Veteran homicide detective Cho Sang-gil (Song Kang-ho) and eager rookie detective Cha Eun-young (Lee Na-young) investigate a series of bizarre murders.
Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures. © 2011 CJ Entertainment, Opus Pictures

Additional Promotional Materials for the Upcoming Korean Thriller
Author: Kim Song-ho
Source: CJ Entertainment, Opus Pictures
Official Website: howling2012.co.kr

Korean theatrical poster for HOWLING. Photo courtesy
of CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures. © 2011 CJ
Entertainment, Opus Pictures

CJ Entertainment and Opus Pictures recently released a new trailer, behind-the-scenes clip and several new stills for HOWLING (하울링), a new thriller that opens February 9 in Korea.

HOWLING is about a series of murders, presumably committed by a wolfdog, and two detectives who pursue the real culprit. Song Kang-ho, of MEMORIES OF MURDER (살인의 추억, Salinui chueok, 2003), THE HOST (괴물, Gwoemul, 2006), SECRET SUNSHINE (밀양, Milyang, 2007) and THIRST (박쥐, Bakjwi, 2009) fame, stars as Cho Sang-gil, a veteran detective and Lee Na-young, who is well known for her starring roles in WHO ARE YOU? (후아유, 2002), SOMEONE SPECIAL (아는 여자, Aneun yeoja, 2004) and MAUNDY THURSDAY (우리들의 행복한 시간, Urideul-ui haengbok-han shigan, 2006), plays Cha Eun-young, a rookie detective.

HOWLING is based on the Japanese novel The Hunter (凍える牙, Kogoeru Kiba, 1996) by Asa Nonami, which won Naoki Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards of Japan. It is the new film by poet-turned-director Yoo Ha, whose filmography includes ONCE UPON A TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL (말죽거리 잔혹사, Maljukgeori janhoksa, 2004), A DIRTY CARNIVAL (비열한 거리, Biyeolhan geori, 2006) and A FROZEN FLOWER (쌍화점, Ssang-hwa-jeom, 2008).
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Popular Ultra Series Characters Enjoy a Day at the Amusement Park
Author: Daisuke Ishizuka

Author Daisuke Ishizuke with Dada. Photo courtesy of
Daisuke Ishizuka. © 2012 Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd.

January 9, 2012 was a national holiday in Japan known as “Coming of Age Day” (成人の日, Seijin no Hi). The holiday is held each year on the second Monday of January, and celebrates those Japanese who — over the past year — turned 20 years old, the age one is considered an adult can legally vote, drink and smoke (and be tried as an adult in court). Throughout the day, special ceremonies honoring the new adults (新成人, Shin Seijin) were held at cities across Japan. Young women dress up in fancy, fur-lined silk kimonos called furisodes while men wear suits or traditional hakama.

The Yomiuriland amusement park in Inagi City, Tokyo decided to celebrate Coming of Age Day in a unique and fun way. Just as the English language has words that have the same spelling or pronunciation but separate meanings, so does Japanese. So a 20 year-old Japanese person is called a “Seijin”, but Seijin has another meaning in spoken Japanese… it also means “alien”.

Therefore, “Alien Day” was held instead of Coming of Age Day at Yomiuriland on January 9th. Popular alien characters from Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultraman series spent the day at the amusement park; posing for photos, clowning around with attendees and having a good time.
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The women in Rito Yuki’s life take center stage in MOTTO TO LOVE RU. © Kentaro Yabuki ・ Saki Hasemi/ Shueisha ・ Ru Production Committee

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

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of MOTTO TO LOVE RU (もっとTo LOVEる -とらぶる-, To LOVEru -Toraburu-, 2010), the sequel series to the company’s previous hit TO LOVE RU. Based as before on the manga by Kentaro Yabuki (BLACK CAT) and Saki Hasemi (MOETAN,) the new 12 episode series is helmed by Atsushi Otsuki (who directed the final episode of the original series as well as episodes of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, the second season of WAGNERIA and LADIES VS. BUTLERS), working from series composition by SLAYERS and VENUS VS. VIRUS vet Yasutomo Yamada, while Yuichi Ouka once again adapts Yabuki’s original character designs for animation.
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Free Event in West Hollywood Gives Sneak Peek at North America’s First Digital Weekly Manga Anthology
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the first issue of the new digital manga
magazine Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, invites Southern California manga/anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts to a very special launch event for the new Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha) on Saturday, January 28th at the West Hollywood Library in Los Angeles, CA.

