Pair Puri DVDs to be released in June 2010

Title: 1) Tennis no Oujisama TV Anime Pair Puri DVD 1 Tezuka Kunimitsu x Atobe Keigo
2) Tennis no Oujisama TV Anime Pair Puri DVD 2: Fuji Shuusuke & Fuji Yuuta

Date of release: 25 June 2010

There will be 8 volumes altogether. 2 volumes will be released in each alternate month. Next release coming up in August.

Content: Scenes of the characters' signature matches in a digest format and chibi-character anime selections

Produced by: Bandai Visual

Price: 3,990 yen (inclusive of tax)

Tennis no Oujisama OVA Fan Disc ~ Message In Bottle ~

Title: Tennis no Oujisama OVA Fan Disc ~ Message in Bottle ~
Date of release: 22 December 2009
Price: 2,625 yen
Total running time: 50 minutes
Catalog number: BCBA-3699
Produced by: Bandai EMOTION
Premium: Illustrations of the main staff members and liner notes

Contents:

1) Message in a bottle (New picture drama)
Synopsis: Atobe picks up a bottle which contains a message and throws it into the sea again. Seigaku and Rikkaidai members then pick up the bottle...

2) Chara-puri - Higa & Shitenhouji
Mini-corners introducing members from Higa and Shitenhouji plus special versions for Touyama Kintarou and Oshitari Kenya

3) Behind-the-scenes for the OVA production

4) Digest footage of Tenipuri Festa 2009 held on 6 Sep

5) PV & CM Collection

OVA New Series: Nationals Semi-finals Arc

With the end of the first OVA DVD releases this month, the next round i.e. the semi-finals arc against Shitenbouji will be released from 22 June 2007 (Friday)! At the moment, it is still unknown as to how many volumes there would be in this series but the following information has been confirmed:

1) Bandai Visual will release the sales version of the DVD while Marvelous Entertainment will handle the rental releases.

2) Vol 1 contains 2 episodes. Ep 1 will feature the match between Fudoumine and Shitenbouji while Ep 2 will mark the beginning of the clash between Seigaku and Shitenbouji by starting off with the Fuji Shuusuke vs Shiraishi Kuranosuke match.

3) In the first press version of the sales DVD, there will be a box included for fans to put all volumes from the semi-finals series.

4) The audio commentary feature for the DVDs will remain with various lineups in each volume.

Since the semi-finals arc has been slated for release, this seems to signify that the finals will definitely be covered in the OVA releases too! That's good news for fans like myself who are worried about seeing the series end right before the most exciting matches are to take place.

I'm eagerly awaiting the finals since I really think that it would be a Seigaku vs Rikkaidai clash again (unless Konomi-sensei gets some unknown school to spring a surprise which I think many would be quite unhappy about). I've not been following the Shounen Jump releases recently but the last time I read it at Kinokuniya which was one month back, I think they were still at the Shitenbouji arc. As such, it would be probably some time before the manga gets to the finals which in turn means a longer wait for it to be made into the anime version.

OVA Vol 5 Information

OVA Vol 5's DVD will be released on 24 Nov 2006 and consists of episodes 8 and 9. More information as follows:

Specifications: 46 mins / Colour / Dolby Digital Stereo
Price: 5250 yen
Catalog Number: BCBA-2465
Freebies: 2 photos of characters & audio commentary by Sengoku Kiyosumi and Dan Taiichi

Ep 8: Arashi no Yokan (The signs of a storm)
About Hyotei's resolve to beat Seigaku as revenge for the defeat they suffered during the Kantou Tournament first round and Ryoma's first meeting with Tooyama Kintarou from Shitenbouji.

Ep 9: Orenai Kokoro (The heart which refuses to admit defeat)
About the S3 match between Momoshiro Takeshi and Oshitari Yuushi

OVA Vol 4 Storyline

Ep 6: Koroshiya to Yobareru Otoko (The Man Who's Called The Killer)
It is now the final match in the 2nd matches against Higa Junior High where Seigaku's captain Tezuka Kunimitsu finally makes his appearance. He is drawn into a battle of pride with Higa's captain, Kite Eishirou who uses his physique, body balance and "Sokuchihou" to his advantage. Kite goes to extreme measures and even resorts to dirty tricks so as to win which leads Tezuka to enter into the region of "Muga no Kyouchi" and use the techniques of Kite's Higa teammates against him. As Kite is forced into a corner, he tries again to turn the game to his favour by resorting to underhanded means...

