OK ... We are headed into the top 30 with this edition of Matt's top ending themes. Hopefully I'll continue having mostly good luck finding the videos on YouTube. Let's start with #35!
#35 - Bokura no Kiseki by Yoko Ishida
Show: Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy ( ああっ女神さまっ それぞれの翼)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IuyveL_MwU
Embed:
This is a beautiful song by one of the legends of anime music, Yoko Ishida. This is the first ending theme from Ah! My Goddess, the second season. Not much in the way of moving animation with this ending, but I just love the song. That's why it is at #35.
#34 - Renai no Sainou by Chisa Yokoyama
Show: Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki ( 天地無用! 魎皇鬼)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loWFLhcNT68
Embed:
This is another song that by itself might not make the countdown. It is just a cute ending theme with very cute animation from Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki. It is another song that was well translated, and you can probably find the English version of it floating around on YouTube. Here is the original in all its glory.
#33 - Mask by Masami Okui and Kasumi Matsumura
Show: Sorcerer Hunters ( 爆れつハンター)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC8JY1JQ8II
Embed:
As promised, there would be more in this countdown from Masami Okui and here is the next song from her, Mask, from the show Sorcerer Hunters. A very good show (that might be hard to get a hold of now) with a very good ADV dub. Both the opening and ending of this show are solid. Who knows, you might see the opening theme in my opening theme countdown later ...
#32 - Don't Be Discouraged by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers TRY ( スレイヤーズ TRY)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByiqLpt6kKg
Embed:
It has been a few since we've had a song from Slayers or from Megumi, so this takes care of both. It won't be the last, that's for sure. The ending theme of the third season of the Slayers is actually the third best ending theme of the TV series (so you know you'll be seeing the other two seasons' ending themes here later). It is good, no doubt about it.
#31 - Watashi Rashiku by Houko Kuwashima
Show: Martian Successor Nadesico ( 機動戦艦ナデシコ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfYSy_3xYLw
Embed:
Nadesico is one of my all-time favorite shows, and I highly recommend it to anybody who wants to get into anime. This is the rather simple, yet cool ending theme to the series, "Being Myself." This is another show where you can bet the opening theme will make its countdown as well. Time to move back to Slayers ...
#30 - Midnight Blue by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers - The Motion Picture ( スレイヤーズ)
Note: I couldn't find just the ending to this, so this is a trailer for the movie with the song included.
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgs7UG9FmdU
Embed:
I love this song from the Slayers first movie, Midnight Blue. This is one that I can listen to separate from the show. Slayers is such a good franchise that has such good music. This is just another example of that. But, we'll step away from the Slayers for a while. We'll be back, though.
#29 - Drastic My Soul by Mikio Sakai
Show: S-Cry-ed ( スクライド)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i05DV2-g2lk
Embed:
Scryed is a good show, but it is a little different. Definitely action packed, it has a very solid opening and ending theme. If I remember correctly, a couple different variations on the song are used throughout the series. Definitely a good series to pick up.
#28 - Tactics by The Yellow Monkey
Show: Rurouni Kenshin ( るろうに剣心)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8vsgE5AGxo
Embed:
This is the first of what will be many entries from Rurouni Kenshin on these countdowns. This theme was also dubbed into English and sung by Lex Lang, who did a pretty good job. The original is the first ending theme to this great show.
#27 - triangle by Mami Kawada
Show: Shakugan no Shana Second ( 灼眼のシャナ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJYFTWqZ1lU
Embed:
I am also a fan of the opening and ending themes from the Shakugan no Shana series. I really, really wish someone would license the second season and release it here in the US. This is the first ending theme to that second season, triangle.
One more before I pause for the night ...
#26 - Anna ni Issho Datta no ni by See-Saw
Show: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed ( 機動戦士ガンダムSEED)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS0Qxy6RTmg
Embed:
NOTE: The actual video of the ending is not available. So this is the promotional video to the song. The first ending theme to the show Gundam Seed falls just shy of my top 25. It is a solid opening. As with many Gundam themes, the lyrics of the song corrolate with what is happening in the series. Gundam Seed is a good show and this is a very solid ending theme.
