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.
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Photos courtesy of Showbox Media Group. YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI © 2010 Epic Pictures Group. THE BIG BOSS, GAME OF DEATH and GAME OF DEATH 2 © 1971-1981 Golden Harvest.

Source: Showbox Media Group press release
Special Thanks to Louise Rivers

The UK home video label Cine-Asia has announced their release schedule for January 2012. Highlighting the month will be DVD and Blu-ray editions for YAMADA- WAY OF THE SAMURAI. Also on tap are “Hong Kong Legends” Special Edition DVDs for the Bruce Lee classics THE BIG BOSS and GAME OF DEATH plus the sequel GAME OF DEATH 2.
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ROZEN MAIDEN Available on December 6th
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 December slate of releases; including ROZEN MAIDEN, a package that includes the original 12 episode series and the 12 episode sequel series TRÄUMEND. Releasing separately will be the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE, which have never been released in North America. The popular series will be released on DVD by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for December are DVD editions of HIMAWARI, TOO! SEASON 2 COLLECTION, ELFEN LIED COMPLETE COLLECTION, MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE COMPLETE COLLECTION and KINO’S JOURNEY COMPLETE COLLECTION.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for GODZILLA. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

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

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

SciFi Japan takes a look behind the scenes of the upcoming release with details on how Criterion acquired the film, the materials being utilized for the DVD and Blu-ray, an updated press release, and an interview with audio commentator David Kalat.
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Kung Fu champion Dennis To is the young Ip Man in THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN, coming to Blu-ray and DVD in December. © 2010 Mei Ah Entertainment.

Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Movie Site: IpManLegendMovie-us.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN. Photo
courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Mei Ah
Entertainment.

On December 13th, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN (葉問前傳, Yip Man Chinchyun, 2010) will be released on DVD and in a 2-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack by FUNimation Entertainment. The semi-biographical film is based on the early life events of Wing Chun master Yip Man, famous for mentoring Bruce Lee, and acts as a prequel to the hit films IP MAN and IP MAN 2.

THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN is helmed by director Herman Yau and stars Dennis To (the youngest World Kung Fu Champion of Hong Kong) in the title role. It features fight choreography by martial arts legends Sammo Hung, highlighted by a battle between Hung and Yuen Biao. The film includes an appearance by 86-year-old Ip Chun, Ip Man’s real life son, as one of the wing chun master’s mentors. Ip Chun also acted as an advisor to the film. THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN was nominated for a 2011 Hong Kong Film Award in the category of Best New Performer (Yu–Hang To).

Packed with Kung Fu combat and thick with drama, THE LEGEND IS BORN – IP MAN follows Ip Man as he grows from a promising young pupil into an unstoppable force. When political corruption threatens his temple, his friends, and his honor, Man single-handedly challenges a swarm of shinobi in an ultimate showdown.
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DVD and Blu-ray packaging for BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media. © Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentsu, Pierrot © BMP 2008

Ichigo Faces Down a Deadly New Enemy Alone in the Third BLEACH Anime Action Feature
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/bleach/2008 (Japan), BLEACH.viz.com (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the latest BLEACH feature film – BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK (Bleach Fade to Black 君の名を呼ぶ, Buriichi Fade to Black- Kimi no Na o Yobu, 2008). The movie is now available on DVD and Blu-ray, is rated ’T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) and $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN). BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK offers both English and Japanese dialogue options as well as bonus features including production art and the original theatrical trailers.

The film is also available for Download-to-Own (DTO) for only $9.99 and for Download-to-Rent (DTR) for only $4.99 from digital partners including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and Zune on Xbox Live. DTO and DTR availability for Playstation Network is forthcoming.
Continued…

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: a-ch.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Promotional art for A-CHANNEL. © bb Kuroda ・ A-Channel
Committee ・ MBS

Sentai Filmworks has acquired A-CHANNEL (Aチャンネル, Ee Channeru, 2011), a cutting edge, slice of life comedy series based on the popular four panel comic by bb Kuroda.

