BD/DVD details have been announced for the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin I: Casbal of the Blue Eyes," which will begin showing on February 28, 2015.
This is the first anime chapter of "Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN," a manga work by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, the character designer and animation director of the first Gundam that began broadcasting in 1979, which sold a total of 10 million copies. Mr. Yasuhiko is back in the animation industry for the first time in 25 years, and is in charge of general direction, character design, and storyboarding. The film depicts the story from the past of Char and Seira, to the beginning of the Zeon War of Independence, to which he is most attached. The film is directed by Takashi Imanishi ("Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 STARDUST MEMORY"), with mechanical design by Hajime Katoki ("Mobile Suit Gundam UC") and chief animation director Hiroyuki Nishimura ("Danboard Senki"). Highlights include a splendid cast including Mayumi Tanaka as the young Char, Megumi Ban as the young Seira, Akino Watanabe as Xillia Zabi, Miyuki Sawashiro as Claure Hamon, Chafu Rin as Zimba Ral, and Akio Otsuka as the narrator.
Details of the BD/DVD version have now been revealed. The release date is April 24, and screening theaters will start selling the BD first-run limited edition in advance on February 28. The special features include a storage box that can be displayed (*only for the first limited edition), a collection of storyboards and setting materials by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (*only for the first limited edition), a commentary book using Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's comic book name (32 pages), a sleeve newly drawn by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, audio commentary by the staff and cast, and a special booklet (12 pages). booklet (12 pages). The initial limited edition "Mobile Suit Gundam THE ORIGIN I Blu-ray Disc Collector's Edition" will be sold exclusively at screening theaters and Bandai Visual Club (https://bvc.bandaivisual.co.jp/feature/139/). The price is 10,000 yen. Orders will be taken until March 23, 2015.