Gedo Senki (Tales from Earthsea)

7th July 2006

Number 115 - Finally the Official Premiere

Yesterday was the Official Premiere in Tokyo.

Before going to the cinema, we held the DLP preview in the morning. (This is the preview for digital screening)
Anyway, my reactions for the first preview were as I already told you, so yesterday was the first time I had watched the whole thing right through...

Because the characteristics of DLP and film are different, the screen looks fairly different.
DLP is clearer and film has more nuance, I suppose.
It's not a question of which is better, I know very well that each has its good points.

After that, I went to the theatre in Roppongi.
The press conference, interviews, audience greeting[1] and more interviews went on and on. By the time everything was over, it was after 9 p.m.

At the press conference, Bunta[2], Okada[3], and Aoi-chan[4] were there, and then Yuko Tanaka came out as well for the audience greetings. I received some wonderful words from each of them.

It was a day when, as I watched the joyful faces of the people connected with the film, I somehow had the feeling "It's really finished", for the first time. I was really tired, but it was a joyful day.

But spending all day sitting inside a building with strong air-conditioning I learned just how massive an effect that has on my body. On top of that I don't usually wear my shoes all day, so that was also something I wasn't used to.
I started to think that maybe the studio, when I can open the window, see some greenery and walk around in my sandals, is a healthy environment.

On the 7th, today, and the 8th we are scheduled to visit the three prefectures of Hokuriku, Toyama, Ishiyama and Fukui[5]. I look forward to seeing all of you there.[6]

Translator's Notes

[1]: The director stands in front of the screen and delivers a little speech, saying "I hope you enjoy my movie."

[2]: Bunta Sugawara, the voice of Ged.

[3]: Junichi Okada, the voice of Arren.

[4]: Aoi Teshima, the voice of Therru and singer of the two songs. "-chan" is an affectionate diminutive that gets bestowed fairly widely on younger females.

[5]: Three prefectures in the middle of the West Coast of Japan, "Hokuriku" is the name for the area.

[6]: "dozo yoroshiku onegaiitashimasu" is untranslatable. It is a set phrase said to acknowledge (politely) the beginning of a reciprocal obligation.