Turner Classic Movies’ June schedule features several classic monster movies, including a half-dozen Japanese creature features.
Godzilla films, RODAN, and THE H-MAN © Toho Co., Ltd. THE MANSTER © 1958 United Artists Japan

Classic Monster Movies Every Thursday
Source: Turner Classic Movies

Thursdays this June, the cable station Turner Classic Movies will be airing a series of “Drive-In Double Features” of monster movies from the 1950s and 60s such as THEM!, THE VALLEY OF GWANGI, THE BLOB, TARANTULA, THE BEAST FROM 20000 FATHOMS, and THE THING. The lineup features fifteen movies never before aired on TCM, including four favorites from the Golden Age of Japanese movie monsters… GODZILLA, KING OF THE MONSTERS, RODAN, GHIDORAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER, and GODZILLA VS MONSTER ZERO. Also on the schedule are Toho’s THE H-MAN and the Japanese/American co-production THE MANSTER. All will be shown in their English language, US release versions.
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The creative force behind APPLESEED returns with two haunting vignettes about mankind’s ruthless quest to build a future in the vacuum of space in TO.
© 2009 Yukinobu Hoshino, Futabosha/ TO Committee

Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Site: mv.avex.jp/to (Japan), funimation.com/tomovie (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith

North American anime distributor FUNimation Entertainment has licensed the home entertainment, broadcast, digital rights and merchandise rights for the sci-fi original video anime TO (トゥー, 2009) from Showgate, Inc. TO will be available from major retailers as a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack on June 7, 2011. The suggested retail price is $34.98.

The OVA is directed by Fumihiko Sori (APPLESEED, VEXILLE and the upcoming DRAGON AGE role-playing video game based anime film being produced by BioWare and FUNimation). In TO, Sori has adapted two stories from Yukinobu Hoshino’s manga 2001 Nights (2001夜物語, Nisenichi Ya Monogatari). “Elliptical Orbit” and “Symbiotic Planet” are part of Hoshino’s centuries-long storyline about mankind’s voyages into space.
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Cover art for the upcoming North American DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Set of the Japanese live action sci-fi adventure GANTZ.
Photos courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, Warner Home Video
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda

This August, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (formerly VIZ Pictures) is bringing the Japanese live action science fiction adventure GANTZ (前編, 2011) to DVD and Blu-ray in North America. The film is based on the hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide (published in America by Dark Horse Comics) and was previously adapted in a 26 episode anime series. Directed by Shinsuke Sato (THE PRINCESS BLADE) and starring Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY), GANTZ made its world premiere in the U.S. with screenings held at over 330 theaters nationwide. The movie went on to top the Japanese box office for four consecutive weeks, grossing over $40 million.
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The boy detective Conan Edogawa has entertained readers and audiences for 17 years. © Gosho Aoyama/ Shogakukan, Yomiuri-TV, TMS

Boy Detective Franchise Still Going Strong
Author: Andrew Nguyen
Source: FUNimation Entertainment, VIZ Media
Official Manga Site: websunday.net/conan (Japan), shonensunday.com/series/caseclosed (US)
Official Anime Site: ytv.co.jp/conan, conan-movie.jp (Japan), funimation.com/caseclosed (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith

The boy detective Conan Edogawa and his true identity, teenager
Shinichi Kudo. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© Gosho Aoyama/ Shogakukan, Yomiuri-TV, TMS

Shinichi Kudo is one of Japan’s most famous tantei (detective) due to his ability to solve even the most baffling cases. The press referred to him as the “Detective of the East” even though he is only a teenager. After finishing a date with his childhood friend Ran Mouri at a Tokyo amusement park, he inadvertently witnesses a shady deal between a Japanese businessperson and a mysterious man in black. But before Kudo can investigate further, he is ambushed and knocked out by another man in black. To eliminate Kudo while leaving no trace of their presence, the two men in black force-feed him APTX-4869, an untraceable experimental poison. Instead of killing him, the poison physically de-ages the teenager back to a 7-year-old child.

Acting on the advice of his neighbor, Dr. Hiroshi Agasa, Kudo goes to live at Ran’s house under the pseudonym “Conan Edogawa” (inspired by the writer Edogawa Rampo, who in turn based his pen name on Edgar Allen Poe). There Conan uses Ran’s father, Kogoro Mouri— a mostly incompetent detective— to solve the numerous cases that cross his path. To catch those responsible for his predicament, Conan works behind the scenes in the hopes of making Kogoro famous enough to receive a case dealing with the aptly-named Black Organization.
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Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

Rock star Yoshiki will attend for a panel and autograph session on Saturday, May
28th.

