Anime Expo 2007

ADV Films

Panelists: John Ledford, Matt Greenfield, David Williams

Complete Version

The ADV panelists kept the audience in suspense at the beginning their panel, promising a big acquisition announcement. However, technical difficulties prompted them to place that on hold, and instead start a Q&A session. Before too long, the problems were solved, and the question line was dissolved.

Before they ran the sizzle reel for their new properties, the representatives recapped some of the more recent acquisitions announced at previous conventions and online. Amongst those were 5 Centimeters Per Second, Tokyo Majin, Pumpkin Scissors, Xenosaga, and a few others. 5cm will be shown during the convention at the Cinemark Theater across the street.

Three new titles were announced, the first being Kyoshiro and the Eternal Sky (Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora). This was followed up by Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a new series from Gainax. Lastly was Devil May Cry, an anime series based off the popular video game series. Those interested in learning more about Kyoshiro and the Eternal Sky and Devil May Cry can see more clips at the Showgate panel later this evening.

During the question and answer session, a fan asked whether or not there were any plans to release titles on HD. Although there are no details available yet, there are definitely plans to venture into HD, as well as provide original HD content.

In regards to the ADV Manga line, both Yotsuba& and Gunslinger Girl have resumed publication, and the fourth volumes of both will be released next week.

Regarding the possibility of licensing Kanon 2006, a series made by the same team that worked on Air, the panelists all hinted at the strong possibility of this happening. Greenfield asked fans to pay attention to future convention announcements, and mentioned that the voice actors for Air were chosen just in case they needed to make a cameo appearance in Kanon 2006, as is done in the Japanese version.

This report has been verified by a company representative.