Earth forces attempt to repel alien invaders in PLANZET, the computer animated science fiction film from NEGADON director Jun Awazu.
© 2010 Jun Awazu/Media Factory/CoMix Wave Films

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Movie Site: planzet.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce its license of PLANZET (プランゼット, Puranzetto, 2010), a science fiction tale of invasion and human struggle and survival. The creation of writer, director and character designer Jun Awazu (NEGADON: THE MONSTER FROM MARS), the movie is presented by industry innovator CoMix Wave (5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND, Hoshizora Kiseki) and has been featured at festivals such as the 14th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and SIGGRAPH Asia 2010. CGI is directed by Shin Miyahara (KARAS: THE PROPHECY) and music is by Shingo Terasawa with the main theme being sung by Chitose Hajime (BLOOD+).

PLANZET will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on DVD and BD scheduled for later this year.
Continued…

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…

This Time It’s War
Source: Madman Entertainment press release

Australian DVD cover for BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2003 The
“Battle Royale” Production Committee

BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM (バトル・ロワイアル II～鎮魂歌（レクイエム）～, Batoru Rowaiaru II: Chinkonka, 2003), the follow-up to the cult classic BATTLE ROYALE (バトル・ロワイアル, Batoru Rouaiaru, 2000), will be released on Region 4 DVD in March by Madman Entertainment. The new release will be a “director’s cut” (also known as BATTLE ROYALE II: REVENGE) with 25 minutes of extra footage. Never before seen in Australia, the extended version ups the stakes in every way.

It’s three years after the events of the original BATTLE ROYALE, and Shuya Nanahara (DEATH NOTE’s Tatsuya Fujiwara) is now an internationally-known terrorist determined to bring down the government. His terrorist group, Wild Seven, stages an attack that levels several buildings in Tokyo on Christmas Day, killing 8000 people.

Exactly one year afterward, the government enacts the “New Century Terrorist Counter-Measure Alternative” program, a.k.a. the BRII act, and sends the forty-two students of Shikanotoride Junior High Class 3-B to hunt Nanahara and his cohorts down in their island stronghold. Shiori Kitano (Ai Maeda, GAMERA 3), the daughter of the late headmaster of Nanahara’s Battle Royale, signs up for the program, to avenge her father. In order for the government to study the benefits of “teamwork”, the new students work in pairs, with their collars electronically linked so that if one of them is killed, the other dies as well. They must kill Nanahara in three days — or die.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: bantorra.com, tsutaya.co.jp/shisho (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for THE BOOK OF BANTORRA. © Ishio
Yamagata • Shigeki Maeshima • Shueisha/ Library of
Bantorra

Sentai Filmworks is glad to announce its licensing of THE BOOK OF BANTORRA (戦う司書 The Book of Bantorra, Tatakau Shisho – The Book of Bantorra, 2009), the action-packed anime where the story of your life is a book – literally! Based on the light novels written by Ishio Yamagata and illustrated by Shigeki Maeshima, the 27 episode series is directed by Toshiya Shinohara (BLACK BUTLER, INUYASHA movies) with character designs by Masaki Yamada (TIGER & BUNNY, APPLESEED: EX MACHINA) and music by Yoshihisa Hirano (DEATH NOTE, BROKEN BLADE).

In another time and place, on a world of pain and sorrow, when someone dies, their soul doesn’t go to Heaven or Hell — it becomes a book. A book that reveals the deceased’s innermost secrets… and can be read by anyone.

Protecting these priceless treasures is the elite organization known as the Armed Librarians. It’s their job to keep the books and the knowledge within them safe from those who would misuse or destroy them. It’s a tough, dangerous job, so Chief Librarian Hamyuts Maseta recruits only the best and the brightest psychics to join her team of expert fighters.

But will they be good enough to stop the fanatics of the Church of Drowning in God’s Grace from wrecking vengeance on the entire world? Only time will tell, but that book hasn’t been written yet. Welcome to the Library of Bantorra, where the past is an open book.

THE BOOK OF BANTORRA will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on bilingual DVD scheduled for later this year.

