Press release and web site for Roland Parliament’s book Sailor Moon Reflections

Sailor Moon Reflections cover

A new web site for the Sailor Moon Reflections book has been set up. Roland Parliament, voice director for the first 65 episodes of Sailor Moon and the voice of Melvin from the dub, has written this book to share stories of his time working on the series. It will included many behind the scenes tales of the DIC English dub of Sailor Moon including some photos from the time of the recording. Check out the site for more information about the book and to pre-order your own copy. A press release which was included can be read below.

THE ART OF BRINGING THE SAILOR MOON CHARACTERS TO LIFE

After Directing 65 Episodes, Voice Director Tells All

[Toronto, ON – July 8, 2014]

In the summer of ’95 an iconic Japanese animated series was transformed into a monumental phenomenon that would improve the quality of English-dubbed animation forever and take the English-speaking world by storm.

Now the man who directed the voices of that cultural juggernaut reveals the process, the endlessly long hours, and the attention to detail that went into making the English version of Sailor Moon the standard by which all English translations of foreign animations are judged.

If you are a current or aspiring voice actor, writer, director, agent or producer, there is wisdom in the following pages. If you are interested in the history of Canada’s performing arts, consider this work an essential chapter. If you are a lover of anime, regard this treatise as a ‘must read’ — an important piece to the puzzle called ‘the gateway to anime’. If you are simply a fan of Sailor Moon, prepare yourself for an incredibly rare and delicious treat.

In this book, voice director, actor and teacher Roland Parliament has created a unique archive that touches on and contributes to the craft and business of voice acting, Canada’s rich performing arts community and the legend of ‘Sailor Moon’ — in particular, the English dubbing of the iconic anime series.

- From the foreword by Terri Hawkes (a.k.a. ‘Sailor Moon’)

What I do want to do is to share with the reader my observations about how this series came to be what it is, and to dispel any rumors that may exist, as I know them. Keep in mind that this is told from my perspective only, based on what I saw, heard and did, and may be contrary to the actual facts.

The second thing I want to do is to share with budding voice actors the way to go about getting into this business.

- Roland Parliament on why he wrote this book

Sailor Moon Reflections, published by FriesenPress, is the inside story of the English recording of Sailor Moon, and will show readers the true, arduous work that actually took place to achieve this groundbreaking series that still receives continuing adoration. Sailor Moon Reflections is as much for anyone with an ambition to be a voice actor as it is for any fan of the series.

Sailor Moon Reflections is available for pre-order from sailormoonreflections.com in both print and e-book. It will be available soon on Amazon and most other major book retailers. The e-book edition will be available for order for the Kindle, Barnes and Noble’s Nook, iTunes and GooglePlay.

About the Author

Roland Parliament is a voice actor, dialectician, composer, writer, musician and educator. He lives in Toronto, Canada. He teaches an advertising course at the Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto. Over the past 22 years, he has been a dialects and voice acting teacher at Ryerson University and Humber College, Toronto, and a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto.

Roland has voiced thousands of commercials, and has composed and produced no fewer than 300 jingles. His company, Wizard Productions Inc., has won over 75 international awards for its work. Additionally, he has directed and acted in several animation projects.

More clips of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub including Usagi, Ikuko Mama, Jadeite and Beryl

Sailor Moon opening - Queen Beryl in the Dark Kingdom

Two new clips of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub have been leaked. These feature the beginning of episodes 1 and 2. You can hear the voices of Usagi, Ikuko Mama, Jadeite and Queen Beryl. These were recorded at Anime Expo on July 5th. Viz premiered the first two episodes of their new dub at a panel where they unveiled the new cast. Recording was not allowed at the panel which is why the video is not visible. Because these only included audio I’ve embedded the YouTube clips to only include the progress bar.

The first clip is the beginning of episode 1, The Crybaby: Usagi’s Beautiful Transformation. You can hear Usagi’s opening monologue followed by the scene where she wakes up late for school and talks to her mother. Usagi is voiced by Stephanie Sheh and Ikuko Mama is voice by Tara Platt.

In this second clip we hear the first bit of episode 2, Punishment Awaits: The House Of Fortune Is The Monster Mansion. It starts out with side characters talking about the fortune house but then contains a brief exchange between Jadeite and Queen Beryl. Jadeite is voiced by Todd Haberkorn and Queen Beryl is voiced by Cindy Robinson.

Thanks to Dakota from our comments for finding these clips.

Source: Baillie Puckett‘s YouTube channel.

Sailor Moon episodes 19 and 20 are now available on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 19 - Nephrite as Tuxedo Mask with Naru

Episodes 19 and 20 of the original Sailor Moon anime were added to Hulu and Neon Alley this morning, July 14th. Two new episodes from Viz’s sub of the series are added every two weeks. English dubbed episodes will be coming later. The DVD and Blu-Ray release for the first half of the season will be available on November 11th.

