Square Enix today debuted its highly anticipated CG movie sequel Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children in Japan. Producer Shinji Hashimoto, director and character designer Tetsuya Nomura, co-director Takeshi Nozue and the voice actors were not only joined by lucky fans, but also several celebrities for the screening in the Roppongi Hills Virgin Toho Cinema in Tokyo. The three J-Pop combos MAX, Hinoi Team, Lead, singer ISSA as well as actresses Noriko Aota and Sakura Uehara were introduced as special guests by Square Enix. Before the premiere performance of the movie, a video message by Kyousuke Himuro, who performed the movie's main theme "Calling", was aired. After the movie's premiere on the big screen, the three Square Enix staffers and four voice actors took the stage to reflect on the two and a half years the movie has been in development. Director Tetsuya Nomura took the opportunity to thank fans for their support and patience in waiting for the release of the often delayed movie project.

The DVD and UMD versions of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children will go on sale in Japan next week, on September 14th. The standard DVD edition as well as the UMD release will both retail for 4,800 yen ($43.63 US), while the limited edition DVD box will cost 29,500 yen ($268.13 US).

• Dengeki Online