Advance publicity art for the Japanese release of 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION, the conclusion of the hit sci-fi movie trilogy.
© 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts/ Shogakukan. © 2009 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

A Look at US Publicity Materials for the Final 20TH CENTURY BOYS Movie
Source: VIZ Pictures
Official Site: 20thboysfilms.com
Special Thanks to Rieko Fuji

US poster art for 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Pictures. © 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio
Nuts/ Shogakukan. © 2009 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

North American distributor VIZ Pctures has provided the following press notes for 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION, the final chapter in the hit Japanese sci-fi movie series. The film will be released on Region 1 DVD on June 1st and carry a MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN.

20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION

Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Starring Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa, Teruyuki Kagawa, Airi Taira

Genre: Action/Sci-fi
2009 / Japan / 155 min. / Color
This film is not rated.
Japanese Theatrical Release: August 29, 2009
US Theatrical Premiere: August 28, 2009
© 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts / Shogakukan © 2009 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners
Continued…

Contents of the DVD Memorial Box © Mega Monster Battle ULTRA GALAXY Film Partners / Bandai Visual. Photo by Jim M. Ballard

Author: Jim M. Ballard
Official Movie Site: Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy

Director Koichi Sakamoto’s MEGA MONSTER BATTLE: ULTRA GALAXY (Daikaiju Batoru Urutora Ginga Densetsu THE MOVIE) was released on home video in Japan on April 23rd. Three different editions were released; a single disc DVD, a double-disc “Memorial Box” DVD collection, and a single disc Blu-ray. All three editions include English subtitles. While playback of the DVD editions are restricted to Japan, Europe and other Region 2 DVD countries, the Blu-ray edition is compatible with all Region A Blu-ray players, including North America.
Continued…

Author: Jack Bass
Official Movie Site: Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a new movie.

“Will the galaxy be plunged into darkness?” reads this
advance teaser ad for MEGA MONSTER BATTLE: ULTRA
GALAXY. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Japan.
© Mega Monster Battle ULTRA GALAXY Film Partners

Released on April 23 on DVD and Blu-ray in Japan with import friendly English subtitles, MEGA MONSTER BATTLE: ULTRA GALAXY (Daikaiju Batoru Urutora Ginga Densetsu The Movie; lit. Mega Monster Battle: Ultra Galaxy Legends- The Movie) has finally made its way into the homes of the non-Japan residing Ultra faithful. After all of the trailers, promotional stills, early reviews, and months of speculation, how does the film stack up against previous entries in the series?

Much like STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (1982), ULTRA GALAXY represents a bold new direction for an established series. Nearly every shot of the film features some sort of digital VFX, due in large part to filming almost exclusively against a green screen. By doing so, ULTRA GALAXY frees itself from an earthy scope taking us to spectacular locations in distant galaxies, focusing primarily on the Land of Light, home planet of the Ultramen. While the digital environments are quite gorgeous, the real advantage they’ve brought to the table is a sense of no holds barred cinematography, and truly inspired fight choreography. Thankfully these assets do not go underused; ULTRA GALAXY features unrelenting action adventure for nearly its entire 96 minute running time.
Continued…

Three SciFi Japan readers in the United Kingdom will win free 20TH CENTURY BOYS TRILOGY: THE COMPLETE SAGA DVD sets from 4Digital Media and Organic
Marketing. Photo courtesy of 4Digital Media and Organic Marketing. ©1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts/Shogakukan. ©2008 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

Source: 4Digital Media, Organic Marketing press release
Official Movie Site: 20th Boys (Japan), 4digitalmedia.com/20cb (UK)
Special Thanks to Alexandra Beedell and Louise Rivers

Note: This contest is only open to fans living in the United Kingdom. Any entries from outside the UK will not be accepted.

On May 31st the epic sci-fi movie trilogy 20TH CENTURY BOYS will be released on DVD in the United Kingdom as a 4 disc box set 4Digital Media. The COMPLETE SAGA DVD set includes a special Edition 24 Page Book with an extra disc packed full of 4 hours bonus extras making the Japanese thriller trilogy a “must have” for manga and Japanese cinema fans. To celebrate the upcoming release, 4Digital Media and Organic Marketing have offered free copies of the 20TH CENTURY BOYS: THE COMPLETE SAGA for 3 lucky SciFi Japan winners.
Continued…

Zeta Gundam prepares to use the Hyper Mega Launcher in the fan favorite series MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM. © 1985 Sotsu, Sunrise

