Source: Netflix press release
Special Thanks to Sophia Shin
Netflix and Skydance have announced a new anime series based on the globally successful TERMINATOR franchise, the first animated TV adaptation of the franchise. The series is produced in partnership with Production I.G (GHOST IN THE SHELL: SAC_2045, B: THE BEGINNING) who Netflix has a Production Line Deal with since 2018.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: tohostage.com/spirited_away
Special Thanks to Sarah Allen
Toho Co., Ltd. is delighted to announce the world premiere of a new theatrical production based on Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning film SPIRITED AWAY (千と千尋の神隠し, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi). This production will be the first ever stage adaptation of the 2001 animated masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki which became a massive box office hit in Japan and earned worldwide acclaim including Academy Award for Best Animated Feature of 2002. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning director and Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, John Caird (Les Misérables, Nicholas Nickleby, Daddy Long Legs), who has been an admirer of the film for years will write and direct the stage adaptation
Chihiro, the heroine of the story, is a 10-year-old girl moving with her parents to their new home. They lose themselves in a mysterious world of fantastic spirits, ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba, who turns Chihiro’s parents into pigs. After a series of bizarre and dangerous challenges, including the loss of her identity, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange place and return to the human world. The story of her struggle and resilience is a timeless gift to all of us, but especially to those striving to live through these present difficult times.
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Source: Crunchyroll press release
Official Site: godzilla.com, store.crunchyroll.com/collections/cr-loves-godzilla
Special Thanks to Amanda Geraldo
Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, and Toho International, Inc., the subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., Ltd, are excited to announce that they’ve collaborated on an extensive new Crunchyroll Loves collection featuring GODZILLA.
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Adding to its robust anime arsenal, Tubi secures seven series and six films from Toei Animation for the US, Canada and Mexico including global franchise phenom ONE PIECE
Source: Toei Animation Inc. press release
Official Site: tubitv.com
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Tubi, a division of FOX Entertainment, is continuing to expand its robust animation portfolio by entering a significant licensing agreement with Toei Animation, the industry-leading anime studio and pioneer in Japanese animation. With the deal including seven television series totaling nearly 500 episodes, as well as six TV specials, viewers will soon have access to six TV special installments of the internationally popular ONE PIECE franchise — including 3D2Y, EPISODE OF SABO, ADVENTURE OF NEBULANDIA, HEART OF GOLD, EPISODE OF EAST BLUE and EPISODE OF SKYPIEA — as well as episodes from the ONE PIECE television series currently streaming on Tubi. Additionally, Tubi viewers will also now enjoy episodes of the classic and popular anime series TORIKO, SAINT SEIYA: SAINTIA SHO, SAINT SEIYA: HADES, GE-GE-GE NO KITARO, SLAM DUNK, and DR. SLUMP.
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Meta: Why do Westerners enjoy some of the movies and TV shows that emerge from Japan? We took a look at some of the reasons why here.
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Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
Official Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Special Thanks to Liza Nedelman
Warner Bros. Pictures has provided SciFi Japan with two recent TV spots for GODZILLA VS KONG.
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Source: Netflix Japan
Official Site: godzilla-sp.jp (Japan), Godzilla Singular Point | Netflix (US)
Official Twitter: twitter.com/GODZILLA_SP (Japan)
Special Thanks to Shigeko Watanabe
Netflix Japan has provided SciFi Japan with US and Japanese teaser trailers for the Netflix original anime series GODZILLA SINGULAR POINT (ゴジラ S.P ＜シンギュラポイント＞, Gojira S.P < Shingyura Pointo >). The series will premiere worldwide (excluding Japan) on Netflix Thursday, March 25 and in Japan on Tokyo MX, KBS, BS11 and SUN on Thursday April 1.
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AHIRU NO SORA Available May 25th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its May slate of releases which includes Season 3 & 4 of Sentai Filmworks hit series, AHIRU NO SORA, available on Blu-ray May 25th and also included in the Season 1-4 Limited Edition Premium Box Set!
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Source: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary
Official Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Official Facebook: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Instagram: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Twitter: @GodzillaVsKong
Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures’ GODZILLA VS KONG (Title: 哥斯拉vs金剛, Gēsīlā vs Jīngāng) will open in Taiwan on March 24, 2021. Warner Bros. Pictures has released 4 new TV spots for the film.
