Source: Section23 Films
Official Movie Site: shin-toho.com/oni (Japan)
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff

DVD cover art for THE DEVIL’S FEAST. Photo courtesy
of Section23 Films. © 2007 Shin-Toho Pictures Co.,Ltd.

Switchblade Pictures has tied up the rights to THE DEVIL’S FEAST (鬼の花宴, Oni no Kaen, 2007), the suspense and shibari erotic thriller from the late, internationally acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Oniroku Dan (Flower and Snake, Rope Hell, Lady Black Rose). Widely considered to be Japan’s greatest master of dark erotica, Dan, who passed away in May of 2011, wrote over two hundred novels over his career, as well as the screenplays for many of Japan’s most successful and influential features, being especially known his popularization of the Japanese rope-bondage art of Shibari.

Directed by Kenji Hanyu from an adaption by Hiroshi Yoshino, THE DEVIL’S FEAST was distributed theatrically in Japan by Shintoho and stars Chihiro Koganezaki (CRUEL RESTAURANT,) Yuya Matsuura (ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA,) Hitoshi Kajiki (RINKO 18) and famed AV model Arisa Matsumoto.

THE DEVIL’S FEAST will begin home video release on subtitled DVD July 31st, 2012.
Continued…

Enter SciFi Japan’s new contest for a chance to win free copies of Directory of World Cinema: Japan, World Film Locations: Tokyo
and Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2 from Intellect Books. © 2010-2012 Intellect

New Contest for Gift Pack of Directory of World Cinema: Japan Volumes 1 and 2 plus World Film Locations: Tokyo
Official Site: intellectbooks.co.uk
Special Thanks to James Campbell and John Berra

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

On April 15th, Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2 will be released in America. To celebrate this latest installment in their Directory of World Cinema series, publisher Intellect Books is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win one of three Japanese cinema book sets including Directory of World Cinema: Japan 2, the original volume of Directory of World Cinema: Japan and World Film Locations: Tokyo.

Each of these excellent film studies books would be a worthwhile addition to any Japanese movie aficionado’s library. And here’s your chance to win all three for free!
Continued…

VIZ Media has acquired the North American rights for the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC anime film trilogy.
© Kentaro Miura (Studio Gaga), Hakuensha/Berserk Film Partners

Arms and Armor Action Clash in Three Visceral Anime Films About a Young Medieval Mercenary
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: berserkfilm.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has acquired the North American theatrical, TV, home entertainment, digital and merchandising rights for the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC (ベルセルク 黄金時代篇) animated movie trilogy. The company made the licensing announcement during its panel held at Sakura Con 2012 this past weekend.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy was produced in Japan by Studio 4ºC and is based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga series created by Kentaro Miura. VIZ Media plans to release the first film of the trilogy, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING (ベルセルク 黄金時代篇Ⅰ 覇王の卵, Berserk Oogon Jidai-Hen I: Haoo no Tamago, 2012), in the Fall of 2012.
Continued…

Company Signs Deals for JORMUNGAND, LUPIN III, IS THIS A ZOMBIE? and THE FUTURE DIARY
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Lupin the Third returns after a quarter century with LUPIN III ～MINE FUJIKO
TO IU ONNA～.　© Original: Monkey Punch

On Saturday, FUNimation Entertainment announced at Anime Boston it has acquired simulcast rights to three new anime series.

Part 1 of JORMUNGAND (ヨルムンガンド) will air in April 2012 with the second part scheduled for October 2012. The classic Lupin the Third franchise is back with the new series LUPIN III ～MINE FUJIKO TO IU ONNA～ (LUPIN THE THIRD ～峰不二子という女～). And IS THIS A ZOMBIE? continues into a second season with IS THIS A ZOMBIE? OF THE DEAD (これはゾンビですか? オブザデッド, Kore wa Zonbi Desu ka? Obu za Deddo).

FUNimation Entertainment has also acquired additional home video rights to THE FUTURE DIARY (未来日記, Mirai Nikki).
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Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: funimation.com/mobile
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

Intro screen for the new FUNimation Mobile
App. Image courtesy of FUNimation
Entertainment. © 2011 FUNimation
Productions, Ltd.

