SciFi Japan » Anime http://www.scifijapan.com/articles Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:24 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Sentai Filmworks Licenses PLANZET http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/06/sentai-filmworks-licenses-planzet/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/06/sentai-filmworks-licenses-planzet/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:26:24 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28885 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/06/sentai-filmworks-licenses-planzet/feed/ 0 Sentai Filmworks Licenses THE BOOK OF BANTORRA http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/03/sentai-filmworks-licenses-the-book-of-bantorra/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/03/sentai-filmworks-licenses-the-book-of-bantorra/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:55:18 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28871 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.
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/03/sentai-filmworks-licenses-the-book-of-bantorra/feed/ 0 FUNimation Entertainment Acquires Rights to PRETEAR http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/funimation-entertainment-acquires-rights-to-pretear/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/funimation-entertainment-acquires-rights-to-pretear/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:42:23 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28861 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/funimation-entertainment-acquires-rights-to-pretear/feed/ 0 Sentai Filmworks Licenses GET BACKERS http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/sentai-filmworks-licenses-get-backers/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/sentai-filmworks-licenses-get-backers/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:32:23 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28852 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/02/sentai-filmworks-licenses-get-backers/feed/ 0 Two SENGOKU BASARA Complete Series Sets Coming to Blu-ray and DVD http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/01/two-sengoku-basara-complete-series-sets-coming-to-blu-ray-and-dvd/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/01/two-sengoku-basara-complete-series-sets-coming-to-blu-ray-and-dvd/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:41:16 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28734 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). Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/02/01/two-sengoku-basara-complete-series-sets-coming-to-blu-ray-and-dvd/feed/ 0 Sentai Filmworks Licenses PSYCHIC SQUAD http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/31/sentai-filmworks-licenses-psychic-squad/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/31/sentai-filmworks-licenses-psychic-squad/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:16 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28800 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/31/sentai-filmworks-licenses-psychic-squad/feed/ 0 Aniplex to Host PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA Meet and Greet in Los Angeles http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/30/aniplex-to-host-puella-magi-madoka-magica-meet-and-greet-in-los-angeles/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/30/aniplex-to-host-puella-magi-madoka-magica-meet-and-greet-in-los-angeles/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:40:28 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28781 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/30/aniplex-to-host-puella-magi-madoka-magica-meet-and-greet-in-los-angeles/feed/ 0 FUNimation Acquires HAGANAI http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/29/funimation-acquires-haganai/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/29/funimation-acquires-haganai/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:13:36 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28750 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/29/funimation-acquires-haganai/feed/ 0 .hack//QUANTUM OVA Blu-ray/DVD Combo in February http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/28/hackquantum-ova-blu-raydvd-combo-in-february/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/28/hackquantum-ova-blu-raydvd-combo-in-february/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 02:35:04 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28657 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. Continued...
]]> http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/28/hackquantum-ova-blu-raydvd-combo-in-february/feed/ 0 VIZ Media To Release THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY Books And Film Comics http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/27/viz-media-to-release-the-secret-world-of-arrietty-books-and-film-comics/ http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/2012/01/27/viz-media-to-release-the-secret-world-of-arrietty-books-and-film-comics/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:06:31 +0000 Keith Aiken http://www.scifijapan.com/articles/?p=28694 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!” Continued...
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