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Aria English Dub Kickstarter Meets Stretch Goal for Aria the Natural Part 1

Nozomi Entertainment's Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to provide an English dub for its HD release of Aria the Animation met its US$180,000 stretch goal to also dub the first 13 episodes of the second series, Aria the Natural, on Friday. Those who wish to receive an HD Blu-ray Disc for the first part of Aria the Natural can choose a "plus" tier to add it as a reward, though the reward is already included for those who have pledged more than US$1,000. As of press time, the project has earned US$193,527.

The project met its initial goal of US$110,000 within a week of its launch on August 12.The second half of Aria the Natural will also get an English dub the project reaches US$240,000. If the project does not reach the stretch goals, the staff will still devote the additional funds toward lowering the goal of a future Kickstarter for the second series, but the staff noted that the overall cost will be less expensive if both series are funded with the same Kickstarter campaign.

The dub will be recorded at Headline Studios in New York. The cast will include Michele Knotz, Jessica Calvello, and Lisa Ortiz.

Hal Film Maker animated the 2005 television series Aria the Animation, and it later inspired two more television series — Aria the Natural in 2006 and Aria the Origination in 2008 — as well as original video anime (OVAs) in 2007 and 2015. Junichi Satō (Sailor Moon, Princess Tutu) directed all installments in the anime franchise. Crunchyroll is streaming the first series with English subtitles.

Nozomi Entertainment describes the story:

Akari Mizunashi, at the age of 15, has left everything behind to travel to a sparkling planet covered in water, Aqua, formerly known as Mars. By the 24th century, humans have found a way to colonize the formerly uninhabitable planet.

More than anything, Akari wants to be an "undine" - a female gondolier who navigates the canals of the Aquan city of Neo-Venezia. The city itself is a faithful replication of Manhome's (Earth) city of Venice. To make sure that residents and tourists alike get the most from Neo-Venezia's many wonders, companies offering guided tours via gondola were formed, one of which is named Aria Company.

As she begins her training with the prestigious Aria Company, will she be up to the challenges that await her on the path to achieve her dream?

Right Stuf licensed the three television series and the 2007 OVA in North America with English subtitles. ADV Manga released the first three of 12 total volumes of Kozue Amano's original Aria manga series in North America, then Tokyopop released the first six volumes. Tokyopop also released the two-volume Aqua prequel manga in North America.

Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the news tip.