MovieChat Forums > Gekijôban XXXHolic Manatsu no yoru no yume (2005) Discussion > High Hopes

High Hopes

posted 19 years ago by LainEverliving
24 replies | jump to latest

Wow, I can't believe I actually got the first post on a film for a change!

Anyway...

... I've been reading the manga lately and I am very, very taken with it. CLAMP really are like dimensional witches: every new story they do is unique and different, and yet you as the reader have to put a lot of your own in if you are really to enjoy it. There is not a one of their stories that I have read yet that let you just sit through and enjoy it without thinking. Always, they demand something back from you, some payment of feeling and interest in exchange for the wild journeys they send you on. This same rule applies to basically all of their anime.

Which is why I have such high hopes for this. I know that, living in the United States, I probably won't get the chance to see the film for at least another year or two (as I will wait for a DVD or theatrical release), but I cannot help but follow the film-making progress over at Production I.G. with great interest. Especially now, with less than twenty days to go before the theatrical premiere in Japan, the excitement is running high, along with the hopes. Is there anyone else on the boards who is looking forward to this? If so, what are your hopes for the film, and what kind of stories and scenes do you want to see? And, if there is anyone lucky enough to reside in Japan on the forums, would you please let us know what to expect after you see the film? I am sure I am not alone in wanting to know more about this exciting new movie.

Well, with any luck this post will start off an exciting new forum full of discussion and discovery for everyone who can't get that smell of incense out of the air and know that there is no xxxHolic's Anonymous for them. Here's to the future of anime by CLAMP!

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[–] EvilsQueen 19 years ago

I can't wait! I love CLAMP so much especially the new teams books! Tsubasa, Wish, and XXXHolic are my favorite. I don't think I'll be able to wait a year or two for it to come out in the U.S. Here's a link to see the trailer but you'll need bitorrent to download it...it's the last one by the way

http://www.animesuki.com/series.php/581.html

eViL tHiNg...I love Louis. He's just so...depressing.
^ ^
=(O.o)=
(u u)_/`

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[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

No plans for a U.S. release yet... and honestly, I suspect it might be a bit difficult in the long run to get it out at all.

Why? Because of the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' movie that is playing with it. Seeing as how 'xxxHolic' is only an hour long, and the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' movie is even shorter at just a half an hour, picking up theatrical rights will be tricky. Most people will probably want to see 'Tsubasa Chronicle,' since no doubt the show will air on Adult Swim or some other cable program, but because the movie was made by a different studio than the television show (Bee Train did the show, Production I.G. did the movie), and because there is a different distributor (and thus source of the money), licensing is going to be rather difficult to work out. If Manga Entertainment and ADV can't get along enough to release all of 'Evangelion' together, just imagine what is bound to happen with the film and television versions of 'Tsubasa Chronicle.' ADV is almost 100% sure to grab the show itself (since they've bought every Bee Train show except for '.Hack//SIGN'), and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if Dreamworks grabbed 'xxxHolic' and the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' movie and put it out via its Go Fish lable. I don't personally think Columbia/Tristar will buy the movies, but that also is a possiblity. Anyway, with that divide in who owns what, things could get unfortunately blown out of hand and we might not see the films for a very long time (and even under an optimal situation, we won't see them for at least a year and a half). On the other hand, if we get lucky and Columbia/Tristar gets the movies, it will no doubt go very smoothly, as the 'Cowboy Bebop' movie got released by them over here with no difficulties whatsoever.

As far as an English language version, why on earth would you want that? The Japanese cast they've grabbed is great! But, in fairness to your question, a theatrical release will most likely mean a dub if Columbia/Tristar does it, and will most likely mean NO dub if Go Fish does it. Go Fish has yet to dub any anime release (thankfully!), and I don't think they'll start here.

The final possibility is that Geneon will get the films and the series. This is the most outlandish possibility of all, since I don't think they've got any money riding on it back in Japan. However, if they do get it, expect a release similar to 'Steamboy' earlier this year, with a dub and sub both released (dub for wide exposure, sub for art house theaters and limitted runs in big cities). Anyway, hope that helps give you an idea of some possibilities for the film. The biggest challenge at this point is the licensing on our end (which is complicated by the licensing on the Japanese side of the equation), but hopefully that can be sidestepped or dealt with.

