Sentai Filmworks Licenses Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto
May 21, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, May 21, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce their acquisition of Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto. This 26 episode thriller soaked in blood is created and directed by Ryosuke Takahashi (Gasaraki, The Cockpit, Armored Trooper VOTOMS) and features character designs by Yusuke Kozaki and music by Hideyuki Fukasawa (Nanaka 6/17, You’re Under Arrest: Full Throttle). Animation is produced by SUNRISE.
In the final years of the Bakumatsu, wandering mercenary Yojiro Akizuki travels the length and breadth of Japan. And while he employs his sword in the usual fashion, he also uses it to help him locate supernatural items which he pursues with single-minded determination, often with bloody results. In the course of his quest, he crosses paths with a traveling theater group whose members have their own dark agenda. Is it a chance meeting or the result of some, as yet, undiscovered conspiracy? Swords will swing and sorcery make itself felt in Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto Collection 1!
Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
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SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “INTRIGUE IN THE BAKUMATSU ~ IROHANIHOHETO”
May 21, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, May 21, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce their acquisition of Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto. This 26 episode thriller soaked in blood is created and directed by Ryosuke Takahashi (Gasaraki, The Cockpit, Armored Trooper VOTOMS) and features character designs by Yusuke Kozaki and music by Hideyuki Fukasawa (Nanaka 6/17, You’re Under Arrest: Full Throttle). Animation is produced by SUNRISE.
In the final years of the Bakumatsu, wandering mercenary Yojiro Akizuki travels the length and breadth of Japan. And while he employs his sword in the usual fashion, he also uses it to help him locate supernatural items which he pursues with single-minded determination, often with bloody results. In the course of his quest, he crosses paths with a traveling theater group whose members have their own dark agenda. Is it a chance meeting or the result of some, as yet, undiscovered conspiracy? Swords will swing and sorcery make itself felt in Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto Collection 1!
Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DUSK MAIDEN OF AMNESIA”
April 20, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 19, 2012— Join Sentai Filmworks for a mystery that must be solved from beyond the grave as they announce the North American licensing of Dusk maiden of Amnesia. Director Shin Oonuma (ef ~ a tale of memories, ef ~ a tale of melodies) and character designer Yukiko Ban (.hack//SIGN) bring original creator Maybe’s tale of death and haunting to life.
60 years ago, a young woman was left to die in the abandoned school building behind the exclusive Seikyou Academy. No one knows why. No one knows how. But the horrifying tale and the legends of the ghostly haunting that followed live on to this day. Perhaps it’s not so surprising then, that among Seikyou’s many school clubs is one for students interested in “paranormal investigations.” What might raise more than a few hairs, however, is that the founder of the club is the ghost herself. Unable to remember how she died and trapped in the grey land between life and death, Yūko latches onto Teiichi Niiya, a freshman who can inexplicably see her, and together they and the other unsuspecting members of the club begin to unravel the many dark mysteries that surround Seikyou. Will unlocking the secret of Yūko’s gruesome death finally free her? Or will her sudden close association with a mortal have even stranger repercussions on both of their existences? In a tomb of silent classrooms, the answers await in Dusk maiden of Amnesia.
Dusk maiden of Amnesia will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “TSURITAMA”
April 18, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 18, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their latest catch: Kenji Nakamura’s (Ayakashi – Samurai Horror Tales) tsuritama. Originally airing in Fuji Television’s prestigious noitaminA block, tsuritama is sure to be the catch of the day.
You can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing, and you can’t make friends if you don’t at least try. Which is how relationship-challenged student Yuki finds himself on a fishing trip to a tiny island with three other boys he barely knows. Well, two other boys and Haru, who claims that he’s an alien. Not that constantly stewing Natsuki or mysterious Akira are any more likely as prospects for good companionship. But there’s something about fishing that makes it unlike any other pastime, and maybe that quiet sense of companionship and hopeful expectation is just what Yuki needs to start charting the unfamiliar waters of personal connections. Or maybe it will turn out that Haru’s right and they’re going to have to save the entire planet. There are lots of different kinds of fish stories, from the “ones that got away” to the “best catches ever,” but whichever way the currents of life take them, for four young men, this trip may turn out to be the biggest whopper ever in tsuritama!
