Earth forces attempt to repel alien invaders in PLANZET, the computer animated science fiction film from NEGADON director Jun Awazu.
© 2010 Jun Awazu/Media Factory/CoMix Wave Films

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Movie Site: planzet.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce its license of PLANZET (プランゼット, Puranzetto, 2010), a science fiction tale of invasion and human struggle and survival. The creation of writer, director and character designer Jun Awazu (NEGADON: THE MONSTER FROM MARS), the movie is presented by industry innovator CoMix Wave (5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND, Hoshizora Kiseki) and has been featured at festivals such as the 14th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and SIGGRAPH Asia 2010. CGI is directed by Shin Miyahara (KARAS: THE PROPHECY) and music is by Shingo Terasawa with the main theme being sung by Chitose Hajime (BLOOD+).

PLANZET will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on DVD and BD scheduled for later this year.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: bantorra.com, tsutaya.co.jp/shisho (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for THE BOOK OF BANTORRA. © Ishio
Yamagata • Shigeki Maeshima • Shueisha/ Library of
Bantorra

Sentai Filmworks is glad to announce its licensing of THE BOOK OF BANTORRA (戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra, Tatakau Shisho – The Book of Bantorra, 2009), the action-packed anime where the story of your life is a book – literally! Based on the light novels written by Ishio Yamagata and illustrated by Shigeki Maeshima, the 27 episode series is directed by Toshiya Shinohara (BLACK BUTLER, INUYASHA movies) with character designs by Masaki Yamada (TIGER & BUNNY, APPLESEED: EX MACHINA) and music by Yoshihisa Hirano (DEATH NOTE, BROKEN BLADE).

In another time and place, on a world of pain and sorrow, when someone dies, their soul doesn’t go to Heaven or Hell — it becomes a book. A book that reveals the deceased’s innermost secrets… and can be read by anyone.

Protecting these priceless treasures is the elite organization known as the Armed Librarians. It’s their job to keep the books and the knowledge within them safe from those who would misuse or destroy them. It’s a tough, dangerous job, so Chief Librarian Hamyuts Maseta recruits only the best and the brightest psychics to join her team of expert fighters.

But will they be good enough to stop the fanatics of the Church of Drowning in God’s Grace from wrecking vengeance on the entire world? Only time will tell, but that book hasn’t been written yet. Welcome to the Library of Bantorra, where the past is an open book.

THE BOOK OF BANTORRA will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on bilingual DVD scheduled for later this year.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: geneon-ent.co.jp/pretear (Japan), funimation.com/pretear (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Key art for PRETEAR. © Junichi Sato • Kaori Naruse/
Project PRETEAR

FUNimation Entertainment announced today that it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, merchandising, and streaming rights to the complete 13 episode anime series, PRETEAR (新白雪姫伝説プリーティア, Shin Shirayuki-hime Densetsu Puriitia, 2001). The series was created by Chief Director, Junichi Sato, best known for his work on KALIEDO STAR, SAILOR MOON and PRINCESS TUTU. PRETEAR was directed by Kiyoko Sayama, who had previously worked on VAMPIRE KNIGHT.

A sixteen year old girl named Himeno Awayuki is struggling to adjust to a new step-family when seven guys appear on the scene. Calling themselves the Leafe Knights, the men reveal that Himeno is a Pretear, a girl who possesses a special magical power. Shying away from the strange group, she later joins them when a monster places her friend’s life in jeopardy.

Without training, Himeno must prove herself capable to take up the sacred duty of the Pretear. She and the Leafe Knights must resolve their differences and work together to defeat the evil Princess of Disaster who is intent on destruction.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: tbs.co.jp/getbackers (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for GET BACKERS. © Yuya Aoki • Rando Ayamine • Kodansha/
Team Get Backers

Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the licensing of the fan-favorite GET BACKERS (ゲットバッカーズ -奪還屋-, Gettobakkaazu Dakkan’ya, 2002), the anime where anything that’s been taken can be returned to its rightful owner by the Get Backers – Ban & Ginji. The 49 episode series was produced by Studio Deen (HELL GIRL, RUROUNI KENSHIN) with series composition by Akemi Omode (RUROUNI KENSHIN, KYO KARA MAOH!) and character designs by Atsuko Nkajima (HAKOUKI, YOU’RE UNDER ARREST).

