Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of TRIPLE TAP. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2010 Polybona Films

Director Derek Yee’s Action Thriller Explodes on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6th
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: wellgousa.com/detail-tripletap (US)
Special Thanks to Liza Nedelman and Leif Hellend

Two-time Best Director Hong Kong Film Award winner Derek Yee’s (ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK, SHINJUKU INCIDENT) latest action-packed thriller TRIPLE TAP (鎗王之王, Qiang Wang Zhi Wang, 2010) debuts on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6 from Well Go USA. Louis Koo (TRIAD ELECTION, FLASH POINT) plays a champion shooter who becomes a hero after fatally-shooting a band of armed bank robbers, but is soon suspected to be the mastermind behind the heist by a crack shot police officer (Daniel Wu, SHINJUKU INCIDENT). TRIPLE TAP will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP, and is packed with explosive extras, including deleted scenes, director and actor interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a photo gallery and an optional English dub.

To add to the fun, Well Go USA is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free DVD of TRIPLE TAP! Read on for details.
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New Full-Color Art Book Features the Memorable Work of Series Creator Katsura Hoshino
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche art book.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2010 Katsura Hoshino/
Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight manga art fans with the release of D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche on December 6th. The new art book arrives just in time for the holidays and will carry an MSRP of $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN.

Enter the lavish fictional 19th century world of D.Gray-Man in this new collection featuring nearly 100 pages of full-color character art, magazine covers, and other original compositions by series creator Katsura Hoshino. Also featured are insightful Q&A’s between Hoshino and two manga creators that inspire her: Takeshi Obata, the artist behind Hikaru no Go, Bakuman｡, and the smash hit Death Note (all published in North America by VIZ Media); and Osamu Akimoto, whose manga series, Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo, has been serialized in the best-selling boy’s manga magazine in the world, Weekly Shonen Jump, for 35 years and remains the magazine’s longest-running manga series. D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche also includes an exclusive, double-sided full-color poster.
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The six part BROKEN BLADE film series will be available on Comcast’s Xfinity OnDemand in January.
© 2010 Yunosuke Yoshinaga/Flex Comix, Broken Blade Production Committee

Source: Anime Network press release
Official Site: breakblade.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Christian Lopez

Anime Network and Comcast are starting 2012 off with a bang, coming together to bring fans a tale of war, magic, and ancient mecha: BROKEN BLADE (ブレイク ブレイド, Bureiku Bureido, 2010)!

The six part film series will be available to rent in the Xfinity OnDemand Top Picks section, only on Comcast, from January 1 to January 31, 2012. An exclusive Top Picks extra will also be included at release, available only to Comcast customers.
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“Wisdom is the mightiest weapon”
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: kongzi.sina.com (China), funimation.com/confucius (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun-Fat
as the iconic philosopher. © 2010 Dadi Film Media.

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to CONFUCIUS (孔子, Kong Zi, 2010).

This $23 million dollar budget biopic film financed by the Chinese government, stars Chow Yun-Fat as the iconic philosopher, Confucius, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced life in Asia and beyond. Directed by Hu Mei, best known for her work in the acclaimed historical drama series YONG ZHENG DYNASTY and THE EMPEROR IN HAN DYNASTY and captured on Film by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) this cinematic masterpiece will be a must have for lovers of history.

The film begins with Confucius as an old man, reflecting back on his life. Through flashbacks, we see him in his early 50s being promoted from Major to Minister for Law in his home state of Lu. He battles with ethical issues after saving a slave boy who was sentenced to be buried alive with his recently deceased master. A series of complex political decisions and war result in Confucius being outcast and relegated to become a wandering scholar. This film details his epic journey of numerous hardships and losses as Confucius perseveres to earn his place as one of China’s revered philosophical figures.

The DVD will be released March 27, 2012.
Continued…

Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: vizeurope.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Hyoe Narita. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.

VIZ Media Europe is proud to announce that Hyoe Narita, previously Executive Vice President at VIZ Media, LLC in San Francisco, will become the new President of VIZ Media Europe (VME) from December 1, 2011.