Helming the task of adapting the four panel strip into a linear story are director Manabu Ono (TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON, DRAGONAUT, HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE) and lead writer Tatsuhiko Urahata (STRAWBERRY PANIC, MURDER PRINCESS, MONSTER). Animation director and character designer Masakatsu Sasaki (SAKI, EROTIC TORTURE CHAMBER) adapts Kuroda’s designs for the animation medium while music is in the hands of Satoru Kousaki (LUCKY STAR, THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA).

A-CHANNEL will be available digitally through many outlets and on subtitled DVD next February.
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Jet Jaguar, Godzilla, Gigan and Megalon take a break from battle to pose for a GODZILLA VS MEGALON publicity shot. © 1973 Toho Co., Ltd.

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

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

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

While Media Blasters has yet to reveal all of the details for their upcoming DVD and Blu-ray, MEGALON will feature the original Japanese version with 2.0 and 5.1 audio, the uncut English dub (never commercially available before in the US), plus extras such as a feature length audio commentary by film historians Steve Ryfle (Japan’s Favorite Mon-Star, BRINGING GODZILLA DOWN TO SIZE, ICONS OF SCI-FI: TOHO COLLECTION) and Stuart Galbraith IV (The Toho Studios Story, INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER DVD, TORA-SAN COLLECTOR’S SET).
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New Music Biopic Traces the Rise to International Fame of Japan’s Most Popular Pop Idol Group
Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, MediaLab press release
Official Site: 2010-akb48.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

The DVD of DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED
will be available on December 1st. Photo courtesy of
NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © 2011 “Documentary of
AKB48″ Production Committee

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 release of DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED (AKB48のドキュメンタリーを継続する, 10 Nengo, Shojo Tachi wa Ima no Jibun ni Nani wo Omounodaro, 2011) on DVD on Thursday, December 1st. The new music biopic follows the unstoppable all-female Japanese pop idol group, AKB48, on their incredible rise to fame, and will be sold exclusively online for $19.99 through the NEW PEOPLE store at store.newpeopleworld.com.

DVD pre-orders will begin today. For a limited time, NEW PEOPLE is offering a FREE bonus DVD title from its catalog to all pre-order purchasers. Select from a list of available titles. DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 – TO BE CONTINUED will also be available to stream online at newpeoplechannel.com for $4.99 (for a 48 hour rental) beginning December 1st. The DVD will be available from Amazon by mid-December. Follow NEW PEOPLE Entertainment on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

AKB48 was conceived in 2005 by Yasushi Akimoto, one of Japan’s most respected music producers. Beginning as a small all-girl singing group based in the Akihabara district of Tokyo – the city’s bustling electronics and anime/pop culture shopping Mecca – AKB48 has grown to 60 members and topped Japan’s Oricon music charts with the two best-selling pop singles in 2010 as well as another two singles ranking in the Top 10.
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.
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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.
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Cover art for The Criterion Collection releases of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
© 1966-67 Nikkatsu Corporation

New Editions of BRANDED TO KILL and TOKYO DRIFTER Coming in December
Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment
Special Thanks to Jonathan Saba

On December 13th, The Criterion Collection will reissue BRANDED TO KILL (殺しの烙印, Koroshi no Rakuin, 1967) and TOKYO DRIFTER (東京流れ者, Tokyo Nagaremono, 1966) in new high-definition, digital restored DVD and Blu-ray editions. Both films were directed by Seijun Suzuki at the end of his tenure at Nikkatsu. The studio found Suzuki’s work “incomprehensible” but TOKYO DRIFTER and BRANDED TO KILL are now seen as high-water marks from the Japanese New Wave movement of the 1960s.
Continued…

English Dubbed First Episode Now Streaming
Source: FUNimation Entertainment
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 1. Photo courtesy of
FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009 Fairy Tail Guild
Production Committee: Hiro Mashima/ Kodansha/ TV Tokyo

FUNimation Entertainment will release their first Blu-ray/DVD Combo set of the action/adventure anime FAIRY TAIL (フェアリーテイル, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on November 22nd. 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 Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 1-12.

