areaseven

Ah, crap. I forgot about that. Cameras even caught him smirking after getting up. There were also loud chants of "You F***ed Up!" during the Kane/RVD match when Kane slipped off the turnbuckle and got his legs caught between the ropes. Funny things is that he never botched this kind of maneuver when he had the mask on.

No. We're very lucky NOT to own any of those suckers, as they're poorly-detailed, poorly-constructed, and they arrive at your home with broken parts.

Well... 1. There was no Intercontinental match because WWE supposedly didn't have anyone to face Christian, especially since Booker T. is out with a bad back. I mean, come on! We're talking about the I-C title - a belt with 10 times more respect than the World Championship. We could've at least seen a Christian vs. Hurricane match. 2. Jonathan Coachman turned heel as a result of all the backlash he got from the fans as J.R.'s replacement. He was also partially to blame for RAW's low ratings because his announcing skills were no better than SmackDown's Michael Cole. 3. The Fatal Four-Way match was nothing short of awesome. The outcome of the match kept on going in different directions; you couldn't tell who was gonna win. At one point, the referee had a problem declaring a winner because while Benoit had Rhyno in the Crossface, Eddie had Tajiri in a leglock submission. It finally ended when Benoit and Tajiri threw each other out of the ring. Rhyno was already knocked out by Benoit's flying headbutt, so that left him prone to Eddie's frog splash. 4. Angle vs. Lesnar was full of blown spots. When Lesnar attempted the F5, he didn't throw Angle properly and they had a bad landing, with Angle falling face-first. Many people thought Angle reinjured his neck here. What surprised me in this match was Angle using a leg-scissors sleeper hold on Lesnar - a textbook wrestling hold never used in WWE history. 5. For the Elimination Chamber, Triple-H wore long tights, elbow pads and knee pads with thicker padding, and thicker boots. This outfit made him walk funny. As soon as HHH became the next wrestler out, Shawn Michaels gave him Sweet Chin Music. He just laid there in his cell for the whole duration of the match until Goldberg eliminated everyone else. Then, when there were only two left, Goldberg approached HHH's cell, which was closed as Ric Flair had control of the door. Goldberg simply kicked the plexiglass door and proceeded to attack HHH. The fans were over with Goldberg beating the crap out of HHH until Flair slipped in a sledge hammer and HHH nailed Goldberg with it. I read further news online and after SummerScam ended on TV, all of the superstars broke kayfabe and came back into the entrance to celebrate Vinnie Mac's birthday.

Surprisingly enough, neither the anime nor the manga have been licensed yet. I can imagine either ADV or FUNimation picking up SaiKano for domestic release. The manga was originally published by Shogakukan, so it's pretty much given that Viz will release it in the near future. As a matter of fact, at AX2003, I asked Viz exec Toshifumi Yoshida if there are chances of bringing SaiKano into the U.S. He wasn't too familiar with the title. As for fansubs, you can download all 13 episodes from AnimeSuki. Take note that the Region 2 DVD also has English subtitles.

How's the audio on yours? My friend bought his copy one year before ADV released theirs and the audio was piss-poor.

