New Action Horror Anime Series Comes to North America
Source: Sentai Filmworks, Anime Network press releases
Official Site: geneonuniversal.jp/rondorobe/anime/hotd (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams and Christian Lopez

Key promotional art for the new anime series HIGH SCHOOL
OF THE DEAD. © 2010 Daisuke Sato/ Shouji Sato. © 2010
Fujimishobo

During last weekend’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, Sentai Filmworks announced its acquisition of the new hit anime series HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD (Gakuen Mokushiroku, 2010). Based on the ultra-violent manga by Daisuke Sato, directed by Tetsuro Araki (DEATH NOTE, BLACK LAGOON) and produced by the internationally famed studio Madhouse (DEATH NOTE, NINJA SCROLL, VAMPIRE HUNTER D- BLOODLUST, WICKED CITY) HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD combines hordes of flesh-eating zombies with state of the art animation for one of the most action packed anime series ever!

A deadly new disease is ravaging the world, turning the populace into mindless zombies, and the number of infected is skyrocketing by the second. As their fellow classmates and teachers succumb to the infection around them, a small group of students at Fujimi High School are fighting for their lives after surviving the initial outbreak. Now it’s up to Takashi Komuro to unite a small group of blood-soaked survivors in a desperate bid to escape! School’s not just out for the summer, it may be out forever as a handful of students face the ultimate test, survival, in HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD!

Sentai Filmworks will be releasing HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD in both English dubbed and subtitled versions throughout North America. The series is now being simulcast in North America exclusively on Anime Network.
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Major Motoko Kusanagi is born in the updated GHOST IN THE SHELL 2.0, one of six films playing VIZ Cinema in early July.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 1995 /2008 Shirow Masamune/Kodansha · Bandai Visual · Manga Entertainment

Six Feature Films Based on the Hit Manga to Play in a Week-Long Festival Beginning July 3
Source: VIZ Pictures, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: NewPeopleWorld.com
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

VIZ Cinema and NEW PEOPLE are proud to present, in association with Bandai Entertainment and Manga Entertainment, “Sci-fi Anime Madness Volume 2: GHOST IN THE SHELL Marathon” with a very special series of feature film screenings taking place July 3rd – 8th at the theatre located in San Francisco’s Japantown. The creation of veteran anime writer/director/producer Mamoru Oshii, GHOST IN THE SHELL and its subsequent sequels thrilled audiences and inspired a generation of filmmakers to became one of the most revered anime franchises of all times.
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Death-bats and other strange creatures menace the survivors of a worldwide epidemic in the new sci-fi anime movie KING OF THORN.
© 2010 Yuji Iwahara, Enterbrain, Inc./Ibara Committee

New Anime Film to Screen at JAPAN CUTS in New York City
Source: Japan Society
Official Site: Japan Cuts
Official Movie Site: kingofthorn.net
Special Thanks to Shannon Jowett and Tahmid Mannan

Win tickets to see KING OF THORN for free, courtesy of
Jpan Society and SciFi Japan. © 2010 Yuji Iwahara,
Enterbrain, Inc./Ibara Committee

The 2010 New York Asian Film Festival and Japan Cuts: Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema are now in full swing. Running from June 25-July 8 at the Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, July 1 – 16 at Japan Society, and midnights June 25/26 and July 2/3 at IFC Center, the combined festival is featuring dozens of films, international and world premiere screenings, Q&A’s with filmmakers, and other special events.

Earlier this month, NYAFF and SciFi Japan held a contest for tickets to the world premiere of the daikaiju movie DEATH KAPPA. Now our friends at Japan Society are presenting SFJ readers with two chances for free passes to selected films playing at Japan Cuts in July.

First up is the North American premiere of KING OF THORN, the new science fiction anime movie film which will screen at the Japan Society on Sunday, July 11 at 6pm. Based on the long-running manga by Yuji Iwahara, the film was released in Japan by Kadokawa Pictures this past May.
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Dual language Anime Expo 2010 logo, courtesy of Anime Expo. © 1992-2010 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation.

Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press releases
Official Site: anime-expo.org
Special Thanks to Kimberly Groomes

Anime Expo, the nation’s largest anime/manga convention, begins tomorrow and runs through July 4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. Check out the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan for full details on AX 2010, and enjoy these final updates regarding expo guests and events.
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Trailer Premieres July 1, 2010 in Los Angeles at Club Nokia
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: club2themax.com
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Studio Ghibli’s TALES FROM EARTHSEA will finally be released
in the United States. English promotional materials courtesy
of Madman Entertainment. ©2006 Nibariki – GNDHDDT

Club 2 the MAX will present the exclusive trailer of Academy Award winning Japanese animation house Studio Ghibli’s feature TALES FROM EARTHSEA (Gedo Senki) during its activities on July 1, 2010 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles at L.A.

Based on the Earthsea novels by Ursula K. Le Guin, TALES FROM EARTHSEA was directed by Goro Miyazaki, the son of Studio Ghibli co-founder and legend Hayao Miyazaki. The film was theatrically released in Japan on July 29, 2006, with most international markets following in 2007. But distribution in the US was delayed for several years because Hallmark Entertainment had previously optioned the Earthsea books for film and television, and produced the mini-series LEGENDS OF EARTHSEA which aired on the Sci-Fi Channel in 2004. With Hallmark’s rights having expired, the Walt Disney Company will finally release TALES FROM EARTHSEA through their Touchstone Pictures division. The movie will open in American theaters on August 13, 2010. The English voice cast includes Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, Mariska Hargitay, and Jean Smart.
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Hikari Mitsushima stars in director Sion Sono’s internationally acclaimed four-hour pervert epic LOVE EXPOSURE, coming to DVD from Madman Entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2008 “Love Exposure” Film Partners.

Source: Madman Entertainment

The Australian distributor Madman Entertainment is releasing the several anime and Asian live action titles on Region 4 DVD in July, 2010. The selection includes the anime collections of KANON and AIR, the live action classics AN ACTOR’S REVENGE and FLOATING WEEDS, INITIAL D THIRD STAGE- THE MOVIE and the series INITIAL D FOURTH STAGE, and the indie fave LOVE EXPOSURE.
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Source: Barbican Centre, Sarah Harvey Publicity press release
Special Thanks to Helene Muron

The 2005 anime film MOBILE SUIT Z GUNDAM: A NEW
TRANSLATION – HEIRS TO THE STARS will be shown at the
Barbican Centre on July 20th. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. © 2005 Sotsu, Sunrise

The Barbican Centre in London continues their JAPANIMATION event series in July with MOBILE SUIT Z GUNDAM: A NEW TRANSLATION – HEIRS TO THE STARS. The screening will be introduced by anime expert and author Helen McCarthy (The Anime! Movie Guide, Hayao Miyazaki: Master of Japanese Animation, and founder of the magazine AnimeFX).

JAPANIMATION
MOBILE SUIT Z GUNDAM: A NEW TRANSLATION – HEIRS TO THE STARS (Kido Senshi Zeta Gundamu I: Hoshi o Tsugu Mono, 2005)
Tuesday 20 July, 8:30pm
Dir. Yoshiyuki Tomino
94 min
cert tbc

The first feature in the film trilogy based on the GUNDAM ZETA anime series, in celebration of its 20th anniversary and updated for a 21st Century audience. MOBILE SUIT Z GUNDAM: A NEW TRANSLATION – HEIRS TO THE STARS is set in the year 0087, when the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) are waging a bloody war against the Earth Federation’s elite military force, the Titans. A magnificent mecha trip and a must-see for fans of the anime, the gorgeous animation is an amalgam of the digitally remastered original with completely new footage. Shigeaki Saegusa’s musical score from the TV series is also reused for the film with the addition of new songs by Japanese pop star Gackt.
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GOLGO 13 COLLECTION 1 Available on July 6th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

GOLGO 13 COLLECTION 1. Photo courtesy of
Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films’ July 2010 slate of releases includes the new English dubbed release of the hit series GOLGO 13 from Section23 client Sentai Filmworks.

Also releasing in July are the DVD and Blue-ray Editions of LEGENDS OF THE DARK KING COMPLETE COLLECTION, HELL GIRL: TWO MIRRORS COLLECTION 2, and EYESHIELD 21 COLLECTION 2. Read on for plot descriptions, DVD/Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all these titles.
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Anime Expo 2010 logo, courtesy of Anime Expo. © 1992-2010 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation.

Source: Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation press releases
Official Site: anime-expo.org
Material Compiled by Kyle Byrd
Special Thanks to Kimberly Groomes

BLACK LAGOON: ROBERTA’S BLOOD TRAIL will make its
world premiere at Anime Expo 2010.