After five years in his function as President of VME, John Easum, will be stepping down at the end of November to pursue new initiatives. Under Easum’s leadership, VME was established in January 2007. Easum was instrumental in building VME’s presence and implementing VME’s strategy of growing the European market for VIZ’s animation and manga properties. From December, he will be moving to Tokyo where he will continue to provide services to the manga and anime industries.

Narita has been appointed as Easum’s successor and will assume the role of President of VME from December 1. Narita will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations in Europe along with Cedric Littardi, Managing Director of Kazé, and Nicolas Weber Krebs, Managing Director of VIZ Media Switzerland.
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Optimus Prime leads the Autobots in the computer animated film TRANSFORMERS PRIME – DARKNESS RISING, coming to DVD on December 6th.
Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen

On December 6, 2011, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc, will release the CGI animated film TRANSFORMERS PRIME – DARKNESS RISING on DVD. Celebrate the triumphant return of the Autobots through cutting-edge CGI animation, combining all five action-packed episodes of the TRANSFORMERS PRIME television series currently airing on The Hub television network. Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, this highly collectible DVD is priced to own with a suggested retail price of $14.97.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: juiz.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Packaging for the EDEN OF THE EAST Complete Series Blu-ray/
DVD Combo Pack. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© 2009 EDEN OF THE EAST.

On December 27th, the complete anime series EDEN OF THE EAST (東のエデン, Higashi no Eden, 2009) will be released in a 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. Produced by anime studio Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1), the show was created, written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama (director of MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT and the best-selling GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX), and features character designs by manga artist Chica Umino (Honey and Clover).

Akira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He’s got a gun in one hand and a cell phone in the other, and he doesn’t know if he’s a good guy or one of the worst. He doesn’t remember that the phone gives him instant access to ten billion yen and a woman who can make his most outlandish requests a reality.

He doesn’t recall his connection to the ongoing missile attacks terrorizing the Japanese people, or the part he played in the sudden disappearance of 20,000 shut-ins. He doesn’t even remember he’s supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever it is he’s tangled up in, Takizawa’s definitely in deep – and that’s not even scratching the surface.

The EDEN OF THE EAST Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains all 11 episodes.
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Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of 1911. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2011 Jackie and JJ Productions/Shanghai Film Group

Jackie Chan’s 100th Movie to be Released in Multiple Formats
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Official Movie Site: mediaasia.com/1911, 1911movie.com (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Liza Nedelman

Legendary action star Jackie Chan (POLICE STORY, PROJECT A, RUSH HOUR trilogy) marks the milestone of his 100th film with 1911 (辛亥革命, Xin Hai Ge Ming), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD January 10 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

From the walls of the Forbidden City to the battlefields of China, with no expense spared in production and no detail ignored in its quest for historical accuracy, 1911 is a true epic in every sense of the word. The film details a key moment in modern Chinese history — the fall of the Qing Dynasty — and the violent rebellion that brought it down. In addition to Chan (who also co-directed with cinematographer Zhang Li), the film also stars Li Bing Bing (TRIPLE TAP), Winston Chao (THE WEDDING BANQUET, EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN), Joan Chen (THE LAST EMPEROR, LUST, CAUTION) and Jaycee Chan (BREAK-UP CLUB).
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The Troll Hunter tangles with a gigantic Jotnar. © 2010 Filmkameratene AS

You’ll Believe It When You See It
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Site: trollhunterfilm.com

The Norwegian fantasy film TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on December 14, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. The SFX-laden mockumentary was among the top five most popular film at the 2011 Melbourne Film Festival, also played every major festival in Australia throughout 2011. A Hollywood remake is being developed by Chris Columbus (HOME ALONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE) for a tentative release in 2014.
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Actor Kenji Ohba as Retsu Ichijouji. © 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

Interview with Kenji Ohba
Translation by: Tetsuya Shima
The interviewer : 秋田英夫　(Hideo Akita)
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 2012, Toei Co. will be releasing the latest film based on its popular SUPER SENTAI franchise, called SPACE SHERIFF GYABAN VS GOKAIJA – THE MOVIE. The highlight of this film will be the return of Space Sheriff Gavan (Uchuu Keiji Gyaban), a popular Toei hero series from 1982.

