Animation Hangout - Episode 6 "The misadventures of Crunchyroll and Goblin Slayer"

Direct Link to Video

Posted on December 7, 2018

Title: Animation Hangout - Episode 6 "The misadventures of Crunchyroll and Goblin Slayer"
Recorded on October 18, 2018

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.

This is Episode 6 where we finish reviewing the last episodes an anime we haven't seen ("Shirobako" and "Mr. Osomatsu") along with other topics including news in the world of animation.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.twitch.tv/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions
https://www.instagram.com/2d2will/

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:30 Introduction
1:07 Catching up with each other since the Episode 5

William talks about the Anime Conventions he went to during the summer. (Anime Next and Otakon)
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El-Hazard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_SoulTaker
Video of William's anime buying spree at the conventions.

16:00 Buying physical copies vs. streaming discussion.
More references:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Score_Girl
New York Comic Con

21:45 Don talks about Overlord Season 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlord_(novel_series)
https://vrv.co/series/G69PZ5PDY/Overlord

33:00 Don talks about Made in Abyss
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Made_in_Abyss
https://amzn.to/31EjMFz - (Amazon Prime Link)
https://www.hidive.com/tv/made-in-abyss?q=made+in+abyss
https://vrv.co/series/G6W4M3V0R/MADE-IN-ABYSS

35:00 Don talks about Violet Evergarden
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_Evergarden
https://www.netflix.com/title/80221698

37:00 Don talks about Goblin Slayer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goblin_Slayer
https://vrv.co/series/G6VDMN306/GOBLIN-SLAYER
Discussion about the controversy surrounding the airing of the first episode on Crunchyroll.

46:50 William transitions with the past year of Crunchyroll's misadventures and the recent announcement of High Guardian Spice.
https://twitter.com/Crunchyroll/status/1032251351844052993
Transition to discussion about legitimate criticism being attacked without proper discourse.

1:03:00 Crunchyroll and Funimation officially part ways and the library that used to be shared on VRV are now removed. Hidive will replace Funimation on the VRV Premium service. Long discussion about the partnership coming to an end.

1:24:20 Arsenette gushes about Cells at Work.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cells_at_Work!
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osmosis_Jones

1:28:00 Arsenette talks about her extreme disappointment with the animation of Season 3 of Encouragement of Climb.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encouragement_of_Climb
https://vrv.co/series/GRVN31D5Y/Encouragement-of-Climb

1:36:00 Arsenette bought the physical copies of Shirobako (Season 1 and Season 2).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirobako

SPOILERS
The finales of an ongoing series - where we watch show each hasn't seen:

1:37:35  Arsenette is reviewing "Osomatsu-San" or "Mr. Osomatsu" - Episodes 21-24
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Osomatsu
Arsenette and Don actually LIKED some of the episodes!
1:51:00 William mentions that VIZ has announced a dub cast.
https://www.gamenguides.com/articles/osomatsu-san-english-dub-cast-announced-at-anime-weekend-atlanta-2199/

1:52:00 William is reviewing "Shirobako" - Episodes 21-24 (Finale the "Third Aerial Girls Squad" arc)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirobako
William really likes this series!

2:15:30 Shirobako's movie was announced (reminder)
https://twitter.com/paworks_eng/status/990137348305268736

2:20:40 Closing
2:22:24 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette
Affiliate links:
Ebates: https://www.ebates.com/r/ARSENE14?eeid=28187
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KD0wRK

Videogame Hangout - "Back from a hiatus to talk about videogame censorship"

Direct Link to Video

Published November 14, 2018

Title: Videogame Hangout - "Back from a hiatus to talk about videogame censorship"
Episode 5
Recorded on October 18, 2018

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and fellow Animation Hangout partner William on a informal chat talking all things gaming! Videogames whether on Console, computer or even mobile! We share our passion for gaming.
A schedule is not set for this podcast though I would expect every couple months?  Depends on what we are playing and what we want to share.

This is Episode 5 where we cover games we played during June, 2018 - October, 2018

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.twitch.tv/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions
https://www.instagram.com/2d2will/

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:37 Introduction - We're back from the summer break!

1:40 William talks about the games he has been playing over the summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crash_Bandicoot_N._Sane_Trilogy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Breath_of_the_Wild

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Mania#Sonic_Mania_Plus

12:00 William talks about a gaming convention he went to.
http://www.avideogamecon.com/

16:00 William gushes about Splatoon 2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splatoon_2

25:00 We talk about the Nintendo subscription service on the Switch console.

27:15 Don talks about the games he has been playing over the summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Man%27s_Sky#No_Man's_Sky_Next

35:30 Don talks about giving God of War a break
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_War_(2018_video_game)

40:40 Don talks about also giving Monster Hunter World a break (and why)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Hunter:_World

49:40 Don talks about going back to Final Fantasy XI after a 9 year hiatus.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XI
https://store.na.square-enix-games.com/en_US/games/final-fantasy-xi

1:02:10 William asks if there is anything in this game (FFXI) that could appeal to someone who doesn't play MMO's.

1:11:00 Arsenette Takes over and talks about her experience in FFXI and what has changed and update on where they are so far.
https://www.twitch.tv/Arsenette

1:18:00 William has a couple things to add that he missed earlier.
https://twitter.com/2D2Will/status/1050877524736180224

1:20:00 We discuss some highlights/lowlights to E3 and Nintendo Directs.
William is REALLY looking forward to Smash Brothers 5 for the Nintendo Switch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros.#Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate_(2018)

1:30:00 Arsenette complains about the joycon controllers for the Nintendo Switch.

1:35:00 William talks about his history with Pokemon (games).

1:39:00 William talks about the future Switch games that he is looking forward to and then switches to game censorship which is rampant (again) of late.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senran_Kagura:_Peach_Beach_Splash

1:52:00 New console cycle about to begin sooner than expected?  William asks Don and Arsenette to place bets on a crucial question regarding E3 2019.
2:00:00 William asks which Final Fantasy game (of his collection) should he play first? (He has never played a Final Fantasy game before)

2:08:00 William bought a Japanese Playstation 2 finally!

2:09:00 Closing
2:10:50 End

Editor: Arsenette

Music Credits:
"Corporate Intro 1" by DL Sounds
https://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/corporate-intro1/

Visual animation:
"Future Orange Internet www web 2319" by Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/videos/future-orange-internet-www-web-2319/

Thumbnail: William

Affiliate links:
Ebates: https://www.ebates.com/r/ARSENE14?eeid=28187
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KD0wRK

Animation Hangout - "Taking a Box Peek and Unlike Evangelion.. I like this!"