In the Kingdom of Fiore, powerful wizards harness the forces of Dragon Fire, Ice, Weaponry, and the Zodiac to make their living by joining magical guilds and contracting out their services to become “wizards for hire”.

Lucy Heartfilla is a young mage who has always wanted to join the magical guild of Fairy Tail. Running away from home, she meets Natsu, a teenage boy who- along with his best friend, Happy the cat- is on a journey to find for the missing dragon Igneel who raised him. Natsu reveals that he is actually a member of Fairy Tail and offers Lucy membership into the guild, which she gladly accepts. Lucy is introduced to Erza and Gray, both members of Fairy Tail, and the four young wizards team up to seek their fortunes. Growing stronger with every mission, they travel the countryside helping people and battling rival guilds, but with personalities as different as their magic skills, this team may end up doing more damage than good.
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A pack of unemployed salarymen help housewife Mayumi Okada (Kyoko Koizumi) in “The House Full of ‘Abandoned’ Businessmen”, one of four segments in the
new Japanese comedy QUIRKY GUYS AND GALS. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Sabi Otoko Sabi Onna Production Committee

Source: Third Window Films press release
Official Movie Site: sabisabi.jp (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/quirky-guys-and-gals (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Lovers of Japanese film have seen quite a few omnibus efforts over the years, with 2008’s TOKYO! standing out as a particularly bizarre and interesting example. Yet this film, drawing together some of Japan’s best comedic directors, tops even that three-part work. Approaching the surrealism of its predecessor, QUIRKY GUYS AND GALS (サビ男サビ女, Sabi Otoko, Sabi Onna, 2011) ties together four stories of people searching for a spark in their lives.

The film (cert. 12) is now available on DVD (Region 2, PAL) in the UK from Third Window Films.
Continued…

The Zebra Queen (Riisa Naka) will rule the world unless Zebraman (Show Aikawa) can stop her. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© 2010 Zebraman- Attack on Zebra City Partners.

Superhero Sequel Arrives November 29th
Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Movie Site: zeb2.jp (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

Combo Pack art for Takashi Miike’s ZEBRAMAN 2: ATTACK ON
ZEBRA CITY. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© 2010 Zebraman- Attack on Zebra City Partners.

Fan favorite director Takashi Miike (AUDITION, ICHI THE KILLER) reunites with actor Show Aikawa (TOKYO ZOMBIE, GOZU) for ZEBRAMAN 2: ATTACK ON ZEBRA CITY (ゼブラーマン -ゼブラシティの逆襲-, Zeburaaman -Zeburaa Shiti no Gyakushuu, 2010), the sequel to their cult favorite superhero movie, ZEBRAMAN (ゼブラーマン, 2004). FUNimation Entertainment will release the film in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on November 29th.

The year is 2025. Tokyo has fallen and the world cries out for a hero. It cries for Zebraman. This striped crime fighter is the only hope for those who live in fear of the Zebra Queen, a hooved seductress out to conquer the world with the aide of her Miniskirt Zebra Police.

The Queen has stolen Zebraman’s powers and instituted Zebra Time: ten horrifying minutes each day when murder is legal! Without his super strength, Zebraman is just a guy with a mane – a broken-down hero unable to stop the onslaught of evil. Before he can take a bite out of the bad guys, Zebraman must find the young girl who holds the secret to regaining his ass-kicking powers and prove, once and for all, that a hero never changes his stripes!
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DVD and Blu-ray cover art for SEX & ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2011 One Dollar Production, Ltd.

Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: 3dsexzen.com

On November 30th, the Hong Kong production SEX & ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY (3D肉蒲团之极乐宝鉴, 2011) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia by distributor Madman Entertainment. A new chapter in the legendary 1990s SEX & ZEN series, EXTREME ECSTASY hit $1 million (USD) at the box office in Aussie cinemas and broke the box office record in Hong Kong, beating the previous record holder, AVATAR. Madman’s DVD and Blu-ray will feature the uncut version of the film, not seen in cinemas, with 15 minutes of extra footage.
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VIZ Media Releases Anime Feature Film Based on the Popular Nintendo Video Game
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE ETERNAL DIVA
DVD. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © LEVEL-5/ Team
Layton 2009

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will release a new anime feature-length film, PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE ETRENAL DIVA (レイトン教授と永遠の歌姫, Reiton-kyooju to Eien no Utahime, 2009), on DVD November 8th. The movie is based on the highly popular PROFESSOR LAYTON series of video games for the Nintendo DS and will be suitable for All Ages. The DVD features both subtitled and dubbed English dialogue options, and will carry an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN.

Professor Layton, a true English gentleman, renowned archaeologist, and the world’s greatest amateur super sleuth, embarks on his most daring adventure yet when he receives a letter from his old student, the famous opera diva Janice Quatlane. She is set to perform at the legendary Crown Petone Opera House and invites him to attend as her special guest. Meanwhile, a spate of disappearances hits London. Two young school girls are the latest victims and the Professor suspects it’s related to the mysterious occurrences at the theatre. The Professor and his loyal assistant Luke travel to the Opera House to solve their toughest puzzle yet, the mystery of Eternal Life!
Continued…

Source: Golden Media Group
Official Site: GooHead Internet Channel
Special Thanks to Roy McAree

Ten SFJ readers have won a DVD set of four classic films
featuring international star Sonny Chiba. © 1979-1984
Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

It’s time to announce the winners of GooHead Internet Channel and SciFi Japan’s THE SONNY CHIBA COLLECTION giveaway. The following ten entrants were randomly chosen to receive a free DVD set containing the Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba films G.I. SAMURAI, RESURRECTION OF GOLDEN WOLF, NINJA WARS and LEGEND OF THE EIGHT SAMURAI…

James Babbo
Keith Marsh
Benjamin Haines
Tyler Collins
Lee Merritt
Andrew Stengele
Jordan Perry
Christopher Allen
Austin Buell
Mark Fitzpatrick
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: geneon-ent.co.jp/hellsing (Japan), funimation.com/hellsing-ultimate (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Japanese cover art for HELLSING ULTIMATE OVA 8.
© Kouta Hirano • Shonen Gahosha Co, Ltd./ Wild Geese

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired the U.S. home video rights to the long awaited HELLSING ULTIMATE OVA 8 (ヘルシングＯＶＡ・VIII巻, Herushingu OVA VIII), in addition to the previously announced HELLSING ULTIMATE 1-7 OVAs. Production on the HELLSING ULTIMATE OVAs will begin immediately at the original studio, New Generation Pictures, and will include the original cast featuring Crispin Freeman in his return as Arucard. FUNimation Entertainment will release these new OVAs starting in 2012.

The new home video releases will feature exclusive extras including panel discussions and one-on-one interviews recorded at the 2011 Anime Vegas Convention taking place this month. Fans will be encouraged to submit questions for the cast via the FUNimation Facebook page to possibly be included as part of the extra features.
Continued…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anime Film Streets in Late November
Source: The Associates press release
Official Site: juiz.jp (Japan)

Cover art for EDEN OF THE EAST: PARADISE LOST. Photo
courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 EDEN OF THE EAST.

Writer/director Kenji Kamiyama’s EDEN OF THE EAST: PARADISE LOST (東のエデン 劇場版Ⅱ Paradise Lost, Higashi no Eden Gekijooban II: Paradise Lost, 2010) is the thrilling feature-length conclusion to the acclaimed anime series EDEN OF THE EAST (東のエデン, Higashi no Eden, 2009). The film (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in the UK by Manga Entertainment on 21st November 2011.