At Sakuracon on Friday, April 6th, FUNimation Entertainment announced its first-ever mobile application created with Phunware, the leader in enterprise branded mobile application infrastructure and experiences. The app, which is available exclusively on the iTunes App Store and Google Play, will allow users to watch over 250 of their favorite anime series and movies right in the palm of their hand!

Users can take the vast FUNimation catalog everywhere on iPhone, iPod touch, and Android devices. There are two versions of the mobile app available. The free app will allow users to view intro episodes, clips, and trailers. It will also contain commercials and banner ads.

The FUNimation paid app will have a one-time fee of $9.99 for access to thousands of hours of anime, including complete series. The paid app will contain commercials, but exclude banner ads.

In addition, Fans with an Elite Video Subscription can link their account to either app for exclusive content and no advertisements. The Elite Video Subscription is available for a monthly subscription of $7.95.
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Haruka Ayase plays a junior high school boys volleyball coach who finds a controversial method to motivate her team in OPPAI VOLLEYBALL.
Photo courtesy of NTV. © 2009 “Oppai Volleyball” Film Partners

A Beautiful Young Coach Inspires Her Team with “Boobs Volleyball”
Source: NTV (Nippon Television Network)
Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/opv
Special Thanks to Asuka Kimura and Tzeling Huang

English language international promo art for OPPAI
VOLLEYBALL. Photo courtesy of NTV. © 2009 “Oppai
Volleyball” Film Partners

1979, Kitakyushu. Shortly after accepting her new junior high school teaching position, Mikako Terajima (Haruka Ayase), who has become advisor to the inept boys of the volleyball team, makes an extraordinary promise to show them her boobs (Oppai) if they win a game. Mikako has mixed feelings about the boob promise, but the members wholeheartedly want to see her boobs and practice with feverish intensity, gaining strength as if they had become different people. What fate befalls Mikako in the face of this conflict?!

With a title like OPPAI VOLLEYBALL (おっぱいバレー, Oppai Baree, 2009), it seems that this must be fiction, but in fact it is based on a true story. The novel was written by Munenori Mizuno, a screenwriter. When first published, the title of this surprisingly moving novel led to it receiving an extraordinary amount of support from readers, and a strong desire to see it adapted to film. The time period and setting were changed for the film, but the spirit of the deeply moving original remains the same. The foolish but lovable pubescent boys of the junior high school are obsessed with boobs, and are portrayed in a very refreshing manner. The story takes on the new form of the personal growth of Mikako and the boys as they pursue their shared objective with absolute fervor. Director Eiichiro Hasumi states that both genders and all ages have experienced this time of youth, and has created a heroine that truly evokes a sense of this in all of us.
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FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS Available on June 12th
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 June slate of releases. Packed with top titles by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks, including FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS, K-ON! and TOWANOQUON, June promises to make this the hottest summer on record!

Also scheduled for the month are DVD editions of GOLGO 13 COLLECTION 4, KURENAI COMPLETE COLLECTION and MARIA HOLIC ALIVE! COMPLETE COLLECTION, plus the live action erotic adventure SULTRY ASSASSIN – THE APHRODISIAC KILL from Switchblade Pictures.

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

FUNimation will soon begin simulcasts of SANKAREA, the anime adaptation of the romantic comedy zombie manga.　© Mitsuru Hattori ・ Kodansha/ Sankarea Partners

Company Licenses SANKAREA and SHANGRI-LA Anime Series
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Anime Sites (Japan): tbs.co.jp/sankarea, mxtv.co.jp/shangrila
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

FUNimation Entertainment announced today at Sakuracon it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, mobile, and streaming rights to 2 anime series: SANKAREA and SHANGRI-LA. In addition, FUNimation has acquired the simulcasts rights for SANKAREA. The simulcast will begin on niconico.com/anime and funimation.comduring spring 2012.
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First Episode Available Today on VIZAnime.com and Hulu
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: accel-world.net (Japan), vizanime.com/accel-world (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The new anime series ACCEL WORLD debuts today in Japan
and the US. Image courtesy of VIZ Media. © Reki Kawahara/
ASCII Media Works/ AW Project

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, adds another hot new title to its anime arsenal with the announcement of the subtitled, simulcast premiere of ACCEL WORLD (アクセル・ワールド, Akuseru Waarudo, 2012). The new sci-fi fantasy series (rated TV-14,) launches today — the same day it debuts in Japan — on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well on the free, ad-supported Hulu service and the Hulu Plus subscription service. Brand new installments of the 24-episode series are scheduled to premiere on the outlets every Friday.