Direct Link to Video

Published July 9, 2018

Title: Animation Hangout - Episode 5 "Taking a Box Peek and Unlike Evangelion.. I like this!"
Recorded on June 4, 2017

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.

This is Episode 5 where we continue to review an anime we haven't seen and as part of the show we review more episodes from "Shirobako" and "Mr. Osomatsu" along with other topics including news in the world of animation.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions
https://www.instagram.com/2d2will/

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:30 Introduction
1:45 Catching up with each other since the Episode 4

2:31 William talks about the preview episode of a new series called "Box Peek" made by Easy Allies. The series is a Papercraft puppetry animated series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DEnIuHTsRI

10:40 Don talks about 2nd Godzilla Monster Planet movie on Netflix and explains why there is animation instead of live action on this particular series (much to Arsenette's displeasure).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla:_Planet_of_the_Monsters
17:20  Don's hot take: "Unlike Evangelion.. I like this!"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_Genesis_Evangelion

18:40 Arsenette finished Ancient Magus' Bride and was disappointed by the 2nd cour.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ancient_Magus%27_Bride

20:28 Arsenette is happy that Funimation is releasing "Star Blazers 2199" (Space Battleship Yamato 2199) on Bluray at the end of July!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Blazers:_Space_Battleship_Yamato_2199
https://amzn.to/2L4m6Oo - Season 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)

Funimation and Crunchyroll airing Season 2 of the series as a simulcast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Blazers:_Space_Battleship_Yamato_2202
Arsenette laments the change of her favorite character of all time - Treleina/Teresa from Season 2 "Comet Empire".

27:10 William's got stuff! Splatoon has a manga!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splatoon#Print_media
Reference: Crayon Shin-chan.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crayon_Shin-chan
29:20 William has been continuing to watch Black Clover and enjoying it!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Clover

35:45 The problem in anime right now: How many anime are airing JUST during Spring, 2018?

37:15 Both Arsenette and Don are watching Season 2 of Overlord.  Don is reading the light novel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlord_(novel_series)
https://amzn.to/2u4RVA4 - Volume 1 of light novel (Amazon Affiliated link)
Season 3 is already announced!
Reference: Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_Metal_Panic!

44:00 Funimation licensed RE:Zero
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Re:Zero_%E2%88%92_Starting_Life_in_Another_World
https://amzn.to/2NCv6Mm - Season 1 - Part 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)
https://amzn.to/2u5ov4F - Volume 1 - Light Novel (Amazon Affiliated link)
46:00 Funimation's track record on simuldub vs. Bluray release.
Arsenette and Don talks about Re:Zero and why she thinks there is a generational gap as to the reception of this series.

55:50 Studio Ghibli lost one of it's founders: Isao Takahata has died.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isao_Takahata#Filmography


SPOILERS
Part of an ongoing series - where we watch show each hasn't seen:

58:45 Arsenette is reviewing "Osomatsu-San" or "Mr. Osomatsu" - Episodes 16-20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Osomatsu
Arsenette and Don actually LIKED some of the episodes!
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green

1:22:45 William is reviewing "Shirobako" - Episodes 17-20 (Middle of the "Third Aerial Girls Squad" arc)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirobako
http://amzn.to/2g563lX - Season 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)
William really likes this series by contrast!
Reference:
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Rangers

1:45:00 Shirobako's movie was announced!
https://twitter.com/paworks_eng/status/990137348305268736

1:46:50 Closing
1:49:07 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette
Affiliate links:
Ebates: https://www.ebates.com/r/ARSENE14?eeid=28187
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fo8MlX

Videogame Hangout - "Playing God of War waiting for E3"

Direct Link to Video

Published on June 19, 2018

Title: Videogame Hangout - "Playing God of War waiting for E3"
Episode 4
Recorded on June 4, 2018

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and fellow Animation Hangout partner William on a informal chat talking all things gaming! Video games whether on Console, computer or even mobile! We share our passion for gaming.
A schedule is not set for this podcast though I would expect every couple months?  Depends on what we are playing and what we want to share.

This is Episode 4 where we cover games we played during February, 2018 - June, 2018 (Pre-E3 conference)

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions
https://www.instagram.com/2d2will/

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:37 Introduction - The 3 hosts talk briefly about why we were gone for over 3 months ago!)

5:35 Arsenette transitions to Monster Hunter World on the PlayStation 4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Hunter:_World
http://amzn.to/2GElw7l

6:00 William has been playing Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle on the Nintendo Switch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_%2B_Rabbids_Kingdom_Battle
https://amzn.to/2MnVFUL

14:10 Don has been playing God of War on the Playstation 4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_of_War_(2018_video_game)
https://amzn.to/2sUGM4j

Chris Judge - Dad Jokes (as Kratos)
20:40 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWwvR6cSH4o

26:00 Discussion of the difference between Norse Mythology vs. Marvel's version (with Thor and Odin)

31:30 Arsenette is still annoyed by the huge jump in micro transactions in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and it's institution of gacha machines. Difference with Monster Hunter World and how they deal with micro transactions.

35:20 William beat Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angry_Video_Game_Nerd

44:00 Question from SasukeDoctor: Reference to the controversies with Twin Galaxies (Todd Rogers and Billy Mitchell).

53:00 Small talk about EVO (August)
54:00 Transition to talk about E3 (recorded before E3)

1:00:00 William is looking forward to Smash Brothers 5 for the Nintendo Switch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros.#Super_Smash_Bros._Ultimate_(2018)

1:08:00 Arsenette is lamenting the development hell that is the Remake of Final Fantasy VII and then evolve into a talk about other Final Fantasy games.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII_Remake

1:15:00 William rages about his irrational hate for Final Fantasy VII
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_VII

1:16:10 Arsenette talks about Nintendo retro gaming systems and the rumored N64 retro console (and her hope for the GameCube retro console).
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_NES_Classic_Edition
Arsenette, William and Don talk about which ones would end up on a proposed N64 retro console.

1:24:20 Closing
1:27:00 End

Music Credits:
"Corporate Intro 1" by DL Sounds
https://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/corporate-intro1/

Visual animation:
"Future Orange Internet www web 2319" by Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/videos/future-orange-internet-www-web-2319/

Editor: Arsenette
Affiliate links:
Ebates: https://www.ebates.com/r/ARSENE14?eeid=28187
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fo8MlX

Videogame Hangout - Virtual boy trip through Monster Hunter World!

