TokyoCinema films and video available in VHS NTSC and PAL cassette

in English narration

The latest production　

THE SEA IN THE SEED 　 Sperm of Ginkgo biloba and Reproductive Evolution in Plants

Awarded THE BEST RESEARCH FILM at 21th UNICAJA Scientific Films Biaennial, Ronda, Spain
In 1986, HIRASE Sakugoro found sperm of Ginkgo biloba and this discovery filled a missing lynk in evolution of plants. A century later Japanese botaists realized to observe whole process of reproductive sceans in moving images using carefully treated living specimens starting premitive unicelluar algae Mesostigma to Angiosperms, Torenia. This video introduces some the first ever captured shots in video timelapse: How female Gingko tree capture the polen. Growth of Gingko sperm inside the polen tube. Full process of doubled fertilization in Torenia.
Prod. 2000 color. 35min.
The price for individual users USD250 and institutional users USD500.

LIFE OF THE FRESHWATER SPONGE

Awarded THE BEST RESEARCH FILM at 19th UNICAJA Scientific Films Biaennial, Ronda, Spain
Sponges, previously classified as Parazoa, which demonstrate characteristics of unicellular organisms, are now shown to have some features of true metazoans. Uses time-lapse photography to show sponges’ water purifying function, how their cells aggregate in a multicellular form because dissociated sponge cells cannot survive individually, and how sponges can distinguish themselves from others. Shows examples from Ephydatia fluviatilis..
Prod. 1996 color. 28 min.

MOON JELLY

Complete life cycle of the common jellyfish, Aurelia aurita.was recorded by time-lapse in 16mm color film.
Prod. 1977 color, 33min.

WHERE THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS MOTION 　　PART１
The function of microtubules

Studies the structure and function of microtubules highlighting the distinction between muscle movement and movement apparent in microtubules. Shows flagellar and ciliary movement in protozoa and higher organisms, e.g. chlamydomonas, paramoecia, euglena, mytilus. Experiments with methylene blue are shown as evidence of ATP synthesis and action. Electron micrographs and models are used to demonstrate the structure of microtubules. Experiments on individual flagellae are shown with ATP being applied to certain portions of flagellae; the results are shown in slow motion. Axopodia are shown in heliozoans with illustration of their operation and function.
Prod. 1979. color. 26 min.

WHERE THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS MOTION　　 PART2
The role of microfilaments in cell motility
Uses research film footage shot in laboratories by eminent specialists involved in cell motility studies. Opens with a brief summary of muscle movement and the roles of proteins actin and myosin. Creatures without muscles are examined ? Amoeba proteus, Pelomyxa, algal cells from the Characeae group such as Nitella and Chara. The slime mould Physarum polycephalum is also examined. Experiments on protoplasmic streaming are shown as well as evidence for the role of microfilaments in motility.
Prod. 1982. color

Developmental biology of an ascidian: Halocynthia roretzi
Shows the life cycle of the sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi. Halocynthia adults from Mutzu Bay in Northern Japan are shown to spawn at a certain time of the day and differences in spawning time have been used to define three sub-species. Shows in great detail the fertilization and development of an egg through to the larval form. Metamorphosis follows and development is shown up to maturity and the adult form. The importance of this group for developmental biologists is in the larval stage where the animal develops a notochord and a swimming tail. In Japan Halocynthia is farmed for food, and sequences in the film show fishermen harvesting the adult animals. Prod. 1982. color. 23 min.

HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO IMAGE OF PROTOZOA

This is the first our experience of shooting by HDTV fo micrography.

Prices except new Ginkgo video: US$200.oo per video copy for individual users and US$400.oo for Institutional users who provide lending services in VHS.

Other TokyoCinema products are also available in video, however many TV programs are not for foreign audiences and Japanese narrations only. Video copies of pictures produced by old Tokyo Cinema Co., Inc. is also available. There are certain titles which already transferred to Betacam SP video, much easier to make a VHS cassette, however those are 30% of the products.

Theoretically all of the listed titles in this home page are available, however we must transfer the video copy from 35mm original negatives.

Tokyo Cinema films available in video with English narration:

THE WORLD OF MICROBES
MARINE SNOW
THE WORLD OF PULSES
SELECTED LACTOBACILLUS

Order mail to 　　info@TokyoCinema.net
TokyoCinema Inc, 302, 7 Ichigaya-Tamachi-2, Tokyo-162-0843 JAPAN
phn: +813-3269-6751 　fax:+813-3269-6746

started 1999.04.02.

final update 2001.08.16.