Peace!

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[–] 19 years ago

[deleted]

[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

I read somewhere (and heard from a few people) that Geneon has already picked up the two movies...but no one's picked up the Tsubasa series yet. So I actually wouldn't be surprised if the movies are released in the next year or two...I can't wait for the movie / soundtrack, though!

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Heh, I've already got the first of the television soundtracks which I had imported from Japan. I got lucky, and got one of the '10,000 copy' editions, which came with a free Sakura feather pen (yay, feather pen!).

If you like, you can try your hand at getting a copy of the second television soundtrack while there are some still available. Go over to CDJapan.co.jp and try looking. I know they just sold out of the movie CD singles (I got one of them...), but they might get some more in soon (not with firstpress bonuses, though).

Well, if Geneon really did get the rights, that would be trully stunning. I don't think they've ever released any Production I.G. stuff, so that totally goes against all reasonable expectations. On the other hand, they've got all the major CLAMP titles (except for 'Tokyo Babylon' and 'Angelic Layer'), so I can see why they would want this one too. Anyway, a Geneon release pretty much is a great sign for a successfully done English dub, and possibly a theatrical release as well. It is also a good sign for a swift and smooth stateside release, since they are always eager to get their shows out fast. The only complaint is that there's a good chance we'll see some of that trademark Geneon artificating on the DVD...

... oh well, you can't have it all. See, now you've gotten me really excited!

Love and Peace!

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

I have one of the regular editions of the first television soundtrack...now, which movie single are you talking about? I just looked over at CDJapan, and all the singles are still there (even the limited edition single for the xxxHOLiC movie, and that came out two days ago).

I have a feeling this might be released in theatres...I mean, a lot of the Production I.G. movies are indeed released in theatres, they do well (well enough for an anime movie, anyway), and critics love them. But I'm kind of worried because if they do play in theatres, I wonder if they'll be played back to back or seperately? Seriously, I'm very dissappointed that the Tsubasa movie is roughly thirty minutes and the xxxHOLiC movie is about sixty. I mean, yay for them making a movie and all, but I hope this isn't the way they're doing the next two Tsubasa movies...speaking of that, is there any news for anymore xxxHOLiC movies?

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

I'm sure that, if they are released, they will be released together. The reason it was done this way, rather than having two seperate movies that were longer, is to try and tie the 'xxxHolic' and 'Tsubasa Chronicle' universes together within the context of the movie (and, I suppose the television series as well). Now, of course everyone who's read the manga already knows that, but for the many who have not and who are just being introduced to the characters and story via the animated television version of 'Tsubasa Chronicle,' the 'xxxHolic' movie is basically going to be a 'hey, remember that interesting lady from episode two? Well, now she's got a side-story' kind of deal. I would suspect though that there will be some significant interest in this 'side story,' since after all the 'xxxHolic' movie is the longer of the two. The 'Tsubasa Chronicle' movie is just to get people in the door, to get them interested, to make them want to know what this new story is. Personally, if this does well, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see several more 'xxxHolic' movies or perhaps an OVA series.

Truthfully, it was a little discouraging for me to see how short the films were. But, on the other hand, 'Magnetic Rose' is one of the best fourty-five minutes of animation you will ever see, and that is simply because it IS only fourty-five minutes. You would be surprised with the amount of quality story a good writer can pack into such a short time. Another prime example (this time a CLAMP one) is the second 'Tokyo Babylon' OVA, which is also fourty-five minutes. You take some of your classic well-known characters, throw them into an interesting and mysterious situation, round out the package with some well-developed side characters, and you're done. Sounds familiar, right? It's the same formula here, folks. If it's worked to such a great effect before, I have faith it shall again. Plus, when you are only making an hour of animation (or a half-hour, for the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' team), you can get much more visual bang for your buck (or is that yow! for you yen?) than you would with a normal, ninety minute piece.