Author: Andrew Nguyen
Official Site: z-gundam.net (Japanese), gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/zeta (US)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab)

Promotional art for MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM: A NEW
TRANSLATION III –LOVE IS THE PULSE OF THE STARS.
Photo courtesy of MediaLab. © 2006 Sotsu, Sunrise

While MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (Kido Senshi Gundamu) turned out to be a success, particularly in the form of a compilation movie trilogy, several years would pass before a sequel would take place. That sequel, the 50-episode MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM (Kido Senshi Zeta Gundamu), premiered in March 1985 to immense success. Its popularity has reached the point where fans and critics alike consider it to be one of the Gundam series most outstanding entries. Directed by Gundam series creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, many consider it to be one of his finest works, even when compared to his classic works like AURA BATTLE DUNBINE.

After looking over the problems that had occurred during the development and broadcast of the TV series, Tomino commenced work on a compilation movie series to the show under the overall series name of MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM: A NEW TRANSLATION. This new Gundam production consisted of a trilogy of films that appeared in Japanese theaters in mid and late 2005 and early 2006. The footage for all three movies consisted of a mix of footage from the TV series as well as new footage for the movies themselves while the movie series altered or deleted several critical events that occurred in the TV series.
Continued…

4 DVD Set to be Released in the UK on 31 May, 2010
Source: 4Digital Media, Organic Marketing press release
Official Movie Site: 20th Boys (Japan), 4digitalmedia.com/20cb (UK)
Special Thanks to Alexandra Beedell and Louise Rivers

Packaging art for the UK DVD collection 20TH CENTURY BOYS
TRILOGY: THE COMPLETE SAGA, coming May 31st. Photo
courtesy of 4Digital Media and Organic Marketing. ©1999,
2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts/Shogakukan. ©2008 ”20th
Century Boys” Film Partners

One of the biggest undertakings ever attempted in the Japanese movie industry… a positively epic exercise in filmmaking and storytelling, the blockbusting 20TH CENTURY BOYS trilogy has proven to be one of the most ambitious, expensive and successful undertakings in Japanese Cinema. Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s epic efforts to release three films in one year based on Naoki Urasawa’s acclaimed manga (selling 28 million copies) has brought to life a stunning doomsday thriller that spans multiple generations and genres, and bites into conspiracy theory, pop culture, nostalgia and spectacular special effects.

The 20TH CENTURY BOYS TRILOGY: THE COMPLETE SAGA DVD set comes with all three films in the trilogy, plus Chapter 1 is packaged as a Special Edition 24 Page Book with an extra disc packed full of bonus extras. The box set boasts Special Features totaling 4 Hours!

The 20TH CENTURY BOYS saga begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write The Book of Prophecy. In the book, they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to take over the world and bringing about Doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being lead by a man only known as “Friend” has emerged and gained a strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji. The greatest fear is that the climax of The Book of Prophecy will become a reality: on December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo, leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about The Book are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is Friend? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?
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Eva Unit-00 has some issues in EVANGELION 1.11, the upgraded version of the first of four new “Rebuild of Evangelion” feature films.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2007 Khara

EVANGELION 1.11 and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD on DVD and Blu-ray; GOEMON and ROBOGEISHA
Source: Madman Entertainment

The Australian distributor Madman Entertainment is releasing several anime and Asian live action titles on Blu-ray and Region 4 DVD in June. Highlights include…

ROBOGEISHA
Yoshie and her sister Kikuyakko are recruited by the handsome Hikaru to help overthrow the corrupt Japanese government, agreeing to become cyborgs in his geisha army. Now armed with robotic blades and missiles, Yoshie must fight for good, and become… Robogeisha!

GOEMON
Master thief Goemon steals evidence of a secret pact to assassinate the mighty warlord Nobunaga. Pursued by the conspirator Hideyoshi, Goemon finds himself fighting for his life and must return to the battlefield one last time to bring peace to his country…

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD COLLECTION 1
As children, brothers Edward and Alphonse used the clandestine science of Alchemy to attempt the unthinkable – the resurrection of their dead mother. They failed, unleashing an alchemic reaction that ripped their bodies apart. Four years later, Ed and Al comb the country in search of a legendary stone rumoured to possess the ability to amplify their alchemy & restore their bodies to normal.