The event is FREE to attend and takes place between 2:00pm-5:00pm in the library’s Community Room. The West Hollywood Library is located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Additional library details are available at colapublib.org/libs/whollywood.

During the event, attendees will be able to preview the first issue of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha content on several iPads that will be available, meet VIZ Media staff, and take advantage of fun photo opportunities with the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, and Bleach’s Kon. Gift bags will be given away (while supplies last) and attendees can enter to win other fun prizes in a special raffle contest. Japanese snacks such as Pocky provided by Ezaki Glico USA and other refreshments will also be served while supplies last.
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Latest Action-Packed Ninja Adventures Straight From Japan To Stream For Fans Beginning With Episode 245
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: naruto.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes are now available
just an hour after their broadcast debut in Japan. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2002 Masashi Kishimoto/ 2007
Shippuden

VIZ Media has announced the simulcast of the latest episodes of the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (ナルト 疾風伝) on the Hulu Plus subscription service. Beginning January 19th, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to simulcast the latest episode of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in high-definition just an hour after broadcast debut in Japan. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Episode 245 (rated TV-14, subtitled) is now available and new episodes will be broadcast weekly.

Users of the free, ad-supported Hulu service will also be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments one week after their initial run on Hulu Plus; the episodes will also be available on the company’s own VIZAnime.com site.

In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventure, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast with Killer Bee as his new master. In order to do so, one must fight with the Tailed Beast’s head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power. Using the key entrusted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto unlocks the seal to release Nine Tails, and the battle between the two begins.
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Cover art for the upcoming UK DVD and Blu-ray editions of GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER. Photos courtesy of The Associates.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Source: The Associates press release
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)

GANTZ: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will be released on DVD (Region 2, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in the UK by Manga Entertainment on February 6th, 2012.

The sequel begins several months after the events of the first film. Kei Kurono (Ninomiya) is still fighting aliens under the order of Gantz and he is close to reaching the score he needs to resurrect his friend Masaru Kato (Matsuyama). As the missions begin to get increasingly dangerous for both the alien fighters and the general public, Kurono discovers that the endgame for Gantz is quickly approaching.
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Natural Disasters of High “MONSTER MAGNITUDE” Threaten Japan in New Novel
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

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

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

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

The Japan of MM9 is beset by natural disasters all the time: typhoons, earthquakes… and giant monster attacks. A special anti-monster unit called the Meteorological Agency Monsterological Measures Department (MMD) has been formed to deal with natural disasters of high “monster magnitude.” The work is challenging, the public is hostile, and the monsters are hungry, but the MMD crew has science, teamwork… and a legendary secret weapon on their side. Together, will try and save Japan, and the universe!
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: haremking.tv (Japan), funimation.com/high-school-dxd (US)
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Key art for HIGH SCHOOL DxD. © 2012 Ichiei Ishibumi ・
Miyama-Zero/ High School DxD Production Committee

FUNimation Entertainment recently announced that it has acquired the broadcast, home video, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HIGH SCHOOL DxD (ハイスクールD×D, Haisukuuru D×D, 2012). The anime is based on the Japanese light novel series written by Ichiei Ishibumi and illustrated by Miyama-Zero.

In HIGH SCHOOL DxD, Issei Hyodo is your average perverted high school student whose one wish in life is to have his own harem… but he’s got to be one of the unluckiest guys around. He goes on his first date with a girl only to get brutally attacked and killed when it turns out the girl is really a vicious fallen angel. To top it all off, he’s later reincarnated as a devil by his gorgeous senpai who tells him that she is also a devil and now his master! One thing’s for sure, his peaceful days are over. In a battle between devils and angels, who will win?