With the help of Tetsuya Shima, SciFi Japan will feature a series of articles we call Space Sheriff Spotlight, taking a look back at the SPACE SHERIFF series (Gavan, Sharivan and Shaider) through a series of interviews with the casts and crews that brought the series to life.

We start off by presenting an interview with SPACE SHERIFF GAVAN star Kenji Ohba.
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Photos courtesy of Showbox Media Group. YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI © 2010 Epic Pictures Group. THE BIG BOSS, GAME OF DEATH and GAME OF DEATH 2 © 1971-1981 Golden Harvest.

Source: Showbox Media Group press release
Special Thanks to Louise Rivers

The UK home video label Cine-Asia has announced their release schedule for January 2012. Highlighting the month will be DVD and Blu-ray editions for YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI. Also on tap are “Hong Kong Legends” Special Edition DVDs for the Bruce Lee classics THE BIG BOSS and GAME OF DEATH plus the sequel GAME OF DEATH 2.
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Created in Partnership with Autodesk to Benefit Japanese Disaster Recovery; Exhibit of Artwork in Las Vegas
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

“First Flight” by Dave Guertin. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Dave Guertin

VIZ Media has announced the upcoming debut of ART FOR HOPE, a limited edition digital art book anthology created in partnership with Autodesk, Inc. to benefit Architecture for Humanity. The anthology will be available for a limited time, from December 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012, for $4.99 through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds will support Architecture for Humanity’s ongoing disaster reconstruction efforts in Japan. To learn more about these rebuilding projects, please visit ArchitectureForHumanity.org.

Each of the 40 artists participating in the ART FOR HOPE anthology used Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications in some way to create original pieces for the anthology. The artists, both professional and amateur, hail from around the world and from diverse fields, and range in style from the realistic to the fantastic, each illustrating the theme of “Hope.” Notable contributors include Eisner Award and Harvey Award winner Rob Guillory, Harvey Award Winner Lark Pien, muralist Sirron Norris, and MAMESHIBA artists Jorge Monlongo and Gemma Corell.
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RPG Fighting Game Based on the Popular Anime Series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: facebook.com/fullmetalbattle
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

The free to play RPG FULLMETAL BATTLE is now
available for iPhone and iPod Touch. Photo courtesy
of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2011 Hiromu
Arakawa/FA Project・MBS.

FUNimation Entertainment has announced the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone game based on the acclaimed anime series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD. Developed by Good Game Productions, FULLMETAL BATTLE is a turn-based Online Collectable Card Game with an immediately recognizable RPG style of combat and is available now for the iPhone and iPod Touch and will be followed shortly by the iPad. The game will also soon launch for Facebook and Android. The iPhone and iPod Touch version is the first to launch and can be downloaded from iTunes for free at itunes.apple.com/us/app/fma-battle.

FULLMETAL BATTLE is a free to play turn-based Collectable Card Game that lets players design their own state licensed alchemist decks from a variety of abilities and effects inspired by the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD series and proceed into battle against other online players. Immersed in a fictional universe styled after the European Industrial Revolution, players can also challenge popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD characters including fan-favorites Alphonse and Edward Elric while receiving helpful tips from Roy Mustang!

FULLMETAL BATTLE is a title that blends elements of the standard Online Collectable Card Game and freemium aspects of a free-to-play MMO. Each card the player owns can gain experience, eventually gaining levels and new abilities. Players are encouraged to purchase additional packs of playing cards and eventually trade them with other players.
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ROZEN MAIDEN Available on December 6th
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 December slate of releases; including ROZEN MAIDEN, a package that includes the original 12 episode series and the 12 episode sequel series TRÄUMEND. Releasing separately will be the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE, which have never been released in North America. The popular series will be released on DVD by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for December are DVD editions of HIMAWARI, TOO! SEASON 2 COLLECTION, ELFEN LIED COMPLETE COLLECTION, MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE COMPLETE COLLECTION and KINO’S JOURNEY COMPLETE COLLECTION.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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New Release From Haikasoru Imprint Called the Greatest Japanese Science Fiction Novel of All Time
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights was
named the greatest Japanese science fiction title ever
written. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 1967 Ryu Mitsuse.
Originally Published in Japan by Hayakawa Publishing, Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the availability of the acclaimed novel, Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights, by author Ryu Mitsuse. The hardcover book is published by the company’s Haikasoru imprint and carries an MSRP of $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN. The eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, the Nook, and Apple’s iBooks Store for $9.99.