Long story short, my discouragement vanished after a little thought about it. But, I am still worried about how well everything can translate to this 'mixed story' formula.

As far as the CDs go... the ones I've got now are the aforementioned television OST 1 (Limitted Edition)... and that's it. I have preordered another, though, and that is the Yui Makino 'Armita' single from the movie. This is the main theme of the film. I got one of the first-press editions, so I should be getting a post card with mine. There is also another Kinya single, which is the movie opening theme. The song is 'aerial,' and there are still some first-press versions left to order (as of now). I am planning on picking one up on my next big order from CDJapan, which will be on Monday. By the way, there is also a 2006 calendar with 'Tsubasa Chronicle' and 'xxxHolic' images available for pre-order. I'm sure it will be somewhat like the one that came out for 2005, although I don't know if we will be getting a stamp set with this one (it would be nice, though). The calendar can be found if you do a search for 'xxxHolic,' but not on the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' page.

Anyway, here's to the movie being out and (hopefully!) making money. I can't wait until some more news comes out!
________________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Heh heh, sorry! I've been working on a play all of this week, but it's finally over!

Yes, the movie is out! Gosh, I wonder what kind of a reception it is getting. Has anyone seen any press releases or reviews or other information? I sure would like to know what's going on over there.

Anyway, yeah, I'm still here! Let's try to make some noise about the movie, okay?

^_^

________________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

I was looking on Google to find out which site has the box office total over in Japan...I haven't found one yet. I know Anime News Network will have the box office total posted in a the next day or two. I hope it did well!! At least better Madagascar, anyway, which was #1 last week. :p

I'm already supporting the movie...I bought the soundtrack from CDJapan last week; should be here anyday now. (I paid $11 for shipping...I hope it's here soon, lol.) I saw the online cover (who knows if it's the real one) for the 2006 calender...It actually looks kinda pretty. I'd buy it, that's for sure! If it was sold here, anyway, and priced for about $20-$30...

I wonder which one is being shown first - the Tsubasa movie, or xxxHOLiC? I wouldn't be surprised if the Tsubasa movie was shown first. It's like those Pokemon movies...kind of. I mean, you've got your thirty minute Pikachu special (which in this case would be the Tsubasa movie), and then the hour long movie (xxxHOLiC). I hope the movies aren't too fast pacing...I mean, the Tsubasa one might be a little fast, but it's kinda like an episode (sort of).

And now to think future-wise...dubbing. Anime-releasing companies have got some great people doing voices nowadays...for the animes I watch, anyway. They better choose some GREAT people to do Yuko, Sakura, and Watanuki. The Sakura from Cardcaptors wasn't too great, now that I think about it (but I'm still more used to it, lol), and the voice actress from the second Cardcaptor Sakura movie...I wasn't too big of a fan of hers, either. I actually liked Syaoran's dubbed version from the second CCS movie...surprisingly, lol. It's too bad Kero isn't in Tsubasa, though...I miss Kero...:(

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Yeah, I miss Kero too. He was the best...

Good job for supporting the show/movie! But, as I just found out, 'Tsubasa Chronicle' the series is making a ton of money, so maybe they don't need it as much as we may think. I mean, it's the first CLAMP show in three years, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but it's always good to hear something you like is doing well. Now, I've just got to keep pushing 'Howl's Moving Castle' so the Academy will give it a nod when award season comes calling.

As far as viewing order in the theatrical release... I'm almost a hundred percent sure 'Tsubasa Chronicle' comes first. I can't verify that with a third party, but I seem to remember all the rumors and Production I.G. progress logs pointing to that conclusion. And anyway, it makes much more sense doing it that way, both from a run-time point of view, and from a story point of view. I'm sure that at some point in the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' section, the characters will mention Yuko and the others, thus leading into the 'xxxHolic' part of the film. That would just make sense, after all. But, until I can confirm this with a viewer or with the studio, we just have to call this one a hunch.

