Source: Asian Crush, Media Blasters, Inc.
The home video label Asian Crush, a division of Asian Media Rights, has announced the Region 1 DVD release of the Japanese horror films END CALL (エンドコール, Endokoru, 2008) and LUST IN HELL – EDGE OF THE WORLD (妖美伝奇 新説 牡丹灯籠 壱 この世の果て, Bi Denki Shinsetsu Botandourou Ichi Kono Yono Hate, 2009). Asian Crush titles are distributed by Media Blasters.
Continued…
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
At long last, the day fans have been waiting for is here — digital volumes of Bleach Vol. 53, Naruto Vol. 58 and One Piece Vol. 64 are now available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch, catching North American readers up to Japan releases!
These volumes have been released ahead of the print editions as part of the SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP speed up to get U.S. readers up to date with Japan, just in time for the debut of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha) this Monday, January 30th.
Continued…
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: toei-anim.co.jp/dragonz (Japan), funimation.com/dragon-ball-z (US)
Special Thanks to Michelle Lee and Scott Lonski
FUNimation Entertainment has officially confirmed they have suspended production of all future planned Blu-ray releases of DRAGON BALL Z including Level 2.1 scheduled to be released on March 27, 2012.
Blu-ray editions of DRAGON BALL Z went into production based on fan demand, however due to technical challenges of restoring from the original film frame by frame, we are unable to continue these releases by way of this process. FUNimation will be re-evaluating the current process and researching more efficient methods of restoration.
Continued…
Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan and Bing Bing Fan Star in an Epic Tale with Cutting Edge Martial Arts
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend
Donnie Yen (IP MAN), Jackie Chan (SHAOLIN, 1911) and Bing Bing Fan (SHAOLIN, MY WAY) star in the epic action adventure BLADE OF KINGS (千機變II花都大戰, Chin gei bin 2: Fa dou daai jin, aka THE TWINS EFFECT II, 2004), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD March 6th from Well Go USA Entertainment.
The all-star cast also includes Charlene Choi (TRIPLE TAP, THE JADE AND THE PEARL), Gillian Chung (VAMPIRE EFFECT), and Hong Kong Film Award nominee for Best Newcomer Jaycee Chan (1911) in the tale of Charcoal Head, a humble boy born to rule an empire who must first undertake his journey to claim his throne in the mythical land of Huadu. Nominated for four Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Visual Effects, the film was directed by Patrick Leung and Cory Yuen.
Continued…
Tsuburaya Productions’ Characters on Display in Their Old Hometown
Author: Daisuke Ishizuka
From 1963-2005, Tsuburaya Productions — the television and film company behind the long-running Ultraman franchise — had their headquarters in the residential Kinuta and Okura districts of Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward. Tsuburaya Pro moved into their new offices in Hachimanyama, Setagaya, Tokyo after being purchased by the TYO Group in 2007.
For a time, the Kinuta office was maintained as an editing and computer graphic imaging facility. The second floor of the building was also used as a warehouse to store the monster suits, masks and costumes from the various Ultraman movies and shows. But Tsuburaya eventually decided to to move these departments to Hachimanyama as well, and the Kinuta branch was shut down on February 6, 2008. The property was sold to developers who demolished the office and replaced it with an apartment building.
The Soshigaya-Okura station on the Odakyu-line was the closest train station to the original Tsuburaya Productions offices. And even though Tsuburaya has moved to another city, the area around Soshigaya-Okura is still named “Ultra Town” because many Ultramen can still be seen there.
Continued…
It’s Time for the Final Showdown
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release
Seiji Chiba, director of the cult hits NINJA GIRL, ALIEN VS NINJA and ROGUE NINJA, brings a further helping of period-set ninja action to the screen with NINJA BATTLE (忍邪, Sengoku: Iga No Ran, 2010), starring Aiko Ito (ULTRAMAN MENIUS & ULTRAMAN BROTHERS; BLAST-DRAGON TASK FORCE ABARANGER), Shuji Kashiwabara (ALIEN VS NINJA), Daisuke Nagakura (BIG MAN JAPAN), Kentaro Shimazu (ROBO-GEISHA; TOKYO GORE POLICE; THE MACHINE GIRL) and Ben Hiura (ALIEN VS NINJA; ZATOICHI).
A cerebral ninja movie full of twists and intrigue, NINJA BATTLE also capably delivers the martial arts and swordplay action promised by its title as once again Seiji Chiba proves himself to be one of the genre’s leading cult directors.
