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…

Complete Series Streets January 31st
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: phantom-r.jp (Japan), funimation.com/phantom (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009
Nitroplus/ Project Phantom.

On January 31st, FUNimation Entertainment will release a Complete Series Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM (ファントム ~ PHANTOM OF INFERNO ~ , 2009).

A young man with no memories fights to salvage his humanity when he’s forced into a life of murder by a dangerous crime syndicate called Inferno. The organization gives him a new name, Zwei, and molds him into a perfect killing machine, a meticulous instrument of death created to obey his masters’ every deadly command.

Zwei’s not the only puppet controlled by Inferno; Ein is a girl as beautiful as she is brutal and as lethal as she is lost. While mafia violence escalates around them, the two assassins grow closer, and Zwei begins the struggle to reclaim his past and save Ein from a blood-soaked future.

The PHANTOM: REQUIEM FOR THE PHANTOM Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack contains episodes 1-26.
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…

Official Site: bgata-hkei.com (Japan), funimation.com/b-gata-h-kei-yamada-s-first-time (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Limited artbox design for YAMADA’S FIRST TIME- B GATA H KEI.
Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Yoko
Sanri/ Shueisha Inc. B-Gata H-Kei Project

On January 31st, FUNimation Entertainment will release a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack of B GATA H KEI – YAMADA’S FIRST TIME (B型H系 Bii Gata Etchi Kei, Type: B; Style: H, 2010).

The anime, from director Yusuke Yamamoto (SGT FROG, WELCOME TO THE NHK), is based on the manga series of the same name published by Shueisha. Both follow Yamada, a boy-crazy school girl with distracting daydreams about future bedmates – but before she can get this saucy sex life underway, she realizes she first needs to lose her virginity! She knows to whom she will bestow this prize: her classmate Kosuda. However, a successful seduction of Kosuda is more difficult than this lusty teen had counted on.

The B GATA H KEI – YAMADA’S FIRST TIME Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack contains episodes 1-12. The limited edition also comes packaged in an artbox.
Continued…

A class of 42 high school students is chosen for a deadly game in the cult classic BATTLE ROYALE.
Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

42 Students, Three Days, One Survivor, No Rules
Source: Madman Entertainment

Australian DVD cover for BATTLE ROYALE. Photo courtesy
of Madman Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale”
Production Committee

Kinji Fukasaku’s acclaimed and controversial cult hit BATTLE ROYALE (バトル・ロワイアル, Batoru Rouaiaru, 2000) will be released on Region 4 DVD in February by Madman Entertainment. The new release will be a “director’s cut” version never before available in Australia.

In the near future, Japan is in a state of collapse. With high unemployment and a generation of youth out of control, the government enacts the Battle Royale programme. Each year, a randomly chosen school class is pitted against itself on an abandoned island in a cruel game of survival. With a former teacher (Takeshi Kitano) overseeing the game, this is a fight to the death with only one winner. The rules are simple: It lasts 3 days – Each player starts with food, water and a random weapon – If more than one player survives, everyone dies – There is no escape.

As the roll call begins, each kid grabs a backpack and stumbles away towards death or murder. As the game progresses, terror and panic challenge the students’ fragile trust in each other. Some suspect everyone, blindly striking down those who cross their paths. Others form alliances dreaming of a peaceful solution with multiple survivors. Despite the game’s brutality, the adolescent players maintain their school obsessions with crushes, petty grudges and their dreams. But as the game approaches its shocking final stages, even this semblance of normality disintegrates.
Continued…

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of WAR OF THE ARROWS. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2011 Lotte Entertainment

The $40 Million International Box Office Smash Comes to North America
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Award-winning writer/director Kim Han-Min (HANDPHONE, PARADISE MURDERED) unsheathes the lavish historical action epic WAR OF THE ARROWS (최종병기 활, Choejongbyungki Hwal, 2011) on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 21st from Well Go USA Entertainment. The international box office success stars Hae-il Park (THE HOST) as the best archer in Korea who is forced to go up against the Qing Dynasty in order to save his younger sister (Moon Chae-Won) from Mongolian invaders.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.com/x (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Cover art for X: THE COMPLETE SERIES. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © Clamp · Kadokawa Shoten/ TV
“X” PROJECT

On January 3rd, FUNimation Entertainment will reissue the supernatural anime X: THE COMPLETE SERIES on DVD as part of their Anime Classics line.

