“Entertaining and fun… Very recommended.” – AnimeOnDVD.com
“Highly Recommended” – DVD Talk
“One of the best anime series you’ll ever see.” – AnimeFringe.com
“a solidly plotted serious space series that incidentally happens to be hysterically humorous” – SciFi Weekly

Both THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR TV Series Remastered DVD Collection, which features the franchise’s 26-episode television adaptation and the 10-episode THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR OVA Series Remastered DVD Collection are now available in new, thinpak-style box sets that feature remastered footage from the series’ Japanese DVD releases, as well as “soft” subtitles for on-screen text.

The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is based upon a series of novels by Hitoshi Yoshioka and features direction by Koichi Mashimo (Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Noir, Sorcerer Hunters), with production by Big West (Macross, Macross Frontier), d-rights (El Cazador de la Bruja, Gun X Sword) and Tatsunoko Production (Gatchaman, Casshern Sins). The English dub stars Crispin Freeman as “Captain Justy Ueki Tylor,” Lisa Ortiz as “Azalyn,” Rachael Lillis as “Yuriko Star,” Carol Jacobanis as “Harumi Nakagawa,” David Brimmer as “Lt. Makato Yamamoto” and Veronica Taylor as “Shia Has.”

OVA Trade-In Program – Forms & Discs Must Be Postmarked by Dec. 31, 2009

As a service to long-time fans who purchased the previous “Ultra Edition” releases of THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR, Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to offer the details of the trade-in/upgrade program for The Irresponsible Captain Tylor OVA series at www.tylor.com.

By sending in the form found at www.tylor.com and the three discs pictured on it, fans who purchased the “Ultra Edition” release of the Tylor OVA series are eligible to receive the four remastered discs from the remastered OVA collection for a flat fee of $20.

Please note: A chart detailing the differences between the discs and releases can also be found on www.tylor.com (attached to the form). This trade-in program is for the discs only. Fans who participate in this program will keep their “Ultra Edition” packaging and extras, and they will receive the four new discs ONLY – no new packaging – as part of this offer.

** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.

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, Gakuen Alice and Rental Magica, 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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[ PR ] PIANO: The Melody of a Young Girl’s Heart Bundle Announced for Feb. 2, 2010

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 9, 2009

[November 11, 2009]

RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
PIANO: THE MELODY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S HEART
DVD Bundle Collection
Entire 10-episode series available in one set on February 2, 2010

GRIMES, IA, November 11, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce the PIANO: THE MELODY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S HEART DVD Bundle Collection will be available on February 2, 2010.

The series, a favorite of librarians, features direction by Norihiko Sudo (Comic Party, To Heart 2), character designs by Kosuke Fujishima (creator, Oh My Goddess! and You’re Under Arrest) and art direction by Junichi Higashi (Midori Days, Super GALS!).

Visit piano.rightstuf.com for more information about PIANO: The Melody of a Young Girl’s Heart, plus video clips, games and downloads.

About PIANO: THE MELODY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S HEART

Unlock the music within your heart! Miu Nomura once loved to play the piano. As a little girl, the music made her heart soar, and she eagerly shared her songs with all of those around her. Now an introverted teenager, Miu has become too shy to express her feelings – even through her music. Her playing has suffered, and her piano teacher, the moody Mr. Shirakawa, has become impatient with her inability to reach the next level. When Miu develops a crush on upperclassman Takahashi, her best friend Yuuki is the first to notice. Unfortunately, Yuuki’s too distracted with her own emotional troubles: She’s fallen hard for third-year track star Takizawa! However, Mr. Shirakawa has also noticed something… a sudden and remarkable change in Miu’s playing. Can he help her rediscover the joy of the piano and find the courage to share her heart and music once more? Contains the complete 10-episode series.

