Spirited Away, an anime film by the master film maker Hayao Miyazaki, won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, defeating hot shots like Ice Age and Lilo and Stitch. Of course, this is an amazing feat accomplished by the film, but well deserved. The movie was released by Miramax, who is the same company that released Pokemon 4Ever, and soon to release the 5th Pokemon movie, Pokemon Heroes. When Spirited Away was released last year in September, it was on limited release, like most films Miramax releases. And needless to say, it didn’t do well in only a handful of theaters, compared to other animated films in the category that went to over 3,500 theaters (a wide release). However, the limited release didn’t stop this anime film to greatness. It won every single major animated film award here in the US, and what was left was the Oscar, which now it has won. That has convinced Miramax is re-release the movie in theaters, to 800 theaters. The re-release is on Friday, March 28th, which is today! The movie was only showing in less than 6 theaters before the re-release. If the movie does well, it will be released into even more theaters. I have already seen the movie when it was first released, and believe me, this is a movie you don’t want to miss out on. The movie is now re-released, I highly recommend everyone to see this movie!

The story is about a young girl named Chihiro, along with her mother and father moves to a new home. The father decided to take a detour to their new house and ends up in a place that is inhabited by spirits. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must find a way to save her parents and get out of this spirit world. For the movie trailer, go here: Apple Trailers: Spirited Away or Moviefone Trailers: Spirited Away. To find out theaters showing Spirited Away near you, use this tool: Yahoo Movies: Spirited Away.

The movie is rated PG. The film is available in dubbed and sub-titled versions, most theaters have the film as dubbed (the dubbing was an excellent job). The movie is for everybody, of any age. As one movie critic put it: “The kids will like it, and the adults will probably love it even more.”

The success of Spirited Away will be very important for the future of anime. Although it already has major success with all these awards, doing well at the box office is quite important as well. If things go well for Spirited Away in the box office, more companies in the US will more willing to bring these great anime films here to the US. Literally, anime's future in the US is riding on this film, and this film is as good as it gets. This is one of those movies that you want to see it once, and again one more time to appreciate the details of the hand artwork.

March has been full of releases, and here’s a recap of all three of them. Of course, the most obvious is Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire out in stores now. Featuring a total of 386 Pokemon and improved graphics on GBA, definitely a must get for any fan. The retail price for Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire is $30. In the movies department, Pokemon 4Ever on DVD/VHS has been released. The movie features Celebi, Ash, and the rest of the group. With the mini-movie and special features on the DVD, it’s a good item to get, especially for the many that weren’t able to see this movie when it was on limited release. The retail price for the DVD is anywhere around $20, the VHS is about $15. Now to the Nintendo’s latest handheld console, not just for Pokemon fans, but for all gamers alike. The GBA SP is released, think of it as an upgraded GBA. With it’s small size, and the very useful, lighted screen, which makes graphics look more clear under any lighting conditions. The retail price for the GBA SP is $100.

As for the future for Wizards, they still have some sets to be released until they are done with it, which includes: Skyridge (April), Legendary Collection II (Late Spring), and Jamboree (later this year). Tournaments will continue until August. For more information, visit the Wizards’ website: Wizards: Pokemon.

UPDATE 3/29/03: The website is now back online. The .com address is now working. Also, the .tk address will now lead back to the current server. If anything is wrong with the .com address, the .tk address will be changed to lead to the backup server as soon as possible.

Yes, most of you probably knew this already, Pokemon Elite 2000 has been down for almost a week now. I've decided to reopen my site at my old server, at Anzwers, temporarily, until my host gets the server fixed or if I find another server. It's been only a month since the website was moved, so I just had to make sure the recent changes to the site till then was added on, which has been completed. The URL www.pokemonelite2000.com, will not work for the time being. However, you can get to the site using www.pokemonelite2000.tk . Once again, our stay here should only be temporary until I get my server situation fixed, but at least the site actually works. Sorry for the inconvience!