Simulcasts of HIGH SCHOOL DxD will be Mondays at 4pm CST, beginning January 23, 2012. FUNimation also plans to release the series on DVD and Blu-ray.
Continued…

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

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

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

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

Mei Misaki was cute, athletic and one of the most popular girls in her school. Why should a little thing like death change that? Now, 23 years after Mei’s mysterious demise, a new transfer student discovers that not only is his school’s student body one corpse short of a full roster, but that some secrets never leave high school. And what’s more, all of this may somehow be tied into his own family past.
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For A Limited Time Only, New Users Can Download VIZ Manga App And Receive Free Volume 1
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZManga iPad screenshot of Death Note. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003
Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/ Shueisha Inc.

If you’ve been hesitant about dipping your toes into the digital manga, now’s the perfect time to check out the VIZ Manga App! VIZ Media gives manga readers an added reason to explore the digital manga experience with a special promotion for new users of the VIZ Manga App for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices. From now until January 30th, download the FREE VIZ Manga App to your iOS device, register for a new account, and get a free volume 1 of your choice.

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.
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HD Release Goes on Sale May 22nd
Source: Media Blasters, Inc.
Special Thanks to Carl Morano

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

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

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

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

GAMERA THE BRAVE was previously released on DVD by Media Blasters’ Tokyo Shock label in December 2008. The upcoming Blu-ray edition, scheduled to street on May 22nd, will feature a new high-definition transfer provided by Kadokawa.
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/fairytail (Japan), funimation.com/fairy-tail (US)
Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee

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

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

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

Then, Erza’s tortured past returns to haunt her when estranged friends ambush a well-deserved vacation. Her team tracks them down to a looming tower where a possessed wizard close to Erza’s heart puts them in a sinister game of life or death!
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New Guide Offers Fans Essential Naruto Character Info As Well As Never-Before-Revealed Data And Secrets
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media has released the new book, Naruto: The
Official Character Data Book. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. Naruto [Hiden ・Sha-no Sho] © 2008 by
Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, opens the new year with the latest addition to its extensive library of Naruto titles. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is available now, offers essential information on key characters from the smash-hit action series, and includes 8 full-color pages. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

A ninja knows all! And now you can too! Here’s all the intel you need on who’s who in Naruto! The Official Character Data Book gives you all you need stay the expert on all things Naruto. Whether you’re catching up, brushing up, or just getting started with the goings-on in ninja world, this handy, huge guide covers the whole story all the way to Volume 43 of the best-selling manga series!

“Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is a treasure-trove of essential information that will be a must-read for both casual and die-hard Naruto fans,” says Joel Enos, Editor. “Inside these pages, you’ll find never-before revealed data, secrets, and even a few scandals involving your favorite, as well as most-hated, shinobi. And fans won’t want to miss a new manga tale from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto that you can’t find in English anywhere else!”
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The international cult classic BATTLE ROYALE will finally be released on Blu-ray and DVD in North America.
Photos courtesy of Anchor Bay Entertainment. © 2000 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

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

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

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

42 students, Three days, One survivor – No Escape. Welcome to the world of BATTLE ROYALE!
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Actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya in SPACE SHERIFF SHAIDER.
© 2011 Toei Co., Ltd.

Interview with Hiroshi Tsuburaya
Translation by: Tetsuya Shima
-The interviewer : 田神悠(Yu Tagami)
From the book : “宇宙刑事大全 -ギャバン・シャリバン・シャイダーの世界- (Uchuu Keiji Taizen -Gavan Sharivan Shaider no Sekai-)” ISBN4-575-29080-7
Publisher : 双葉社 (Futabasha)
Editors : 安藤幹夫＆スタジオハード(Mikio Ando & Studio Hard)

In the third installment of our Space Sheriff Spotlight, we present an interview with actor Hiroshi Tsuburaya (part of the Tsuburaya family) about his role as Space Sheriff Shaider.

-Please tell us why you wanted to become an actor.

