Rin (Mika Hijii, foreground right) is one of the many ninja who must stop a killer alien in Sushi Typhoon’s ALIEN VS NINJA.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Sushi Typhoon & “Alien vs. Ninja” Production Committee

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.com/avn, Sushi Typhoon (US), Sushi Typhoon (Japan)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

On February 21st, FUNimation Entertainment will reissue ALIEN VS NINJA (AVN, 2010), this time in a 2 disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Centuries ago, the fiercest ninjas of the Iga clan face their toughest enemies — and they aren’t from this planet! A fiery mass crashes in the forest and soon horrifyingly savage creatures reduce the warriors to tasty snacks. But these extraterrestrials have bitten off more than they can chew. Swords and throwing stars may fail against unearthly goons, but ninja skills don’t stop at sharp stuff. If you’re into ARMY OF DARKNESS, you’ll be taking bets over who’ll win this over-the-top battle for survival!
Continued…

Source: Mill Creek Entertainment
Special Thanks to Chris Smith and Barrett Evans

UPDATE with additional information, 2/1/2012.

Send Mill Creek your GAMERA 3 Blu-ray cover sleeve to receive a
free replacement disc with corrected subtitles. Photo courtesy of
Mill Creek Entertainment. © 1999 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Last September, Mill Creek Entertainment released the acclaimed daikaiju film GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999) on Blu-ray, both as a single disc and as part of a GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition set. The bargain priced (SRP: $9.98) release — packed with nearly 3 hours of Gamera bonus features — was unfortunately marred by subtitling problems, including subtitles which were out of sync with onscreen dialogue and text.

Mill Creek is now offering free replacement copies of GAMERA 3 for people who are having issues with the subtitles. They’ve asked SciFi Japan to run the following message…

GAMERA 3 Replacements now available! If you are having problems with the subtitles on GAMERA 3, please send your artwork wrap (as proof of purchase) with your contact and mailing information to Mill Creek and we will send you a new GAMERA 3 (with artwork). Mill Creek’s address is:

Mill Creek Entertainment
2445 Nevada Ave N
Golden Valley, MN 55427

Mill Creek is to be commended for their excellent customer service. For additional information or answers to any questions, please email support@millcreekent.com.
Continued…

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…

Natural Disasters of High “MONSTER MAGNITUDE” Threaten Japan in New Novel
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Hiroshi Yamamoto’s novel MM9 will appeal to fans
of Godzilla, Gamera and Ultraman. Photo courtesy
of VIZ Media. © 2007 by Hiroshi Yamamoto

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint brings a fantastic new tale of science fiction and giant monsters to North American readers with the release of Hiroshi Yamamoto’s novel MM9, available now. The release will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader Store for $8.99.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

The Japan of MM9 is beset by natural disasters all the time: typhoons, earthquakes… and giant monster attacks. A special anti-monster unit called the Meteorological Agency Monsterological Measures Department (MMD) has been formed to deal with natural disasters of high “monster magnitude.” The work is challenging, the public is hostile, and the monsters are hungry, but the MMD crew has science, teamwork… and a legendary secret weapon on their side. Together, will try and save Japan, and the universe!
Continued…

HD Release Goes on Sale May 22nd
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano

Promotional art for GAMERA THE BRAVE. Photo courtesy
of Media Blasters. © 2006 Chiisaki Yushatachi-GAMERA-
Film Partners

Distributor Media Blasters has announced plans to release the 2006 daikaiju movie GAMERA THE BRAVE (小さき勇者たち～ガメラ～, Chiisaki Yusha-tachi Gamera) on Blu-ray in North America this May.

The twelfth film in the long-running Gamera series — and the first to be produced by Kadokawa Pictures — GAMERA THE BRAVE takes the monster back to his “The Friend of All Children” roots. The movie opens forty years ago, as the giant fire-breathing turtle Gamera disappears during a battle against the flying monsters called Gyaos. In 2006, a young boy named Toru Aizawa (Ryo Tomioka) discovers a turtle egg on a beach. The egg hatches in his hand, and Toru decides to keep the tiny newborn as a pet. But when the little turtle starts flying and breathing fire, Toru realizes that he has found a baby Gamera.

The young monster grows quickly, and is soon put to the task against Zedus, a giant man-eating sea monster. But the new Gamera is no match for his bigger, stronger, and faster opponent and suffers terrible wounds during the battle. Now Toru must help Gamera recover from his injuries and put an end to Zedus.