Direct Link to Video

Published on Feb 23, 2018

Title: Videogame Hangout - "Virtual boy trip through Monster Hunter World!"
Episode 3
Recorded on February 19, 2018

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and fellow Animation Hangout partner William on a informal chat talking all things gaming! Videogames whether on Console, computer or even mobile! We share our passion for gaming.
A schedule is not set for this podcast though I would expect every couple months?  Depends on what we are playing and what we want to share.

This is Episode 3 where we cover games we played during December, 2017- February, 2018.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:37 Introduction - The 3 hosts talk briefly about why we were gone for over 2 months ago!)
2:09  William goes in depth about getting the Virtual Boy for Christmas!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Boy

20:00 Arsenette transitions to talk about the Turbo Express (The handheld for the Turbo Grafx gaming system)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TurboExpress
http://amzn.to/2FmeQLF

21:20 Don inadvertantly segways into the next section that William wanted to bring up. Battle Arena Toshinden for the Tiger Electronics "R Zone".
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_Arena_Toshinden
http://amzn.to/2CDDHYa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-Zone
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WonderSwan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3DO_Interactive_Multiplayer

24:26 Don brings up the Neo Geo system
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo_Geo_(system)
http://amzn.to/2HEEzj8

28:30 Arsenette transitions to Monster Hunter World
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Hunter:_World
http://amzn.to/2GElw7l
Discussion on how Arsenette and Don absolutely love how Capcom did this game.  A few concepts that they did right and compared to other games that did it wrong:
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Destiny_(video_game)
http://amzn.to/2FkscI9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolve_(video_game)
http://amzn.to/2CCXO91

37:00 Online commitment and games that did it right.
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diablo_(series)
http://amzn.to/2sMtHMH

42:00 Arsenette talks about her outgrowing pvp as a concept
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_Effect_3
http://amzn.to/2CEFUmc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halo:_Reach
http://amzn.to/2FmmA05

44:00 William loves single player games.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splatoon
http://amzn.to/2CDH5SS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puyo_Puyo_Tetris
http://amzn.to/2EVtBHz
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Puzzle_Fighter_II_Turbo

47:00 Arsenette doesn't have a 3DS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_3DS
http://amzn.to/2Fnsaz8

48:30 wrap up of Arsenette and Don's crazy couple of months and circling back to Monster Hunter World and not getting preorders anymore.

53:15 William explains what happened to the Nintendo Switch version of Skyrim
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_V:_Skyrim
http://amzn.to/2FqKrvP

56:00 Arsenette and Don saw Super Mario Odyssey again live and was intrigued by the "assist" system it has for children.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Odyssey
http://amzn.to/2EYugaX

1:02:00 Closing
1:20:00 End

Music Credits:
"Corporate Intro 1" by DL Sounds
https://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/corporate-intro1/

Visual animation:
"Future Orange Internet www web 2319" by Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/videos/future-orange-internet-www-web-2319/

Editor: Arsenette
Affiliate links:
Ebates: https://www.ebates.com/r/ARSENE14?eeid=28187
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fo8MlX

Animation Hangout - Choosing a Career Path

Direct Link to Video

Published December 15, 2017

Title: Animation Hangout - Episode 3 "Choosing a career path"
Recorded on December 5, 2017

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.

This is Episode 3 where we continue to review an anime we haven't seen and as part of the show we review more episodes from "Shirobako" and "Mr. Osomatsu" along with other topics including news in the world of animation.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:36 Introduction
1:40 Catching up with each other since the Episode 2
William saw the series finale of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_(2012_TV_series)
7:54 William is watching Black Clover on Toonami (Cartoon Network) which is being simul-dubbed by Funimation.
https://www.funimation.com/shows/black-clover/
12:00 Arsenette finally marathoned Recommendations of a Wonderful Virtual Life (Net-Juu no Susume in Japanese)
http://www.crunchyroll.com/recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie
Turned into a long discussion about sub vs. dub qualities of voice actors and the strengths and weaknesses of Funimation's simul-dub.
24:25 Arsenette was taken by surprise that Funimation license rescued "Star Blazers 2199" (Space Battleship Yamato 2199)
https://www.funimation.com/shows/star-blazers/
http://www.crunchyroll.com/star-blazers-space-battleship-yamato-2199/
https://vrv.co/series/GYNQWQN2Y/Star-Blazers
32:41 Don is watching a few current season series on his own.
23:23 Don is also marathoning a series on VRV/Funimation (English Dub) that William is ecstatic that he is re-watching.
https://www.funimation.com/shows/yu-yu-hakusho/
Also conversation about what makes a good Shounen show and how Yu Yu Hakusho was one of the best shounen series ever made.
40:41 William also saw SpongeBob SquarePants Musical on Broadway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpongeBob_SquarePants_(musical)

SPOILERS
Part of an ongoing series - where we watch show each hasn't seen:

49:20 Arsenette is reviewing "Osomatsu-San" or "Mr. Osomatsu" - Episodes 7-10
http://www.crunchyroll.com/mr-osomatsu

1:08:30 William is reviewing "Shirobako" - Episodes 9-12 (End of the first "Exodus" arc)
http://www.crunchyroll.com/shirobako
http://amzn.to/2g563lX - Season 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)
Long discussion about the making of anime and other creative media.  This series gets "real" with life decisions that hit very close to home.

1:42:30 Closing
1:44:16 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette

Videogame Hangout - What Nintendo did right but EA got wrong

Direct Link to video

Published on Dec 11, 2017

Title: Videogame Hangout - "What Nintendo did right but EA got wrong"
Episode 2
Recorded on December 5, 2017

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and fellow Animation Hangout partner William on a informal chat talking all things gaming! Videogames whether on Console, computer or even mobile! We share our passion for gaming.
A schedule is not set for this podcast though I would expect every couple months?  Depends on what we are playing and what we want to share.

