First broadcast on Japanese television a little over a year ago, Area 88 is based on the classic manga by Kaoru Shintani with a screenplay by Hiroshi Onogi (RahXephon, Macross Zero). It tells the story of Shin Kazama, an ace pilot on the verge of a comfortable life with a commercial airline. Tricked into joining a motley crew of mercenary fighter pilots, Shin’s only way out is to complete the three year term or pay $1.5 million to break the contract. Truly innovative animation and heart-pounding suspense transport you to a world where every breath could be your last. At Area 88, there’s no such thing as a normal day.

Synopsis: All supply transports to Area 88 have been cut off by the enemy. With the base running low on fuel and ammunition, supply costs have soared. The task of freeing the base from the enemy’s stranglehold falls to Shin Kazama and a couple of unlikely pilots. Then, as if that weren’t enough, a sniper holds the base hostage. The pilots are willing to fight, but they have to locate the sniper first, so Makoto Shinjou decides to help out with his photographic skills. The thanks he gets is the ride of his life in a cavorting fighter jet on a dangerous roller-coaster ride through a narrow canyon. The well-protected enemy base lies at the opening to the canyon, but who will make it and who will fail?

An anamorphic release including episodes seven through nine, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles. Video extras include production sketches, an interview with Isamu Imakake (Director) & Satoshi Yano (Sound Director), an interview with Isamu Imakake (Director) & Shinichiro Tachi (Director of Photography), aircraft specs, and character bios, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation, and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.

RUNNING TIME: APPROX. 75 MINS
RATING: TV PG
VIDEO FORMAT: DVD Region 1
AUDIO FORMAT: English 5.1, Japanese 2.0
SUBTITLES: English