Learn Japanese @ Japancast.net

Found this via Motionographer. Check out all the production storyboards here:

http://f.hatena.ne.jp/Tete/14.フミコ/

For an independent production – this is some amazing work.

Honestly, I’m not that impressed with what I’m seeing so far.  It really seems to have lost a LOT of the Japanese feel, and looks much more like a PIXAR-wannabe film than anything else.  I think they would have been smarter to hire an actual Japanese company to do the animation on this project, but I guess we’ll see.

http://www.astroboy-themovie.com/

via FatWallet.com:

They just came out with Anime Studio 6, so Smith Micro is giving away Anime Studio 5 for FREE. Mac and Win versions, serial number key provided at download and you don’t have to give anything but your address and email.

http://my.smithmicro.com/freeanime/

The serial number is given to you just below the “download HTTP now” blue button after checkout. It’s also in the confirmation email they send you and is unique, so you need the one they provide with your transaction. It’s what you’ll use if you want to upgrade to AS6 for $20.

If you’re using a fake email be SURE to copy the serial number from the download screen or you won’t be able to install the full version!

Overall it’s a fun spot, but I’m not too keen on some of the animation.  It’s really apparent it was done in 3D with a cell shader applied.  What do you think?

Well, I think technically the title alone would earn it a PG-13, so if you’re under 13 avert your eyes.

Director: Kazuya Sasahara
Original Manga (released in the USA as Apocalypse Meow): Motofumi Kobayashi
Format: 23 min. 12 episodes

What do you think?

I’m sure many of you have seen the original Astro-Boy anime.  Here’s another trailer for the 3D remake.  What do you think?

Hi-res version HERE

From:  http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14359.html

Best Buy is about to dramatically change its anime strategy, eliminating most anime from nearly half its stores, according to an industry source. The change will focus Best Buy’s anime efforts on those stores that have historically done best with the category, and nearly eliminate anime in stores that have produced a disproportionate share of anime returns.

The new strategy will kick off March 1st, when 50% off anime closeout sales will begin in over 460 stores nationwide. After the sales end on March 21st, those stores will offer only around 20 core anime SKUs.

DA! Desktop Anime

Absolutely a phenomenal site that’s been around for years.  If you’re looking for good quality, high-res wallpapers, check them out.

Most people who know me know I’m a bargain hunter.  I love finding a deal.  So when I found this deal on anime, I just had to pass it along.

Rightstuf.com has Full Metal Panic! DVD Complete Collection for only $45.99 : LINK

They also have the Cowboy Bebop Remix DVD Collection for $29.99 : LINK

and Elfen Lied DVD Collection for $26.99 : LINK

use code newyear2009 for 20% off!

I’m always looking for interesting animation online – specifically Japanese animation.  Ga-Anime is a really interesting concept, and now they’re offering episodes online for free.  They’re fairly low-res, but you can’t beat the price!

Similar to comics, ga-nime will be composed of a series of static pictures accompanied by music and speech. This “limited-anime” approach leaves behind the complex plot and characters found in most anime, and aims to stimulate the audience’s imagination through various techniques such as the manipulation of time between each picture.

Usually creating an anime requires many staffs and an expensive budget, making it difficult for the artist to manage the project on his or her own, which results in a lack of creativity and coordination in most anime series.

Unlike anime, ga-nime will limit the number of images used in each series, allowing the artist to better integrate his or her own style and feelings into the project. This new form of media has immense potential for pushing the level of style and creativity found in artworks to a whole new level.    -Source ComiPress.com

View them online here:  http://www.ganime.jp/