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‘Expelled From Paradise’ Interview And Review

by Kari LaneFebruary 17, 2015

Aniplex of America recently wowed audiences by hosting the new and exciting anime feature film, Expelled from Paradise. The producer of the film, Mr. Koichi Noguchi, was able to attend the Los Angeles premiere and I was able to interview him (via a translator) to get the inside perspective on this new feature! My review of the film is below following the interview.

Q: First of all, congrats on the screening being sold out and being here. How do you think an American audience will respond to the film and are you nervous about the screening?
A: He’s really happy that there are actually people here to watch the film because that was something, of course, that he was worried about. You know, if American audiences would be interested in the film and even come to watch it. But he is very glad to see a lot of people coming today. Another thing is that another big theme about this movie is science fiction. So science fiction, of course, is something that came out of Western culture and not, it’s not something only in Japan, so he’s… he’s pretty positive about how American fans would receive this science fiction themed movie.

Q: Any special message that you want to tell fans?
A: He’s been getting this question all day. There are three main characters in the film and they’re all different actually. They’re actually representing the three different perspectives on humanity. So, the first character is a total… he’s human, he’s a normal human – totally with a physical body. Another character, she has a body, but her main part is actually digital, so her body is not really real. It’s a cyborg body, cyber-body. And the third person, third character in the film is a total A.I. So coming from those three different perspectives, the film is going to be describing where is humanity going from here, from now, and the existence of humanity and what it means.

Q: What was the most challenging thing working on this project?
A: The most challenging thing is to create CG animation – a CG animated theatrical feature. The two main challenges coming… branching off from that main challenge are that Japanese audiences or Japanese fans are not really familiar with CG animation and a lot of times they usually don’t receive it positively when it comes to CG animation. And the other thing is the budget because CG animation is usually very expensive to create. So those are the two main things.

Q: What do you like most about the film, either the process or the film itself?
A: This specific film?

Q: Yes.
A: He really enjoyed working as a team, working with a creative facet and creating something from scratch, working together with the team members and producing a film. This is his first time producing a film, so that was a very rewarding experience for him. And to create something with such a strong message was a great project.

Q: What is it like watching a project you worked on with a full theater audience?
A: It is very difficult. So, I mean, of course, in the beginning he was very afraid of what the reaction of fans would be and he has already done several screenings in Japan with the fans and, as you know, it has been received very well in Japan. Fans love it. So, he has seen that already, so now he is comfortable, feeling confident about how the film has been received by Japanese fans and so today he is hoping that he will feel the same way, and just enjoy the film with the fans and relax.

Q: How did you get involved with this particular film?
A: [Mr. Kochi laughs] He is not really sure. Well, he is talking about how his main goal was to spread his passion for 3D CG in Japan. He really wanted people to see it more and have more people understand and see 3D CG animation in Japan. So that’s where he started to work with Gen Urobuchi (Nitroplus) and director Mizushima and together they wanted to create something that would become a catalyst for 3D CG in Japan.

Q: Okay, a more fun one… What are some of his favorite anime titles?
A: Because of his background in digital effects and CG, he is actually a fan more of live action films. He loves Interstellar. So, do you know Perfect Blue, by director Kon?

Q: Yes.
A: That’s something that he really looked into when creating this project and he saw all the aspects of that film, how it was received and how it became, what the process was in creating that film. He really liked Satoshi’s film and then Perfect Blue is actually one of his first films that he worked on so that was something that really interested him as something to look into when was starting to work on this project also. Also, you know because it also included CG animation in that film and so it was very similar for what they were trying to go for and budget-wise he thought it was something they could look into.

Q: Okay, great. Arigato gozaimasu (Thank you)!

Here is a synopsis of the film:

With Earth now left in ruins following the “Nano Hazard,” most of humanity has abandoned the planet they once called home along with their physical bodies and rebuilt their digitalized minds into a society within the cyber universe of “DEVA.” A.D. 2400, DEVA’s central council detects an incident of unauthorized access into their mainframe. Someone on Earth was trying to hack into the system. The only information DEVA was able to retrieve was that the hacker referred to themselves as “Frontier Setter.” To investigate the mysterious hacker’s motives, the high officials of DEVA dispatch System Security Third Officer Angela Balzac to the Earth’s surface. Equipped with a prosthetic “material body,” Angela attempts to make contact with a local agent Dingo. Will Angela and Dingo be able to find Frontier Setter on this devastated planet? Their journey to explore the secrets of the world will begin now…!