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.

“Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights won the title of the greatest Japanese science fiction title ever written in a 2006 poll by Science Fiction magazine,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “The novel, which comes with a striking glow-in-the-dark dust jacket, delivers a cosmic adventure in the style of Arthur C. Clarke, covering the evolution of humanity, the lives of some of history’s most iconic religious figures, a future techno-dystopia, and the very death of the universe itself. Originally published in 1967, author Ryu Mitsuse revised the novel in later years and republished it in 1973. We’re truly honored to finally release this masterpiece to North American readers.”
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The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for GODZILLA. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

Japanese and US Versions of the Original Classic Coming to DVD and Blu-ray in January
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment, Classic Media, Westchester Films
Official Site: criterion.com/godzilla
Special Thanks to Brian Carmody, Jonathan Saba, Mark Balsam, Allen Perkins and David Kalat

On January 24, 2012, the Toho classic GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954)— along with the Americanized edit GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (1956)— will be released in both deluxe DVD and Blu-ray editions by The Criterion Collection.

SciFi Japan takes a look behind the scenes of the upcoming release with details on how Criterion acquired the film, the materials being utilized for the DVD and Blu-ray, an updated press release, and an interview with audio commentator David Kalat.
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Kung Fu champion Dennis To is the young Ip Man in THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN, coming to Blu-ray and DVD in December. © 2010 Mei Ah Entertainment.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: IpManLegendMovie-us.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN. Photo
courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Mei Ah
Entertainment.

On December 13th, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN (葉問前傳, Yip Man Chinchyun, 2010) will be released on DVD and in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The semi-biographical film is based on the early life events of Wing Chun master Yip Man, famous for mentoring Bruce Lee, and acts as a prequel to the hit films IP MAN and IP MAN 2.

THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN is helmed by director Herman Yau and stars Dennis To (the youngest World Kung Fu Champion of Hong Kong) in the title role. It features fight choreography by martial arts legends Sammo Hung, highlighted by a battle between Hung and Yuen Biao. The film includes an appearance by 86-year-old Ip Chun, Ip Man’s real life son, as one of the wing chun master’s mentors. Ip Chun also acted as an advisor to the film. THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN was nominated for a 2011 Hong Kong Film Award in the category of Best New Performer (Yu–Hang To).

Packed with Kung Fu combat and thick with drama, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN follows Ip Man as he grows from a promising young pupil into an unstoppable force. When political corruption threatens his temple, his friends, and his honor, Man single-handedly challenges a swarm of shinobi in an ultimate showdown.
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DVD and Blu-ray packaging for BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media. © Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentsu, Pierrot © BMP 2008

Ichigo Faces Down a Deadly New Enemy Alone in the Third BLEACH Anime Action Feature
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/bleach/2008 (Japan), BLEACH.viz.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the latest BLEACH feature film – BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK (Bleach Fade to Black 君の名を呼ぶ, Buriichi Fade to Black- Kimi no Na o Yobu, 2008). The movie is now available on DVD and Blu-ray, is rated ’T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) and $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN). BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK offers both English and Japanese dialogue options as well as bonus features including production art and the original theatrical trailers.

