Official Site: bgata-hkei.com (Japan), funimation.com/b-gata-h-kei-yamada-s-first-time (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Limited artbox design for YAMADA’S FIRST TIME- B GATA H KEI.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Yoko
Sanri/ Shueisha Inc. B-Gata H-Kei Project

On January 31st, FUNimation Entertainment will release a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of B GATA H KEI – YAMADA’S FIRST TIME (B型H系 Bii Gata Etchi Kei, Type: B; Style: H, 2010).

The anime, from director Yusuke Yamamoto (SGT FROG, WELCOME TO THE NHK), is based on the manga series of the same name published by Shueisha. Both follow Yamada, a boy-crazy school girl with distracting daydreams about future bedmates – but before she can get this saucy sex life underway, she realizes she first needs to lose her virginity! She knows to whom she will bestow this prize: her classmate Kosuda. However, a successful seduction of Kosuda is more difficult than this lusty teen had counted on.

The B GATA H KEI – YAMADA’S FIRST TIME Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack contains episodes 1-12. The limited edition also comes packaged in an artbox.
Continued…

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

Promotional art for BROKEN BLADE. Image courtesy of
Section23 Films. © 2010 Yunosuke Yoshinaga/ Flex Comix,
Broken Blade Production Committee

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

Throughout January and February, Anime Network is inviting BROKEN BLADE viewers to enter to win ten limited edition DVD/Blu-ray and English cast autographed poster sets. For more information, visit theanimenetwork.com/brokenbladecontest.

BROKEN BLADE, published by Sentai Filmworks and distributed by Section23 Films, is an epic new series of animated films based on the international manga bestseller from Yunosuke Yoshinaga (Rampage). Created in six 50 minute installments, the mega production is helmed by Chief Director Tetsuro Amino (MACROSS 7, SHIKI, JEWELL BEM HUNTER LIME), and Director Nobuyoshi Habara (DNANGEL, NEGIMA!, FAFNER) working from screenplays by screenwriter Masashi Sogo (BLEACH, GANTZ, SAMURAI X/RUROUNI KENSHIN). BROKEN BLADE tells the story of Rygart Arrow, who defends Cruzon by piloting an ancient and powerful Golem.
Continued…

The tiny borrower Arrietty lives beneath the floorboards of mansion in the Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY.
Image courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Discover a Secret World Within Our Own
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia)

Australian theatrical poster for ARRIETTY, courtesy of
Madman Entertainment. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

The Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) will open in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment.

Madman will screen ARRIETTY in both English language and Original Japanese language versions with English subtitles. The English language track was recorded in the UK and features a different voice cast than will be heard in the upcoming US release (entitled THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY) from Walt Disney Studios. The UK cast includes Saoirse Ronan (THE LOVELY BONES, HANNA) as Arrietty, Tom Holland as Sho, Olivia Colman (HOT FUZZ) as Homily, Phyllida Law (UNLEASHED, THE WINTER GUEST) as Sadako, Luke Allen-Gale (CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER) as Spiller, Mark Strong (SHERLOCK HOLMES, GREEN LANTERN) as Pod and Geraldine McEwan (MISS MARPLE, WALLACE & GROMIT) as Haru.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: starchild.co.jp
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for MOURETSU PIRATES. © 2011 King Record Co.,
Ltd.

Prepare to be boarded by stellar entertainment on a galactic scale as Sentai Filmworks announces the impending escape of the rollicking, hit space opera MOURETSU PIRATES (モーレツ宇宙海賊, Mooretsu Paireetsu aka BODACIOUS SPACE PIRATES, 2011)!

What happens when Teen Chic meets Pirate Technique? Find out when Director Tatsuo Sato (MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, NINJA SCROLL TV, STELLVIA) returns to the familiar waters of comedy and interplanetary adventure and deftly steers the bestselling Mini-Skirt Pirate (Minisuka Uchuu Kaizoku) novels by Yuichi Sasamoto (VENUS WARS, Ariel) on a course to become an all new 26 episode anime masterpiece, while Noriyuki Matsumoto’s brilliant original characters designs are adapted for animation by the team of Akira Yasuda (TURN A GUNDAM) and Hiroshi Takeuchi (BIG O, XENOGLOSSIA.) There’s plenty of pillage and yo-ho-ho-ing ahead in the most plunder-full adventure epic of the year!

