Sailor Moon episodes 33 and 34 are now available on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 33 - Sailor Venus appears

Episodes 33 and 34 of the original Sailor Moon anime are now available on Hulu and Neon Alley. As with every Monday two new episodes, subbed by Viz, are added online. This week we get the introduction of Sailor Venus and the revelation that Usagi is Princess Serenity.

Sailor Moon episode 33 - Zoisite as evil Sailor Moon

Episode 33, Enter Venus, the Last Sailor Guardian, introduces us to Minako Aino, Sailor Venus, as well as her cat Artemis. Note of course that she is by no means the last Sailor Guardian. The introduction of this character is actually somewhat secondary to the rest of the plot, as she only appears late in the episode and does not introduce herself as Minako to most of the girls until episode 34 at the end of which Usagi still doesn’t know who she is. Minako does appear briefly early on as she overhears Usagi mention that she is Sailor Moon in a crowd. Not the best way to hide your secret identity! The plot revolves around Zoisite disguising himself as Sailor Moon in order to lure in Tuxedo Mask. This ultimately works as he stabs Tuxedo Mask in the shoulder, injuring him severely and discovering his secret identity. Meanwhile Kunzite has the Sailor Guardians trapped until Sailor Venus comes to the rescue. Usagi asks if Sailor Venus is actually the Princess they’ve been looking for. I guess she hasn’t seen the new intro.

Sailor Moon episode 34 - Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask

Episode 34, The Shining Silver Crystal: The Moon Princess Appears, is one of the more eventful episodes of the series. All cards are on the table! Zoisite, and Queen Beryl by association, have discovered that Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask! He challenges him to come to Twilight Tower with his Rainbow Crystals. Usagi has the misfortune of running into him in the street right before he’s whisked away to the showdown. Usagi and Mamoru’s relationship grows during a long elevator ride just as he discovers she is Sailor Moon and then she discovers that he’s Tuxedo Mask! As if that wasn’t enough, Tuxedo Mask is mortally wounded and Usagi is revealed to be the Princess they’ve been searching for all this time. Rei isn’t going to be happy about this!

Sailor Moon episode 34 - Usagi is Princess Serenity

Megumi Ogata, the voice of Sailor Uranus, and Viz Media to appear at Anime Revolution in Vancouver this weekend

Megumi Ogata - the voice of Sailor Uranus at Anime Revolution

This coming weekend, August 22nd to the 24th, there are a few Sailor Moon related guests appearing at AniRevo, Anime Revolution, a convention in Vancouver. The main actor that fans will be interested in is Megumi Ogata, who supplied the voice of Sailor Uranus in the original Japanese version of Sailor Moon. Viz Media will also be at the convention hosting a number of panels. Stephanie “Sugar” Lyn Beard, the English voice of Rini, was previously announced a guest but will be unable to attend.

In addition to playing Sailor Uranus, Haruka Tenou, in Sailor Moon S and SailorStars Megumi Ogata also supplied the voices of Young Mamoru in the Sailor Moon R movie, Petz in the Sailor Moon R season as well as a number of smaller roles and monsters of the week.

Viz Media

Charlene Ingram, senior manager of animation marketing, will be representing Viz Media and hosting a number of panels. On Saturday Viz will be hosting two panels. The Viz Media panel takes place Saturday at 5pm and the Viz Animation panel will be taking place at 9pm. On Sunday at 1pm there will be a screening of episodes 8 and 10 of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub. These episodes feature the introductions of Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars. Fans will be able to hear Kate Higgins as Sailor Mercury and Cristina Vee as Sailor Mars.

Sailor Moon episodes 29 and 30 are now on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 29 - Motoki and Reika

The two latest episodes of the original Sailor Moon anime have been added to Hulu and Neon Alley. As with every Monday Viz adds two new episodes of the series with English subtitles. This week we have episodes 29 and 30 as the search for all of the Rainbow Crystals continues. The major theme for these episodes is relationships!

Sailor Moon episode 29 - Kunzite and Zoisite

In episode 29, Total Chaos: the Messy Love Rectangle, Usagi and Makoto are devastated to learn that Motoki has a girlfriend, Reika. Since it’s still early in the series Usagi hasn’t figured out that Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask so she’s still fawning over Motoki while Makoto is reminded of her old boyfriend. The Makoto/Motoki coupling in the anime continues throughout the first season as he’s used by the DD Girls to try to trick her when they go to the North Pole. In the live action series this relationship is more important as it’s ultimately insinuated that they are to be married after Usagi and Mamoru tie the knot. This episode also features a nice romantic scene between Kunzite and Zoisite. These lovers were a male/female couple in the dub as Zoisite’s gender was swapped while here in the original subtitled version we see their relationship as it was intended, a strong love between two men. The art in this episode is particularly interesting, as there are many cool animation tricks showing super deformed characters and hidden frames that aren’t always that obvious, including the kind of racist portrayal of Usagi shown below.