FanimeCon 2011 takes place this Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30, 2011) at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113). Registration opens 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27, and Closing Ceremonies ends at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 30. In between, the fun continues nonstop for people with full-weekend memberships (available for $60 at the convention). Guests of Honor for 2011 include GAINAX co-founder Hiroyuki Yamaga, Japanese rock legend Yoshiki, popular idol Halko Momoi, musical performer Yuya Matsushita, pop band FLOW, prolific voice actor Tohru Furuya, designer GASHICON, manga creator Ryusuke Hamamoto, anime director Seiji Mizushima, and animator/artists Takahiro Yoshimatsu, Fumio Iida, and Mamoru Yokota.
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Madman Will Unleash the Freaks on June 22nd
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Site: sentoshojo.jp (Japan), Sushi Typhoon (US)
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock and Philippa Lamb

Australian DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of Madman
Entertainment.© 2010 Sushi Typhoon and Toei Video

Action, comedy and splatter: times three! For the first time ever, Japanese cult filmmakers Noboru Iguchi (ROBO-GEISHA, THE MACHINE GIRL), Yoshihiro Nishimura (TOKYO GORE POLICE, VAMPIRE GIRL VS. FRANKENSTEIN GIRL) and Tak Sakaguchi (DEATH TRANCE, VERSUS, SAMURAI ZOMBIE) have joined forces to bring you three times the heart-pounding action, three times the jaw-dropping comedy and three times the head-exploding splatter of your average action / horror / comedy! It’s MUTANT GIRL SQUAD (戦闘少女 血の鉄仮面伝説, Sento Shojo: Chi no Tekkamen Densetsu, 2010)… a three-times-larger Mutant Action Extravaganza, filled with so much outrageousness that it took three directors to bring it to you!

Rin (Yumi Sugimoto) is a seemingly normal Japanese high school girl, but on her sixteenth birthday, everything in her life changes when government special forces break into her home. After witnessing her mother’s face blown into bits and her father’s severed head falling into her birthday cake, Rin’s dormant mutant abilities are awakened: her arm transforms into a sharp, knife-encrusted claw, and a moment later, she finds herself standing in a pool of blood, surrounded by dead soldiers!
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press releases
Special Thanks to David Williams

AMAGAMI SS presents multiple timelimes depicting one
man’s relationships with several different women.
© 2010 Enterbrain Inc./Amagami SS Production
Committee

Sentai Filmworks today announced its acquisition of two anime series… the outrageous new comedy MM! (えむえむっ!, 2010) and the romantic omnibus AMAGAMI SS (アマガミSS, 2010).

MM! (pronounced Emu! Emu!) takes a decidedly different bent when it comes to looking at people of a decidedly different bent. Based on the twelve novel series of the same name by the late Akinari Mitsuno, and subsequent manga adaptation illustrated by Issei Hyoujyu with character designs by QP: Flapper, the new series features direction by Tsuyoshi Nagasawa (storyboards for TO LOVE-RU), and follows the adventures of a character who discovers that, while he, himself, might be a masochist, there are other people he knows with equally life affecting fixations.

AMAGAMI SS is based on Enterbrain’s (KIMIKISS) hit dating simulation game for the PS2, and produced by Enterbrain themselves in cooperation with animation by the legendary AIC (AH! MY GODDESS, ANGEL BEATS!, BUBBLEGUM CRISIS, TENCHI MUYO). The 26 episode series, which includes two bonus episodes, was directed and co-written by Yoshimasa Hiraike and takes a truly unique spin in its adaptation from the original material. Daring to go where few anime based on role-playing games games have dared, AMAGAMI SS eschews the traditional practice of focusing on a handful of characters and instead presents multiple storylines that follow the paths of each of the potential romantic relationships in the original games as a series of separate, alternate stories rather than a single hybrid story.
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HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD COMPLETE COLLECTION Available on June 28th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its June 2011 slate of releases, including the highly anticipated complete collection of HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD to be released on DVD & Blu-Ray by Section23 client Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for June are DVD editions of YOU’RE UNDER ARREST: FULL THROTTLE (SEASON 3) COMPLETE COLLECTION and MAID SAMA COLLECTION 1, plus DEMON KING DAIMAO COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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Subtitled Version on Anime Network Online, Dubbed Version Available On Demand
Source: Anime Network press releases
Official Site: angelbeats.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Christian Lopez

Student council president Angel (Tenshi). © 2009 VisualArt’s
/Key /Angel Beats! Project

This summer, ANGEL BEATS! (エンジェルビーツ!, Enjeru Biisu!, 2009) is making its way to fans in both the subtitled form and with an all new English Dub! Join the SSS for the fight of their afterlives against a cruel oppressor in a place where death is meaningless and destiny rules over all. Are you ready to throw down?