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: tbs.co.jp/getbackers (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for GET BACKERS. © Yuya Aoki • Rando Ayamine • Kodansha/
Team Get Backers

Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the licensing of the fan-favorite GET BACKERS (ゲットバッカーズ -奪還屋-, Gettobakkaazu Dakkan’ya, 2002), the anime where anything that’s been taken can be returned to its rightful owner by the Get Backers – Ban & Ginji. The 49 episode series was produced by Studio Deen (HELL GIRL, RUROUNI KENSHIN) with series composition by Akemi Omode (RUROUNI KENSHIN, KYO KARA MAOH!) and character designs by Atsuko Nkajima (HAKOUKI, YOU’RE UNDER ARREST).

Whether it’s a favorite stuffed animal, a priceless painting or even your last shred of hope, if someone’s taken it from you, Ban and Ginji will get it back. They’re the Get Backers, an expert “recovery” service. And they’ll retrieve what’s been stolen, no matter what it is or who took it.

Of course, with Ban’s special “Evil Eye” and Ginji’s lightning strike capability, they’ve got a head start on the crooks. No job is too big, no job is too small. At least not until they pay off their tab at the local coffee shop. It’s 49 episodes of non-stop action. It’s the GET BACKERS Complete Collection — don’t let anyone take yours!

GET BACKERS will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on bilingual DVD scheduled for later this year.
Continued…

FUNimation will release Blu-ray/DVD Combo sets of SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS and SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS 2 on February 7th.
Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Capcom/Team Basara

Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Site: funimation.com/sengoku-basara-samurai-kings (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

FUNimation Entertainment will release two SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS (戦国BASARA, 2009-2010) Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo packs on February 7th. Based on the brutal video game world created by Capcom, the animated series was produced by the famed studio Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1, EDEN OF THE EAST).
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…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: z-child.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Japanese promotional art for PSYCHIC SQUAD. © 2008
Takashi Shiina/ Zettai Karin Children Partners

Sentai Filmworks is glad to announce its license of PSYCHIC SQUAD (絶対可憐チルドレン, Zettai Karin Children, 2008) where, once upon a time, there were three little girls — who were all considered national security risks and a danger to the human race! The 52 episode series is based on a manga by Takashi Shiina (Ghost Sweeper Mikami) with direction by Keiichiro Kawaguchi (HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER, NYANKOI) and music by Kotaro Nakagawa (CODE GEASS, INU x BOKU SS).

They’re cute, adorable and three of the most powerful Espers the world has ever seen: Kaoru, the brash psychokinetic who can move objects with her mind; Shiho, the sarcastic and dark natured psychometric able to pick thoughts from people’s minds and read the pasts of inanimate objects like a book; and Aoi, the most collected and rational of the three, who has the ability to teleport herself and the others at will. So what to do with these potential psychic monsters in the making?

PSYCHIC SQUAD will soon be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
Continued…

Special Event at Anime Jungle on February 17th
Source: Anime Jungle, AniplexUSA
Official Site: madoka-magica.com (Japan), MadokaMagicaUSA.com (US)
Special Thanks to Tetsu Shiota

Key art for PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, courtesy of
Aniplex USA. © Magica Quartet／Aniplex, Madoka
Partners, MBS

Celebrating the release of PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA (魔法少女まどか☆マギカ, Maho Shojo Madoka Magika) Vol. 1 in North America, Aniplex of America is having a special Meet and Greet Event with the English voice cast of the series. Fans will get to share the excitement of MADOKA MAGICA with the English cast just days after the release of the First Volume (February 14th). This Meet and Greet Event will be held on Friday February 17th at 8:30 PM at Anime Jungle #1 in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.

The MADOKA MAGICA Meet and Greet event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for fans to meet the English cast in person and show their love for the series. Fans will have the opportunity to have their questions answered from the English cast. In addition, there will also be an autograph session for fans that have purchased the first volume of the series and bring their proof of purchase to the event.

PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA follows the story of a 14 year old girl named Madoka Kaname, who is offered the opportunity of gaining magical powers if she agrees to make a contract with a strange little being named Kyubey. Kyubey will also grant Madoka one wish, but in exchange she shall risk her life by accepting the responsibilities of fighting witches. Little does Madoka know what the real risks of making a contract will be for her.
Continued…

Loan shark Aiichiro Fukuhara (Tomokazu Miura) and slacker law school student Fumiya Takemura (Joe Odagiri) walk across Tokyo in director
Miki Satoshi’s award-winning comedy ADRIFT IN TOKYO. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2007 Adrift in Tokyo Film Partners

Acclaimed Comedy Streets February 27th
Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: tokyosanpo.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/adrift-in-tokyo (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Cover art for the UK DVD of ADRIFT IN TOKYO. Photo
courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2007 Adrift in Tokyo
Film Partners

Joe Odagiri (MASKED RIDER KUUGA, BRIGHT FUTURE, AIR DOLL) stars in director Miki Satoshi’s (TURTLES ARE SURPRISINGLY FAST SWIMMERS, INSTANT SWAMP) comedy ADRIFT IN TOKYO (転々, TenTen, 2007), coming to DVD in the United Kingdom on February 27th from distributor Third Window Films. The film has not been released on DVD or Blu-ray in the United States.

Leading a lazy life, Fumiya Takemura (Odagiri) has been a university student for 8 years and owes money to loan sharks. One day, a man named Aiichiro Fukuhara (Tomokazu Miura – ALWAYS-SUNSET ON THIRD STREET) comes to collect the loan, which Fumiya cannot pay. So Fukuhara makes a proposition: He will cancel the debt as long as Fumiya agrees to walk with him across Tokyo to the police station of Kasumigaseki, where he intends to turn himself in for a crime he deeply regrets. Not having much choice, Fumiya accepts the deal. Thus begins their journey which will lead them to various unusual encounters, most of all with themselves.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tbs.co.jp/anime/haganai/ (Japan), funimation.com/haganai (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Key art for HAGANAI. © 2011 Yomi Hirasaka ・ Media
Factory/ Hanagai Production Committee

FUNimation Entertainment announced yesterday at Ohayocon that it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HAGANAI (僕は友達が少ない, Boku wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai, 2011). Based on the novels by Yomi Hirasaka, HANAGAI was directed by Hisashi Saito (BAMBOO BLADE, HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY) and produced by the animation studio AIC Build (Anime International Company Inc.).

Kodaka Hasegawa has just transferred to St. Chronica’s Academy and he’s having a hard time making friends. With his naturally blond hair and fierce looking eyes, people constantly mistake him for a delinquent. One day, he runs into his bad-tempered loner of a classmate, Yozora, while she’s talking to her imaginary friend, Tomo. Since neither of them have any friends, they decide to form a club and start recruiting some.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Sites: hack.channel.or.jp/quantum (Japan), FUNimation.com/hackquantum (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

Packaging for the .hack//QUANTUM Blu-ray. Image courtesy
of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2011 .hack Conglomerate　
© Quantum Project

Distributor FUNimation Entertainment will release the complete OVA (original video animation) series .hack//QUANTUM (ドットハック クワンタム, Dotto Hakku Kuwantamu, 2010) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack on February 14th.

.hack//QUANTUM is the latest installment in the .hack franchise from Showgate, adapted from the .hack role-playing games created by Bandai Namco Games. This three episode OVA is animated by Kinema Citrus Studio and directed by Masaki Tachibana (TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0).

Tobias, Mary, and Sakuya are way into the world’s largest online fantasy role-playing game known as The World R:X. Together, they form an inseparable group, grinding toward the break of day and running dungeons in search of the artifacts of adventure.

But when the trio becomes lost in this virtual labyrinth, a chance encounter with the mysterious entity known only as Hermit will change their lives forever. There’s an eerie darkness spreading across The World, and once you stumble in, you may never make it out.
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…

LUST IN HELL – EDGE OF THE WORLD © 2009 Takeshobo Inc. END CALL © 2008 The MonteCristo Fund LLC/ T.O Entertainment.

Source: Asian Crush, Media Blasters, Inc.

The home video label Asian Crush, a division of Asian Media Rights, has announced the Region 1 DVD release of the Japanese horror films END CALL (エンドコール, Endokoru, 2008) and LUST IN HELL – EDGE OF THE WORLD (妖美伝奇 新説 牡丹灯籠 壱 この世の果て, Bi Denki Shinsetsu Botandourou Ichi Kono Yono Hate, 2009). Asian Crush titles are distributed by Media Blasters.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: toei-anim.co.jp/dragonz (Japan), funimation.com/dragon-ball-z (US)
Special Thanks to Michelle Lee and Scott Lonski

FUNimation’s plans to release DRAGON BALL Z
on Blu-ray are now on hold. © 1989 Toei
Animation Co., Ltd.

