Flashpoint DVD Boxset Out in Two Weeks, Brits!

As we reported earlier, Flashpoint is being released on DVD in the UK - and based on the details given on Amazon UK, we don't think there are going to be any extras - at 520 minutes it looks like it's going to be an episodes-only release. We really love the cover though - especially the slogan "Who's got your back?" The slogan we usually see here in North America is "What would you do" in the CBS promos. To our readers in the UK - we would love to hear confirmation from you if there are any extras included on the DVD! Don't hesitate to send us an email! Pending announcements from CTV and/or CBS about a DVD release in North America, we may purchase a copy in May (these days, being an Otaku almost forces you to have a region-free DVD player because Japanese releases come with more bang for your buck). Some of us on staff are still "old school" and like watching our tv shows on a tv screen rather than our computers or (in some cases) non-existent portable media devices. Alas, CTV seems to have posted the wrong episode description this week on their site. The episode this week will be Aisle 13, which tells the story of a teenage boy who is sad over his best friend moving far away, because of financial difficulties. So, he decides to rob a local food store to give their family some money so they can stay here, but it all goes awry and he takes several people hostage. And for those of you wondering what it's like to write for Flashpoint, we found an old interview from almost a year ago!

North American VA Sightings March 2009 - Part 2!

A few more sightings for you this last Friday in March! Sadly, it looks like Part 3 is going to come sometime in April.

Sug Makes Triumphant Return to Animation!

This is a sighting you have to hear to believe - Stephanie Beard (Rini #2) appeared on a recent episode of Fox's King of the Hill entitled "Uncool Customer". She played Michael Savage, the daughter of a trendy mom, and Bobby's main interest in his Cotillion class. Yes, even we thought that the name Michael was weird for a girl - we wondered if this was a play on Michael Jackson's daughter (Paris Michael Katherine Jackson), but we later learned that it was a play on a conservative radio talk show host. This was a major role, and initially her voice didn't sound anything like the characters she usually voices. This one reminded us of a more refined version of the older Rini she did in SuperS episode "Pegasus Revealed". However, at the end of the episode when Bobby freaked out her character with what he was wearing at her very classy birthday party, her screaming was very much like the Rini we have all come to know and love! The episode would have been that much sweeter had we seen a scene where Nancy Hicks-Gribble called Michael "Sug". Her infamous moniker for anyone and everyone would have had a special meaning with us Sailor Moon fans! This episode is currently being streamed for US viewers at Fox on Demand, however Canwest Global has no episodes of the show online for viewers in Canada. We suggest Canadians check their local listings to see when this episode will be repeated!

Roland Parliament Teaching in New Program in Niagara College!


I told you a really long time ago that Roland Parliament (Melvin, 1st Voice Director) had plans to teach at Niagara College, in the small town of Welland, Ontario (half an hour from Niagara Falls). The College's Acting for Film and Video Program officially launched last Fall, and Roland is just one of many renowned greats teaching students. Others on staff include Second City alumnus Robin McCulloch, singer Barbara Mantini, and Ving Tsun Kung Fu Master Sifu Chris Hader. Roland has always had a special passion for teaching acting, and I have had the privilege to attend one of his sessions in 2004. He has a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry and has a very dynamic way of sharing these in a form that students can learn from and expand their acting horizons. ACTRA has even sent him around to different parts of Canada to teach workshops. For more information on the program, click here!

Linda Ballantyne is a Parrot!

Linda Ballantyne (Sailor Moon #3) has a new cartoon role - as a feathered friend! She plays Tulip the Parrot in the National Geographic Kids Entertainment cartoon, Toot & Puddle. This show is named for two pigs, who are best friend. Toot likes to travel the world and learn about different cultures, and send a postcard to Puddle who likes to stay at home. Tulip, is their pet. This cartoon is based on the popular book series by author Holly Hobbie. The show currently airs on Treehouse (Canada) and Noggin (USA).

Robert Tinkler Can Be Heard Soon in A New Cartoon and Video Game!

Currently in production is Kung Fu Magoo - an updated version of Mr. Magoo featuring the bumbling character and his 12-year-old nephew Justin, as they "dodge giant robotic spiders, ninjas on jet skis and the mutant 'Beasteens,' which are half animal and half teenage girl, all before the Evil-lympics even begin". This is definitely a lot different than the Mr. Magoo we all grew up watching! You know your old when..... tangents aside, Robert Tinkler (Rubeus, Pupuran) can be heard as various characters in the series. The show also stars Olsen Twins successors Cole and Dylan Sprouse. Robert will also have various roles in the upcoming Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2: Fusion video game. Once again, Marvel heroes unite to save New York City from Latveria and Lucia Von Bardas.

More coming soon - we've saved the best for last!

Shokotan + Shibby = ♥ ?