Whether it’s a favorite stuffed animal, a priceless painting or even your last shred of hope, if someone’s taken it from you, Ban and Ginji will get it back. They’re the Get Backers, an expert “recovery” service. And they’ll retrieve what’s been stolen, no matter what it is or who took it.

Of course, with Ban’s special “Evil Eye” and Ginji’s lightning strike capability, they’ve got a head start on the crooks. No job is too big, no job is too small. At least not until they pay off their tab at the local coffee shop. It’s 49 episodes of non-stop action. It’s the GET BACKERS Complete Collection — don’t let anyone take yours!

GET BACKERS will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on bilingual DVD scheduled for later this year.
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FUNimation will release Blu-ray/DVD Combo sets of SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS and SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS 2 on February 7th.
Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Capcom/Team Basara

Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Site: funimation.com/sengoku-basara-samurai-kings (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

FUNimation Entertainment will release two SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS (戦国BASARA, 2009-2010) Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo packs on February 7th. Based on the brutal video game world created by Capcom, the animated series was produced by the famed studio Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1, EDEN OF THE EAST).
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: z-child.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Japanese promotional art for PSYCHIC SQUAD. © 2008
Takashi Shiina/ Zettai Karin Children Partners

Sentai Filmworks is glad to announce its license of PSYCHIC SQUAD (絶対可憐チルドレン, Zettai Karin Children, 2008) where, once upon a time, there were three little girls — who were all considered national security risks and a danger to the human race! The 52 episode series is based on a manga by Takashi Shiina (Ghost Sweeper Mikami) with direction by Keiichiro Kawaguchi (HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER, NYANKOI) and music by Kotaro Nakagawa (CODE GEASS, INU x BOKU SS).

They’re cute, adorable and three of the most powerful Espers the world has ever seen: Kaoru, the brash psychokinetic who can move objects with her mind; Shiho, the sarcastic and dark natured psychometric able to pick thoughts from people’s minds and read the pasts of inanimate objects like a book; and Aoi, the most collected and rational of the three, who has the ability to teleport herself and the others at will. So what to do with these potential psychic monsters in the making?

PSYCHIC SQUAD will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
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Special Event at Anime Jungle on February 17th
Source: Anime Jungle, AniplexUSA
Official Site: madoka-magica.com (Japan), MadokaMagicaUSA.com (US)
Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota

Key art for PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, courtesy of
Aniplex USA. © Magica Quartet／Aniplex, Madoka
Partners, MBS

Celebrating the release of PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA (魔法少女まどか☆マギカ, Maho Shojo Madoka Magika) Vol. 1 in North America, Aniplex of America is having a special Meet and Greet Event with the English voice cast of the series. Fans will get to share the excitement of MADOKA MAGICA with the English cast just days after the release of the First Volume (February 14th). This Meet and Greet Event will be held on Friday February 17th at 8:30 PM at Anime Jungle #1 in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.

The MADOKA MAGICA Meet and Greet event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for fans to meet the English cast in person and show their love for the series. Fans will have the opportunity to have their questions answered from the English cast. In addition, there will also be an autograph session for fans that have purchased the first volume of the series and bring their proof of purchase to the event.

PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA follows the story of a 14 year old girl named Madoka Kaname, who is offered the opportunity of gaining magical powers if she agrees to make a contract with a strange little being named Kyubey. Kyubey will also grant Madoka one wish, but in exchange she shall risk her life by accepting the responsibilities of fighting witches. Little does Madoka know what the real risks of making a contract will be for her.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tbs.co.jp/anime/haganai/ (Japan), funimation.com/haganai (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Key art for HAGANAI. © 2011 Yomi Hirasaka ・ Media
Factory/ Hanagai Production Committee

FUNimation Entertainment announced yesterday at Ohayocon that it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HAGANAI (僕は友達が少ない, Boku wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai, 2011). Based on the novels by Yomi Hirasaka, HANAGAI was directed by Hisashi Saito (BAMBOO BLADE, HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY) and produced by the animation studio AIC Build (Anime International Company Inc.).

