Season 4 movies update: Sailor Moon Eternal - Delayed to 2021 (Part 1 on January 8th & Part 2 on February 11th)

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Nov 16, 2016
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Apparently, one of the guest speaker at SM Kodansha panel at AX2019 (yesterday) said that Crystal wasn’t well recieved in Japan
Pretty much a confirmation of what we all suspected. They grossly underestimated the importance of the 90's anime to audiences and ended up with a nightmare for two years. How hard could it have been to make a 26 episode season of each story arc that gives the characters and story room to develop properly? They were able to pump out over 100 episodes of DBS.

I liked the german logo. They used it right from the start. Interesting that they used a heartshaped brooch, even if they couldn't have known anything about the brooch from the S season back in the days.

I think that brooch and ribbon logo comes from Japanese S merchandise?
Spoiler: show
 
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yaya_ikuto

Lumen Cinererum
Jan 16, 2018
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is strange because the 90s didnt sale as well
in a interview with osabu said:

The manga was a runaway hit as soon as it was published in Nakayoshi. Volume 1’s first printing of 500,000 volumes sold out almost immediately, and then quickly passed the 1 million mark, making the series a cultural phenomenon. Ending the series simply wasn’t on the table at that point.
The anime, however, wasn’t really selling any toys. Anime series deemed to be non-profitable in the toy sector were traditionally taken off the air. Had that happened, the manga would likely have ended as well.

so the only thing that sales in japan is the manga??
here is the source
Sailor Moon Editor Fumio “Osabu” Osano Discusses the Series’ Creation
 

JunoDX

Solaris Luna
Nov 8, 2018
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is strange because the 90s didnt sale as well
in a interview with osabu said:

The manga was a runaway hit as soon as it was published in Nakayoshi. Volume 1’s first printing of 500,000 volumes sold out almost immediately, and then quickly passed the 1 million mark, making the series a cultural phenomenon. Ending the series simply wasn’t on the table at that point.
The anime, however, wasn’t really selling any toys. Anime series deemed to be non-profitable in the toy sector were traditionally taken off the air. Had that happened, the manga would likely have ended as well.

so the only thing that sales in japan is the manga??
here is the source
Sailor Moon Editor Fumio “Osabu” Osano Discusses the Series’ Creation
I always thought hat the manga had to continue because the anime was so popular after episode 46...
 
Nov 16, 2016
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is strange because the 90s didnt sale as well
in a interview with osabu said:

The manga was a runaway hit as soon as it was published in Nakayoshi. Volume 1’s first printing of 500,000 volumes sold out almost immediately, and then quickly passed the 1 million mark, making the series a cultural phenomenon. Ending the series simply wasn’t on the table at that point.
The anime, however, wasn’t really selling any toys. Anime series deemed to be non-profitable in the toy sector were traditionally taken off the air. Had that happened, the manga would likely have ended as well.

so the only thing that sales in japan is the manga??
here is the source
Sailor Moon Editor Fumio “Osabu” Osano Discusses the Series’ Creation
Oh, I remember Osabu talking about this back at the 2012 event. It wasn't that the anime and manga weren't popular, it was that the toys weren't selling. The Moon Stick saved the series from cancellation. This happens with a lot of anime, especially kid's shows. The actual ratings don't matter to them unless the merchandise is selling. That's why every season from R onwards had way more wands, compacts, dolls, games etc. Pretty interesting interview, by the way. Here's part 2: Sailor Moon Editor Fumio “Osabu” Osano Discusses the Series’ Creation (Part 2)

Osabu: In fact, at last year’s Usagi / ChibiUsa birthday event, a fan came up to tell me she realized that her life more closely resembled Queen Beryl’s than Usagi’s. It was quite a shock.

I tried to reassure her, “No, no, you’re like Usagi!” (laugh)
If that ain't the biggest mood.
 
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Jul 31, 2012
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The only thing I dont like about the original Crystal logo is that they look too clunky. It's like too much is going on compared it the older ones. Idk what it is. The oversized moon or the fonts and that sword "T" but whatever it is, it's like a blender full of different fonts and colors or whatever.


The S one is a favorite though even with Usagi's peanut head on it. I think it looks so cute. What makes it cuter was the eye-catch when she winks and turns into it. It's one of my favorite eye-catches.

Now if we can hear what this music is supposed to sound like. Sailor choir or no? We will soon see.

I do like that tune that plays when they are going to the moon and that track when the Senshi introduce each themselves. It played when Mercury first introduced herself as Sailor Mercury. I like the rises and Sailor Choir in them both.
 

sapphire91

Stella Nova
Jul 6, 2018
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I honestly don't believe this is is actual statement. No company would say that something they are still working on wasn't well received. If it is over and gone for years they might say it, but I a pretty sure this is some "report" of somebody who wanted it to be like this. If Crystal was so badly received in Japan, no matter how well received it was outside Japan - they would have ended it a long time ago and never make Season III. They care mostly for their market. I am sure they just put Crystal Season IV on the international logo so there will be no confusion in the West ( a polite way to say that we are dumb - joke) Where is the evidence somebody from Kodansha ever said that and do you think a publisher would ever say that for an on-going project? Everybody is free to report stuff, despite he heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that someone said something.
 