FUNimation Entertainment has officially confirmed they have suspended production of all future planned Blu-ray releases of DRAGON BALL Z including Level 2.1 scheduled to be released on March 27, 2012.

Blu-ray editions of DRAGON BALL Z went into production based on fan demand, however due to technical challenges of restoring from the original film frame by frame, we are unable to continue these releases by way of this process. FUNimation will be re-evaluating the current process and researching more efficient methods of restoration.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of BLADE OF KINGS. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2004 Emperor Entertainment Group

Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan and Bing Bing Fan Star in an Epic Tale with Cutting Edge Martial Arts
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Donnie Yen (IP MAN), Jackie Chan (SHAOLIN, 1911) and Bing Bing Fan (SHAOLIN, MY WAY) star in the epic action adventure BLADE OF KINGS (千機變II花都大戰, Chin gei bin 2: Fa dou daai jin, aka THE TWINS EFFECT II, 2004), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD March 6th from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The all-star cast also includes Charlene Choi (TRIPLE TAP, THE JADE AND THE PEARL), Gillian Chung (VAMPIRE EFFECT), and Hong Kong Film Award nominee for Best Newcomer Jaycee Chan (1911) in the tale of Charcoal Head, a humble boy born to rule an empire who must first undertake his journey to claim his throne in the mythical land of Huadu. Nominated for four Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Visual Effects, the film was directed by Patrick Leung and Cory Yuen.
Continued…

It’s Time for the Final Showdown
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2010 Studio Bicolor Co., Ltd

Seiji Chiba, director of the cult hits NINJA GIRL, ALIEN VS NINJA and ROGUE NINJA, brings a further helping of period-set ninja action to the screen with NINJA BATTLE (忍邪, Sengoku: Iga No Ran, 2010), starring Aiko Ito (ULTRAMAN MENIUS & ULTRAMAN BROTHERS; BLAST-DRAGON TASK FORCE ABARANGER), Shuji Kashiwabara (ALIEN VS NINJA), Daisuke Nagakura (BIG MAN JAPAN), Kentaro Shimazu (ROBO-GEISHA; TOKYO GORE POLICE; THE MACHINE GIRL) and Ben Hiura (ALIEN VS NINJA; ZATOICHI).

A cerebral ninja movie full of twists and intrigue, NINJA BATTLE also capably delivers the martial arts and swordplay action promised by its title as once again Seiji Chiba proves himself to be one of the genre’s leading cult directors.

NINJA BATTLE (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by MVM on February 6th.
Continued…

Modern girl Akari Yoshiyama (Riisa Naka) travels back in time to 1974 in TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME,
the live-action adaptation of the classic novel. © 2010 Time Traveller Film Partners

Source: Asian Crush, Media Blasters, Inc.
Official Movie Site: tokikake.jp (Japan)

DVD cover art. © 2010 Time Traveller Film Partners

The live-action feature film TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME (時をかける少女, Toki o Kakeru Shojo, 2010) is coming to DVD in North America on January 24th. It is the newest adaptation of the original 1967 novel The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui, previously the basis for a classic 1983 live-action movie and an award winning 2006 animated film.

TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME is the first movie from director Masaaki Taniguchi (SNOW FLAKE). The film stars Riisa Naka (ZEBRAMAN 2: ATTACK ON ZEBRA CITY), who provided the voice of the lead character, Makoto Konono, in the anime adaptation. Riisa was named “Rookie of the Year” at the 2011 Japanese Academy Awards and “Best New Artist” at the 2010 Nikkan Sports Film Awards.

TIME TRAVELLER: THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME will be released by the home video label Asian Crush, a division of Asian Media Rights. Asian Crush titles are distributed by Media Blasters.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: starchild.co.jp/papakiki (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! © 2012
King Record Co., Ltd.

Sentai Filmworks has announced the licensing of LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! (パパのいうことを聞きなさい! Papa no Iu Koto o Kikinasai!, 2012), the wild new anime series that takes the classic sit-com premise of ‘a bachelor being forced to adopt three young children and discovering a whole new outlook on life’ and turns it completely on its head!