The year is 2046. Haruyuki Arita is a young boy who finds himself on the lowest social rungs of his school. Ashamed of his miserable life, Haruyuki can only cope by indulging in virtual games. But that all changes when Kuroyukihime, the most popular girl in school, introduces him to a mysterious program called Brain Burst and a virtual reality called the Accel World.
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The horror anime SHIKI will be released in a pair of Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs on May 29th. . Images courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment.
© Fuyumi Ono, Ryu Fujisaki /Shueisha, SHI KI Committee

Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Site: okiagari.net (Japan), funimation.com/shiki (US)
Special Thanks to Tim Baxter

On May 29th, FUNimation Entertainment will release two Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs of SHIKI (屍鬼, 2010), the psychological thriller that will send you to bed with a cross in hand. Based on the horror novel by writer Fuyumi Ono (12 Kingdoms, Ghost Hunt), the animated series was directed by Tetsuro Amino (MACROSS 7, MOBILE SUIT SD GUNDAM FESTIVAL) and produced by Aniplex (BLACK BUTLER, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST).
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: mahoro-matic.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Key art for the anime special MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME! © Nakayama ・ Ditama /
Wani Books ・Mahoro Special Edition Production Committee

Sentai Filmworks is happy to announce that it has licensed MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME! (まほろまてぃっく ただいま◇おかえり, Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri, 2009). Featuring a screenplay by Tatsuhiko Urata (A-CHANNEL, ARIA THE NATURAL) and character designs by Kazuhiro Takamura (HE IS MY MASTER, STRIKE WITCHES), these two special episodes are the perfect morsel for those wanting just a little bit more of the unforgettable Mahoro.

MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME! will be available soon through multiple digital outlets, with a home video release on DVD this summer, featuring an English dub by Bang Zoom Entertainment.
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Two Full Length POKÉMON Films Packaged as a Special 2-Disc DVD Set!
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/Pokemon
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK AND POKÉMON
THE MOVIE: WHITE. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2012
Pokémon. © 1997-2011 PIKACHU PROJECT.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a special POKÉMON movie double feature set, including the latest POKÉMON films, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM. The 2-Disc DVD set is now available under the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN. Both movies are rated ‘A’ for All Ages.

When Ash and his friends enter a battle competition in Eindoak Town, they meet the Mythical Pokémon Victini, who becomes their newest friend. But disaster strikes when the misguided wanderer Damon seizes Victini for his own plans! Can Ash prove himself a hero and earn the help of the Legendary Reshiram — or Zekrom — to rescue Victini and save Eindoak Town? Two legends and two versions of the story!

“This special release includes the latest POKÉMON feature films that will thrill fans with exciting new adventures from the Pokémon Black & White story arc,” says Lyn Johnson, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “We look forward to fans of all ages enjoying twice the POKÉMON adventure in this fun new release from our VIZ Kids imprint!”
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Mill Creek is now offering customers complimentary GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS replacement Blu-rays with corrected subtitles on both the film and bonus features.
Image courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 1999 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

Mill Creek Offering New Discs with Improved Subtitles
Source: Mill Creek Entertainment

Last Fall, Mill Creek Entertainment released the fan-favorite Japanese monster movie GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (ガメラ3 邪神〈イリス〉覚醒, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999) on Blu-ray, both as a single disc and as part of a GAMERA TRILOGY Collector’s Edition set. The bargain priced (SRP: $9.98) release — packed with nearly 3 hours of Gamera bonus features — was unfortunately marred by subtitling problems, including subs which were out of sync with spoken dialogue and onscreen text. Mill Creek began offering complimentary replacement Blu-rays in January, but stopped mailing copies after realizing the initial batch also had faulty subs.

