Category: Japanese

Beyond the Spectrum: The Colors Within Unveils a Picture of Self-Discovery

The Colors Within is a heartwarming “Iyashikei” anime that explores self-discovery and communication through the journey of a young girl. Despite being unsure of herself, what she learns can teach viewers too.

The Colors Within Blu-ray release
Available to purchase on Amazon USA

GKIDS & Shout! Studios

When I’m a fan of Science Suru’s films, especially when dealing with fantasy, The Colors Within is a change of pace. This sentimental work directed by Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice, Liz, and the Blue Bird) and writer Reiko Yoshida differs significantly from this studio’s other works. While some similarity exists with Lu Over the Wall and Inu-Oh on the surface level, because music is central in both works, the narrative arcs are very different.

Their latest home video release is for fans who enjoy slice of life moments. The bit of magic used here concerns Totsuko Higurashi (Sayu Suzukawa), a high school student, who sees other people’s auras. I use this description over simply saying colors, because the difference between reading auras and seeing varied tones is negligible.

Continue reading “Beyond the Spectrum: The Colors Within Unveils a Picture of Self-Discovery”

MediaOCD Prepares Romeo’s Blue Skies For Mid-Summer Release

Perseverance and hope are two key themes wonderfully explored in Romeo’s Blue Skies and for those who missed the broadcast run, it’s coming to home video!

Romeo's Blue Skies DVD Cover
Also available to preorder on Amazon USA

Anime distributor AnimEigo and parent company MediaOCD announced today the home media Blu-ray release of the anime series Romeo’s Blue Skies on July 29th. And for fans of the 1941 Swiss novel “Die Schwarzen Brüder” (“The Black Brothers”), by Lisa Tetzner, this adaptation is quite the emotional journey. This second release under the new Ruined Childhood label shows there’s plenty of classics to go around, and after Nobody’s Boy Remi (review link), perhaps it’s best to stock up with plenty of boxes of tissue nearby!

From the Press Release:

One of the best loved installments in Nippon Animation’s legendary World Masterpiece Theater line of TV series that spanned generations, Romeo’s Blue Skies makes its North American debut in a remastered wide-screen edition. This 33-episode series was produced in 1995 by Nippon Animation and was directed by Kozo Kusuba with screenplay by Michiru Shimada and character designs by Yoshiharu Soto.

Pre-orders are available now at:

https://www.mediaocd.com/romeos-blue-skies

When You’re Feeling Sad
and Lonely, Look to the Sky

Romeo, a poor kid living in a Swiss village, bravely sells himself into servitude as a chimney sweep to save his family. On his way to Milan, he meets a mysterious boy named Alfredo, and they become fast friends. Life as a chimney sweep is hard and dangerous. But together, and with the help of some new friends – the “Black Brothers” – Romeo and Alfredo find themselves striving for a better life.

Romeo's Blue Sky Still

A Series That Captivated The World

Romeo’s Blue Skies was never released in English. American broadcasters deemed it too emotional for domestic audiences. But worldwide it was loved and was broadcast in Italy, Spain, Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Qatar, Indonesia, South Korea, Bahrain, Iran, and U.A.E.

​Anime fans are invited to discover why this gem is still beloved 30 years after its original broadcast.

Romeo’s Blue Skies Blu-Ray Features:

$59.95 USD (SRP)
33-Episode Series Remastered in HD Widescreen
Series Presented in Original 4×3 SD
Clean Opening and Ending (SD)
Original TV Promos (SD)

1080p / Japanese 2.0 Stereo DTS Master Audio / English Subtitles / 3 discs / dual layer / AVC @ 17 MBPS / Region Free

Naruto the Gallery World Tour!

Just where Naruto the Gallery is headed next is still under wraps, but there’s hope for North America based on what we’ve been hearing.