The day is finally here. Pokemon Ruby and Pokemon Sapphire made it’s release today, on the 19th, the official release date. Originally scheduled to be released on the 17th, it was changed to the 19th a while back. Anyways, you can find Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire at stores now. In fact, many have reported seeing/buying the game before the official release date. Some over the weekend and some on the 17th. Which of course, is no surprise. Stores get their products earlier than the release date. And for whatever reason, some stores don’t follow the official release date schedule, not sure how legal that is, but it happens. Anyways, you should be able to find Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire at most stores, especially in the bigger gaming chain stores. The retail price for Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire is $40. However, you should be able to find it for around $30 at many places. Amazon and Toys R Us are selling the game for $25. Also, some stores are still offering the collectible coin if you purchase Pokemon Ruby or Pokemon Sapphire, an item that was given to those that pre-ordered it. You might even see the collectible hologram coin for sale at some stores. Still, some stores may not have the game yet, for various reasons, such as late shipments. So check your stores for more information.

 

 

Background information on Ruby/Sapphire: The game only works on Game Boy Advance or GBA SP. It features a grand total of 386 Pokemon, however, only 202 are capturable. The game offers improved graphics on GBA. You journey is in the new region of Hoenn. You can not trade with older versions, only between Ruby and Sapphire trades only. For more information about the game, go to the Ruby/Sapphire section: Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire.

 

Also making its release, Pokemon 4Ever on DVD/VHS is now released also, the official release date for that was the 18th. It was the first Pokemon film under limited release, and that for sure caught fans off guard (which by the way, the next film is also under limited release, so do your research and see the film before it bolts out of the theaters). Whether you seen the film already or haven’t, the DVD packed with special features will satisfy any fan. And of course, one of those major features is the mini-movie, that was not shown in theaters (it’s 20 minutes long). Then you have your features you’ve seen before like audio commentary through out the movie, which I think is pretty cool once you’ve seen the movie once, and then hear the commentary throughout the movie, and you’ll learn some cool stuff. What’s interesting is that there’s a trivia game and a trading card game tutorial. Anyways, go get your Pokemon 4Ever DVD/VHS now!

 

 

Synopsis: 40 years ago, a hunter who specialized in selling rare Pokémon tried to catch a Celebi, a green, winged Pokémon with the ability to travel through time. In order to escape, Celebi used the last of its energy to travel to the present bringing with it Sammy, a boy who tried to save Celebi from the hunter. In the present, Ash, Pikachu and crew find Sammy in the woods… For the complete synopsis and pictures of the movie, go to the Pokemon 4Ever section: Pokemon 4Ever.

The current season airing in the US is the 5th season, Pokemon Master Quest. The 6th season will start airing this Fall.

Obviously, this is horrible news for fans of the TCG. WotC is the top trading card game company, world famous for it’s creation of Magic: The Gathering. It is unclear what will become of the Pokemon TCG. Nintendo can start making their own cards, give the rights to another company, or stop producing them altogether (a possibility, but I really doubt it). Maybe Nintendo has a bigger plan for the Pokemon TCG? Let’s hope so. For the time being, you can check out the Wizards website: Wizards’ Pokemon Site. You’ll find updates of what the plans are for the months ahead.

Nintendo has started a very interesting contest, in which you can create your own lyrics to the Pokemon theme song, video tape it, and send it in. Ten finalists will be chosen, and one of those will be chosen to be the Grand Prize winner, of which one of the prize of the Grand Prize winner is a special Lugia-branded Plymouth PT Cruiser car. In the form you have to sign to enter the competition, the agreement basically says once you submit the lyrics to Nintendo, they own it. Which may mean the top winner’s song may be used somewhere, like in the TV series. It’s not a sure thing, Nintendo didn’t say if the song will be used like that. For more information, rules, and submission form, go to the official page for the contest: Pokemon Rocks!