Ep 7: Beach Volley no Oujisama!?
After a tough match against Higa, the members of Seigaku prepare for the next match by heading to the beach for a training camp. They happen to meet Rokkaku there and both teams decide to hold an impromptu volleyball tournament with their elderly coaches joining in too. The duo who loses will have to drink Inui's new creation, "Iwashimizu" which makes everyone try very hard to avoid this terrible punishment...

OVA Vol 4 Cover (Sale Version)

Here's the cover of OVA Vol 4 as shown on the official websitewhere Tezuka takes centrestage while Kite, Saeki and Aoi are featured in the background. It's been a long time since Tezuka hogs the limelight since he's been M.I.A. for a very long time due to the treatment of his shoulder injuries. For me, since Tezuka is one of my Top 3 favourites, you can imagine how excited I am to see him on the cover.

On the other hand, I'm not particularly thrilled to see Kite on the cover. Frankly speaking, I think he looks much older than any of the "mature-looking" characters like Tezuka or Sanada. That hairstyle makes Kite look more like an ojisan! I don't mind if a character looks more mature than the actual age but Konomi-sensei should really avoid drawing characters like Kite which stand out like a sore thumb among the bishonens he's been dishing out so far. ^__^

As for Aoi and Saeki, I believe their appearances are largely to do with the volleyball match with Rokkaku. Well, I'm OK with Saeki but I'm not that receptive towards Aoi who gets too loud and passionate at times.

The translation of the storyline for OVA Vol 4's 2 episodes will follow in my next post.

OVA Vol 3 Sale & Rental Versions

Here are the covers for the sale and rental version of OVA Vol 3 which will be available at the end of this month. The featured character for both versions is Kikumaru Eiji but the backgrounds and Eiji's poses are presented in different ways. In addition, the audio commentary by Shishido and Ootori from Hyotei on Ep 4 which is the Singles 2 match between Eiji and Kai Yujirou from Higa will only be available in the sale version. Last but not least, there's also the 2 photos given away in the first press of the sale version. For those who are interested in finding out more on this title, please visit the website concerned.

OVA Vol 4 Information

Here's the information for the OVA's Vol 4 from Bandai Visual's website:-

Release Date: 22 Sept 2006
Catalogue Number: BCBA-2464
Price: 5250 yen
First-press freebie: 2 photos
Audio Commentatory done by: Atobe Keigo & Oshitari Yuushi

Includes 2 eps:
- Ep 6 Koroshiya to Yobareru Otoko (The Man who is called the Killer)
The Singles 1 match between Tezuka and Kite Eishiro from Higa.

- Ep 7 Beach Volley no Oujisama (The Prince of Beach Volleyball)
Seigaku heading to the beach for a training camp and meeting Rokkaku there by chance where they have a beach volleyball match

For these episodes, there are some differences in content between the OVA and the manga. The beach volleyball match involving Seigaku and Rokkaku was actually held before the Nationals in the manga where they had a joint training camp. The OVA shifts it to somewhere after the Higa arc which seems quite ridiculous because Rokkaku has already lost in the Nationals and it doesn't look logical for them to be training now. Likewise in the Singles 1 match, it is mentioned in the synopsis that Kite actually antagonises Tezuka by aiming a stone at the latter with the use of the tennis ball which I don't remember it being in the manga. As such, I don't really like the idea of this because the purpose of this development gives the idea that they are trying to show Tezuka retalliating with response to the antics of the rival although his image suggests otherwise. Can they not try anything funny with Tezuka?!

Anyway, I'm just glad that we are approaching the end of the Higa arc but that leaves barely 3 volumes for Hyotei if there are only 7 volumes in this OVA series. We should know that the Hyotei-Nationals arc stretches much longer than Higa so I'm hoping that they do not end the OVA without finishing with Hyotei. Subsequently for Shitenbouji and most likely Rikkai who is going to be Seigaku's rival in the finals, I doubt the OVA series will cover them unless Bandai Visual decides to continue with the releases until the entire manga is wrapped up.