GAMERA THE BRAVE was previously released on DVD by Media Blasters’ Tokyo Shock label in December 2008. The upcoming Blu-ray edition, scheduled to street on May 22nd, will feature a new high-definition transfer provided by Kadokawa.
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 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…

One-eye the Tyrannosaur corners two young Tarbosaurs. Photo courtesy and © 2012 Dream Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc.

New Korean 3D Dinosaur Feature Debuts this Month, International Release to Follow
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Dream Search C&C Inc., EBS, Olive Studio Inc.
Official Website: blog.naver.com/jumbagi2012

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Theatrical poster art, courtesy and © 2012 Dream
Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc.

The production companies Dream Search C&C, Inc., EBS and Olive Studio, Inc. have jointly announced the release of SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS¹ (점박이: 한반도의 공룡 3D, Jumbagi: Hanbandoui gongryong 3D, literal translation “Speckles: Dinosaurs in the Korean Peninsula 3D”), which opens January 26, 2012 in Korea.

SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS is a 3D, computer-animated feature based on KOREANOSAURUS (한반도의 공룡, Hanbandoui gongryong, Dinosaurs in the Korean Peninsula), a 2008 nature documentary that aired on the Korean TV channel EBS (Educational Broadcasting System). Both the documentary and the new film follow the life of Speckles (Jumbagi in Korean), a fictional Tarbosaurus that lived in Korea during the Cretaceous period (about 70 million years ago). Speckles must protect his family, not only from One-eye (Aekunun in Korean), a violent, vengeful Tyrannosaurus, but also an impending disaster that could change the face of the planet.

The film will be distributed in Korea by CJ Entertainment. The North American theatrical, DVD/Blu-ray, digital, Video on Demand, and television rights for SPECKLES THE TARBOSAURUS have been acquired by distributor Well Go USA Entertainment.
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…

Ring in the new year with some Hong Kong mutant mayhem! Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

Hong Kong Sci-Fi Action Flick Arrives December 27th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/city-under-siege (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for CITY UNDER SIEGE. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010

On December 27th, the Hong Kong science fiction action movie CITY UNDER SIEGE (全城戒备, Chun Sing Gai Bei, 2010) will be released in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The film follows a group of circus performers who go on a rampage after accidental exposure to chemical gas left by the Japanese army in WWII grants them superhuman abilities.

Innocent citizens flee mutant marauders in this electrifying tale from famed director – and frequent Jackie Chan collaborator – Benny Chan (NEW POLICE STORY, FIST OF FURY, HEROIC DUO) Featuring a star-studded cast including Aaron Kwok (seven-time Hong Kong Film Awards nominee), Shu Qi (Hong Kong Film Award winner), Collin Chou (THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS, THE MATRIX RELOADED, and JET LI’S FEARLESS) and Qi Shu (THE TRANSPORTER). This thrilling flick packs a serious punch thanks to action sequences concocted by legendary choreographer Chung Chi Li (RUSH HOUR, NEW POLICE STORY).
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…

DVD and Blu-ray cover art for the UK release of TROLL HUNTER. Photos courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Filmkameratene AS

Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: trollhunterfilm.com

One of the biggest hits with audiences at this year’s Film4 Frightfest and a major critical success during its subsequent UK theatrical release in September 2011, which saw it earning Four Star reviews in Empire (“spectacular fun”), Total Film (“a true one off… it will quite simply blow you away”) and Time Out (“shot through with an unexpected, often unsettling, humour”), the horror-comedy TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren, 2010) bursts its way on to DVD and Blu-ray on 9th January 2012.
Continued…

The Troll Hunter tangles with a gigantic Jotnar. © 2010 Filmkameratene AS

You’ll Believe It When You See It
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Site: trollhunterfilm.com

The Norwegian fantasy film TROLL HUNTER (Trolljegeren, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on December 14, courtesy of distributor Madman Entertainment. The SFX-laden mockumentary was among the top five most popular film at the 2011 Melbourne Film Festival, also played every major festival in Australia throughout 2011. A Hollywood remake is being developed by Chris Columbus (HOME ALONE, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE) for a tentative release in 2014.
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…

The love between a woman and a yokai makes people get up and dance in UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL, coming to DVD in the UK.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: facebook.com/pinkmusical, thirdwindowfilms.com/underwater-love (UK)
Special Thanks to Claire Marty

DVD cover art (Note: contains nudity). Photo courtesy
of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

On November 21st, the British label Third Window Films will release UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL (おんなの河童, Onna no Kappa, 2011) on DVD in the United Kingdom. Produced by Germany’s Rapid Eye Movies and Japan’s Kokuei Company, UNDERWATER LOVE is a whimsical pink film musical about a woman and a sea creature.