I had been a volleyball player since I was in junior high school, and I was going to be a college volleyball player. At that time, I heard the audition for NOGIKU NO HAKA whose leading actress was Seiko Matsuda would be held. I got interested in it so I auditioned for the opposite role. After all, I failed just before the final selection, but I was fascinated by the tension-filled atmosphere of the audition. The strain I felt through the audition was different from the one that I felt during playing volleyball. That is the start of my professional career as an actor. For your information, the director of this movie was Shinichirou Sawai.
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Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Official Site: Always 3
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains plot details for a new movie.

Theatrical poster for ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 3.
© 2012 Always Sunset on Third Street ’64 Film Partners

Released in Japan in November 2005, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET (ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日, Always San-Chome no Yuhi) enjoyed a long theatrical run, won countless awards (including numerous Japan Academy Awards), and became one of the most successful films in recent memory. Two years later, the sequel, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 2 (ALWAYS 続・三丁目の夕日, Always Zoku San-Chome no Yuhi, 2007), surpassed the box office success of the original, capturing the hearts of audiences across the nation.

Five years later, the beloved characters of this popular franchise return to the big screen in ALWAYS- SUNSET ON 3RD STREET- 3 ALWAYS 三丁目の夕日’64, Always San-Chome no Yuhi ’64) — this time in 3D.

SciFi Japan is pleased to present an early look at the latest chapter in the smash hit ALWAYS movie series with photos and production notes provided by NTV. Toho will release the film to theaters across Japan on January 21, 2012.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: zero-tsukaima.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for FAMILIAR OF ZERO F. © F Tsukaima Production
Committee © 2012 Yamaguchinoboru Media Factory / Zero

Sentai Filmworks waves its magic wand and announces the acquisition of yet another eagerly awaited new anime series: FAMILIAR OF ZERO F (ゼロの使い魔F, Zero no Tsukaima F, 2012). Continuing the story introduced in the previous hit anime and manga series created by Noboru Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi himself handles the series composition, with director Yoshiaki Iwasaki (BEST STUDENT COUNCIL, LOVE HINA, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER) taking charge of the new 13 episode series, while Eiji Usatsuka’s original character designs are adapted once again by Masahiro Fujii (DREAM EATER MERRY, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER.)

Get ready to join spell challenged Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, whose luck with magic is so poor that she’s earned the nickname “Zero,” and Saito Chevalier de Hiraga, the unfortunate human Louise accidentally summoned while attempting to conjure up a familiar, in a set of mystifyingly mystical misadventures so mind-boggling mayhem prone that even the experienced staff of the Tristain Academy of Magic will end up wondering if they could possibly be real!
Continued…

Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

Key art for POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S. © 2009 Ichiro Sasaki

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

POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S will soon be available through many digital outlets, with a home video release on subtitled DVD in spring 2012.
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Masaru Kato (Kenichi Matsuyama) and Kei Kurono (Kazunari Ninomiya) in publicity art for GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
© Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

Author: Elliot Gay
Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US)
Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Photos: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, The Associates, Madman Entertainment
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Shio Toyoda

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

GANTZ and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER director Shinsuke
Sato. Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment.

Both GANTZ (前編, Gantsu, 2011) and its sequel, GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (前編 PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011), were directed by filmmaker and video game developer Shinsuke Sato. A graduate of Musashino University of The Arts, Sato first drew attention for writing and directing successful student films, before making his professional directorial debut with LOVE SONG (2001).

His second film, THE PRINCESS BLADE (修羅雪姫, Shura Yukihime, 2001), was released internationally, and he has directed such well-received movies as ALL ABOUT MY DOG (いぬのえいが, Inu no Eiga, 2005), SAND CLOCK (砂時計, Sunadokei, 2008) and the Japan Academy Prize-nominated animated feature OBLIVION ISLAND: HARUKA AND THE MAGIC MIRROR (ホッタラケの島 〜遥と魔法の鏡〜, Hottarake no Shima – Haruka to Maho no Kagami, 2009). Sato has also developed characters and storylines for video games, most notably TEKKEN 4 (2002).