The story of political and subversive intrigue in the series finally reaches endgame. Even as the law enforcement net tightens around Saki and her fellow Eden of the East associates over alleged terrorist activities, the complex web surrounding the mysterious Mr. Outside is finally untangled as the remaining Selecao attempt to outmaneuver one another. Takizawa’s memories and identity are also finally revealed including his association with a former Prime Minister and his request to be the King of Eden.
Continued…

The anime feature TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE will be released on Aussie DVD and Blu-ray in November. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© 2010 Yasuhiro Naito/ Trigun the Movie Production Committee

Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: funimation.com/trigun (US), trigun-movie.com (Japan)

Vash The Stampede is back in TRIGUN: BADLANDS RUMBLE (トライガン The Movie 公式サイト, 2010). The first full length TRIGUN movie is coming to DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia on November 16th from distributor Madman Entertainment.
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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).
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Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) takes stock of her life when she returns to her hometown to take care of her ailing father Tadao (Kotaro Shiga) in
SAWAKO DECIDES. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2010 PFF Partners

Source: Third Window Films, The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: kawasoko.com (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/sawako-decides (UK)
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

DVD cover art. Photo courtesy of Third Window Films.
© 2010 PFF Partners

Yuya Ishii’s award winning comedy SAWAKO DECIDES (川の底からこんにちは, Kawa no Soko Kara Konnichi Wa, 2010) is now available on DVD in the United Kingdom, courtesy of Third Window Films. The film stars Hikari Mitsushima, well known to tokusatsu fans for her roles in REBIRTH OF MOTHRA II (1997), ULTRAMAN MAX (2005) and the DEATH NOTE films (2006). In recent years she has established herself with quirky performances in international cult hits like LOVE EXPOSURE (愛のむきだし, Ai no Mukidashi, 2009) and KAKERA: A PIECE OF OUR LIFE (カケラ, Kakera, 2010).

Sawako (Hikari Mitsushima) has lived in Tokyo for five years, is working her fifth office job, and is dating her fifth boyfriend, who is also her boss at the office. Her life with her boyfriend Kenichi (Masashi Endo) and his daughter from a previous marriage, Kayoko (Kira Aihara), feels like a “compromise,” and she endures each day feeling distressed about her career and love life.One day, she receives word that her father, Tadao (Kotaro Shiga), who runs a freshwater clam processing business in her hometown, has fallen ill. There is a reason why Sawako would rather not go back home so easily, but she reluctantly decides to return at Kenichi’s insistence. But Kenichi, who had actually quit his job shortly before Sawako, uses this opportunity to come along with Sawako to her hometown with his daughter in tow. Thus Sawako’s ordeals continue. Still, she takes over her father’s clam processing company and begins to work there.
Continued…

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

Key art for THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS. © Tamiki
Wakaki, Shogakukan/ TV Tokyo

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the eagerly anticipated anime series THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS (神のみぞ知るセカイ, Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai, 2010). The news was first revealed to massive applause at the 2011 Anime Weekend Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia on September 30, 2011.

Based on the super-hit manga by Tamiki Wakaki, the 24 episode series is helmed by TRIGUN and FLAME OF RECCA vet Shigehito Takayanagi, who is directing from scripts supervised by Read Or Die creator Hideyuki Kurata (EXCEL SAGA, KAMICHU) and character designs adapted from Wakaki’s originals by Akio Watanabe (SOULTAKER, NURSE WITCH KOMUGI-CHAN). Original music is provided by TRANSFORMERS ARMADA composer Hayato Matsuo (HELLSING ULTIMATE, STREETFIGHTER ALPHA).