Asuka (Sawa Masaki) works in a lakeside fish factory. She is just about to be married to her boss. One day, she encounters a Kappa, a water creature living in the lake and learns that it is the reincarnation of Aoki (Yoshiro Umezawa), her first love. What ensues is a zany spectacle of love, music and sex.

Directed by pink-film veteran Shinji Imaoka (LUNCH BOX, FROG SONG), shot by Christopher Doyle – the famed cinematographer behind HERO and countless films by Wong Kar Wai – and with music by Germany’s Stereo Total, UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Continued…

Flesh-eating zombies have overrun Northern Japan in HELLDRIVER. © 2010 Sushi Typhoon/ Nikkatsu

Japanese Splatter King Yoshihiro Nishimura Delivers a Blood-Soaked Gore Fest on November 22
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Special Thanks to Chrissy Walker, Doris Pfardrescher and Leif Hellend

Cover art for the HELLDRIVER Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack. Photo
courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2010 Sushi Typhoon/ Nikkatsu

From director Yoshihiro Nishimura (TOKYO GORE POLICE, VAMPIRE GIRL VS. FRANKENSTEIN GIRL) comes the epic, apocalyptic Zombie-fighting road movie HELLDRIVER (日本分断 HELL DRIVER, Nihon Bundan: Heru Doraibaa, 2010), featuring non-stop, over-the-top splatter action debuting November 22 from Well Go USA. HELLDRIVER will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP.

The latest cult film from the prolific Japanese production company Sushi Typhoon, HELLDRIVER takes place in a Japan where half the population has become not-so-sexy flesh eaters and the economy has gently withered away… until Kika (Yumiko Hara) arrives. A stunning high school girl armed with an artificial heart-powered chainsaw sword, she leads a motley crew of desperados on a secret mission into the zombie-infected wilds to exterminate zombie queen Rikka (Eihi Shiina, TOKYO GORE POLICE) and put an end to the plague of the living dead.

The extensive bonus features include three exclusive short films set within the HELLDRIVER universe: HELLDRIVER DAKOTA (directed by HELLDRIVER First Assistant Director Jun Shiozaki), CATCH ME IF YOU CAN! (directed by Lighting Director Hiroshi Ota), and BAILOUT! (directed by poster designer Yoshiki Takahashi).
Continued…

New Korean Creature Feature Coming Next Year
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Ozone Film Co., Ltd. and CJ Entertainment

Actor Kim Myung-min will play a man struggling to save
his family after they are infected by parasitic worms.

The Korean motion picture companies Ozone Film Co., Ltd. and CJ Entertainment have jointly announced the principal cast members of GORDIAN WORM (연가시, Yeongasi, tentative title), a new creature feature that will be released next year.

Inspired by real-life parasitic animals known as “horsehair worms”, the movie is about mutated parasites that infest the brains of humans and manipulate them. A man struggles to save his family, who became victims of the titular parasites, as the disaster rages on.

GORDIAN WORM is the latest movie by director Park Jeong-woo, who began as a successful screenwriter of such action/comedies as ATTACK THE GAS STATION (주유소 습격사건, Juyuso seubgyuksageun, 1999), JAIL BREAKER (광복절 특사, Gwangbokjeol Teuksa, 2002) and BREAK OUT (라이터를 켜라, Lightereul kyeora, 2002). In 2004, he directed his first feature film DANCE WITH THE WIND (바람의 전설, Baramui jeonseol), a romantic comedy starring Lee Seong-jae and Park Sol-mi. He continued his directing career with the action comedy BIG BANG (쏜다, Ssonda) in 2007. Hence, GORDIAN WORM will be a change of pace for Park as he challenges a completely different genre this time, and a very rare one at that in Korea.
Continued…

Anime Feature Film from the Producers of NARUTO Now on Sale
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Official Movie Site: onigamiden.jp (Japan)

Cover art for the LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON Blu-Ray/
DVD Combo Pack. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Home
Entertainment. © 2011 The Legend of The Millennium Dragon
Film Partners.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released the anime film LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON (鬼神伝, Onigamiden, 2011) as a 2-Disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Based on the 2004 novel by author Takafumi Takada, the movie was produced by Studio Pierrot (BLEACH, NARUTO) and TV Tokyo. The creative team includes director/writer Hirotsugu Kawasaki (SPRIGGAN, NARUTO THE MOVIE: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL), screenwriter Naruhisa Arakawa (SPICE AND WOLF, DRAGON BALL Z), and voice actors Kensho Ono (the Japanese voice of Harry Potter), Satomi Ishihara (CINNAMON THE MOVIE), and Shidou Nakamura (DEATH NOTE).

