Source: Diamond Select Toys
Special Thanks to Zach Oat
Diamond Select Toys has resolicited two of their new Godzilla Gallery Deluxe PVC Figure Dioramas. Godzilla 1993 and King Ghidorah 1991 will be available this spring from BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth and local comic shops.
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New 5 Issue Comic Book Mini-Series
Source: IDW Publishing
IDW Publishing has announced solicitations for the first 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 #1 will be available from comic book shops and retailers in April 2021 and features a main cover by artist Dan Schoening. Retailers who order 15 copies will receive one free variant photo cover by Vic Hollins.
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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 deluxe Blu-ray set GAMERA: THE SHOWA ERA. The four disc collection includes the first eight movies in the series: GAMERA THE GIANT MONSTER (1965), GAMERA VS. BARUGON (1966), GAMERA VS. GYAOS (1967), GAMERA VS. VIRAS (1968), GAMERA VS. GUIRON (1969), GAMERA VS. JIGER (1970), GAMERA VS. ZIGRA (1971) and GAMERA SUPER MONSTER (1980).
GAMERA: THE SHOWA ERA includes High Definition (1080p) transfers of all eight movies, Japanese and English audio tracks, alternate US versions, newly recorded audio commentaries, Japanese and American trailers, image galleries, and much more. The disc cases come with reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matt Frank.
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Fans Everywhere Invited to Join Virtual Livestream Watch Party Featuring First Two of Episodes of New WORLD TRIGGER Season 2
Source: Toei Animation Inc. press release
Official Site: worldtrigger.info (Japan)
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
On the heels of last week’s worldwide premiere of Season 2, Toei Animation Inc. released details today for its special WORLD TRIGGER livestream event teased to fans just before Christmas. To celebrate the new season’s launch, Toei Animation will host its first-ever virtual global fan event — the WORLD TRIGGER Season 2 Global Livestream Watch Party — on Saturday, January 30 when anime fans across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe can come together for this special simulcast event on Toei Animation’s U.S. Facebook and YouTube channels.
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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shochiku.co.jp/ichidoshindemita (Japan)
Originally scheduled for June 19, 2020, the drama KIBA: THE FANGS OF FICTION (騙し絵の牙, Damashie no Kiba) will now open in Japanese cinemas on March 26, 2021. Distributor Shochiku Co., Ltd. delayed the theatrical release due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The movie is adapted from the 2016 best-selling novel by Takeshi Shiota, and the main character in the story was based on actor Yo Oizumi (I AM A HERO, TOKYO GHOUL), who ended up playing the role in the film. Oizumi plays Teruya Hayami, the chief editor for a magazine that is on the brink of cancellation. With the support of his assistant Megumi Takano (Mayu Matsuoka), he goes to extreme lengths to save the magazine.
For more information and high-res images, please see the KIBA: THE FANGS OF FICTION Info and Pics From Shochiku article here on SciFi Japan.
Source: SRS Cinema LLC
Special Thanks to Avery Guerra
SRS Cinema has revealed a new trailer for the 1984 Korean movie WAR OF THE GOD MONSTERS that was released in its native country as THE UNDEAD BEAST (비천괴수, Bicheongoesu) and marketed internationally as THE FLYING MONSTER (飛天怪獸, Hiten Kaiju). The distributor will bring the movie to North America for the first time in early 2021.
In WAR OF THE GOD MONSTERS, a young reporter named Kang Ok-hee is writing a story about the theories of Dr. Kim, a scientist who believes that dinosaurs still exist in the modern world. When gigantic creatures suddenly appear and cause massive destruction, the doctor and journalist must find a way to save the world.
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Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: laidbackers.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired home video and digital sell-through rights for LAIDBACKERS (レイドバッカーズ-, Reidobakkāzu-, 2019), Japan’s hilarious final theatrical anime of the Heisei era. Sentai will distribute the feature in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America and the Netherlands.