This is Episode 2 where we cover games we played during November, 2017.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:36 Introduction - The 3 hosts talk briefly about what games we played in November, 2017
2:30  William goes in depth of his gameplay through Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch.
Amazon Affiliate Link: http://amzn.to/2l0lroM
16:16 William segways to the current controversy of the micro-transactions problems and Don talks about the problems that have embroiled EA Games of late.
35:40 Arsenette takes over talking Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp (Free to play Mobile game)
40:00 William talks about Megaman 11's announcement.
45:45 Viewer question: (KianMike on YouTube asks about the 2017 Nintendo World Championship). William does a full review of the event.
Reference:  Official stream of the 2017 Nintendo World Championships (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaiQcqR8vps
54:40 Viewer question: (SasukeDoctor - Sasuke Maniac Forums) - Have we played Stardew Valley.
57:04 Closing
58:18 End

Music Credits:
"Corporate Intro 1" by DL Sounds
https://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/corporate-intro1/

Visual animation:
"Future Orange Internet www web 2319" by Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/videos/future-orange-internet-www-web-2319/

Editor: Arsenette

Animation Hangout - Teenage Moe Ninja Turtles

Direct Link to Video

Published on Nov 6, 2017

Title: Animation Hangout - Episode 2 "Teenage Moe Ninja Turtles!"
Recorded on October 26, 2017

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.

This is Episode 2 where we each have an anime we haven't seen and as part of the show we review the first few episodes of each other's assigned anime!  This episode William reviews "Shirobako" and Arsenette and Don review Mr. Osomatsu along with other topics including news in the world of animation.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:40 Introduction
1:40 Catching up with each other since the Episode 1
Don and Arsenette are so far interested in
The Ancient Magus Bride: http://www.crunchyroll.com/the-ancient-magus-bride
Recovery of an MMO Junkie: http://www.crunchyroll.com/recovery-of-an-mmo-junkie
Reference to Crunchyroll contest: https://passporttojapan.com/ (entries were closed October 31)
4:00 William discusses his trip to Italy which happened between Episode 1 and 2
8:50 William discusses watching Despicable Me 3 (Illumination Entertainment for Universal Pictures 2017)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Despicable_Me_3
11:02 William discusses watching Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (Dreamworks Movie 2017)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Underpants:_The_First_Epic_Movie
15:21 Arsenette talks about the movies she saw on the airplane to Japan and general activities during the long flights then William transitions back to traveling in Italy.
18:00 Talking about money exchange and travel tips about saving money while exchanging currency in foreign countries.
22:30 William talks about Nickelodean Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles actually ending.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_(2012_TV_series)
26:22 William talking about the current Season 2 of Osomatsu-San (which is currently airing for the Fall season)

Animation News round-up

27:25 Arsenette and Don introduce William to the Trailer for the animated “Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn2v_FU_qQg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godzilla:_Planet_of_the_Monsters (produced by Toho Animation and animated by Polygon Pictures)
32:38 The screenplay writer for this series is the same that wrote the screenplay for Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Arsenette talks about the series.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puella_Magi_Madoka_Magica
http://www.crunchyroll.com/puella-magi-madoka-magica
Reference: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Trailer (Aniplex):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CTHwEZK2JA
35:50 Transition to the next bit of news. Announcement of them distributing 30 upcoming anime for 2018.
https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/16/16486436/netflix-original-content-8-billion-dollars-anime-films
Obvious discussion about Arsenette's concerns about Netflix Japan vs. United States differing distribution models.
38:20 William talks about his thoughts on how Netflix in general has a more positive effect on the anime industry than Crunchyroll.
43:20 Viewer comment from YouTube:
Badalight - If you are a fan of Space Battleship Yamato, have you ever tried watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes? (A remake has recently been announced).

SPOILER WARNING
Part of an ongoing series - where we watch show each hasn't seen:

45:30 William is reviewing Shirobako - Episodes 5-8
http://www.crunchyroll.com/shirobako
http://amzn.to/2g563lX - Season 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)

54:35 Arsenette is reviewing "Osomatsu-San" or "Mr. Osomatsu" - Episodes 3.5-6
http://www.crunchyroll.com/mr-osomatsu
1:15:40 William talks about why Osomatsu San is popular in Japan and Arsenette ponders why that could be the case.

1:20:10 Closing
1:21:34 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette

Videogame Hangout - Nintendo Anticipation!

Direct link to YouTube video

Published on Oct 28, 2017

Title: Videogame Hangout - "Nintendo Anticipation"
Episode 1
Recorded on October 26, 2017

Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and fellow Animation Hangout partner William on a informal chat talking all things gaming! Videogames whether on Console, computer or even mobile! We share our passion for gaming.
A schedule is not set for this podcast though I would expect every couple months?  Depends on what we are playing and what we want to share.

This is Episode 1 where Arsenette wanted to talk about a specific game before our regularly scheduled Animation podcast and then this podcast was born as a result.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:00 Theme song
0:36 Introduction - Arsenette talks about why she wanted this mini podcast and introduces hosts
1:40 William talks about his anticipation for Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch.
5:34 Reference: E3 Trailer (Nintendo) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGQHQc_3ycE
Amazon Affiliate Link: http://amzn.to/2hitU1Z
8:07 William discusses the story and mechanics announced for the game.
Reference: Nintendo Super Mario Odyssey Gameplay Trailer (Nintendo) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6oPBIVjf8E
10:09 William successfully segways conversation to Arsenette gushing about Animal Crossing Pocket Camp!
10:49 Reference: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Digest (Nintendo) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJFy521mInk
14:27 Reference: Animal crossing: New Leaf (For Nintendo 3DS) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z09iRo44Mcs
16:51 Reference: World Chef (mobile game) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8xqkodTzJk
20:21 Reference: EuroGamer Article: "I've seen people literally spend $15,000 on Mass Effect multiplayer cards" Former BioWare dev speaks out against EA's monetisation of games.  http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-10-23-manveer-heir-bioware-mass-effect-ea-monetisation
22:30 Reference: Animal Crossing Mobile Direct October 24, 2017 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr2wXiwgNd0
23:03 We discuss what is the market for Nintendo to branch out to mobile games and what other possible franchises they can monetize for mobile.
29:15 We discuss the Nintendo GameCube adapter on the Switch mistake.
Reference: The Know (Rooster Teeth) - https://youtu.be/zrU_4mQ_Fs4?t=3m22s
36:06 William updates the GameCube adapter story with recent article.
36:50 Closing
38:00 End

Music Credits:
"Corporate Intro 1" by DL Sounds
https://www.dl-sounds.com/royalty-free/corporate-intro1/

Visual animation:
"Future Orange Internet www web 2319" by Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/en/videos/future-orange-internet-www-web-2319/

Editor: Arsenette

Animation Hangout - Episode 1 "Let's talk about Shirobako and Mr. Osomatsu!"