The original Japanese version (with English subtitles) will be offered on Anime Network’s Online Streaming Service. Or you can check out the new English dub featuring Blake Shepard, Brittney Karbowski, Hilary Haag and many more, coming this June only to Anime Network Video on Demand!

It sucks being dead. Sucks even more to be trapped in a surreal afterlife where you’re caught between the living and the dead— where a mysterious, violent Angel is trying to pull you over to… somewhere. What do you do? Well, if you’re this group of rough-and-tumble teens, you grab every weapon you can get your hands on and give Heaven hell! High-caliber action and locked-and-loaded comedy meet on a rock and roll battleground in ANGEL BEATS!
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New poster for the 3D Korean monster movie SECTOR 7, focusing on the main cast and characters. Photo courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures.
© 2010 JK Film / CJ E&M Pictures

New Promotional Materials for the Upcoming Korean 3D Creature Feature
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ E&M Pictures
Official Movie Site: 2011sector7.co.kr

The Korean film company and distributor CJ E&M Pictures, the film department of CJ E&M which was previously known as CJ Entertainment, has released two new teaser posters and an advance trailer for the 3D monster movie SECTOR 7 (7광구, Chil gwanggu).

The first poster design is basically the same as the advance teaser image which was released last December, but with slightly revised artwork, the Korean title logo and a tag line which reads “Off the southernmost tip of Jeju-do, 2,500 meters below in the ocean depths… something is there (or ‘something exists’).” The other teaser poster is specifically designed to introduce Korean audiences to the main characters from the film. And the trailer does finally show some brief glimpses of the creature.
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Two volumes of Smile: Pray for Japan— each a collection of illustrations by manga creator Takehiko Inoue— can now be purchased from VIZ Media,
with proceeds going to aid victims of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Takehiko Inoue. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

Portraits by Legendary Manga Creator Following the Earthquake and Tsunami Now Available on iPhone, iPod Touch And iPad
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/apps
Special Thanks to Jane Jane Lui, Candice Uyloan, and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC, one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to assist international fundraising efforts for Japanese disaster relief. The company has announced that it will make legendary manga creator Takehiko Inoue’s newest Smile series of illustrations available to North American iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users via the VIZ Manga App. All VIZ Media proceeds from these purchases will be donated directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society to aid victims in the areas ravaged by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

“Takehiko Inoue’s lifelike portraits of everyday Japanese people smiling have inspired hope in the wake of the terrible events that struck the country on March 11th, and we’re honored to help with ongoing fundraising efforts by making them available to fans in North America,” says Hyoe Narita, Executive Vice President of VIZ Media. “We encourage iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users to contribute to the Japanese Red Cross Society and enjoy these moving images as a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Japanese people.”
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Manga Entertainment celebrates its 20th anniversary with Katsuhiro Otomo’s masterpiece AKIRA on DVD and— for the first time ever in the United Kingdom—Blu-ray.
Cover art courtesy of The Associates. © 1988 Akira Committee

The Anime Classic Gets a Major UK Re-release
Source: The Associates press release

Key art for AKIRA. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 1988 Akira Committee

To coincide with Manga Entertainment’s 20th anniversary celebrations, in June 2011 the company will be releasing on Blu-ray— for the first time ever in the United Kingdom— the movie that started it all and defined the Manga brand as one of the world’s leading anime distributors… Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic AKIRA! Prior to the Blu-ray release, the film will also open at selected UK cinemas, giving fans the chance to see this “lavish animation extravaganza” (Variety) in all its big screen glory.

AKIRA (cert. 15) will open at selected UK cinemas on 24th June 2011 and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on 27th June 2011. A special limited edition collectors’ SteelBook containing both the DVD and the Blu-ray disc will also be available from 27th June.