Coming up next time, we'll countdown from 25-16, which will include some more Megumi (but not Slayers) our second entry from Fullmetal Alchemist and the first from the movie, and a couple that you might not be familiar with (but should). See you then!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Matt's Top Ending Themes: 44-36.
OK ... Let's get this countdown rolling now. Here is my top ending themes from 44-36!
NOTE: For some reason, I can't get to YouTube to post the rest of these videos. I'll edit this post with the videos later.
#44 - In the Chaos by JAM Project featuring Masami Okui
Show: Galaxy Angel AA ( ギャラクシーエンジェルＡＡ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-PefP8ccuI
Embed:
This song is so much different than all of the Galaxy Angel themes. I like most, if not all, of the Galaxy Angel themes, but this one, the ending theme to Galaxy Angel AA, stands alone as a top theme. JAM Project is one of my favorite groups and Masami Okui (who you will see again on this countdown) is one of my favorite Japanese artists. It is a beautiful song that is a change of pace to the rest of the ending themes.
#43 - Reflection by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Great ( スレイヤーズ ぐれいと)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3JH2eW42I
Embed:
Another video I had a hard time finding, this is the ending theme to the Slayers movie, Slayers Great. I could have posted what amounted to the last 8 minutes of the movie in English, but instead I found this version. It cuts out some of the ending theme, but I think there is enough there to show its greatness. Another awesome Slayers theme by Megumi Hayashibara. And there is more to come. In fact ...
#42 - Raging Waves by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Gorgeous ( スレイヤーズ ごうじゃす)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PnSZKKmLMkg#t=311s
Embed:
This is the ending theme to the sequel to Slayers Great, Slayers Gorgeous. It is another great story from the Slayers movies and another great Megumi Hayashibara ending theme. NOTE: In this video, skip ahead to 5:00 for the song. Speaking of Megumi, she does have great themes for other shows.
#41 - Omokage by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Shaman King ( 通靈王)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUvOGWf-w0
Embed:
Shaman King is one of those shows that I would have loved to see more of, but unfortunately, it was brought over here and butchered by 4Kids, meaning we were left with dubbed songs and hacked up episodes. This theme comes from the original Japanese version (it is the second ending theme), and it is a very good ending theme.
Up next, a group effort thanks to one of Japan's most famous academies, Mahora.
#40 - A-LY-YA! by Rina Satou, Akemi Kanda, Ai Nonaka, Yu Kobayashi
Show: Negima!? ( ネギま!?)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JX49MDF07s
Embed:
The cute ending theme to the second season of Negima is #40 on the countdown. It isn't a good stand-alone song, but with the ending animation and with the tone of the show, the song goes well.
Four more songs to go before our break for the evening. Moving on to #39 ...
#39 - Kimi Sae Ireba by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Love Hina ( ラブ ひな)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugcldJmxIcY
Embed:
The first of two more back-to-back Megumi Hayashibara, this is the melancholic ending theme to Love Hina, Kimi Sae Ireba. Again, this song might not make it on its own merits, but combined with the sad-looking (sad as emotion, not sad as in poor) animation, this song makes the countdown. This song isn't the top Love Hina ending theme on the countdown, but we'll get to the other one later.
#38 - Extrication by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Lost Universe ( ロスト・ユニバース)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE7BrsprSMg
Embed:
From Hajime Kanzaka, who is best known for Slayers, Lost Universe is a very good show with very good opening and ending themes. This one is another one of my favorite Megumi songs. It has an odd beat to it that really works for the song.
We've had some older themes. Let's get to something brand new again.
#37 - Honjitsu, Mankai Watashi Iro! by Shizuka Itou with Eri Nakao, Sayuri Yahagi and Masumi Asano
Show: Hayate the Combat Butler!! ( ハヤテのごとく!!)
Link: OK, for some reason, all of the versions of the ending theme and animation were pulled off YouTube. Just head on over there and look up the name of the song, and hopefully you'll be able to find it.
The first ending theme to the second season of Hayate the Combat Butler, this song features my favorite character in the show (besides Hayate), Hinagiku Katsura. In fact, by the looks of the latest popularity poll in Japan, I'm not alone in this thought (she received over 4,000 votes, with Maria and Nagi not combining for that many!). Hina's voice actress, Shizuka Itou, sings this theme well.
One more theme for tonight!