Located in Los Angeles, CA, Anime Expo is the nation’s largest anime/manga convention. The event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2010 will be held July 1 – July 4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California.

Attendees, Press and Industry Members are invited to view the video coverage site of the 2009 convention at AXBackstage.org and to register for the 2010 convention at anime-expo.org.

This year’s Anime Expo is offering several interesting registration options for attendees. The new Premier Fan package, filled with fun and exclusive benefits, is available to anyone who registers for a 4-day pass and books a hotel room within the AX hotel block before June 21st. Attendees who purchase tickets to the AX concert will save 50% when bought along with a 4-day Expo pass. Visit the official site for complete details.
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Special Promotion To Celebrate the Domestic Broadcast Launch of the Shonen Sunday Animated Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: shonensunday.com/series/kekkaishi
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2006, 2010 Yellow Tanabe/ Shogakukan, Yomiuri
TV, Sunrise

VIZ Media invites fans to explore the demon-battling action adventure of popular Shonen Sunday KEKKAISHI anime series with a FREE Download-to-Own (DTO) episode through VIZ Media partners iTunes, Xbox Live’s Zune Marketplace, PlayStation Network and Amazon Video on Demand. KEKKAISHI Episode 1 will be available for free download now through June 17th to celebrate the recent domestic broadcast launch of KEKKAISHI on Adult Swim.

KEKKAISHI is based on the hit manga series by Yellow Tanabe (also published in North America by VIZ Media). A story of mystical forces powerful in the region known as Karasumori. For over 400 years, it has been the duty of a clan of “kekkaishi”—barrier masters—to guard this land and exterminate the supernatural creatures that are drawn to it night after night.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press releases
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith

DVD cover art for FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
Part 1. © 2009 Hiromu Arakawa/FA Project・MBS

FUNimation Entertainment has provided details on their new and upcoming Region 1 anime DVD and Blu-ray releases.

Read on for cover art and specs for FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD Part 1, one of FUNimation’s big releases for 2010. Plus art and info on X: THE COMPLETE SERIES, SOUL EATER- Part Three, AFRO SAMURAI: The Complete Murder Sessions Blu-ray, KENICHI: THE MIGHTIEST DISCIPLE- Season Two Part Two, BECK: COMPLETE COLLECTION, GUYVER: THE COMPLETE SERIES Blu-ray, WITCHBLADE: COMPLETE COLLECTION, INITIAL D: PROJECT D, FOURTH STAGE- PART 2, HEROIC AGE: THE COMPLETE SERIES, and THE SLAYERS EVOLUTION-R.
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Zeta Gundam prepares to use the Hyper Mega Launcher in the fan favorite series MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM. © 1985 Sotsu, Sunrise

Author: Andrew Nguyen
Official Site: z-gundam.net (Japanese), gundamofficial.com/worlds/uc/zeta (US)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab)

Promotional art for MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM: A NEW
TRANSLATION III –LOVE IS THE PULSE OF THE STARS.
Photo courtesy of MediaLab. © 2006 Sotsu, Sunrise

While MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM (Kido Senshi Gundamu) turned out to be a success, particularly in the form of a compilation movie trilogy, several years would pass before a sequel would take place. That sequel, the 50-episode MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM (Kido Senshi Zeta Gundamu), premiered in March 1985 to immense success. Its popularity has reached the point where fans and critics alike consider it to be one of the Gundam series most outstanding entries. Directed by Gundam series creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, many consider it to be one of his finest works, even when compared to his classic works like AURA BATTLE DUNBINE.

After looking over the problems that had occurred during the development and broadcast of the TV series, Tomino commenced work on a compilation movie series to the show under the overall series name of MOBILE SUIT ZETA GUNDAM: A NEW TRANSLATION. This new Gundam production consisted of a trilogy of films that appeared in Japanese theaters in mid and late 2005 and early 2006. The footage for all three movies consisted of a mix of footage from the TV series as well as new footage for the movies themselves while the movie series altered or deleted several critical events that occurred in the TV series.
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Eva Unit-00 has some issues in EVANGELION 1.11, the upgraded version of the first of four new “Rebuild of Evangelion” feature films.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2007 Khara

EVANGELION 1.11 and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD on DVD and Blu-ray; GOEMON and ROBOGEISHA
Source: Madman Entertainment

The Australian distributor Madman Entertainment is releasing several anime and Asian live action titles on Blu-ray and Region 4 DVD in June. Highlights include…

ROBOGEISHA
Yoshie and her sister Kikuyakko are recruited by the handsome Hikaru to help overthrow the corrupt Japanese government, agreeing to become cyborgs in his geisha army. Now armed with robotic blades and missiles, Yoshie must fight for good, and become… Robogeisha!