Special Features include: Digitally Remastered Feature; 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen Presentation; English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English Stereo 2.0 and Japanese Stereo 2.0 audio options; optional English, Norwegian, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish and Swedish subtitles.
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Yakuza Shozo Iwaki (Tak Sakaguchi) is transformed into weapon-loaded cyborg in YAKUZA WEAPON, the new film from the team behind the cult hit VERSUS.
Photo courtesy of Sushi Typhoon. © 2010 Ken Ishikawa/ Dynamic Planning, Yakuza Weapon Film Partners

Made in Japan, Kicking Ass Worldwide
Source: Sushi Typhoon
Official Movie Site: sushi-typhoon.com/films/yakuza-weapon
Special Thanks to Marc Walkow

Poster for YAKUZA WEAPON. Photo courtesy of Sushi
Typhoon. © 2010 Ken Ishikawa/ Dynamic Planning, Yakuza
Weapon Film Partners

The team who brought you VERSUS have returned with YAKUZA WEAPON (極道兵器, Gokudo Heiki, 2011), another hard-edged battle royale featuring tough gangsters, deadly women and cybernetic penis implants! Working as a hard-to-kill mercenary in South America, ex-yakuza Shozo Iwaki (Tak Sakaguchi) is informed of the death of his gang boss father, Kenzo (Akaji Maro). Returning home after four years, Shozo discovers that his father’s number-one man, Kurawaki (Shingo Tsurumi), has double-crossed and assassinated Kenzo, leaving Shozo not only in charge of what little remains of the Iwaki Family, but also burning with the desire for vengeance. After a titanic battle in which an entire building is leveled, both Shozo and Kurawaki are left barely alive, Shozo missing an arm and a leg.

Despite his debilitating wounds, the nearly superhuman Shozo clings to life, and wakes up in a mysterious medical facility with an M61 Vulcan cannon in place of his right arm, and a rocket launcher where his left leg used to be! Although confused by his new body and tormented by the pain it brings him, Shozo quickly learns to love his weaponized frame, and makes himself ready for a rematch with Kurawaki, who also has some mechanical improvements of his own.
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The worldwide releases of EVANGELION: 2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE continue as the film comes to DVD and Blu-ray in Australia.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2009 Khara

Second “Rebuild of Evangelion” Film Streets June 15th
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: evangelion.co.jp (Japan), funimation.com/evangelion (US), madman.com.au/nge (Aus)
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock and Philippa Lamb

The impressive 21st Century makeover of one of the most revered and influential anime series of all time continues apace with the Australian DVD and Blu-ray release of the feature-length EVANGELION: 2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版: 破, Evangelion Shin Gekijoban: Ha, 2009) from Madman Entertainment.
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Concert to Feature the World’s First Digital Diva Performing in 3D
Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press release
Official Site: anime-expo.org
Special Thanks to Jim Yeager and Roberta Silverman

Hatsune Miku. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © SEGA.
© Crypton Future Media, Inc.

Hatsune Miku, a Japanese virtual pop idol whose computer-generated singing and holographic performances have sparked a new form of musical entertainment, will thrill U.S. audiences for the first time when she performs live in concert at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime and manga celebration in Los Angeles from July 1 – 4, 2011. In addition to her live concert, Hatsune Miku will be Anime Expo’s first Virtual Guest of Honor.

A digital diva famous worldwide for her ankle-length aqua-colored pigtails and distinctive voice, Hatsune Miku will light up the stage at Nokia Theatre on July 2nd in her U.S. live concert debut presented by The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Crypton Future Media, Inc., SEGA Corporation, Tokyo Kawaii Magazine (ASCII Media Works) and Toyota Motor Sales, USA.

“Fans in North America have been clamoring for Miku to perform here and we have listened,” said Marc Perez, Chairman and CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the non-profit that produces Anime Expo. “We’re extremely excited to be able to present this 21st Century star at Anime Expo in what promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
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Animation director, character designer, illustrator, game creator, and manga artist Fumio Iida— whose credits include EVANGELION: 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT)
ADVANCE— is the latest Guest of Honor added for FanimeCon. © 2009 Khara

New Guest of Honor and Featured Charities Announced
Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

FanimeCon has provided some press updates regarding this year’s event, taking place Memorial Day weekend (May 27-30, 2011) at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113).
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Concerts, Fashion Shows and Masquerade Dates and Times Revealed! Priority Seating for Passport Holders!
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Photo courtesy of BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions.
© 2011 AM².