Direct Link to Video

Published on Oct 2, 2017

Recorded on September 25, 2017
This is a new podcast-style show.  Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:13 Introduction
1:45 Catching up with each other since the Pilot episode
2:30 Don is watching Elegant Yokai Apartment Life and ends up doing a quick review.
http://www.crunchyroll.com/elegant-yokai-apartment-life
Referenced series: Natsume Yujin Cho
http://www.crunchyroll.com/natsume-yujin-cho
7:00 William was curious and went to check on a show solely based on it's title.
9:30 Don also remembers a show about taboo subjects - Ixion Saga DT
http://www.crunchyroll.com/ixion-saga-dt
12:30 Arsenette finally saw Shin Godzilla (2016 Toho films, 2017 Funimation live action movie)
http://amzn.to/2xcB5xJ
and that continues with Godzilla talk (including recent American versions).
13:20 Referencing the story of Lake Texarcana Dub.
http://amzn.to/2xa98Xx
20:00 Reading comments on YouTube and Rambling Rican website.  Update from Badalight regarding Dragon Ball Z's Goku's voice actress in Japanese.  (William just can't... and Arsenette talks about her favorite scene involving the Japanese voice actress)
23:30 Comments from Badalight referencing his own anime introduction.
25:00 Comments from Griffin Tremaine (Venus Headtrap) regarding Dragonball Z.
Referenced collection: Rock the Dragon Collection
http://dragonball.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Ball_Z:_Rock_the_Dragon_Edition
Referenced: Team Four Star - https://www.youtube.com/user/TeamFourStar/
26:00 Comments from Jack Roland (Universal Tuber) questioning how we like Dragonball GT and/or Super.
Referenced series: Dragonball Super (on Funimation and VRV)
https://vrv.co/series/G6NQM3QX6/Dragon-Ball-Super
Dragonball GT (Amazon Affiliated link)
http://amzn.to/2xajIhg
Referenced series "Wrath of the Dragon" (movie with Tapion - how Trunks gets his sword)
http://amzn.to/2xP1dke (Amazon Affiliated link)
33:41 William asks if Arsenette is looking forward to Dragonball Fighters
http://amzn.to/2g5rZgw (Amazon Affiliated link) - coming out in 2018
Referenced: Maximillian Dood's YouTube channel - Dragonball FighterZ Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnwhe26ReMU&list=PLitZkRNNn1LjDcDY1NFot1vMtrxS9vW-3

SPOILER WARNING
Hopefully part of an ongoing series - where we watch show each hasn't seen:

37:10 William reviews the first 4 episodes of the anime series "Shirobako" in detail. (Spoilers)
http://www.crunchyroll.com/shirobako
http://amzn.to/2g563lX - Season 1 (Amazon Affiliated link)

48:00 William transitions from the end of Episode 4 of Shirobako to introduce the concept behind the first episode of the series that Arsenette is watching.
Arsenette reviews the 4 episodes of the anime series "Osomatsu-San" or "Mr. Osomatsu".
http://www.crunchyroll.com/mr-osomatsu
Arsenette messed up the order she was supposed to watch (given the original Episode 1 was pulled off television, streaming and even physical media) and watched Episode 1, Episode 12 "Horse racing" episode (Thinking that was the replacement to episode 1), Episode 2-3.
58:00 Comparison of sketch gag comedy to Looney tunes formula of the 1940's-60's.
1:06:00 - Trivia for Episode 3 from William.
1:10:30 - General response about both series we are watching and why we chose these series to watch as part of Animation Hangout.
Reference to Excel Saga
Funimation - VRV Link https://vrv.co/series/GYWE14DKY/Excel-Saga
http://amzn.to/2xNSdM7 (Amazon Affiliated link)

1:14:20 Are you excited for any new series coming up for the Fall season?
http://anichart.net/Fall-2017
The Ancient Magus' Bride
http://www.crunchyroll.com/the-ancient-magus-bride
Season 2 of Hozuki no Reitetsu (Hozuki's Coolheadedness)
http://www.crunchyroll.com/hozuki-no-reitetsu
Referenced: Space Battleship Yamato 2202: Warriors of Love (Uchu Senkan Yamato Ni-ni-zero-ni Ai no Senshi-tachi) or Starblazers 2022)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Battleship_Yamato_2202:_Warriors_of_Love

1:21:30 Closing
1:23:30 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette

Animation Hangout - Episode 0 (Pilot Episode) - Introduction

Direct Link to YouTube video

Published on Sep 3, 2017

Title: Animation Hangout: Introduction

This is a new podcast-style show.  Hosts Arsenette, her husband Don join friend and former Final Stage Podcast partner William on a informal chat talking all things animation, anime, cartoons as we share our passion for animation.
The hope is to have a bimonthly chat catching up with each other and sharing discussion on shows we are watching, shows we miss and deep dive into topics regarding anime and entertainment pop culture.
This is Episode 0 or a pilot if you will, as we introduce ourselves and discuss where our start with anime and animation in general.
We also announce a couple format additions going into the first Episode on this (roughly) bi-monthly show.

Hosts:
Arsenette: https://twitter.com/Arsenette
http://ramblingrican.com/
https://www.youtube.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Don: https://twitter.com/Domnhal

William: https://twitter.com/2D2Will
http://www.twodashtwo.com/
http://www.twotwentytwoproductions.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/222productions

Show notes:
0:43 Introduction of all the hosts
1:42 Don's anime background
3:00 Arsenette's anime background
5:04 William's anime background
8:33 Discussion about Rumiko Takahashi's character style - Creator of Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha (among other things)
10:11 Introduction to the Dragonball universe
13:30 Cartoon network/Toonami licensing woes in the late 1990's - early 2000's
17:45 Internet woes of the late 1990's - early 2000's
20:40 Previous conversations during the Final Stage Podcast era
21:15 Dub history of Dragonball
23:00 Turner "Edict" - Story of mass censorship of all animated media by Ted Turner
25:21 Discussion of colorization issues with classic animation (example: Popeye in black and white animation)
27:00 Animation as an art-form and anime
28:00 One Punch Man's animations, style, technique, etc.
29:45 Eastern vs. Western different styles
31:00 Otakon (Anime convention) - new location
34:00 William's non-spoiler review - Eureka 7: High evolution Part 1 (movie)
41:20 East coast conventions discussion
46:00 Funimation being bought by Sony Entertainment
48:00 In-Flight movies discussion going into "Your Name" and then into Mamoru Hosoda movies
49:30 American releases of anime - (brief) sub/dub conversation
50:45 Non-spoiler - Godzilla conversation (Shin Godzilla, American versions of Godzilla, classic Godzilla)
54:45 Brief "Eva" Neon Genesis Evangelion conversation.
55:55 AnimeNext story - GAMERA 2 (1996) Lake Texarkana Dub by ADV
56:45 William's first exposure to Godzilla
57:40 Nintendo Power and demo disks
58:45 Preferred Genre's in anime
1:02:00 Osomatsu-san news from Otakon
https://twitter.com/2D2Will/status/896134207587495936
1:05:00 Future plans for podcast topics - Arsenette reviews the anime "Osomatsu-San" and William reviews anime "Shirobako"
http://www.crunchyroll.com/shirobako
http://www.crunchyroll.com/mr-osomatsu
1:11:00 Discussion on frequency of podcast
1:13:04 Don's PSA on piracy vs. legal
1:16:50 Closing
1:19:34 End