Saishuu Heiki Kanojo ( 最終兵器彼女 ) "The Last Love Song on This Little Planet" GONZO Digimation/Family Gekijou/Toshiba EMI, 2002 Viz Video, 2004 Directed by Atsuko Kase (Mobile Suit Gundam 08th MS Team: Miller's Report). Rated T+ for graphic violence, slight nudity, sexual situations and strong language. Based on the manga by Shin Takahashi (published in the U.S. by Viz Comics). Shuji and Chise are two Hokkaido high school students barely starting a relationship with each other. Then, with no warning, an squadron of bombers from an unknown country destroy the city of Sapporo. All hope is lost when suddenly, the bombers are destroyed by a small red light floating across the sky. At this point, Shuji finds out that the one responsible for eliminating the enemy forces is Chise, who reveals herself as a cyborg engineered for mass-destruction. "Gomen nasai, Shuu-chan." - Chise Story: A When I viewed the first three episodes, I didn't know what to expect. By looking at the cover art, you'd first assume that SaiKano is an action title. Actually, it isn't. The plot of SaiKano primarily revolves on Shuji's relationship with Chise and how this love affair endures in times of war, especially with Chise being Japan's last line of defense. The anime is also very faithful to the manga, except that one minor character named Akemi is given a more prominent role. From beginning to end, you'll be attached to SaiKano's down-to-earth storytelling and remarkable character flow. Animation: A+ When you give an anime project to GONZO Digimation (Full Metal Panic!, Vandread), expect a lot of digital 2D and 3D special effects and breathtaking artwork. And for SaiKano, GONZO delivers big-time. The character designs are dead-on with the manga art and the overall animation quality is excellent, especially for a title that doesn't have much action. Soundtrack: A Aside from the excellent musical score, I really like the opening theme "Koisuru Kimochi" and the ending theme "Sayonara", both composed and performed by Yuria Yato. Cast SaiKano features Shiro Ishimoda in his debut role as Shuuji, Fumiko Orikasa (Pacifica in Scrapped Princess, Seras in Hellsing) as Chise, Yuu Sugimoto (Elvy in RahXephon) as Akemi, Miki Ito (Project A-Ko, Gally in Battle Angel) as Fuyumi, Shinichiro Miki (Takumi in Initial D, Allen in Escaflowne) as Tetsu, and Tetsu Shiratori (Yuu in Brain Powered) as Atsushi. The Bottom Line Despite being only 13 episodes long, Saishuu Heiki Kanojo is, undoubtedly, one of GONZO's best animated works ever made. Links Official Saishuu Heiki Kanojo Homepage (Japanese) SAIKANO-USA.com Reference Anime News Network

Spriggan ( スプリガン ) Toho Films/Bandai Visual, 1998 ADV Films, 2001 Directed by Hirotsuge Kawasaki. Rated R for graphic violence and strong language. Deep in the Ararat Mountains of Turkey, a secret organization known as ARCAM has found what is believed to be Noah's Ark. However, the U.S. Machine Corps., a rogue organization of the Pentagon, wants to take over the Ark as a means of global supremacy. Only a special ARCAM operative known as a Spriggan stands in their way. Japanese Spriggan Yu Ominae teams up with French Spriggan Jean-Jacques Mondo to combat members of the U.S. Machine Corps. led by Col. MacDougall - a genetically-enhanced boy with deadly psionic powers. But can they stop McDougall before he uses the Ark for his own agenda? Based on the manga by Hiroshi Takashige and Ryoji Minagawa (released in the US by Viz Comics as Striker), Spriggan marks the directorial debut of animator Hirotsuge Kawasaki (Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Ghost in the Shell). Story: C Spriggan received a lot of flak from critics due to its confusing plot and lack of character development. Even fans of the manga hate it, as it hardly resembles the original story. Yeah, it's as mindless as a Die Hard wanna-be Hollywood action flick, but you get a lot of kicks from the action and dialogue like this: MacDougall: "How dare you soil this holy ground with your filthy boots!" Yu: "Yeah? Well I'm gonna use these boots to kick your ass!" Animation: A+ This is pure eye-candy overdose. Spriggan uses digital 2D & 3D animation and quick-reflex camera angles that look like it was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by John Woo. Character designs by Hisashi Eguchi (Perfect Blue). Mecha designs by Kimitoshi Yamane (Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne) and Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA, Metropolis). Animation by Studio 4‹C (The Animatrix) Soundtrack: B- Original soundtrack composed by Kuniaki Haishima (Gasaraki, Macross Zero). I wish I could enjoy the soundtrack, but the numerous Hollywood-style explosions made it tone-deaf. Remember how loud Armageddon was in theatres? You get that same loudness in your home system with this movie. BTW, what language was the ending theme in? Sub vs. Dub At this time, I have no information on the Japanese voice cast as it's not listed on this DVD. As for ADV's dubbing, it's actually tolerable despite inaccuracies to the script. The English cast includes Chris Patton (Ayato in RahXephon, Yushiro in Gasaraki) as Yu, Kevin Corn as McDougall, Ted Pfister (Ernst Von Barbem in RahXephon, Daizaburo Gowa in Gasaraki) as Dr. Miesel, Andy McAvin (Kazukiyo Gowa in Gasaraki, Coach Kido in Princess Nine) as Jean-Jacques, Kelly Manison (Naga in Slayers: The Motion Picture, Linna in Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040) as Margaret, Mike Kleinhenz as Fattman, Spike Spencer (Shinji in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Yugo in Battle Angel) as Little Boy, and John Paul Shephard (Heihachi in Tekken: The Motion Picture, Tatsumi in Samurai X) as Yamamoto. DVD Extras: A- You get a director's commentary and video portfolios of character designs, vehicle & equipment designs and backgrounds. All in an excellent DVD presentation. The Bottom Line If you just want an action flick and don't care about plot, go watch Spriggan. Otherwise, rent something else. Links ADV Films' Official Spriggan Site Reference Anime News Network The Internet Movie Database