Something to look forward in Vol 4 would be hearing the voices of Atobe and Oshitari. It should be fun to hear these two characters with sexy voices talking crap in the OVA. ^__^

Tenipuri anime to be shown in China this summer

According to the news article on Yomiuri Hochi, the Tenipuri anime series is going to be shown in China through 15 television stations this summer at cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong. In addition, official character goods and DVDs will also be sold in China. Although China already has pirated Tenipuri merchandise floating around for some time, the company which has bought the rights said that they are confident of achieving the target sales of 500 million yen through the official goods. It is estimated that Tenipuri has made at least 50 billion yen from its comics and official merchandise on an international basis.

OVA Vol 3 Cover

This is the cover of OVA Vol 3 which includes 2 episodes. The two matches featured in this volume are the Singles 2 match where Kikumaru makes his debut in a singles match and the Doubles 1 match involving Inui and Kaidou. I guess the selling point of this volume would be Kikumaru's first attempt at standing alone on the court without Ooishi's assistance so he gets to enjoy the spotlight on the cover.

The things which catch my attention would be his pose as well as the fact that he is shown wearing black tights under his shorts. I don't remember any of the characters wearing this before, neither in the anime or manga (maybe there was but I didn't notice though) so was this deliberate or a mistake in the visual? As for the pose, I don't think there's a need to show Kikumaru leaping up just to stress the point that his star technique is acrobatic play so I would have preferred him with the usual megawatt smile and wink instead.

Although Inui and Kaidou's match wasn't featured prominently in the manga, I thought they deserved a little spot on the cover though. I would have preferred them rather than those Higa guys who get on my nerves every time I see them. Of course, this does not apply to Hiragoba Rin though. ^__^

OVA Vol 2 Covers

Here are the two covers for the rental and sale version of OVA Vol 2. As compared to the sale version's cover which puts Taka-san and Fuji in the centre, the rental version puts more emphasis on Fuji. I guess this is understandable given that Fuji reveals his 4th counter in this match against Higa so that's why he deserves more attention than the others. Another difference between both versions would be the omission of the audio commentary by Sanada and Yanagi in the rental version as well as the free photos given in the first press of the sale version. I am eagerly waiting for 26th May when the DVD goes on sale and hopefully, I can receive it before the weekend.

The reason why I'm so excited is not because of the two episodes within this volume but rather the audio commentary featuring Sanada and Yanagi. Although I won't get to see Sanada visually, hearing his voice or rather Taiten-san's voice offers some consolation. Assuming that this 7-volume OVA series finish with the Hyotei arc, this will probably mean that either we have a second OVA series featuring Shitenbouji and Rikkai whom Seigaku will most likely meet in the semi-finals and finals respectively OR there won't be any sequel OVA after all. If the second possibility comes true, that will be really bad.

Update to OVA Vol 2 Special Content

According to the Bandai Visual website, the two rival school characters appearing in the audio commentary for Vol 2 of the OVA will be Sanada Genichirou & Yanagi Renji from Rikkai! Oh yeah! I can't believe that this is really happening. First, the long-awaited solo album from Sanada and now his voice in the OVA even though Rikkai has yet to appear in the National arc against Seigaku! May is going to be a Sanada-ful month for me! ^__^ It would have been better if the Rikkai Top 3 (plus Yukimura) can appear together but I'm definitely not complaining since what matters most is whether the vice-captain is around. I'm guessing that this might be richer in terms of content given Yanagi's obsession with analysis as compared to the first OVA featuring Mizuki and Yuuta which was more on the humour side. Now, I'm just counting down to the days of the album and OVA release on 21st and 26th May...