It's funny you should mention 'Cardcaptor Sakura,' as I've been slaving away on the first movie trying to do a more complete animator listing for many days (I'm now in the final section: ink and paint). I totally agree with you on the dubbing deal. Only good actors can pull this off, and the dreaded 'Cardcaptors' had none whatsoever. But, seeing as how they didn't have the same cast as 'Cardcaptor Sakura' in the Japanese release, it's unlikely they'll go for people who have played the roles before in America either. In a way, maybe it's better that Kero isn't in it, since no one else could be him... but I digress. Being what it is, I would imagine they will try, but seeing as how NO CLAMP show has EVER gotten a great dub ('Chobits' would come the closest), my hopes are not high. A good bet would be Crispin Freeman... but what role could he play? Anyone have any other dubbing ideas?

Here's to hoping 'Tsubasa' and 'Holic' can beat out 'Madagascar!' Someone's got to reclaim the box office for Japan! Why not CLAMP?
________________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

The movie OST is awesome. Very mystical, magical kind of music, which is good in my opinion - don't want music that's too happy or too depressing, y'know? The whole tracklisting is in Japanese, unlike the Tsubasa Chronicle OST, which sucks, because I cannot read Japanese. (I can only read the title of the xxxHOLiC movie, and that's because it's been translated onto many sites, lol.) Even the three friends I showed the CD too liked the music...and one of them has yet the read the series (although he wants to), another one has yet to read any recent ones, and I dunno about the other one...lol.

Well, Tsubasa RESERVior CHRoNiCLE is a very popular manga in Japan and here in the US, so I guess it would be a popular anime. I'm not surprised that it's making a ton of money, anyway. I mean, Cardcaptor Sakura was a pretty big anime (or I think it was, anyway) around the world, Sakura and Syaoran are one of the most like couples in any anime, and seeing them back in another anime / manga? That's part of the reason why I bought TRC! (I've yet to get some of the volumes...)

I've been watching the second CCS movie a lot lately. Usually, whenever I watch either of the movies, I watch them in Japanese w/ English subtitles. I tried watching the second movie in English...I couldn't do it; I can't even watch Kero's special in English because of the bad dubbing...I was actually dissappointed (along with many other fans I presume) when they announced a different cast was doing Tsubasa. I wonder if maybe they (the CCS voice actor's) were doing other things, or maybe they didn't want to do it, or maybe Bee Train thought other people should do it. Well, if indeed Bee Train wanted new VA's, then they were wrong - the Tsubasa voice acting isn't that great.

Erm...well...I dunno who she could play, but maybe Luci Christian could play someone...um...I dunno anyone else, haha!! I guess it's all up to Geneon now...unless we send them a list of who we want. But that probably wouldn't get them to use the names, anyway...

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

I myself am only about half way through 'Cardcaptor Sakura.' I've never seen the second movie, just the first one. Typically, I buy a few DVDs every six months, and then watch them with my ten year old cousin (she absolutely loves that show!). Personally, 'X' has always been more my style when it comes to CLAMP... but I do have a tremendously big soft spot for 'Cardcaptor Sakura.'

So, you say you think the voice acting in 'Tsubasa Chronicle' is bad? Now that I find hard to believe. Bee Train almost always gets good voice actors, and I would indeed be surprised to hear a show like this getting bad actors (I personally have not seen any of it yet, I've just been reading the manga). I mean, I'm sure they aren't really like the original 'Cardcaptor Sakura' cast in their tones and delivery, but that doesn't mean they are bad. Just look at how Subaru has changed between the 'Tokyo Babylon' OVAs, the 'X' movie, and the 'X' television series. They all are interesting voices, an they each fit the way he is being portrayed in the show. But, as you've seen it and I have not, I guess I will have to follow your word and lower my expectations.

As far as why the cast isn't the same... keep in mind, it's been seven years since 'Cardcaptor Sakura,' and many of the actors have gone on to other types of roles. While I am sure that at least some of them would have reprised their roles (Tomokazu Seki comes to mind, as I don't think he EVER turns down a part!), others maybe would not have. On the other hand, the involvement of people like Maaya Sakamoto indicates to me that there are at least some good parts to be had here, since otherwise an actress of her stature would not be involved on such a minor part.