Sony’s publicity materials describe LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON as “A spectacular journey of an unwilling young hero thrust into a mysterious past full of monsters, dragons, and strange hidden powers. Through a series of out of this world battles and adventures, Jun, a shy middle school boy, is transformed into a hero destined to battle evil and ensure harmony and tranquility in the world.”
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.
Continued…

A woman discovers that an old love has been reincarnated as a Kappa in UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL.
Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Rapid Eye Movies

Sex, Music, and Monsters in Zany New German/Japanese Movie
Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: facebook.com/pinkmusical, thirdwindowfilms.com/underwater-love (UK)
Special Thanks to Claire Marty

On October 16th, British label Third Window Films will be hosting the UK premiere party for UNDERWATER LOVE- A PINK MUSICAL (おんなの河童, Onna no Kappa, 2011).

Produced by Germany’s Rapid Eye Movies and Japan’s Kokuei Company, the film is a zany and whimsical tale of the romance between a woman and a sea creature. UNDERWATER LOVE was directed by pink-film veteran Shinji Imaoka (LUNCH BOX, FROG SONG), shot by Christopher Doyle – the famed cinematographer behind HERO and countless films by Wong Kar Wai – and was shot in 5 ½ days, one take only. It features an original score (in Japanese!) by the new wave/synth pop/punk rock/lo-fi, multi-lingual French-German duo Stereo Total. The movie promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Continued…

Five SciFi Japan readers have won copies of the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition, courtesy of Mill Creek, Cheap DVD Packs, and SFJ!
Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 2011 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Source: Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Our thanks to everyone who entered Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs, and SciFi Japan’s contest for the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set. We’ve received hundreds of entries, and the randomly chosen winners are:

Marcus Scoggins
Pete Quint
Zen Faulkes
Tyler Beasley
Jeffrey Jennings

Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won a 2-disc Blu-ray collection of GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (ガメラ 大怪獣空中決戦, Gamera Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen, 1995), GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF THE LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来, Gamera 2: Region Shurai, 1996) and GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999).
Continued…

An oil rig becomes the hunting ground for a sea monster in SECTOR 7, the new 3D Korean film now in limited theatrical release in North America.
Photo courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film. © 2010 JK Film / CJ E&M Pictures

English Press Materials for New Korean 3D Monster Movie
Source: CJ E&M Pictures
Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea)

Concept art for the final stage of the monster.
Photo courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film.
© 2010 JK Film / CJ E&M Pictures

A special preview screening of SECTOR 7 in Los Angeles brought in a full house of viewers, anxious to see what happens to the crew on board the Eclipse. With a ton of action sequences and a monster that can withstand almost any assault, the audience was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. It’s “Jaws meets The Host” said one, as the indomitable creature of the deep comes to terrorize the family-like crew stationed on Sector 7.

Having a similar premise to Bong Joon-ho’s THE HOST, this film takes the monster movie a step forward with its realistic 3-D effects and campy monster feel, which proved to be pure entertainment for all. For those who enjoy sci-fi and monster flicks, it is a “definite must-see” said fans of the genre.

With a “Really cool monster, some comedic moments, great action and special effects,” it’s a Korean film that strays from the norm and will keep you interested in finding out what is in store for the ill-fated crew on board.
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Dinosaurs rule the prehistoric Korean peninsula in TARBOSAURUS. The 3D Korean film has been picked up for a North American release.
© 2011 CJ E&M Pictures

Well Go USA Acquires North American Rights
Source: Well Go USA Entertainment, CJ E&M Pictures

The Korean movie production and distribution company CJ E&M has licensed the North American rights for the WWII tale MY WAY (마이 웨이, Mai Wei) and the 3D dinosaur film TARBOSAURUS (타르보사우루스) to distributor Well Go USA Entertainment.

Promotional art for MY WAY. © 2011 CJ E&M Pictures

Based on a true story, MY WAY is directed by Kang Je-kyu (TAEGUKGI: THE BROTHERHOOD OF WAR) and stars Jang Dong-Kun (TAEGUKGI, THE WARRIOR’S WAY), Joe Odagiri (SHINOBI, MUSHI-SHI), and Bingbing Fan (BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS, SHAOLIN). The film begins in Japan-colonized Korea during the 1930s, where Jun-shik (Jang) and Tatsuo (Odagiri) are rivals hoping to compete as marathon runners in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. But when war breaks out with the U.S.S.R. Jun-shik is forced to enlist in the army.

MY WAY will open in theaters in Korea in December. Well Go USA has picked up DVD/Blu-ray, digital, Video on Demand, and television rights and is planning the North American release for early 2012.