Based on the series of novels by Tomohiro Matsu and the subsequent manga series illustrated by Yuka Nakajima, the 12 episode series is directed by Itsuro Kawasaki (LICENSED BY ROYALTY, RENTAL MAGICA, ARC THE LAD,) while series composition is handled by veteran Naruhisa Arakawa (STEEL ANGEL KURUMI, DNANGEL, BLUE SEED) while key animator Takashi Mamezuka (INFINITE STRATOS, EDEN OF THE EAST,) takes up the task of adapting Nakajima’s original designs.

LISTEN TO ME, GIRLS. I AM YOUR FATHER! will be available digitally through multiple outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
Continued…

New Documentary Series Examines the Dynamic Film Scene of China, Taiwan, India, Korea and Iran
Source: Madman Entertainment press release

Cover art for the CINEMA ASIA DVD. Photo courtesy of
Madman Entertainment. © 2010 SCANNÁIN INBHEAR

CINEMA ASIA is a five-part documentary series that takes the viewer into the most dynamic film scene on the planet. Asia houses some of the world’s biggest film industries: India boasts that it is the Number One film producing country in the world, while China, at Number Three is nipping closely at Hollywood’s heels. Taiwan, Korea and Iran have film industries that are smaller, but no less vibrant. Punching far above their weight these national cinemas have taken their place on the international stage. Long trapped within their own national boundaries, these national cinemas have in recent years burst onto international screens. They have even taken the charts Number One slot in the home of cinema itself – Hollywood.

CINEMA ASIA offers the viewer a rich mix of clips from some of the most important films produced in recent years. Interviews with their makers provide a unique window not only on the world of film-making, but on the cultures that have made them. In an age of incessant and irresistible globalization these programmes show how national cinemas fight against the Hollywoodization of global cinema.

CINEMA ASIA will air on Australia’s public broadcasting network SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) in January and February, 2012. Madman Entertainment will release the complete series on DVD on March 21st.
Continued…

The computer animated feature film TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE will be released on DVD next month in the United Kingdom.
Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2011 Namco Bandai Games, Inc.

Visually Stunning CG Animated Feature Based on the Smash Hit Video Game Series
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan)

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2011 Namco Bandai Games, Inc.

Prepare yourself for a severe case of eye candy overload courtesy of director Youichi Mouri’s brand new, full-length CG feature film, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE (鉄拳 ブラッド・ベンジェンス, Tekken Buraddo Benjensu, 2011), based on the phenomenally successful video game franchise and coming to DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom on February 6th, 2012.

Scripted by the hugely talented Dai Sato, whose impressive list of previous writing credits includes GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX, COWBOY BEBOP, EDEN OF THE EAST, CASSHERN and SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is a visually stunning work of CG animation that brings together sexy ass-kicking heroes and heroines, winged mutant monsters, awesome mecha weaponry, bone-crunching martial arts action, a super-hot android and a panda (yes, a panda!) in one explosive package of mind-blowing entertainment.

Delivering all the beautifully rendered and superbly choreographed thrill-a-minute combat action one would expect from a Tekken movie – as well as much, much more – TEKKEN: BLOOD VENGEANCE is the ultimate Tekken experience, one like no other.
Continued…

BROKEN BLADE Available on February 21st
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its February slate of releases; including BROKEN BLADE. The heavy metal mecha action series will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for February are XAM’D: LOST MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of A-CHANNEL COMPLETE COLLECTION and HELL GIRL: THREE VESSELS COMPLETE COLLECTION.

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

The women in Rito Yuki’s life take center stage in MOTTO TO LOVE RU. © Kentaro Yabuki ・ Saki Hasemi/ Shueisha ・ Ru Production Committee

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: j-toloveru.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of MOTTO TO LOVE RU (もっとTo LOVEる -とらぶる-, To LOVEru -Toraburu-, 2010), the sequel series to the company’s previous hit TO LOVE RU. Based as before on the manga by Kentaro Yabuki (BLACK CAT) and Saki Hasemi (MOETAN,) the new 12 episode series is helmed by Atsushi Otsuki (who directed the final episode of the original series as well as episodes of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, the second season of WAGNERIA and LADIES VS. BUTLERS), working from series composition by SLAYERS and VENUS VS. VIRUS vet Yasutomo Yamada, while Yuichi Ouka once again adapts Yabuki’s original character designs for animation.
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: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: another-anime.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for the new horror anime series ANOTHER.
© 2012 Yukito Ayatsuji/ [Another] Production Committee

Sentai Filmworks is ghoulishly pleased to announce the acquisition of ANOTHER (アナザー, Anazaa, 2012), the eagerly awaited new anime series that dares to ask the question: What do you do when your classmate’s school locker is a locker in the morgue?