Now the fully corrected discs are in stock and Mill Creek has started shipping GAMERA 3 replacement Blu-rays with the improved subtitles on both the film and extras.
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The two feature film adventures of Osamu Tezuka’s Unico are coming to DVD in North America. © Sanrio Co., Ltd. /Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

Source: Discotek Media

On May 15th, Discotek Media will release the two UNICO animated feature films on DVD. Based on a manga the legendary “God of Manga” Osamu Tezuka (ASTRO BOY, KIMBA) created for Sanrio’s Ririka magazine, this is the story of a little unicorn whose power to make anyone happy angers the gods. Condemned to wander endlessly with no home and no memories, Unico’s cheerfulness and kindness provide lessons in living in the moment in these heartrending but uplifting fables.
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Seinen Sci-Fi Anime Adventure Based on Manga by Acclaimed Creator Masakazu Katsura
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: zetman.jp (Japan), vizanime.com/zetman (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Key artwork for the new anime series ZETMAN. Image
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2012 Masakazu Katsura/
Shueisha · Zetman Project 2012

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, is proud to announce the online simulcast debut of the gritty new sci-fi anime action series ZETMAN (ゼットマン, Zettoman, 2012) on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the free, ad-supported Hulu service and the Hulu Plus subscription service.

ZETMAN is rated ‘TV-MA’ for Mature Audiences, and is based on a popular seinen manga series by Masakazu Katsura, who also created Video Girl Ai and I”s (both published in North America by VIZ Media) and was the character designer for the hit anime TIGER & BUNNY (also available on VIZAnime.com). The anime series, presented in Japanese with English subtitles, launched in U.S. the same day as it debuts in Japan; Episode 1 is now streaming and a new episode will be available each Monday.

“What is justice? What is hope? What does it mean to be strong? What does it mean to be human? ZETMAN ponders these questions and offers some surprising action-packed answers,” says Brian Ige, Vice President, Animation at VIZ Media. “Tune in each week for a brand new episode to follow the remarkable changes that ensue after Jin Kanzaki meets a super-powered bloodthirsty killer!”
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Updates the Classic ‘80s Sci-fi Epic For A Whole New Generation of Fans
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: vizkids.com/voltronforce
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Voltron Force Volume 1: Shelter from
the Storm. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © World
Events Productions. Under license to Classic Media.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, debuts today the riveting outer space action of Voltron Force, in a new graphic novel series that complements the animated series currently airing on Nicktoons. Voltron Force Volume 1: Shelter from the Storm, under the VIZ Kids imprint, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

VOLTRON is a hugely successful brand that is recognized globally ever since it was introduced in the early 1980’s. Season one of VOLTRON FORCE debuted on Nicktoons in 2011 and was the highest rated premiere ever for the network. The new series is a continuation of the classic ‘80s cartoon, VOLTRON: DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE, with updated storylines and characters for a whole new generation.

VIZ Media’s graphic novels are all-new, original adventures featuring Larmina, Daniel and Vince, the Voltron Force cadets. In the first volume of the series, Shelter from the Storm, the evil King Lotor and his villainous minion Maahox unleash a horrifying storm, churning with evil energy. When Daniel, Larmina and Vince are sucked into the vortex, their worst nightmares come true!
Continued…

Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: am2con.org
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

Three-day attendees to AM² will have a chance to win
free tickets to see STEREOPONY in concert. © Sony
Music Records, Inc.

Fans of Japanese music are fully aware of the amazing musical groups that was brought to the U.S. by the most anticipated anime, manga and music Summer convention, AM², and will flock to purchase 3-Day Passports for the upcoming 2012 event held June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hilton as random attendees will be awarded two (2) tickets for one of the upcoming STEREOPONY U.S. Tour concerts! More info can be found at am2con.org.

STEREOPONY is a Japanese all-girl rock band that formed in Okinawa in 2007 and will be attending their first Sakura-Con. Consisting of AIMI (Vocal/Guitar), NOHANA (Bass), and SHIHO (Drums) the band gained their first opportunity on the Japanese rock radio program SCHOOL OF LOCK!

STEROPONY should be well known to many anime fans as the artists behind several notable anime themes. Their debut single “Hitohira No Hanabira” was the 17th ending theme for the famous anime series BLEACH; released on November 5, 2008 and ranked #25 on the Oricon Weekly Charts. Their 2nd single “Namida No Muko” was the second opening theme for the second season of the Sunrise series MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00; and achieved #2 in the Oricon charts.