NINJA BATTLE (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by MVM on February 6th.
Continued…
New Addition to Anime Convention in San Jose, CA
Source: FanimeCon press release
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le
FanimeCon, in partnership with the Steam Federation, is proud to announce Clockwork Alchemy! This new additional convention for steampunk fans will be held during Memorial Day weekend, May 25th–28th, 2012, the same weekend as FanimeCon. A single membership will grant access to both FanimeCon in the San Jose Convention Center area and Clockwork Alchemy in the DoubleTree Hotel.
Clockwork Alchemy is a creative exploration of the world of steampunk, a fantastical past that never was but should have been. Steampunk is a world of incredible machines, daring heroes, bold inventors, mad scientists, and adventure at every turn, all set in a time when steam powered the world and the possibilities were endless!
Continued…
Source: Asian Crush, Media Blasters, Inc.
Official Movie Site: tokikake.jp (Japan)
The live-action feature film TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME (時をかける少女, Toki o Kakeru Shojo, 2010) is coming to DVD in North America on January 24th. It is the newest adaptation of the original 1967 novel The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui, previously the basis for a classic 1983 live-action movie and an award winning 2006 animated film.
TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME is the first movie from director Masaaki Taniguchi (SNOW FLAKE). The film stars Riisa Naka (ZEBRAMAN 2: ATTACK ON ZEBRA CITY), who provided the voice of the lead character, Makoto Konono, in the anime adaptation. Riisa was named “Rookie of the Year” at the 2011 Japanese Academy Awards and “Best New Artist” at the 2010 Nikkan Sports Film Awards.
TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME will be released by the home video label Asian Crush, a division of Asian Media Rights. Asian Crush titles are distributed by Media Blasters.
Continued…
Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: starchild.co.jp/papakiki (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams
Sentai Filmworks has announced the licensing of LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! (パパのいうことを聞きなさい! Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai!, 2012), the wild new anime series that takes the classic sit-com premise of ‘a bachelor being forced to adopt three young children and discovering a whole new outlook on life’ and turns it completely on its head!
Based on the series of novels by Tomohiro Matsu and the subsequent manga series illustrated by Yuka Nakajima, the 12 episode series is directed by Itsuro Kawasaki (LICENSED BY ROYALTY, RENTAL MAGICA, ARC THE LAD,) while series composition is handled by veteran Naruhisa Arakawa (STEEL ANGEL KURUMI, DNANGEL, BLUE SEED) while key animator Takashi Mamezuka (INFINITE STRATOS, EDEN OF THE EAST,) takes up the task of adapting Nakajima’s original designs.
LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! will be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
Continued…
New Documentary Series Examines the Dynamic Film Scene of China, Taiwan, India, Korea and Iran
Source: Madman Entertainment press release
CINEMA ASIA is a five-part documentary series that takes the viewer into the most dynamic film scene on the planet. Asia houses some of the world’s biggest film industries: India boasts that it is the Number One film producing country in the world, while China, at Number Three is nipping closely at Hollywood’s heels. Taiwan, Korea and Iran have film industries that are smaller, but no less vibrant. Punching far above their weight these national cinemas have taken their place on the international stage. Long trapped within their own national boundaries, these national cinemas have in recent years burst onto international screens. They have even taken the charts Number One slot in the home of cinema itself – Hollywood.
CINEMA ASIA offers the viewer a rich mix of clips from some of the most important films produced in recent years. Interviews with their makers provide a unique window not only on the world of film-making, but on the cultures that have made them. In an age of incessant and irresistible globalization these programmes show how national cinemas fight against the Hollywoodization of global cinema.
CINEMA ASIA will air on Australia’s public broadcasting network SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) in January and February, 2012. Madman Entertainment will release the complete series on DVD on March 21st.
Continued…
Visually Stunning CG Animated Feature Based on the Smash Hit Video Game Series
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)
Prepare yourself for a severe case of eye candy overload courtesy of director Youichi Mouri’s brand new, full-length CG feature film, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE (鉄拳 ブラッド・ベンジェンス, Tekken Buraddo Benjensu, 2011), based on the phenomenally successful video game franchise and coming to DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom on February 6th, 2012.