Four former heroes are now living quiet, reincarnated lives in present day Kyoto, Japan. They bask in the warm contentment of being ordinary, modern folk without much important to do. But their idyllic lives are shattered when a precocious elementary schooler who is secretly a reincarnated demon king they once defeated shows up and starts making some serious demands! Now the former heroes must band together with their arch nemesis, because it’s do or die for team LAIDBACKERS!
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Source: Kadokawa Pictures
Official Site: yakuzatokazoku.com (Japan)
Kadokawa Pictures has provided information and photos from YAKUZA AND THE FAMILY (ヤクザと家族 The Family, Yakuza to Kazoku The Family). The movie is the latest entry from the director and producers of THE JOURNALIST (新聞記者, Shinbun Kisha, 2019), which won the Triple Crown at the 2020 Japan Academy Prize.
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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, extras-packed Blu-ray of JSA: JOINT SECURITY AREA (공동경비구역 JSA, Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok Jeieseuei, 2000), the award winning South Korean thriller from the director of OLDBOY.
Before OLDBOY, before THE HANDMAIDEN, visionary filmmaker Park Chan-wook helmed this gripping tale of deceit, misunderstanding and the senselessness of war. Gunfire breaks out in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, leaving two North Korean soldiers dead while a wounded South Korean soldier (Lee Byung-hun, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD) flees to safety. With the tenuous peace between the two warring nations on a knife-edge, a neutral team of investigators, headed by Swiss Army Major Sophie Jean (Lee Young-ae, LADY VENGEANCE), is dispatched to question both sides to determine what really happened under cover of darkness out in no-man’s land.
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The Over-the-Top Action Epic Starring Action Icon Tak Sakaguchi Debuts Exclusively on Streaming Service Hi-YAH! February 12 Before Hitting Digital, Blu-ray & DVD March 2
Source: Well Go USA, ddPR press release
Official Site: wiiber.com (Japan), wellgousa.com/films/crazy-samurai-400-vs-1 (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
#CrazySamurai
Leading Japanese martial arts icon Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, RISE OF THE MACHINE GIRL) stars in the groundbreakingly innovative action epic CRAZY SAMURAI: 400 vs. 1 (狂武蔵, Kyō Musashi, 2020), which will debut exclusively on the martial arts streaming service Hi-YAH! on February 12, before hitting Digital, Blu-ray and DVD March 2 from Well Go USA Entertainment. 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 Sakaguchi, 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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Source: Toei Co., Ltd.
Official Site: sailormoon-movie.jp (Japan)
Official Twitter: @sailor_movie
Toei has provided information and large, high-res images from PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON ETERNAL THE MOVIE Part 2 (劇場版「美少女戦士セーラームーンEternal」《後編》, Gekijō-ban Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn Eternal “Kohen”), based on Naoko Takeuchi’s internationally popular girls’manga series, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.
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Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Official Site: ariacompany.net (Japan)
Official Twitter: @ARIA_SENDEN
Distributor Shochiku Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and large images from ARIA THE CREPUSCOLO, the second feature film from the smash hit manga and anime series.
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Source: Tsuburaya Productions
Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/ucz
Streaming Site: ULTRAMAN OFFICIAL
Official Twitter: twitter.com/tsuburayaprod
Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. has has announced that their new television series, ULTRAMAN CHRONICLE Z: HEROES’ ODYSSEY (ウルトラマン クロニクルＺ ヒーローズオデッセイ, Urutoraman Kuronikuru Z Hīrōzu Odessei), will be streamed worldwide on the ULTRAMAN OFFICIAL YouTube channel starting this Saturday at 9:30am (JST). Much like the recently ended YouTube run of ULTRAMAN Z (ZETT) 『ウルトラマンＺ(ゼット), Urutoraman Z (Zetto), 2020』, ULTRAMAN CHRONICLE Z will be shown with optional English subtitles.
The show will use footage from previous shows and movies, mixed with new content, to recap the adventures of both Ultraman Tiga and Ultraman Z. Connecting the different world views of these heroes is Ultraman Zero (voiced by Mamoru Miyano), the son of Ultraseven, disciple of Ultraman Leo, and recently the master of Z.