PIANO: The Melody of a Young Girl's Heart DVD Bundle Collection

PIANO: The Melody of a Young Girl's Heart DVD Bundle Collection

PIANO: THE MELODY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S HEART DVD Bundle Collection
Pre-Book: 1/5/2010
Street Date: 2/2/2010
Runtime: Approximately 240 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color
Genre: Drama
Suggested Rating: 7+

Format: DVD (2.0 English, 2.0 Japanese, English Subtitles, English On-Screen Translations)
Catalog #: RSDVD1010
ISBN: 1-57032-778-5
UPC: 7-42617-1010-2-1
SRP: $19.99

Discs/Set: 3
Case Qty: 10 / case

DVD Features:
Scene access, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo audio for English and Japanese dialogue, English subtitles and English on-screen translations. PLUS: Character bios, line art galleries, original character sketches, two special epilogues, four visual monologues, five Piano side stories, textless opening, textless closing, English production notes and Right Stuf trailers. AND: Each set includes all three Piano: The Melody of a Young Girl’s Heart booklets that were included with the original, single DVD releases.

* Cover Art: http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd1010.jpg
PIANO: THE MELODY OF A YOUNG GIRL’S HEART © Animate Film / Pioneer LDC / Kids’ Station.
* To view this image, cut and paste the URL into your Web browser.

** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.

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, Gakuen Alice and Rental Magica, 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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[ PR ] Right Stuf/ Nozomi Launch RENTAL MAGICA Series Site

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 9, 2009

[November 10, 2009]

RIGHT STUF’S NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Launches Series Site for
RENTAL MAGICA at rentalmagica.rightstuf.com
First DVD Collection to be released on November 24, 2009

GRIMES, IA, November 10, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to announce the launch of rentalmagica.rightstuf.com (http://rentalmagica.rightstuf.com) – the official series site for the RENTAL MAGICA anime, which is set to make its North American DVD debut in late November 2009.

At rentalmagica.rightstuf.com, visitors can:

  • Read the latest news about Rental Magica’s North American release;
  • Check out in-depth character profiles;
  • Watch a new trailer for the Rental Magica Part 1 DVD Collection;
  • Download desktop wallpapers featuring official Rental Magica artwork; and
  • Enter a contest for one of 10 Rental Magica posters from Japan!

The Rental Magica Part 1 DVD Collection is scheduled for release on November 24, 2009. It will offer fans the option to view the first 12 episodes of the series in both “broadcast order,” as seen on Japanese television (and on the Japanese DVD release), and “chronological order,” according to the timeline presented in the novels that served as the anime series’ inspiration. Additionally, the release will include a book that features 128 pages of interviews, director’s commentary and background information about the series and its mythology. (These supplemental materials were originally included with the Japanese limited-edition DVD releases.)

About RENTAL MAGICA

A supernatural action-adventure, Rental Magica is set in a world where magical organizations – staffed by specialists wielding both Eastern and Western disciplines – vie for work, prestige and power.

Written by Makoto Sanda and illustrated by pako, the Rental Magica novel series currently spans more than 14 volumes and was named “Best Action Story” by Japanese fans as part of the 2007 Light Novel Awards. It has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s magazine The Sneaker since its 2004 debut, alongside the novels that inspired The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Trinity Blood anime series, as well as the official novelization of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. Manga interpretations of Rental Magica also appear in the shoujo (girls’) anthology Asuka and the shounen (boys’) anthology Comp Ace.

Rental Magica’s anime adaptation features direction by Itsuro Kawasaki (Sengoku Basara, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: The Movie), series composition by Mamiko Ikeda (Emma: A Victorian Romance), animation character design by Minako Shiba (.hack//SIGN, Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE), and animation production by ZEXCS (Chrome Shelled Regios, Mushi-Uta).

Its vocal cast is led by Jun Fukuyama (“Lelouch” in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, “Kimihiro Watanuki” in xxxHOLiC, “Lawrence” in Spice and Wolf), Kana Ueda (“Yumi” in Maria Watches Over Us, “Rin” in Fate/stay night, “Mikan” in Gakuen Alice), Mikako Takahashi (“Amy” in Burst Angel, “Ayumi Yamada” in Honey and Clover, “Gyokuyou” in Coo ~ Our Guardian), and Junichi Suwabe (“Archer” in Fate/stay night, “Greed” in Fullmetal Alchemist, “Fuuma” in X TV).