Sailor Moon episode 29 - Usagi as a racist Japanese stereotype

In episode 30, Grandpa Loses Control: Rei in Danger, we are introduced to Yuuichirou who shows up at Rei’s shrine and is immediately smitten with her. Though Rei and Mamoru’s relationship is well established at this point the end of that is near, thanks to pesky destiny, so a romantic interest for her is found in Yuuchirou. He’s a bit of a bumbling idiot but has a good heart and cares about her. We also see Rei’s Grandpa showcased in this episode as he plays host to another of the Rainbow Crystals. Rei’s Grandpa is romantically linked with every young girl to visit the Hikawa Shrine because he’s a pervert!

Sailor Moon episode 30 - Rei kissing Yuuichirou

Enjoy the romances this week because next week is pure comedy with two of the funniest episodes of the series.

Sailor Moon episode 30 - Rei's Grandpa

Sailor Moon episodes 27 and 28 are now on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 27 - Sailor Mercury and Ryo Urawa

The two latest episodes of the original Sailor Moon anime have been added to Hulu and Neon Alley this morning. Every Monday two new episodes, in Japanese and subbed in English by Viz, are added to Hulu. This week we have episodes 27 and 28 as the race to get all of the Rainbow Crystals heats up!

Sailor Moon episode 27 - Mamoru and Rei

Episode 27, Crushing On Ami: the Boy Who Can See the Future, has Ami befriending a boy named Ryo Urawa who can see the future! Because of his gift he’s able to challenge her at exams and can also see predict that he’s a Rainbow Crystal carrier and that Ami is Sailor Mercury! This early romantic interest for Sailor Mercury is one that fans have always liked to imagine continuing, even though Ami is clearly more well suited to hook up with Shingo in the future! Ami isn’t the only one to have a romantic interest in this episode as we have a brief look at one of the many dates that take place between Mamoru and Rei, a lovely couple who’s relationship will soon be interrupted by pesky destiny.

Sailor Moon episode 28 - Mamoru and Usagi

Episode 28, The Painting of Love: Usagi and Mamoru Get Closer, introduces us to an artist Yumemi Yumemo who paints images that represent true events from the Silver Millennium. These images are coming to her because she is yet another Rainbow Crystal carrier. She choses Mamoru and Usagi as her models because they rightfully remind her of Endymion and Serenity who have been appearing to her in visions. Things heat up a little between Mamoru and Usagi, who justifiably feels guilty for her feelings because of Mamoru’s relationship with Rei.

Sailor Moon episode 28 - Yumemi Yumeno

Buy the first half of season 1 on DVD and Blu-Ray this November.

Otakon to feature six voice actors from the old and new Sailor Moon dubs August 8th to the 10th

Usagi and Minako as Sailor Moon

Two Sailor Moons at one convention? There’s a ton going on at Otakon 2014 from August 8th to the 10th including voice actors from the original and new Sailor Moon dub and a special presentation and exclusive collectibles from Viz. Voice actors from Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub include Stephanie Sheh, the voice of Sailor Moon and Robbie Daymond, the voice of Tuxedo. From the original DIC and Cloverway Sailor Moon dub we have Linda Ballantyne, the 3rd voice of Sailor Moon, Katie Griffin, the voice of Sailor Mars, and John Stocker, voice director for Sailor Moon S and SuperS as well as all three movies.

Usagi and Minako as Sailor Moon

Viz and Otakon are organizing Sailor Moon Saturday, similar to Sailor Moon Day at Anime Expo. The morning will start out with a large gathering of Cosplayers, trying to break their record set earlier this month at Anime Expo. The afternoon will include a screening of Viz’s new Sailor Moon dub, including two episodes that were not previously seen, followed by a Q&A and autograph session with Stephanie Sheh and Robbie Daymond. That evening the first two episodes of the new Sailor Moon anime Sailor Moon Crystal will be shown. Viz will have a poster, a coin and a t-shirt exclusive to Otakon.

