Osamu Tezuka’s A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose, a captivating anime special from 1983, is making its grand debut in North America with a newly remastered Blu-ray edition and an English dub. SkySet Entertainment is releasing this gem on June 14, 2025, introducing a fresh audience to Tezuka’s timeless storytelling.
A Dystopian Vision
Based on Tezuka’s Prime Rose manga, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 1982 to 1983, A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose plunges viewers into a dystopian future. A destructive force known as Death Mask propels Kujukuri City, Japan, and Dallas, Texas, 10,000 years into the future, transforming them into brutal arenas. The story follows Gai Tanbara, a hero determined to defeat Death Mask and restore order. Along his journey, he allies with Emiya, a fierce warrior fighting to reclaim her city. Together, they confront the grim realities of their shattered world.
The English Dub Cast
SkySet Entertainment has assembled a talented English voice cast to breathe new life into the characters. The cast includes:
- KyLeigh Zimmerer as Emiya Tachi
- Jacob Eiseman as Gai Tanbara
- Christina Assaf-Costello as Bunretsu Tanbara
- David Wald as Pilar
- John Swasey as Jinba
- Bradley Gareth as Kiriko
- Freddie Heinz as Jacques Tachi
- Madeleine Norton as Iruma Tachi
- Dylan Mobley as General
- Bryan Massey as Malevolent Deity
- Joseph DuVall as Taro
- Conner Allison as Newscaster
- Paxson Helgesen as Controller
- Nasim Benelkour as Warden
- John Van Doren as Sergeant
Additional voices are provided by Kenny Armstrong, Jason Bunch, KJ Burbank, David Cherry, Trina Deuhart, Biker Helmkamp, Rebecca Olivia Hodges, Carrick Inabnett, John Martinez, Leo Matthews, Erica Muse, Skye Redden, Kim Rivera, and Doll Shay.
The English dub is directed by Phebe Fabacher, with Hayden Davis as the engineer. Kym Rose handled the adaptation, and Ralph Villegas oversaw the timecoding.
Special Features
The Blu-ray edition of A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose includes special features, offering an in-depth look at the anime’s creation:
- English dub outtakes
- Interviews with the English voice cast
- Staff commentary
- Pre-production sketches from Tezuka Productions
- Trailer videos
A Closer Look at the Story
In 1983, the “Death Mask” military satellite suffers an accident in orbit and falls to Earth, splitting in two and obliterating Dallas and Kujukuri. However, the two cities are not destroyed but sent 10,000 years into the future. Gai Tanbara is assigned by a Time Patrol officer to travel into the future and find out what has happened to the residents of those cities. Gai’s bratty kid brother, Bunretsu, stows away in the time machine. They emerge in a desolate world filled with dangerous mutant monsters.
Plot Details
A devil sends Kujukuri City and Dallas 10,000 years into the future and makes them fight each other. The devil’s name is Bazusu. Gai Tanbara, a member of Time Patrol, fights this devil to stop the atrocity.
Characters
- Gai Tanbara: A member of the Time Patrol, determined to stop Bazusu and restore order.
- Emiya Tachi/Prime Rose: A fierce warrior fighting to reclaim her city.
- Bunretsu Tanbara: Gai’s younger brother, who stows away on the time machine.
- Bazusu/Death Mask: The devil who sends the cities into the future and enjoys watching them fight.
- Pilar: One of the characters in the anime.
- Jinba: A mysterious old man who rescues Bunretsu.
- Kiriko: Pirar’s second-in-command.
Tezuka’s Vision
Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” left a lasting impact on the world of anime and manga. His works often explore themes of humanity, war, and the future. A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose reflects these themes, presenting a world where love and courage are essential for survival.
Reception
While A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose may not be as widely known as some of Tezuka’s other works, it has garnered attention for its unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure. Some viewers have noted the film’s unusual narrative structure and shifts in tone, while others have praised its inventive storytelling and quirky humor.
Where to Watch
The Blu-ray release of A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose will be available for purchase starting June 14, 2025. Fans can pre-order the Blu-ray from various North American retailers and streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video.
A Rare Opportunity
This release offers a rare opportunity to experience a lesser-known gem from Osamu Tezuka. With the English dub and special features, this Blu-ray edition makes the anime accessible to a wider audience.
A Sword & Sorcery Farce
The story begins in 1983, when the “Death Mask” military satellite suffers a mysterious accident in orbit and falls to Earth, splitting in two and obliterating the cities of Dallas, Texas and Kujū, Japan. However, the two cities are not destroyed but sent 10,000 years into the future. Gai Tanbara is assigned by a Time Patrol officer to travel into the future in one of the agency’s time machines and find out what has happened to the residents of those cities. Gai’s bratty kid brother, Bunretsu, stows away in the machine.
The Blend of Genres
A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose blends science fiction and sword & sorcery. The film starts as a science fiction drama and turns into a sword & sorcery farce.
The Cold War
Tezuka pushes his usual anti-war themes to the forefront, examining the Cold War from the perspective of those caught in the crossfire between super-powers.
Final Thoughts
A Time Slip of 10,000 Years: Prime Rose is a unique and quirky anime special that showcases Osamu Tezuka’s storytelling. With its blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, it offers a fresh perspective on themes of war, humanity, and the future. The English dub and special features make this Blu-ray edition a must-have for Tezuka fans and anime enthusiasts alike.