Music Credits:
"Cartoon Bank Heist"
YouTube Royalty Free Creator Sound Library
by: Doug Maxwell: Media Right Productions

Visual animation:
"Film Reel Animated Background" by Videvo
https://www.videvo.net/video/film-reel-animated-background/1477/

Editor: Arsenette

Why I quit Sasuke before my 9 year anniversary and the future of my channel

Direct Link to Video

This was an extremely difficult vlog to make. After a lot of consideration.. I decided I had to say something publicly as to why I am stepping away from Sasuke. Please note that this is my own decision and I don't speak for anyone else but myself.

Thanks for the support of my long-time readers, members of the Sasuke and ANW communities. I owe it to all of you to give a proper explanation as why after all of this time I'm done supporting the show. It is a difficult subject but it was important for me to not only defend myself, but defend my friends and ultimately the entire foreign community whom was directly affected. I don't expect much to come out of this and I'm not reversing my decision, but I am grateful that even when it got really bad.. you guys were there for me. Words cannot possibly express how thankful I am for all of you who took the time to send me messages when I needed it the most. ♥

http://www.finalstagepodcast.com/
http://www.ramblingrican.com/
https://twitter.com/Arsenette
https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

Music: "Namaste" by Audionautix
YouTube Royalty Free Music

Recent updates and such

Graphic for Episode 17 - Link to post

I'm such an idiot.. AGAIN I totally forgot to post about the latest podcast William and I do once a month on Final Stage Podcast.  It wasn't as long last last month! There's a lot we covered as in addition to a full obstacle discussion for Sasuke 32 we touched on other topics for 2 hours and 30'ish minutes. Feel free to read the shownotes on the page I updated with photos and links to topics we talked about during the podcast.  The podcast is always available on YouTube, iTunes and Podbean.  I'm happy so far we are getting a positive response to the podcasts each month. It really does bring a smile to our faces whenever people say it.  This month also we pose a question at the end.  Be sure to leave us feedback on the links we provide. We love to hear it! ♥

 

 

 

I'm working on the videos chronicling the trip to Japan. I'm attempting to do a better job in producing each video. I should have one out within a week.  Subscribe to my YouTube channel so you know when they are up! ♥

Rambling Rican Vlog - Viewer Questions, Ninja Warrior Returns, Sasuke 32

Rambling Rican Vlog - Viewer Questions, Ninja Warrior Returns, Sasuke 32 - Direct Link

Yesterday I posted a new vlog!  Given the past blog I wasn't sure if I was going to get a chance to put that up before the weekend or not. I'm happy to say I did manage to get it done

Show notes!

Answered viewer questions/comments, discussed Ninja Warrior returning to the USA!, Nagano video translated, etc.

Links:
Nagano Retirement Facebook video (TRANSLATED)
Original video on YouTube
Reddit link
Final Stage Podcast - Episode 16
Venus video (Part 2 - YouTube)

I do read your comments! I just can't comment in the comments section since I don't use Google+ on this YT Channel.  I'll comment to them in latter videos and on my twitter! https://twitter.com/Arsenette and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ramblingrican/

I tried something different with music for this episode. All is YouTube royalty free music.

"Parasail" by Silent Partner
"Ninth Symphony - Finale" by Beethoven
"Turn on" by RW Smith
"Wish you'd come true" by 126'ers

Fireworks B-Roll

Recent updates and such

Graphic for Episode 16 - Link to post

I'm such an idiot.. I totally forgot to post about the latest podcast William and I do once a month on Final Stage Podcast.  It was a looooooooooong one.. almost 4 hours! LOL Okay okay.. 3 hours and 40+ minutes.. There's a LOT we covered. Feel free to read the shownotes on the page I updated with photos and links to topics we talked about during the podcast.  The podcast is always available on YouTube, iTunes and Podbean.  I'm happy so far we are getting a positive response to the podcasts each month. It really does bring a smile to our faces whenever people say it.  This month also we pose a question at the end.  Be sure to leave us feedback on the links we provide. We love to hear it! ♥

Chi from Chi's Sweet Home ©giphy

Health has been wonky and that has messed up my schedule in releasing videos. I hoped to get one out earlier but that was thrown out due to my health. Once I'm able to do manage the editing I'll get that out. I might do a catch up vlog first then work on the trip videos.  Also let me know any other type of videos you want me to make.  Even if I'm going  into the offseason and scaling back a lot of my posts, I still plan on doing more videos. I might even branch out and do other things in addition to Sasuke related things.

Sasuke related updates - Obstacles, Documentary, Podcast, etc

The last photo of all 6 All-Stars at Midoriyama - Sasuke 32 ©Shingo Yamamoto

As you know, Sasuke 32 has taped.  We now anxiously await the announcement of the official Air Date that as of this post has not been made available. The only clue we have is that it will happen during the month of July, 2016. Beyond that is pure speculation.  Trust me, when we have a date announced, I will be posting it here.  In the meantime, above is the last photo of all 6 All-Stars together in Midoriyama. This was to commemorate the retirement of the legendary Grand Champion and Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano 長野誠. Yes, you read that right. He is now retired from competition from Sasuke.

Sasuke All-Star Bunpei Shiratori 白鳥文平©Kung-Cheen Howng

As I mentioned before, there is a documentary being filmed ("Finding Midoriyama") over the past year on Sasuke and more importantly, it's competitors.  Time and logistics permitting, the documentary crew is going all around the world to interview as many Sasuke/Ninja Warrior competitors as possible. Recently they returned to Japan to interview a rare competitor... the elusive Sasuke All-Star Bunpei Shiratori 白鳥文平.  Having finally met him during Sasuke 32's taping, I can assure you that the inclusion of the man I refer to as "The Gentleman" will be something to look forward to. Thank you Bunpei for sharing his thoughts on Sasuke and welcoming everyone to your home in Chiba Prefecture.