Kodaka Hasegawa has just transferred to St. Chronica’s Academy and he’s having a hard time making friends. With his naturally blond hair and fierce looking eyes, people constantly mistake him for a delinquent. One day, he runs into his bad-tempered loner of a classmate, Yozora, while she’s talking to her imaginary friend, Tomo. Since neither of them have any friends, they decide to form a club and start recruiting some.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Sites: hack.channel.or.jp/quantum (Japan), FUNimation.com/hackquantum (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

Packaging for the .hack//QUANTUM Blu-ray. Image courtesy
of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2011 .hack Conglomerate　
© Quantum Project

Distributor FUNimation Entertainment will release the complete OVA (original video animation) series .hack//QUANTUM (ドットハック クワンタム, Dotto Hakku Kuwantamu, 2010) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack on February 14th.

.hack//QUANTUM is the latest installment in the .hack franchise from Showgate, adapted from the .hack role-playing games created by Bandai Namco Games. This three episode OVA is animated by Kinema Citrus Studio and directed by Masaki Tachibana (TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0).

Tobias, Mary, and Sakuya are way into the world’s largest online fantasy role-playing game known as The World R:X. Together, they form an inseparable group, grinding toward the break of day and running dungeons in search of the artifacts of adventure.

But when the trio becomes lost in this virtual labyrinth, a chance encounter with the mysterious entity known only as Hermit will change their lives forever. There’s an eerie darkness spreading across The World, and once you stumble in, you may never make it out.
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Releases Based on the New Studio Ghibli Film Include Film Comics, Art and Picture Books
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The Secret World of Arrietty Film Comic Volume 1.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings the miniaturized adventure of famed Studio Ghibli’s newest animated creation — THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) — to readers everywhere with a collection of Arrietty film comics, art and picture books set to debut on February 7th, 2012. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is scheduled for North American theatrical release on February 17th, 2012.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is based on the celebrated novel, The Borrowers, by Mary Norton and was produced by Studio Ghibli, the famed animation company founded by Hayao Miyazaki, which also created SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and PONYO. The new film, with planning/screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, will feature the voice talents of Bridget Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett and Will Arnett for its English language release.

“Fans and readers of all ages won’t want to miss these new additions to VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library of titles,” says Masumi Washington, Senior Director, Editorial. “Studio Ghibli has mastered the ability to tell poignant and engaging stories that captivate both children and adults, and their latest film, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY, continues this tradition. Our forthcoming picture book and film comics are fun ways for young readers to visit the world of ARRIETTY while the gorgeous art book will be a must-have for the ardent Studio Ghibli fan or those who want to know more about the evolution of the film. Discover the adventures in-store for this band of ‘borrowers’ in these new releases scheduled for February!”
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: toei-anim.co.jp/dragonz (Japan), funimation.com/dragon-ball-z (US)
Special Thanks to Michelle Lee and Scott Lonski

FUNimation’s plans to release DRAGON BALL Z
on Blu-ray are now on hold. © 1989 Toei
Animation Co., Ltd.

FUNimation Entertainment has officially confirmed they have suspended production of all future planned Blu-ray releases of DRAGON BALL Z including Level 2.1 scheduled to be released on March 27, 2012.

Blu-ray editions of DRAGON BALL Z went into production based on fan demand, however due to technical challenges of restoring from the original film frame by frame, we are unable to continue these releases by way of this process. FUNimation will be re-evaluating the current process and researching more efficient methods of restoration.
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Photo courtesy of FanimeCon. © 2012 FanimeCon.

New Addition to Anime Convention in San Jose, CA
Source: FanimeCon press release
Official Site: fanime.com
Special Thanks to Milton Le

FanimeCon, in partnership with the Steam Federation, is proud to announce Clockwork Alchemy! This new additional convention for steampunk fans will be held during Memorial Day weekend, May 25th–28th, 2012, the same weekend as FanimeCon. A single membership will grant access to both FanimeCon in the San Jose Convention Center area and Clockwork Alchemy in the DoubleTree Hotel.

Clockwork Alchemy is a creative exploration of the world of steampunk, a fantastical past that never was but should have been. Steampunk is a world of incredible machines, daring heroes, bold inventors, mad scientists, and adventure at every turn, all set in a time when steam powered the world and the possibilities were endless!
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: starchild.co.jp/papakiki (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! © 2012
King Record Co., Ltd.