STEREOPONY has toured internationally and experienced great success in the Oricon charts. In March 2009, the girls performed in SXSW 2009, and received a thunderous ovation.
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The digital bookstore Android app SUGOI BOOKS has added three hit manga titles. Peace Maker © Nanae Chrono, Mag Garden.
Elemental Gelade © Mayumi Azuma, Mag Garden. Ilegenes © Mizuna Kuwabara, Kachiru Ishizue, Mag Garden.

Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions press release
Official Site: sugoisugoi.com
Special Thanks to Chase Wang

On April 2nd, NEC BIGLOBE, Ltd. (BIGLOBE), one of Japan’s leading internet service providers, announced that its digital bookstore Android app SUGOI BOOKS now carries Peace Maker, Elemental Gelade, and Ilegenes.

Since it was launched in April 2011, SUGOI BOOKS has stocked over a thousand titles, including English translated manga, Western comic books, Japanese magazines, and graphic novels. SUGOI BOOKS now delivers more excitement to worldwide manga fans via its Android-based storefront application.
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Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Movie Site: kunoichi-movie.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

English promotional art. © 2011 The Kunoichi Partners

Sentai Filmworks stealthily announces their acquisition of the new martial arts thriller THE KUNOICHI (女忍, Kunoichi, 2011). Directed by Seiji Chiba (ALIEN VS NINJA) and with fight choreography by GANTZ- The Live Action’s Kensuke Sonomura, the feature is the third starring vehicle for beautiful Japanese Karate champion Rina Takeda, who at only 19 years old has already landed continuing roles in two Japanese TV series and looks posed to become a major action superstar. Opposite Takeda as the opposing forces are male leads Mituski Koga, who starred in Chiba’s previous features, ALIEN VS NINJA and EVIL NINJA, pop singer Yuichi Sato of the Purboys, and Kentaro Shimazu (OUTRAGE); while Takeda’s fellow female cast members include popular actress/singer Shiho Fujisawa (SAYANARA COLOR).

THE KUNOICHI will soon be available digitally through many outlets, with a home video release later this year on DVD.
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The FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD OVA COLLECTION presents untold tales of FMA characters like Izumi Curtis.
Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Hiromu Arakawa/ FA Project, MBS

Untold Tales Revealed in Original Video Animation Set Coming May 22nd
Source: FUNimation Entertainment
Official Site: animax-asia.com/FMAB (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood (US)
Special Thanks to Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee

Packaging for the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
OVA COLLECTION. Image courtesy of FUNimation
Entertainment. © Hiromu Arakawa/ FA Project, MBS

Amazing secrets and startling facts are exposed for the first time in the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD OVA COLLECTION (鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Furumetaru Arukemisuto), a new selection of stories set in never-before-seen corners of the FMA universe. Starting April 24th, FUNimation Entertainment will release the OVA COLLECTION in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on May 22nd.

Join Ed and Al as they chase rumors of successful human transmutation into a web of shocking family drama and lies. Sneak a glance at hidden sides of Winry and Hawkeye’s personalities. Survive the frigid north with a young Izumi Curtis as she fights to gain a deeper understanding of alchemy. Explore the legendary friendship shared by Mustang and Hughes and watch them grow from military school rivals into hardened brothers transformed by the horrors of the Ishvalan War.

You thought you knew the whole story. You thought all the tales were told. You were wrong.
Continued…

Source: Terracotta Distribution
Official Site: terracottafestival.com
Special Thanks to Claire Marty

The 4th annual Terracotta Far East Film Festival is set to run April 12th -15th and will once again be hosted by Prince Charles Cinema in the heart of London’s Chinatown.

The Terracotta Far East Film Festival returns to London this month. Image
courtesy of Terracotta Distribution. © 2012 Terracotta Distribution

With a stunning line-up of films hand-picked from the best of the region, encompassing diverse genres from comedy to drama to horror and everything in between, the festival will continue to hold exclusive Q&As, masterclasses and fabulous parties.

As with every edition, the programme is balanced with the major film producing territories and main genres and this year, a new concept of ‘themes’ illustrates the diversity. This year, there will be a focus on Taiwan, given the strength of output in recent years. Most cineastes will be familiar with the works of Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao-hsien and Ang Lee already and Terracotta Festival are delighted to host the UK Premiere for SEEDIQ BALE by emerging director Wei Te-sheng (CAPE NO. 7). Rising star Da Ching, lead actor of the film, will be attending the festival and the Official Party on the Saturday night will be Taiwanese themed.