I thought Expelled from Paradise was awesome! There is action, lots of humor, and enough Mecha (robots manned by humans) for the fans that enjoy that genre but not too much to lose those that do not care much about it. Oh, and let’s not forget sexy characters with fun fan service shots. The main two characters, Dingo and Angela have hilarious banter that is extremely entertaining with moments of sweet compassion. The film also has fantastic deep commentary on what it means to be human. Is a body that important? Are you still human if your mind is just digital material on a server? What defines being human? It is visually beautiful! The 3D CG gave it a cool new style that was smooth and had a look all its own. You really felt like you were in these environments. Overall, if you like science fiction, anime, or thought provoking material, you need to check out Expelled from Paradise!

Kari’s Anime Corner: ‘Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works’

by Kari LaneOctober 23, 2014

Fate/stay night is back and even better than before! Aniplex of America hosted an event at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles where they screened the first episode (#00: Prologue) of the new series, Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. The screening was sold out and packed full of enthusiastic fans including a handful of cosplayers (dressed up as characters from the franchise). The audience loved it! At the end, they could not wait to see the next episode. Right now, you can watch episodes 0 – 2 on Hulu, Crunchyroll and the Aniplex Channel. Aniplex of America also gave all of the fans in attendance a limited edition lithograph called “UBW memorial record.” Another treat for fans was a pre-screening video introduction by the show’s creative team. It was a special inside look at their creative process, what they are excited about and other insider stories.

The Fate/stay night franchise started off as a visual novel (adult video game) and later became a manga, multiple anime series, and a couple of full length films. This new series, Unlimited Blade Works, focuses more on Rin Tohsaka and is based on the visual novels. The prologue is told from her perspective.

This story focuses primarily on the heroine Rin Tohsaka. After her father’s death, Rin enters the Holy Grail War as the sole heir to the prestigious Tohsaka Household, with her servant Archer. But, she soon finds out that Shirou Emiya, a boy from her high school has gotten himself involved in the battles and unexpectedly saves him when he is fatally injured. Before long, Rin sets out to strike down the conspiracies surrounding the Holy Grail War along with Shirou and his summoned servant Saber. And so, the story begins to explore the truth behind Shirou’s powers and the nature behind his unyielding will to become a ― hero.

It looks amazing! Everything is so clear and crisp, and the colors are beautifully saturated. You get to see everything during the fight scenes, and they are so cool! The relationship between Rin and Archer develops nicely and, during the video introduction, the creative team hinted at more to come. If you have seen any of the Fate/stay night series, this is a must watch. Also, you can still enjoy this series even if you are unfamiliar with the franchise. It is starting over but from a new and fresh perspective so it is informative without being repetitive. Go check out Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works now and you can thank me later!

For more information visit: www.FateStayNightUSA.com

Aniplex Hosting US Premiere Of ‘Fate/stay night’ 9/28!

by Kari LaneSeptember 10, 2014

The hit anime series, Fate/stay night, is back and Aniplex will be hosting the US premiere! Fans will able to enjoy the very first episode before it airs on television. The event will be held at the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles, CA on September 28^th. Doors open at 12:15pm PST and the event begins at 1:00pm. Attendees of the event will receive a Fate/stay night giveaway item while supplies last.

This series will be featuring the Unlimited Blade Works arc. This arc will focus on the heroine Rin Tohsaka, her summoned servant Archer, and the situations involving the other participants of the fifth Holy Grail War.

Hideki Goto, President of Aniplex of America, Inc. says that he expects both new and veteran fans of the Fate/stay night franchise to enjoy this exclusive event. He went on to say, “The Fate/stay night series is an anime title that has captured the hearts of many fans and it continues to be popular through the years. I’m looking forward to enjoying this unique story on the big screen along with the fans.”

To purchase tickets for the Fate/stay night US Premiere event, please visit: http://fatestaynight.bpt.me/

For more information on Fate/stay night, please visit the official website at: http://www.fatestaynightusa.com/

Aniplex of America, Inc. had also confirmed Fate/stay night will begin its streaming schedule through Hulu (www.hulu.com) and Crunchyroll (www.crunchyroll.com) from October. The specific date, time, and platforms will be announced at a later date.

Fate/stay night is an excellent series! If you are not familiar with the story, read below.