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Fans & collectors will be able to interact with the life-sized titans from GODZILLA VS KONG in stunning 3D virtual & augmented reality.
Source: Terra Virtua Ltd press release
Special Thanks to Jen Naiff
Terra Virtua Ltd, the world’s first fully immersive collectibles platform, announced today an exciting new license agreement with Legendary Entertainment to create an epic line of digital collectibles, based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ upcoming epic action adventure GODZILLA VS KONG. Fans around the world will be able to bring these beloved titans to life in full 3D virtual reality, feeling so close to these greats that they will practically be able to experience the brute strength of Kong and the towering behemoth that is Godzilla. These Titans and other characters will begin rolling into the Terra Virtua marketplace timed to the film’s release on March 31, 2021.
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Source: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary
Official Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Official Facebook: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Instagram: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Twitter: @GodzillaVsKong
Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures’ GODZILLA VS KONG will open in China on March 24, 2021, ahead of the film’s release in the United States or Japan. The movie’s Chinese title, 哥斯拉vs金剛 (Gēsīlā vs Jīngāng) translates as GODZILLA VS KING KONG.
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Source: Spiral Studio Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Atichai Sirithanapisarn
The collectibles company Spiral Studio Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and 75 large, high-res photos of the Deluxe Edition of their Ultimate Masterline Series: Burning Godzilla (2019) statue from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS.
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Japanese culture is synonymous with different forms of gaming. From the traditional arcades that are packed with locals and tourists to the sci-fi and horror-themed titles on offer, the latest releases are snapped up by the country’s citizens and guests.
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Source: Well Go USA, ddPR
Official Site: wiiber.com (Japan), wellgousa.com/films/crazy-samurai-400-vs-1 (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
Well Go USA Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a Blu-ray of the groundbreakingly innovative action epic CRAZY SAMURAI: 400 vs. 1 (狂武蔵, Kyō Musashi, 2020). The highlight of this extraordinary film is a 77-minute action sequence shot in one continuous take, a “marathon battle [that] rivals any ever filmed” (Forbes).
Director Yuji Shimomura (DEATH TRANCE, RE: BORN) has crafted an epic achievement in action choreography around martial arts icon Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, RISE OF THE MACHINE GIRL), who plays Japan’s most legendary swordsman — Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), a warrior undefeated in at least 60 documented duels — as he takes on his most difficult battle.
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Japanese Soft Vinyl Figures Go on Sale in March
Source: Bandai Co., Ltd.
Bandai has released product details and large photos of their “Movie Monster Series” soft vinyl figures based on the Godzilla Channel YouTube channe web series KAIJU PUPPET SHOW GODZIBAN (怪獣人形劇ゴジばん, Kaijū Ningyō Geki Gojiban).
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Source: Legendary
Official Movie Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Official Facebook: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Instagram: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Twitter: @GodzillaVsKong
Special Thanks to Sarah Jarvis and Tracy Brown
In anticipation of the March release of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures epic action adventure GODZILLA VS KONG, Legendary has worked with Merch by Amazon on tie-in products. All of these items can now be purchased from Legendary’s Amazon Store.
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2nd Chapter Of New 5 Issue Comic Book Mini-Series
Source: IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing has announced solicitations for the second issue of the five part mini-series Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors, the first Godzilla comic published under IDW’s new multi-year agreement with Toho Co. Ltd.
Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors #2 will be available from comic book shops and retailers in May 2021 and features a main cover by artist Dan Schoening. Retailers who order 15 copies will receive one free variant photo cover by SL Gallant.
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Source: Mill Creek Entertainment
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans and J.W. Starrett
Mill Creek Entertainment has asked SciFi Japan to share the following update…
ATTN Ultra-Fans! We have made a series of updates, corrections and revisions to the booklet included in the RETURN OF ULTRAMAN complete series releases. We are now making a replacement booklet available for consumers who have purchased the collection. If you’re interested in receiving an updated booklet, please fill out the following form, http://bit.ly/ReturnOfUltramanBooklet. Proof of purchase must be provided via the instructions detailed in the form. Thank you for your continued support of Mill Creek Entertainment and our lineup of Ultraman Blu-rays!