The film is also available for Download-to-Own (DTO) for only $9.99 and for Download-to-Rent (DTR) for only $4.99 from digital partners including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and Zune on Xbox Live. DTO and DTR availability for Playstation Network is forthcoming.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: a-ch.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for A-CHANNEL. © bb Kuroda ・ A-Channel
Committee ・ MBS

Sentai Filmworks has acquired A-CHANNEL (Aチャンネル, Ee Channeru, 2011), a cutting edge, slice of life comedy series based on the popular four panel comic by bb Kuroda.

Helming the task of adapting the four panel strip into a linear story are director Manabu Ono (TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON, DRAGONAUT, HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE) and lead writer Tatsuhiko Urahata (STRAWBERRY PANIC, MURDER PRINCESS, MONSTER). Animation director and character designer Masakatsu Sasaki (SAKI, EROTIC TORTURE CHAMBER) adapts Kuroda’s designs for the animation medium while music is in the hands of Satoru Kousaki (LUCKY STAR, THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA).

A-CHANNEL will be available digitally through many outlets and on subtitled DVD next February.
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Jet Jaguar, Godzilla, Gigan and Megalon take a break from battle to pose for a GODZILLA VS MEGALON publicity shot. © 1973 Toho Co., Ltd.

Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV Detail their Efforts on the New Media Blasters DVD and Blu-ray
Author: Keith Aiken

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

After decades of low quality, unauthorized videos, Toho’s GODZILLA VS MEGALON (ゴジラ対メガロ, Gojira tai Megaro, 1973) will finally receive an official, licensed release on home video in North America this November 29th from Media Blasters.

While Media Blasters has yet to reveal all of the details for their upcoming DVD and Blu-ray, MEGALON will feature the original Japanese version with 2.0 and 5.1 audio, the uncut English dub (never commercially available before in the US), plus extras such as a feature length audio commentary by film historians Steve Ryfle (Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, ICONS OF SCI-FI: TOHO COLLECTION) and Stuart Galbraith IV (The Toho Studios Story, INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER DVD, TORA-SAN COLLECTOR’S SET).
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SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP of 3 New Volumes Brings US Readers Up to Speed with Japanese Counterpart
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Bleach Volume 49 is now available digitally. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2001 Tite Kubo/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media expands its November digital manga update even more with the latest announcement of a Bleach ‘Jump Ahead’ that will deliver 3 new volumes of the hit supernatural action saga throughout the month to users on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This is part of a SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP, a speed-up of selected titles to bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases and prepare for the launch of VIZ Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha on January 30, 2012. The new outlet will be North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine.

Bleach volumes available include (print editions forthcoming):
Bleach Vol. 49 – available now!
Bleach Vol. 50 – available November 21st
Bleach Vol. 51 – available November 28th

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.
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New Music Biopic Traces the Rise to International Fame of Japan’s Most Popular Pop Idol Group
Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release
Official Site: 2010-akb48.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

The DVD of DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED
will be available on December 1st. Photo courtesy of
NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © 2011 “Documentary of
AKB48″ Production Committee

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced the release of DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED (AKB48のドキュメンタリーを継続する, 10 Nengo, Shojo Tachi wa Ima no Jibun ni Nani wo Omounodaro, 2011) on DVD on Thursday, December 1st. The new music biopic follows the unstoppable all-female Japanese pop idol group, AKB48, on their incredible rise to fame, and will be sold exclusively online for $19.99 through the NEW PEOPLE store at store.newpeopleworld.com.

DVD pre-orders will begin today. For a limited time, NEW PEOPLE is offering a FREE bonus DVD title from its catalog to all pre-order purchasers. Select from a list of available titles. DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED will also be available to stream online at newpeoplechannel.com for $4.99 (for a 48 hour rental) beginning December 1st. The DVD will be available from Amazon by mid-December. Follow NEW PEOPLE Entertainment on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

AKB48 was conceived in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto, one of Japan’s most respected music producers. Beginning as a small all-girl singing group based in the Akihabara district of Tokyo – the city’s bustling electronics and anime/pop culture shopping Mecca – AKB48 has grown to 60 members and topped Japan’s Oricon music charts with the two best-selling pop singles in 2010 as well as another two singles ranking in the Top 10.
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Publicity art for GANTZ, courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