#36 - Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Show: Fullmetal Alchemist ( 鋼の錬金術師)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOZ1XbnEajs
Embed:
The first ending in the amazing Fullmetal Alchemist, Kesenai Tsumi (Indelible Sin) certainly ties in well to the plight of the Elric brothers. Nana Kitade is another one of my favorite artists, and she doesn't disappoint here. A great ending theme for a great show. It won't be the last theme from this show on these countdowns, that is for sure.
That wraps things up for tonight. Next time, we'll move into the top 30.
NOTE: For some reason, I can't get to YouTube to post the rest of these videos. I'll edit this post with the videos later.
#44 - In the Chaos by JAM Project featuring Masami Okui
Show: Galaxy Angel AA ( ギャラクシーエンジェルＡＡ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-PefP8ccuI
Embed:
This song is so much different than all of the Galaxy Angel themes. I like most, if not all, of the Galaxy Angel themes, but this one, the ending theme to Galaxy Angel AA, stands alone as a top theme. JAM Project is one of my favorite groups and Masami Okui (who you will see again on this countdown) is one of my favorite Japanese artists. It is a beautiful song that is a change of pace to the rest of the ending themes.
#43 - Reflection by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Great ( スレイヤーズ ぐれいと)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro3JH2eW42I
Embed:
Another video I had a hard time finding, this is the ending theme to the Slayers movie, Slayers Great. I could have posted what amounted to the last 8 minutes of the movie in English, but instead I found this version. It cuts out some of the ending theme, but I think there is enough there to show its greatness. Another awesome Slayers theme by Megumi Hayashibara. And there is more to come. In fact ...
#42 - Raging Waves by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Gorgeous ( スレイヤーズ ごうじゃす)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PnSZKKmLMkg#t=311s
Embed:
This is the ending theme to the sequel to Slayers Great, Slayers Gorgeous. It is another great story from the Slayers movies and another great Megumi Hayashibara ending theme. NOTE: In this video, skip ahead to 5:00 for the song. Speaking of Megumi, she does have great themes for other shows.
#41 - Omokage by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Shaman King ( 通靈王)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoUvOGWf-w0
Embed:
Shaman King is one of those shows that I would have loved to see more of, but unfortunately, it was brought over here and butchered by 4Kids, meaning we were left with dubbed songs and hacked up episodes. This theme comes from the original Japanese version (it is the second ending theme), and it is a very good ending theme.
Up next, a group effort thanks to one of Japan's most famous academies, Mahora.
#40 - A-LY-YA! by Rina Satou, Akemi Kanda, Ai Nonaka, Yu Kobayashi
Show: Negima!? ( ネギま!?)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JX49MDF07s
Embed:
The cute ending theme to the second season of Negima is #40 on the countdown. It isn't a good stand-alone song, but with the ending animation and with the tone of the show, the song goes well.
Four more songs to go before our break for the evening. Moving on to #39 ...
#39 - Kimi Sae Ireba by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Love Hina ( ラブ ひな)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugcldJmxIcY
Embed:
The first of two more back-to-back Megumi Hayashibara, this is the melancholic ending theme to Love Hina, Kimi Sae Ireba. Again, this song might not make it on its own merits, but combined with the sad-looking (sad as emotion, not sad as in poor) animation, this song makes the countdown. This song isn't the top Love Hina ending theme on the countdown, but we'll get to the other one later.
#38 - Extrication by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Lost Universe ( ロスト・ユニバース)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE7BrsprSMg
Embed:
From Hajime Kanzaka, who is best known for Slayers, Lost Universe is a very good show with very good opening and ending themes. This one is another one of my favorite Megumi songs. It has an odd beat to it that really works for the song.
We've had some older themes. Let's get to something brand new again.
#37 - Honjitsu, Mankai Watashi Iro! by Shizuka Itou with Eri Nakao, Sayuri Yahagi and Masumi Asano
Show: Hayate the Combat Butler!! ( ハヤテのごとく!!)
Link: OK, for some reason, all of the versions of the ending theme and animation were pulled off YouTube. Just head on over there and look up the name of the song, and hopefully you'll be able to find it.
The first ending theme to the second season of Hayate the Combat Butler, this song features my favorite character in the show (besides Hayate), Hinagiku Katsura. In fact, by the looks of the latest popularity poll in Japan, I'm not alone in this thought (she received over 4,000 votes, with Maria and Nagi not combining for that many!). Hina's voice actress, Shizuka Itou, sings this theme well.