tsuritama will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About noitaminA: With a top rated late-night anime time slot and major advertising sponsorship from Japan’s largest corporations, Fuji Television’s prestigious noitaminA block was designed to drive creativity and innovation in the art of anime. Assembling high profile teams of creators to produce eight new half hour series per annum, from both famous literary works and original concepts, noitaminA has consistently produced unique and innovative programming that pushes the boundaries of animation to its edge and beyond.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
Sentai Filmworks Licenses Queen’s Blade Rebellion
April 17, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 17, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce their acquisition of the season’s hottest swordswomen in Queen’s Blade Rebellion. With series composition by Hideki Shirane (Dream Eater Merry, Kill Me Baby!) and music by Masaru Yokoyama (Kimikiss: Pure Rouge, Freezing), five out five rebels agree that this series will kick some royal booty!
Power corrupts, and it when it appears that the once noble Queen Claudette’s ways have turned to oppression and heretical persecution, it’s up to a new generation of warriors to step up to the plate armor to bear arms and bare their naked fury in open rebellion! The odds may seem unfairly stacked in favor of the Amazonian ranks of the queen, doubly supported by her power of writ and assassins. But the incredible wits and assets of the dazzling array of daring damsels willing to risk their gorgeous skins and put their lithesome bodies on line against her, might just expose a few unexpected weaknesses in the queen’s support! It’s the wildest fantasy ever as an unprecedented force of fabulous female fighters… from Elven alchemist to half-demon berserker, from undead pirate captain to dragon maid… all come together with the goal of stripping the queen from her throne in QUEEN’S BLADE: REBELLION!
Queen’s Blade Rebellion will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
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Sentai Filmworks Licenses Medaka Box
April 16, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 16, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce its acquitsition of MEDAKA BOX, the newest production of the famed Gainax studio (Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Laggan). Featuring series composition and direction by (Shouji Saeki (He Is My Master, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World) and music by Tatsuya Katou (Samurai Girls, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere), MEDAKA BOX is sure to prove that good intentions don’t always matter.
When newly elected Student Council President Medaka Kurokami institutes her idea for a suggestion box where people can submit problems that need to be solved, she’s expecting things like rescuing lost puppies and giving advice. What she and her best friend Zenkichi find instead, however, are the first hints of an unbelievable secret, and their school, Hakoniwa Academy, and Medaka herself are somehow at the very center of the growing maelstrom! As what seemed like an innocent past time turns into a dangerous game, Medaka and her recruits to the Student Council discover new depths to both themselves and their own unexpected abilities. And then things get REALLY out of control! Get ready for a battle royal unlike anything you’ve ever seen before as the simple power of suggestion unlocks the secrets of MEDAKA BOX!
MEDAKA BOX will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “MYSTERIOUS GIRLFRIEND X”
April 13, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 13, 2012— Just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder, Sentai Filmworks proudly announces its acquisition of a tale of strange, sticky bonds and slobbering repercussions: Riichi Ueshiba’s Mysterious Girlfriend X! Featuring direction by Ayumu Watanabe (Space Brothers), music by Tomoki Hasegawa (DNAngel, NANA) and character designs by Kenichi Konishi (Bokurano, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos), Mysterious Girlfriend X is sure to be a hit with any self-respecting salivator.
When the oddly peculiar Mikoto Urabe transfers into Akira Tsubaki’s class, he finds that life has thrown him the weirdest curve ball ever. Because while Urabe may be an anti-social loner who sleeps on her desk, carries a pair of scissors in her underwear and breaks out in sudden fits of insane laughter, there’s something about her that Tsubaki just can’t quite put his finger on. Until he accidentally puts his finger in it, and suddenly the phrase “sharing spit with a girl” takes on an entirely new meaning! Before he can wipe her drool off his face, Tsubaki is mysteriously addicted to Urabe, which isn’t half as strange as the fact that she not only finds this normal, but already seems to have plans for her new drooling boyfriend. So can a girl spitting in your face ever be a GOOD thing? Is this relationship bound for disaster or great expectorations? Find out as Urabe puts a spittle love in Tsubaki’s heart and things get REALLY bizarre in the most dysfunctional bodily functional anime ever: Mysterious Girlfriend X!