SciFi Japan writer Elliot Gay recently spoke with Shinsuke Sato about his work on the two GANTZ films.
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Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha Free Preview Issues; DIGITAL WARP Continues for Bleach and One Piece
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for issue 0 of the new digital manga magazine
Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. © 2012 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media begins 2012 with a brand new update of manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The countdown to the January 30th debut of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha), North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine, continues with the debut of the free Weekly SJ Alpha “Issue Zero” and “Issue Origins.” Get a taste of Weekly SJ Alpha in “Issue Zero,” featuring the recently released-in-Japan chapters of Bakuman。, Bleach, Naruto, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, One Piece and Toriko. In “Issue Origins,” read where each story began in full first chapter previews, and see why millions of readers worldwide have fallen in love with these series.

Fans can now pre-order an annual subscription or gift a subscription to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha at SJ.viz.com/preorder. All preorders include entry to win a 16GB WiFi iPad 2. This special limited time promotion will end January 30th at 10AM Pacific.
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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.
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First Episode of Production I.G. Series Available to Stream Now in US and UK!
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: lag-rin.com (Japan), vizanime.com/lagrange (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Key art for LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE. Image courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 2012 Lagrange Project

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, excites anime fans with the announcement of the U.S. online simulcast premiere of the brand new series, LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE (輪廻のラグランジェ, Rinne no Raguranje, 2012), on VIZAnime.com the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the free, ad-supported Hulu service and in high-definition on the Hulu Plus subscription service. The first episode (subtitled) is available now with new installments scheduled to debut each Sunday!

In addition, Kazé SAS will be the official partner in the United Kingdom for the simulcast of LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE. Episode 1 is now available on anime-on-demand.com, with new episodes debuting every Sunday.

LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE just launched on Japanese television on January 8th, and is produced by Studio XEBEC (BROKEN BLADE, MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, FAFNER), created by the famed animation studio, Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL S.A.C., SEHGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS), and directed by Tatsuo Sato (MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO, NINJA SCROLL: THE SERIES, STELLVIA). The robots are designed in collaboration with Nissan Motor Co., LTD’s creative team, chosen from more than 60 designs from an internal Nissan design competition.
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Arrietty fends off a threatening insect. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Production Details for the Studio Ghibli Animated Feature
Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

The animated feature ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) was another smash hit for Studio Ghibli, topping the Japanese box office for 2010. Based on Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers, ARRIETTY is now being released theatrically in two major English language markets; Madman Entertainment will open the film in Australian cinemas on January 12, 2012, and Walt Disney Studios will release it in North America as THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on February 17.

The following English language press notes for ARRIETTY are courtesy of Madman Entertainment.
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The main characters of the new supernatural anime, INU X BOKU S.S. © 2012 Cocoa Fujiwara/ Square Enix

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

Sentai Filmworks takes a supernaturally tinged twist as the company unveils its most recent acquisition, the supernaturally charged suspense drama INU X BOKU S.S. (妖狐×僕SS, Inu Boku Siikuretto Saabisu, 2012). Based on the hit manga of the same name by Cocoa Fujiwara (dear), the 12 episode mystical drama marks episodic director and storyboard artist Naokatsu Tsuda’s (LEVEL E, SQUID GIRL, BENTO) first turn as a series director, supported by series composition from Saizo Nemoto (TOWANOQUON, TOKYO MAJIN 2) and character designs adapted from Fujiwara’s originals by Haruko Iizuka (SISTERS OF WELBER).

INU X BOKU S.S. will debut on digital platforms and television starting in early 2012 to be followed by DVD and Blu-Ray later in the year.
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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.
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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.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: hichika-ichika.com
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for WAITING IN THE SUMMER. © 2012 I＊Chi＊Ka/
Summer Town Production Committee

Sentai Filmworks is very proud to announce the acquisition of the eagerly awaited new anime WAITING IN THE SUMMER (あの夏で待ってる, Ano Natsu de Matteru, 2012), which is already drawing considerable buzz due to its re-pairing of several already highly successful creative partnerships.