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NJ_

Gurges Ater
Oct 31, 2009
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^This wouldn't be the first time that Toei themselves changed the name of something internationally since the same thing happened with Dragon Ball Kai.

Japan: Dragon Ball Kai (for all episodes including Majin Buu)
International: Dragon Ball Z Kai (Saiyan-Cell episodes) & Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters (Majin Buu)

Regardless, I too want to know who that guy's source is because "Crystal was received VERY WELL internationally" sounds like BS to me.
 

sapphire91

Stella Nova
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Plus if Crystal wasn't well received from the start why keeping it for Season III. With the ling schedule of release with Crystal 1 and 2 as well as the gap between them and s3. It makes no sense to rename it for that reason now instead during season 3.
 
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Maybe it was because of the merchandise? Was Crystal merchandise even promoted that heavily during it's run? I remember before it was released they were talking about 90s stuff or promoting the brooches and things.

I think at this point we can tell it wasn't received that favorably but we don't know by how much. If Japan doesn't care about our views in the West then that means everyone must not have been satisfied with Crystal in Japan since it's went through big staff and art styles changes that make you wonder ..."is this the same series?" And I am sure there are just as many hardcore Moonies in Japan as elsewhere. I bet they spotted all the "errors" too. If it was doing so well they wouldn't have to being a vet back and everything. All that screams unsatisfied fan reception.

As far as Crystal errors for S1/2, this may have been in Toei' business plan. Sorta of like releasing a PG-13 film & then come out with the "Unrated" version. Figurinv everyone would get the BluRay with corrected animation. They seemed to not do this for Season III for some reason.. Either way, it was sloppy, intentional or not with some of their errors.

Maybe those merchandise sales before Crystal even aired gave Toei a little cushion or whatever. Outside of the Crystal anime, Sailor Moon is still popular. The musicals & 4D attraction are doing pretty well last I saw and how many other anime get musicals to come over to the States? Outside of Dragon Ball and a few others, any other Toei properties have movie screening for a show 20+ years old?

So it's safe to say Toei knows Sailor Moon can still and probably will always bring in a crowd. I just need for them to get it right this time and be consistent. I've pretty much accepted that some things will most likely be cut/changed around from the managa. Cool. Just hope they make this work all the way and don't give us a half a**ed 2-part film.

i think it would have been nice to still call it Sailor Moon Crystal: Dream, but whatever. Im ready to see how the Outer Senshi look.

idk what it is about Venus but the more I look at her, the more she reminds me of a blonde Michiru. Must be the extra wavy hair?
 

sapphire91

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Jul 6, 2018
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Maybe it was because of the merchandise? Was Crystal merchandise even promoted that heavily during it's run? I remember before it was released they were talking about 90s stuff or promoting the brooches and things.

I think at this point we can tell it wasn't received that favorably but we don't know by how much. If Japan doesn't care about our views in the West then that means everyone must not have been satisfied with Crystal in Japan since it's went through big staff and art styles changes that make you wonder ..."is this the same series?" And I am sure there are just as many hardcore Moonies in Japan as elsewhere. I bet they spotted all the "errors" too. If it was doing so well they wouldn't have to being a vet back and everything. All that screams unsatisfied fan reception.

As far as Crystal errors for S1/2, this may have been in Toei' business plan. Sorta of like releasing a PG-13 film & then come out with the "Unrated" version. Figurinv everyone would get the BluRay with corrected animation. They seemed to not do this for Season III for some reason.. Either way, it was sloppy, intentional or not with some of their errors.

Maybe those merchandise sales before Crystal even aired gave Toei a little cushion or whatever. Outside of the Crystal anime, Sailor Moon is still popular. The musicals & 4D attraction are doing pretty well last I saw and how many other anime get musicals to come over to the States? Outside of Dragon Ball and a few others, any other Toei properties have movie screening for a show 20+ years old?

So it's safe to say Toei knows Sailor Moon can still and probably will always bring in a crowd. I just need for them to get it right this time and be consistent. I've pretty much accepted that some things will most likely be cut/changed around from the managa. Cool. Just hope they make this work all the way and don't give us a half a**ed 2-part film.

i think it would have been nice to still call it Sailor Moon Crystal: Dream, but whatever. Im ready to see how the Outer Senshi look.

idk what it is about Venus but the more I look at her, the more she reminds me of a blonde Michiru. Must be the extra wavy hair?
And her eyes are narrower, the way they usually draw the outers. The fact they didn't show them on the teaser probably mean they won't show up in the first part. It is obvious that Crystal didn't please fans i Japan with all the artchanges, but I doubt this is the reason behind the logo and I doubt someone from the production side would outright say it the way they claim on that post. I doubt it was received any better in the West than in Japan.
 