MOURETSU PIRATES will simulcast premier on Crunchyroll starting January 7, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Additional digital outlets and TV broadcast will follow starting in February with DVD and Blu-Ray to follow.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Promotional art for FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE
SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven
Arts Entertainment. © 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/
Hagaren the Movie 2011

FUNimation Entertainment, in conjunction with Aniplex Inc. and Eleven Arts Inc., announced that its animated feature film 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), produced by BONES, will be presented at a red carpet premiere at the Downtown Independent Theater in Los Angeles, CA on Friday January 20, 2012.

It will be a night of entertainment for fans of the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST franchise featuring an opportunity to walk the carpet starting at 8:00pm and see the movie presentation at 9:00pm. A Q&A will follow 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.

Tickets for the premiere screening are currently on sale at downtownindependent.com. The first 100 tickets purchased will include an autographed limited edition event poster.
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Humans and robots learn to coexist in the anime film TIME OF EVE. © 2010 Yasuhiro Yoshiura/ DIRECTIONS, Inc.

First-ever Digital Platform Release in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Source: DIRECTIONS, Inc. press release
Official Site: timeofeve.com (Japan), timeofeve.com/e (English)
Special Thanks to Ann Yamamoto

Japanese poster art for TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE. © 2010
Yasuhiro Yoshiura/ DIRECTIONS, Inc.

DIRECTIONS, Inc. and STUDIO RIKKA are proud to announce the immediate availability of Yasuhiro Yoshiura’s TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE (イヴの時間 劇場版, Gekijoban Ivu no Jikan, 2010) on the iTunes Store in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This release marks the anime film’s digital platform premiere outside Japan.

TIME OF EVE (イヴの時間, Ivu no Jikan) launched as 6 episodes from August 2008 through September 2009 on streaming platforms worldwide. The series quickly gained a devoted following as word spread about the sheer artistry of the visuals, and the tightly woven coming-of-age story about friendship, family and confronting society’s norms. The series exceeded 3 million views in Japan alone and sold out of the single-episode limited edition DVD release.

TIME OF EVE: THE MOVIE brings together the 6 episodes with new footage and a revelatory new ending, plus a new theme song by hit J-pop unit Kalafina (Sony Music Entertainment). The film is about two high school boys, who grapple with their own humanity in a world where people are serviced by androids distinguished from their masters only by the halo-like rings above their heads.
Continued…

A young boy named Shawn (right, voice of David Henrie) is astonished when he visits the garden and discovers Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler),
a tiny person who lives hidden with her family under the floorboards of the house where he’s staying, in Disney’s release of the
Studio Ghibli animated feature, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Anime Film Opens February 17, 2012
Source: Walt Disney Studios press release
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

US poster art, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. © 2010
GNDHDDTW

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (SPIRITED AWAY, PONYO) comes THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series The Borrowers.

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.
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Logo for BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS, the new anime series now available on on VIZAnime.com and Hulu.
Image courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2008 BLUE DRAGON PROJECT/TV TOKYO

Anime Series Based on Popular Xbox 360 Videogame Comes to North America on VIZAnime.com and Hulu
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/bluedragon (Japan), vizanime.com/blue-dragon-seven-shadows (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media has announced the launch of BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS (BLUE DRAGON 天界の七竜, Blue Dragon Tenkai no Shichiryuu, 2008), the second season of the hit fantasy adventure series BLUE DRAGON (both rated TV-14), available now on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the streaming content provider Hulu. Episodes 1-5 are available now, and 2 new episodes will debut each Friday.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame of the same name, developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of FINAL FANTASY, and features character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling Dragon Ball series of manga (published in North America by VIZ Media).
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.com/x (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Cover art for X: THE COMPLETE SERIES. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © Clamp · Kadokawa Shoten/ TV
“X” PROJECT

On January 3rd, FUNimation Entertainment will reissue the supernatural anime X: THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD as part of their Anime Classics line.

Based on the series from the international manga powerhouse CLAMP, the X (エックス, Ekkusu, 2001) anime was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (NINJA SCROLL, VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST) with animation by Madhouse (BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE).