Scripted by the hugely talented Dai Sato, whose impressive list of previous writing credits includes GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX, COWBOY BEBOP, EDEN OF THE EAST, CASSHERN and SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is a visually stunning work of CG animation that brings together sexy ass-kicking heroes and heroines, winged mutant monsters, awesome mecha weaponry, bone-crunching martial arts action, a super-hot android and a panda (yes, a panda!) in one explosive package of mind-blowing entertainment.
Delivering all the beautifully rendered and superbly choreographed thrill-a-minute combat action one would expect from a Tekken movie – as well as much, much more – TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is the ultimate Tekken experience, one like no other.
Continued…
BROKEN BLADE Available on February 21st
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its February slate of releases; including BROKEN BLADE. The heavy metal mecha action series will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.
Also scheduled for February are XAM’D: LOST MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of A-CHANNEL COMPLETE COLLECTION and HELL GIRL: THREE VESSELS COMPLETE COLLECTION.
Read on for plot descriptions, DVD and Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
Continued…
Additional Promotional Materials for the Upcoming Korean Thriller
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ Entertainment, Opus Pictures
Official Website: howling2012.co.kr
CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures recently released a new trailer, behind-the-scenes clip and several new stills for HOWLING (하울링), a new thriller that opens February 9 in Korea.
HOWLING is about a series of murders, presumably committed by a wolfdog, and two detectives who pursue the real culprit. Song Kang-ho, of MEMORIES OF MURDER (살인의 추억, Salinui chueok, 2003), THE HOST (괴물, Gwoemul, 2006), SECRET SUNSHINE (밀양, Milyang, 2007) and THIRST (박쥐, Bakjwi, 2009) fame, stars as Cho Sang-gil, a veteran detective and Lee Na-young, who is well known for her starring roles in WHO ARE YOU? (후아유, 2002), SOMEONE SPECIAL (아는 여자, Aneun yeoja, 2004) and MAUNDY THURSDAY (우리들의 행복한 시간, Urideul-ui haengbok-han shigan, 2006), plays Cha Eun-young, a rookie detective.
HOWLING is based on the Japanese novel The Hunter (凍える牙, Kogoeru Kiba, 1996) by Asa Nonami, which won Naoki Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards of Japan. It is the new film by poet-turned-director Yoo Ha, whose filmography includes ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL (말죽거리 잔혹사, Maljukgeori janhoksa, 2004), A DIRTY CARNIVAL (비열한 거리, Biyeolhan geori, 2006) and A FROZEN FLOWER (쌍화점, Ssang-hwa-jeom, 2008).
Continued…
Popular Ultra Series Characters Enjoy a Day at the Amusement Park
Author: Daisuke Ishizuka
January 9, 2012 was a national holiday in Japan known as “Coming of Age Day” (成人の日, Seijin no Hi). The holiday is held each year on the second Monday of January, and celebrates those Japanese who — over the past year — turned 20 years old, the age one is considered an adult can legally vote, drink and smoke (and be tried as an adult in court). Throughout the day, special ceremonies honoring the new adults (新成人, Shin Seijin) were held at cities across Japan. Young women dress up in fancy, fur-lined silk kimonos called furisodes while men wear suits or traditional hakama.
The Yomiuriland amusement park in Inagi City, Tokyo decided to celebrate Coming of Age Day in a unique and fun way. Just as the English language has words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but separate meanings, so does Japanese. So a 20 year-old Japanese person is called a “Seijin”, but Seijin has another meaning in spoken Japanese… it also means “alien”.
Therefore, “Alien Day” was held instead of Coming of Age Day at Yomiuriland on January 9th. Popular alien characters from Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultraman series spent the day at the amusement park; posing for photos, clowning around with attendees and having a good time.
Continued…
Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: j-toloveru.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams
Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of MOTTO TO LOVE RU (もっとTo LOVEる -とらぶる-, To LOVEru -Toraburu-, 2010), the sequel series to the company’s previous hit TO LOVE RU. Based as before on the manga by Kentaro Yabuki (BLACK CAT) and Saki Hasemi (MOETAN,) the new 12 episode series is helmed by Atsushi Otsuki (who directed the final episode of the original series as well as episodes of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, the second season of WAGNERIA and LADIES VS. BUTLERS), working from series composition by SLAYERS and VENUS VS. VIRUS vet Yasutomo Yamada, while Yuichi Ouka once again adapts Yabuki’s original character designs for animation.