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

About RENTAL MAGICA – Part 1

Destroying supernatural monsters… dispelling dark magic… It’s all in a day’s work for the mages of Astral! However, after the mysterious disappearance of the company president, they’re left in a lurch. His son, Itsuki Iba, begrudgingly fills in, but Itsuki’s unfamiliarity with magic could spell bad news for Astral – especially with their rival Goetia vying for the very same contracts. As the jobs grow ever more dangerous, they soon find that staying in business is the least of their worries. Episodes 1-12 in both “broadcast” and “chronological” orders.

RENTAL MAGICA Part 1 DVD Collection
Pre-Book: 10/27/2009
Street Date: 11/24/2009
Runtime: Approximately 525 minutes, Dolby Digital Stereo, Color
Genre: Drama / Supernatural / Action
Suggested Rating: 13+

Format: DVD (Japanese Audio, English Subtitles, English On-Screen Translations)
Catalog #: RSDVD0919
ISBN: 1-57032-762-9
UPC: 7-42617-0919-2-6
SRP: $49.99

Discs/Set: 4
Case Qty: 9 / case

DVD Features:
Scene access, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo audio for Japanese dialogue, English subtitles and English on-screen translations. PLUS: View episodes in both “broadcast order,” as seen on Japanese TV (and the Japanese DVD release), and “chronological order”; character bios; special promo 1; commercial spot 1; clean opening 1; clean closing 1; Rental Magica Part 2 trailer; and Nozomi trailers. AND: A book with more than 100 pages of background information about the series and its mythology.

* Cover Art: http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0919.jpg
RENTAL MAGICA © 2007 MAKOTO SANDA/pako/KADOKAWA SHOTEN/Rental Magica Partners.
* To view this image, cut and paste the URL into your Web browser.

** Product specifications and content may be subject to change.

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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[ Podcast ] Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Interview: PLUTO Translators Frederik L. Schodt & Jared Cook

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 5, 2009

We had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Schodt during a previous episode, and I don’t say this lightly: He’s on my short list of “very favorite guests.” With that in mind, this interview was especially interesting. We met his oft-mentioned translation partner, Jared Cook, who is also incredibly cool, and we discussed their most recent project together — the PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka manga, which is one of my current favorites.

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Talks PLUTO With
Translators Frederik L. Schodt & Jared Cook
Behind the scenes at RightStuf.com, Karakuri Odette, reviews, contests & more in episode 105!

GRIMES, IA, November 6, 2009 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome Frederik L. Schodt and Jared Cook – the translators of the PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka manga – to episode 105 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, three-segment interview, Schodt and Cook discuss their work on Naoki Urasawa’s reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy manga, how Dr. Tezuka may have reacted to the recent adaptations of his work, and their unique, two-person translation process.

Long-time translation partners Schodt and Cook collaborated on the English translations and adaptations of Osamu Tezuka’s Phoenix and Princess Knight (excerpt for Viz’s Shojo Beat magazine), prior to their work on Pluto. The author of The Astro Boy Essays: Osamu Tezuka, Mighty Atom and the Manga/Anime Revolution, Schodt has been recognized with the Osamu Tezuka Culture Special Prize and by the Japanese government with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his contributions to the appreciation of manga and Japanese culture worldwide.

Listen to it NOW!
- With show notes;
- Enhanced version; or
- Audio-only version

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[ Podcast ] Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Interview: ASTRO BOY Director David Bowers & Producer Maryann Garger

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: December 5, 2009

Working where I do, I have more than a casual familiarity with Astro Boy, so the next few interviews, starting with this one, were a treat.

Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Talks ASTRO BOY on the Big Screen With
Director David Bowers & Producer Maryann Garger
Behind the scenes at RightStuf.com, Dragon Ball anime, reviews, contests & more in episode 104!

GRIMES, IA, October 23, 2009 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome David Bowers and Maryann Garger – the director and producer of Imagi Studios’ newly released ASTRO BOY movie – to episode 104 of ANIME TODAY.