Two stars we have covered on this blog made the Japanese tabloids a few weeks ago when it was rumored that they might be dating! The infamous idol, popstar, cosplay enthusiast, and recent mangaka, Shoko "Shokotan" Nakagawa and Jyoji Shibue (Tuxedo Mask in PGSM) were recently caught by the tabloids having dinner in a tavern in Shibuya. The two were chatting away and having a great time, without a clue that they were spotted by someone who snapped them together (pictured). Another website had posted an article alleging that the two were dating, and that their date did not end after dinner. Shoko took offense to this, and posted a retort on her blog , saying that she didn't understand why going out to dinner with a friend was such a headline. Shibby's blog is pretty boring and featured no retort whatsoever. This is the first we have ever heard of these two being friends, and we hope that in light of this tabloid hiccup, they can continue to be friends. Shoko is after all, a big fan of Kamen Rider, of which Shibby had a leading role in one of the latest series. Of course though, we had to leaf through a few entries for Sailor Sightings! Here is a snack she is getting ready to enjoy (berries and condensed milk) in some anime-themed snack bowls she found, here she is with Ayana Tsubaki buying manga (look what Ayana is holding!), and here she is in formal dress, holding a Chibi-Usa plushie. She cracks a joke that dressing up and wearing makeup again after a long time isn't like "Jupiter Power"!

Hello Magazine Canada Gets It Right!

As you all probably know I am a big Spice Girls fan, and this month's Hello Magazine Canada had a feature about Sporty Spice and her "beautiful baby girl" - so of course, I had to pick it up! But elsewhere in the magazine, I stumbled upon a hidden gem! The magazine included a brief review of Emilie-Claire Barlow's latest album and in the first sentence, wrote words to please any Sailor Moon fan! Click the image for full size! Our review will be posted soon!

Sightings in Fan Land

Hey Moonies, it's been a while, but The Me is back with some fun tidbits for you. We came across these gems in various corners of the internet.

First up, a custom bedroom in Morrowind:

This would definitely be a fun room to have in any game, or even out here in the real world.

Next is an interesting crossover:

In case you can't identify her at first glace, that is Hatsune Miku, dressed up as Super Sailor Moon and yes, her Moon Kaleidoscope is actually a leek. And if her name still doesn't ring any bells, she was the first release from Crypton using Yamaha's Vocaloid2 singing synthesis software. Which explains her musical note motif and the 01 on her brooch. The significance of the leek is a much longer, non-Sailor Moon related story, but if you come ask me on the forums, I might just tell it to you!

But, the fun with the Vocaloids isn't quite done yet. Last up is another Vocaloid, Kagamine Rin, singing and starring in the Sailor Moon OP: Moonlight Densetsu!


Rin's twin brother Len is consigned to play Luna, and Miku and an older Vocaloid1 character, Meiko play Ami and Rei.

Whatever you do, though, do NOT watch the version of Miku singing Moonlight Densetsu that shows up under the related videos. While Rin's rendition is very good and a nice example of the music you can make with the Vocaloid software, it is much, much easier to make things that are not so nice. Don't take that as a slight against Miku, though. In capable hands, she is a very good singer.

Forums are Down...

Hi Moonies - we are all experiencing difficulties in loading the forums and we think this is due to some error in some new features which were installed this week by FreeForums. So if you are having troubles, it's not your computer! And sadly we can't do anything to fix it on our end either :(. We apologize for the inconvenience and we hope it's resolved soon!

Edit: The server DNS issues appear to be resolved, however if you are still having problems please send us an email and we'll forward it to our support contacts. The system was restored as of 1:30 AM EST this morning.

Flashpoint Continues Cutting Edge Presentation

Hey Moonies - Flashpoint isn't on today, but that doesn't mean we can't bring you news about it!

Flashpoint to be Broadcast Online in HD

CTV announced yesterday that a new beta player was being launched online, and that three of their top shows, Flashpoint, Corner Gas, and Malawi's Song were going to be the first shows in Canada to be offered online in HD! This also makes CTV the first network in Canada to stream HD content online! The player uses a combination of technology: Akamai's Adaptive Edge, Microsoft Silverlight, and Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 7.0 Smooth Streaming Technology. It promises instant startup time and no buffering (then again, this is the internet and we expect there to be some buffering at the very least). We checked it out and we were impressed! It really seems like Canada is leading the US when it comes to the distribution of this series. Canada can access the show's previous and current seasons on iTunes, and in standard and high definition on CTV's website, as well as on television. CBS has not put the show up on iTunes, but the show is available on their network in SD & HD, and in SD on their site. Still no word on a North American DVD release, but we are working hard behind the scenes to get a copy of the UK release soon after it is out.

Do Not Buy This Boxset... Flashpoint Edition!

Speaking of DVDs, a pirated boxset has hit the internet. Please don't buy it! The DVDs are region free, which in the legit DVD world always rings alarm bells for not being official. We don't even think that's the official cover, it looks just like a screencap of a promotional picture we've seen kicking around CTV (when you load their official page, this image is a placeholder for whatever video is they have featured). It also features a monochrome CBS DVD logo, but the CBS store does not have a Flashpoint boxset listed anywhere! We haven't seen this boxset appear at any reputable online sellers - but should any of our fans see it, please email us with where you saw it and we will take action and get a letter campaign started (we've been here before)to get this set pulled in favor of an official release.

And to Catch Up on Ratings...

Canada's ratings for last week's episode have just been released - the show scored 1.350 million viewers and was the 16th most watched show in the country that week!