Mysterious Girlfriend X will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release to follow.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES NEW WATANABE/KANNO TEAM UP “KIDS ON THE SLOPE”
April 12, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 12, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce the acquisition of one of the most anticipated animated series of the decade, KIDS ON THE SLOPE, the long awaited reunion of the team behind COWBOY BEBOP and MACROSS PLUS, director Shinichiro Watanabe (SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, THE ANIMATRIX ) and composer Yoko Kanno (RAHXEPHON, ESCAFLOWNE, GHOST IN THE SHELL S.A.C.). Produced for Fuji Televisions prestigious noitaminA block and based on the manga “Sakamichi no Apollon” by Yuki Kodama, the 12 episode series’ already blockbuster list of production credits grows even more impressive with the addition of character designer Nobuteru Yuki (RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, ESCAFLOWNE, BATTLE ANGEL) and scripting by Yuko Kakihara (PERSONA 4-THE ANIMATION, TAYUTAMA-KISS ON MY DIETY,) and his second season collaborator on Disney’s STITCH! anime series, Ayako Kato. There is perhaps no better summation of the astonishing caliber of talent assembled for this project than Ms. Kodama’s own words: “When it comes to adapting this manga to anime, I can say with no reservations that the series has been blessed with a brilliant combination of staff members that couldn’t be any better.”
It’s the summer of 1966 and high school freshman Kaoru Nishimi is struggling to adjust to the latest of many moves in his young life, this time to his uncle’s home in the seaside town of Kyushu. It’s never easy adjusting. It’s never easy fitting in.
But this time will be different. This time he’ll meet friends who’ll change his life forever. And he’ll discover a new passion, one that grabs his heart and rocks him to his very soul.
It’s a music. A beat. A whole new way of looking at life. It’s called JAZZ, and together with bad boy Sentaro and music store girl Ritsuko, they’re going to follow their muse to wherever their music takes them! You think garage bands are something new? Think again and travel to a time when dreams and a couple of musical instruments really could change the world! Get ready to be blown away as the acclaimed team behind COWBOY BEBOP reunites for a tale of life, love and all that jazz in THE KIDS ON THE SLOPE!
THE KIDS ON THE SLOPE will begin release through select digital outlets soon with a home video release on DVD & BD to follow.
About noitaminA: With a top rated late-night anime time slot and major advertising sponsorship from Japan’s largest corporations, Fuji Television’s prestigious noitaminA block was designed to drive creativity and innovation in the art of anime. Assembling high profile teams of creators to produce eight new half hour series per annum, from both famous literary works and original concepts, noitaminA has consistently produced unique and innovative programming that pushes the boundaries of animation to its edge and beyond.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
Sentai Filmworks Licenses Hidamari Sketch SP
April 10, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 10, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to invite you along for another visit with everyone’s favorite art students in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP. These two special episodes feature the cast and staff that have brought the girls of the Hidamari Apartments to life, including direction by Akiyuki Shinbo (Maria Holic, And Yet the Town Moves) and character designs by Yoshiaki Ito (Alice Academy).
Even though studying at a prestigious art school like Yamabuki is hard work, the girls who live at the Hidamari Apartments always manage to squeeze in time for a little fun and exploration. And when they actually get a day off? Watch out world! Yuno, Sae, Hiro, Miyako and new students Nori and Nazuna return to create another masterpiece of life as art, with all new adventures that include swimming, pajama parties, trips to the art museum and even an all-you-can-eat diner courtesy of the landlady! Of course, there’s always a little housework that has to be squeezed in, but with a pinch of resourcefulness and a dash of creativity, even the most onerous of chores can be turned into something magical. Get ready for another illustrious collection of life, laughter and togetherness as Yuno and her friends always put a little love in their art in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP!
HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
Someday’s Dreamers: Complete Collection (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)
April 6, 2012 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
“Someday’s Dreamers” is an enjoyable, heartwarming anime series. There is no storyline about magical battles or magical girls fighting magical villains, it’s a straightforward coming-of-age story of a 15-year-old learning more about her powers and her limits, but also how magic can help and also hurt people. Recommended!
Image courtesy of © 2002 Norie YAMADA/KADOKAWA SHOTEN/Geneon Universal Entertainment/TV Asahi. All Rights Reserved.
