Australian DVD and Blu-ray cover art for GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER. Photos courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Second Installment of the Popular GANTZ Franchise Streets February 15th
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

The Australian label Madman Entertainment will release the box office hit GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in February 2012. The discs will feature a never-before seen extended version of the film with new scenes added.

Several months after the events of GANTZ 1, Kei Kurono (Kazunari Ninomiya) faces an impending alien invasion under the order of Gantz. As he closes in on the magical “100″ score to resurrect his friends, young pop star Eriko Ayukawa (Ayumi Ito) is being secretly ordered by Gantz to carry out assassinations, and cop Masamitsu Shigeta (Takayuki Yamada) inches closer towards finding out the truth about the invading aliens. As the missions get increasingly dangerous, Kurono discovers that the endgame for Gantz is quickly approaching with a massive bloody showdown with the aliens.
Continued…

Cover art for the upcoming UK DVD and Blu-ray editions of GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER. Photos courtesy of The Associates.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in the UK by Manga Entertainment on February 6th, 2012.

The sequel begins several months after the events of the first film. Kei Kurono (Ninomiya) is still fighting aliens under the order of Gantz and he is close to reaching the score he needs to resurrect his friend Masaru Kato (Matsuyama). As the missions begin to get increasingly dangerous for both the alien fighters and the general public, Kurono discovers that the endgame for Gantz is quickly approaching.
Continued…

Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Official Site: Always 3
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a new movie.

Theatrical poster for ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 3.
© 2012 Always Sunset on Third Street ’64 Film Partners

Released in Japan in November 2005, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET (ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日, Always San-Chome no Yuhi) enjoyed a long theatrical run, won countless awards (including numerous Japan Academy Awards), and became one of the most successful films in recent memory. Two years later, the sequel, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 2 (ALWAYS 続・三丁目の夕日, Always Zoku San-Chome no Yuhi, 2007), surpassed the box office success of the original, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation.

Five years later, the beloved characters of this popular franchise return to the big screen in ALWAYS- SUNSET ON 3RD STREET- 3 ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日’64, Always San-Chome no Yuhi ’64) — this time in 3D.

SciFi Japan is pleased to present an early look at the latest chapter in the smash hit ALWAYS movie series with photos and production notes provided by NTV. Toho will release the film to theaters across Japan on January 21, 2012.
Continued…

Masaru Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) and Kei Kurono (Kazunari Ninomiya) in publicity art for GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Author: Elliot Gay
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Photos: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, The Associates, Madman Entertainment
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Shio Toyoda

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

GANTZ and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER director Shinsuke
Sato. Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment.

Both GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) and its sequel, GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011), were directed by filmmaker and video game developer Shinsuke Sato. A graduate of Musashino University of The Arts, Sato first drew attention for writing and directing successful student films, before making his professional directorial debut with LOVE SONG (2001).

His second film, THE PRINCESS BLADE (修羅雪姫, Shura Yukihime, 2001), was released internationally, and he has directed such well-received movies as ALL ABOUT MY DOG (いぬのえいが, Inu no Eiga, 2005), SAND CLOCK (砂時計, Sunadokei, 2008) and the Japan Academy Prize-nominated animated feature OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR (ホッタラケの島 〜遥と魔法の鏡〜, Hottarake no Shima – Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009). Sato has also developed characters and storylines for video games, most notably TEKKEN 4 (2002).

SciFi Japan writer Elliot Gay recently spoke with Shinsuke Sato about his work on the two GANTZ films.
Continued…

The King of the Monsters raids Japan for the first time –again!– in The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray release of GODZILLA.
© 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

Bringing the Japanese Sci-Fi Classic to DVD and Blu-ray
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Official Site: criterion.com/godzilla

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

On January 24th, The Criterion Collection will release the Toho classic GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954) on special edition DVD and Blu-ray. The high-anticipated discs feature high-def digital restorations of both the original Japanese film and its Americanized edit GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (1956), plus a wealth of bonus content including trailers, cast and crew interviews, audio commentaries and featurettes.

