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.
Continued…

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).
Continued…

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!
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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.
Continued…

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).
Continued…

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

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

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

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.
Continued…

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

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

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

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

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.
Continued…

DVD and Blu-ray packaging for BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media. © Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentsu, Pierrot © BMP 2008

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

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

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

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

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

A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

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

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

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.
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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.
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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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