Grand Champion and Sasuke All-Star Makoto Nagano 長野誠 ©Kung-Cheen Howng

Just a couple of weeks ago, Nagano had his interview completed.  This was taken at the hotel he was staying at during the taping of Sasuke.  Massive thanks to Nagano for figuring out a way to get the interview done while he was in town for the tournament.  This interview was done before his final run at Sasuke.  You can keep up with the latest progress of who's being interviewed on the official Facebook for Finding Midoriyama.

Graphic for Episode 14

 

A couple days ago I added the latest episode to the Final Stage Podcast website.  Thanks to William for editing the podcast and hosting it on the sites. This month's episode was a difficult one to record as we had tech issues. However, thanks to the hard work from William.. you'd never know the conversation was interrupted many times.  Thanks so much!  The episode covers the ANW All-Star Special and NON-Spoiler review of Sasuke 32 but more importantly my trip to Japan that was funded by all of you who participated in the IndieGogo campaign. All of our previous podcasts are officially up on iTunes and on the hosting site of Podbean in addition to William's YouTube channel (with handy List of all Episodes)

 Quad Step/Rolling Hill Climb combo ©Masato Inui

Thanks to Sasuke Director Masato Inui 乾雅人 we got official pictures of a few of the new obstacles.  The steps should look VERY familiar to those who follow my blogged way back when..

ANW2 Quad Steps in Venice Beach ©G4TV

Yes.. The steps should look familiar.. ehem ♥  either way the black thing on the Quad Steps/Rolling Hill combo (btw they are 2 separate obstacles - there is just no break between them) is a safety floating mat to prevent people from sliding underneath the Rolling Hill.

Tie Fighter (Yes that is the real name and yes it is officially licensed) ©Masato Inui 

Up next replacing the Log Grip is something that when I first arrived and saw it from a distance I kept telling myself "nah.. they'd never call it the Tie Fighter.. Disney would sue them..".. Sure enough, the official name IS the Tie Fighter and yes they got permission to use the name! LOL Inui posted a Video of obstacle in motion.

 Music Box ©Masato Inui

 Music Box is back with minor alterations making it a lot more dangerous obstacle.

Double Pendulum in Sasuke 32 ©Masato Inui

New obstacle should look familiar to American Ninja Warrior fans.  As someone who wasn't in Los Angeles to see this in the regional.. this was brand new to me.  It's called the Double Pendulum.

Tick Tock in American Ninja Warrior Season 8 ©NBC (Screenshot)

This is the sister obstacle but with differences.  The ANW version has a chain/trapeze entrance from a solid surface.  The dismount also has a cargo net you can hold on to if you miss the platform.

Double Pendulum in Sasuke 32 ©Masato Inui

The Sasuke version has a mini tramp onto the old Giant Swing (solid bar and rigging) obstacle that goes to a more.. cushioned pendulum and no cargo net to save you on the landing.

Yoshida on Conveyor Belt ©Masato Inui

Returning in the Second Stage is the Conveyor belt.  Shoutout to tester Yoshida. I hope some day he can run the course as a competitor. /sigh

Conveyor Belt (Left) - Wall lifting (Right) ©Masato Inui 

You can see the *&*%(& backstream in the back before the conveyor and onto Wall Lifting that got a mechanical change.

Drum Hopper ©Masato Inui

Greeting everyone in the 3rd Stage is the return of the Drum Hopper.. except the Drums are modified.  Each hop is 10 cm (4 inches) higher than the one before.

 Drum Hopper ©Masato Inui

Daytime pic from Inui's phone on the startline.  Here you can see the hops getting higher and higher.

Flying Bar ©Masato Inui

We have the Flying Bar back in action in the 3rd Stage.  Yes they are missing one of the rungs. That's probably because they needed the space for the rest of the stage.

 

Sidewinder R Kai ©Masato Inui

As you can read from the descriptions.. Sidewinder R Kai is modified to include a huge change.. now they drop 60 cm (about 24 inches or 2 feet).

 

Ultra Crazy Cliffhanger ©Masato Inui

And the one photo everyone freaked out about.  This is the new Cliffhanger in Japan.  There are two jumps and the 2nd jump is onto a moving (mechanized) ledge that goes up and down (on a motor) 90 cm (or 3 feet).

Vertical Limit ©Masato Inui

With no breaks it goes directly onto the modified Vertical Limit. This one has 3 ledges..

Pipe Slider ©Masato Inui

After defeating the Vertical Limit you hoist yourself up to the green bar of safety™ and then tackle the Pipe Slider to complete the Third Stage.

Final Stage ©Masato Inui

This was the original photo that most people saw of the Final Stage without really realizing what it was that they were looking at.

Fourth Stage/Final Stage Tower - Sasuke 32 ©Masato Inui

Yep.. You are looking at the first 3 Stage Final Stage Tower. It is taller at 25 meters (82 feet).  It is comprised of an 8 meter (26 feet) Spider Climb, then 7 meter (23 feet) Salmon Ladder (Approximately 20 rungs) then a 10 meter (33 feet) Rope Climb.

Champion Banners at Sasuke 32 ©Masato Inui

Once the airdate becoming available I'll definitely post it!  Having seen the event, what awaits you is an unpredictable and exciting tournament!  I can't wait for July!

Sasuke All-star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada 山田勝己 and Perry Oosterlee Representative from the Netherlands ©Arsenette

As I mentioned in the podcast I was surprised to find out that our group ended up booking in the same hotel as 2 of the All-Stars!  The night before Sasuke was the unexpected running into of Mr. Sasuke himself!  Perry was running the course the following day.

Grand Champion and Sasuke All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama 秋山和彦 and (me) Arsenette Reiter ©Arsenette

I found out in the morning (when I met Akiyama) that they were in town for a special they were doing.  They got to run the course I was told as part of a cross promotion bit for Sasuke on another network. 

Lo and behold a few weeks later I found out it was for a show called Suiyobi Downtown (Wednesday Downtown).  The Show aired on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 (yes.. today). I'm not screen capping the whole thing but this should give you an idea of the show on the Sasuke portion which was a total of about 15 minutes of the 2 hour show.

The show was also promoting Super Mario Maker.  You had the option of choosing to either compete on the obstacle on Sasuke or clear the stage on Mario maker.

