Geek of Oz

Full of nostalgia and Studio Ghibli's trademark charm, From Up on Poppy Hill is a look back to a simpler time.  Having left audiences delighted during Madman's REEL ANIME festival, From Up on Poppy Hill is back and screening with a full US voice over. This is the perfect opportunity for younger audiences to enjoy what us grown ups have already had the chance to. Utterly beautiful, From Up on Poppy Hill is a standout choice for school holiday viewing!

While we lucky Aussies have managed to catch Reel Anime 2012 (we all did, right?), our friends across the ditch are yet to revel in the glory! Well, in just under a month anime fans in New Zealand get their chance. Check out all the details after the jump and check out our reviews by clicking on the films title!

If you know absolutely anything about Japanese animation you will surely have heard of Studio Ghibli. Purveyors of such fine films as Spirited Away , My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke , Studio Ghibli are often described as "Disney of the East" which is in my opinion an understatement. "Set in Yokohama, From Up On Poppy Hill is a high school love story that take place in the year before the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. As the country begins to pick itself up from the devastation of the Second World War, the new generation struggles to move towards a prosperous future whilst trying not to lose the essence of their past. The film's rich and vibrant animation captures the entrancing beauty of Yokohama's harbour and lush surrounding hillsides and, with a soundtrack that draws inspiration from the finest music of the time, perfectly captures the thrills of young romance and the hope of a new dawn." The release of any new Studio Ghibli film is ca...

REEL ANIME is a film festival unlike any other. While showcasing some of the biggest and best new release anime films, it isn't just for us geeks! Sure, me and my geeky kinfolk are guaranteed to squee but this years line up has something for everyone.  In previous years we have seen smash hits REDLINE and Evangelion 2.0 but this years line up is even better. Check out the full press release after the jump!

After Madman's anime panel at Sydney Supanova on Sunday, we reported on plans for the return of Reel Anime. Now, many people out there wouldn't believe me, and rightfully so. After all, I was the guy who said that Green Lantern was going to be AWESOME!  However, in this case, I was on the money! REEL ANIME is back in 2012 and it looks better than ever! The great thing about REEL ANIME, particularly this years line up, is that it has the potential to introduce an all new audience to anime which breaks those vicious stereotypes that claim that Japanese animation is full of giant robots, yellow electric rats and all things perverse. This year will show that anime can be something beautiful, both visually and in terms of substance.  Check out the official press release after the jump!

As one of Supanova's major sponsors, Madman always turns up with the goods and a handful of announcements but this year they turned it up to 11. Sure, they had their obligatory announcements but they also announced the films that we can expect to see at this years Reel Anime and let me give you a hot tip, this years will be even bigger, and better, than 2010! Check out all of the details after the jump!