North America Gets the Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva DVD on November 8
Although Professor Layton games are mostly known for their puzzles, a large part of the games’ charm is in their distinct aesthetic and character design. To fans of the games’ art style, the short cutscenes are just that…short. After hearing news that Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva debuted at #6 in the Japanese box office in 2009, fans in North America have been wondering when they can get in on a whole animated movie’s worth of the games’ aesthetic goodness.
Viz Media gave their answer: November 8, 2011.
image courtesy of Viz Media
Aside from being a detective, archaeologist, and the perfect English gentleman, Hershel Layton apparently really was a professor; it’s an old student of his that gets the movie going. Viz’s press release provides an overview of the plot:
Professor Layton, a true English gentleman, renowned archaeologist, and the world’s greatest amateur super sleuth, embarks on his most daring adventure yet when he receives a letter from his old student, the famous opera diva Janice Quatlane. She is set to perform at the legendary Crown Petone Opera House and invites him to attend as her special guest. Meanwhile, a spate of disappearances hits London. Two young school girls are the latest victims and the Professor suspects it’s related to the mysterious occurrences at the theatre. The Professor and his loyal assistant Luke travel to the Opera House to solve their toughest puzzle yet, the mystery of Eternal Life!
Even as an animated film, it just wouldn’t be Professor Layton without puzzles. Brian Ige, Viz’ Animation VP, assures us that the film will have puzzles and that “viewers are allowed time to formulate their own solutions to the riddles and brainteasers before Professor Layton provides the final answer.”
Featuring options for English subs and dubs, the Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva DVD will be in North American stores on November 8. Those who want to ensure their copies can pre-order on the Viz Media Store.