AM², the highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention this coming 4th of July weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, announces their Main Event schedule with date and information regarding events such as the Masquerade and the daily schedule of concert acts involving the superstars of Japan including heidi., Kanon Wakeshima, kanonxkanon and Scandal! “With only 1,500 Main Event seats, attendees will be ‘up close and personal’ with artists moreso than ever in an intimate setting”, states Chase Wang AM² representative.

Entrance to the event is free, but attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by obtaining a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.

Chase Wang explains, “Fans should obtain their Passports to increase their chances of obtaining a seat at their favorite concert or main event. Get your Passports today and experience the difference!”
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Season 1 Available Starting on May 18th
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: tenipuri.com (Japan), VIZAnime.com/the-prince-of-tennis (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui, Candice Uyloan, and Irena Boostani

Key artwork for the hit sports anime THE PRINCE OF TENNIS, available this week
on Amazon Instant Video. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 1999 Takeshi Konomi,
© 2001 NAS, TV Tokyo

VIZ Media has announced the release of THE PRINCE OF TENNIS (テニスの王子様, Tenisu no Oojisama, 2001) on Amazon Instant Video. The first season episodes of the sports anime (1-13) will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, May 18th for $1.99 each.

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS is based on the smash hit manga series created by Takeshi Konomi that has sold more than 30 million copies in Japan, and is also published exclusively in North America by VIZ Media (Rated ‘A’ for All Ages).

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS anime series (dubbed, TV-G) follows the on and off court adventures of Ryoma Echizen, the 12-year-old son of a famous tennis player and a prodigy in his own right. Looking to make a mark, he joins his junior high school tennis team, known as one of the most competitive in Japan. Now he has to overcome the older players on his high school team who are dead set against letting him surpass them.
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The popular UK label Manga Entertainment celebrates their 20th Anniversary with new DVD/Blu-ray releases, product lines, and events.
Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2011 Manga Entertainment, LLC

UK Anime Label Celebrates Two Decades as Market Leader
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: manga.co.uk

Manga Entertainment, the UK’s leading purveyor of Japanese animation, celebrates two decades as film producers, market leaders and video distributors for such acclaimed animation classics as AKIRA, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE. The first and best anime distributor in the UK, Manga Entertainment remains at the forefront of modern media, part of a whirlpool of social networking trends and new forms of fun.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of AKIRA on UK video, Manga Entertainment is releasing Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic in an all-new Blu-ray edition. But that’s not all!
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Kids’ Favorite Hamsters Leap Into A Fun Interactive Mobile Universe
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/apps
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Irena Boostani

The video game HAMTARO: LITTLE HAMSTERS,
BIG ADVENTURES is now available for iPhone
and iPad. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © R.
Kawai/ 2000, 2007 Shogakukan, SMDE, TV
Tokyo. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

VIZ Media, LLC has licensed the rights for a HAMTARO: LITTLE HAMSTERS, BIG ADVENTURES video game for the Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad to Egg Ball Games. VIZ Media is the official North American distributor of the iApp game, which is available now; the game is available also in Latin America and Europe. To learn more about HAMTARO: LITTLE HAMSTERS, BIG ADVENTURES, please visit VIZ.com/apps.

HAMTARO: LITTLE HAMSTERS, BIG ADVENTURES features 3 colorful and original game environments and dozens of levels. The game is Facebook enabled and offers an interactive Game Center for posting personal and worldwide high scores. Players can also unlock 9 exclusive HAMTARO wallpapers to further customize their iPhone.

“We’re very excited to bring HAMTARO: LITTLE HAMSTERS, BIG ADVENTURES to North American iPhone and iPad users,” says Aadil Tayouga, Licensing Analyst. “This game launches the much-loved hamster character into the interactive mobile digital realm, and we look forward to introducing him and his friends to a whole new generation of players.”

Based on the popular 1997 manga, TV series (more than 350 episodes) which has been broadcast in 40 countries, and theatrical shorts (released in Japan as co-features to Godzilla films), the HAMTARO application will captivate both children and adults as they help Hamtaro and his friends collect items they need to rack up big scores and unlock new levels.
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KING OF EDEN, the first of two EDEN OF THE EAST theatrical films, will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the United Kingdom by Manga Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2009 EDEN OF THE EAST.