One more theme for tonight!
#36 - Kesenai Tsumi by Nana Kitade
Show: Fullmetal Alchemist ( 鋼の錬金術師)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOZ1XbnEajs
Embed:
The first ending in the amazing Fullmetal Alchemist, Kesenai Tsumi (Indelible Sin) certainly ties in well to the plight of the Elric brothers. Nana Kitade is another one of my favorite artists, and she doesn't disappoint here. A great ending theme for a great show. It won't be the last theme from this show on these countdowns, that is for sure.
That wraps things up for tonight. Next time, we'll move into the top 30.
Matt's Top Ending Themes: An intro, then 51-45!
OK, I have threatened to do this for a while. I don't know how this is going to go, but here it goes anyway.
Since there are about a billion different anime theme countdowns on YouTube, I thought I'd do my own. Of course, my countdown - my rules.
Here are the rules I have set for myself. To qualify for the countdown, the song must fit one of the following rules:
#1 - Be from a series that I've seen at least part of, OR
#2 - Be a song I know that is from a series I haven't seen, OR
#3 - Be from an artist that I know from a series I haven't seen.
Also, the songs are subjected ranked based on three categories: How the song fits with the opening/ending animation, how good the song is as an opening/ending, and/or how good the song is on its own (in other words, would I listen to this song if it wasn't an anime theme?).
I've decided to do a top 50 endings, and probably a top 100 openings. This list is totally subjective. Some of these songs' orders are subject to change depending on my mood. It is hard to rank your favorite anything. The top of the list is pretty solid. The rest can be interchanged, and there are some songs just outside the top 50 that could easily be in the top 50 the next time I decide to punish myself by doing this.
With all that said, we'll get started now. Of course, there was a late addition to the list, so instead of bumping one out of the list, I just made it 51. This song is new to the countdown, so it could move up the next time I do this list. But for now, it comes in at number 51.
#51 - Don't Say "Lazy" by Yoko Hikasa with Aki Toyosaki, Satomi Satou & Minako Kotobuki.
Show: K-On! ( けいおん！)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xrN-eoilQc
Embed:
This is the ending theme from one of my favorite shows of the year. K-On! is a show about four high school girls looking to save their school's light music club. They join forces to see if they can keep K-On alive. The ending theme is sung by the voice actress for the bassist, Mio Akiyama (Yoko Hikasa). It contrasts the more upbeat opening theme sung by the fictional group's lead singer, Yui Hirasawa (Aki Toyosaki).
As of July 4, 2009, this series remains unlicensed in the United States. Here's hoping the next time I do a countdown like this, the show will be licensed.
OK, I probably won't do I show recap with every post, or this is going to get really long. I'll just link to the Anime News Network page on the show. Let's move on ...
#50: Feel Well by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Premium ( スレイヤーズぷれみあむ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iImN4krHAJk
Embed:
Slayers Premium was supposed to be the end of the animated Slayers series. Of course, that was prior to the release of Slayers Revolution and Evolution-R. One of my favorite songs my Megumi Hayashibara. I love this song. Moving on ...
#49 - Just Be Conscious by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Return ( スレイヤーズ ＲＥＴＵＲＮ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bispDB0Y-Gk
Embed:
Man, I just love the Slayers and the music that goes with it. You'll notice that on this countdown. Here is the ending from the movie, Slayers Return. Another classic by Megumi! And the countdown rolls on with something non-Slayers!
#48 - Step by Step by Ziggy
Show: Case Closed (Detective Conan - 名探偵コナン)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCtlAxTdR0
Embed:
Not only is this ending theme good, but if you pick up the FUNimation release, they did a pretty good English language cover of it. From Ziggy, this is the first of (currently) 33 ending themes for one of Japan's longest-running series, Detective Conan. Due to legal reasons, the show was renamed in the United States "Case Closed." Up next is another one of my favorites from another of my favorite artists - Yoko Takahashi!
