According to the Anime News Network, action movie-maestro John Woo will produce the sequel to the Appleseed movie, the first feature length all-CGI anime produced in Japan.  Directed by Shinji Aramaki, who will also helm the sequel, Appleseed , which is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, is a visually stunning and innovative use of computer-generated animation to mimic the effects of the best 2D animation rather than to create some sort of cheesy 3D puppetoon look.  In addition to the new Appleseed feature film, a 26-episode Appleseed TV series is also reported to be in development in Japan and is slated to air in the summer of 2006.

Meanwhile Geneon is releasing the first Appleseed CGI feature in the U.S. on May 10th, in three editions (see 'Appleseed DVDs Planned for May'): a regular version (srp $19.98), a Limited Collector's Edition with a metal case ($29.98) and a Special Limited Collector's Edition with Action Figure ($49.98).