Fuyuki City—a city surrounded by the ocean and the mountains becomes the setting for an age-old ritual. To realize the mythical Holy Grail, which is said to grant any wish from its possessor, seven masters are given seven heroic spirits chosen by the Grail. These heroic spirits or servants are: Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Caster, Assassin and Berserker. Each master will enter into a contract with their assigned servants and battle the other masters and servants to the death until only one pair remains…

‘Blue Exorcist’ Is Coming To Toonami!

by Kari LaneFebruary 9, 2014

I was introduced to Blue Exorcist right before Anime Expo 2013. Aniplex was premiering the movie at the convention and I wanted to make sure I watched some of the show before seeing the movie (you don’t really have to by the way). I ended up blazing through the whole series because it was that good! Now fans can check out the show in English on Adult Swim’s TOONAMI™ starting February 22nd. Specific premiere time on Feb. 22nd will be announced on a later date.

The Blue Exorcist TV Series is based on Kazue Kato’s hit manga published in Jump Square (by SHUEISHA) and it saw a multi-stream simulcast on websites such as Hulu, Crunchyroll (subtitled version), and as well as on Neon Alley (English dub version). In response to its worldwide popularity, the series was also adapted into a film and theatrically released across North America this past August. Produced by the highly-acclaimed studio A-1 Pictures, (Sword Art Online, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Oreimo 2) the Blue Exorcist TV Series has gained popularity among its fans for its unique storyline and characters. Aniplex of America has released the Blue Exorcist TV Series on home video earlier this year featuring both the original Japanese and English dub which features many popular voice actors such as Bryce Papenbrook (as Rin Okumura), Johnny Yong Bosch (as Yukio Okumura), and Christine Marie Cabanos (as Shiemi Moriyama).

A little about Blue Exorcist: Assiah: the realm of humans. Gehenna: the realm of demons. The hero, Rin Okumura, “an energetic, yet naïve young man aims to become the ultimate exorcist.” Rin is a bit of a screw up but he means well. His twin brother Yukio is the perfect child and they are both raised by a catholic priest. Well, things start getting strange and Rin learns he is the son of Satan! After a tragedy, he enrolls at True Cross Academy where he learns his brother already has been training for some time. Along the way Rin learns more about himself, meets other young exorcists in training, and has some fun epic battles. The show is a cool/interesting mix of various religions. The characters are relatable and likeable and the show delves into their relationships wonderfully. The action and animation are top notch! Also, there is a lot of humor in the show.

For more details, please visit: www.BlueExorcist.com

About Aniplex of America Inc.

Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and a leading provider of anime content and music production and distribution in Japan. Aniplex of America has launched fan-favorite Blu-Ray and DVD releases such as Bakemonogatari, Durarara!!, Fate/Zero, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Garden of Sinners, Sword Art Online, Blue Exorcist, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic and Blast of Tempest. The company’s ever-growing line-up of shows includes our most recent titles Kill la Kill, Monogatari Series Second Season, Nisekoi, World Conquest: Zvezda Plot, Silver Spoon, Magi: The Kingdom of Magic, VALVRAVE the Liberator and Samurai Flamenco.

www.AniplexUSA.com

www.Youtube.com/AniplexUS

‘Madoka Magica Part III’ Movie Premiere!

by Kari LaneDecember 5, 2013

Hollywood got a taste of anime glamour Tuesday night at the Egyptian Theater with the premiere of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story. I spoke with Marketing Specialist at Aniplex, Joanna Metoki, about the event. She mentioned the first people to get in line arrived around noon (the event page said doors open at 5:30PM with the film starting at 7PM). Anime fans are dedicated! Regarding the fans, Metoki said, “you could feel the excitement” and that you “could tell the fans were serious about this movie.” She also added “the fans were amazing!” I asked Metoki which Madoka character she liked best and she said Mami was her favorite because “she was so passionate about what she was doing,” and she liked that Mami was a mentor and helped the other girls.

From Left to Right: Christina Vee (Homura), Sarah Williams (Sayaka), Mitsutoshi Kubata (President of Shaft), Atsuhiro Iwakami (Aniplex producer), Lauren Landa (Kyoko), Cassandra Lee (Kyubey), Christine Marie Cabanos (Madoka), Alexander von David (English ADR Director) *The voice actors are from the English cast*

As I surveyed the fans I noticed many cosplayers dressed in Madoka Magica outfits. One of the first groups I talked to came all the way from Las Vegas, Arizona and New Mexico to attend the premiere! They arrived in full cosplay around 2PM. When asked if they had trouble picking out who will cosplay which character, they said their choices just fell into place. They have all been cosplaying for a few years and met mainly through conventions but stayed in touch via Skype. This event was such a big deal to them that they planned their trip as soon as they saw the trailer on part 1 and 2 of Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie (part 1 and 2 screened together last year).