GOEMON
Master thief Goemon steals evidence of a secret pact to assassinate the mighty warlord Nobunaga. Pursued by the conspirator Hideyoshi, Goemon finds himself fighting for his life and must return to the battlefield one last time to bring peace to his country…

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD COLLECTION 1
As children, brothers Edward and Alphonse used the clandestine science of Alchemy to attempt the unthinkable – the resurrection of their dead mother. They failed, unleashing an alchemic reaction that ripped their bodies apart. Four years later, Ed and Al comb the country in search of a legendary stone rumoured to possess the ability to amplify their alchemy & restore their bodies to normal.

EVANGELION 1.11
It is 2015: half of Earth’s population is dead, victims of the “Second Impact”. Summoned by his enigmatic father, 14-year-old Shinji arrives in the rebuilt city, Tokyo-3, just as a giant creature, an Angel, attacks! Forced to pilot a bio-mechanical suit known as an Evangelion, Shinji must face his fears and defend the city – or die trying.
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Latest Instalment in the Hit Series Brings New Features and Multiplayer Action to PAL territories in Summer 2010
Source: NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe, Indigo Pearl press release
Special Thanks to Holly Barnes

Cover art for the European release of DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 on Nintendo DS.
Photo courtesy of NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe. © Bird Studio/ Shueisha, Toei
Animation. © 2009 NBGI

Goku’s adventures have only just begun, with the news that NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe is bringing the next chapter in the Dragon Ball saga to fans across PAL territories in summer 2010, exclusively for Nintendo DS. Continuing Goku’s adventures from the first game for DS, DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 throws in so many new features and cunning touches that Goku will barely be able to contain his Ki energy.

With Dragon Ball-busting side-on boss battling and heart-stopping aerial fights shown on the upper screen, the game comes even closer to reproducing the signature intense aerial assaults of the DRAGON BALL anime. If you want authentic Dragon Ball fun, action and adventure, coupled with a full serving of dazzling gameplay improvements and multiplayer co-op, then look no further. Can I hear a ‘Kamehameha”?

Developed by Game Republic, DRAGON BALL: ORIGINS 2 is scheduled for launch across PAL territories in summer 2010.
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CLANNAD Complete Collection Available on June 15th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

CLANNAD COMPLETE COLLECTION. Photo courtesy
of Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films’ June 2010 slate of releases will include the new English dubbed release of the hit series CLANNAD from Section23 client Sentai Filmworks.

Also releasing in June is the erotic comedy from new studio Maiden Japan, PAPILLON ROSE COMPLETE COLLECTION, plus BRIGHTER THAN THE DAWNING BLUE COMPLETE COLLECTION, LA CORDA D’ORO ~ PRIMO PASSO COLLECTION 1, and GINTAMA COLLECTION 2. Read on for cover art, plot descriptions, and DVD specs for all of the these titles.
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Astro Boy faces a number of foes in the robot gladiator arena in the 2009 computer animated film ASTRO BOY. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2009 Imagi Crystal Ltd and Summit Entertainment, LLC. © Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art for ASTRO BOY, coming May 31st. Photo
courtesy of The Associates. © 2009 Imagi Crystal Ltd and
Summit Entertainment, LLC. © Tezuka Productions Co.

One of the most seminal, iconic and coolest anime creations of all time, Astro Boy is now brought to vivid life in a brand new CGI animated feature film jam-packed with action, adventure, comedy and heart. Coming to DVD and as a Blu-ray plus DVD Combi Pack on 31st May 2010 after a thoroughly successful £3.6m run at UK cinemas and recommended as “exciting and charming… a treat for all kids, big and small” (Sun TV Magazine), the timing of ASTRO BOY’s release makes it ideal half-term entertainment for children of all ages.