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Source: Arrow Films
Special Thanks to James Flower
Often cited as one of the best films of the 2000s and possibly the definitive example of extreme Asian cinema, OLDBOY (올드보이, Oldeuboi, 2003) is a brutal, lyrical modern classic of the revenge genre.
Directed with immense flair by Park Chan-wook (JSA, THE HANDMAIDEN) as the second installment of his Vengeance Trilogy, OLDBOY blazed a trail at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival where it was lauded by the President of the Jury, director Quentin Tarantino. The film went on to become a huge international smash, blowing audiences’ minds with its concoction of filmmaking virtuosity, ingenious plotting, violence and pathos. Now, this masterpiece has been restored in 4K and is presented here with the feature-length documentary OLD DAYS, and a massive array of extras.
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Source: FlyingDog, Inc. Qdopp Media Relations press release
Maaya Sakamoto’s 4th concept album “Duets” (坂本 真綾 4thコンセプトアルバム Duets) will be released on March 17. This will be her second album to commemorate her 25th anniversary year and her first-ever duet album.
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Source: Warner Bros. Japan
Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/gintamamovie (Japan)
Warner Bros. Pictures Japan has provided information and images from the new anime film, GINTAMA THE FINAL (銀魂 THE FINAL). The movie is based on the incredibly popular action comedy manga series Gintama, created by Hideaki Sorachi and originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The collected editions of the manga have sold more than 55 million volumes.
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From the Debauched Mind of Exploitation Legend Teruo Ishii, an Anthology of Taboo Delights and Horrors!
Source: Arrow Films, MVD Entertainment Group
Special Thanks to James Flower and Clint Weiler
From the outrageous imagination of cult director Teruo Ishii (ORGIES OF EDO, HORRORS OF MALFORMED MEN) comes SHOGUN’S JOY OF TORTURE (徳川女刑罰史, Tokugawa Onna Keibatsu-shi, 1968), the infamous omnibus of three shocking tales of crime and punishment based on true-life documented cases set during the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Ishii’s notorious portmanteau of Edo-era excess signaled a change in direction for a director until then regarded for his crime and yakuza films, setting the ball rolling on the run of grotesque historical anthologies for which he is now best remembered. Vehemently denounced by the critics of the day, SHOGUN’S JOY OF TORTURE set a new benchmark for the depiction of sex, sadism and depravity in Japanese exploitation, with Ishii staging his elaborate torture methods with an unmatched verve and inventiveness.
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Source: MVD Entertainment Group
Special Thanks to Clint Weiler
On March 16, SRS Cinema and distributor MVD Entertainment present the independent monster movie KONGA TNT (2020) from director Brett Kelly (ATTACK OF THE JURASSIC SHARK). KONGA TNT is an experimental movie project made while in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kelly took unused footage from previous movies and combined it with new footage shot by himself and actor/FX artist John Migliore along with writer Trevor Payer.
After becoming injected with a formula derived from an alien ship, a lab gorilla escapes from his containment and befriends two young boys. The alien formula causes the gorilla to grow to gargantuan size and rampage throughout the city and the boys must find a way to save their simian friend before the army takes him down.
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Source: Mill Creek Entertainment
Special Thanks to Barrett Evans and Noah Sawyer
SciFi Japan is kicking off the New Year with a great new contest! Mill Creek Entertainment is offering our readers a chance to win their new Blu-ray + Digital set of Tsuburaya Productions’ ULTRAMAN TARO (ウルトラマンタロウ, Urutoraman Tarō, 1973-74). The set contains stunning high definition video for all 53 half-hour episodes with DTS-HD Master Audio of the original Japanese soundtrack with English subtitles.
