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ADV Launches This Ugly Yet Beautiful World July 4

ADV LAUNCHES THIS UGLY YET BEAUTIFUL WORLD JULY 4



Also New UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie,

plus Gantz and Cyberteam in Akihabara Thin-packs





HOUSTON, May 15, 2006 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime in North America, is pleased to announce four exciting titles set to hit the streets on July 4, including the launch of This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, the third volume of UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie, and awesome new thin-pack collections of Gantz Season 2 and Cyberteam In Akihabara!





THIS UGLY YET BEAUTIFUL WORLD: FALLING STAR



The 20th Anniversary Showpiece for Studio Gainax



ADV is proud to announce the North American release of This Ugly Yet Beautiful World: Falling Star, the first volume in the new anime series from Studio Gainax (Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL), which will hit store shelves July 4.



This Ugly Yet Beautiful World is a showpiece for the pioneering anime studio on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. Enlivened by rich characters, gripping action, and the inventive animation that Gainax is known for, This Ugly Yet Beautiful World is a fitting celebration of the studio's legacy.



Synopsis: “There's nothing I can do to make a difference. Wars will be fought. People will die,” Takeru said. “I'll never matter.” He didn't know how wrong he was. Because Takeru has a very special place in this universe. And he doesn't know how special until he meets a beautiful girl who falls from the stars. Hikari seems to have no memory of who she is (or, for that matter, where her clothes are). So Takeru takes her into his care. And that's when things get nasty. For Hikari is not like other girls. Her name may mean “light”, but she has a dark history—and an even darker future. One that will change Takeru and his friends forever, and show them all just how beautiful yet cruel this universe can be!



This Ugly Yet Beautiful World: Falling Star (SRP $29.98 DVD) is an anamorphic release including episodes one through four, presented in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. Video extras include copious translator notes, the original Japanese television spots promoting the DVD series and CD soundtrack, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.



Collectors Edition Available!



A limited edition Collectors Box for This Ugly Yet Beautiful World is available. This special collectors edition contains the first volume of This Ugly Yet Beautiful World in a stunning custom series art box with full color artwork sized to hold the entire three volume series (SRP $39.98).



DVD Product Details



Volume: 1 of 3

Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V, S)

CAT: DUBW/001

DUBW/BX1 Collectors Edition

UPC: 702727149320

702727154829 Collectors Edition

Pre-Book Date: 6/6/2006
Street Date: 7/4/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $29.98

$39.98 Collectors Edition



Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.







UFO ULTRAMAIDEN VALKYRIE: THE PIRATES, THE PRINCESS & THE PROPOSAL



“Simply Stunning” – Anime Advanced.com



ADV is proud to announce the third DVD in the hilarious action comedy series featuring a bevy of bathing beauties from beyond the stars! UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie: The Pirates, The Princess & The Proposal! goes on sale July 4.



Created by Kaishaku (Steel Angel Kurumi) with characters designed by Maki Fujii (Strawberry Eggs), UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie is a fast-paced thrill ride that should appeal to fans of Maburaho. When Princess Valkyrie of the planet Valhalla crashes her spaceship into Earth teenager Kazuto Tokino, she saves his life by giving him half her soul. Of course there are side effects, foremost being her ensuing transformation from mighty princess warrior to mischievous eight-year old dependent on Kazuto for bed and board! Now this pair of unlikely soulmates must withstand an ever-increasing barrage of intergalactic suitors, servants, and rivals – and somehow find a way to keep the Tokino family bathhouse in business. Featuring equal parts action, comedy, and fan service, UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie has something for everyone!



Synopsis: Our outlandish adventure reaches its final frontier… in outer space! And there's more action and intrigue than you can crash a spaceship into! Kazuto is forced to sell his bathhouse. He builds a new bathhouse on an unassuming asteroid! There's a heated battle with the Interstellar Pirate's Guild! A hot spring gushes out of the asteroid! And then, a Valhallian leader makes a proposal that Valkyrie can't refuse: return home and get married immediately! When Kazuto battles his way to the royal planet to rescue Val, things don't exactly turn out as planned. Nothing is certain and anything is possible in the final, frenetic volume of UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie Season One.



UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie: The Pirates, The Princess & The Proposal! (SRP $29.98 DVD) is a DVD-only release including episodes nine through twelve, presented in both English and Japanese with English subtitles. Video extras include “Mocchi & Chinachina's Tatsunoyu Bathhouse Tour,” “Tokinoyu Bathhouse UFO Chat Part 2,” “Valkyrie World Notes,” and an interview with the show's production team, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.



DVD Product Details



Volume: 3 of 3

Running Time: 70 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (S, L)

CAT: DUPV/003
UPC: 702727124426

Pre-Book Date: 6/6/2006
Street Date: 7/4/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $29.98



Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.







GANTZ SEASON 2 BOXSET



The Blood-Drenched Conclusion of the Controversial Hit Series



ADV Films is proud to announce a cool new thin-pack collecting the second season of the millennium's

most controversial new anime. The Gantz Season 2 Box Set goes on sale everywhere July 4.



Described as “gruesome” (Anime Source), “sadistic” (Anime Daze), and “addictive” (Active Anime), Gantz is one of the top-selling series of 2005. The series has developed a following well beyond the anime fan community, and retailers have struggled to keep the new disks on the shelf. “This is a series that leaves you in awe the entire time” (Anime News Network).



Directed by Ichiroh Itano and produced by GONZO Digimation (Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Panic!), Gantz is based on the ultra-violent, totally twisted manga series by Hiroya Oku (HEN, Zero One). If anything, the anime series surpasses its source material for sheer spectacle – so much so that it had to be heavily edited for broadcast on Japanese television. ADV Films has restored Gantz to its original, uncut form for its DVD release, much to people's surprise.



Synopsis: The fragile bonds that hold the survivors together are frayed to the breaking point, but in Gantz's game, survival is impossible without a warm body guarding your back. As the Gantz reaches into the “real” world and a fresh batch of resurrectees is offered up on the altar of slaughter, Kurono finds himself partnered with a new lady killer. If looks could kill, he'd already have died a second time, but will she be his salvation or his death? Get ready for the body count to go through the roof, because nothing has prepared you for the second season of Gantz!



The Gantz Season 2 Box Set (SRP $69.98 DVD) is an anamorphic DVD release including all 13 episodes of the series' second season, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.



DVD Product Details



Running Time: 325 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V, L, S)

CAT: DGZ/BX200
UPC: 702727146824

Pre-Book Date: 6/6/2006
Street Date: 7/4/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $69.98



Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.







CYBERTEAM IN AKIHABARA COMPLETE COLLECTION



The Entire 26 Episode Series In a Single Affordable Thin-Pack!



ADV Films is pleased to announce that the Cyberteam In Akihabara Complete Collection, containing all 26 episodes of the fan-favorite series in a single affordable thin-pack compilation, will be available in stores July 4.



Created by Juzo Mutsuki (Devil Hunter Yohko), directed by Yoshitaka Fujimoto (Nuku Nuku Dash!) and produced by Production I.G. (Ghost In the Shell), Cyberteam in Akihabara is a top-notch fantasy romp. “For fans who enjoy shows such as Angelic Layer or Sailor Moon” (J-Ent).



Synopsis: Like all girls her age, Hibari Hanakoganei covets the latest fashion in mechanical pets – a Pata-Pi to call her own! But when a strange White Prince provides one, she becomes the target of an equally mysterious Black Prince who plots to steal the prized pet. It's Pata-Pi Densuke to the rescue, however, transforming into a powerful Diva who bears a striking resemblance to Hibari herself! With astonishing battle agility, Densuke proves to be no ordinary child's toy! But Hibari is not the only one with a Pata-Pi of extraordinary powers, and despite an unlikely friendship, she joins forces with others to form the Cyber Team! Together they will solve the riddle of the Black Prince -- or will his flock of nefarious cohorts put an end to the dynamic divas of Akihabara?



Cyberteam In Akihabara Complete Collection (SRP $49.98 DVD) is a thin-pack DVD release including all 26 episodes presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.



DVD Product Details



Running Time: 650 minutes
Age Rating: TV 14 (V, D)

CAT: DCTA/BX1
UPC: 702727145827

Pre-Book Date: 6/6/2006
Street Date: 7/4/2006

Format: DVD

SRP: $49.98



Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.





About ADV Films:

In the 14 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as Gantz, Elfen Lied, Chrono Crusade, Peacemaker and DNAngel. ADV Films' library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America's largest anime convention. The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.



Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

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