Continued…
Free Event in West Hollywood Gives Sneak Peek at North America’s First Digital Weekly Manga Anthology
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, invites Southern California manga/anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts to a very special launch event for the new Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha) on Saturday, January 28th at the West Hollywood Library in Los Angeles, CA.
The event is FREE to attend and takes place between 2:00pm-5:00pm in the library’s Community Room. The West Hollywood Library is located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Additional library details are available at colapublib.org/libs/whollywood.
During the event, attendees will be able to preview the first issue of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha content on several iPads that will be available, meet VIZ Media staff, and take advantage of fun photo opportunities with the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, and Bleach’s Kon. Gift bags will be given away (while supplies last) and attendees can enter to win other fun prizes in a special raffle contest. Japanese snacks such as Pocky provided by Ezaki Glico USA and other refreshments will also be served while supplies last.
Continued…
Latest Action-Packed Ninja Adventures Straight From Japan To Stream For Fans Beginning With Episode 245
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: naruto.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media has announced the simulcast of the latest episodes of the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (ナルト 疾風伝) on the Hulu Plus subscription service. Beginning January 19th, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to simulcast the latest episode of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in high-definition just an hour after broadcast debut in Japan. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Episode 245 (rated TV-14, subtitled) is now available and new episodes will be broadcast weekly.
Users of the free, ad-supported Hulu service will also be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments one week after their initial run on Hulu Plus; the episodes will also be available on the company’s own VIZAnime.com site.
In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventure, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast with Killer Bee as his new master. In order to do so, one must fight with the Tailed Beast’s head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power. Using the key entrusted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto unlocks the seal to release Nine Tails, and the battle between the two begins.
Continued…
Source: The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in the UK by Manga Entertainment on February 6th, 2012.
The sequel begins several months after the events of the first film. Kei Kurono (Ninomiya) is still fighting aliens under the order of Gantz and he is close to reaching the score he needs to resurrect his friend Masaru Kato (Matsuyama). As the missions begin to get increasingly dangerous for both the alien fighters and the general public, Kurono discovers that the endgame for Gantz is quickly approaching.
Continued…
Natural Disasters of High “MONSTER MAGNITUDE” Threaten Japan in New Novel
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint brings a fantastic new tale of science fiction and giant monsters to North American readers with the release of Hiroshi Yamamoto’s novel MM9, available now. The release will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader Store for $8.99.
Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.
The Japan of MM9 is beset by natural disasters all the time: typhoons, earthquakes… and giant monster attacks. A special anti-monster unit called the Meteorological Agency Monsterological Measures Department (MMD) has been formed to deal with natural disasters of high “monster magnitude.” The work is challenging, the public is hostile, and the monsters are hungry, but the MMD crew has science, teamwork… and a legendary secret weapon on their side. Together, will try and save Japan, and the universe!
Continued…
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: haremking.tv (Japan), funimation.com/high-school-dxd (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski
FUNimation Entertainment recently announced that it has acquired the broadcast, home video, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HIGH SCHOOL DxD (ハイスクールD×D, Haisukuuru D×D, 2012). The anime is based on the Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero.
In HIGH SCHOOL DxD, Issei Hyodo is your average perverted high school student whose one wish in life is to have his own harem… but he’s got to be one of the unluckiest guys around. He goes on his first date with a girl only to get brutally attacked and killed when it turns out the girl is really a vicious fallen angel. To top it all off, he’s later reincarnated as a devil by his gorgeous senpai who tells him that she is also a devil and now his master! One thing’s for sure, his peaceful days are over. In a battle between devils and angels, who will win?
Simulcasts of HIGH SCHOOL DxD will be Mondays at 4pm CST, beginning January 23, 2012. FUNimation also plans to release the series on DVD and Blu-ray.
Continued…
Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: another-anime.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams
Sentai Filmworks is ghoulishly pleased to announce the acquisition of ANOTHER (アナザー, Anazaa, 2012), the eagerly awaited new anime series that dares to ask the question: What do you do when your classmate’s school locker is a locker in the morgue?
Based on the hit novel by Yukito Ayatsuji, the 12 episode series joins the manga, written by Ayatsuji and illustrated by The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’s Noizi Ito, and the forthcoming live action feature film (due Summer 2012) as part of the latest hit horror franchise to erupt from Japan. Tsutomu Mizushima (BLOOD C, KOBATO, XXXHOLIC) directs from series composition by Ryo Higaki (MORIBITO-GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT) while Yuriko Ishii (PERSONA – TRINITY SOUL) adapts Ito’s original character designs for animation.