In this sixth entry in the Ultraman series, young boxer Kotaro Higashi is severely injured during a Kaiju attack shortly after being scouted to the Earth defense team ZAT (Zariba of All Territory). At the chasm between life and death, Mother of Ultra appeared and saved Kotaro by merging his life with a young Ultra Hero, thus giving birth to the sixth Ultra Brother… Ultraman Taro!
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One People, Two Countries, Every Life on Earth at Stake
Source: Arrow Films, MVD Entertainment Group
Special Thanks to James Flower and Clint Weiler
On January 19, Arrow Video will release a deluxe Blu-ray edition of JSA: JOINT SECURITY AREA (공동경비구역 JSA, Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok Jeieseuei, 2000), the award winning South Korean thriller from the director of OLDBOY.
Before OLDBOY, before THE HANDMAIDEN, visionary filmmaker Park Chan-wook helmed this gripping tale of deceit, misunderstanding and the senselessness of war. Gunfire breaks out in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, leaving two North Korean soldiers dead while a wounded South Korean soldier (Lee Byung-hun, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD) flees to safety. With the tenuous peace between the two warring nations on a knife-edge, a neutral team of investigators, headed by Swiss Army Major Sophie Jean (Lee Young-ae, LADY VENGEANCE), is dispatched to question both sides to determine what really happened under cover of darkness out in no-man’s land.
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Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: nonnontv.com/tvanime (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to NON NON BIYORI NONSTOP (のんのんびより のんすとっぷ, Non Non Biyori Non Sutotsupu, 2021), the highly anticipated third season of the charming slice-of-life anime series NON NON BIYORI. Since its premiere, NON NON BIYORI swelled the hearts of anime fans with endearing characters, engaging storylines and laugh out loud moments. Sentai’s licensed territory includes the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Aland Islands, Portugal, Spain and Latin America.
The cast and main creative team from the earlier installments of NON NON BIYORI teamed up again for NON NON BIYORI NONSTOP! Now fans can rejoin Renge, Natsumi, Komari and former big-city-girl Hotaru as they experience an idyllic life in the Japanese countryside. Fresh excitement brews as someone new moves into the house next door. The students of the tiny, tight-knit Asahigaoka branch school will have to make this newcomer feel welcome, which means audiences are in for more of this series’ signature antics and heartwarming, human moments in the third season of NON NON BIYORI!
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Source: FlyingDog, Inc. Qdopp Media Relations press release
Official Anime Site: ariacompany.net (Japan)
Kiyono Yasuno’s long-awaited third single will consist of “Felicità” and “Echoes”, the opening and ending theme songs of the anime feature film ARIA THE CREPUSCOLO, which will open in Japanese cinemas in spring 2021. Kiyono will also be voicing Aletta, one of the new characters in the movie. This single will be released in two formats: The ARIA version, which will feature cover art drawn by ARIA character designer Yoko Ito, and the KIYONO version, which will feature a photo of Kiyono Yasuno. The third track for each version will be a newly recorded acoustic version of a previously released song.
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Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: kaiyari.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired exclusive rights to REDO OF HEALER (回復術士のやり直し 〜即死魔法とスキルコピーの超越ヒール〜, Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi: Sokushi Mahō to Sukiru Kopī no Chōetsu Hīru, 2021), the dark fantasy anime series based on the light novel series written by Rui Tsukiyo. Sentai’s licensed territories include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Greenland, Faroe and Åland Islands, Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
In a dark world of monsters, adventurers and mages, some of the most gifted healers are subjugated to brute force even by the hands of their compatriots. But one mage, Kayal, gains the ability to rewind time, turn the tables and right all wrongs.
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Source: SRS Cinema LLC
Official Site: sandaikaijyu.pal-ep.com (Japan)
Special Thanks to Avery Guerra
Distributor SRS Cinema has licensed North American home media rights to the 2020 daikaiju movie MONSTER SEAFOOD WARS (三大怪獣グルメ, San Daikaijū Gurume). Preorders are scheduled to begin in February for Blu-ray and VHS Special Editions which will ship in early 2021.