You had to do 4 of the obstacles and 4 of the video game courses. You could choose which ones you wanted to tackle.  The limit is 4 though so you had to choose wisely.

They showed the Mario maker stage along with the corresponding course that you could choose which was the Quad Steps.

Just like in Sasuke the stage was tied together to the Rolling Hill so that was considered 1 full section to choose.

The second area was the Tie Fighter. Should you chose the Mario maker stage instead, this is the path they were showing you had to complete.

The third area was the Music Box.  This was the corresponding Mario Maker stage.

The fourth area is the new obstacle that starts with a trampoline. This is the Double Pendulum. 

 And this is the corresponding Mario Maker stage.

The fifth area is the Tackle (first confirmed here btw) and it's corresponding Mario Maker Stage.

Warped Wall is next along with it's corresponding Mario Maker Stage.

Tarzan Rope is next which connects to the next area.

Which is the Lumberjack Climb.

So the trick here is to wisely choose between the physical course you think you can clear or if you have video game skills to try to clear that course instead.  A combination of the two within the time limit will give you the clear.

Here are our four challengers

For now this may be a placeholder since I don't know what his name is.

This was taped on Friday, May 27 which was still quite rainy and judging by the course.. quite swampy.  The tournament itself was not taped until the following day. Most of the standing pools of water dried up leaving a lot of muddy spots. But for this event.. it was quite muddy.

He chooses poorly.. and quickly fails the first obstacle on Mario Maker.

Yamada offering his wisdom as they laugh at how much the guy is complaining about failing.

Up next is another .. wait.. I can read some of that kanji.. That's definitely Yamamoto something..

he meets the same fate..

both fail at the exact same place on Mario Maker.

I think I've seen him before.. 

that's definitely registering on the wedgistrator™

more comments from the peanut gallery!

Up next is a boy band guy

Yep.. another Golden Bomber member. We are up to 3/4 that competed in Sasuke right?

 He clears the first obstacles on Mario Maker!

Notice that they set up stations for the video games along the side of the course

Mr. Sasuke watching..

hmm .. I can't tell from the quality of the video.. but I think that's Cliffer #5 on the Tie Fighter.. I know he was one of the testers but I can't tell if this was him or not.

Bomber chooses Mario Maker and clears it!

really does look like Keitaro from the potato footage I have..

He says screw it on doing the Music box as well..

He clears the Mario Maker equivalent!

he now has to make a decision. He can only choose the video game 1 more time and should he pass it he has to do everything else physically.

here's video of the double pendulum

For those who watched ANW8 - this should look a bit familiar.

he chooses to do this (since he seems to have not wanted to do the wall leaving the video game for that).

But he totally geronimo's and misses the Giant Swing bar entirely.

He's much better at video games!

The hosts laughing at him visualize the run in front of the camera.

They are fast forwarding the woman.

She seems to have cleared the first stage in the game

and the second!

She decides to try the Music Box instead of the video game.

Nope.. not even close..

She also regrets her decision

Scoping out the chick..

more comments from the peanut gallery

Oh.. they call him HG now? That's totally Hard Gay.. I recognize him LOL

Razor Ramon Hard Gay レイザーラモンＨＧ

Damn he's 40 years old now?

one footing the steps..

almost takes a header and holds himself up

perfect landing on the rolling hill and he stops completely..

very carefully going up and over..

he chooses the Mario Maker equivalent for the Tie Fighter and clears!

Decides on the Music Box instead

Nope.. they fixed that up top so you can't ride too far along it this year..

somewhere Inui is pitching a fit about someone on the course with glasses. LOL  HG kept his glasses AND his hat on.  he's got skills!

So the 6 talento didn't clear now for the vets!

Grand Champion and Sasuke All Star Kazuhiko Akiyama 秋山和彦

Well I was curious how he'd do on this course.. here's my chance!

but wait.. there's a fluff piece!

back in the last century.. he became the first Sasuke champion!

Reminder of his visual impairment.. wait.. did they totally blur out box lady because this is old footage? AHAHHAHAHAHAHA

Yes! They totally did!  This is when he starts to cry saying Thank You for letting him compete in Sasuke!

okay.. this is an epic shot.. I love the cinematography..

he's not much into video games.. he's just getting to figuring out how to make it jump..

Yay he's smiling!

nooooooo he's one footing it and totally facedives!

and the reason why there's a floating pad now. So they can gently recover in the water.

Geronimo!!!

The more I look at it the more it makes sense for that black pad to be there.

LOL He's totally cracking up already

He can't help but laugh right now

There's Yamada again commenting LOL

The hell was that?

0 people have cleared.. time for..

Sasuke All-star (Mr. Sasuke) Katsumi Yamada 山田勝己

the crybaby... trust me.. he's known for this.. welcome to how Japan still sees him

He's one of the loud ones. He's been harping about Yamada since this whole thing started.  Remember that Yamada has a .. reputation in Japan long before us foreigners have even been introduced to the show.  So it's inevitable that they start making fun of him immediately.

Right on cue.. you see Yamada in the distance running for the camera.

He's 50 now and still doing well milking it for the camera. It has been 20 years.. he's a pro at it.

Speaking of pro.. he's training on the video game

and good at it

and milking it again.. he kanzenseiha'ed so he's ready

he's saying how far he can go.. lol he didn't say anything past the wall..

For those wanting to see how he would do on this course.. Yamada is up next..

single stepping the quad steps..

and FACE plant...

Oh.. worse geronimo than Akiyama.. he meant this one..

HG snickers and everyone starts laughing

LOL HG and Akiyama have a moment of laughter together

He's feeling sheepish right now after all that trash talking! LOL

Nobody cleared!

Sasuke 難しいです

Sasuke is difficult!

and.. Yamada again is the punchline to the joke..

They go on about how Yamada milks it every time he's on screen.. this goes on for a few minutes..  Either way, we got to see a preview of the First Stage of Sasuke 32 and got to see 2 of the All-stars that are retired actually try out the course! win/win honestly and all in good fun.

Sasuke Stars going to Yatsui Festival ©Masato Inui

And finally a local music Festival invited Sasuke competitors to their event!  It's called the YATSUI FESTIVAL and takes place this weekend June 18-June 19, 2016.  Tomohiro Kawaguchi, Hitoshi Kanno, Shingo Yamamoto (rocking that farmer's tan. LOL), Masashi Hioki, Yuuji Urushihara and Ryo Matachi will be in attendance!