BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL Available January 19th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its January slate of releases which includes Sentai Filmworks action-packed assassin anime BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL, available on Blu-ray January 19th.
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ULTRAMAN arrives in AOV, keeping the peace on the battlefield
Source: Tsuburaya Productions, The Licensing Group Ltd
Official Site: arenaofvalor.com
Special Thanks to Carey Simon
The popular Anime series ULTRAMAN streaming on Netflix comes to AOV (ARENA OF VALOR) in a new collaboration that will introduce tons of exclusive in-game activities. Play as ULTRAMAN as you fight alongside your teammates in this exciting new update!
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: godzilla-sp.jp (Japan), Godzilla Singular Point | Netflix (US)
Official Twitter: twitter.com/GODZILLA_SP (Japan)
Special Thanks to Avery Guerra
Toho Animation has released the first preview video for their upcoming 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 >).
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: doraemon-3d.com (Japan)
Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res images from STAND BY ME DORAEMON 2 (STAND BY ME ドラえもん 2), the upcoming sequel to the smash hit 2014 film STAND BY ME DORAEMON. Celebrating Doraemon 50th anniversary, this 3DCG anime movie recreates story from the 2000 short film DORAEMON: A GRANDMOTHER’S RECOLLECTIONS.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: pokemon-movie.jp (Japan)
Toho has provided SciFi Japan with press notes and a gallery of high-res images from the next feature-length Pokémon anime, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: COCO (劇場版ポケットモンスター ココ, Gekijō-ban Poketto Monsutā Koko), opening in theaters across Japan on Christmas day.
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Source: Ultraman Galaxy, The Licensing Group Ltd
Official Site: modusgames.com/override-2-super-mech-league
Special Thanks to Carey Simon
OVERRIDE: MECH CITY BRAWL was a big hit when it dropped on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 in 2018. Featuring sixteen technological titans tearing up the landscape as they battled vicious monsters, as well as each other, the game was made for classic tokusatsu and monster movie fans who always dreamed of stepping into those giant shoes.
Now Ultraman, from Netflix’s hit anime of the same name, is joining the Super Mech League, along with a friend and a few terrifying enemies, in OVERRIDE 2: ULTRAMAN DELUXE EDITION!
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Source: Sentai press release
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to anime series KILLING BITES (キリングバイツ, Kiringu Baitsu, 2018), based on the manga of the same name, for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Mexico.
By the time Yuya Nomoto discovers his so-called friends have duped him into a clandestine plot to kidnap a high school girl, they’re already dead. Things go from bad to worse as Yuya is dragged into a cutthroat world of underground bloodsport known as Killing Bites, where Therianthropes — brutal gene-edited killing machines — fight to the death for rival, power-hungry forces who manipulate society from the shadows.
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Source: BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Bandai Spirits Hobby will be taking things on the road with a Pop-Up Store located inside Anime Jungle in Los Angeles, CA. Gundam fans from all over Southern California are encourage to swing by and check out over 300 individual items available for purchase. This is easily one of the largest selections of Gunpla available for purchase in the US.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Sentai has announced that it acquired distribution rights to BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL (無限の住人-IMMORTAL-, Mugen no Jūnin: Immortal, 2019-20), the anime series based on the manga of the same name, for audiences in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand together with Latin America and Nordic countries.
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Get Funimation’s Exclusive 25th Anniversary Silver Chrome All Might Funko POP! with Purchase in the Funimation Shop
Source: Funimation press release
Official Movie Site: heroaca-movie.com (Japan), funimationfilms.com/myheroacademia (US)
Special Thanks to Jamie Falkowitz-Tancredi
Funimation is releasing the MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING (僕のヒーローアカデミア THE MOVIE ヒーローズ：ライジング, Boku no Hīrō Akademia THE MOVI Hīrōzu: Raijingu, 2019) movie bundle that includes the Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital download including SUB and DUB, available October 27 in the Funimation Shop and select retailers. Released in theaters earlier this year, MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING delighted audiences and earned over $13 million at the box office making it the #8 highest-grossing anime films of all time in the U.S. Now fans can own the hit film!
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Commemorate the 45th anniversary of Little Twin Stars™ with exclusive Hello Kitty® collectibles and more!
Source: The Loot Company press release
Special Thanks to George Roush
It’s time to shine bright with Loot Crate as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Little Twin Stars with the December “Twinkle Twinkle” themed Sanrio® Crate! Commemorate the Little Twin Stars anniversary with kawaii collectibles and exclusive items featuring Kiki, Lala and more!
The December “Twinkle Twinkle” crate is packed with Loot Crate exclusives including an Embroidered Plush Cloud Pillow, a Trinket Tray, and other supercute items showcasing 45 years of Little Twin Stars. Fans won’t want to miss out on getting these amazing anniversary-themed surprises.