A new poster for the new 6th movie has been released. It gives a better a better idea what you can expect to see in the movie. The 6th Pokemon movie will be released in Japan on July 19th. The movie poster you see on the right is for the mini-movie. Featuring Pikachu and Meowth of course, as well as the three new starters: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. Below are some shots from the 6th movie:

There's no release date for the 6th movie in the US. We don't even know which movie distributor is going to pick up this movie. Miramax was signed the contract for the 4th and 5th movies: Pokemon 4Ever and Pokemon Heroes. It's not known at the current time if Miramax, will distribute this movie, or maybe back to Warner Bros, or maybe even a new distributor. We'll just have to see.

KidsWB will be showing a one hour special about the new upcoming season, that features the new Pokemon from Ruby/Sapphire. The one hour special will show on March 15th, that’s a Saturday, on 8:30AM and 10:00AM. It’s something you definitely don’t want to miss out on. In the program, you’ll get a sneak peak of the new region, Hoenn. As well as new characters and new Pokemon, of course. The current fifth series is Pokemon Master Quest. This new season of Pokemon will be the sixth season of the series. Mark your calendars for this special sneak peak!

Once again, the movie will be released in May 16th.

Finally, all the English names for the new Pokemon in Ruby/Sapphire are listed. You can check out the entire list with all the English names in the Ruby/Sapphire section of the site, and then click on RS Pokemon List, or click here: RS Pokemon List.

The following is the final batch of Pokemon names added in the RS Pokemon List:

Blaziken, Ludicolo, Shiftry, Gardevoir, Masquerain, Shedinja, Exploud, Aron, Lairon, Aggron, Medicham, Swalot, Carvanha, Spoink, Grumpig, Flygon, Cacturne, Lunatone, Solrock, Whiscash, Lobstar, Baltoy, Claydol, Lileep, Cradily, Armaldo, Feebas, Shuppet, Banette, Dusclops, Chimecho, Absol, Snorunt, Glalie, Spheal, Sealeo, Walrein, Clamperl, Huntail, Borebyss, Relicanth, Luvdisc, Bagon, Shellgon, Salamence, Beldum, Metang, Metagross, and Rayquaza.

As a reminder, Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire will be released on March 19th.

At the Pokemon Center, the Gotta Catch ‘Em All Station will be featuring Celebi for capture! You must have Gold, Silver or Crystal version with you. From March 7th through March 13th, you can capture a normal Celebi or a shiny Celebi. Obviously, the special shiny Celebi is more rarer find. So for those who can get to the Pokemon Center NY, this is definitely something you won’t want to miss out on if you really want a Celebi.

Pokemon Center NY directions and hours:

Address:
10 Rockefeller Plaza
48th Street between 5th and 6th Aves.
New York City
(212) 307-0900

Store Hours:
Sun-Thu: 10AM - 8PM
Fri & Sat: 9AM - 9PM

Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and Zelda, who also plays a big role in creating Pokemon, made a small comment about Pokemon. It all began at D.I.C.E. Summit (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) 2003, held during February 27th and 28th, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s basically a seminar having key people from the industry speaking, answering questions and such. Shigeru Miyamoto was one of the speakers at the summit.

One of the questions posed to him was:

“How content are you with the connectivity features you've been able to show off on Game Boy Advance up until this point?”

Part of the answer from Shigeru Miyamoto:

“This year we'll be showing off more concrete examples of that with Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and perhaps, and this is not necessarily certain, but with Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire versions of Stadium for GameCube. Maybe something like that.”

Though a very small comment about Pokemon, it can mean anything. A hint to what to expect maybe. It is certain that there will be a Pokemon game for GameCube, since a release date has been set for Summer 2003 for Japan (not much information about this game, besides the fact that it needs either Ruby or Sapphire to even work). Nothing much new has been learned here, as Shigeru Miyamoto said himself that “this is not necessarily certain”, meaning, the Ruby and Sapphire versions of Stadium for GameCube. We’ll see what exactly happens in the near future, there will be probably be more said about the Pokemon game for Gamecube in E3, a gaming industry event that shows off new games and new announcements from gaming companies, held in mid-May.