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New enemies and new thrills await the mysterious warrior beyond the stars
Source: Marvel Entertainment press release
Special Thanks to Anthony Blackwood
Earlier this year, Marvel Comics collaborated with Tsuburaya Productions to bring readers The Rise of Ultraman, a thrilling comic series that introduced the pop culture icon to new fans and delighted longtime Ultraman enthusiasts. Following this soaring debut, the Ultraman saga will continue this March in The Trials of Ultraman. The all-star team behind The Rise of Ultraman, writers Kyle Higgins and Mat Groom and artist Francesco Manna, return to continue to explore the fascinating Ultraman mythos.
The Rise is over. The training wheels are off, and the stakes have never been higher. The Trials of Ultraman begin here!
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Global Streaming Partners Revealed for Highly Anticipated New Season of the Sci-Fi Action Series
Source: Toei Animation Inc. press release
Official Site: worldtrigger.info (Japan)
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Christmas came early for anime fans with today’s announcement from Toei Animation Inc. that the eagerly awaited Season Two of WORLD TRIGGER will stream on the leading streaming platforms Crunchyroll and Anime Digital Network in France. Leveraging their collective presence, WORLD TRIGGER Season 2 will be accessible to anime fans around the globe. In addition, Toei Animation also revealed that Season 2 will launch as a simultaneous premiere with Japan on Saturday, January 9, 2021. WORLD TRIGGER Season 2 will be on several streaming services with a shared simulcast window. All subtitled episodes will stream day and date with the TV broadcast in Japan. Adding to the anticipation for the upcoming premiere of WORLD TRIGGER Season 2, this past weekend Toei Animations in Japan surprised fans with confirmation that it will be producing an exciting third season of the sci-fi action series.
“We’re excited to partner with Crunchyroll and Anime Digital Network to bring WORLD TRIGGER Season 2 to fans on their streaming services,” said Masayuki Endo, president and CEO Toei Animation Inc. “We’re thrilled the new season is accessible to fans around the world and look forward to the simultaneous premiere of Season 2 together with Japan on January 9.”
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Source: Sentai press release
Official Site: mujina-company.com (Japan)
Sentai announced today that it acquired CUTE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (幼女社長, 2021), the delightful short-format anime comedy series based on the manga Youjo Shacho. Sentai will deliver the series to audiences in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain and Portugal.
She’s not a genius. She’s not a prodigy. Heck, she’s not even old enough to vote! But somehow Najimu Mujina scored a totally above-average job as the president and “CEO” of the Mujina Company, where she navigates the world of adults with infectious, bright-eyed charm and enthusiasm. Whether it’s golfing with colleagues, negotiating contracts or pestering her executive assistant, Yuki, her hilarious antics are sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
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Source: Toei Co., Ltd.
Official Site: TBA (Japan)
Toei Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with promotional art and information for SUPER SENTAI MOVIE RANGER 2021 (スーパー戦隊MOVIEレンジャー2021, Sūpā Sentai Mūbī Renjā 2021), the next entry in their “Super Sentai Movie Party” series. The film will be released in Japanese theaters in February 2021.
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Source: Well Go USA, ddPR press release
Official Site: jiang-ziya-2020 (US)
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
JIANG ZIYA (姜子牙) — the acclaimed follow-up to the international blockbuster NE ZHA (哪吒之魔童降世, Nézhā zhī Mótóng Jiàngshì, 2019) and the second chapter in the magical Fengshen Cinematic Universe—is a fate-defying, action-packed legendary tale retold through vibrant Chinese animation and debuts on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD February 9 from Well Go USA Entertainment. To earn his place with the gods, commander Jiang Ziya must vanquish the fox demon behind a brutal clan war. Upon learning the creature’s fate is tied to that of a young girl, he faces an impossible choice: can he sacrifice one to save many?
JIANG ZIYA NVINCIBLE DRAGON debuts on Blu-ray (SLP: $29.98), Digital and DVD (SLP: $24.98) February 9, 2021 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film has a runtime of approximately 110 minutes and is not rated.
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