Sailor Moon episode 19 - Sailor Mars wearing a mask

In episode 19, Usagi’s Joy: A Love Letter from Tuxedo Mask, Nephrite poses as Tuxedo Mask in order to lure in Sailor Moon! This actually attracts Naru, who suspects that this is Masato Sanjoin, who is actually Nephrite. This marks the beginning of Naru and Nephrite’s dysfunctional and tragic love affair. Meanwhile Usagi is anxious to meet Tuxedo Mask, completely oblivious to the plot, and Rei is stuck at home sick upset she can’t go meet Nephrite who is posing as the secret identity of her boyfriend Mamoru! In this episode we also see Mamoru transform into Tuxedo Mask for the first time.

Sailor Moon episode 20 - Sakiko

Episode 20, The Summer, the Beach, Youth and Ghosts, is one of the episodes which was never released with an English dub so some fans may still not have seen it. It has Usagi, Ami and Rei traveling to a sketchy looking hotel that seems to be haunted. After a disappointing beach trip they befriend a young girl named Sakiko who is somehow linked to the strange ghost that is around the hotel. We can only speculate as to why this episode was ultimately cut from the English dub but as it has pretty much no bearing on the overall story, and doesn’t even feature Nephrite, it may simply have been omitted because it wouldn’t be missed. That being said it is a nice side story that’s worth checking out.

Sailor Moon episode 20 - Sakiko, Rei, Ami and Usagi at the beach

Hulu is free but if you’d like to watch these episodes commercial free think about supporting the site and downloading these and other episodes on Amazon Instant through the links below.

Listen to a short clip of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub

Leaked Viz dub clip from Anime Expo

A 25 second clip of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub has been leaked! This was recorded last weekend at Viz’s panel at Anime Expo where the new dub cast was announced. It features Usagi, as voiced by Stephanie Sheh, from the begning of episode 2. No other characters are present in this scene. Episode 2 was played first accidentally. Once this was noticed the audience was told not to record anything, so no more clips are available. Here’s a transcript of what is said in the clip:

I’m a cancer with blood type O. My birthstone is a pearl and I am a bit of a klutz. Some people might say I’m also a little emotional. So one day this strange cat named Luna appeared, turned me into a guardian in a sailor uniform and told me I had to fight bad guys. Boy does that ever make me nervous, but I’m sure it’ll all work out fine.

Source: Sailor Moon Obsession on Tumblr

The original Sailor Moon anime will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray starting November 11th

Sailor Moon first season box art

This past weekend at Anime Expo Viz Media announced at their panel that the original Sailor Moon anime would be released on DVD and Blu-Ray starting November 11th. This release will include the original Japanese audio with English subtitles as well as Viz’s new English dub. The voice actors for the new dub were revealed along with the first two episodes at the convention on Saturday.

Sailor Moon DVD and Blu-Ray limited edition coin

The first release will include the first half of the first season which covers 23 episodes. It will come in a chipboard box with room for the second half of the first season which will be released at a later date. Special features will include a full colour 88 page booklet, a dub recording behind the scenes featurette, art galleries and convention featurettes. Online retailer Right Stuf is offering a 1.5″ collectable coin to customers buying the limited edition set. Their price for the set is $56.99.

Sailor Moon DVD and Blu-Ray limited edition coin

Source: Moon Chase! and Crunchyroll

Sailor Moon episodes 17 and 18 are now on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 17 - Kijin Shinokawa

The two latest episdoes of the original Sailor Moon anime have been added to Hulu and Neon Alley this morning, July 7th. Every Monday two new episodes will be added until they reach episode 200. This week it’s episodes 17 and 18. These episodes are subbed by Viz. The dubbed episodes will be coming soon as the cast was already announced this weekend at Anime Expo. DVDs and Blu-Rays with both subbed and dubbed episodes will be released starting with the first half of season 1 on November 11th. Now you can also watch Sailor Moon Crystal on Hulu.

Sailor Moon episode 17 - Usagi in a swimsuit angry

Episode 17, Usagi’s a Model: The Flash of the Monster Camera, has Nephrite targetting Kijin Shinokawa, a talented photographer from Rei’s school. He is looking for models which causes many girls, including Usagi, Naru and her teacher Haruna to volunteer! Hijynx ensues as Usagi covers up a swimsuit which has been destroyed by moths with yellow bows and gets into a fight with Luna.

Sailor Moon episode 18 - Mika and Shingo

Episode 18, Shingo’s Love: the Grieving Doll, is all about Usagi’s brother Shingo and his good friend Mika who is an expert doll maker. Nephrite targets Mika causing friction between her and Shingo, who is concerned for his friend. Throughout this ordeal their friendship and romance grows, but can Mika compete with Sailor Moon for Shingo’s affection? If only Shingo knew that his idol was actually his stupid sister Usagi!

