A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose Gets Blu-Ray Release Date, and Dub Cast
The Return of Tezuka's Dystopian Vision on Blu-ray
Osamu Tezuka’s A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose (タイムスリップ10000年 プライム・ローズ), a science fiction anime television special originally aired in 1983, is finally making its North American debut on Blu-ray Disc thanks to SkySet Entertainment. This remastered edition, released on June 14, 2025, marks the first time this influential work has been widely available outside of Japan. Said release isn't just about visual upgrades; it features a brand new English dub performed by a talented cast, bringing Tezuka’s dystopian world to life for a wider audience. This is a significant event for anime enthusiasts and fans of Tezuka's legacy, offering a chance to experience a piece of history in animation form.
Bringing Prime Rose to Life
Leading the cast are KyLeigh Zimmerer as Emiya Tachi and Jacob Eiseman as Gai Tanbara. Additional roles include Christina Assaf-Costello as Bunretsu Tanbara, David Wald as Pilar, John Swasey as Jinba, and Bradley Gareth as Kiriko. The full voice cast is extensive, including Freddie Heinz, Madeleine Norton, Dylan Mobley, Bryan Massey, Joseph DuVall, Conner Allison, Paxson Helgesen, Nasim Benelkour, John Van Doren, and many more contributing voices for guards, slaves and additional characters. The dub was directed by Phebe Fabacher with engineering by Hayden Davis, showcasing a commitment to quality in bringing this classic anime to English-speaking audiences.
Time, Power, and Resistance
A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose, based on Tezuka’s Prime Rose manga serialized from 1982 to 1983, plunges viewers into a gripping narrative. The story begins when a powerful entity known as Death Mask hurls the cities of Kujukuri City, Japan, and Dallas, Texas, 10,000 years into the future. This cataclysmic event transforms these familiar locations into brutal battlegrounds where survival depends on strength alone. Gai Tanbara embarks on a perilous journey to overthrow Death Mask’s tyrannical control over time, aided by Emiya, a fierce warrior determined to reclaim her city from darkness. The anime explores themes of resistance against oppressive forces and the importance of fighting for what is right in a shattered world.
Special Features & Tezuka's Legacy
The Blu-ray release isn’t just about the main feature itself; it boasts a wealth of supplementary content. Fans can expect to find English dub outtakes, insightful interviews with the English cast, and commentary from the production staff. Additionally, pre-production sketches from Tezuka Productions offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind this influential work. This release serves as a testament to Osamu Tezuka's enduring legacy – “The God of Manga,” whose prolific body of work includes classics like Astro Boy, Jungle Emperor Leo, and Black Jack.
The Mangaka's Influence on Anime
Osamu Tezuka’s contributions to manga and animation are undeniable. His innovative storytelling techniques, distinctive art style, and pioneering spirit laid the foundation for much of what followed in both mediums. Astro Boy, one of his most iconic creations, was Japan’s first half-hour animated series, revolutionizing production methods and shaping the early aesthetics and styles of television anime. A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose continues this tradition of exploring ambitious themes and pushing creative boundaries, offering a window into Tezuka’s vast imagination and solidifying his place as a true visionary in the world of entertainment.