EVANGELION 1.11
It is 2015: half of Earth’s population is dead, victims of the “Second Impact”. Summoned by his enigmatic father, 14-year-old Shinji arrives in the rebuilt city, Tokyo-3, just as a giant creature, an Angel, attacks! Forced to pilot a bio-mechanical suit known as an Evangelion, Shinji must face his fears and defend the city – or die trying.
Continued…

Source: 4Digital Media, Organic Marketing
Special Thanks to Alexandra Beedell

Six SciFi Japan readers have each won a free JU-ON:
WHITE GHOST and JU-ON: BLACK GHOST UK DVD! Photo
courtesy of 4Digital Media and Organic Marketing.
© 2009 Toei Video Co., Ltd. /Cell

SciFi Japan would like to thank 4Digital Media, Organic Marketing, and everyone who entered our recent “JU-ON: WHITE GHOST and JU-ON: BLACK GHOST DVD” giveaway competition. The following randomly drawn entrants correctly answered all contest questions:

Gareth Earls
Craig Sheppard
Michael O’Sullivan
Keiko Taylor
Paul Shepherd

plus runner-up Hassni Malik

Congratulations to all the winners! Each of you has won a free copy of the new JU-ON: WHITE GHOST and JU-ON: BLACK GHOST Double Feature DVD from 4Digital Media. Organic Marketing has already shipped out the DVDs.
Continued…

The cult classic SHOGUN ASSASSIN celebrates its 30th anniversary with a Special Edition Blu-ray release. © 1980 Toho Co., Ltd.

30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Available in July
Source: AnimEigo, Inc. press release
Special Thanks to Aaron Cavazos

Cover art for SHOGUN ASSASSIN 30th Anniversary Collector’s
Edition Blu-ray. Photo courtesy of AnimEigo, Inc. © 1980 Toho
Co., Ltd.

AnimEigo proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of the legendary samurai cult classic, SHOGUN ASSASSIN, by announcing the first ever high-definition version of the film! The most famous samurai film in the Western World is finally coming to North America in the clearest and most pristine version ever seen by man, woman, or ninja.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Robert Houston, the English dubbed SHOGUN ASSASSIN was created by editing together footage from the first two Lone Wolf and Cub (Kozure Ookami) films, SWORD OF VENGEANCE (Kozure Okami: Kowokashi Udekashi Tsukamatsuru, 1972) and BABY CART ON THE RIVER STYX (Kozure Okami: Sanzu no Kawa no Ubaguruma, 1972). It uses about 11 minutes of footage from the first film and 70 minutes of footage from the second. The Lone Wolf and Cub films are based on the original manga (story by Koike Kazuo, illustrations by Kojima Goseki), a 142-episode epic, which ran in Manga Action between September 10, 1970, and April 1, 1976.

The SHOGUN ASSASSIN 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray will be available on the AnimEigo website in July and from a store near you August 24, 2010.
Continued…

Latest Instalment in the Hit Series Brings New Features and Multiplayer Action to PAL territories in Summer 2010
Source: NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe, Indigo Pearl press release
Special Thanks to Holly Barnes

Cover art for the European release of DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 on Nintendo DS.
Photo courtesy of NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. © Bird Studio/ Shueisha, Toei
Animation. © 2009 NBGI

Goku’s adventures have only just begun, with the news that NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe is bringing the next chapter in the Dragon Ball saga to fans across PAL territories in summer 2010, exclusively for Nintendo DS. Continuing Goku’s adventures from the first game for DS, DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 throws in so many new features and cunning touches that Goku will barely be able to contain his Ki energy.

With Dragon Ball-busting side-on boss battling and heart-stopping aerial fights shown on the upper screen, the game comes even closer to reproducing the signature intense aerial assaults of the DRAGON BALL anime. If you want authentic Dragon Ball fun, action and adventure, coupled with a full serving of dazzling gameplay improvements and multiplayer co-op, then look no further. Can I hear a ‘Kamehameha”?

Developed by Game Republic, DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 is scheduled for launch across PAL territories in summer 2010.
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CLANNAD Complete Collection Available on June 15th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

CLANNAD COMPLETE COLLECTION. Photo courtesy
of Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films’ June 2010 slate of releases will include the new English dubbed release of the hit series CLANNAD from Section23 client Sentai Filmworks.

Also releasing in June is the erotic comedy from new studio Maiden Japan, PAPILLON ROSE COMPLETE COLLECTION, plus BRIGHTER THAN THE DAWNING BLUE COMPLETE COLLECTION, LA CORDA D’ORO ~ PRIMO PASSO COLLECTION 1, and GINTAMA COLLECTION 2. Read on for cover art, plot descriptions, and DVD specs for all of the these titles.
Continued…

Astro Boy faces a number of foes in the robot gladiator arena in the 2009 computer animated film ASTRO BOY. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2009 Imagi Crystal Ltd and Summit Entertainment, LLC. © Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art for ASTRO BOY, coming May 31st. Photo
courtesy of The Associates. © 2009 Imagi Crystal Ltd and
Summit Entertainment, LLC. © Tezuka Productions Co.