Special Edition Comes with Bonus Feature Film: EDEN OF THE EAST: AIR COMMUNICATION
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: juiz.jp (Japan)

The story of EDEN OF THE EAST THE MOVIE 1: THE KING OF EDEN (東のエデン 劇場版ⅠThe King of Eden, Higashi no Eden Gekijooban I: The King of Eden, 2009) continues where it left off from the EDEN OF THE EAST TV series, and brings Saki Morimi back to the USA in order to find Akira Takizawa. The other Selecao however are actively moving to take part in the game, and a few in particular are making dangerous moves in order to eliminate Takizawa or move towards their picture of a better Japan.

The Blu-ray also includes a very special bonus extra, the EDEN OF THE EAST: AIR COMMUNICATION feature length film edit of the original 11 episode EOTE TV series from 2009. It is an excellent accompaniment to the brand new movie ensuring new and old fans alike can enjoy the entire EDEN OF THE EAST saga from beginning to end.
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Old-school Japanese monster action is back on the big screen in THE GOD OF CLAY, the new short film by FX crew members from the Godzilla and Ultraman series.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Bartok. © 2011 Marbling Fine Arts

Daikaiju Double Feature on June 23rd
Source: Bigfoot Crest Theater
Special Thanks to Dennis Bartok

On Thursday, June 23, the Bigfoot Crest Theater in Westwood, CA (near UCLA) will present a special giant monster/Godzilla-themed film event featuring the World Premiere of the Japanese giant monster short film THE GOD OF CLAY produced by Marbling Fine Arts, co-directed by Godzilla FX master Koichi Kawakita and featuring a veritable Who’s Who of some of the greatest names in Japanese monster special effects. Also on the schedule is a 35 mm screening of the classic Toho movie GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER.

Between the films there will be short discussion on the making of THE GOD OF CLAY and the history of Japanese giant monster movies with producer Norihiko Iwasaki of Marbling Fine Arts, Godzilla expert Steve Ryfle (Classic Media’s Toho Master Collection, Sony’s ICONS OF SCI-FI: TOHO COLLECTION) and film restoration expert Oki Miyano (RASHOMON).
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House of Five Leaves, not simple, Maoh: Juvenile Remix and Hyde & Closer; Plus Additions To 17 Popular Manga Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/apps
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The VIZ MANGA APP now offers almost 200
volumes for download. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

VIZ Media has announced four new manga series that will be offered for digital download within the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The latest update offers two acclaimed works from celebrated manga creator Natsume Ono – House of Five Leaves and not simple – that are available now. Two additional new series – Maoh: Juvenile Remix and Hyde & Closer – will debut for digital download on May 9th and May 16th respectively. Updates for the first half of May to 17 other popular manga series have also been announced.

The VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, with an extensive downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. The app now offers almost 200 volumes available for download. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series are featured.

The VIZ MANGA APP is now available for free for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch through the iTunes Store, and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada from within the application for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.
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Contents for the 2-Disc Collector’s Edition of EVANGELION: 2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE, available June 20th in the United Kingdom.
Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2009 Khara

Second “Rebuild of Evangelion” Film Streets June 20th
Source: The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: evangelion.co.jp (Japan), funimation.com/evangelion (US)

New Pilots, New Evas, New Angels. The landmark anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン, Shin Seiki Evangerion, 1995) evolves, reaching new heights of intensity in the new feature film EVANGELION: 2.22 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE, coming to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK from Manga Entertainment on the 20th of June, 2011. The home video editions present the theatrical anime movie EVANGELION: 2.0 (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版: 破, Evangelion Shin Gekijoban: Ha, 2009), digitally mastered and with upgraded scenes.

EVANGELION: 2.22 will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL), Blu-ray (Region B), and in a 2-Disc Collector’s Edition containing the DVD, Blu-ray, and a 20 page book.
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The POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT comes in a handy travel ‘suitcase’, perfect for on-the-go recreation for kids aged 5 and up. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 2011 Pokémon. © 1995-2011 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/Pokemon
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Irena Boostani

Just in time for summer, VIZ Media delivers hours of Pokémon fun with the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT! Featuring Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and other new Pokémon from the Unova region, the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT includes an activity pad, poster, stickers and six chunky crayons, all packaged in a suitcase-style case! Recommended for ages 5 and up, the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT also makes a wonderful gift.
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Photo courtesy of FanimeCon. © 2011 FanimeCon.