Naruto the Galltery Title CardAs new fans of anime discover the wonders of Naruto, those in Europe have a chance of experiencing his saga in a special touring art exhibit. TokyoPOP’s Live Events division is managing this event, and the longest scheduled stop may well be in Berlin, Germany from August 27, 2025, and run until November 24, 2025, which makes this news particularly exciting.

This series’ impact is very clear since, like King Tut, there are fans worldwide who want to know his appeal. In the series, Naruto’s quest to become his village’s top shinobi is fraught with peril, and although the manga and anime series concluded, new adventures are chronicling Boruto’s story (his son). Also, a new series is rumored to be released this year. The exhibit will focus on the epic journey of Naruto and Sasuke.

Continue reading “Naruto the Gallery World Tour!”

Returning and New Animated Series Worth Tuning In For!

Although there isn’t a huge slate of new animated series to debut in the coming months, what’s presented is a wylde selection from North America and Japan

Phineas and Ferb leading the charge for summer animated seriesNow that we’re well into Spring and school is almost over, some kids may well want to laze about watching various animated series on television while others go to camp. Alternatively, some families may well be preparing for going on a massive vacation. Whatever the case, the upcoming slate of programming is small, but I’ll be tuning in to watch at least half of the returning if not new shows.

What’s offered is a handful of series coming out not only here in North America but also Japan. These are shows I’m looking forward to, and list includes broadcast dates where possible.

June 2025
Phineas and Ferb—Season 5

When the beloved step brothers return with new summer adventures, just what these two can get up to is only more chaotic fun, and more tales about what makes this pairing the oddballs that they are. When Michael Bublé and Meghan Trainor have guest roles, there’s something to be excited for!

Continue reading “Returning and New Animated Series Worth Tuning In For!”

With Nobody’s Boy Remi, He’s Not the Only One With Issues in MediaOCD/AnimEigo’s latest project

In addition to a review of Nobody’s Boy Remi, we got an interview with CEO Justin Sevakis.

Nobody's Boy Remi BlurayAvailable to order on Amazon USA

A lot of longtime fans are thankful for what Justin Sevakis is leading. In addition to re-releasing a bunch of old AnimEigo titles considered long out of print in new packaging, his video post-production company, MediaOCD, is offering works which haven’t seen North American home video release, like Nobody’s Boy Remi. This operation produces all the Blu-rays for Discotek Media, NIS America, and many more.

This title came out last week. Back in the day, as part of World Masterpiece Theatre on CBC’s French television channel, I viewed a curated selection in what English literature offered. Although I didn’t read the original by Hector Malot, the desire wasn’t there. But with other titles like Sherlock Hound to which I read, to know the differences was essential. In the cartoon, that added sense of whimsy drew me in.

Continue reading “With Nobody’s Boy Remi, He’s Not the Only One With Issues in MediaOCD/AnimEigo’s latest project”

Aria’s 20th Anniversary Album is a Best Hits!

This year marks Aria’s 20th Anniversary, and this anime franchise has various projects planned for release, including a Best Hits, and we got the track listing!

ARIA The BEST 2005-2025ARIA’s is celebrating 20th glorious years, and this anime’s producers have more than a best hits album planned to acknowledge the fact. This 3-disc album will feature the best songs performed ever since this IP made its way to television and cinema!

This coming of age series focuses Akari Mizunashi as she trains as an apprentice gondolier (known as Undines). Along with Aika and Alice, they face various dangers on a terraformed planet now known as Aqua (formerly Mars). The manga written by Kozue Amano debuted in 2001, and since then, creators have regularly released new material.

From the Press Release:

The five main theme songs featured in the trilogy, ARIA the AVVENIRE, ARIA the CREPUSCOLO, and ARIA the BENEDIZIONE, have been recorded on albums by their respective artists before, but never on an ARIA album until now. The first disc will be a collection of 14 opening and ending themes from the anime, the second disc a compilation of 13 insert songs, and the third disc will feature an original collection of songs on piano by pianist and producer Mina Kubota.

Continue reading “Aria’s 20th Anniversary Album is a Best Hits!”