One of the most seminal, iconic and coolest anime creations of all time, Astro Boy is now brought to vivid life in a brand new CGI animated feature film jam-packed with action, adventure, comedy and heart. Coming to DVD and as a Blu-ray plus DVD Combi Pack on 31st May 2010 after a thoroughly successful £3.6m run at UK cinemas and recommended as “exciting and charming… a treat for all kids, big and small” (Sun TV Magazine), the timing of ASTRO BOY’s release makes it ideal half-term entertainment for children of all ages.

ASTRO BOY (cert. PG) will be released on DVD (£17.99) and as a Blu-ray plus DVD Combi Pack (£22.99) by E1 Entertainment on 31st May 2010. Special Features include: two all new animated sequences (‘Astro vs. The Junkyard Pirates’ and The RFF in ‘The New Recruit’); Inside The Recording Studio; Designing A Hero; Building Metro City; Getting The Astro Boy Look; Image Gallery; Creating A Global Icon; Dolby 5.1 audio; optional English subtitles for the hard of hearing.
Continued…

Apocalyptic Prophecy and Frenetic Action Reach a Stunning Climax in 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION
Source: VIZ Pictures, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: 20thboysfilms.com
Special Thanks to Rieko Fuji and Erik Jansen

DVD cover art for 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION, the
conclusion of the hit sci-fi movie trilogy. Photo courtesy of
VIZ Pictures. © 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts/
Shogakukan. © 2009 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

VIZ Pictures concludes the epic sci-fi film trilogy based on Naoki Urasawa’s acclaimed manga, 20th Century Boys, with the release of the final film, 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION, on DVD on June 1st. The film, which will be distributed by VIZ Media in North America, will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN.

Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and presented in partnership with Nippon Television, the 20TH CENTURY BOYS saga begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write The Book of Prophecy. In the book, they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to take over the world and bring about Doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being led by a man only known as “Friend” has emerged and gained strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji.

VIZ Pictures celebrates the release with a film screening of 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION for one-night-only at VIZ Cinema in San Francisco on Thursday, May 20th at 7:00pm. VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and is located at 1746 Post St., in the heart of the city’s Japan-town. Tickets to attend the movie-only are: $10.00; or attend the film and take home the brand new DVD, a 20TH CENTURY BOYS poster, and more for only $25.00.
Continued…

Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) and L (Kenichi Matsuyama) engage in a deadly battle of wits in the hit DEATH NOTE films, coming soon to Blu-ray.
Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2006 [Death Note] Film Partners.

Source: Warner Home Video
Official Movie Site: Death Note Films

The hit live-action movies DEATH NOTE and DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME are coming to Blu-ray in North America as a 3-disc collection from VIZ Pictures. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko and based on the acclaimed supernatural action mystery manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the two films were box office smashes in Japan. In addition, the DEATH NOTE DVD, released in September 2008, was ranked as #1 in Japanese Films in North America and #34 in the Live-Action category.

The Blu-ray DEATH NOTE COLLECTION will feature both the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and the English dubbed version by the outstanding voice cast of the animated series. The bonus disc will include trailers and more than two hours of behind the scenes footage. The collection will carry a suggested retail price of $39.98 and will be distributed in the United States by Warner Home Video. The street date is August 24, 2010.
Continued…

DVD and Blu-ray cover art for the new DRAGON BALL Z KAI. Photos courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Bird Studio/Shueisha, Toei Animation.
© 2009 Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

25th Anniversary of DRAGON BALL Z Includes HD Remastered Video and Audio
Source: FUNimation Entertainment presskit
Official Site: dragonballzkai.com
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Manny Alcala

The Legendary Z Reborn! In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the hugely popular anime DRAGON BALL Z, FUNimation and Toei Animation Co. are proud to release DRAGON BALL Z KAI on DVD and Blu-ray in the United States.

DRAGON BALL Z KAI includes HD re-mastered video and audio, updated opening and closing sequences, plus the return of several key DRAGON BALL Z English-voice cast members! For the first time in history, experience the legendary Z as the master intended: bigger, faster, stronger, and packed with the pulverizing power to blow your puny minds! Beef up your collection with this manga-centric, fresh take on Akira Toriyama’s original vision, featuring more action than you can handle, revitalized animation, and an amped-up audio experience that will make your ears beg for mercy!

