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After opening in Japan last summer, Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) has played in cinemas around the world. The film’s international release continues this July in Italy. SciFi Japan previews this event with information, photos, poster art and a trailer, courtesy of Italian distributor, QMI / Stardust. Continued…
Following the global success of 2014’s GODZILLA and this year’s KONG: SKULL ISLAND, comes the next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic MonsterVerse: an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history. Continued…
Last month, North American distributor Funimation Entertainment and Australian distributor Madman Entertainment announced they would be releasing Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) on home video in their respective territories. Both companies have now provided SciFi Japan with additional details as well as large, high-res packaging artwork for the various upcoming editions of the film. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto
In July 2016, X-Plus and Bandai partnered on the first “Toho Tokusatsu (Special Effects) Museum” Limited Set, featuring palm-sized, high quality soft vinyl figures of the original 1954 Godzilla and the 2004 version from GODZILLA: FINAL WARS (ゴジラ ファイナルウォーズ, Gojira Fainaru Uoozu). This September sees the release of a second set, this time featuring the titular monsters from the classic MOTHRA VS GODZILLA (モスラ対ゴジラ, Mosura Tai Gojira, 1964). Continued…
Product Info and GIANT High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Shingo Fujimoto and Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and daikaiju-sized photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in August 2017. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their giant monster figures scheduled for release in July 2017. Continued…
Source: NECA press release
Special Thanks to Summer Mullins
NECA continues to celebrate the most famous kaiju of all time! This version of the beloved monster is based on Godzilla’s “Atomic Blast” attack in the 2001 movie GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (ゴジラ・モスラ・キングギドラ 大怪獣総攻撃, Gojira, Mosura, Kingughidora: Daikaiju Soshingeki), a spectacular battle between Godzilla and some of his most famous foes. Continued…
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of their latest collaboration with Bandai; a limited edition figure of Mechagodzilla (aka Kiryu) from GODZILLA: TOKYO SOS (ゴジラ×モスラ×メカゴジラ SOS, Gojira Tai Mosura Tai Mekagojira Tokyo Esu Oo Esu, 2003). Continued…
Full-Color Releases For CASTLE IN THE SKY And PRINCESS MONONOKE Capture The Magic Of These Extraordinary Films
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, received cheers from thrilled attendees this past weekend during its official panel at Chicago’s premier pop culture and comics convention C2E2, where it announced the winter release of a pair of full-color picture books for the famed Studio Ghibli films CASTLE IN THE SKY (天空の城ラピュタ, Tenkuu no Shiro Rapyuta, 1986) and PRINCESS MONONOKE (もののけ姫, Mononoke Hime, 1997). Continued…
Press Notes For New Manga Adaptation
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Fuji Television Network, Inc.
Official Site: teiichi.jp (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho Co., Ltd. and Fuji Television Network, Inc. have provided information and large, high-res photos from their upcoming release, TEIICHI – BATTLE OF SUPREME HIGH – (帝一の國, Teiichi no Kuni). Toho is releasing the manga adaptation/political satire opens in Japanese cinemas on April 29, while Fuji Television is handling sales to foreign distributors. Continued…
Bonus Features Include Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes and AFI Fest Q&A with Director Michael Dudok de Wit
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Jane Ayer Public Relations press release
Official Movie Site: red-turtle.jp (Japan), sonyclassics.com/theredturtle (US)
Special Thanks to Irene Dean and Lauren DeAngelis
A remarkable collaboration between Academy Award-winning director/animator Michael Dudok de Wit (2000, Best Animated Short Film, FATHER AND DAUGHTER) and the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli (2003 Academy Award-winner, Best Animated Feature SPIRITED AWAY; MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO), THE RED TURTLE arrives on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital on May 2 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji and Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Let’s try this one more time!
Earlier this month, SciFi Japan posted a look at X-Plus’ giant monster figures for June 2017 that included information and exclusive photos provided by the manufacturer. X-Plus has since added several more items to their lineup, so we’re back with an update covering all (hopefully) of June’s giant monster figures with more than 60 HUGE high-res pics! Continued…
MARCH COMES IN LIKE A LION – Part 2 (3月のライオン 後編, Sangatsu no Raion Kohen) opens this weekend in Japan, courtesy of distributors Asmik Ace and Toho. The film completes the 2-part live-action adaptation of the bestselling manga by Chika Umino. Part 1 was released on March 18th. Continued…
25th Shin-Chan Anime Film Opens in Japan This Weekend
Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shinchan-movie.com (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho has provided information and high-res images from their new anime film, CRAYON SHIN-CHAN 2017, opening in Japan this Saturday, April 15th. The movie is the 25th feature film based on the manga series created by Yoshito Usui. Continued…
Source: Splendid Film GMBH, More Publicity
Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), das-monster-kommt.de (Germany)
Special Thanks to Sabine Meiger
German film distributor Splendid Film GMBH has provided the theatrical trailer for SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016). The movie will be released in Germany and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) starting May 3rd.
New Anime Film Opens in Japan This Saturday
Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: conan-movie.jp (Japan)
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Toho has provided information and high-res images from their upcoming anime film, DETECTIVE CONAN: THE CRIMSON LOVE LETTER (名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌（からくれないのらぶれたー）, Meitantei Konan Kara Kurenai no Renka (Kara Kurenai Nora Buretaa)). Opening in Japan this Saturday, April 15th, the movie is the 21st feature film based on the manga series by Aoyama Gosho. Continued…
Funimation Films released its opening weekend results for the North American debut of its theatrical release of (君の名は。, Kimi no Na wa., 2016). The critically acclaimed anime film from director Makoto Shinkai brought in an excess of $1.7 Million at the box office from some 303 theater screens during its opening weekend. The movie, with a per screen average of $5,281, placed 4th among new releases and 13th place in overall box office gross among all films in the United States.