Keima Katsuragi can score with any girl he wants… provided that she’s not real. A legendary master of Japanese “dating sims,” often referred to by other players as the God Of Conquests, Keima is a classic nerd in real life and isn’t even all that interested in girls with more than two dimensions in the first place! Unfortunately for Keima, his personal preferences cease to be of any importance when he accepts a challenge to what he THINKS is an internet game, only to discover that he’s actually made a deal with a demon!
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The Criterion Collection’s DVD and Blu-ray cover art for KURONEKO. Photos courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1968 Toho Co., Ltd.

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

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

In this poetic and atmospheric horror fable, set in a village in war-torn medieval Japan, a malevolent spirit has been ripping out the throats of itinerant samurai. When a military hero is sent to dispatch the unseen force, he finds that he must struggle with his own personal demons as well.
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LOUPS=GAROUS Available on November 29th
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 November slate of releases; including LOUPS=GAROUS. The animated thriller will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for October are DVD editions of AMAGAMI SS COLLECTION 2, NINJA TRIPLE-FEATURE, ICE COMPLETE COLLECTION, and ZOMBIE TRIPLE-FEATURE, the Blu-ray edition of CLANNAD COMPLETE COLLECTION, and COICENT / FIVE NUMBERS on both DVD and Blu-ray.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD/Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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Final cover artwork for the DESTROY ALL MONSTERS DVD. Photo courtesy of Media Blasters. © 1968 Toho Co., Ltd.

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

Media Blasters Inc. has revealed the specifications and final cover art for their upcoming Tokyo Shock release of the Godzilla classic DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (怪獣総進撃, Kaiju Soshingeki, 1968). The movie will be sold separately on both DVD (SRP $19.98) and Blu-ray (SRP $29.98). The discs have shipped to retailers and have a street date of October 25, 2011.
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It’s business as usual for the Busan underworld in A BETTER TOMORROW, the south Korean remake of the classic John Woo film. © 2010 CJ E&M Pictures

2010 Remake from Executive Producer John Woo
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release
Special Thanks to Chrissy Walker, Doris Pfardrescher and Leif Hellend

Cover art for the A BETTER TOMORROW Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack.
Photo courtesy of Well Go USA. © 2010 CJ E&M Pictures

The accent is on action when Jin-mo Ju (A FROZEN FLOWER, THE WARRIOR) and Seung-heon Song (SO CLOSE, GHOST) star in the remake of John Woo’s 1986 cult classic A BETTER TOMORROW (무적자, Mujeokja, 2010), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack and DVD November 8 from Well Go USA.

Double-dealing among rival Thai and Korean mob syndicates provide the fuel for this fast-paced crime thriller that also stars Kang-woo Kim (MARINE BOY) and Han Sun Jo. Bonus materials include deleted scenes, a photo gallery, behind-the-scenes interviews with director Hae-sung Song and the film’s actors, and a 30-minute interview with executive producer John Woo. A BETTER TOMORROW will be available in a Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack for $29.98 SRP and on DVD for $24.98 SRP.

A BETTER TOMORROW has a runtime of approximately 124 minutes and is not rated.
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The post-apocalyptic world of ICE is coming next month to DVD in the United Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Cine du Monde. © 2008 E.Net Frontier/Eleven Arts.

Source: Cine du Monde
Official Site: project-ice.com (Japan), cinedumonde.co.uk/ice-anime (UK)
Special Thanks to Andrew Kirkham

Cover art for the UK DVD release of ICE. Photo courtesy
of Cine du Monde. © 2008 E.Net Frontier/ Eleven Arts.

It is the Apocalypse. A drastic change in the environment causes every male on the face of earth to die out by 2012. Most of the remaining women perish after fighting in a world war over their territories. 20,000 survivors huddle together in the Shinjuku area, which has become an ocean of trees.

Within this small, all-female world, humankind divides into two groups: One which accepts its fate to perish and chooses to give their lives to pleasure. Whilst the other group strives to save the future through the power of science. It’s the beginning of an intense battle between these two forces over ‘ICE’, which is said to be the last hope for mankind.

The UK home video label Cine du Monde will release the anime feature ICE (アイス, 2007) on DVD this November 7th.
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