#47 - Wing by Yoko Takahashi
Show: Ah! My Goddess ( ああっ女神さまっ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgVsH0Sbwe0
Embed:
The second ending from the show, Ah! My Goddess, Wing is just a cool, upbeat song that goes really well with both the ending animation and the tone of the show. One of my favorites, for certain. Also, I had a hard time finding a version of this video that didn't have foreign language subtitles on it. But here it is! Moving on to #46 ...
#46 - Blue Velvet by Shizuka Kudou
Show: Dragonball GT ( ドラゴンボールGT)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INND4rkd8Qw
Embed:
For a show that turned out to be so ... mediocre, Dragonball GT sure had some good theme music. This is the third ending theme to the show, and it is very good. In fact, this show really didn't have a bad opening or ending theme. It was the stuff in between that didn't help the show last more than 64 episodes.
OK, one more song before we take a break. Maybe I'll get to some more tonight!
#45 - The Real Folk Blues by Seatbelts featuring Mai Yamane
Show: Cowboy Bebop ( カウボーイビバップ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAnQDj8ais
Embed:
A classic song to a classic anime, the first ending theme to Cowboy Bebop, The Real Folk Blues, is one of anime's most recongnizable ending themes. Many people would put this song into their top 10, and I certainly couldn't argue with that. It is an awesome song that really fits the tone of the show.
That is going to wrap up the first part of the countdown. Look forward to part 2 soon!
Since there are about a billion different anime theme countdowns on YouTube, I thought I'd do my own. Of course, my countdown - my rules.
Here are the rules I have set for myself. To qualify for the countdown, the song must fit one of the following rules:
#1 - Be from a series that I've seen at least part of, OR
#2 - Be a song I know that is from a series I haven't seen, OR
#3 - Be from an artist that I know from a series I haven't seen.
Also, the songs are subjected ranked based on three categories: How the song fits with the opening/ending animation, how good the song is as an opening/ending, and/or how good the song is on its own (in other words, would I listen to this song if it wasn't an anime theme?).
I've decided to do a top 50 endings, and probably a top 100 openings. This list is totally subjective. Some of these songs' orders are subject to change depending on my mood. It is hard to rank your favorite anything. The top of the list is pretty solid. The rest can be interchanged, and there are some songs just outside the top 50 that could easily be in the top 50 the next time I decide to punish myself by doing this.
With all that said, we'll get started now. Of course, there was a late addition to the list, so instead of bumping one out of the list, I just made it 51. This song is new to the countdown, so it could move up the next time I do this list. But for now, it comes in at number 51.
#51 - Don't Say "Lazy" by Yoko Hikasa with Aki Toyosaki, Satomi Satou & Minako Kotobuki.
Show: K-On! ( けいおん！)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xrN-eoilQc
Embed:
This is the ending theme from one of my favorite shows of the year. K-On! is a show about four high school girls looking to save their school's light music club. They join forces to see if they can keep K-On alive. The ending theme is sung by the voice actress for the bassist, Mio Akiyama (Yoko Hikasa). It contrasts the more upbeat opening theme sung by the fictional group's lead singer, Yui Hirasawa (Aki Toyosaki).
As of July 4, 2009, this series remains unlicensed in the United States. Here's hoping the next time I do a countdown like this, the show will be licensed.
OK, I probably won't do I show recap with every post, or this is going to get really long. I'll just link to the Anime News Network page on the show. Let's move on ...
#50: Feel Well by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Premium ( スレイヤーズぷれみあむ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iImN4krHAJk
Embed:
Slayers Premium was supposed to be the end of the animated Slayers series. Of course, that was prior to the release of Slayers Revolution and Evolution-R. One of my favorite songs my Megumi Hayashibara. I love this song. Moving on ...
#49 - Just Be Conscious by Megumi Hayashibara
Show: Slayers Return ( スレイヤーズ ＲＥＴＵＲＮ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bispDB0Y-Gk
Embed:
Man, I just love the Slayers and the music that goes with it. You'll notice that on this countdown. Here is the ending from the movie, Slayers Return. Another classic by Megumi! And the countdown rolls on with something non-Slayers!
#48 - Step by Step by Ziggy
Show: Case Closed (Detective Conan - 名探偵コナン)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUCtlAxTdR0
Embed:
Not only is this ending theme good, but if you pick up the FUNimation release, they did a pretty good English language cover of it. From Ziggy, this is the first of (currently) 33 ending themes for one of Japan's longest-running series, Detective Conan. Due to legal reasons, the show was renamed in the United States "Case Closed." Up next is another one of my favorites from another of my favorite artists - Yoko Takahashi!