Four Days of Japanese Anime and Pop Culture in San Jose this Memorial Day Weekend
Source: FanimeCon press releases
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

FanimeCon is Northern California’s largest anime convention. Packed with videos, costumes, music, games, parties, tournaments, panels, and guests from around the world, this annual celebration of Japanese art and popular culture entertains a colorful spectrum of fans and friends. Over 16,000 enthusiasts joined FanimeCon 2010, and FanimeCon will return to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, CA 95113) during Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30, 2011.
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VIZ Media Imprint Releases Second Magatama Trilogy Novel on May 17th
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Noriko Ogiwara continues in her award-winning
Magatama Trilogy with Mirror Sword and Shadow
Prince. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 1991, 1996,
2005 Noriko Ogiwara. Illustrations © 2010 Miho Satake

VIZ Media, LLC has announced the release of author Noriko Ogiwara’s fantasy adventure novel, Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince, on May 17th. The hardcover book will be published by the company’s Haikasoru literary imprint and will carry an MSRP of $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences and is first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

“Author Noriko Ogiwara garnered well-deserved praise from North American readers for Dragon Sword and Wind Child, the first book in her award-winning Magatama Trilogy,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “Mirror Sword and Shadow Prince continues the saga— centuries after the events of Dragon Sword and Wind Child the magical magatama have to be found once again by a young girl named Toko. Only she can stop her best friend, the orphan prince Oguna, from destroying their nation, and himself. It’s a wonderful retelling of one of Japan’s foundational myths, and I’m excited to present a new flavor of epic fantasy to English-speaking audiences.”
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Hayao Miyazaki’s classic PORCO ROSSO is among the films and anime series screening at this year’s AM² convention. © 1992 Nibariki • TNNG

Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

AM², the highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention taking place July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California, has revealed some of the titles (with more to come) that will be screened at this year’s event.
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The samurai assassin Aya (Eri Otoguru) hunts the living of the living dead. Clip courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© 2008 “Onechanbara: The Movie” Production Committee

Babes, Bikinis, Blades, Guns and a Fistful of Zombies on Region 4 DVD
Source: Madman Entertainment
Special Thanks to Ben Pollock and Philippa Lamb

DVD art for CHANBARA BEAUTY. Photo courtesy of Madman
Entertainment. © 2008 “Onechanbara: The Movie”
Production Committee

The live action Japanese feature film CHANBARA BEAUTY (お姉チャンバラ The Movie, Onechanbara: The Movie, 2008) is now on DVD (Region 4, PAL) in Australia from Madman Entertainment. The film is based on the hit video game series THE ONECHANBARA for PS2, Xbox360, Wii; created by Tamsoft and D3. CHANBARA BEAUTY was the directorial debut of cinematographer Yohei Fukuda (GROTESQUE), and stars Eri Otoguro (VAMPIRE GIRL VS. FRANKENSTEIN GIRL; SHUTTER), Tomohiro Waki (INITIAL D – DRIFT RACER) and Taro Suwa (UZUMAKI; END CALL; THE MACHINE GIRL).

The bikini-clad samurai chick, Aya (Eri Otoguru), roams a chaotic and desolate future world where the streets are filled with zombies. In search of her sister, Saki (Chise Nakamura), she meets a mysterious gun-toting leather outlaw named Reiko (Manami Hashimoto). Teaming up, they take on the marauding hordes of zombies in an all-out war.
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Anime Crime Thriller Based On An Acclaimed Manga Series Offers A Tale Of Conspiracy, Political Intrigue And Murder
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZAnime
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Irena Boostani

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, based on the manga by the
creator of 20th Century Boys, is now streaming for free on
VIZAnime.com. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2004 Naoki
Urasawa, Studio Nuts/ Shogakukan, VAP, NTV

VIZ Media lets loose the tense psychological crime drama of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own premier website for free anime, beginning Friday, May 6th, as well as through the streaming content provider HULU. VIZAnime is a free-to-use interactive web destination that is now the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series.

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER (rated TV-MA, subtitled) is presented uncut and will launch with Episodes 1-15 available immediately. Fifteen new episodes will debut each week, with the concluding episodes 61-74 streaming June 3rd.

What would you do if a child you once saved grew up to be a monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run from the police, who suspect him to be the killer, to find Johan and stop the monster he set loose upon the world.
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