X: THE COMPLETE SERIES contains episodes 1-24 plus the episode 0 OVA, X: AN OMEN (エックス- 前兆, Ekkusu- Yochoo, 2001).
Continued…

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS Available on January 24th
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 January slate of releases including THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS. The devilishly fun anime will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for January are EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of AKIKAN! COMPLETE COLLECTION, AND YET THE TOWN MOVES COMPLETE COLLECTION and PRINCESS RESURRECTION COMPLETE COLLECTION.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD and Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
Continued…

Promo art for the new anime film FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven Arts Entertainment.
© 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie 2011

Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Cineplex Entertainment, Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing 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 the big screen exclusively at participating Cineplex theatres across Canada on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 12:55pm and Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:30pm local time.
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The twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS will be released on DVD next month in the United Kingdom.
Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran Partners

Disc Streets January 30th
Official Site: hyakka-ryoran.tv (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran
Partners

The complete twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS (百花繚乱 サムライガールズ, Hyakka Ryoran Samurai Girls, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by Manga Entertainment on January 30, 2012.

Based on the popular Hobby Japan light novel series of the same name— written by Akira Suzuki and illustrated by Niθ— SAMURAI GIRLS was produced by the animation studio Arms Corporation (QUEEN’S BLADE, ELFEN LIED, HIMAWARI!) and directed by Kobun. The series aired in Japan on TV Kanagawa and Chiba TV from October 3rd to December 19th, 2010.

The story SAMURAI of GIRLS takes place in Japan in the early 21st century, in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a high school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who’ve had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.
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The Decepticon Starscream schemes in the CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, coming to DVD and Blu-ray in March 2012.
Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

4-Disc Blu-ray Collection Packed With 96-Page IDW Graphic Novel Streets March 6, 2012
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen

Cover art for TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST
SEASON DVD Set. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory.
© 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Prepare to experience the world of TRANSFORMERS PRIME like never before with perfect picture visuals and the purest digital sound available when the entire first season of the award-winning CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME arrives in stores everywhere in North America on March 6, 2012 in a deluxe 4-DVD set and a Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray collection from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray collections of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON boast all 26 action-packed episodes (including the 5-part miniseries DARKNESS RISING) and special bonus content. For a limited time only, TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray contains a 96-page IDW graphic novel based on this hit series.

Fans and collectors can pre-order the DVD release of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON today! The Limited-Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray Collection (featuring the 96-page IDW graphic novel) is available for preorder exclusively on Amazon.com or ShoutFactoryStore.com.

Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, the limited edition Blu-ray collection is priced to own at $64.99 SRP. The deluxe 4-DVD set is sold separately and has a suggested retail price of $29.93.
Continued…

Promo art for the new anime film FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS. Image courtesy of Eleven Arts Entertainment.
© 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie 2011

Source: Eleven Arts Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: hagaren-movie.net (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-the-sacred-star-of-milos (US)
Special Thanks to Shun Ohara

Eleven Arts and FUNimation Entertainment are bringing the feature length sequel film to the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST anime franchise, 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 more than 100 theater screens across North America in January 2012.

Read on for the current list of US theaters and screening dates for the film.
Continued…

HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY in 13-DVD Box Set, only from ShoutFactoryStore.com
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen and Scott Neumyer

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION is now available
for pre-order from ShoutFactoryStore.com. Photo courtesy
of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Early happy New Year 2012! Fans and collectors can finally bring home TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro.

This is the rare Japanese trilogy that followed the popular “Generation 1” animated series. Available for the first time in North America, this 13-DVD box set is fully loaded with over 42 hours of entertainment, including all episodes that originally aired from the three Japanese series — HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY — each with their original Japanese audio tracks, English subtitles, and an art gallery.

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set is finally available exclusively at Shout! Factory’s official online store and shipping to customers beginning January 2, 2012. The set can be pre-ordered now at ShoutFactoryStore.com.
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A theatrical retrospective of fifteen animated films from Studio Ghibli will begin a North American tour December 16th in New York.
Posters for Studio Ghibli films from 1984-2002 courtesy of GKIDS. HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and PONYO posters courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.
© 1984-2008 Nibariki

New 35mm Prints of 15 Titles to Screen at IFC Center from December 16 to January 12
Source: GKIDS Inc. press release
Official Movie Site: gkids.tv/intheaters
Special Thanks to Sara Groves, Eric Beckman and Dave Jesteadt

GKIDS, a distributor of award winning animation for both adults and family audiences, is bringing a complete retrospective of films from Japan’s renowned Studio Ghibli to the IFC Center in New York (323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street) from Friday, December 16 to Thursday, January 12. The run will include US premiere theatrical engagements for several titles.

All fifteen Studio Ghibli feature films produced between 1984 and 2008 will be presented, including Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award winning SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, CASTLE IN THE SKY, PONYO, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, and KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE. Newly-struck 35mm prints of the films will be shown in both subtitled and English dubbed versions.