Supervising the new release is Criterion producer Curtis Tsui, who recently discussed the project with SciFi Japan.
Continued…

Arrietty fends off a threatening insect. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

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

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

The following English language press notes for ARRIETTY are courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
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The mysterious men in black are looking for a fight in GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER, playing January 14th at NEW PEOPLE Cinema.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco to Screen GANTZ and GANTZ II on January 14th
Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment celebrates the recently announced release of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER on DVD/Blu-ray with a special series of screenings of the entire GANTZ film saga on Saturday, January 14th at the S.F. Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema located in San Francisco’s Japantown. Tickets are $10. Additional ticket and film info is available at newpeopleworld.com/#gantz2.

GANTZ (Dubbed) 1:00pm
GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (Dubbed) 4:00pm
GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (Subtitled) 7:00pm

All those attending the screenings of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER will receive a free full-color GANTZ poster. A special ticket bundle is also available for $25 (DVD) or $30 (Blu-ray) that includes a movie pass, poster, and either the DVD or Blu-ray release.
Continued…

A tiny girl befriends a young boy in the Studio Ghibli animated feature THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. NYICFF will have a preview screening in NYC
before the film opens nationwide in the United States. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

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

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

The screening will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 21st at Symphony Space in New York City. This event is expected to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.
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…

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.
Continued…

Cover art for the upcoming North American DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Set of the Japanese live action sci-fi adventure GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER.
Photos courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, Warner Home Video
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. that focuses on the licensing and distribution of Japanese films and media, has announced the highly anticipated release of the live-action film sequel to GANTZ. GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will debut on Region 1 DVD (SRP $24.92) and Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack (SRP $29.99) on January 17th, 2012. The film, which is unrated, features both English and Japanese dialogue options and includes a bonus disc with an exclusive director’s interview, cast profiles, and theatrical film trailers. NEW PEOPLE DVD/Blu-ray titles are distributed in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video.

To celebrate the film’s North American release, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment will hold three special theatrical screenings of GANTZ and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER on Saturday, January 14th at the S.F. Film Society | NEW PEOPLE Cinema located in San Francisco’s Japantown. Tickets are $10. All those attending the screenings of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER will receive a free full-color GANTZ poster. A special ticket bundle is also available for $25 (DVD) or $30 (Blu-ray) that includes a movie pass, poster, and either the DVD or Blu-ray release.
Continued…

Masaru Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) battles aliens in GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER, playing December 17th at NEW PEOPLE Cinema.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

EATRIP, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER in the The Bay Area on Dec 17th
Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

NEW PEOPLE, the nation’s only entertainment complex dedicated to Japanese popular culture, has announced a trio of Japanese live-action films to screen on Saturday, December 17th at the venue’s SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema. The screenings will include the culinary documentary EATRIP, which plays at 1:00pm, the newly released music biopic, DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED, which plays at 3:00pm and again at 8:30pm, and finally the action-packed conclusion of the celebrated GANTZ sci-fi saga with a showing of GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER 5:00pm. Tickets are $10.00 each per film. Information and advance tickets are available at newpeopleworld.com.

The SF Film Society|NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat subterranean theatre located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX-certified sound system.

Filmgoers that bring their movie ticket to NEW PEOPLE, The Store, located in the building’s lobby, before or after each show will receive $10.00 off any NEW PEOPLE Entertainment DVD or Blu-ray release that day.
Continued…

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…

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…

Yoshino Ishibashi (Hikari Mitsushima, right) tries to win the affections of the rich but self-centered Keigo Masuo (Masaki Okada).
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 Toho Co., Ltd., Amuse Inc.

Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: thirdwindowfilms.com/villain (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Cover art for the UK DVD of the award-winning VILLAIN.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 Toho Co.,
Ltd., Amuse Inc.

Lee sang-il’s higly acclaimed adaptation of the award-winning novel by Shuichi Yoshida, VILLAIN (悪人, Akunin) comes out on DVD in the United Kingdom this Monday, December 5th from distributor Third Window Films. A North American release has not been announced.