#47 - Wing by Yoko Takahashi
Show: Ah! My Goddess ( ああっ女神さまっ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgVsH0Sbwe0
Embed:
The second ending from the show, Ah! My Goddess, Wing is just a cool, upbeat song that goes really well with both the ending animation and the tone of the show. One of my favorites, for certain. Also, I had a hard time finding a version of this video that didn't have foreign language subtitles on it. But here it is! Moving on to #46 ...
#46 - Blue Velvet by Shizuka Kudou
Show: Dragonball GT ( ドラゴンボールGT)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INND4rkd8Qw
Embed:
For a show that turned out to be so ... mediocre, Dragonball GT sure had some good theme music. This is the third ending theme to the show, and it is very good. In fact, this show really didn't have a bad opening or ending theme. It was the stuff in between that didn't help the show last more than 64 episodes.
OK, one more song before we take a break. Maybe I'll get to some more tonight!
#45 - The Real Folk Blues by Seatbelts featuring Mai Yamane
Show: Cowboy Bebop ( カウボーイビバップ)
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAnQDj8ais
Embed:
A classic song to a classic anime, the first ending theme to Cowboy Bebop, The Real Folk Blues, is one of anime's most recongnizable ending themes. Many people would put this song into their top 10, and I certainly couldn't argue with that. It is an awesome song that really fits the tone of the show.
That is going to wrap up the first part of the countdown. Look forward to part 2 soon!
FUNimation comes through again; Saying goodbye to Central Park Media
It is almost fitting to talk about these two news items together today, as they both tie into one of my favorite anime franchises of all time, The Slayers.
First, the good news. At Anime Expo today, FUNimation announced that it has reunited the main cast of Slayers for its upcoming releases of Slayers Revolution and Slayers Evolution-R. The four main and most important voice actors are returning: Lisa Ortiz as Lina, Eric Stuart and Gourry, Crispin Freeman as Zelgadis and Veronica Taylor as Amelia. New ADR director Michael Sinterniklaas will be replacing the polarizing David Moo as the enigmatic Xellos.
FUNimation couldn't have got it more right.
Considering it had been years since this cast had been together recording Slayers TRY, it would have certainly been understandable if FUNimation was unable/unwilling to reunite the cast back together. Many believed that Freeman would be virtually impossible to get, considering his desire to not work non-union dubs in recent years. Plus, FUNi has a huge, talented voice staff to choose from. Who could blame them if they decided to start from scratch, or at the very least, borrow the ADV actors used in the Slayers OAVs and movies (especially Premium, which featured Cynthia Martinez as Lina, Chris Patton as Gourry, Freeman as Zelgadis and Luci Christian as Amelia). In fact, despite the fact that I love the original actors and dub, I had pretty much talked myself into accepting whatever FUNi decided and embracing a third group of actors to take on the characters.
That won't be necessary.
Although more details were not released (other than a 2010 street date), it can be inferred from the cast that this dub has been farmed out to NYAV or another NY-based studio. We'll know for sure as some of the minor characters are revealed (it would be awesome to get Jimmy Zoppi back as Prince Philionel).
From Slayers fans everywhere - thanks again, FUNimation. You seem to be the only US company currently interested in listening to its fans and giving us what we want (within reason, of course). I thought Bandai was after last year's Otakon ... but ... well, that's another subject for another time.
The Slayers news ties into the bad news from earlier this year - the bankruptcy and dissolution of Central Park Media. Based in New York, CPM originally licenced the Slayers under the name "Software Sculptors."
The story of CPM goes back to my beginnings as an anime fan. I had seen Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z on television, but that was pretty much the limit to my anime exposure. Then, my brother and I saw a show on the now-defunct International Channel called the Slayers. I was immediately hooked on the show, and looked to buy it, even though I had only seen it subtitled. I had even read somewhere that the same people who voiced Pokemon also did voices for this show. That made me want it even more. So I bought it, all $200 per set. Yes, my original collection of Slayers set me back $600. Think about that for all you fans who picked up all three season from FUNi for less than $100.