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Licensing Growth in Apparel and Home Categories Highlights Unwavering Strength of Dragon Ball Franchise and its Fandom
Source: Funimation press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
On the heels of last year’s global 30th anniversary of DRAGON BALL Z, Toei Animation Inc., and its agent Funimation announced licensing gains for the iconic Dragon Ball franchise since Licensing Expo 2019. These licensing agreements with both new and existing licensees span numerous product categories and include the game titles DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT, and DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ and the TV series DRAGON BALL Z and DRAGON BALL GT as well as DRAGON BALL SUPER, the complete series (Eps 1 – 131) of which is now available as of October 5, 2020 in English dub on Hulu.
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Source: Shout! Factory press release
Official Site: lupin-3rd-movie.com (Japan), gkids.com/films/lupin-the-3rd-the-first (US)
Special Thanks to Shannon Meehan
One of the most influential characters in anime returns with a new adventure. The exciting new film LUPIN III: THE FIRST (ルパン三世 THE FIRST, Rupan Sansei THE FIRST) makes its way to home entertainment this winter following a North American theatrical run. Introducing the beloved characters in CG animation for the first time, the film will be released on digital download-to-own on December 15, 2020 and on Blu-ray + DVD combo pack, as a standalone DVD, and as a SteelBook edition of the Blu-ray combo on January 12, 2021 from GKIDS and Shout! Factory.
This release will be presented in both the original Japanese version and a new English dubbed version, featuring the return of the beloved English cast that has voiced previous Lupin films and series. Bonus features exclusive to the Blu-ray include interviews with director Takashi Yamazaki and the Japanese voice cast, and much more. The SteelBook edition also includes a beautiful, 16-page booklet featuring character concept art. Fans who order their Blu-ray + DVD combo pack or SteelBook copies from shoutfactory.com will receive an exclusive 18×24” lithograph, while supplies last.
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The 2014 heartfelt, coming-of-age series receives a stunning new home video release as a complete Blu-ray set!
Source: AniplexUSA press release
Official Site: kimiuso.jp (Japan), yourlieinapril.com (US)
Special Thanks to Aiko Makino
Aniplex of America is thrilled to announce the Your lie in April (四月は君の嘘, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso, 2014-15) Complete Blu-ray Set arriving just in time for the holiday season on December 22, 2020. For the first time ever, fans can now own all twenty-two episodes of the heartwarming series in six Blu-ray discs, housed in a beautiful box featuring illustration by character designer Yukiko Aikei. The Blu-ray set includes thirteen collectible illustration cards, plus audio commentary by the English cast and director (Episode 1 and 22), English bloopers, the English trailer, as well as textless openings and endings.
(SWORD ART ONLINE, BLUE EXORCIST). Directed by Kyohei Ishiguro (OCCULTIC;NINE) with series composition and screenplay by Takao Yoshioka (WAGNARIA!!), the series features music by renowned composer Masaru Yokoyama (FATE/APOCRYPHA, FRUITS BASKET) and character design by Yukiko Aikei (ACCEL WORLD).
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Source: BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
Premium Bandai USA will begin offering highly sought-after and exclusive collectibles from renowned Bandai toy and collectible brand Tamashii Nations. Dragon Ball S.H.Figuarts and the Star Wars Meisho Movie Realization line continues with all new figures available for pre-order.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla-sp.jp (Japan), Godzilla Singular Point | Netflix (US)
Official Twitter: twitter.com/GODZILLA_SP (Japan)
Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz
Netflix announces an all new 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 >) featuring a brand new cast and original story set to premiere globally on Netflix in 2021.
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“Welcome to the Clock Tower, the mystery-filled mecca for mages.”
Source: AniplexUSA press release
Official Site: anime.elmelloi.com (Japan), elmelloi-anime.com (US)
Special Thanks to Aiko Makino
Aniplex of America announced today that the LORD EL-MELLOI II’S CASE FILES {RAIL ZEPPELIN} GRACE NOTE (ロード・エルメロイⅡ世の事件簿 -魔眼蒐集列車 Grace note-, Rōdo Erumeroi Nisei no Jikenbo -Magan shūshū ressha Grace note-, 2019) anime series is coming to home video as a Complete Blu-ray Box Set! This set features all fourteen episodes with both Japanese and English audio, housed in a special package illustrated by Character Designer Jun Nakai. along with a myriad of bonus content including textless opening and ending, PV collections, web previews, as well as an exclusive special booklet.