The family adventure TARBOSAURUS was directed by Han Sang-ho. The film combines computer animation and live action photography to tell the story of dinosaurs who inhabited the Korean Peninsula 70 million years ago. At that time, the area now known as Jeonnam Yeosu was the forest habitat of a species of theropod dinosaur called Tarbosaurus.

Well Go USA has acquired North American theatrical, DVD/Blu-ray, digital, VoD, and television rights for TARBOSAURUS. No release date has been set.
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Korean 3D Monster Movie Opens in Select Cities in US and Canada
Source: CJ E&M Pictures
Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea)

English language promotional art for SECTOR 7. Photo
courtesy of CJ E&M Pictures and JK Film. © 2010 JK Film
/CJ E&M Pictures

In a surprise move, the new Korean 3D monster movie, SECTOR 7 (7광구, Chil gwanggu) is now playing in limited theatrical release in North America. The US branch of the film’s Korean co-producer and distributor, CJ E&M Pictures, held a special preview screening of last week in Los Angeles before launching the film in eleven theaters across the United States and Canada.

North American Release Date: September 16th, 2011
Directed by: Kim Ji-hoon
Running Time: 112 minutes
Rating: NR not rated by the MPAA (US Rating) / 15+ (KOR Rating)
Language: Korean with English subtitles

Director: Kim Ji-hoon
Screenplay: Kim Hwee, Yoon Je-kyun
Production: CJ E&M, JK Film
Distribution: CJ E&M
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Iris and Gamera face off in a publicity shot for GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS. © 1999 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Get the Blu-ray Box Set for Free, Courtesy of Mill Creek, Cheap DVD Packs, and SciFi Japan!
Source: Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Contents of the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition Blu-ray
box set. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 2011
Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

On September 27th, GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS and the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition will be released on Blu-ray in North America by Mill Creek Entertainment. Now, Mill Creek and their friends over at Cheap DVD Packs are offering SciFi Japan readers an early chance to win the GAMERA TRILOGY Blu-ray set, free of charge!

The GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition includes all three movies from the acclaimed 1990s Gamera series on two Blu-ray discs…

GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (ガメラ 大怪獣空中決戦, Gamera Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen, 1995)
GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF THE LEGION (ガメラ2 レギオン襲来, Gamera 2: Region Shurai, 1996)
GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999)

Each movie is presented in a brand-new high-def transfer from original film elements provided by Kadokawa Pictures, owner of the Gamera franchise. Language options are Japanese 5.1 DTS HD audio, English dubbed 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, and English subtitles. The set also features a wealth of extras from all three films, including trailers, deleted scenes, cast and crew interviews, behind the scenes footage, FX tests, and much more! The complete running time is 6 hours and 26 minutes.
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A colony of vampires causes havoc on an uncharted Japanese island in HIGANJIMA: ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Suzuki Koji/ Kodansha, “Higanjima” Film Partners.

Japanese/Korean Horror Adventure Coming October 4th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Movie Site: Higanjima (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Cover art for the HIGANJIMA Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010
Suzuki Koji/ Kodansha, “Higanjima” Film Partners.

FUNimation Entertainment will release the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack of HIGANJIMA: ESCAPE FROM VAMPIRE ISLAND (彼岸島, Higanjima, 2010) on October 4th. Based on Koji Matsumoto’s manga, HIGANJIMA is a Japanese/Korean horror adventure from VOLCANO HIGH director Kim Tae-gyun and DEATH NOTE movie screenwriter Tetsuya Oishi.

Akira Miyamoto (Hideo Ishiguro, GOKUSEN THE MOVIE) and his ragtag group of teenage friends enter a world of danger and action when they land on the shores of Higanjima, an uncharted island that’s overrun by vampires. They’ll face entire villages of sword-wielding vampires while racing to stay a step ahead of winged she-beasts and giant gargoyles.
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The 3D version of the Korean box office smash THE HOST will make its world premiere next month at the Busan International Film Festival.
© 2006 Chungeorahm Film

Primary Korean Film Festival Puts Two Monster Movies on This Year’s List
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: Busan International Film Festival

The 3D version of Bong Joon-ho’s THE HOST (괴물 / Gwoemul, 2006) and Kim Ki-duk’s classic YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP (대괴수 용가리 / Daegoesu Yonggary, 1967) will be shown at this year’s Busan* International Film Festival (BIFF, October 6~14). The event is known to be one of the most prosperous Asian film festivals in the world, first launched in 1996.

THE HOST 3D will makes its world premiere as an entry in the Gala Presentation category of BIFF. YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP was chosen as one of nine movies for the festival’s Korean Cinema Retrospective category.
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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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