This year also sees the introduction of two new strands: a TERROR COTTA Horror Night Triple Bill (Friday 13th April) to replace the single late night horror film slot which has proved popular. The second new strand is the ‘Breakfast Club’ on Sunday morning which will be launched with a double bill of exclusive Korean comedies and delicious Kimbap.
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DVD cover art for the Marvel anime series IRON MAN and X-MEN. Images courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. © 2011 Superhero Anime Partners.

Each Set Includes 12 Episodes Plus New Bonus Features
Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Click Communications
Special Thanks to Dre Birskovich

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Marvel Animation release the IRON MAN ANIME and X-MEN ANIME on DVD April 24th. With 12 episodes and bonus features in each DVD, bring home the action and adventures of Iron Man and the X-Men in the classic anime style. Guided by New York Times best-selling author Warren Ellis (Iron Man: Extremis, Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis) and produced by Madhouse (BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE) for Marvel Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the distributor.
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The second season of the anime series PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE will soon be available in North America. © 2011 Sunrise/ NHK · NEP

Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: phibrain.net, nhk/anime/phibrain (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

Sentai Filmworks announces it has added Season 2 of the new adventure series PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE (ファイ・ブレイン 神のパズル, Fai Burein Kami no Pazuru, 2012) from famed director and manga creator Junichi Sato (SAILOR MOON, SERGEANT FROG, PRETEAR, ARIA), and legendary anime studio SUNRISE (MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM, COWBOY BEBOP, SORCERER HUNTERS, DIRTY PAIR, ESCAFLOWNE). Season 2 takes the outstanding 25 episodes of Season 1 and builds from there with another 25 action-packed episodes.
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Two Family Films from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli
Source: Discotek Media
Official Site: ghibli-museum.jp/panda (Japan)

DVD cover art for PANDA! GO PANDA! Photo courtesy
of Discotek Media. © TMS Entertainment, Ltd.

PANDA! GO PANDA!, one of the early works of Studio Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, will be released on Region 1 DVD by Discotek Media on April 17th. The DVD includes both short anime movies: PANDA! GO PANDA! (パンダ・コパンダ, Panda Kopanda, 1972) and THE RAINY-DAY CIRCUS (パンダ・コパンダ 雨降りサー スの巻, Panda Kopanda: Amefuri Circus no Maki, 1973).

In 1972, the Chinese government loaned a pair of giant pandas to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, sparking a wave of “panda fever” across Japan. The craze inspired Hayao Miyazaki (MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, SPIRITED AWAY), who created the premise, wrote the screenplays, and did character designs, layouts and key animation for the PANDA! GO PANDA! films. Both movies were directed by Isao Takahata (GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES, POM POKO) and produced by TMS Entertainment, Ltd. They were released theatrically in Japan as part of the “Toho Champion Festivals”, where they screened as co-features with Godzilla movies.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Official Site: j-hatsukoi.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to David Williams

© 2009 Mizuki Kawashita/ Shueisha Inc.

Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the licensing of HATSUKOI LIMITED (初恋限定。, Hatsukoi Gentei, 2009), the 12 episode series that proves love really is all around, even when you aren’t expecting it! Based on the manga by Mizuki Kawashita (Ichigo 100%), the series features direction by Yoshiki Yamakaw (BABY, PLEASE KILL ME!), character designs by Tomoyuki Shitaya (KIMKISS: PURE ROUGE, MAYO CHIKIi!) and music by Nijine (MASHITROIRO SYMPHONY, IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA).

Romance is a funny thing: you hear about it, read about and dream about it, but it always seems to elude you. Until it actually happens, in a way you never imagined it, and knocks you off your feet! At least, that’s how it feels to young Ayumi and her friends, as one by one, they discover that love is infectious and you can catch it from anyone!

HATSUKOI LIMITED will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
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PLANZET Available on May 22nd
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 May slate of releases; including PLANZET, a science fiction tale of invasion, human struggle and survival. PLANZET will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Also scheduled for May are DVD editions of THE BOOK OF BANTORRA COLLECTION 1, PSYCHIC SQUAD COLLECTION 1 and GET BACKERS COMPLETE COLLECTION, and DVD and Blu-ray editions of GUIN SAGA COMPLETE COLLECTION and GINTAMA THE MOTION PICTURE.