DRAGON BALL Z KAI PART 1 (containing Episodes 1-13) goes on sale tomorrow, May 18th. Look for PART 2 on DVD and Blu-ray on September 14, 2010.
Continued…

Kamen Rider V3, HENSHIN!
©2010 JN Productions/Generation Kikaida

Newly issued KAMEN RIDER V3 DVD Box Set!
Author Bob Johnson
Source: JN Productions and Generation Kikaida

After going out of print, JN Productions received numerous requests for their KAMEN RIDER V3 DVD box set. So now the motorcycle-riding hero is back for an encore. JN Productions is proud to release a newly issued “Special Edition” 6-disc set, which contains all 52 exciting episodes and bonus features originally found on the “Collector’s Edition” box set. The Special Edition box set is available on May 18 and will be priced at $149.50.

Considered, along with the original KAMEN RIDER series, to be the best of the “showa” Kamen Riders, KAMEN RIDER V3 is a series not to be missed.
Continued…

In 2004, Tsuburaya Pro took Ultraman back to the basics with the feature film ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT.
Photo courtesy of Tsuburaya Productions. ©2004 ULTRAMAN Movie Production Consortium

A Look Back at the Popular 2004 Film with Press Notes, Interviews, and Photos from Tsuburaya Pro
Source: Tsuburaya Productions
Official Movie Site: Ultraman The Movie
Additional Material: Brad Warner

The Japanese advance poster art for ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT.
©2004 ULTRAMAN Movie Production Consortium

After a trilogy of juvenile oriented films starring ULTRAMAN COSMOS (2001-2003), in 2004 Tsuburaya Productions decided the time had come for a major relaunch and revamp of their Ultra franchise. The company hoped to lure older viewers back to the fold with nostalgic and more adult-themed programming like the radio drama THE ULTRA Q CLUB (Urutora Kyuu Club), the late night TV series ULTRA Q: DARK FANTASY (Urutora Kyuu Daaku Fantajii), and the new Ultraman show ULTRAMAN NEXUS (Urutoraman Nekkusasu).

Tsuburaya Pro wrapped up the year with ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT (Urutoraman), a new movie that opened in Japanese theaters on December 18, 2004. ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT was both a “back to the basics” approach and a grittier, more mature look at Ultraman that brought the character out of the world of fantasy and into a real world setting. The film provided a great starting point for newcomers unfamiliar with the Ultraman franchise, and particularly appealed to fans of darker kaiju movies like GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (Gamera 3: Iris Kakusei, 1999) and GODZILLA, MOTHRA & KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (Gojira Mosura Kingugidora Daikaiju Soukougeki, 2001).

SciFi Japan takes a look back at ULTRAMAN: THE NEXT with Tsuburaya Productions’ 2005 English language press kit for the film as well as quotes from unpublished interviews with Ultraman designer Hiroshi Maruyama and special effects director Yuichi Kikuchi.
Continued…

Source: VIZ Pictures
Official Movie Site: k20themovie (US), K-20 (Japanese)
Special Thanks to Rieko Fuji

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Three SciFi Japan readers have each won a K-20: THE
FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES Gift Pack containing the
DVD and poster. Photo courtesy of VIZ Pictures. © 2008
“K-20″ Film Partners

Thank you to everyone who entered VIZ Pictures and SciFi Japan’s contest for a free K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES DVD Gift Pack. The following randomly drawn entrants correctly answered all contest questions:

Christopher Zabawa
Jake Burhenn
Joseph W Whalen

Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won a Gift Pack containing the K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES DVD and theatrical poster. VIZ Pictures will be shipping the Gift Packs shortly so keep an eye on your mailbox.

More contests are planned for 2010— including another VIZ DVD giveaway for 20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION— so keep checking back with SciFi Japan for more chances to win some cool stuff!
Continued…

Two-Part Film Festival Begins Tomorrow in Los Angeles
Source: American Cinematheque

KAGEMUSHA (The Shadow Warriror) © 1980 Toho
Co., Ltd.