Update on OVA website

The Tenipuri OVA official website has been updated with the synopsis of Ep 2 and 3 to be included in Vol 2. Essentially, Ep 2 is about the Singles 3 match betweeen Echizen and Tanishi while Ep 3 is about the Doubles 2 match between Fuji/Taka-san and Hiragoba/Chinen. Going by this pattern and assuming that each volume of the OVA contains at least 2 episodes, I assume the Higa arc will be finished by Vol 3 since there's only the Singles 2 match between Kikumaru & Kai and the Singles 1 match between Tezuka and Kite to be featured. The Doubles 1 match where Inui and Kaidou took part in wasn't described in detail for the manga version so I doubt it will be covered extensively in the OVA. Hopefully, my guess will be correct since I can't wait to see the Hyotei arc soon.

TV Tokyo OVA Official Website

TV Tokyo has opened an official website for the OVA series released in DVD format although it will not be showing them on TV. Apparently, this has been up since 15 March but I only came to know about it when I popped by the TV Tokyo Tenipuri website today. At the moment, it has a summary of the storyline for Ep 1 from Vol 1's DVD as well as details on the premiums given away, the cast and staff. It is not clear from this site too as to how many episodes there will be for the OVA series since its classification is based on the number of volumes. There are also some screen captures plus the covers of the DVDs available for viewing. I did a check on the official website for the OVA DVDs and found that the synopsis is the exactly the same as the TV Tokyo version so don't expect additional details from this.

Cover of the OVA Vol 2

Here is the OVA Vol 2's cover which features Fuji and Taka-san together with Higa's Chinen and Hiragoba who are playing in the doubles 2 match. In this volume, there will be 2 episodes where Singles 3 and Doubles 2 matches are featured. I'm glad that Bandai Visual decided to put the Doubles 2 lineup on the cover instead of letting Echizen hog the attention again. Besides, Echizen's opponent, Tanishi is not really of pin-up guy-type material so I guess for visual appeal, it would be better to choose the Higa duo. Frankly speaking, I don't like the sight of Chinen but since Hiragoba is to be featured, I guess I don't have a choice. I wonder why the Higa guys are seriously lacking in the looks department (maybe Konomi-sensei was not too interested in drawing these guys?) and even some of the past rival school players who didn't look that good now seem much better when compared to these Higa guys. I just hope to get this Higa arc over soon hopefully by Vol 3 so that we can move on to the Hyotei guys without further delay.

By the way, the usual freebies for the OVA will apply to this volume too i.e. the two 3R colour photos and an audio commentary but I'm not sure who is going to speak in this volume though. Most probably, it will be rival school players.

OVA Vol 1 Ep 1: Kaettekita Oujisama (The prince who has returned)

Received the DVD last Friday and finished watching it last night. Before I go into the storyline, here is a description of the contents. Besides the DVD itself, there are two photos instead of the usual three given out in the anime series DVD. In this first volume, the two characters who get to have their photos included are Tezuka and Echizen. Incidentally, both of them have made their return to the series through the OVA since Echizen was supposed to be in the midst of his US Open tournament while Tezuka should have returned after a long treatment trip in Germany.

Actually, I wonder if the scriptwriter had forgotten about the ending of the series since the sudden appearance of Tezuka at the lot-picking session of the National Tournament didn't seem logical. Tezuka had already returned to Japan during the Senbatsu Arc and announced his return to the Seigaku team soon after that. It was even before Echizen's departure for the US Open. As such, the so-called "return" of Tezuka where everyone seemed so shocked over it just felt awkward as if the scriptwriter wanted to put attention on Tezuka. Besides, since he had already returned to the team, it didn't seem logical for him to let Oiishi turn up for the lot-picking alone since he's the bucchou. Well, I'm not complaining about more airtime for Tezuka but then the scriptwriters should get their act together and not put conflicting developments in the plot.

As for the other freebies, there's the mini-poster of Echizen, Tezuka, Atobe and Shiraishi in the same fashion as the cover. There is also a form where you collect the coupons in the remaining 6 volumes to take part in a lucky draw. Last but not least, there's the form for the special screening of OVA Vol 2 to be held in May where fans can also meet some of the seiyuus.