ASTRO BOY (cert. PG) will be released on DVD (£17.99) and as a Blu-ray plus DVD Combi Pack (£22.99) by E1 Entertainment on 31st May 2010. Special Features include: two all new animated sequences (‘Astro vs. The Junkyard Pirates’ and The RFF in ‘The New Recruit’); Inside The Recording Studio; Designing A Hero; Building Metro City; Getting The Astro Boy Look; Image Gallery; Creating A Global Icon; Dolby 5.1 audio; optional English subtitles for the hard of hearing.
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DVD and Blu-ray cover art for the new DRAGON BALL Z KAI. Photos courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Bird Studio/Shueisha, Toei Animation.
© 2009 Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

25th Anniversary of DRAGON BALL Z Includes HD Remastered Video and Audio
Source: FUNimation Entertainment presskit
Official Site: dragonballzkai.com
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Manny Alcala

The Legendary Z Reborn! In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the hugely popular anime DRAGON BALL Z, FUNimation and Toei Animation Co. are proud to release DRAGON BALL Z KAI on DVD and Blu-ray in the United States.

DRAGON BALL Z KAI includes HD re-mastered video and audio, updated opening and closing sequences, plus the return of several key DRAGON BALL Z English-voice cast members! For the first time in history, experience the legendary Z as the master intended: bigger, faster, stronger, and packed with the pulverizing power to blow your puny minds! Beef up your collection with this manga-centric, fresh take on Akira Toriyama’s original vision, featuring more action than you can handle, revitalized animation, and an amped-up audio experience that will make your ears beg for mercy!

DRAGON BALL Z KAI PART 1 (containing Episodes 1-13) goes on sale tomorrow, May 18th. Look for PART 2 on DVD and Blu-ray on September 14, 2010.
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Watch Episode 1, Chat with Friends, and Talk with the Producer at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST
Source: VIZ Media press release
Official Movie Site: manga.com/watchandchat/monster
Special Thanks to Jane Lui

Viz Media and Manga.com are hosting a live stream and
chat today for Episode 1 of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2004 Naoki Urasawa, Studio
Nuts/ Shogakukan, VAP, NTV

Manga Entertainment and VIZ Media are joining forces to bring anime fans a live event. Starting Thursday, May 13th at 7:00pm EST/4:00pm PST, fans will be able to watch a live streaming of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER on Manga.com. Catch episode 1 of the critically acclaimed series (rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences), chat with your friends and other fans of this anime classic, and take a trivia test at the same time. VIZ moderators will also be on hand to answer questions about the show.

For anyone who misses the event, the same watch and chat experience will be available for episodes 1 and 36 through Friday, June 11th.

Based on the Eisner Award-nominated manga (also published by VIZ Media), NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER is a must-see for any true fan of anime, suspense or crime dramas, and follows in a fine tradition of psychological crime noir ranging from Hitchcock and Mickey Spillane to SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and CSI!
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NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Saga to Debut in European Territores on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Source: NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe, Indigo Pearl press release
Special Thanks to Holly Barnes

NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe S.A.S. has announced the forthcoming launch of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 2 for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3, the first game based on the global hit Naruto Shippuden manga and anime to appear on the consoles. Packed with new features and enhancements, a comprehensive character line up and stunning graphics, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: ULTIMATE NINJA STORM 2 is scheduled for launch across PAL territories in autumn 2010.
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A Fantastic Array Of Japanese Films Feature Surfing, Godzilla, Giant Robots, And The End Of The World
Source: VIZ Pictures, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: NewPeopleWorld.com
Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen

Kaiju Shakedown poster, courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 1971-1974 Toho Co., Ltd.

May is a month to celebrate obsessions at VIZ Cinema. The nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, unfolds its most varied line-up yet, spotlighting a variety of obsessions ranging from surfing to art to science fiction and anime.

VIZ Cinema complements a remarkable new exhibit – THE SURF SHOP – opening Saturday, May 15t in the SUPERFROG Gallery featuring Japanese surf-inspired art, custom surfboards and more with a special BIG SURF weekend of new and classic surfing films. Sci-fi fans will want to catch VIZ Cinema’s first-ever Kaiju Shakedown, with four films featuring the world’s most famous Japanese monster dinosaur on 35mm prints! The theatre is also proud to team with Bandai Entertainment to present the exclusive U.S. premiere of THE DISAPPEARANCE OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, based on the smash-hit anime TV series. Moviegoers also can look forward to 7 other anime feature films all playing throughout the month of May at VIZ Cinema!
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