The American Cinematheque joins the UCLA Film & Television Archive for a two-part retrospective celebrating the career of one of cinema’s most inventive and artful masters, Akira Kurosawa. Enraptured with the works of classic Hollywood director John Ford, Kurosawa skillfully borrowed elements from American genre films and wove them into the elegant tapestry of his Japanese works, which range from contemporary noirs to epic period pieces. Some of his greatest films include RASHOMON, THE SEVEN SAMURAI and RAN, though these three stunners hardly account for the entirety of his oeuvre, which spanned decades. Kurosawa’s career as a director featured a long-running professional relationship with actor Toshiro Mifune, whose charismatic, hyperbolic presence illuminated many of Kurosawa’s best films.

Centennial Celebration: The Films of Akira Kurosawa, Part I— running at the Egyptian Theatre May 14 – 23, 2010— is a retrospective of Kurosawa’s work, co-presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive, which also will include screenings of DODES’KA-DEN, STRAY DOG, HIGH AND LOW, KAGEMUSHA, HIDDEN FORTRESS, YOJIMBO, SANJURO and I LIVE IN FEAR.
Continued…

Watch Episode 1, Chat with Friends, and Talk with the Producer at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST
Source: VIZ Media press release
Official Movie Site: manga.com/watchandchat/monster
Special Thanks to Jane Lui

Viz Media and Manga.com are hosting a live stream and
chat today for Episode 1 of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2004 Naoki Urasawa, Studio
Nuts/ Shogakukan, VAP, NTV

Manga Entertainment and VIZ Media are joining forces to bring anime fans a live event. Starting Thursday, May 13th at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST, fans will be able to watch a live streaming of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER on Manga.com. Catch episode 1 of the critically acclaimed series (rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences), chat with your friends and other fans of this anime classic, and take a trivia test at the same time. VIZ moderators will also be on hand to answer questions about the show.

For anyone who misses the event, the same watch and chat experience will be available for episodes 1 and 36 through Friday, June 11th.

Based on the Eisner Award-nominated manga (also published by VIZ Media), NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER is a must-see for any true fan of anime, suspense or crime dramas, and follows in a fine tradition of psychological crime noir ranging from Hitchcock and Mickey Spillane to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and CSI!
Continued…

Action-Packed Drama Released May 11 from Magnolia Home Entertainment
Source: Magnolia Home Entertainment, Bender/Helper Impact
Official Movie Site: HAEUNDAE
Special Thanks to Kim Song-ho and Frances Kregel

DVD cover art courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. © 2009 JK Film/
CJ Entertainment

Magnet Releasing, the genre division of Magnolia Pictures, has released the Korean disaster movie HAEUNDAE on Blu-ray and Region 1 DVD with the English title TIDAL WAVE. The film topped the Korean box office last year and was given a limited US theatrical run as HAEUNDAE (TSUNAMI).

Magnolia is also making TIDAL WAVE available for download for PC, Mac, DVD Player, and PlayStation 3 in North America via Film Fresh, Inc.. The download price is $15.99.

Synopsis
A deep-sea earthquake occurs creating a tidal wave that is headed straight for Haeundae, a popular vacation spot on the south coast of Korea, which draws visitors from all over the world. During its peak season, more than a million vacationers pack onto its narrow one-mile strip of sand. While tracking offshore seismic activity, Professor Kim, a marine geologist, recognizes the impending danger of a mega tsunami. He desperately attempts to warn authorities and alert the unknowing vacationers of the 500 MPH destructive force of nature headed their direction.
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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Saga to Debut in European Territores on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Source: NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe, Indigo Pearl press release
Special Thanks to Holly Barnes

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. has announced the forthcoming launch of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 2 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3, the first game based on the global hit Naruto Shippuden manga and anime to appear on the consoles. Packed with new features and enhancements, a comprehensive character line up and stunning graphics, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 2 is scheduled for launch across PAL territories in autumn 2010.
Continued…

Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Live Action Korea, The Seoul Economy Newspaper

HAEUNDAE director/producer/co-writer Youn
Je-kyun will next make the 3D monster movie
SECTOR 7. Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment.
© 2009 JK Film / CJ Entertainment

On May 9th, CJ Entertainment officially confirmed financing for SECTOR 7 (Je chil gwanggu, aka MINING AREA 7), a 3D monster movie that will be directed and produced by Youn Je-kyun. CJ reportedly was very impressed by a creature effects demo shown at a recent presentation and expects the film will be successful in the wake of the 3D boom caused by James Cameron’s mega-blockbuster AVATAR (2009). Fiming is scheduled to begin next month.

The amount of money CJ Entertainment will invest is expected to be 10 billion Korean won (about 8.67 million USD). CJ previously financed, co-produced and distributed Youn’s 2009 disaster film HAEUNDAE with great success. HAEUNDAE attracted 11.3 million admissions last year to top the domestic box office and become the 4th highest-grossing Korean film of all-time.