From Left to Right: Ana, Katrina, Aubree, Jude

Another friendly group came from a closer location, Claremont, CA. They also have been cosplaying for a few years and met through school. Last year, some of them saw part 1 and 2 twice because not everyone could make it to the same screening. Jacob decided to crossplay (dress as a character of the opposite sex) because there really are no boys in the show. He also mentioned that it was actually nice to wear a skirt and tights. I was rather impressed that he even wore fake lashes thought he mentioned they were hard to put on.

From Left to Right: Jacob, Samantha, Madelynn

Getting in line somewhat on the later side, around 6PM, this young lady still managed to rock her cosplay. She attended a screening last year but was not able to make it to the premiere. As soon as ticket sales were announced (a friend clued her in) she made sure to get a ticket to this year’s premiere! She mentioned she has been casually cosplaying for about five years and she chose Kyoko because she likes that Kyoko is bratty in order to cope with the troubles she has endured.

Hope

Along with cosplays of specific characters, I spotted a cute gothic lolita outfit. She mentioned she had just got the dress and wanted an occasion to wear it. The premiere of an anime film was the perfect opportunity and she felt the unicorns on the dress suited the event. She was also sporting a Madoka key chain/charm that she purchased at last year’s event.

Karlee

Not only were there fans who cosplayed, there were some professional cosplayers at the event that posed on the red carpet with the voice actors, handed out gift bags and added a huge slice of kawaii (Japanese for ‘cute’) to the event. I spoke with Madoka herself (Jessie) about her experience at the event.

Characters from Left to Right: Mami, Kyoko, Lauren Landa (English voice of Kyoko) Homura, Madoka, Sayaka

K: How was it cosplaying at the Madoka premiere?

J: A lot of fun! It’s always nice getting to meet people who go to these events and work with the companies.

K: Did you make your costume?

J: Yes.

K: How did you get involved with Aniplex?

J: I was hired by ACParadise

K: Are you a fan of the Madoka series?

J: Yes!

K: Any memorable moments from the premiere?

J: The producer wearing a tie to match my costume was pretty great, plus the movie was amazing.

At the screening, there was a pretty awesome merchandise table that had domestic merchandise and special merchandise imported from Japan just for the event! Aniplex provided a printed sheet/purchase form that people were able to look at before they reached the actual goodies. They also made announcements when items sold out (many items did sell out!) so that customers knew before reaching the cash register. The merchandise that remained after the premiere will be sold at the Downtown Independent screenings, so if you could not make the premiere, you might be in luck! Anime Jungle was the exclusive vendor selling the merchandise this year (as well as last year) and I spoke with their general manager, Tetsu Shiota. Anime Jungle is a store in Little Tokyo (as well as in Japan!); they usually have a booth at conventions and at special events.

I also interviewed EJ Rivera, Marketing Specialist at Aniplex, about the event.

Congratulations on a sold out premiere! How do you think the event went overall?

Thank you very much. The event went pretty well. It was great to see the fans having a great time and enjoying Madoka Magica together along with our special guests.

Were you surprised by how quickly tickets sold?

Very surprised; tickets for the event sold out immediately after they went on sale. It pretty much shows how strong the following is for the Madoka Magica Series.

What was your favorite part of the evening?

My favorite part of the evening was the Talk Session following the movie; it was great to see both Mr. Kubota (President of SHAFT) and Mr. Iwakami (Aniplex Producer) provide some in-depth insight on the Madoka Magica series and –Rebellion– itself. It was also great to see the fans enjoying the Talk Session. We definitely wanted to give the fans a unique and special experience at this event.

The premiere expanded from last year’s premiere! Why the change in theater and scale of the event?

Seeing how popular the first two movies were here in the US, we really wanted to give the fans a memorable experience when attending this event. We weighed our options and believed the Egyptian Theater would be the best venue to host this special event.

How are fans receiving the film?

From what I saw from the US Premiere Event, it looks like the fans enjoyed the film. It was great to see everybody in the theater clapping once the credits started.

Any final comments on the event?

On behalf of Aniplex of America, I would like to thank everybody who attended the Madoka Magica –Rebellion– US Premiere Event here in Los Angeles, CA. We hope that you enjoyed the event and we look forward to organizing more events like this in the future.

Hope you enjoyed my coverage of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story premiere. Click here for additional screening dates and locations. Check back soon to read my review of the film!

Here are some pictures of the lovely and handsome people involved with the film on the red carpet!