Nominated for 15 Japanese Academy Awards (winner of 5), winner of the Best Actress Prize at the Montreal Film Festival and picked as the ‘Best Japanese Film of 2010′ by the Kinema Junpo organization, VILLAIN is one of the most highly rated and gripping Japanese films of the year.

Yuichi Shimizu (Satoshi Tsumabuki) is a construction worker who has lived his entire life in a dreary fishing village. With no girlfriend or friends, he spends his days working and looking after his grandparents, with no enjoyment in life other than his car.

Meanwhile, Mitsuyo Magome (Eri Fukatsu) also lives a monotonous life pacing between the men’s clothing store where she works and the apartment where she lives with her sister.

When the two lonely souls meet using an online dating site, they immediately fall in love with each other. But there’s a secret Yuichi had been keeping from Mitsuyo: Yuichi is the one suspected of killing the woman whose body was found at Mitsue Pass only a few days before.
Continued…

The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for GODZILLA. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

Japanese and US Versions of the Original Classic Coming to DVD and Blu-ray in January
Author: Keith Aiken
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment, Classic Media, Westchester Films
Official Site: criterion.com/godzilla
Special Thanks to Brian Carmody, Jonathan Saba, Mark Balsam, Allen Perkins and David Kalat

On January 24, 2012, the Toho classic GODZILLA (ゴジラ, Gojira, 1954)— along with the Americanized edit GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS (1956)— will be released in both deluxe DVD and Blu-ray editions by The Criterion Collection.

SciFi Japan takes a look behind the scenes of the upcoming release with details on how Criterion acquired the film, the materials being utilized for the DVD and Blu-ray, an updated press release, and an interview with audio commentator David Kalat.
Continued…

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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Jet Jaguar, Godzilla, Gigan and Megalon take a break from battle to pose for a GODZILLA VS MEGALON publicity shot. © 1973 Toho Co., Ltd.

Steve Ryfle and Stuart Galbraith IV Detail their Efforts on the New Media Blasters DVD and Blu-ray
Author: Keith Aiken

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

After decades of low quality, unauthorized videos, Toho’s GODZILLA VS MEGALON (ゴジラ対メガロ, Gojira tai Megaro, 1973) will finally receive an official, licensed release on home video in North America this November 29th from Media Blasters.

While Media Blasters has yet to reveal all of the details for their upcoming DVD and Blu-ray, MEGALON will feature the original Japanese version with 2.0 and 5.1 audio, the uncut English dub (never commercially available before in the US), plus extras such as a feature length audio commentary by film historians Steve Ryfle (Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, ICONS OF SCI-FI: TOHO COLLECTION) and Stuart Galbraith IV (The Toho Studios Story, INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER DVD, TORA-SAN COLLECTOR’S SET).
Continued…

Publicity art for GANTZ, courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

To Continue Life, Play the Game of Death on December 14th
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

Following home video releases in North America and the United Kingdom, the sci-fi action film GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) will come to DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on December 14, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. Madman will release the sequel, GANTZ 2: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) in February 2012.
Continued…

SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO is just one of thirty movies making their Australian premiere at the 15th Japanese Film Festival.
Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

Source: Japan Foundation, Sydney press releases
Official Site: japanesefilmfestival.net
Special Thanks to Evon Fung and Amanda Thompson

Not long now until the 15th Japanese Film Festival hits Sydney and Melbourne with their biggest line-up to date. Featuring 30 films – all Australian premieres – the festival lineup includes the live action feature SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, Koki Mitani’s new comedy A GHOST OF A CHANCE, Studio Ghibli’s box office smash ARRIETTY, Takahisa Zeze’s latest LIFE BACK THEN, OBA: THE LAST SAMURAI (with director Hideyuki Hirayama and actor Yutaka Takenouchi in attendance), ABACUS AND SWORD, Yoshihiro Nakamura’s A BOY AND HIS SAMURAI, VILLAIN, GANTZ and GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER.
Continued…

Yes, it does exist! Cover art for the Blu-ray edition of DESTROY ALL MONSTERS, courtesy of Media Blasters. © 1968 Toho Co., Ltd.