Based on the series from the international manga powerhouse CLAMP, the X (エックス, Ekkusu, 2001) anime was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (NINJA SCROLL, VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST) with animation by Madhouse (BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE).

X: THE COMPLETE SERIES contains episodes 1-24 plus the episode 0 OVA, X: AN OMEN (エックス- 前兆, Ekkusu- Yochoo, 2001).
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…

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS Available on January 24th
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 January slate of releases including THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS. The devilishly fun anime will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for January are EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION on DVD and Blu-ray, and DVD editions of AKIKAN! COMPLETE COLLECTION, AND YET THE TOWN MOVES COMPLETE COLLECTION and PRINCESS RESURRECTION COMPLETE COLLECTION.

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

Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of OCEAN HEAVEN. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.
© 2010 Edko Films Limited

Jet Li in His First Starring Dramatic Role
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend

Martial arts superstar Jet Li (THE EXPENDABLES, HERO, LETHAL WEAPON 4) reveals his talent for heartfelt drama in OCEAN HEAVEN (海洋天堂, Hǎiyáng Tiántáng, 2010), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Bonus features include deleted scenes, an extensive photo gallery and a poignant interview with Jet Li on Autism.

The film, which screened at five major North American festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival, features Li as a terminally ill father attempting to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he himself passes away. First time writer/director Xue Xiaolu based the film on her experiences over the last 14 years as a volunteer with Beijing Stars and Rain, a non-governmental educational organization for autistic children. OCEAN HEAVEN was awarded Best Picture, Best New Director and Best Actor at the Shanghai Media Awards.
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The twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS will be released on DVD next month in the United Kingdom.
Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran Partners

Disc Streets January 30th
Official Site: hyakka-ryoran.tv (Japan)
Source: The Associates press release

UK DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of The Associates.
© 2010 Akira Suzuki, Niθ, Hobby Japan/ Hyakka-Ryoran
Partners

The complete twelve episode anime series SAMURAI GIRLS (百花繚乱 サムライガールズ, Hyakka Ryoran Samurai Girls, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the United Kingdom by Manga Entertainment on January 30, 2012.

Based on the popular Hobby Japan light novel series of the same name— written by Akira Suzuki and illustrated by Niθ— SAMURAI GIRLS was produced by the animation studio Arms Corporation (QUEEN’S BLADE, ELFEN LIED, HIMAWARI!) and directed by Kobun. The series aired in Japan on TV Kanagawa and Chiba TV from October 3rd to December 19th, 2010.

The story SAMURAI of GIRLS takes place in Japan in the early 21st century, in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a high school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who’ve had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.
Continued…

A disturbed 14 year old boy named Yuichi Sumida (Shota Sometani) is loved by his equally damaged classmate Keiko Chazawa (Fumi Nikaido) in director
Sion Sono’s HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu Film Partners

UK Theatrical Release Coming in April 2012
Source: Third Window Films
Official Movie Site: himizu.gaga.ne.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Venice Film Festival advert for HIMIZU. © 2012 Himizu
Film Partners

Third Window Films are pleased to announce the acquisition of Sion Sono’s latest work HIMIZU (ヒミズ, 2012).

Sion Sono’s LOVE EXPOSURE and COLD FISH have both been previously released by Third Window Films, and they are proud to continue promoting the works of one of the most talented directors in contemporary Japanese cinema. HIMIZU had its world premiere at the 2011 Venice Film Festival where it played in competition and won the Marcello Mastrioanni award for Best Young Actor and Best Young Actress.

Based on the famous manga of the same name by Minoru Furuya (Ping-Pong Club), the film tells the story of a teenager who aspires to be “ordinary” and “normal” in this world of chaos. But after an incident that can never be erased from his life, his wish becomes something impossible to achieve, turning him into a person obsessed with sanctioning all the evil people in society…

HIMIZU will have its theatrical release in Japan on January 14th, 2012. The UK will see it open on the 27th of April 2012. The UK DVD release date will be in July.