For further details on the RETURN OF ULTRAMAN standard Blu-ray and special edition SteelBook sets, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan
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The robust offerings include all-new prequel graphic novels, two children’s books, a behind-the-scenes art book, a novelization, and a special anthology of past stories, set to debut in March 2021
Source: Legendary Comics press release
Official Movie Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Special Thanks to Sarah Jarvis and Tracy Brown
In anticipation of the March release of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures epic action adventure GODZILLA VS KONG, Legendary Comics announced today an exciting companion publishing program that will allow fans to dive deeper into stories relating to the upcoming cinematic showdown between two of the most beloved pop culture Titans of all time — the great Godzilla and the mighty Kong! The GODZILLA VS KONG publishing program will feature: two new epic prequel graphic novels; an anthology featuring past fan-favorite comic series; two endearing titles for young readers — an original children’s picture book and a young children’s board book; an official behind-the-scenes art book; and a novelization that takes readers deeper into the worlds of Monarch, the Titans, and more. Each title will set the stage for this not-to-be-missed battle royale.
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Source: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary
Official Site: GodzillavsKong.com
Official Facebook: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Instagram: @GodzillaVsKong
Official Twitter: @GodzillaVsKong
A new trailer has been released for Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures’ GODZILLA VS KONG. The movie will open in American theaters and on HBO Max on March 31, and in Japanese cinemas on May 14, 2021.
Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: baki-anime.jp (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired BAKI (グラップラー刃牙, Gurappurā Baki), the brutal martial arts anime series, for release in a home video complete collection. Sentai’s release will feature the original Japanese with English subtitles together with an all-new English dub.
Five vicious convicts escape death row. They make their way to Tokyo intent on committing violent blood sport. Now they’re after Baki Hanma. With the onslaught looming, Baki must enlist Kaoru Hanayama, Doppo Orochi, Sea King Retsu and Goki Shibukawa, each with his own unique combat ability, if Baki wants to live to brawl another day.
From the mind of the series’ original creator, Keisuke Itagaki, BAKI adapts the “Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga” of the second manga series. BAKI is produced by TMS Entertainment (GUGURE! KOKKURI-SAN, MEGALOBOX , LUPIN THE 3rd) and directed by Toshiki Hirano (VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU, MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH, MAGIC KAITO).
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Source: Spiral Studio Co., Ltd.
Special Thanks to Atichai Sirithanapisarn
“Long Live The King.”
The collectibles company Spiral Studio Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and more than 70 large, high-res photos of the second statue in their Ultimate Masterline Series; Burning Godzilla (2019) from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS. The figure is part of the “Battle in Boston” series and depicts Godzilla in his most lethal state following Serizawa’s and Mothra’s self-sacrifices.
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Source: Diamond Select Toys
Special Thanks to Zach Oat
Diamond Select Toys is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win their Godzilla Gallery: Godzilla 1995 (Burning) Gallery Diorama. Designed by Joe Allard and sculpted by Jorge Santos Souza, the figure depicts Godzilla from 1995 Toho movie GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH (ゴジラvsデストロイア, Gojira vs Desutoroia), and measures approximately 10 inches tall. Originally released as a 2020 SDCC exclusive, this figure comes packaged in a full-color window box. The suggested retail price is $69.99.
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Source: Arrow Video US, MVD Entertainment Group press release
Special Thanks to Clint Weiler
Arrow Video US and MVD Entertainment are offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win the new Blu-ray of Toei’s SHOGUN’S JOY OF TORTURE (徳川女刑罰史, Tokugawa Onna Keibatsu-shi, 1968), cult director Teruo Ishii’s infamous omnibus of three shocking tales of crime and punishment based on true-life documented cases set during the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The SHOGUN’S JOY OF TORTURE Blu-ray will be released February 23 by Arrow Video US. The movies feature a High Definition (1080p) presentation with the original Japanese version with optional English subtitles. Extras include a new commentary by Japanese film expert Tom Mes, interviews, the trailer, an image gallery, a reversible sleeve featuring newly-commissioned artwork by Jacob Phillips. This first pressing also comes with an illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Mark Schilling.
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Source: SRS Cinema LLC press release
Official Site: sandaikaijyu.pal-ep.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Avery Guerra
SRS Cinema keeps the indie kaiju rolling with MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS (三大怪獣グルメ, San Daikaijū Gurume, 2020) on limited edition Blu-ray and VHS.