Otakon exclusive Sailor Moon coins

Sailor Moon episodes 23 and 24 are now available on Hulu

Sailor Moon episode 23 - Sanjoin Masato and Naru

This morning, July 28th, episodes 23 and 24 of the original Sailor Moon anime have been added to Hulu and Neon Alley. These episodes, subbed by Viz, will be included in the subbed and dubbed DVD and Blu-Ray sets which will be released starting November 11th, though season 1 part 1 will stop at episode 23. Both episodes this week are all about Nephrite and Naru.

Sailor Moon episode 23 - Naru blocking Sailor Moon's tiara

Episode 23, Wish Upon a Star: Naru’s First Love, has Nephrite intrigued by Naru, who’s producing some sort of interesting energy that he isn’t familiar with. That energy turns out to be her love for him, a concept he’s simply not familiar with. Naru steals a jewel from her mother, assuming this is the crystal Nephrite is searching for, and puts herself in danger by getting close to Nephrite who she still thinks is Masato Sanjoin. When Sailor Moon attacks Nephrite with her Tiara Naru sacrifices herself to protect him. The tables soon turn unexpectedly as a monster attacks Naru and Nephrite defends her, attacking the monster.

Sailor Moon episode 24 - Naru and Nephrite

Episoe 24, Naru’s Tears: Nephrite Dies for Love, has quite a spoiler of a title! This is one of the most heart wrenching episodes of the series, as we are brought to actually care about Nephrite just long enough for him to be killed. Naru is completely in love with Nephrite at this point, and Nephrite is starting to feel the same way. Zoisite exploits this by having Naru kidnapped and Nephrite fights to rescue her, getting injured in the process. Naru and Nephrite enjoy a peaceful time together as they make plans to share chocolate parfaits. This is short lived though, as Nephrite is soon attacked and fatally wounded in the process. Ultimately Nephrite dies in Naru’s arms, leaving nothing but a torn piece of her pyjama she used to bandage him.

Sailor Moon episode 24 - Naru crying

Episode 23 is part of the first half of season 1 which is currently available for digital download and in the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray set which can be ordered below. Episode 24 and the later half of the season will be released at a later date, so for now the only way to watch the newer episodes is on Hulu and Neon Alley.

Sailor Moon episodes 21 and 22 are now available on Hulu

Kazuko Tadano and Hiromi Matsushita from the Sailor Moon anime

As of this morning, July 21st 2014, episodes 21 and 22 of the original Sailor Moon anime have been added to Hulu and Neon Alley. These subbed episodes by Viz will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray on November 11th along with their new English dub. For now two new episodes are released every Monday.

Kazuko Tadano and Hiromi Matsushita as students from the Sailor Moon anime

Episode 21, Protect the Children’s Dreams: Friendship Through Anime, takes place at an animation studio working on the Sailor V anime. This episodes provides a meta look at the making of Sailor Moon, as many characters included are based on those who worked on the Sailor Moon anime. The two main characters Hiromi and Kazuko are themselves inspired by two of Sailor Moon’s animation directors Hiromi Matsushita and Kazuko Tadano. Though both characters are female, Hiromi Matushita is actually a man. I had the priveledge of meeting these two at Otakon 2008 and they had fond memories of this episode and mentioned that the designs of those characters were loosely based on themselves. When Nephrite targets Hiromi it tears her and Kazuko apart. Their friendship is put to the test as they are both tempted by the power of magic pencils!

Sailor Moon episode 22 Nephrite and Naru dancing

Episode 22, Romance Under the Moon: Usagi’s First Kiss, has everyone who’s anyone crashing a ball to try to steal what they think is the Silver Crystal. Princess Diamond is holding an event to show off her jewels and that attracts everyone including Nephrite, Naru, Usagi and Tuxedo Mask. It turns out Princess Diamond is a dead ringer for Naru, which Nephrite takes advantage of in order to try to steal the jewel. This episode furthers Naru and Nephrite’s completely dysfunctional relationship, but that’s not the only terrible behaviour that happens between future lovers! Usagi, who crashes the party more to have a good time than to do her duty in searching for the crystal, gets drunk and is found passed out by Tuxedo Mask who takes advantage of the situation to kiss her. Is this romantic, assault or a little of both? Ultimately the jewel was only pricessless, so everyone went home empty handed. This episode follows an act of the manga fairly closely, which has become pretty rare at this point in the series.

Sailor Moon episode 22 - Naru attacking Princess Diamond

Episode 1 through 23 had previously been released for digital download. Next week with episodes 23 and 24 we’ll start to get into new episodes which are not currently available.

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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.

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

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