The Decepticon Starscream schemes in the CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, coming to DVD and Blu-ray in March 2012.
Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

4-Disc Blu-ray Collection Packed With 96-Page IDW Graphic Novel Streets March 6, 2012
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen

Cover art for TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST
SEASON DVD Set. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory.
© 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Prepare to experience the world of TRANSFORMERS PRIME like never before with perfect picture visuals and the purest digital sound available when the entire first season of the award-winning CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME arrives in stores everywhere in North America on March 6, 2012 in a deluxe 4-DVD set and a Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray collection from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray collections of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON boast all 26 action-packed episodes (including the 5-part miniseries DARKNESS RISING) and special bonus content. For a limited time only, TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray contains a 96-page IDW graphic novel based on this hit series.

Fans and collectors can pre-order the DVD release of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON today! The Limited-Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray Collection (featuring the 96-page IDW graphic novel) is available for preorder exclusively on Amazon.com or ShoutFactoryStore.com.

Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, the limited edition Blu-ray collection is priced to own at $64.99 SRP. The deluxe 4-DVD set is sold separately and has a suggested retail price of $29.93.
Continued…

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for GIRL$. © 2010 Local Production
Ltd. and Big Pictures

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to the Hong Kong live action feature GIRL$ (囡囡, Nam Nam, 2010).

Directed by Kenneth Bi (RICE RHAPSODY), GIRL$ follows four young women— Icy (Michelle Wai), Ronnie (Seli Xian), Gucci (Minyi Wang) and Lin (Una Lin)— and their experiences in the world of “compensated dating”, where the girls are paid to date and not necessarily have sex.

Of course, sex is an inevitable byproduct of the business, and the girls are subject to the same dangers: diseases, perverted clients, and even a killer who’s out there murdering and dismembering the working girls. Nonetheless, the girls forge on because they need to pay the bills and make a living.

FUNimation Entertainment will release the DVD in fall 2012.
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Packaging for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of Sushi Typhoon’s YAKUZA WEAPON. Photo courtesy of Well Go USA.
© 2010 Ken Ishikawa/ Dynamic Planning, Yakuza Weapon Film Partners

The Team Behind VERSUS Return with Another Blood-Soaked Gore Fest from Sushi Typhoon
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: sushi-typhoon.com/films/yakuza-weapon
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Marc Walkow

From the director of MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD (Tak Sakaguchi), and MEATBALL MACHINE (Yûdai Yamaguchi) comes the “bloody awesome” YAKUZA WEAPON (極道兵器, Gokudo Heiki, 2011), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD February 7th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Another warped film from the prolific Japanese production company Sushi Typhoon, YAKUZA WEAPON is based on the cult manga by Ken Ishikawa and stars stuntman-turned-director Tak Sakaguchi as a one-man, butt-kicking army out to avenge the death of his father with built-in firepower.
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).
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HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY in 13-DVD Box Set, only from ShoutFactoryStore.com
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen and Scott Neumyer

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION is now available
for pre-order from ShoutFactoryStore.com. Photo courtesy
of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Early happy New Year 2012! Fans and collectors can finally bring home TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro.

This is the rare Japanese trilogy that followed the popular “Generation 1” animated series. Available for the first time in North America, this 13-DVD box set is fully loaded with over 42 hours of entertainment, including all episodes that originally aired from the three Japanese series — HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE and VICTORY — each with their original Japanese audio tracks, English subtitles, and an art gallery.

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set is finally available exclusively at Shout! Factory’s official online store and shipping to customers beginning January 2, 2012. The set can be pre-ordered now at ShoutFactoryStore.com.
Continued…

Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: wellgousa.com/detail-tripletap (US)
Special Thanks to Liza Nedelman and Leif Hellend

Three SFJ readers have won the TRIPLE TAP DVD. Photo
courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2010 Emperor Classic Films, Ltd.

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Our thanks to everyone who entered Well Go USA and SciFi Japan’s contest for a free DVD of TRIPLE TAP. The randomly chosen winners are:

David Bullard
Jason Fanesi
Patrick Beagan

Congratulations to the winners! The prizes will be shipped soon by Well Go USA so keep an eye on your mailboxes.

Two-time Best Director Hong Kong Film Award winner Derek Yee’s (ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK, SHINJUKU INCIDENT) latest action-packed thriller, TRIPLE TAP (鎗王之王, Qiang Wang Zhi Wang, 2010) is now available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP.
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…

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 2. 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 2 (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on December 27th. 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 second Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 13-24.