SECTOR 7 is about a mutated deep sea creature that runs amok in an oil rig. Award-winning actress Ha Ji-won, who also starred in Youn’s HAEUNDAE and MIRACLE ON 1ST STREET (1 Beon-ga-eui Gi-jeok, 2006), is slated to join the director once again. It marks the second Korean feature film that will be shot in 3D after THE SONG OF THE STRINGS which began production in March, but is the first to be financed by a major company.
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An ominous house beckons from a hilltop in writer/director Nobuhiko Obayashi’s horror movie HOUSE, one of the strangest films ever produced by Toho.
Photo courtesy of Janus Films. © 1977 Toho Co., Ltd.

Bizarre Japanese Horror Film Now Playing in American Theaters
Author: Kyle Byrd
Official Movie Site: janusfilms.com/house

HOUSE poster art by Sam’s Myth for the current US
theatrical run. Photo courtesy of Janus Films. © 1977
Toho Co., Ltd.

When sitting down to review a film like Nobuhiko Obayashi’s HOUSE (Hausu), one has to dismiss everything they know about film criticism. It’s a film that is truly one of a kind, so the “rules” of film criticism are almost impossible to apply to it. When Toho mega producer Tomoyuki Tanaka gave TV commercial director Nobuhiko Obayashi a small chunk of money to make a horror film, its doubtful that he realized he was funding what would be one of the oddest films to come out of Toho Studios.

HOUSE is a film that is truly beyond description. Obayashi took the imaginative musings of his 11-year-old daughter and turned them into what could be the most bizarre film I’ve ever seen (which is saying a lot).

Shrouded in obscurity, the film was never released in the United States. Lucky for us, the good folks at Janus Films happened to unearth this rare gem. It wasn’t enough that they decided they’d give the film a Criterion DVD release… they felt this movie had to be seen by an audience first. HOUSE has been given a limited theatrical release and I was lucky enough to see it on the big screen with an enthusiastic crowd.
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Source: VIZ Pictures
Official Site: 20thboysfilms.com
Special Thanks to Rieko Fuji

Attendees of VIZ Cinema’s screening of 20TH CENTURY
BOYS 3: REDEMPTION will get an advance copy of the
DVD and a poster. Photo courtesy of VIZ Pictures.
© 1999, 2006 Naoki Urasawa, Studio Nuts/ Shogakukan.
© 2009 “20th Century Boys” Film Partners

20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION (20-Seiki Shonen: Saishusho-Bokura no Hata, 2009), the final chapter of the smash hit sci-fi action trilogy based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa, will be available on Region 1 DVD starting June 1st. VIZ Pictures is celebrating the upcoming DVD release with a special one-night-only film screening event this month at the VIZ Cinema in San Francisco.

VIZ Pictures presents a YUKIHIKO TSUTSUMI Film, Based on a manga by NAOKI URASAWA
20TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION
2009/Japan/35mm/with English subtitles/155 min./Color/16:9 anamorphic

Day: Thursday, May 20th
Time: 7pm
Place: VIZ Cinema (NEW PEOPLE B-Level, 1746 Post St., SF, CA 94115)
Ticket: $25 (including movie ticket, DVD, poster & more!)
$10 (movie ticket only) No discounts apply
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The rarely seen THE DEVIL’S TEMPLE wraps up Japan Society’s six month series of chambara (sword fighting) films. Photo courtesy of Japan Society.
© 1969 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Japan Society Concludes “The Double-Edged Sword” Chambara Film Series on May 14th
Source: Japan Society
Special Thanks to Tahmid Mannan

New York – The final screening of Japan Society’s latest Monthly Classics film series “The Double-Edged Sword: The Chambara Films of Shintaro Katsu & Raizo Ichikawa” has arrived! Curated by film expert and author Chris D. (Outlaw Masters of Japanese Film), the series pays tribute to two Japanese screen legends in their most respected, representative and stylish chambara (sword fighting) films. On Friday, May 14, the series finishes off with a clang, screening Kazuo Ikehiro’s THE LONE STALKER (6:30 PM) and Kenji Misumi’s THE DEVIL’S TEMPLE (8:30 PM), two rare and wonderfully unique films for the series’ stars: Raizo Ichikawa and Shintaro Katsu.
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Defending the Earth from giant monsters, ULTRAMAN 80 finally comes to DVD in Japan! © Tsuburaya Productions

Final Showa Ultraman TV Series To Be Released On DVD
Author: Jim M. Ballard
Source: Bandai Visual

ULTRAMAN 80 (Urutoraman Eitii, 1980), the last live action Ultraman TV series of the Showa era, will be released on DVD for the first time in Japan this year. It is the last of all the primary Ultraman TV series to be released on DVD in Japan.