Obviously, though, none of the English dubs of CLAMP shows are really very good ways of determining if the shows themselves are good or not. The whole 'Cardcaptors' thing has so soured me to the words 'dub' and 'CLAMP' being used together that I just avoid the English language versions like the plague, except for when I am reeeaaally bored and I've seen the show all the way through in Japanese. Dubs of CLAMP shows are for torturing your worst enemies when they've done unspeakable wrongs to you and/or your family, and that's about it. The only person who has come close to redeeming any of the shows is Crispin Freeman, who is actually a pretty nice guy besides being a good actor (I've met him several times). Beyond that, though... I have zero hope for 'Tsubasa Chronicle' or 'xxxHolic' getting a good dub.

But, I am glad to hear the 'xxxHolic' movie music is good. I'm going to have to order myself a copy now. Does it come with any first-press bonuses or anything?
________________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

I've seen all of 'Cardcaptors'...my friends and I would talk about the episodes during school. We all loved Sakura! ^.^ I remember always thinking I missed the first episode...but I learned that they never dubbed it, which made me so dissappointed. I have yet to see...quite a few episodes of 'Cardcaptor Sakura'. I own three of the DVDs, and I know I've seen a few of the later episodes with my friends. And I've also seen two episodes in Cantonese (the episode where they're in a play and Sakura is a prince and Syaoran is the princess...and the other is the episode where Sakura battles against Eriol.) The only CLAMP animes I have seen are Angelic Layer, Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Tsubasa Chronicle.

It's not that the voice acting is bad, it's just...hmm...they sound a bit weird, or a bit off, you could say. I actually have heard worse, but the only reason I watched episode two was to hear Yuko's voice. (And, may I say, it rocked!) I have only seen the first two episodes of Tsubasa Chronicle. The first episode was good for a first episode (I feel in love with "a song of storm and fire" once hearing it in that episode). The beginning of episode one was kind of boring...straight out of the manga. The last part of it was awesome. I mean, all you could hear was "a song of storm and fire" and some dialogue mixed in there, but it was great. The animation, in my opinion, isn't as great as...other animes I've seen. (Such as 'Air'...brilliant animation, by the way.) I watched episode two and loved the first...ten or so minutes. It was pretty much all Yuko (for those ten minutes), and...heh, her interacting with Kurogane was awesome. Funny, too. But after that...it wasn't great. Now, I'll definately buy the DVDs once they get released here, that's for sure.

Technically, it's been seven years since Cardcaptor Sakura started. It's only been five since it ended. Like you said, I'm sure they've moved on to do other roles...as I look online, I see a lot (or most, I haven't looked all of them up) of them (the VA's from CCS) have done other CLAMP series as well...The only person I can think that's been on both Tsubasa and CCS is Maaya Sakamoto, but she sang the theme song (one of them...I forget which) on CCS.

I personally didn't have any problems with the dubbing of Angelic Layer. Then again, I've only seen about 15-20 of the episodes. Chobits was okay...the girl who did Shaoran (CCS movie2 dub) did the voice of Minoru in the Chobits (dub). Hideki's VA was okay, as was Sumomo's. I didn't like Chii's voice too much in Chobits; could've been better, but, again, that's just me.

Usually the first-press bonuses are with the EARLY orders. I myself have only gotten one CD with a first-press release bonus. (Puffy's "Hajimari no Uta / Nice Body" CD came with a sticker.) But, I haven't heard of anything coming with it...so I guess not. I can't decide which music is better - Tsubasa's or xxxHOLiC's! :-/

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Oh, so you are of the 'Cardcaptors' school... and you still like CLAMP?!? Wow, now THAT'S dedication!

In all seriousness, though, it is much better in Japanese. Not only do they not edit out vast sections of the story (boy love, anyone?), but the acting is much better and fuller on the parts of the voice cast.