Based on the hit novel by Yukito Ayatsuji, the 12 episode series joins the manga, written by Ayatsuji and illustrated by The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’s Noizi Ito, and the forthcoming live action feature film (due Summer 2012) as part of the latest hit horror franchise to erupt from Japan. Tsutomu Mizushima (BLOOD C, KOBATO, XXXHOLIC) directs from series composition by Ryo Higaki (MORIBITO-GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT) while Yuriko Ishii (PERSONA – TRINITY SOUL) adapts Ito’s original character designs for animation.

Mei Misaki was cute, athletic and one of the most popular girls in her school. Why should a little thing like death change that? Now, 23 years after Mei’s mysterious demise, a new transfer student discovers that not only is his school’s student body one corpse short of a full roster, but that some secrets never leave high school. And what’s more, all of this may somehow be tied into his own family past.
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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.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/fairytail (Japan), funimation.com/fairy-tail (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for FAIRY TAIL: PART 3. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009 Fairy Tail Guild
Production Committee: Hiro Mashima/ Kodansha/ TV Tokyo

FUNimation Entertainment will release the Blu-ray/DVD Combo set of the action/adventure anime FAIRY TAIL: PART 3 (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on January 31st. Based on the hit manga by Hiro Mashima (each new manga volume published since 2007 has debuted in the Top 5), the long running series is co-produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, and directed by Shinji Ishihira. The third Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 25-36.

The guild-on-guild mayhem continues as Fairy Tail struggles to fend off Phantom Lord – whose Element 4 must be defeated in order to disable a massive magic cannon aimed at guild headquarters! With a never-surrender attitude, Natsu and his friends push their powers to the limit to protect Lucy and save Magnolia from total annihilation!

Then, Erza’s tortured past returns to haunt her when estranged friends ambush a well-deserved vacation. Her team tracks them down to a looming tower where a possessed wizard close to Erza’s heart puts them in a sinister game of life or death!
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The international cult classic BATTLE ROYALE will finally be released on Blu-ray and DVD in North America.
Photos courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

Available for the First Time in North America on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download
Source: Anchor Bay Entertainment, Sue Procko Public Relations press release
Special Thanks to Ed Peters and Eric Becker

BATTLE ROYALE. A title that has shocked, thrilled and unnerved audiences. A film whose fiendishly simple premise has inspired many imitations, including the upcoming THE HUNGER GAMES motion picture. Based on the 1999 global best-seller by Koushun Takami, the futuristic tale first came to the screen in 2000, directed by the legendary Kinju Fukasaku. Authors, filmmakers and film fans the world over consider the film and its 2003 sequel BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM sacred cinematic classics. And now, fans can own them on high-definition Blu-ray and DVD!

On March 20th, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly brings the BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION to Blu-ray and DVD for the first time in North America. Featuring state-of-the-art HD transfers, hi-res audio and a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into this truly international phenomenon – the three disc Blu-ray plus bonus DVD set has an SRP of $49.99 and an SRP $44.98 for the four disc DVD. BATTLE ROYALE will also be released separately on Blu-ray for an SRP of $29.99 and DVD for an SRP of $24.98. Pre-Book on both is February 22. BATTLE ROYALE will be available digitally via select outlets including iTunes and Xbox LIVE.

42 students, Three days, One survivor – No Escape. Welcome to the world of BATTLE ROYALE!
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Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Key art for POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S. © 2009 Ichiro Sasaki

Entertainment label Maiden Japan has announced the license of the action comedy series POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S (神曲奏界ポリフォニカ クリムゾンS, Shinkyoku Sookai Polyphonica Crimson S, 2009). Although based on the same light novel series as a previous POLYPHONICA series created by Ichiro Sakaki (released in North America by Sentai Filmworks), CRIMSON S is a newer and completely different series, set at a much earlier timeframe in the franchise chronology. Director Toshimasa Suzuki (HEROIC AGE) heads the all new creative team, while composition of the series is in the capable hands of Kenichi Kanemaki (PRETEAR, HELL GIRL).

POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S will soon be available through many digital outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD in spring 2012.
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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.
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