Good news for those attending this year's MW Con 3.0: I will be bringing in this DVD for those who have yet to see Macross XX and Macross 3D VF-X.

Even though I downloaded the OVA episode for my co-worker, I ain't touching that title with a 10-foot pole.

This has got to be the worst pay-per-view of 2003. WWE SummerScam Results WWE RAW Tag Team Championship La Resistance def. the Dudleyz after Rob Conway ran in and knocked D-Von with a camera. Undertaker choke-slammed A-Train for the win. After the match, Stephanie McMahon ran in and attacked Sable. Falls Count Anywhere Shane McMahon destroyed Eric Bischoff with a flying elbow through the Spanish announcers' table. The surprise of the night was in this match when Jonathan Coachman turned heel and attacked Shane'O. WWE U.S. Championship - Four-Way Eddie Guerrero def. Chris Benoit, Tajiri and Rhyno after using the frog splash on Rhyno. Best match of the night. WWE Championship Kurt Angle made Brock Lesnar tap out. After the match, Angle landed Vinnie Mac on a steel chair with an Angle Slam. No DQ, No Rules Kane def. Rob Van Dam with a Tombstone "on the steel steps" (take note that RVD's head landed on the portion of the steps that's usually on the corner of the ring). Kane also no-sold RVD's Van Terminator. The World Championship - Elimination Chamber 1. Chris Jericho pinned Kevin Nash after Shawn Michaels landed some Sweet Chin Music on Nash. 2. Randy Orton got speared by Goldberg. 3. Michaels got Jackhammered by Goldberg. 4. Y2J got Jackhammered. 5. Triple-H no-sold the spear and knocked Goldberg with his sledge hammer for the win. After the match, the Evolution continued to assault a bloodied Goldberg and handcuffed him on one side of the chamber.

1/72 YF-19 - As with everyone else's First Edition, the infamous Tab B is broken. 1/60 VF-1J Super Valkyrie (Hikaru Type) - orange reflector on left shoulder in Battroid mode is missing. Remedied this by painting panel clear orange. 1/48 VF-1S - Left hinge holding the backpack was poorly molded, leaving a 1mm opening. As a result, the backpack tends to flop backwards in Battroid mode. The clip on the back of the Valk can't even support the backpack. Canopy hinge is loose; cannot display in open position. Skull emblem on right tail fin is crooked, but hardly noticeable.