Legendary anime writer Yōsuke Kuroda (EXCEL SAGA, HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD, PUNI PUNI PEOMY) reteams with his PLEASE TEACHER!/PLEASE TWINS collaborator, original character designer Taraku Uon (READ OR DIE TV and OVA), while director Tatsuyuki Nagai (TORADORA, HONEY & CLOVER II) reunites with his TORADORA/ANO HI MITA HANA collaborator, character designer Masayoshi Tanaka (also HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD), to produce a unique 12 episode anime series that takes a rather different view of the classic teen romance genre.

Lights! Camera! Teen Angst! When a group of friends decide to make a movie over a long summer holiday, they end up learning a little about filmmaking and a lot more about each other and themselves. What begins as a simple way to avoid the summer doldrums quickly turns into something much more complex, intimate and revealing, as the maturing relationships between the members of the young cast take on new, and sometimes very unexpected, turns.
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Get Your Passport Today for Chance to Win Tickets to the Red Carpet Premiere Event in Los Angeles
Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS will
screen at this year’s AM² convention. Pre-register now
for a chance to win two tickets to the film’s red carpet
premiere. © 2011 Hiromu Arakawa/ Hagaren the Movie

2012′s highly-anticipated animation, music and manga convention in Southern California, AM² (June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hotels) continues to bring more fun to fans with the screening of the long-awaited FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS (鋼の錬金術師 嘆きの丘（ミロス）の聖なる星, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Mirosu no Sei-naru Hoshi, 2011) to this year’s event! Passport purchasers will also have a chance to attend the official premiere event in Los Angeles on January 20, 2012.

Passport purchasers will be automatically entered into the AM² Pre-Registration contest to potentially win two (2) tickets to the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS Red Carpet Premiere Event. It will be a night of entertainment for fans of the popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST franchise featuring an opportunity to walk the carpet, movie presentation, and a Q & A with both the Japanese director Kazuya Murata and the US Director Mike McFarland as well as members of the US voice cast including Vic Mignogna and BONES president, Masahiko Minami.

“We are working hard to bring you (the fans) the best in anime, manga and music entertainment from Asia”, states Chase Wang AM² representative, “Whether you are a casual or hard-core fan, we hope you will joins us for this truly amazing and fun fan event filled with anime, manga, j-rock, j-pop, cosplay and more!”
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A tiny girl befriends a young boy in the Studio Ghibli animated feature THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. NYICFF will have a preview screening in NYC
before the film opens nationwide in the United States. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Source: GKIDS Inc. press release
Official Event Site: gkids.tv/intheaters
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

NYICFF (New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival) is thrilled to present a special preview screening of Studio Ghibli’s THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010), based on Mary Norton’s classic children’s book The Borrowers. Co-written by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Miyazaki protégé Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film is a gorgeous and entertaining treat – a beautiful story, sumptuously animated with all the loving detail, warmth, and humanity we have come to expect from Studio Ghibli’s finest works. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is currently certified 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

The screening will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 21st at Symphony Space in New York City. This event is expected to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: jcstaff.co.jp/maho-shokai
Special Thanks to David Williams

The magical anime series SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS will soon be available for
streaming and DVD. © 2002 Norie Yamada/ Kadokawa/ PNDTK/ TV Asahi

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the anime classic SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS (魔法遣いに大切なこと, Maho Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto, 2003). Based on the hit manga by Kumichi Yoshizuki and Norie Yamada (originally released in North America by Tokyo Pop,) and with script supervision by co-creator Yamada, the twelve episode series was directed by Masami Shimoda (BOYS BE, 11 EYES, POLYPHONICA) with character design adaptations by Michinori Chiba and Nobue Yoshinaga.

When can flunking a spelling test cause major problems? When you’re learning how to use magic, of course! And that’s exactly the situation fifteen-year-old Yume Kikuchi finds herself in when she travels to Tokyo to begin her apprenticeship as a licensed magic user. Unfortunately, Yume’s a country girl in the big city for the first time and there are a lot of new-fangled ideas to get used to.
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