'Angelic Layer' isn't a bad dub, now that you mention it... There was a good job done on that show, with only a few small issues here and there (mostly on the older characters). The only thing you can really hold against it is just that, somehow at the end of the day, it just doesn't sound as 'real' as it does in Japanese. I don't quite know what amounts for that, but that little extra edge of inspiration is what is missing in the English dub (and for that matter, in most English dubs).

However, back to 'Tsubasa Chronicle...'

... the animation is never bound to be really great, but that is because it is Bee Train doing the animation. Bee Train is still a young studio, and when you stack their work up against Madhouse or Production I.G., which company do you expect to win out? More than the actual quality, you have to judge the effort going in, which if I know Bee Train is quite a bit. On the other hand, the animation in shows like '.Hack//SIGN' and 'Noir' has felt more stiff, less lifelike than it should for such high-energy stories, so maybe that is what 'Tsubasa Chronicle' suffers from. Bee Train's biggest assets are the music (Yuki Kajiura is one of the best) and the overall world design, not their fluidity. So, when watching, you kind of have to keep those things in mind, and judge the show accordingly. It's very hard, after all, to make a show stand up to what has come before, when those previous shows have all been classics. Give the show some time, and see what happens.

Lastly, about the first-press bonuses in CDs... if you look on CDJapan, you might be able to find some of the 'Tsubasa Chronicle' stuff still with the first-pressing covers and cards. I usually hold off on buying a CD unless it is the first-press version, since I like to have those extra little things for my own purposes later on. 'Gundam SEED' has been an especially fun show to get bonus goods for... there are so many CDs, there is always something else to be hunting for. But, in regards to the 'xxxHolic' CD, upon some more carefull investigation I have found no evidence that there ever was or ever will be any bonus goods. So, I can order the CD without regrets, and hopefully, I will be hearing that mysterious music soon enough.

By the way, did you have any luck finding out the Japanese box office totals? I wanna know what won last weekend!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

Heehee, yup!! I still get those little cravings to see 'Cardcaptors' from time to time...kind of weird, yes.

The music is great, I have to say that. That's one of the reasons that keeps me so...hooked, you could say. I look up the episode summaries every once in a while, and this season should be ending soon...like, maybe in a month or two, I think. I hope the animation gets better in time - they have...eight months until season two starts - they can up their animation by then.

I did find the Japanese box office totals from this past weekend...but not from Anime News Network, lol. 'Madagascar' remained in the top spot, as 'Star Wars Episode III" was number two and 'Pokemon 2005' was number four, but...*sighs in despair* 'Tsubasa / xxxHOLiC' wasn't even in the top ten, which totally sucks. I mean, they were giving away loads of stuff...if I were in Japan, I would've seen the movie the day it came out. This sucks!! But maybe it'll do better...MAYBE. Naruto went way down last week, but is number six week, so...who knows?

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[–] kirasu 19 years ago

I'm not exactly sure which television company would pick up the series. I'm not sure about Tsubasa's success in Japan, but from reading the manga and watching the anime, it's at sort of an awkward place when you try to place it in programming. I think Adult Swim is unlikely to pick it up because it's a show that I see in the middle of Cardcaptor Sakura and more mature shows. But it also seems more likely than the more childish programming on other networks because of some of the themes and violence involved. I was surprised that Cartoon Network picked up Rurouni Kenshin a few years ago and Naruto just recently when compared to their other programming. I personally liked the XXXholic manga more than the Tsubasa manga and anime, anyways.

As for the dub/sub issue, I would much rather they dub it because I am rarely satisfied with the dubbing of an anime. I usually find a subbed version of an anime after I see it on TV. The XXXholic movie looks very good, but an anime with a smaller budget could turn out at either extremes.