And now for another episode of... Nadia: The Motion Picture ( ふしぎの海のナディア ) Sogo Vision/Ichimura Collection/Toho Films, 1990 ADV Films, 2003 Directed by Sho Aono. Rated 15+ for violence, nudity and mature situations. Two years after the events that transpired in the highly-acclaimed Nadia of the Mysterious Seas TV series, Nadia, Jean and the Grandis gang reunite to stop an evil scientist from beginning a global war with his robot creations. Story: D- As much as I enjoy watching the TV series, this movie version is a major letdown. The first 30 minutes (felt like an hour, though) consist of nothing but poorly-edited clips from the series. As a matter of fact, it makes the Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 movie look like an Oscar winner for best editing. The rest of the movie just suffers from numerous plot holes and unending boredom. Animation: D- The TV series has its good moments and its bad moments when it comes to animation quality. But even the worst episode cannot compare to the production values of this film. Suffering from weak artwork and even worse animation, Nadia: The Motion Picture is so bad, it makes Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi-yo! Masaru-san look like Spirited Away. Soundtrack: C While the opening and ending themes sound okay, Shiro Sagisu's (Nadia TV Series, Neon Genesis Evangelion) musical score for this movie is lackluster. Sub vs. Dub Reprising their roles are Yoshino Takamori (Lemul in Aura Battler Dunbine, Sayaka in Yawara!) as Nadia, Noriko Hidaka (Noriko in Gunbuster, Akane in Ranma 1/2) as Jean, Kumiko Takizawa (Panther Zora in New Cutey Honey) as Grandis, Toshiharu Sakurai (Amagasaki in Tenchi Muyo!) as Hanson, and Kenryu Horiuchi (Gren in Cowboy Bebop, Asakura in Shaman King) as Sanson. Joining the cast are Tsukasa Ito as Fuzzy, Chikao Ohtsuka (Synapse in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083, Tora in Ushio & Tora) as Geiger, and Tamio Ohki (Tashiro in Gunbuster, Nutuk in Macross Zero) as Dr. Whola. The movie itself pissed me off so much, I didn't bother to listen to the English dub. It probably sucks, anyway. DVD Extras: D- Just the original opening title and clean ending sequence. The Bottom Line Nadia: The Motion Picture is so piss-poor, even Nadia herself (note above image) hates it. Reference Anime News Network

GONZO did the animation for this clip.

As moronic as the "Wingers" can get, they can't compare to fans over at RT.com, especially with comments like these: The guy on the second post even got pissed at me because I asked him nicely to re-edit his post in simple plain English.

For those who don't have the Macross 20th Anniversary Premium Collection DVD, I took the liberty of taking screenshots from the Macross XX segment. Enjoy. BTW, Shawn, feel free to add these pics on your site. http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premium/promo11.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premium/promo12.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premium/promo13.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premium/promo14.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premium/promo15.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo16.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo17.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo18.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo19.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo20.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo21.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo22.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo23.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo24.jpg http://areaseven.net/macross/videos/premiu...ium/promo25.jpg

Some extra side notes: Bandai (1/55 Scale) 1. With the exception of the VF-1J Hikaru type, all of the Bandai reissues come with heat shields that you can swap between Battroid and fighter/Gerwalk modes. 2. The Bandai/Takatoku Valks come with spring-loaded landing gear. This was common among most diecast Bandai, Popy, and Takatoku toys released in the 1970s and 1980s. While it's a cool feature, users must take precaution when opening the landing gear; they really hurt when they hit your fingers! Other Notes 1. Currently, Yamato, Toynami and Banpresto versions are the only ones capable of having their GU-11 Gun Pods mounted between the arms in fighter mode. 2. Yamato and Toynami versions are the only ones with hardpoints on the underside of their wings to mount missile packs.

I'll just wait until the prices go down, just like Toynami's other products.

Here's a question I previously posted on the old forums: If Harmony Gold is so secure about the Macross brand, shouldn't they be equally secure about the Robotech brand? For example, there's an Australian-based machine firm called Robotech Pty. Ltd.. Then there's Spectrum Products, a company that sells swimming pool cleaning products such as their Robotech 3000 and Robotech 3200 pool vacuum cleaners. Are these companies paying HG royalties for using the word Robotech on their products? If not, why hasn't HG filed copyright infringement lawsuits against them?

As ugly as it is, the new Sideswipe still looks better than most of the Armada Autobots.

I had eps. 1-2, but I lost them. Initially, I had the ANBU/AONE version of episode 1. While the translation and subtitles were excellent, the video quality was below VHS level, especially with a 350MB file size. I replaced it with AnimeFactory/Anime-Fansubs' version, which was 100MB smaller and had VCD quality. Despite some inaccuracies in the translation ("I'm hit! I'm hit!" instead of "Good kill! Good kill!"), AF/A-F's version was well worth the download.

1/48 = 2 (VF-1A Hikaru and VF-1S) 1/60 = 2 (Super VF-1J Hikaru and VF-1A Max with Crazy Canuck VF-1S head) VF-11B (No real scale) = 1 1/72 = 3 (YF-19, YF-21 and VF-19A)

MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That's just as lame as the RT.com chats.

Bummer. I actually enjoyed posting there, even though too many kids started to populate the place.