The series will be split into two “Memorial Box” collection sets. Memorial Box I is due for release on June 25th, and will contain the first twenty-eight episodes on seven discs. Memorial Box II will be released three months later on September 24th, containing the final twenty-two episodes on six discs, plus a bonus disc containing special features. Both sets come in deluxe art boxes and will retail for 24,150 yen (approx. US$260). The discs are region coded, and will only function in Japanese, European and other Region 2 encoded DVD players.
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A Fantastic Array Of Japanese Films Feature Surfing, Godzilla, Giant Robots, And The End Of The World
Source: VIZ Pictures, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: NewPeopleWorld.com
Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

Kaiju Shakedown poster, courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 1971-1974 Toho Co., Ltd.

May is a month to celebrate obsessions at VIZ Cinema. The nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, unfolds its most varied line-up yet, spotlighting a variety of obsessions ranging from surfing to art to science fiction and anime.

VIZ Cinema complements a remarkable new exhibit – THE SURF SHOP – opening Saturday, May 15t in the SUPERFROG Gallery featuring Japanese surf-inspired art, custom surfboards and more with a special BIG SURF weekend of new and classic surfing films. Sci-fi fans will want to catch VIZ Cinema’s first-ever Kaiju Shakedown, with four films featuring the world’s most famous Japanese monster dinosaur on 35mm prints! The theatre is also proud to team with Bandai Entertainment to present the exclusive U.S. premiere of THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, based on the smash-hit anime TV series. Moviegoers also can look forward to 7 other anime feature films all playing throughout the month of May at VIZ Cinema!
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IKKI TOUSEN DRAGON DESTINY SEASON 2 VOL 2 will be sold separately and with a Limited Collector’s Box. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© 2007 Yuji Shiozaki ・Wani Books/ Ikkitousen DD Partners

Source: Madman Entertainment

The Australian distributor Madman Entertainment is releasing a number of anime and Asian live action titles this month on Region 4 DVD. Highlights include…

MOTHER
From Bong Joon-ho, director of THE HOST comes MOTHER, which stars Kim Hye-ja in the role which won her the Best Actress award at last year’s Asia-Pacific Screen Awards.

IKKI TOUSEN DRAGON DESTINY S2 VOL 1
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms continues in modern Japan, as rival schools in the reincarnated saga struggle to achieve dominance. The focus shifts to other high schools and their front runners. Meanwhile, the dragons of the remaining two great leaders are awakening, leading to growing mayhem. As ancient artifacts are acquired and events unfold, the battles keep raging with enough intensity to rend flesh and clothing.

PARADISE KISS COLLECTION
The beautiful Yukari strives to ace her college entrance exams, but the goal is really her mother’s, not her own. One day, she meets Paradise Kiss, a group of fashion design students who scout her as a model for their runway show. Reluctant at first, Yukari is influenced by their determination to pursue their dreams, agreeing to explore her true potential. In the meantime, she also discovers a growing attraction to George, the outrageous leader of Paradise Kiss.
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Retailer solicitations for Kaiyodo’s Sci-Fi Revoltech Wave 3, coming in June. Photos courtesy of Anime Jungle. © 2010 Kaiyodo Co., Ltd.

The Special Effects Line Continues
Author: John “Dutch” DeSentis
Source: Anime Jungle
Official Site: kaiyodo.co.jp/revoltech
Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota and Jim Ballard

As previously reported on SciFi Japan, the Kaiyodo Company in Japan has begun a new series in their Revoltech figure line called Sci-Fi Revoltech. There will be three figures released for Wave 3 on June 1st. First up is a figure based on the character Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993). The other two figures, which will be of more interest to kaiju fans no doubt, are Gamera and Gyaos from 1995’s GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (Gamera: Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen). If the advance photographs are any indication, the high level of quality set forth in the first two waves will be carried over here.

Wave 4 is due for release on July 1st and will feature figures based on the DC Comics icon Batman as he appeared in the blockbuster film THE DARK KNIGHT, and the classic Japanese tokusatsu superhero Giant Robo from the show of the same name (released in the US as JOHNNY SOKKO AND HIS FLYING ROBOT). Both figures will come with the usual array of interchangeable parts.
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