I did not regret my purchase (of course, I had no idea how that $600 would turn into many more hundred dollars in the coming years). I would go on to purchase a couple more CPM releases, including both seasons of "Record of Lodoss War" and "The World of Narue." However, they were yet another casualty of the downturn in the economy and the slide in anime popularity.
"World Peace Through Shared Popular Culture," was their slogan, and while we may not be closer to world peace, Central Park Media brought a generation of Americans closer to Japanese culture than they had ever been before. It is certainly fair to say that I wouldn't have become near the fan that I am today if not for CPM and Software Sculptors.
During this weekend's Anime Expo, Central Park Media ran a farewell ad in the convention program, thanking all of those who made them go for two decades. It is certainly sad to see them go, but I too want to thank them for helping make me the fan I am today.
Thanks CPM, you will be missed.
Coming soon - my countdowns of my top opening and ending themes of all time. If I can work on it tonight, I might post the first 11 ending themes (51-40).
First, the good news. At Anime Expo today, FUNimation announced that it has reunited the main cast of Slayers for its upcoming releases of Slayers Revolution and Slayers Evolution-R. The four main and most important voice actors are returning: Lisa Ortiz as Lina, Eric Stuart and Gourry, Crispin Freeman as Zelgadis and Veronica Taylor as Amelia. New ADR director Michael Sinterniklaas will be replacing the polarizing David Moo as the enigmatic Xellos.
FUNimation couldn't have got it more right.
Considering it had been years since this cast had been together recording Slayers TRY, it would have certainly been understandable if FUNimation was unable/unwilling to reunite the cast back together. Many believed that Freeman would be virtually impossible to get, considering his desire to not work non-union dubs in recent years. Plus, FUNi has a huge, talented voice staff to choose from. Who could blame them if they decided to start from scratch, or at the very least, borrow the ADV actors used in the Slayers OAVs and movies (especially Premium, which featured Cynthia Martinez as Lina, Chris Patton as Gourry, Freeman as Zelgadis and Luci Christian as Amelia). In fact, despite the fact that I love the original actors and dub, I had pretty much talked myself into accepting whatever FUNi decided and embracing a third group of actors to take on the characters.
That won't be necessary.
Although more details were not released (other than a 2010 street date), it can be inferred from the cast that this dub has been farmed out to NYAV or another NY-based studio. We'll know for sure as some of the minor characters are revealed (it would be awesome to get Jimmy Zoppi back as Prince Philionel).
From Slayers fans everywhere - thanks again, FUNimation. You seem to be the only US company currently interested in listening to its fans and giving us what we want (within reason, of course). I thought Bandai was after last year's Otakon ... but ... well, that's another subject for another time.
The Slayers news ties into the bad news from earlier this year - the bankruptcy and dissolution of Central Park Media. Based in New York, CPM originally licenced the Slayers under the name "Software Sculptors."
The story of CPM goes back to my beginnings as an anime fan. I had seen Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z on television, but that was pretty much the limit to my anime exposure. Then, my brother and I saw a show on the now-defunct International Channel called the Slayers. I was immediately hooked on the show, and looked to buy it, even though I had only seen it subtitled. I had even read somewhere that the same people who voiced Pokemon also did voices for this show. That made me want it even more. So I bought it, all $200 per set. Yes, my original collection of Slayers set me back $600. Think about that for all you fans who picked up all three season from FUNi for less than $100.
I did not regret my purchase (of course, I had no idea how that $600 would turn into many more hundred dollars in the coming years). I would go on to purchase a couple more CPM releases, including both seasons of "Record of Lodoss War" and "The World of Narue." However, they were yet another casualty of the downturn in the economy and the slide in anime popularity.
"World Peace Through Shared Popular Culture," was their slogan, and while we may not be closer to world peace, Central Park Media brought a generation of Americans closer to Japanese culture than they had ever been before. It is certainly fair to say that I wouldn't have become near the fan that I am today if not for CPM and Software Sculptors.
During this weekend's Anime Expo, Central Park Media ran a farewell ad in the convention program, thanking all of those who made them go for two decades. It is certainly sad to see them go, but I too want to thank them for helping make me the fan I am today.
Thanks CPM, you will be missed.
Coming soon - my countdowns of my top opening and ending themes of all time. If I can work on it tonight, I might post the first 11 ending themes (51-40).
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