DVD TITLE: Someday’s Dreamers: Complete Collection
DURATION: Episode 1-12 (300 Minutes)
DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, English and Japanese 2.0, English subtitles
COMPANY: Sentai Filmworks
RATED: TV PG
Release Date: April 17, 2012
Originally created by Kumixhi Yoahiuki/Norie Yamada
Director: Masami Shimoda
Screenplay by Norie Yamada
Music by Takefumi Haketa
Character Design by Michinori Chiba
Art Director: Junichiro Nishikawa
Chief Animation Director: Keiko Kawashima
Animation Production by J.C. Staff/Viewworks
Featuring the following voice talent:
Aoi Miyazaki/Kaye Jensen as Yume Kikuchi
Junichi Suwabe/Otto Towne as Masami Oyamada
Akeno Watanabe/Shereen Hickman as Angela Charon Brooks
Akiko Hiramatsu/Stevie Bloch as Milinda
Sanae Kobayashi as Haru Kikuchi
Yuko Sasaki as Etsuko Kikuchi
When can flunking a spelling test cause major problems? When you’re learning how to use magic, of course! And that’s exactly the situation fifteen-year-old Yume Kikuchi finds herself in when she travels to Tokyo to begin her apprenticeship as a licensed magic user. Unfortunately, Yume’s a country girl in the big city for the first time and there are a lot of new-fangled ideas to get used to – like her new mentor, Oyamada, turning out to be a man instead of the expected woman! Add to that the fact that Yume’s not really very confident about her abilities to achieve her goal of a magic license and she might just jinx herself into failing!
It will take a lot of helping hands from her equally challenged fellow students and even more aid from her teachers if she’s going to succeed, but in the end, the most important lesson she’ll learn may not even be about spellcasting. The process of growing up and discovering what lies inside your own heart is the most wonderful magic of all.
In 2002, mangaka Norie Yamada and illustrator Kumichi Yoshizuki created their magical girl manga series “Someday’s Dreamers” (Mahotsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto), which was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten’s “Comic Dragon Magazine”. A year later, a 12-episode anime series was produced by J.C. Staff.
And now the anime series will have its US release in April 2012 courtesy of Sentai Filmworks.
“Someday’s Dreamers” is a series set in present day Tokyo, during an age where humans and people who have powers known as mages co-exist. Mages are monitored by a government agency known as the Bureau of Magic and for each beginning mage, in order to use their power, they must train and become a certified mage. And they can only use their magic with special permission, if they use it without permission, they can be penalized.
Yumi Kikuchi is from the country side and is temporarily moving to Tokyo in order to train and get her certification. Because she lived in a small town in the countryside, she is not sure how things work in the city. On her first day in Tokyo, a young man helps her walk across the street in the busy Tokyo streets and in return, Yumi uses her power to give him a huge amount of money.
Yumi then meets her teacher, Masami Oyamada. Masami is not sure why a daughter of a well-known mage is training under him but he is willing to train Yumi and do all he can in order for her to pass her certification. Masami is a kind-hearted teacher who also runs a salsa club/bar at night, but he also has a mysterious past that other higher mages are aware of. And the reason why Yumi is paired with Masami was done for an important reason.
While training to become a certified mage, Yumi starts to learn quickly that having powers doesn’t mean everyone is going to be satisfied. For example, the boy she gave the money to was quite upset that Yumi went overboard in giving money to him for helping her walk across the street.
Yumi is naive, but she has a pure heart and she wants to help everybody. But her teacher Masami Oyamada reminds her that a mages job is to use their power once for that job and move on to the next job. A mage should not have any emotional connection to their client. But can someone like Yumi do that?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“Someday’s Dreamers” is presented in 4:3 and in English and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. The anime series ranges from having one of the most beautifully detailed painted backgrounds of the city of Shimokitazawa and then at times having the most basic looking backgrounds in a series. If anything, J.C. Staff and Viewworks made sure that whenever Yumi and friends venture out to the city, this is where we see the most detail. While indoors, you may have just a wall with a simple gradient. As for animation, the character designs are good, as we get a lot of closeups throughout the series. If anything, the series is about capturing emotions and showcasing the emotions of the characters during their emotional time. And this series has plenty of emotional moments.
As for audio, first I’ll discuss the music. Composer Takefumi Haketa brought a English and Irish style of music for the soundtrack. You also get a bit of salsa in the music soundtrack as well. So, the musical soundtrack was quite intriguing to hear. As for the voice acting, the Japanese voice acting was spectacular. The emotional scenes by Aoi Miyazaki and Jun’ichi Suwabe and many others were done incredibly well. As for the English dub, it was good but there are things that may be OK for some and not for others. For example, because Yumi is from the countryside, whenever she is shown talking with her family members, she talks with an American southern drawl. In Japan, dialects are mostly found in the words being used but not necessarily by accent. In fact, there is another character who talks like she is from Boston or the Bronx. Personally, I didn’t think the accents were necessary but for others who are not familiar with Japanese culture, it may work for them.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Someday’s Dreamers” comes with the following special features:
DISC 2:
- Under the Blue Sky Music Video – (4:39) Featuring the music video of “Under the Blue Sky” by The Indigo.