Sailor Moon episode 18 - Shingo loves Sailor Moon

I’m shipping these two

The cast of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub has been announced

Johnny Yong Bosch

This weekend at Anime Expo Viz Media announced the cast of their new Sailor Moon dub which will include all episodes, including the never before dubbed 5th season Sailor Moon Sailor Stars. Here’s a rundown of the cast:

Stephanie Sheh – Sailor Moon
Kate Higgins – Sailor Mercury
Cristina Vee – Sailor Mars
Amanda C. Miller – Sailor Jupiter
Cherami Leigh – Sailor Venus
Robbie Daymond – Tuxedo Mask
Michelle Ruff – Luna
Johnny Yong Bosch – Artemis
Danielle Nicole – Naru
Ben Diskin – Umino
Tara Platt – Ikuko Mama
Keith Silverstein – Kenji Papa
Nicolas Roye – Shingo
Cindy Robinson – Queen Beryl
Todd Haberkorn – Jadeite
Liam O’Brien – Nephrite
Lucien Dodge – Zoicite
Patrick Seitz – Kunzite

When it was first announced that Viz would be producing a new dub of Sailor Moon it was not clear who, if anyone, might be returning from the original cast. As we can now see this is an all new cast without any returning voice actors. Most of the cast seems comprised of voice actors having done other anime work. Let’s hope this new team does a great job!

Sailor Moon fans already planning to go to Unplugged Expo in Toronto this September 27th and 28th will be happy to see that Johnny Yong Bosch, who will be attending the convention, will be voicing Artemis in the new series.

Source: Moon Chase

Sailor Moon episodes 15 and 16 are now available on Hulu

Mamoru and Rei have a romantic coffee date

As of this morning, June 30th, episodes 15 and 16 of Sailor Moon are now available streaming in Japanese with English subtitles for free on Hulu. DVDs and Blu-Rays of Viz’s release of Sailor Moon will be availalbe later this year. Episodes 1 to 23 are now available for digital download from various retailers. Also don’t forget that starting Saturday you’ll also be able to watch the new Sailor Moon anime Sailor Moon Crystal on Hulu.

Sailor Moon episode 15 - Rei and Mamoru

In episode 15, Usagi’s Panic: Rei’s First Date, we are introduced to a romantic pairing which will tear the fandom apart! The main story is about some park getting destroyed and the groundskeeper becoming evil but no one cares about that as much as all of the dating that happens. Rei falls for Mamoru and nabs a date with him! This drives Usagi crazy and so she gets a date with Umino in order to spy on them. Usagi generally mistreats Umino while Rei and Mamoru’s date is relatively lack luster. Then some squirrels attack people and the good guys beat the bad guys.

Sailor Moon episode 16 - Tuxedo Mask and Usagi getting married

In episode 16, A Girl’s Dream: Usagi Becomes a Bride, Usagi is all about getting married, even though she doesn’t have a boyfriend. The Dark Kingdom is targetting Usagi’s sewing teacher, and everyone gets all wrapped up in a wedding dress contest. Usagi has fantasies about marrying Tuxedo Mask and Motoki, seemingly at the same time. Too bad both of them have girlfriends at this time, though Usagi doesn’t quite know it yet. Tuxedo Mask is really Mamoru (spoiler) and is dating Rei while Motoki’s girlfriend is Reika who we’ll see later. Usagi once again abuses of her Disguise Pen. This time to get a wedding dress which is actually different than the dress we see later in the series during Mamoru and Usagi’s premonitions of the future. Whether she actually ends up with that dress is a bit of a time paradox.

Sailor Moon episode 16 - Usagi and Motoki getting married

Support this site by downloading episodes through the Amazon Instant links below:

Download Sailor Moon episodes 1 to 23 on iTunes, Amazon, Xbox or PlayStation

Sailor Moon first season box art

For those looking for an ad free way of watching the original Sailor Moon anime the first half of the first season is now available for digital download on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Xbox Video (Xbox 360 and Xbox One and the PlayStation Store (PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita and Xperia). This includes episode 1 to 23 of the series in Japanese with English subtitles from Viz. HD episodes are $1.99 a piece or $34.99 for the full half season. Standard definition episodes are only $0.99 an episode or $16.99 for all 23 episodes. Order them from Amazon through the link below to support our site.

As always free episodes are available streaming with ads on Hulu.

Sailor Moon season 1 part 1 on iTunes

These are all available primarily to US users. Amazon Instant has no Canadian pressence. Sailor Moon is not listed in the Canadian iTunes store. It appears to be available for Xbox Video and PlayStation Store users in Canada.

Watch the Sailor Moon Resurgent Panel from Anime North 2014

Anime North

I was disappointed that I couldn’t make it to Anime North in Toronto this year but luckily Emily from Moon Chase recorded one of the panels which can be viewed below.

This panel, which was recorded on May 23rd 2014, includes Toby Proctor, the voice of Tuxedo Mask, John Stocker, voice director for the S and SuperS seasons of the anime as well as the three movies, Linda Ballantyne, the voice of Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon S and SuperS, Katie Griffin, the voice of Sailor Mars, and Susan Roman, the voice of Sailor Jupiter. Watch them take questions from the audience about their time recording Sailor Moon, including a humourous story about the dubbing of an adult film.

Source: Moon Chase!

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