Sentai Filmworks has announced the licensing of LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! (パパのいうことを聞きなさい! Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai!, 2012), the wild new anime series that takes the classic sit-com premise of ‘a bachelor being forced to adopt three young children and discovering a whole new outlook on life’ and turns it completely on its head!

Based on the series of novels by Tomohiro Matsu and the subsequent manga series illustrated by Yuka Nakajima, the 12 episode series is directed by Itsuro Kawasaki (LICENSED BY ROYALTY, RENTAL MAGICA, ARC THE LAD,) while series composition is handled by veteran Naruhisa Arakawa (STEEL ANGEL KURUMI, DNANGEL, BLUE SEED) while key animator Takashi Mamezuka (INFINITE STRATOS, EDEN OF THE EAST,) takes up the task of adapting Nakajima’s original designs.

LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! will be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
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The computer animated feature film TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE will be released on DVD next month in the United Kingdom.
Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2011 Namco Bandai Games, Inc.

Visually Stunning CG Animated Feature Based on the Smash Hit Video Game Series
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2011 Namco Bandai Games, Inc.

Prepare yourself for a severe case of eye candy overload courtesy of director Youichi Mouri’s brand new, full-length CG feature film, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE (鉄拳 ブラッド・ベンジェンス, Tekken Buraddo Benjensu, 2011), based on the phenomenally successful video game franchise and coming to DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom on February 6th, 2012.

Scripted by the hugely talented Dai Sato, whose impressive list of previous writing credits includes GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX, COWBOY BEBOP, EDEN OF THE EAST, CASSHERN and SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is a visually stunning work of CG animation that brings together sexy ass-kicking heroes and heroines, winged mutant monsters, awesome mecha weaponry, bone-crunching martial arts action, a super-hot android and a panda (yes, a panda!) in one explosive package of mind-blowing entertainment.

Delivering all the beautifully rendered and superbly choreographed thrill-a-minute combat action one would expect from a Tekken movie – as well as much, much more – TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is the ultimate Tekken experience, one like no other.
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BROKEN BLADE Available on February 21st
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 February slate of releases; including BROKEN BLADE. The heavy metal mecha action series will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for February are XAM’D: LOST MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of A-CHANNEL COMPLETE COLLECTION and HELL GIRL: THREE VESSELS COMPLETE COLLECTION.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD and Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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The women in Rito Yuki’s life take center stage in MOTTO TO LOVE RU. © Kentaro Yabuki ・ Saki Hasemi/ Shueisha ・ Ru Production Committee

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: j-toloveru.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of MOTTO TO LOVE RU (もっとTo LOVEる -とらぶる-, To LOVEru -Toraburu-, 2010), the sequel series to the company’s previous hit TO LOVE RU. Based as before on the manga by Kentaro Yabuki (BLACK CAT) and Saki Hasemi (MOETAN,) the new 12 episode series is helmed by Atsushi Otsuki (who directed the final episode of the original series as well as episodes of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, the second season of WAGNERIA and LADIES VS. BUTLERS), working from series composition by SLAYERS and VENUS VS. VIRUS vet Yasutomo Yamada, while Yuichi Ouka once again adapts Yabuki’s original character designs for animation.
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Latest Action-Packed Ninja Adventures Straight From Japan To Stream For Fans Beginning With Episode 245
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: naruto.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes are now available
just an hour after their broadcast debut in Japan. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/ 2007
Shippuden

VIZ Media has announced the simulcast of the latest episodes of the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (ナルト 疾風伝) on the Hulu Plus subscription service. Beginning January 19th, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to simulcast the latest episode of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in high-definition just an hour after broadcast debut in Japan. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Episode 245 (rated TV-14, subtitled) is now available and new episodes will be broadcast weekly.

Users of the free, ad-supported Hulu service will also be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments one week after their initial run on Hulu Plus; the episodes will also be available on the company’s own VIZAnime.com site.