- Interview with Aoi Miyazaki – (4:30) Voice actress Aoi Miyazaki is interviewed about playing Yumi and working on “Someday’s Dreamers”.
- Japanese TV Spots – (:50) The Japanese commercials for “Someday’s Dreamers”.
- Masataka Nakano Photo Session – (2:51) Research photos taken for location scenes for “Someday’s Dreamers”.
- Clean Opening Animation
- Clean Closing Animation
Many fans have waited a long time for “Someday’s Dreamers” to be released in the U.S.
After the manga series was released in 2006 in the U.S., the 2003 series was actually licensed by Geneon USA until the company closed down and Sentai Filmworks relicensed the title nearly ten years later after the anime series was shown in Japan.
“Someday’s Dreamers” is a series that distinguishes itself from other magical girl (mahou shojou) titles as the focus is not about sugary sweet characters in magical girl outfits. In fact, the whole setting tries to capture realism but with the fantasy element of mages co-existing with humans in society.
Instead of a series about magical girls taking on magical villains, this is a straightforward story of a teenage girl training to become a certified mage but learning that special powers are not going to save or help everyone. Also, that those who have been born with that power must adhere to the rules that no one can use these powers without permission.
For Yumi, a 15-year-old girl with a pure heart, she is always wanting to help everyone. And it’s a big test for her to not use her powers and must abide by the rules. For example, she discovers a kitten that is sick, she can try to use her magical power but she knows she can’t. There are so many instances that she wants to use her power but that is part of her mage training, knowing that you can’t use it whenever you want. And this becomes a big test for Yumi.
Also, learning that when she can use it by permission (ie. being hired by a client), that the result may work wonders one day, but it may not last the next. One scene features Yumi helping a group of merchants who have had issues with scratches on their windows and using her magical power, she is able to clean it. And for Yumi, she loves seeing the happiness in her clients. But when she goes back to visit them and find out that vandals messed up their windows and once again, these shopkeepers are unhappy, she becomes depressed.
And it becomes a battle within Yumi as she is always wanting to please everyone with magic, but magic is not going to keep one happy all the time and her teacher tries to teach her that you can’t be emotionally connected with the clients after the job is done. Yumi thinks her teacher is cold by thinking that way but she is put walls into depression when she starts to think what if her magic is not going to make people happy and instead make them hurt? Maybe she is not cut out to be a mage afterall?
This is pretty much the premise of “Someday’s Dreamers”. It’s a simple yet effective, coming-of-age storyline as a naive Yumi from the countryside learns about society, about people and the limits of her power. Rarely do you see magical girl series go towards this direction of storytelling but in a way, it’s rather refreshing to have something different and not entirely banal.
As for the DVD, for a 2003 anime series, the animation holds up well, especially with the scenes of the beautifully painted surroundings around the city. As mentioned with the audio, I was not too excited about the use of an American southern drawl to show that Yumi is from the countryside or another character talking like she is from the Bronx. Unless an anime series is showcasing people from different countries, I don’t mind accents being used but in this case, I felt it was unnecessary. But that’s just me being picky, it more than likely will be a non-issue for those who watch anime via English dub. As for the Japanese voice acting, the performances were wonderful! As there are many emotional moments, the voice talents did a magnificent job. And you also get a good amount of special features included with “Someday’s Dreamers: Complete Collection” as well!
With the release of “Someday’s Dreamers” on DVD, having enjoyed this series…I can only hope that Sentai Filmworks considers licensing the 2008 anime series “Someday’s Dreamers: Summer Skies” on Blu-ray/DVD in the near future.
Overall, “Someday’s Dreamers” is an enjoyable, heartwarming anime series. There is no storyline about magical battles or magical girls fighting magical villains, it’s a straightforward coming-of-age story of a 15-year-old learning more about her powers and her limits, but also how magic can help people.
“Someday’s Dreamers” is recommended!