Read on for plot descriptions, DVD and Blu-ray specs, and cover art for all of these titles.
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Source: Famous Monsters of Filmland
Special Thanks to Ed Blair

The Japanese sci-fi special Famous Monsters of Filmland Issue
262 features another fantastic cover by Bob Eggleton. Image
courtesy of Famous Monsters of Filmland. ©2011 Philip Kim.

Japanese giant monsters and science fiction once again take center stage in Famous Monsters of Filmland Issue 262, the July/August 2012 edition of the legendary monster movie magazine launched by the late, great Forrest J. Ackerman.

FM Executive Editor Ed Blair has provided the cover art and details on the issue…

Back to the Land of the Rising Sun as we dig deeper into the history of Japan’s greatest monster and Sci-Fi films. From GODZILLA and GAMERA to VARAN and latest installments of SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, 262 is going to be huge! With cover by Bob Eggleton. This is the one and ONLY cover for issue 262. Ships in June.

Famous Monsters of Filmland Issue 262 is now available for pre-order from captainco.com. The retail price is $9.99.

Genkaku Picasso, The Prince of Tennis and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Join the Extensive VIZ Manga Digital Library
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZ.com/apps
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for The Prince of Tennis Vol. 1. Photo courtesy
of VIZ Media. © 1999 Takeshi Konomi/ Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media continues to stir the imaginations of fans across North America with the latest announcement of a second update for the month of March featuring four new manga series set to debut on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The newest update commences on Monday, March 26th and features the digital launch of the surreal art-adventure of Genkaku Picasso, the on- and off-court sports action of The Prince of Tennis, and the tense high-speed drama of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s. The new properties join six other VIZ Media manga titles that also launched earlier this month on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.
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First Film in New Trilogy from Creator of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME
Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications
Special Thanks to Leif Hellend and Alan Amman

Advance poster art for TAI CHI 0. Image courtesy of
MPRM Communications. © 2012 Huayi Brothers & Taihe
Film Investment Co., Ltd.

Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights (theatrical, non-theatrical, home video, television, digital/electronic) to TAI CHI 0 (太極之零開始), the first in a planned trilogy of films from Chen Kuofu, the producer of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME. Directed by Stephen Fung with Sammo Hung (IP MAN 2) serving as Action Director, TAI CHI 0 stars William Feng, Eddie Peng and Angelababy. The film was acquired from Huayi Brothers Media in a deal negotiated between Leslie Chen on behalf of the company, and Doris Pfardrescher, President of Well Go USA Entertainment. The film will be released in the US and Canada in early 2013.

“We are very pleased to have secured rights to this exciting new film from Huayi Brothers, one of Asia’s biggest distributors of pop culture hits,” said Doris Pfardrescher. “We believe it will resonate with a wide variety of audiences in North America, from fan boys to moviegoers who love Asian-action films and world cinema.”

“It is our pleasure to work with Well Go USA for one of our most exciting titles for 2012,” said Leslie Chen of Huayi Brothers Media. “We believe that together we will bring a brand new kind of martial arts film experience to the North American audience.”
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Australian DVD and Blu-ray cover art for the Studio Ghibli animated feature ARRIETTY. Photos courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

Source: Madman Entertainment
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)

Studio Ghibli’s animated feature ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) is scheduled for a May 23rd home video launch in Australia and New Zealand. Distributor Madman Entertainment will release the film on both Blu-ray and DVD.

Based on the beloved children’s book The Borrowers by Mary Norton, ARRIETTY topped the Japanese box office and toured Australia nationwide, including screenings at the Japanese Film Festival. Madman’s ARRIETTY Blu-ray and DVD will include both the original Japanese audio track and the English dub by Optimum Releasing. Different from the English track created by Walt Disney Studios for the film’s US release, the Optimum dub features Saoirse Ronan (ATONEMENT, LOVELY BONES, HANNA) as Arrietty, Tom Holland (BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL) as Sho and Mark Strong (SHERLOCK HOLMES, GREEN LANTERN, JOHN CARTER) as Pod.
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