Mei Misaki was cute, athletic and one of the most popular girls in her school. Why should a little thing like death change that? Now, 23 years after Mei’s mysterious demise, a new transfer student discovers that not only is his school’s student body one corpse short of a full roster, but that some secrets never leave high school. And what’s more, all of this may somehow be tied into his own family past.
Continued…
For A Limited Time Only, New Users Can Download VIZ Manga App And Receive Free Volume 1
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
If you’ve been hesitant about dipping your toes into the digital manga, now’s the perfect time to check out the VIZ Manga App! VIZ Media gives manga readers an added reason to explore the digital manga experience with a special promotion for new users of the VIZ Manga App for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices. From now until January 30th, download the FREE VIZ Manga App to your iOS device, register for a new account, and get a free volume 1 of your choice.
VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.
Continued…
HD Release Goes on Sale May 22nd
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano
Distributor Media Blasters has announced plans to release the 2006 daikaiju movie GAMERA THE BRAVE (小さき勇者たち～ガメラ～, Chiisaki Yusha-tachi Gamera) on Blu-ray in North America this May.
The twelfth film in the long-running Gamera series — and the first to be produced by Kadokawa Pictures — GAMERA THE BRAVE takes the monster back to his “The Friend of All Children” roots. The movie opens forty years ago, as the giant fire-breathing turtle Gamera disappears during a battle against the flying monsters called Gyaos. In 2006, a young boy named Toru Aizawa (Ryo Tomioka) discovers a turtle egg on a beach. The egg hatches in his hand, and Toru decides to keep the tiny newborn as a pet. But when the little turtle starts flying and breathing fire, Toru realizes that he has found a baby Gamera.
The young monster grows quickly, and is soon put to the task against Zedus, a giant man-eating sea monster. But the new Gamera is no match for his bigger, stronger, and faster opponent and suffers terrible wounds during the battle. Now Toru must help Gamera recover from his injuries and put an end to Zedus.
GAMERA THE BRAVE was previously released on DVD by Media Blasters’ Tokyo Shock label in December 2008. The upcoming Blu-ray edition, scheduled to street on May 22nd, will feature a new high-definition transfer provided by Kadokawa.
Continued…
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/fairytail (Japan), funimation.com/fairy-tail (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee
FUNimation Entertainment will release the Blu-ray/DVD Combo set of the action/adventure anime FAIRY TAIL: PART 3 (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on January 31st. Based on the hit manga by Hiro Mashima (each new manga volume published since 2007 has debuted in the Top 5), the long running series is co-produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, and directed by Shinji Ishihira. The third Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 25-36.
The guild-on-guild mayhem continues as Fairy Tail struggles to fend off Phantom Lord – whose Element 4 must be defeated in order to disable a massive magic cannon aimed at guild headquarters! With a never-surrender attitude, Natsu and his friends push their powers to the limit to protect Lucy and save Magnolia from total annihilation!
Then, Erza’s tortured past returns to haunt her when estranged friends ambush a well-deserved vacation. Her team tracks them down to a looming tower where a possessed wizard close to Erza’s heart puts them in a sinister game of life or death!
Continued…
New Guide Offers Fans Essential Naruto Character Info As Well As Never-Before-Revealed Data And Secrets
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, opens the new year with the latest addition to its extensive library of Naruto titles. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is available now, offers essential information on key characters from the smash-hit action series, and includes 8 full-color pages. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.
A ninja knows all! And now you can too! Here’s all the intel you need on who’s who in Naruto! The Official Character Data Book gives you all you need stay the expert on all things Naruto. Whether you’re catching up, brushing up, or just getting started with the goings-on in ninja world, this handy, huge guide covers the whole story all the way to Volume 43 of the best-selling manga series!
“Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is a treasure-trove of essential information that will be a must-read for both casual and die-hard Naruto fans,” says Joel Enos, Editor. “Inside these pages, you’ll find never-before revealed data, secrets, and even a few scandals involving your favorite, as well as most-hated, shinobi. And fans won’t want to miss a new manga tale from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto that you can’t find in English anywhere else!”
Continued…
Available for the First Time in North America on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download
Source: Anchor Bay Entertainment, Sue Procko Public Relations press release
Special Thanks to Ed Peters and Eric Becker
BATTLE ROYALE. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming THE HUNGER GAMES motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD!
