According to the Anime News Network, Twentieth Century Fox has asked a fansite to take down what were purportedly trailers for the upcoming Dragonball movie - not, seemingly, because the studio was upset about the site violating licensing issues, but because the film was not the real trailer that is supposed to go with the movie.

According to the email from Fox (shown here), the content that has been circulating was only intended to show to possible licensing and merchandising partners, so they could decide well ahead of time whether they wanted to become involved in the project. Because it was for this private, temporary use, even Fox itself didn't have the permissions necessary for using the actors or music in public.

The real trailer is still being designed, with special attention to what the email describes as "effect shots." This means that it will not be ready for the theater debut of the Max Payne movie on October 17, 2008, as previously planned. Instead it has been pushed back to sometime later in the year.

In other news related to anime-turned-live-action, remember that Death Note II: The Last Name is set to show in many theaters across the United States next Wednesday and Thursday, October 15 and 16. Thirty New England fans have an opportunity to win a pair of tickets each, by going to the Anime Kaiju Experience site and clicking on the Death Note II movie poster to enter the draw, being made in cooperatioin with VIZ Media. No purchase is necessary.

Read the contest instructions carefully and don't leave anything out, so you don't lose your chance. The entry page also lists which New England theaters are participating, so be sure there's one near you. Entries must be submitted by 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, to qualify.

For fans in general, you can visit NCM Fathom's website for a complete list of theaters in which you can see this second Death Note movie.

Another VIZ film, Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody, will be showing in Canada for one night only, Monday, October 20, 2008. Fans can go to the Cineplex website or the Empire Theatres website for advance tickets and a list of participating theatres.

There is certainly no shortage of anime-based films lately. This can only be a big win for anime fans.