Author: Keith Aiken
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano and Andres A. Perez

As a bonus, here’s an early look at the artwork Media Blasters will
be using for their upcoming GODZILLA VS MEGALON discs. Photo
courtesy of Media Blasters. © 1973 Toho Co., Ltd.

Over the past week there has been a good deal of confusion regarding Media Blasters’ DVD and Blu-ray release of the Godzilla film DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (怪獣総進撃, Kaiju Soshingeki, 1968). Based on our talks with reps from Media Blasters, we’ll try to separate the facts from the secondhand stories and oddball claims to hopefully give Godzilla fans a better idea of where things stand with this title.

In June, Media Blasters first mentioned a tentative release date of October 25th for DESTROY ALL MONSTERS. Two months later, the company’s first DAM press release confirmed the Blu-ray and DVD release date and also listed a November 8th release for the Soundtrack CD. Despite rumors that DESTROY ALL MONSTERS would be delayed or that the DVD would not be sold until weeks after the Blu-ray edition streeted, Media Blasters never changed their scheduled release date.

Following fan inquiries, Media Blasters checked with both their manufacturer and distributor and neither has reported any problems with the production or shipping of the discs. With smaller labels such as Media Blasters, new releases may not be available from all retailers on the exact same date, and it appears that some retailers chose to hedge their bets and set the release of the DESTROY ALL MONSTERS Blu-ray and DVD on November 8th, the same date as the Soundtrack CD.
Continued…

Teo (Miyuki Sawashiro), Haruka (Haruka Ayase) and Cotton (Tamaki Matsumoto) explore a land of long-lost childhood treasures in the computer animated
film OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR. © 2009 Fuji Television Network/ Production I.G / Dentsu/ Pony Canyon

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the home entertainment, broadcast, digital, and mobile rights to the Production I.G. full length animated film, OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR (ホッタラケの島 〜遥と魔法の鏡〜, Hottarake no Shima – Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009). Directed and co-written by Shinsuke Sato (the GANTZ live action films), the film was nominated for the award for Excellent Animation of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Prize.
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The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for KURONEKO. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1968 Toho Co., Ltd.

Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Official Site: criterion.com/kuroneko
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

The Criterion Collection has issued the rarely-seen Japanese horror classic KURONEKO (藪の中の黒猫 Yabu no Naka no Kuroneko, 1968) on DVD and Blu-ray. From director Kaneto Shindo (NAKED ISLAND, ONIBABA), KURONEKO (aka “Black Cat”) is a spectacularly eerie twilight tale with a shocking feminist angle, evoked through ghostly special effects and exquisite cinematography.

In this poetic and atmospheric horror fable, set in a village in war-torn medieval Japan, a malevolent spirit has been ripping out the throats of itinerant samurai. When a military hero is sent to dispatch the unseen force, he finds that he must struggle with his own personal demons as well.
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Final cover artwork for the DESTROY ALL MONSTERS DVD. Photo courtesy of Media Blasters. © 1968 Toho Co., Ltd.

Cover Art and Specs for New Releases from Media Blasters
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano

Media Blasters Inc. has revealed the specifications and final cover art for their upcoming Tokyo Shock release of the Godzilla classic DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (怪獣総進撃, Kaiju Soshingeki, 1968). The movie will be sold separately on both DVD (SRP $19.98) and Blu-ray (SRP $29.98). The discs have shipped to retailers and have a street date of October 25, 2011.
Continued…

The Yamato races against time to save the Earth in the hit film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, coming to DVD and Blu-ray from the Australian label Madman.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

Region 4 Home Video Release in December
Source: Madman Entertainment

On December 14th, the live action feature film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (宇宙戦艦ヤマト, Supeesu Batorushippu Yamato, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia by Madman Entertainment. The movie is not currently scheduled for release in North America or the United Kingdom.

Directed by Takashi Yamazaki (RETURNER, the ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET films), the film is based on the hugely popular SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO anime franchise (originally shown in America as STAR BLAZERS). It topped the box office upon its release in Japan, earning $12 million (US) in just five days.
Continued…

Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, Warner Home Video
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

Announcement for the GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER Blu-ray and DVD.
Photo courtesy of Warner Home Video. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha
© 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Warner Home Video has announced that the sci-fi thriller GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will be released by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment in January, 2012. The film concludes the story begun in director Shinsuke Sato’s GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011), and stars leading Japanese actors Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY).