In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventure, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast with Killer Bee as his new master. In order to do so, one must fight with the Tailed Beast’s head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power. Using the key entrusted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto unlocks the seal to release Nine Tails, and the battle between the two begins.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: haremking.tv (Japan), funimation.com/high-school-dxd (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Key art for HIGH SCHOOL DxD. © 2012 Ichiei Ishibumi ・
Miyama-Zero/ High School DxD Production Committee

FUNimation Entertainment recently announced that it has acquired the broadcast, home video, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HIGH SCHOOL DxD (ハイスクールD×D, Haisukuuru D×D, 2012). The anime is based on the Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero.

In HIGH SCHOOL DxD, Issei Hyodo is your average perverted high school student whose one wish in life is to have his own harem… but he’s got to be one of the unluckiest guys around. He goes on his first date with a girl only to get brutally attacked and killed when it turns out the girl is really a vicious fallen angel. To top it all off, he’s later reincarnated as a devil by his gorgeous senpai who tells him that she is also a devil and now his master! One thing’s for sure, his peaceful days are over. In a battle between devils and angels, who will win?

Simulcasts of HIGH SCHOOL DxD will be Mondays at 4pm CST, beginning January 23, 2012. FUNimation also plans to release the series on DVD and Blu-ray.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: another-anime.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for the new horror anime series ANOTHER.
© 2012 Yukito Ayatsuji/ [Another] Production Committee

Sentai Filmworks is ghoulishly pleased to announce the acquisition of ANOTHER (アナザー, Anazaa, 2012), the eagerly awaited new anime series that dares to ask the question: What do you do when your classmate’s school locker is a locker in the morgue?

Based on the hit novel by Yukito Ayatsuji, the 12 episode series joins the manga, written by Ayatsuji and illustrated by The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’s Noizi Ito, and the forthcoming live action feature film (due Summer 2012) as part of the latest hit horror franchise to erupt from Japan. Tsutomu Mizushima (BLOOD C, KOBATO, XXXHOLIC) directs from series composition by Ryo Higaki (MORIBITO-GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT) while Yuriko Ishii (PERSONA – TRINITY SOUL) adapts Ito’s original character designs for animation.

Mei Misaki was cute, athletic and one of the most popular girls in her school. Why should a little thing like death change that? Now, 23 years after Mei’s mysterious demise, a new transfer student discovers that not only is his school’s student body one corpse short of a full roster, but that some secrets never leave high school. And what’s more, all of this may somehow be tied into his own family past.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/fairytail (Japan), funimation.com/fairy-tail (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for FAIRY TAIL: PART 3. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009 Fairy Tail Guild
Production Committee: Hiro Mashima/ Kodansha/ TV Tokyo

FUNimation Entertainment will release the Blu-ray/DVD Combo set of the action/adventure anime FAIRY TAIL: PART 3 (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on January 31st. Based on the hit manga by Hiro Mashima (each new manga volume published since 2007 has debuted in the Top 5), the long running series is co-produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, and directed by Shinji Ishihira. The third Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 25-36.

The guild-on-guild mayhem continues as Fairy Tail struggles to fend off Phantom Lord – whose Element 4 must be defeated in order to disable a massive magic cannon aimed at guild headquarters! With a never-surrender attitude, Natsu and his friends push their powers to the limit to protect Lucy and save Magnolia from total annihilation!

Then, Erza’s tortured past returns to haunt her when estranged friends ambush a well-deserved vacation. Her team tracks them down to a looming tower where a possessed wizard close to Erza’s heart puts them in a sinister game of life or death!
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: zero-tsukaima.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for FAMILIAR OF ZERO F. © F Tsukaima Production
Committee © 2012 Yamaguchinoboru Media Factory / Zero

Sentai Filmworks waves its magic wand and announces the acquisition of yet another eagerly awaited new anime series: FAMILIAR OF ZERO F (ゼロの使い魔F, Zero no Tsukaima F, 2012). Continuing the story introduced in the previous hit anime and manga series created by Noboru Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi himself handles the series composition, with director Yoshiaki Iwasaki (BEST STUDENT COUNCIL, LOVE HINA, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER) taking charge of the new 13 episode series, while Eiji Usatsuka’s original character designs are adapted once again by Masahiro Fujii (DREAM EATER MERRY, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER.)