Across the Fiore kingdom, wizards join guilds and make their pay by filling magical needs – but one guild has a reputation as the roughest, rowdiest, most dangerous of all: Fairy Tail!

In the midst of a mission to break the curse over Galuna Island, Natsu and the gang face a band of deranged mages trying to resurrect the monstrous demon Deliora. Gray’s determined to put the freeze on the sinister plan in a frigid battle with a rival from his past – even if it takes his own life!

Back in Magnolia, the city becomes a warzone after sorcerers known as Element 4 destroy Fairy Tail headquarters and kidnap their beloved rookie, Lucy. A bone-crunching, skin-charring fight between fire and iron erupts when Natsu squares off against another Dragon Slayer wizard!
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The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1964 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

Hideo Gosha’s Classic Chambara Film Streets in February
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Official Site: criterion.com/three-outlaw-samurai
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

On February 14th, 2012, THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI (三匹の侍, Sanbiki no Samurai, 1964) will be released in digitally restored DVD and Blu-ray editions by The Criterion Collection.

This first film by the legendary Hideo Gosha (SWORD OF THE BEAST) is among the most canonized chambara (sword-fighting) films. An origin-story offshoot of a Japanese television series phenomenon of the same name, THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI is a classic in its own right. In it, a wandering, seen-it-all ronin (Tetsuro Tamba) becomes entangled in the dangerous business of two other samurai (Isamu Nagato and Mikijiro Hira), hired to execute a band of peasants who have kidnapped the daughter of a corrupt magistrate. With remarkable storytelling economy and thrilling action scenes, this is an expertly mounted tale of revenge and loyalty.
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…

Complete Series One Streets December 20th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: kadokawa-anime.jp/soraoto (Japan), funimation.com/heavens-lost-property (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009

On December 20th, the complete anime series HEAVEN’S LOST PROPERTY (そらのおとしもの, Sora no Otoshimono, 2009) will be released in a 5-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. Based on the manga series of the same name by Suu Minazuki, the anime was produced by Anime International Company (AIC), directed by Hisashi Saito (INUYASHA, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED) and features the talents of art director Hiromasa Ogura (FLCL, APPLESEED and GHOST IN THE SHELL).

Tomoki’s life was normal until a wish-granting angelic android named Ikaros fell from the sky and started calling him master! Of course, thanks to his raging teenage hormones, most of Tomoki’s wishes have something to do with panties. And that makes things pretty complicated, because one simple wish can lead to a rampaging robot made out of frilly undergarments or turn bloomers into bombs capable of blowing up entire neighborhoods!

If Tomoki doesn’t learn to control his impulses around Ikaros and be more careful with his wishes, the chaos will only get crazier. Luckily, even with such a dirty mind, Tomoki’s heart is in the right place. His hands, however, are a completely different story.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for the anime masterpiece GRAVE OF
THE FIREFLIES. © 1988 Nosaka Akiyuki/Shinchosha Co.

Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the company’s acquisition of distribution rights for the critically acclaimed animation masterpiece GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (火垂るの墓, Hotaru no Haka, 1988).

Based on the semi-autobiographical retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Iaso Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli, the studio that performed the animation duties for the film,) GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES has been universally hailed as both an artistic and emotional tour de force, with famed critic Roger Ebert calling the feature “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation” and stating that “it belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made.” Sentai Filmworks is extraordinarily honored to have been given the privilege of handling the digitally restored version of one of the art of animation’s true crowning achievements.

Digital distribution of GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES will begin through many outlets this winter, and a DVD of the digitally restored master will be in stores next year.
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Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of TRIPLE TAP. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2010 Polybona Films

Director Derek Yee’s Action Thriller Explodes on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6th
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Official Site: wellgousa.com/detail-tripletap (US)
Special Thanks to Liza Nedelman and Leif Hellend

Two-time Best Director Hong Kong Film Award winner Derek Yee’s (ONE NIGHT IN MONGKOK, SHINJUKU INCIDENT) latest action-packed thriller TRIPLE TAP (鎗王之王, Qiang Wang Zhi Wang, 2010) debuts on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD December 6 from Well Go USA. Louis Koo (TRIAD ELECTION, FLASH POINT) plays a champion shooter who becomes a hero after fatally-shooting a band of armed bank robbers, but is soon suspected to be the mastermind behind the heist by a crack shot police officer (Daniel Wu, SHINJUKU INCIDENT). TRIPLE TAP will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP, and is packed with explosive extras, including deleted scenes, director and actor interviews, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a photo gallery and an optional English dub.