In this new, two-segment interview, Bowers and Garger discuss how they each became involved with the Astro Boy project, talk about the challenges of introducing Astro Boy to new fans while also still appealing to long-time fans of the series, share details about the film adaptation and its vocal cast, and hint at the Easter eggs fans of the original series can find throughout the movie.

Prior to directing Astro Boy, David Bowers co-directed the 2006 computer-animated film Flushed Away, served as the storyboard supervisor for Aardman Animations’ Chicken Run, and worked as an animator and story artist for projects including Balto and the Dreamworks’ feature films The Prince of Egypt and The Road to El Dorado. Maryann Garger’s credits include serving as co-producer for Flushed Away and producer for the animated short First Flight, as well as work on Madagascar, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, The Prince of Egypt and Pocahontas.

Listen to it NOW!
- With show notes;
- Enhanced version; or
- Audio-only version

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A List: Listening – Music (2009)

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: November 16, 2009

AFI | December Underground
Appleseed Original Soundtrack
Arashi | 5×10: All the Best! 1999-2009 (R.E.)
Arashi | 5×10: All the Best! 1999-2009 (L.E.)
Arashi | Everything / Season (Single)
Beastie Boys | Solid Gold Hits
The Black Crows | Greatest Hits 1990-1999 (A Tribute to a Work in Progress…)
David Bowie | Best of Bowie
Cake | Fashion Nugget
Eric Clapton | Crossroads Box Set
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion O.S.T.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion O.S.T. 2
Collective Soul | Dosage
Aaron Copland | Greatest Hits (RCA Victor)
Daft Punk | Discovery
Daughtry | (Self-titled)
Derek and the Dominos | Layla (Remastered)
The Eagles | Their Greatest Hits
Eureka Seven Complete Best (OST)
Foo Fighters | Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Foo Fighters | In Your Honor
Freddy Jones Band | Lucid
Garbage | Bleed Like Me
Daryl Hall & John Oates | Greatest Hits
Yuki Kajiura | Fiction
Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex O.S.T. / Yoko Kanno
Hyde | Faith
Hyde | Roentgen.english
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings | 100 Days, 100 Nights
Kaiser Chiefs | Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Kings of Leon | Only By the Night
The Kooks | Inside In Inside Out
L’Arc~en~Ciel | Clicked Singles Best 13
Lynyrd Skynyrd | Best of
Maroon 5 | It Won’t Be Soon Before Long
Muse | Black Holes and Revelations
Muse | The Resistance
Oasis | Dig Out Your Soul
Oasis | (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Charlie Parker | Ken Burns Jazz
Tom Petty | Full Moon Fever
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers | Greatest Hits
The Pillows | Ride on Shooting Star EP
The Prodigals | Whiskey Asylum: Select Prodigals Tracks 1999-2009
Radiohead | In Rainbows
Rahxephon O.S.T. 1 / Ichiko Hashimoto
Rahxephon O.S.T. 2 / Ichiko Hashimoto
Res | How I Do
Robert Randolph & the Family Band | Colorblind
Mark Ronson | Version
Rush | Chronicles
Saliva | Back Into Your System
Silversun Pickups | Swoon
Igor Stravinsky | Le Sacre du pritemps and Petrouchka (Israel Philharmonic cond. by Leonard Bernstein)
Super Junior | Sorry, Sorry
Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs | Under the Covers, Vol. 1
3 Doors Down | Seventeen Days
Justin Timberlake | FutureSex/LoveSounds
V6 | Guilty (Single)
V6 | Very Best II
VAMPS | (Self-titled)
Amy Winehouse | Back to Black

Posted in A List, A List 2009, Distractions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

[ PR ] Right Stuf/ Nozomi Launch Mobile Sites for ASTRO BOY & BOOGIEPOP

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: November 16, 2009

[October 8, 2009]

Right Stuf, Inc. & Nozomi Ent. Launch Mobile Sites for
ASTRO BOY – astroboy.rightstuf.com/m/ and
BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM – boogiepop.rightstuf.com/m/

GRIMES, IA, October 8, 2009 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment are pleased to launch mobile sites for two fan-favorite series, ASTRO BOY ( http://astroboy.rightstuf.com/m/ ) and BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM (http://boogiepop.rightstuf.com/m/ ).