Within the DVD itself, there is the seiyuu interview and audio commentary by Mizuki Hajime (Ishida Akira) and Fuji Yuuta (Tomita Makoto). In the seiyuu interview, you won't get to see the entire Seigaku cast since there are only 5 of them which includes Minagawa Junko (Echizen), Tsuda Kenjirou (Inui), Kawamoto Naru (Kawamura Takashi), Kiyasu Kohei (Kaidou) and Suwabe Junichi (Atobe). Apparently, the filming of the interview was done on the first day of the recording and Minagawa happened to be nursing a bad flu since she was coughing and sniffing away. As for the audio commentary, you will get to see the whole episode being replayed as you hear Mizuki making snide remarks here and there while Yuuta tries to keep Mizuki from going overboard. ^__^ It was quite funny to hear them speak although I thought it would have been better to see them in person rather than watch the whole story all over again.

Coming to the storyline, if you have been following the manga, you would notice some differences in the OVA. The seiyuus also said that the story would not follow the manga completely but they were unclear about the direction as at this point in time. Essentially, this episode tells you what happened before the Nationals Tournament begins. Like what I mentioned above, the lot-picking session just didn't gel with the ending of the anime series but this was somewhat similar to the manga itself because at that time, Tezuka had not returned from Kyushu. As such, it can be interpreted in the sense that the staff were trying to twist the story in the anime to go in the same direction as the manga.

Most of the episode was on the first day of competition for the National Tournament with Higa and Rokkaku having a face-off. Of course, we all know by now that Rokkaku lost miserably but Saeki's efforts were commendable despite his teammates sending Oji to the hospital and being alone on the court. Frankly speaking, the Higa guys with the exception of Hiragoba Rin were definitely not good-looking and they got on my nerves so much that I can't wait to see the Higa arc over soon. However, it looks as if these guys will be around until at least Vol 3 since Vol 2 only features the matches of Singles 3 (Echizen) and Doubles 2 (Taka-san & Fuji).

Another significant difference was Oiishi challenging Echizen to a match where the latter has to win all the sets in order to secure a place in the team. Well, in the manga, it was Oiishi vs Tezuka since the latter returned from Kyushu but in the anime, Echizen was the one who was absent for a period of time so Oiishi wanted to get him into the team and boost Seigaku's chances in the National Tournament.

The next episode in Vol 2 due in May will definitely mark the start of the Higa arc so we can finally get to see some tennis action very soon.

With regards to the content in this first episode of the OVA, I can't say that there are too many surprises since the developments are largely in tune with the manga. My only grouse would be that I'm not seeing enough of my Top 3 favourites. Atobe had only one line, Sanada had two and Tezuka had less than 5! Give me more of them! However, I think it will be sometime before I see Sanada again since he might appear only if Seigaku appears in the finals against Rikkai. As for Atobe, once the Higa arc is over, he will appear but I'm definitely not looking forward to him losing to Echizen and his hair being shaved off by that brat. Yes, he lost in the singles 1 quarterfinal match and Echizen actually shaved Atobe's hair off while he was immobilised due to fatigue. This development was shown in the latest issue of Jump and it will be a month later before we get the next issue since Konomi-sensei is taking time off to recuperate from his accident injuries.

Tenipuri OVA official website

For those who are interested in finding out more on the OVA series, you may access the official website where there is information on the storyline, covers of the sale and rental DVD versions, listing of the freebies/premiums for the first press DVDs, the latest official merchandise manufactured by Konami and Showa Note as well as news on upcoming events. To mark the release of Vol 1 this Friday, there is a form included in the first press edition which will allow you to enter a lucky draw. 1600 fans will be picked among the entries to participate in the special screening of OVA Vol 2's Ep 2 on 7 May where a talk show will also feature seiyuus like Minagawa Junko and Suwabe Junichi. I believe fans will respond to this event actively since Vol 2 (Ep 2 and 3) will only be released on 26 May and they can get to watch Ep 2 first as well as meet the seiyuus.