Jul 11, 2013
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I honestly don't believe this is is actual statement. No company would say that something they are still working on wasn't well received. If it is over and gone for years they might say it, but I a pretty sure this is some "report" of somebody who wanted it to be like this. If Crystal was so badly received in Japan, no matter how well received it was outside Japan - they would have ended it a long time ago and never make Season III. They care mostly for their market. I am sure they just put Crystal Season IV on the international logo so there will be no confusion in the West ( a polite way to say that we are dumb - joke) Where is the evidence somebody from Kodansha ever said that and do you think a publisher would ever say that for an on-going project? Everybody is free to report stuff, despite he heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that someone said something.
I agree with you. They even once said on a Crystal marketing page (apparently disappeared now) that the first 2 seasons were well received.
 
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sapphire91

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I agree with you. They even once said on a Crystal marketing page (apparently disappeared now) that the first 2 seasons were well received.
I remember that the first two seasons sold well, according to Orekon(the data was for the first month or so after releaseds) . Well is like 1000 - 3000 untis. which is actually ok for anime. It was pribably because it was ona and because of the updates. Season 3 though sold poorly 200-500 units, probably because the show was on Tv this time and there were no animation updates. But sells when it comes to anime are the least important thing and sone anime that sells under 500 units for the first vol. which usually is the one that sells best, still keep going for seasons if they sell other stuff, high tv ratings etc.
 
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JunoDX

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Nov 8, 2018
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I watched a couple of episodes of episodes of season 3 yesterday. Epidode 3 and 6 (Ripples and Sailor Pluto) are actually really good episodes for Crystal. A lot of stuff is going on but I never had the feeling it was rushed. Okay, you could have and they should have made of each act two episodes... Animation wise it had quite some stunning moments, especially when the animators left the official design behind. It looks like a different show indeed.


I love this Kaori quote!








Season 3 made some things better compared to season 1+2, but it still feels and looks a bit generic, from a narrative and artistic point of view. Still has its stellar moments and is actually less painful to watch compared to season 1.

There is so much hope in those 2 Eternal movies, I think TOEI wants this to be successful and we can expect they'll deliver a good better show this time.
 

sapphire91

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Jul 6, 2018
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I watched a couple of episodes of episodes of season 3 yesterday. Epidode 3 and 6 (Ripples and Sailor Pluto) are actually really good episodes for Crystal. A lot of stuff is going on but I never had the feeling it was rushed. Okay, you could have and they should have made of each act two episodes... Animation wise it had quite some stunning moments, especially when the animators left the official design behind. It looks like a different show indeed.


I love this Kaori quote!








Season 3 made some things better compared to season 1+2, but it still feels and looks a bit generic, from a narrative and artistic point of view. Still has its stellar moments and is actually less painful to watch compared to season 1.

There is so much hope in those 2 Eternal movies, I think TOEI wants this to be successful and we can expect they'll deliver a good better show this time.
I disagree a bit. Season 3 was done much better as writing, storyboarding, direction, no CGI, than s1 and 2. Chiaki Kon did much better job as a director, and she did some stuff to improve the pacing. It flows much better than 1 and where they just threw transformation every time they didn't know what to do. The character designs are pretty much the only thing that disappointed me, but knowing Akira is in charge I knew what to expect. Another let down is the fact they didn't do any animation edits and there were episoded that really needed it. Let's hope with a new writer and better animators we will get something good. And let's hope there will be no outsorcing this time.
 
Jul 31, 2012
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Season III was enjoyable to me. Some of the shots were really nice. I like how I felt a lot more sympathetic with Kaori in this version. I though Season 3 was nicer because I got to see things the original version never showed. It was nice to see Haruka wear feminine clothes too.
 
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sapphire91

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I think the plot in season III was good because the manga itself was very good. :D:D:D
Of course, but the fact she ended some chapters at different points and stuff made for a better flow. The manga got better in Infinity and now Dreams arc is for me the highest point. If they don't do Stars, with the exception of the finale, i wont be disappointed. Only Ikuhara could do Stars justice.
 

JunoDX

Solaris Luna
Nov 8, 2018
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Of course, but the fact she ended some chapters at different points and stuff made for a better flow. The manga got better in Infinity and now Dreams arc is for me the highest point. If they don't do Stars, with the exception of the finale, i wont be disappointed. Only Ikuhara could do Stars justice.
Can you explain why?

So...let me think dream about the perfect scenario for the Stars movies...

director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (maybe co-director Chiaki Kon, they are close, aren't they?)
character design: Ikuko Itoh (so they bring back the other fan-favourite for the grand finale)
 

sapphire91

Stella Nova
Jul 6, 2018
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Can you explain why?

So...let me think dream about the perfect scenario for the Stars movies...

director: Kunihiko Ikuhara (maybe co-director Chiaki Kon, they are close, aren't they?)
character design: Ikuko Itoh (so they bring back the other fan-favourite for the grand finale)
The Stars manga arc has potential, but it has been unrealized. He can take it and explore it in an even more bizzare way. He created Shiori, one of the most cruel and bizzare anime character I know. He can do alaxia justice and Crystal needs a bit of his weirdness. Stars in the manga is very rushed, and if they turn it into series, he can make the most of it 12-13 episodes.