In the latest film from the amazing Minoru Kawasaki (THE WORLD SINKS EXCEPT JAPAN, MONSTER X STRIKES BACK/ ATTACK THE G8 SUMMIT!), Yuta, a young master at the Tsukiji Fish Market, accidentally drops his meal of mixed seafood into the Sumida River. Some time afterwards a gigantic mutated squid monster arises from the depths and begins to wreak havoc upon an awe-stricken Tokyo. Attempts by the Japan Self-Defense Forces to stop the creature prove futile. As it seems things couldn’t get any worse an enormous mutant octopus monster emerges from the deep and heads into a clash of the titans with the gargantuan squid. As a last ditch effort, the government forms the “Seafood Monster Attack Team (SMAT)” and an all-new plan of attack is immediately put into action. But just as the tide appears to be turning in humanity’s favor, a colossal crab monster appears, joining in the Monster Seafood Wars and plunging the world into culinary chaos.
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Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: babylon-anime.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired rights to the suspense-filled thriller BABYLON (バビロン, Babiron, 2019), the anime series based on Mado Nozaki’s popular light novels. Sentai plans to release the series on Blu-ray as well as digital sell-through via select outlets.
Zen Seizaki, dedicated prosecutor with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, is assigned a seemly cut-and-dry case of false advertisement on part of a pharmaceutical company. But what starts as a routine investigation soon turns into something much darker, the strange details of the case painting a portrait of corruption and deceit that permeates the mayoral election being run in the newly formed Shiniki District. Soon Seizaki discovers depravity that puts at risk the very fabric of the Japanese justice system — not to mention Seizaki’s own sense of right and wrong.
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Source: Diamond Select Toys
Special Thanks to Zach Oat
Diamond Select Toys recently relaunched their web store, and can now ship their products internationally. This includes their line of licensed Godzilla collectibles. A limited number of the SDCC exclusive Godzilla figures are still available from the store.
Source: Shout! Factory
Special Thanks to Shannon Meehan and Tom Chen
On May 11th, Shout! Factory’s Scream Factory imprint will release a 2-Disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray of the 1976 KING KONG remake. The timeless story of a beauty (Jessica Lange, making her feature-film debut) and a beast returned to the screen in this ambitious production from producer Dino De Laurentiis (SERPICO, DEATH WISH) and director John Guillermin (TOWERING INFERNO).
The Petrox company’s search for new oil reserves on a strange island unleashes a terror unseen by civilized man — KING KONG! Charles Grodin (THE HEARTBREAK KOD, MIDNIGHT RUN) is the scheming oil company shark out to exploit the giant beast (Rick Baker) to his fullest. And Jeff Bridges (THE BIG LEBOWSKI, IRON MAN) is the desperate hero, Jack Prescott, who attempts to wrest the beautiful heroine from King Kong’s grasp. New York City trembles with each echoing footstep of the towering ape set loose in the streets!
Bonus features are still being finalized, but the Collector’s Edition will include the original 1976 theatrical cut plus the extended version that first aired on network television in September 1978.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz
Today, Toho International, Inc. has released an assortment of Valentine’s Day cards themed to your favorite kaiju to help make your Valentine feel special!
Download any of the cards at godzilla.com and send to your special kaiju crush, just in time for the day of love.
Source: Well Go USA, ddPR
Official Site: wellgousa.com/films/ne-zha (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
Well Go USA Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a Blu-ray of the action-packed epic THE SWORDSMAN (검객, Geomgaek, 2020). From first time writer/director Choi Jae-hoon, the film stars Jang Hyuk (VOLCANO HIGH, WINDSTRUCK), Kim Hyeon-soo (BE WITH YOU), Joe Taslim (THE RAID: REDEMPTION, FAST & FURIOUS 6), Jeong Man-sik (BEASTS CLAWING AT STRAWS), Lee Na-kyung (BATTLE FOR INCHEON: OPERATION CHROMITE) and Lee Min-hyuk (A LOVE TO KILL).
After being blinded in a coup against the king, Joseon’s greatest swordsman (Jang Hyuk) goes into hiding, far removed from his city’s anguish. But when traffickers kidnap his daughter, he has no choice but to unsheathe his sword once more.
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