Since the last article about new English names for the new Pokemon in Ruby/Sapphire, of course, more names has been discovered. The list in the Ruby/Sapphire section has been updated with the additions. These new updates include the following Pokemon: Sceptile, Mightyena, Linoone, Beautifly, Cascoon, Dustox, Lombre, Nuzleaf, Swellow, Kirlia, Surskit, Breloom, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Nincada, Ninjask, Whismur, Loudred, Makuhita, Hariteyama, Delcatty, Sableye, Mawile, Mawile, Meditite, Electrike, Manectric, Plusle, Minun, Gulpin, Numel, Camerupt, Torkoal, Spinda, Trapinch, Cacnea, Swablu, Altaria, Barboatch, Miltotic, Castform, Duskull, and Tropius.

Past discovered English Pokemon along with the new ones are found in the Ruby/Sapphire section of the site, in the RS Pokemon List page.

After months of being offline due to a merge with another forum, the Pokemon Elite 2000 forums are back in business and better than ever. The forums reopened just two weeks ago, but already, things are getting busy at the forum. Since being offline, the forum has gone through upgrades that added more features to the forum. I also created a new look for the forum, that matches the website more. For those that don’t know what a forum exactly is, it’s like a chat room. Instead of talking to people in real time, you post messages on a particular topic, and others will do the same too, which will start conversations going, just like a chat room. Signing up to be a member is free and easy. Click here to go to the forums: Pokemon Elite 2000 Forums.

Also, for new members, it’s encouraged that you glance through this guide that explains pretty much everything you need to know: Forums Guide.

The Pokemon Elite 2000 forums have been a great success in the past, and we’re hoping to continue that success!

It has been confirmed that Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire will have yet another new feature, with e-Reader. For those that don't know anything about e-Reader, it's basically a device for GBA that can unlock things such as games using special e-Cards to swipe through the e-Reader. For Ruby/Sapphire, e-Reader will serve for another purpose: Pokemon e-Battle Card. Both versions will have a e-card found with inside the game box, that will unlock a battle for you to fight in. Pokemon Ruby contains Gentleman Nils, and Pokemon Sapphire will have Lady Astrid. You must have two GBA's hooked up to each other for this to work, one that has either Ruby or Sapphire, and at the other end containing e-Reader. The e-Reader device costs around $40. Both Ruby and Sapphire contains a coupon for $10 off an e-Reader. So if you're going to get one, be sure to put that coupon to good use.

Using this e-Reader feature is unnecessary, you can play the game as normal without using this e-Reader function.

For those that have been up to date reading the news here at Pokemon Elite 2000, you probably heard something about PokeBlocks. Of course, learning from Japanese version of Ruby/Sapphire, we have learned many things before the game is even released here. But now comes the official word on it all. Here in this new article I will sum up what exactly are berries and PokeBlocks.

Most players by now should now what berries are. They can restore HP and heal other various statuses. This time around, you might not want to be too eager on using these berries. In a new feature in Ruby/Sapphire, you’ll be able to plant your berries to make berry trees. Though, it can only be planted on fertile soil, not just anywhere. As a hint, use the Wailmer Pail from the Flower Shop to make your trees grow faster. Also, you may want to plant the really rare berries. In certain parts of the game, you’ll be given rare berries as gifts. You may want to keep those intact, and plant those, so you’ll have a good supply of them.

Now on to the other kind of berry, a new kind introduced in this new version, PokeBlocks. These PokeBlocks are like berries, but used in a different kind of way. You mix them in a machine to feed to your Pokemon. Use them to increase your Pokemon’s cuteness, beauty, toughness, coolness, and smartness. What are these features for? They’re for another new feature in the game, Pokemon contests. These contests judges your Pokemon in the five factors that were listed. If you win the contest, you’ll get special ribbons that will increase your Pokemon skills or upgrade its abilities. Of course, this is much trickier than just feeding your Pokemon the PokeBlocks and win the contest. There are different types of PokeBlocks, some Pokemon like specific kinds, and you’ll have to figure out what works the best.