Get ready to join spell challenged Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, whose luck with magic is so poor that she’s earned the nickname “Zero,” and Saito Chevalier de Hiraga, the unfortunate human Louise accidentally summoned while attempting to conjure up a familiar, in a set of mystifyingly mystical misadventures so mind-boggling mayhem prone that even the experienced staff of the Tristain Academy of Magic will end up wondering if they could possibly be real!
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Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Key art for POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S. © 2009 Ichiro Sasaki

Entertainment label Maiden Japan has announced the license of the action comedy series POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S (神曲奏界ポリフォニカ クリムゾンS, Shinkyoku Sookai Polyphonica Crimson S, 2009). Although based on the same light novel series as a previous POLYPHONICA series created by Ichiro Sakaki (released in North America by Sentai Filmworks), CRIMSON S is a newer and completely different series, set at a much earlier timeframe in the franchise chronology. Director Toshimasa Suzuki (HEROIC AGE) heads the all new creative team, while composition of the series is in the capable hands of Kenichi Kanemaki (PRETEAR, HELL GIRL).

POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S will soon be available through many digital outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD in spring 2012.
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First Episode of Production I.G. Series Available to Stream Now in US and UK!
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: lag-rin.com (Japan), vizanime.com/lagrange (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Key art for LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE. Image courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 2012 Lagrange Project

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, excites anime fans with the announcement of the U.S. online simulcast premiere of the brand new series, LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE (輪廻のラグランジェ, Rinne no Raguranje, 2012), on VIZAnime.com the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the free, ad-supported Hulu service and in high-definition on the Hulu Plus subscription service. The first episode (subtitled) is available now with new installments scheduled to debut each Sunday!

In addition, Kazé SAS will be the official partner in the United Kingdom for the simulcast of LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE. Episode 1 is now available on anime-on-demand.com, with new episodes debuting every Sunday.

LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE just launched on Japanese television on January 8th, and is produced by Studio XEBEC (BROKEN BLADE, MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, FAFNER), created by the famed animation studio, Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL S.A.C., SEHGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS), and directed by Tatsuo Sato (MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, NINJA SCROLL: THE SERIES, STELLVIA). The robots are designed in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co., LTD’s creative team, chosen from more than 60 designs from an internal Nissan design competition.
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Arrietty fends off a threatening insect. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Production Details for the Studio Ghibli Animated Feature
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

The animated feature ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) was another smash hit for Studio Ghibli, topping the Japanese box office for 2010. Based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers, ARRIETTY is now being released theatrically in two major English language markets; Madman Entertainment will open the film in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, and Walt Disney Studios will release it in North America as THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on February 17.

The following English language press notes for ARRIETTY are courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
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The main characters of the new supernatural anime, INU X BOKU S.S. © 2012 Cocoa Fujiwara/ Square Enix

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: inuboku.tv (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks takes a supernaturally tinged twist as the company unveils its most recent acquisition, the supernaturally charged suspense drama INU X BOKU S.S. (妖狐×僕SS, Inu Boku Siikuretto Saabisu, 2012). Based on the hit manga of the same name by Cocoa Fujiwara (dear), the 12 episode mystical drama marks episodic director and storyboard artist Naokatsu Tsuda’s (LEVEL E, SQUID GIRL, BENTO) first turn as a series director, supported by series composition from Saizo Nemoto (TOWANOQUON, TOKYO MAJIN 2) and character designs adapted from Fujiwara’s originals by Haruko Iizuka (SISTERS OF WELBER).

INU X BOKU S.S. will debut on digital platforms and television starting in early 2012 to be followed by DVD and Blu-Ray later in the year.
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Complete Series Streets January 31st
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: phantom-r.jp (Japan), funimation.com/phantom (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009
Nitroplus/ Project Phantom.

On January 31st, FUNimation Entertainment will release a Complete Series Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM (ファントム ~ PHANTOM OF INFERNO ~ , 2009).

A young man with no memories fights to salvage his humanity when he’s forced into a life of murder by a dangerous crime syndicate called Inferno. The organization gives him a new name, Zwei, and molds him into a perfect killing machine, a meticulous instrument of death created to obey his masters’ every deadly command.

Zwei’s not the only puppet controlled by Inferno; Ein is a girl as beautiful as she is brutal and as lethal as she is lost. While mafia violence escalates around them, the two assassins grow closer, and Zwei begins the struggle to reclaim his past and save Ein from a blood-soaked future.

The PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack contains episodes 1-26.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: hichika-ichika.com
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for WAITING IN THE SUMMER. © 2012 I＊Chi＊Ka/
Summer Town Production Committee

Sentai Filmworks is very proud to announce the acquisition of the eagerly awaited new anime WAITING IN THE SUMMER (あの夏で待ってる, Ano Natsu de Matteru, 2012), which is already drawing considerable buzz due to its re-pairing of several already highly successful creative partnerships.

Legendary anime writer Yōsuke Kuroda (EXCEL SAGA, HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD, PUNI PUNI PEOMY) reteams with his PLEASE TEACHER!/PLEASE TWINS collaborator, original character designer Taraku Uon (READ OR DIE TV and OVA), while director Tatsuyuki Nagai (TORADORA, HONEY & CLOVER II) reunites with his TORADORA/ANO HI MITA HANA collaborator, character designer Masayoshi Tanaka (also HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD), to produce a unique 12 episode anime series that takes a rather different view of the classic teen romance genre.

Lights! Camera! Teen Angst! When a group of friends decide to make a movie over a long summer holiday, they end up learning a little about filmmaking and a lot more about each other and themselves. What begins as a simple way to avoid the summer doldrums quickly turns into something much more complex, intimate and revealing, as the maturing relationships between the members of the young cast take on new, and sometimes very unexpected, turns.
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Get Your Passport Today for Chance to Win Tickets to the Red Carpet Premiere Event in Los Angeles
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS will
screen at this year’s AM² convention. Pre-register now
for a chance to win two tickets to the film’s red carpet
premiere. © 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie

2012′s highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention in Southern California, AM² (June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hotels) continues to bring more fun to fans with the screening of the long-awaited FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011) to this year’s event! Passport purchasers will also have a chance to attend the official premiere event in Los Angeles on January 20, 2012.

Passport purchasers will be automatically entered into the AM² Pre-Registration contest to potentially win two (2) tickets to the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS Red Carpet Premiere Event. It will be a night of entertainment for fans of the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST franchise featuring an opportunity to walk the carpet, movie presentation, and a Q & A with both the Japanese director Kazuya Murata and the US Director Mike McFarland as well as members of the US voice cast including Vic Mignogna and BONES president, Masahiko Minami.

“We are working hard to bring you (the fans) the best in anime, manga and music entertainment from Asia”, states Chase Wang AM² representative, “Whether you are a casual or hard-core fan, we hope you will joins us for this truly amazing and fun fan event filled with anime, manga, j-rock, j-pop, cosplay and more!”
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A tiny girl befriends a young boy in the Studio Ghibli animated feature THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. NYICFF will have a preview screening in NYC
before the film opens nationwide in the United States. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Source: GKIDS Inc. press release
Official Event Site: gkids.tv/intheaters
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

NYICFF (New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival) is thrilled to present a special preview screening of Studio Ghibli’s THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), based on Mary Norton’s classic children’s book The Borrowers. Co-written by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Miyazaki protégé Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film is a gorgeous and entertaining treat – a beautiful story, sumptuously animated with all the loving detail, warmth, and humanity we have come to expect from Studio Ghibli’s finest works. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is currently certified 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

The screening will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 21st at Symphony Space in New York City. This event is expected to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: jcstaff.co.jp/maho-shokai
Special Thanks to David Williams

The magical anime series SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS will soon be available for
streaming and DVD. © 2002 Norie Yamada/ Kadokawa/ PNDTK/ TV Asahi

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the anime classic SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS (魔法遣いに大切なこと, Maho Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto, 2003). Based on the hit manga by Kumichi Yoshizuki and Norie Yamada (originally released in North America by Tokyo Pop,) and with script supervision by co-creator Yamada, the twelve episode series was directed by Masami Shimoda (BOYS BE, 11 EYES, POLYPHONICA) with character design adaptations by Michinori Chiba and Nobue Yoshinaga.

When can flunking a spelling test cause major problems? When you’re learning how to use magic, of course! And that’s exactly the situation fifteen-year-old Yume Kikuchi finds herself in when she travels to Tokyo to begin her apprenticeship as a licensed magic user. Unfortunately, Yume’s a country girl in the big city for the first time and there are a lot of new-fangled ideas to get used to.
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