Each site is tailored for use with mobile phones and computing devices and can be accessed via its mobile URL, as well as QR Codes found on the packaging for selected Astro Boy DVD Mini Sets and the Astro Boy: The Beginning DVD, which are now in stores, and the Boogiepop Phantom / Boogiepop and Others DVD Collection, which streets on October 28, 2009.

At astroboy.rightstuf.com/m/, visitors can access the Astro Boy series trailer and find a full listing of the various DVD releases of the 1963 television classic. The Boogiepop mobile site – at boogiepop.rightstuf.com/m/ – offers access to trailers for the Boogiepop Phantom anime and its live-action movie prequel, Boogiepop and Others, and it provides background information about the series and its releases.

The decision to launch mobile sites for the series was an easy one, according to Right Stuf President and CEO Shawne Kleckner. “Anime fans have always been early adopters, and this continues to be the case with Web-capable mobile devices. The new mobile sites – in conjunction with the scannable QR Codes – are yet another way for fans to connect with and find out more about these two series.”

Mobile sites for other Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment series are planned for the future.

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, Gakuen Alice and Rental Magica, 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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A List: Reading – Manga & Comics (2009)

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: November 3, 2009

This represents titles I either read for the first time or the first time in a long time.

Titles with an asterisk (*) are either in progress or ones I plan to finish at some point. Titles with an “X” (X) are ones that I don’t plan on completing or are a lower priority for completion.

20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa*
Antique Bakery by Fumi Yoshinaga
Black Jack by Osamu Tezuka*
Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango) by Yoko Kamio
ES (Eternal Sabbath) by Fuyumi Soryo
Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya
Full Metal Panic: Overload! by Shouji Gatou & illustrated by Tomohiro Nagai
Honey and Clover by Chika Umino*
Honey Hunt by Miki Aihara*
Monster by Naoki Urasawa
Oyayubihime Infinity by Toru Fujieda
Ōoku by Fumi Yoshinaga*
Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka by Naoki Urasawa, et al.*
Red River by Chie Shinohara*
Sand Chronicles by Hinako Ashihara*
Solanin by Inio Asano
Tokyo Babylon by CLAMP
Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino*

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A List: Watching – Movies & TV (2009)

By Alison L. Roberts | Published: November 3, 2009

This represents titles I either watched for the first time ever or the first time in a long time.

24 – Day 7*
About a Boy
Animal House
Becoming Jane
Bones, Season 2
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Brothers & Sisters, Season 3 (TV)
Burn Notice, Season 1 (TV)
Burn Notice, Season 2 (TV)
Burn Notice, Season 3 (TV)*
Caddyshack
Casanova (2005 / Masterpiece Theatre)
Cash McCall
Castle, Season 1 (TV)
Castle, Season 2 (TV)*
Charade
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Dark Journey (1937)
Doctor Who, Series 2 (TV)
Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead (TV)
The French Connection
Friday Night Lights, Season 3 (TV)
Full House (K-drama)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
His Girl Friday
House, Season 4
House, Season 5
Hot Fuzz
Lost in Austen
Mama Mia!
Man on Fire
Marley and Me
Mister Roberts
My Little Bride (Korean)
No Country for Old Men
North by Northwest
Notorious (1946)
One Tree Hill, Season 5 (TV)
One Tree Hill, Season 6 (TV)
One Tree Hill, Season 7 (TV)*
Psych, Season 1 (TV)
Psych, Season 2 (TV)
Psych, Season 4 (TV)*
Reaper, Season 2 (TV)
Rescue Dawn
Rome, Season 2 (TV)
Royal Pains, Season 1 (TV)
Shaun of the Dead
Singin’ in the Rain
Smallville, Season 8 (TV)
Spaced, Seasons 1-2 (TV)
Speed Racer (Movie)
Stalag 17
State of Play (BBC TV)
Supernatural, Season 3 (TV)
Supernatural, Season 4 (TV)
Supernatural, Season 5 (TV)*
The Ugly Dachsund
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Waitress
Watchmen
Wolverine: X-Men Origins

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