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Hmmm... I really have virtually no idea who would broadcast 'Tsubasa Chronicle' the series. I think it has been reasonably successful in Japan (though the movie version and 'xxxHolic' I've been told did poorly at the box office), and I would think that it would play easily on the Anime Network (although licensing may come in the way). Adult Swim would seem to be a bit too much (and too late at night) considering the target audience (this isn't 'X' after all), and regular Cartoon Network might have a tough sell of it. CLAMP is such a big name that there will no doubt be interest no matter where it is schedualed, but you are absolutely right in it being a tough show to place in relation to the others. My own feelings on it would be that it should play in either a pre-prime time spot (the five to six range, where younger viewers can easily tune in) or just after prime time (but not too late at night). Of course, all this matters very little to me as I do not have cable or satelight, and thus cannot watch it anyway, but for the sake of discussion I've provided my opinion.

The real target here should be the people who grew up watching 'Cardcaptor Sakura' and are now ready for the next step up. Of course, there will be people like me who are older than this and who follow CLAMP's more mature series, but even we can get into subject matter that isn't so filled with doom and gloom. Timing on television is everything... it turns what might be mild hits into sensations, especially with the 'casual Otaku.'

But as far as dubbing, especially for 'xxxHolic'... it will be exceedingly difficult, as I think anyone who has read the manga already has some pretty firmly engrained ideas of how the voices should sound. I myself feel very strongly that I can picture (is that the right expression?) how Yuko sounds, and I just don't think there are that many American voice actors who can capture it. I mean, especially whenever they try to do Osaka-style or other regional accents, the chances for messing up the dub increase a hundred-fold. So, doing a Yuko or a Kurogane is just going to be a nightmare, if you ask me. But, that need not stop them from trying...
_______________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] EmeraldElphaba 19 years ago

Well, I can only think of three places that MIGHT air Tsubasa - Adult Swim (although I don't it's too...teenager-ish for Adult Swim in my opinion), Toonami (it's sure action packed enough to air there), or the Anime Network (although that's only available in Ohio, parts of Canada, and some VOD servers). I hope Kids WB doesn't air it, for it'll be cut (just like CCS was).

I still fear either of them getting dubbed. A few of the animes lately haven't...been so great. I mean, don't get me wrong, animes such as Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop have great dubbing casts, but other animes (such as Cardcaptors / CCS and, sadly, Naruto) aren't as great as they could be. Like LainEverliving said, xxxHOLiC would be difficult to dub. The only person I can think of who might be remotely close to a good sounding Yuko would be Tara Strong. It'd be hard to dub Yuko, Sakura, Syaoran, and Kurogane...I mean, hell, let them try, yeah...they need to get picked up soon so we can see who's dubbing them, lol.

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Well, I've done a little investigating in regards to the ill-fated 'Tsubasa Chronicle' and 'xxxHolic' movies, and it seems as though the bad box office hasn't spoiled the brisk CD and DVD sales. The strong CLAMP fanbase is what is keeping 'Tsubasa' going at the moment, but I think having Bee Train do the animation instead of Madhouse (and Production I.G. for the movies) has been a mistake in terms of attracting and keeping viewers. CLAMP should consider itself lucky that 'Angelic Layer' did as well as it did with Bones in charge, and in the future they should try and stick with Madhouse as much as possible, if only to keep the high quality standard up. Why they didn't go with them in the first place I have no idea, especially considering that Madhouse has some openings in their production schedualing at the moment. I suppose, there are probably politics behind it, but CLAMP must insist for the best, and if they are responsible for the shift in studios, they should re-evaluate their choices next time round. Honestly, how well the title does in the next month or so is probably going to determine whether or not we see either of the films or the show in the States next year, or even the year after. If anyone who is reading the forums happens to live in Japan, try and show some support so that we can enjoy more wonderful CLAMP animation and joy.

I do think Anime Network might have the strongest claim on the title based on the target viewing audience, but as I said before the licensing is what will determine this. EmeraldElphaba reminded me of Toonami, which had completely slipped my mind before, and this seems also like a natural choice. If it does air there, though, it will be cut/butchered, and will definately be dubbed, so I am hoping despite myself that it does not get aired that way.

