Graviton City

All About the Remastered A-ko DVDs

This section of the FAQ is adapted from a forum thread on the Project A-ko remaster DVD. That thread was written before the DVD's release. Now that it's out, we can give you the facts rather than speculation. This mini-FAQ will cover all questions regarding all A-ko DVD releases.

Remaster DVD

1. What is the remaster DVD?

This is a re-release of the first Project A-ko movie on DVD. It was remastered from the original print of the movie, and was cleaned up and enhanced.

2. When was the remaster released?

Officially the remastered DVD was released on August 13th, 2002, although some early copies appeared on ebay. This was probably staff from the different distribution companies trying to cash in on fans anticipation of the release.

3. Why was a remaster necessary?

Unfortunately the original DVD release of Project A-ko was rushed. The source was the same as the VHS release, and it showed its age with a lot of noise and colour tint. There were no extras on the DVD and worst of all, there was a dramatic problem with the timing of the subtitles which made it almost impossible to watch. The need for an improved release was obvious.

4. What source was used for the remaster?

It is known that Project A-ko was originally animated in TV size aspect ratio, on the expectation that it would be an OAV release. When the movie was given a theatrical release, the frames were matted (masked) to a theatrical aspect ratio (wide screen).

The matted version of the master was used to create the VHS and previous DVD release. The un-matted version was used to create the Laser Disc releases. It was thought that the unmatted master had been lost and CPM claimed that after a lot of searching they were unable to find it.

Much to the surprise and jubilation of A-ko fans, CPM actually DID have the un-matted master! This little bit of sneakiness allowed them to surprise us all with an exceptional restoration of the movie from the best possible original source. The result is that the quality of the movie on the remaster DVD is in fact superior even to the original film print seen in the theatrical release in 1986.

All A-ko fans are tremendously grateful to CPM to the amazing job they have done to restore and preserve this anime classic! We thank you!!

5. What extras are on the remastered DVD?

Yuji Moriyama Commentary & Interview, Comic to Film Comparison, Music Videos, Behind the Scenes from Japan, Fan Art Contest, Restoration (Video Featurette), English & Japanese with English Subtitles, and Trailers & TV Spots. DVD-ROM features include: Art Gallery, Graphic Novel, Script, Cast & Production Credits... and more! Additional details include:

Region 0
86 minutes
Rated 13-up
UPC: 7-19987-21852-9
ISBN: 1-58664-181-6

An additional inclusion in the DVD case is a new printing (with new disc art) of the complete Project A-ko Soundtrack CD.

6. How much does it cost?

Regular price is US$29.99 (although naturally there'll be plenty of bargains to find online).

7. Several websites list the A-ko DVDs as being Region 1, not Region 0 as stated in GravitonCity.com's FAQ -- what region are they really?

They are Region 0. CPM makes all their anime DVDs region 0 unless the Japanese owners specifically ask them not to. CPM's online catalogue confirms this.

8. Will owners of the first release DVD be able to get a discount on the new DVD?

Unfortunately, no. The A-ko DVD was actually produced by a subcontractor to CPM, called "Image". Because the technical problems on this DVD were out of CPM's control, it is unreasonable to expect them to be responsible for it.

9. I heard there was some kind of fan art contest. What was that about?

One of the many extras on the new DVD is a gallery of Project A-ko fan art. This was selected from entries sent to CPM as a part of a competition. Ten of the best entries were selected to be added to the DVD. It just so happens that one of those is a colaboration between Tim and Myself Look for the picture entitled "A-ko reclining".

OAV DVDs

1. Have the other five A-ko OAVs been released to DVD?

Yes. The remaining five movies were released on two more DVDs. Movies two, three and four were released together on a DVD titled Love and Robots. The Battles OAVs were released together on a DVD titled Uncivil Wars.

2. Were these movies remastered?

No. The source for these movies was still in good condition, and no remastering work was needed to bring them up the the quality that CPM demands for their DVD releases.

3. Do these DVDs contain any extra features?

Yes! The extra features are as follows:

Love and Robots:

Region 0
180 minutes
Rated 13-up
UPC: 7-19987-20542-0
ISBN: 1-58664-050-X
Japanese Language
English Language
English Subtitles
Music Videos
Deleted Scenes
Special Trailers
Meet the Cast
Graphic Novel

DVD-ROM Extras:
Art gallery
Scripts
Song lyrics
Cast and production credits.

Uncivil Wars:

Region 0
104 minutes
Rated 13-up
UPC: 7-19987-20722-6
ISBN: 1-58664-068-2
Japanese Language
English Language
English Subtitles
Japanese trailer
Meet the cast
Art gallery
Production credits

DVD-ROM Extras:
Art gallery
Scripts
Song lyrics
Cast and production credits.

4. How much do these DVDs cost?

Love and Robots: $29.99

Uncivil Wars: $29.99

Box Set

1. Is there a box set available with all the movies?

Yes! The Project A-ko DVD Collection includes the remastered movie one, Love and Robots and Uncivil Wars. Note that since the remaster includes the soundtrack album, so does the box set.

2. How much does the box set cost?

$89.99

Further information

1. Where can I get the DVDs?

Just about anywhere! But why not buy them from the source, Central Park Media (http://www.centralparkmedia.com). And tell them GravitonCity.com sent you!

Links to CPM's online catalogue:

Project A-ko (remastered) | Love and Robots | Uncivil Wars | Box Set