Determined to resurrect friends who have died in battle, Kei Kurono (Ninomiya), Masaru Kato (Matsuyama) and other members trapped in the “in-between” world of GANTZ are aiming to score the 100 points needed to break through. An emergence of a mysterious investigator, however, complicates the situation further. The battle continues on as the two dimensions start to merge together. Some fight for love, and others fight for justice. At the end, who will sacrifice the most?

GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER will be available as both a 2-Disc DVD and a 3-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.
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A sampling of the many great Godzilla T-shirt designs you can win from Impact Merchandising and KAIJUCAST’s new “Feel The Impact” contest.
© 2010 Impact Merchandising/Toho Co., Ltd.

Source: Kyle Yount
Official Site: Kaijucast.com

Kyle Yount— an old friend of the SciFi Japan crew— recently contacted us about a great new Godzilla-themed contest we think SFJ readers will be interested in. Kyle runs the the informative and entertaining Japanese monster movie podcast called KAIJUCAST, and he’s teamed up with Impact Merchandising to give fans a chance to win $100 worth of product from Impact’s line of Godzilla shirts.

“I am a regular visitor to my local comic book shop and noticed a fair amount of new Godzilla shirts,” Kyle told SciFi Japan. “For a long time, I had no idea who was producing them, but they were well-designed and looked fantastic. Eventually I discovered that this company, who was giving Godzilla a LOT of attention, was named Impact Merchandising. I found their website and they were quite enthusiastic about getting the opportunity to spread the word about their selection. In turn, I was also excited to host a much larger scale contest with the KAIJUCAST. The result is the Feel The Impact contest.”
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Cover art for the upcoming UK DVD and Blu-ray editions of the Japanese live action sci-fi adventure GANTZ. Photos courtesy of The Associates.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

Already adapted as a hugely successful anime series, Hiroya Oku’s manga Gantz gets a stunning special effects-laden, live action makeover courtesy of director Shinsuke Sato (SAND CLOCK; ALL ABOUT MY DOG) and DEATH NOTE trilogy producer Takahiro Sato.

GANTZ (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in the UK by Manga Entertainment on 3rd October 2011. Special Features include: The Making Of GANTZ; interviews; teasers and trailers; TV spots; Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital and 2.0 PCM audio options; optional English subtitles.
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Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda and Erik Jansen

Win a GANTZ Prize Pack containing the poster and DVD.
Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya
Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

On August 30th, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is bringing the Japanese live action science fiction adventure GANTZ (前編, 2011) to DVD and Blu-ray in North America. The film is based on the hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was previously adapted in a 26 episode anime series. Directed by Shinsuke Sato (THE PRINCESS BLADE) and starring Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY), GANTZ made its world premiere in the U.S. with screenings held at over 330 theaters nationwide. The movie went on to top the Japanese box office for four consecutive weeks, grossing over $40 million.

To celebrate the upcoming release, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a GANTZ Prize Pack containing the 2-Disc DVD Edition and a poster.
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Covers for Monster Attack Team issues M8 (illustration by Kevin Grays) and M9 (art by Matt Frank).
Photos courtesy of MAT. © 2011 Monster Attack Team

Japanese SF Movie Zine to be Distributed by Diamond
Source: Monster Attack Team
Special Thanks to Michael G Keller and Edward Holland

In the 1990s, Monster Attack Team, a fanzine devoted to Japanese live action sci-fi and fantasy productions, ran for seven issues. After a fifteen year break, editors Edward Holland and Michael Keller revived MAT in 2010 with a massive, full-color 132 page eighth issue packed with informative articles covering a wide range of tokusatsu film and television programs.

And now Monster Attack Team is back in a big way. Holland and Keller are currently working with a team of top writers on MAT #9, another 100+ page, full-color special. Monster Attack Team has also been picked up for distribution by Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., North America’s largest comic book distributor, making upcoming issues available to comic shops, book stores, and specialty shops across the country.
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