And here's the list of characters who will appear in Ep 1 i.e. Vol 1 of this OVA:

Echizen Ryoma / Tezuka Kunimitsu / Ooishi Shuuichirou / Inui Sadaharu / Fuji Shuusuke / Kikumaru Eiji / Kawamura Takashi / Kaidou Kaoru / Momoshiro Takeshi / Ryuuzaki Sumire / Sanada Genichirou / Yanagi Renji / Yagyuu Hiroshi / Kirihara Akaya / Atobe Keigo / Kabaji Munehiro / Aoi Kentarou / Saeki Kojirou / Kurobane Harukaze / Itsuki Marehiko / Oji / Kite Eishiro / Kai Yujirou / Chinen Hiroshi / Shiraishi Kuranosuke

Seeing the lineup has made me even more enthusiastic about watching the OVA because I get to see my favourite Top 3 within the same episode! I'm counting down to the 24th and hope that I can receive it promptly or even earlier. ^__^

Cover of the OVA Vol 1

At long last, here's the cover of the OVA Vol 1 DVD which will be released on 24 March. That's just 3 weeks to go and I can't wait to receive this. Although there will be one episode only, I think it will show some of the schools who are taking part in the Nationals Arc so that's why Atobe is featured on the cover with Tezuka and Echizen. Or else, the Hyotei arc is still far ahead and there's no way Atobe would have been shown in the first volume's cover. Too bad Sanada is not featured here or it would have been an assembly of my favourite Top 3 which would send me going crazy. ^__^ Enough of my ranting though. The guy at the bottom left hand corner with his hand bandaged, I just can't remember who he is at the moment but I think I saw someone from Shitenbouji who resembles this guy. I went to check out the last few volumes and confirmed that this person is Shiraishi Kuranosuke, the captain from Shitenbouji. Why on earth is Shiraishi shown on the cover when Seigaku has not even finished the round with Hyotei? Jump is only at #303 which is Singles 1 between Atobe and Echizen where the loser has to shave his hair off. Oh no...I can't imagine Atobe doing that since it's unlikely that Konomi-sensei will let Seigaku lose. Anyway, we'll probably know why Shiraishi gets to be on the cover when the OVA is out.

Info on OVA Vol 2

More information on the OVA Vol 2 to be released on 26 May 06 as revealed on Bandai Visual's website:

Time: 50 minutes
Catalog Number: BCBA-2462
Price: 5250 yen
First press freebies: 2 photos and coupon for the full set OVA lucky draw
Applicable for all versions (first press and normal): Liner note and audio commentary on the Nationals Tournament by characters of rival schools

Two episodes included in this volume
Ep 2: Hot & Cool
Singles 3 match between Echizen Ryoma and Tanishi Hitoshi

Ep 3: The fourth counter
Doubles 2 match between Taka-san / Fuji and Hiragoba Rin / Chinen Hiroshi

Based on the information above, it seems likely that the 7-volume OVA may cover the matches with Higa and Hyotei only. The first volume seems to be used for laying the groundwork for the Nationals and may show how Rokkaku fell prey to Higa's unconventional way of playing. Assuming that the Higa arc is covered by Vol 3, Vol 4 - 7 should be used for the Hyotei matches. Anything beyond that seems to be undecided yet since the manga is still in the midst of the Hyotei quarterfinals. When the cover is up on Bandai's website, I'll post it here.

Updates to the OVA DVD series and real-life movie

According to Bandai Visual, the OVA series will be released over 7 volumes with the first on 24 March followed by Vol 2 on 26 May. The first volume will be on the Higa arc but I'm not sure if it can be concluded within 1 episode. I don't really care because I'm more concerned with watching the Hyotei arc which is still in progress within the manga. As long as I get to see the Hyotei team again, that would be good. I don't dare to dream of seeing Rikkai since that might be a long time later considering that it's likely that Seigaku will only meet them during the finals.

With regards to the real-life movie, it is due to be shown in May 06. I dread seeing this though so I'm not excited over this at all. By the way, Konomi-sensei makes a cameo appearance in this movie as mentioned in his message on the manga's Vol 32. He clarified that the real-life movie was not made to follow the trend of manga/anime doing real-life versions in recent years. In fact, plans for this movie was made 2 years ago which was even much earlier than the anime movie. This still fails to increase my enthusiasm towards the real-life movie given that I simply do not like the cast I'm seeing. Spoiling the image of my favourite Atobe and Tezuka is intolerable so forgive me for giving this movie a miss.