To Continue Life, Play the Game of Death on December 14th
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

Following home video releases in North America and the United Kingdom, the sci-fi action film GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) will come to DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on December 14, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. Madman will release the sequel, GANTZ 2: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) in February 2012.
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The J-idol band Momoiro Clover get trapped in a haunted house in the mockumentary SHIROME. Photo courtesy of Zipangu Fest. © 2010 Shirome Project Partners

Festival of Nuclear Reactions, Retro, Anime and Horror Kicks Off November 18th in London
Source: Zipangu Fest, Third Window Film press releases
Official Site: zipangufest.com

The second Zipangu Fest— celebrating the best of cutting edge and avant garde Japanese cinema— will be held at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and Café Oto from November 18th to 24th, before moving to venues around the UK. The festival will showcase a selection of Japan’s finest features, documentaries, shorts, animation and experimental films… most of which have never been seen before in the UK and this festival will probably be the only chance to see them in the near future.
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The insane AACHI AND SSIPA kicks off the “Unbridled Energy: Korean Animation” film series at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC. © 2006 Studio 2.0/Mediacorp.

Film Series at the Museum of Arts and Design from December 2-16
Source: Museum of Arts and Design press release
Official Site: unbridled-energy
Special Thanks to Marisa Bartolucci and Jake Yuzna

In conjunction with the exhibition “Korean Eye”, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York presents “Unbridled Energy: Korean Animation”, a program that showcases the breadth and diversity of contemporary creativity in this Asian nation. The series runs from December 2 to December 16, 2011 at MAD (2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019).

Though Japanese anime is more widely known, in the past two decades Korean animation or “han-guk manhwa aenimeisyeon” has become increasingly prominent. With over 260 animation studios, mostly based in the capital Seoul, Korea has become an international leader in animation production. Its studios are responsible for the hand-drawn animation of hit American primetime television series like THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL and FAMILY GUY as well as for such beloved children’s television shows as AAAAH!!! REAL MONSTERS, ARTHUR and RUGRATS.

In celebration of the artistry of hand-drawn Korean animation, MAD will present a selection of largely unknown and rarely screened examples. From post-apocalyptic worlds to children’s fables, warriors reincarnated as vending machines and philosophizing excrement, this series provides a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s wildly imaginative animated worlds.
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Beat Takeshi and Kippei Shiina in OUTRAGE, coming to theaters in America this December. Photo courtesy of Magnet Releasing.
© 2010 Bandai Visual, TV Tokyo, Omnibus Japan and Office Kitano

Now On Demand; Theatrical Run Starts December 2nd
Source: Magnolia Pictures
Official Site: office-kitano.co.jp/outrage (Japan), magnetreleasing.com/outrage (US)

US poster art for OUTRAGE. Photo courtesy of Magnet
Releasing. © 2010 Bandai Visual, TV Tokyo, Omnibus
Japan and Office Kitano

Several subsidiary bosses gather at a lavish lunch with “Mr. Chairman,” the head of the ruling Sanno-kai crime organization which controls the Greater Tokyo area. Sannokai underboss Kato warns Ikemoto about his overt dealings with family outsider Murase, an old-timer with whom he recently made a pact in prison. In an effort to ease Mr. Chairman’s suspicions, Ikemoto asks fellow boss Otomo to do his dirty work for him by making a minor but obvious move against Murase.

Otomo’s actions are the start of a ruthless series of conflicts and betrayals. Before long, several yakuza clans are out for blood in their constant battle for power and money. The rival bosses fight to rise through the ranks by scheming and making short-lived allegiances. In this corrupt world where there are no heroes, it’s Bad Guy vs. Bad Guy in a spiraling outrage of gang warfare…

The Japanese crime thriller OUTRAGE (アウトレイジ, Autoreiji, 2010) is being distributed in the United States by Magnet Releasing, a division of Magnolia Pictures (THE HOST, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, MONSTERS, TROLLHUNTER). The film is written, stars, and directed by internationally renowned “Beat” Takeshi Kitano (KIKUJIRO, BROTHER, BATTLE ROYALE, ZATOICHI).