Following the IFC Center engagement, the retrospective will tour to major US and Canadian markets, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, Toronto, Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and other cities, throughout the first half of 2012. GKIDS is also planning limited releases of select Studio Ghibli titles, many of which have never been released theatrically in the US, beginning late 2012.
Continued…

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 2. 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 2 (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on December 27th. 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 second Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 13-24.

Across the Fiore kingdom, wizards join guilds and make their pay by filling magical needs – but one guild has a reputation as the roughest, rowdiest, most dangerous of all: Fairy Tail!

In the midst of a mission to break the curse over Galuna Island, Natsu and the gang face a band of deranged mages trying to resurrect the monstrous demon Deliora. Gray’s determined to put the freeze on the sinister plan in a frigid battle with a rival from his past – even if it takes his own life!

Back in Magnolia, the city becomes a warzone after sorcerers known as Element 4 destroy Fairy Tail headquarters and kidnap their beloved rookie, Lucy. A bone-crunching, skin-charring fight between fire and iron erupts when Natsu squares off against another Dragon Slayer wizard!
Continued…

FUNimation Channel Video-On-Demand is now available from Armstrong Cable. © 2011 FUNimation Entertainment.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.tv
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

FUNimation Channel, a partnership between Olympusat, Inc. and FUNimation Entertainment, is the market leader in providing fans in the U.S. direct access to an exclusive portfolio of anime movies, series and specials to TV, mobile and broadband customers alike. FUNimation Channel is currently available in approximately 20 million TV households in the U.S. and is available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, Verizon, and others.

The FUNimation Channel has now launched its Subscription Video-On-Demand Package on Armstrong Cable. The package combines standard definition and select high definition product sampling with proven transactional and subscription levels of service for this extremely attractive demographic. Each product drives usage to the next, creating a path to capture a wider audience while maximizing revenues.
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Haruka, Cotton and Teo explore a land of long-lost childhood treasures in the computer animated film OBLIVION ISLAND, screening the next two weekends in NYC.
© 2009 Fuji Television Network/ Production I.G / Dentsu/ Pony Canyon

World Premiere this Weekend at New York International Children’s Film Festival
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

The English language version of the anime feature film OBLIVION ISLAND (ホッタラケの島 〜遥と魔法の鏡〜, Hottarake no Shima – Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009) will have its world premiere this weekend at the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Production I.G., the creators of GHOST IN THE SHELL, mix exquisitely detailed 2D backgrounds with modern 3D character designs in a dazzling animated adventure that plays like Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole into a world of topsy-turvy, anime dream-logic.
Continued…

Complete Series One Streets December 20th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: kadokawa-anime.jp/soraoto (Japan), funimation.com/heavens-lost-property (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009

On December 20th, the complete anime series HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY (そらのおとしもの, Sora no Otoshimono, 2009) will be released in a 5-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. Based on the manga series of the same name by Suu Minazuki, the anime was produced by Anime International Company (AIC), directed by Hisashi Saito (INUYASHA, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED) and features the talents of art director Hiromasa Ogura (FLCL, APPLESEED and GHOST IN THE SHELL).

Tomoki’s life was normal until a wish-granting angelic android named Ikaros fell from the sky and started calling him master! Of course, thanks to his raging teenage hormones, most of Tomoki’s wishes have something to do with panties. And that makes things pretty complicated, because one simple wish can lead to a rampaging robot made out of frilly undergarments or turn bloomers into bombs capable of blowing up entire neighborhoods!

If Tomoki doesn’t learn to control his impulses around Ikaros and be more careful with his wishes, the chaos will only get crazier. Luckily, even with such a dirty mind, Tomoki’s heart is in the right place. His hands, however, are a completely different story.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for the anime masterpiece GRAVE OF
THE FIREFLIES. © 1988 Nosaka Akiyuki/Shinchosha Co.

Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the company’s acquisition of distribution rights for the critically acclaimed animation masterpiece GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka, 1988).

Based on the semi-autobiographical retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Iaso Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli, the studio that performed the animation duties for the film,) GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES has been universally hailed as both an artistic and emotional tour de force, with famed critic Roger Ebert calling the feature “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation” and stating that “it belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made.” Sentai Filmworks is extraordinarily honored to have been given the privilege of handling the digitally restored version of one of the art of animation’s true crowning achievements.

Digital distribution of GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES will begin through many outlets this winter, and a DVD of the digitally restored master will be in stores next year.
Continued…

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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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.
Continued…

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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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.
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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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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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