By the way, for anyone looking to collect any of the 'Tsubasa' or 'xxxHolic' movie merchandise, a lot seems to be finding its way onto eBay these days. I get the distinct feeling that the merchandise will become scarce since the movies did poorly ('Nightmare Before Christmas,' anyone?), so if there's anything you like for cheap, it might be worth picking up. I myself got two hankerchiefs, one from each movie (the 'xxxHolic' one has a really nice picture of Yuko on it), plus first-press versions of both the CD singles of the 'Tsubasa' movie themes. There are also some copies of the limitted edition (10,000 copies only) 'Tsubasa' series OST 2 available, and those are always nifty. And remember: every CD helps push the show closer to a U.S. release!

On a side note, is there anyone else besides me on the forums who would like to see a 'Gohou Drug' (that's 'Legal Drug' to those who speak English only) OAV made?
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Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

I'm actually not surprised that the CD / DVD sales are high. I mean, the music in both xxxHOLiC and Tsubasa are outstanding. I guess it's a good thing CLAMP are huge, otherwise I don't know if Tsubasa would even still be on air...I know that Tsubasa is very popular here (USA); both the Tsubasa and xxxHOLiC mangas are on bestseller lists with each release here. Maybe they'll switch companies; who knows. We've got until April before season two of Tsubasa starts; anything can happen! Well, as I've probably stated before, Geneon has picked up both the xxxHOLiC and Tsubasa movies here. As for the TV series...I guess it's all up to ratings, which are high, so we might see them in the next year or two.

Toonami and Adult Swim seem to air the more popular animes, KidsWB does the more kiddy, but also popular, animes, and the rest goes straight-to-DVD (and some of the newer ones go from DTV to the Anime Network). I guess itn all depends on who picks it up. I guess we can already rule out a no from 4KidsEntertainment - their dubs are cut majorly and end up on either KidsWB or FoxBox, and Tsubasa Chronicle and xxxHOLiC are a bit too mature for younger kids. Tsubasa Chronicle MIGHT go to Toonami - it might be cut down for fighting (and or violence...is there any in the anime?) and time.

And it's just been announced there's going to be an xxxHOLiC anime series premiering next year! Like, it was announced today, so...I'm real excited. Now, I actually think this might be picked up by Adult Swim. To me, the whole series is...more teenager-ish to me, which kind of fits perfectly on Adult Swim. Again, that's just me.

eBay has a whole bunch of stuff. They're selling the xxxHOLiC movie fanbook...something every fan (including me) should probably buy before you can't find it anywhere else.

The two guys from Gohou Drug were in volume one of xxxHOLiC!! Sorry, had to add that...anyway, I've actually never read it - is it any good?

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[–] LainEverliving 19 years ago

Heh, it seems you pre-empted me on the 'xxxHolic' television series announcement! Damn you...

^_^

As far as switching companies for season two of 'Tsubasa,' I would say it probably will not happen unless Bee Train wants out. It would be incredibly embarassing if they had the show pulled out from under them, and that is generally a huge no-no in Japanese business. But, you never know when CLAMP is involved, so it could happen.

'Gohou Drug' is totally awesome! You should absolutely read it. It's the best shounen-ai CLAMP has ever done, and Tsubaki Nekoi (sorry, have to call her by her "new" name now) gives even Mokona a run for her ramen money with some incredible art. I am so unhappy that the series was put on hold... why does CLAMP always do that to my favorites? Anyway, go read it! It's only three volumes, and it is out in America now, so you have no excuse!

_______________________________________________________________________________
Joe Ranft, rest in peace. We all miss you dearly already. But, wherever you are is surely made a brighter place because you are there. Good luck, with whatever may concern you now.

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[–] whitetsubasa 19 years ago

^.^ Heehee. Sooner or later somebody would announce it...

As far as I've heard, Bee Train is still doing the animation, so...yeah, maybe they'll step up their game or something. (Doubt it, though, but like you said, anything can happen.) And I wouldn't be surprised if xxxHOLiC and Tsubasa run back-to-back, since their both scheduled to run in Spring 2006. I mean, I guess it seems...right, because the movies ran back-to-back, and they crossover. But, who knows.

I've seen it in bookstores...I'll have to go pick it up! ^.^

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[–] 19 years ago

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