To add to the fun, Well Go USA is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free DVD of TRIPLE TAP! Read on for details.
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“Wisdom is the mightiest weapon”
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: kongzi.sina.com (China), funimation.com/confucius (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Theatrical poster for CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun-Fat
as the iconic philosopher. © 2010 Dadi Film Media.

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to CONFUCIUS (孔子, Kong Zi, 2010).

This $23 million dollar budget biopic film financed by the Chinese government, stars Chow Yun-Fat as the iconic philosopher, Confucius, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced life in Asia and beyond. Directed by Hu Mei, best known for her work in the acclaimed historical drama series YONG ZHENG DYNASTY and THE EMPEROR IN HAN DYNASTY and captured on Film by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) this cinematic masterpiece will be a must have for lovers of history.

The film begins with Confucius as an old man, reflecting back on his life. Through flashbacks, we see him in his early 50s being promoted from Major to Minister for Law in his home state of Lu. He battles with ethical issues after saving a slave boy who was sentenced to be buried alive with his recently deceased master. A series of complex political decisions and war result in Confucius being outcast and relegated to become a wandering scholar. This film details his epic journey of numerous hardships and losses as Confucius perseveres to earn his place as one of China’s revered philosophical figures.

The DVD will be released March 27, 2012.
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Optimus Prime leads the Autobots in the computer animated film TRANSFORMERS PRIME – DARKNESS RISING, coming to DVD on December 6th.
Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc.

Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Tom Chen

On December 6, 2011, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro, Inc, will release the CGI animated film TRANSFORMERS PRIME – DARKNESS RISING on DVD. Celebrate the triumphant return of the Autobots through cutting-edge CGI animation, combining all five action-packed episodes of the TRANSFORMERS PRIME television series currently airing on The Hub television network. Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, this highly collectible DVD is priced to own with a suggested retail price of $14.97.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: juiz.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Packaging for the EDEN OF THE EAST Complete Series Blu-ray/
DVD Combo Pack. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© 2009 EDEN OF THE EAST.

On December 27th, the complete anime series EDEN OF THE EAST (東のエデン, Higashi no Eden, 2009) will be released in a 4-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. Produced by anime studio Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1), the show was created, written and directed by Kenji Kamiyama (director of MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT and the best-selling GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX), and features character designs by manga artist Chica Umino (Honey and Clover).

Akira Takizawa wakes up naked outside the White House with no memories. He’s got a gun in one hand and a cell phone in the other, and he doesn’t know if he’s a good guy or one of the worst. He doesn’t remember that the phone gives him instant access to ten billion yen and a woman who can make his most outlandish requests a reality.

He doesn’t recall his connection to the ongoing missile attacks terrorizing the Japanese people, or the part he played in the sudden disappearance of 20,000 shut-ins. He doesn’t even remember he’s supposed to save Japan and will be murdered if he fails. Whatever it is he’s tangled up in, Takizawa’s definitely in deep – and that’s not even scratching the surface.

The EDEN OF THE EAST Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains all 11 episodes.
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Cover art for the DVD and Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of 1911. Photos courtesy of Well Go USA.© 2011 Jackie and JJ Productions/Shanghai Film Group

Jackie Chan’s 100th Movie to be Released in Multiple Formats
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Official Movie Site: mediaasia.com/1911, 1911movie.com (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Liza Nedelman

Legendary action star Jackie Chan (POLICE STORY, PROJECT A, RUSH HOUR trilogy) marks the milestone of his 100th film with 1911 (辛亥革命, Xin Hai Ge Ming), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD January 10 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

From the walls of the Forbidden City to the battlefields of China, with no expense spared in production and no detail ignored in its quest for historical accuracy, 1911 is a true epic in every sense of the word. The film details a key moment in modern Chinese history — the fall of the Qing Dynasty — and the violent rebellion that brought it down. In addition to Chan (who also co-directed with cinematographer Zhang Li), the film also stars Li Bing Bing (TRIPLE TAP), Winston Chao (THE WEDDING BANQUET, EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN), Joan Chen (THE LAST EMPEROR, LUST, CAUTION) and Jaycee Chan (BREAK-UP CLUB).
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