OUTRAGE is now available on Video On Demand and starts a limited theatrical run on December 2nd.
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Episodes Begin Streaming November 21st
Source: Anime Network press release
Official Site: mashiro.tv (Japan)
Special Thanks to Christian Lopez

The students at the all-girl Yuihime private academy are not happy that their
school is going co-ed. © 2011 Palette/ Ketsu Hime Joshi Gakuen Nukobu

Watch it boys: if you’re trying to get in, these girls will make sure you stay out!

Broadcast and digital distributor Anime Network has announced the acquisition of the all new high school comedy, MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ THE COLOR OF LOVERS (ましろ色シンフォニー ~the color of lovers ~, 2011), for their streaming service, Anime Network Online.

Director Eiji Suganuma (PATLABOR: THE MOVIE, SERIAL EXPERIMENTS LAIN) and producers Media Factory (MARIA HOLIC: ALIVE, INFINITE STRATOS) welcome you to a school rumble where the females hold all the cards, and the males are just trying to survive! The odds are stacked, and there’s no place to hide from the wrath of a thousand girls in MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ THE COLOR OF LOVERS!
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The love between a woman and a yokai makes people get up and dance in UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL, coming to DVD in the UK.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: facebook.com/pinkmusical, thirdwindowfilms.com/underwater-love (UK)
Special Thanks to Claire Marty

DVD cover art (Note: contains nudity). Photo courtesy
of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

On November 21st, the British label Third Window Films will release UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL (おんなの河童, Onna no Kappa, 2011) on DVD in the United Kingdom. Produced by Germany’s Rapid Eye Movies and Japan’s Kokuei Company, UNDERWATER LOVE is a whimsical pink film musical about a woman and a sea creature.

Asuka (Sawa Masaki) works in a lakeside fish factory. She is just about to be married to her boss. One day, she encounters a Kappa, a water creature living in the lake and learns that it is the reincarnation of Aoki (Yoshiro Umezawa), her first love. What ensues is a zany spectacle of love, music and sex.

Directed by pink-film veteran Shinji Imaoka (LUNCH BOX, FROG SONG), shot by Christopher Doyle – the famed cinematographer behind HERO and countless films by Wong Kar Wai – and with music by Germany’s Stereo Total, UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
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Jim Danforth with a jewel dragon from THE WONDERFUL WORLDS OF THE
BROTHERS GRIMM. Photo courtesy of Loren Portillo.

Dinosaurs, Dragons, & Drama—The Odyssey of a Trickfilmmaker—Volume One —An Illustrated Memoir by Jim Danforth.
Author: Loren Portillo
Special Thanks to: Ernest Farino
Official Website: Archive Editions

One of the most anticipated Book/CD on stop motion animation, and the incredible career of special effects genius Jim Danforth, will finally be made available to the public this month, on November 13 2011.

To stop motion fans the world over, this memoir (Vol 1) will cover Jim’s career from his humble beginnings as young artistic teenager, to his work with Art Clokey on the famed GUMBY series. This book also will cover Jim’s early film work such as JACK THE GIANT KILLER and end with his work on WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH. Lavishly produced, the book has an incredible array of never before published photographs from Jim’s personal collection. This is a must have for all stop motion aficionados, as well as those who appreciate the artistic genius of one of the greatest Special Effects men ever.
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Cover art for The Criterion Collection releases of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
© 1966-67 Nikkatsu Corporation

New Editions of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER Coming in December
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

On December 13th, The Criterion Collection will reissue BRANDED TO KILL (殺しの烙印, Koroshi no Rakuin, 1967) and TOKYO DRIFTER (東京流れ者, Tokyo Nagaremono, 1966) in new high-definition, digital restored DVD and Blu-ray editions. Both films were directed by Seijun Suzuki at the end of his tenure at Nikkatsu. The studio found Suzuki’s work “incomprehensible” but TOKYO DRIFTER and BRANDED TO KILL are now seen as high-water marks from the Japanese New Wave movement of the 1960s.
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