Shopping Guide
The broadcast for the full-CG TV anime Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova-, based on the popular manga by Ark Performance, will begin on Oct. 7 on MBS. Advance screenings of the anime have already been held on Sept. 21 and 22 in Tokyo and Osaka. Even though the anime hasn’t even begun yet, the release of the first Blu-ray and DVD has already been announced. “ultra-advance pre-order days” for these will be held at participating stores on Sept. 28 and 29. This is an aggressive campaign for fans to get their hands on the anime before it begins airing on TV.
It can be said that the ultra-advance pre-order days, along with the advance screening of the first episode, are being held to show the confidence staff have in the work. On these two days, those who pre-order the Blu-ray or DVD will also receive a bonus present.
Producing the anime is Sanjigen, the same company that produced 009 Re:Cyborg. Also being noticed is that the anime employs Sanjigen’s unique CG animation that retains the touches of cel animation, as well as the appearance of naval ships and mecha. Directing the anime is Seiji Kishi whose past hits include Angel Beats! and Persona 4: The Animation. Other staff include Makoto Uezu as series composer and Kazuaki Morita of Danganronpa: The Animation fame as character designer.
A great lineup of seiyū has also been assembled that includes Jun Fukuyama as main character Gunzō Chihaya and Aoi Yūki as Iona, as well as Manami Numakura, Hibiku Yamamura, Yumi Uchiyama, and Yukana. With its stellar staff and voice cast, Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- is one of the most anticipated series of the fall season.
The jacket pictures of the opening theme, “Savior of Song,” and ending theme, “Blue Field,” have also been released. The opening theme was created by enigmatic artist Nano. The CD single for “Savior of Song” will include three other versions of the song and will be released on Oct. 30. The ending theme was sung by the vocal unit Trident, which is comprised of Aoi Yūki (Iona), Rina Satō (Takao), and Hibiku Yamamura (Haruna). This song ties in with the anime’s story.
Source: animeanime