“We are thrilled that anime and indie film fans, theatrical exhibitors and critics alike, have all embraced YOUR NAME. and helped deliver such a successful opening weekend,” said Michael DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. “The vivid artistry and moving story telling of YOUR NAME. combined with our successful track record and proven expertise in anime marketing and fan engagement on limited event-style theatrical releases, like DRAGON BALL Z: RESURRECTION F and SHIN GODZILLA, made this opening possible.” Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji and Shingo Fujimoto
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res photos of the first giant monster figure in their new DefoReal Series. Continued…
The international release of Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) continues. At 8:00pm on Thursday, April 6, the film had its Italian premiere at the Cinema Ambrosio of Turin. The screening was a part of Cartoons on the Bay (the 21st International Cross-Media and Children’s Television Festival), held in conjunction with Sottodiciotto Film Festival.
SHIN GODZILLA is being released in Italy through a partnership between distributors Dynit, Minerva Pictures and QMI Stardust. The Italian theatrical run will begin in July. Continued…
Product Info and High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
Earlier this month, SciFi Japan posted an early look at X-Plus’ giant monster figures for June 2017 that included photos of unpainted prototypes. X-Plus has now provided complete product specs and more than 40 HUGE high-res pics of all the painted figures so we’re back with an update. Continued…
The Australian label Madman Entertainment will release the ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Movie Collection on Region 4 DVD April 5, 2017. The set contains both live action movies, ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (映画 暗殺教室, Eiga Ansatsu Kyooshitsu, 2015) and ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM: THE GRADUATION (映画 暗殺教室 卒業編, Eiga Ansatsu Kyooshitsu: Sotsugyoo-hen, 2016), based on the hit manga.
It’s time for a double period of Assassination Classroom! A tentacle-d teacher that moves at Mach 20 is out to conquer the classroom after destroying seventy percent of the moon. Now, the students of Class 3-E must wipe out their new teacher before graduation, or he wipes out the Earth! In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, Class 3-E will be learning all about assassination. But by the time graduation rolls round, these students may have learned something even more valuable. Continued…
HUGE High-Res Photos, Direct from X-Plus!
Source: X-Plus Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Jun Umeji
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
The Japanese collectibles company X-Plus Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with an early look at their giant monster figures scheduled for release in June 2017. Continued…
The collectibles company X-Plus has provided information and HUGE photos of their third “Godzilla vs. Evangelion” figure released in partnership with Premium Bandai; a fusion of Eva Unit-00 pilot Rei Ayanami and the X Alien famously played by Kumi Mizuno in the Godzilla classic MONSTER ZERO aka INVASION OF ASTRO MONSTER (怪獣大戦争, Kaiju Daisenso, 1965). Continued…
Source: Splendid Film GMBH, More Publicity
Official Site: shin-godzilla.jp (Japan), das-monster-kommt.de (Germany)
Special Thanks to Sabine Meiger
A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE
SciFi Japan’s coverage of SHIN GODZILLA’s (シン・ゴジラ, Shin Gojira, 2016) international release continues with information, photos, poster art and a trailer courtesy of German distributor, Splendid Film GMBH. Splendid has released several of the older Godzilla films on DVD and and Blu-ray, and recently acquired the theatrical, TV, DVD-video, and VOD rights for SHIN GODZILLA in Germany and Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg). Continued…
Series Highlights Six of Studio Ghibli’s Most Treasured Films on the Big Screen
Source: GKIDS Inc., Fathom Events press release
Official Site: ghiblifest.com
Following the success of the SPIRITED AWAY and PRINCESS MONONOKE cinema events, GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events, the leading distributor of event cinema, are proud to announce a partnership to bring Studio Ghibli’s revered animated classics to U.S audiences throughout 2017. Continued…
Funimation Films is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a North American theatrical poster for the acclaimed anime film YOUR NAME. (君の名は。, Kimi no Na wa., 2016). Measuring 27 x 40″, this high-quality poster was produced for display in a light box, and features the key art printed on the front and in reverse on the back.
Written and directed by Makoto Shinkai (5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND, THE GARDEN OF WORDS), YOUR NAME. is the highest-grossing anime film of all time and Japan’s biggest international hit (live action or animated) ever. The movie opens in North American theaters on April 7, 2017 Continued…
A dramatic and moving two-part work of Japan’s very own mind sport is about to begin!
March Comes in Like a Lion by Chika Umino, the bestselling comic that has swept numerous comic awards including the 4th Cartoon Grand Prize 2011 and the Grand Prize in the 18th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, has been made into a live-action film! The director is Keishi Otomo, who has been breaking new ground in Japanese cinema with his solid character portrayal and action scenes in such films as the RUROUNI KENSHIN (るろうに剣心, 2012-14) series and PLATINUM DATA (プラチナデータ, Puratina Deta, 2013). “I intend to capture the changing landscape of the city of Tokyo as it prepares for the Summer Olympics and depict the world of professional shogi, a Japanese mind sport from ancient times, in an engaging way. I’d like to make a work in which the characters that Ms. Umino created and nurtured come alive vibrantly in this setting,” he comments, indicating the birth of a new type of Japanese movie that can only be produced at this moment in time. Continued…
Ash And Pikachu’s Latest Cinematic Adventure
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delights POKÉMON fans as it announces the upcoming home media release and the official manga edition of POKÉMON THE MOVIE: VOLCANION AND THE MECHANICAL MARVEL this spring. Continued…
The Nippon Academy-sho Association hosted the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize (第40回日本アカデミー賞) in Tokyo on March 3rd. Toho’s SHIN GODZILLA — the top grossing Japanese live-action movie of 2016 — took top honors with awards for best picture, co-directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, and five technical categories. Continued…