On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION to Blu-ray and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into this truly international phenomenon – the three disc Blu-ray plus bonus DVD set has an SRP of $49.99 and an SRP $44.98 for the four disc DVD. BATTLE ROYALE will also be released separately on Blu-ray for an SRP of $29.99 and DVD for an SRP of $24.98. Pre-Book on both is February 22. BATTLE ROYALE will be available digitally via select outlets including iTunes and Xbox LIVE.
42 students, Three days, One survivor – No Escape. Welcome to the world of BATTLE ROYALE!
Continued…
Interview with Hiroshi Tsuburaya
Translation by: Tetsuya Shima
-The interviewer : 田神悠(Yu Tagami)
From the book : “宇宙刑事大全 -ギャバン・シャリバン・シャイダーの世界- (Uchuu Keiji Taizen -Gavan Sharivan Shaider no Sekai-)” ISBN4-575-29080-7
Publisher : 双葉社 (Futabasha)
Editors : 安藤幹夫＆スタジオハード(Mikio Ando & Studio Hard)
In the third installment of our Space Sheriff Spotlight, we present an interview with actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya (part of the Tsuburaya family) about his role as Space Sheriff Shaider.
-Please tell us why you wanted to become an actor.
I had been a volleyball player since I was in junior high school, and I was going to be a college volleyball player. At that time, I heard the audition for NOGIKU NO HAKA whose leading actress was Seiko Matsuda would be held. I got interested in it so I auditioned for the opposite role. After all, I failed just before the final selection, but I was fascinated by the tension-filled atmosphere of the audition. The strain I felt through the audition was different from the one that I felt during playing volleyball. That is the start of my professional career as an actor. For your information, the director of this movie was Shinichirou Sawai.
Continued…
Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Official Site: Always 3
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang
Released in Japan in November 2005, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET (ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日, Always San-Chome no Yuhi) enjoyed a long theatrical run, won countless awards (including numerous Japan Academy Awards), and became one of the most successful films in recent memory. Two years later, the sequel, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 2 (ALWAYS 続・三丁目の夕日, Always Zoku San-Chome no Yuhi, 2007), surpassed the box office success of the original, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation.
Five years later, the beloved characters of this popular franchise return to the big screen in ALWAYS- SUNSET ON 3RD STREET- 3 ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日’64, Always San-Chome no Yuhi ’64) — this time in 3D.
SciFi Japan is pleased to present an early look at the latest chapter in the smash hit ALWAYS movie series with photos and production notes provided by NTV. Toho will release the film to theaters across Japan on January 21, 2012.
Continued…
Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: zero-tsukaima.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams
Sentai Filmworks waves its magic wand and announces the acquisition of yet another eagerly awaited new anime series: FAMILIAR OF ZERO F (ゼロの使い魔F, Zero no Tsukaima F, 2012). Continuing the story introduced in the previous hit anime and manga series created by Noboru Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi himself handles the series composition, with director Yoshiaki Iwasaki (BEST STUDENT COUNCIL, LOVE HINA, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER) taking charge of the new 13 episode series, while Eiji Usatsuka’s original character designs are adapted once again by Masahiro Fujii (DREAM EATER MERRY, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER.)
Get ready to join spell challenged Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, whose luck with magic is so poor that she’s earned the nickname “Zero,” and Saito Chevalier de Hiraga, the unfortunate human Louise accidentally summoned while attempting to conjure up a familiar, in a set of mystifyingly mystical misadventures so mind-boggling mayhem prone that even the experienced staff of the Tristain Academy of Magic will end up wondering if they could possibly be real!
Continued…
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Entertainment label Maiden Japan has announced the license of the action comedy series POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S (神曲奏界ポリフォニカ クリムゾンS, Shinkyoku Sookai Polyphonica Crimson S, 2009). Although based on the same light novel series as a previous POLYPHONICA series created by Ichiro Sakaki (released in North America by Sentai Filmworks), CRIMSON S is a newer and completely different series, set at a much earlier timeframe in the franchise chronology. Director Toshimasa Suzuki (HEROIC AGE) heads the all new creative team, while composition of the series is in the capable hands of Kenichi Kanemaki (PRETEAR, HELL GIRL).
POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S will soon be available through many digital outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD in spring 2012.
Continued…
© 2006-2011 SciFi Japan
Site Development and Maintenance by James Ballard. Site Design by Humuhumu.
SciFi Japan RSS Feed.