The box set includes a brand new English dub featuring an all-star cast led by Lucien Dodge (FATE/ZERO, GOD EATER ) as Lord El-Melloi II and Kayli Mills (SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION, March comes in like a lion) as Lord El Melloi II’s dependable apprentice, Gray. Allegra Clark (SWORD ART ONLINE ALTERNATIVE: GUN GALE ONLINE, FATE/APOCRYPHA) joins the cast as Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, alongside Greg Chun (DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, SWORD ART ONLINE ALICIZATION WAR OF UNDERWORLD) as the Mystic Code, Add. Christian La Monte (CELLS AT WORK!, MAGIA RECORD: PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA SIDE STORY) serves as English ADR Director for the series with Erica Mendez (I want to eat your pancreas, FATE/APOCRYPHA) as the ADR Script Writer.
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Hit the books with your favorite anime franchises and characters!
Source: The Loot Company press release
Special Thanks to George Roush
Grab your shovel and dig up the latest Loot Anime crate just in time for the spookiest holiday of the year. Awaken all of the ghosts, ghouls and spirits when you summon the ‘Undead’ October themed Anime crate.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Sentai has acquired rights to IS THE ORDER A RABBIT? BLOOM, the third season of the delightfully energetic slice-of-life anime series IS THE ORDER A RABBIT? (ご注文はうさぎですか? BLOOM, Go Chūmon wa UsagiDesu Ka? BLOOM, 2020), for audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, South Africa, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The colorful cast of Is the Order a Rabbit? is back to charm audiences as they beam cuteness, coffee and bunnies galore! Adapted from the four-panel manga series of the same name, IS THE ORDER A RABBIT? BLOOM finds Cocoa, Chino, Rize, Chiya, Tippy and all your Rabbit House favorites weathering the transition between summer and autumn as they serve up more of the adorable antics and cute capers that made their earlier adventures so beloved. Whether at school or at their usual hangout spot, the regulars of the Rabbit Café are sure to delight audiences in IS THE ORDER A RABBIT? BLOOM!
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Source: GKIDS Inc. press release
Official Site: lupin-3rd-movie.com (Japan), gkids.com/films/lupin-the-3rd-the-first (US)
GKIDS, the acclaimed distributor of multiple Academy Award-nominated animated features, brings LUPIN III: THE FIRST (ルパン三世 THE FIRST, Rupan Sansei THE FIRST) to U.S. cinemas in October. The movie is based on the manga by Monkey Punch ans is directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET trilogy, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (SPACE BATTLESHIP ヤマト, Uchu Senkan Yamato, 2010) and THE ETERNAL ZERO (永遠の0, Eien no Zero, 2013).
The iconic “gentleman thief” Lupin III returns in an action-packed, continent-spanning adventure, as Lupin III and his colorful underworld companions race to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary, before it falls into the hands of a dark cabal that will stop at nothing to resurrect the Third Reich. The gang undertakes trap-filled tombs, aerial escapades and daring prison escapes with the trademark wit and visual finesse that have made LUPIN THE 3RD one of the most storied animation franchises in the world, in a thrilling new caper that is sure to delight fans old and new.
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ASSASSINS PRIDE Available November 24th; AHIRU NO SORA Available December 15th
Source: Section23 Films press release
Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff
Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its November and December slate of releases which includes Sentai Filmworks action-packed shounen sports anime AHIRU NO SORA, available on Blu-ray December 15th with a Limited Edition Premium Box Set to be released soon.
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Featuring A Collectible 160-Page Book, Pilot Film, Original CD Soundtrack, Special Bonus Content, and More!
Source: Shout! Factory press release
Official Site: b-animation.jp (Japan), B: THE BEGINNING | Netflix (US)
Special Thanks to Tom Chen
From the renowned animation powerhouse Production I.G. (PSYCHO-PASS, GhHOST IN THE SHELL, ATTACK ON TITAN) and director Kazuto Nakazawa (PARASITE DOLLS, animation director of KILL BILL: Vol. 1) comes the popular action suspense anime series, B: THE BEGINNING (2018). Directed by Nakazawa and Yoshinobu Yamakawa (LITTLE BUSTERS!), this gripping, character-driven crime procedural uniquely blends the visual marvel of anime, dystopian sci-fi supernatural fantasy, and gritty mystery narrative in equal measures.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: furifura-movie-animation.jp (Japan)
Toho Co., Ltd. has provided SciFi Japan with information and high-res images from the anime feature film LOVE ME, LOVE ME NOT (アニメーション映画『思い、思われ、ふり、ふられ』, Animēshon Eiga Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare).
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Sentai announced today that it acquired distribution rights to shounen fantasy series MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT (精霊の守り人, Seirei no Moribito, 2007), based upon the works of award-winning author Nahoko Uehashi. Sentai will distribute the series in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.
An invisible world known as “Nayug” exists parallel to this one. The egg of the Water Spirit from Nayug has been laid within Chagum, the Second Crown Prince of New-Yogo — and as a result, Chagum’s father, the Emperor, has ordered him killed. After he’s ensnared in an assassin’s trap, Chagum is saved by a spear-wielding bodyguard named Balsa who agrees to protect Chagum as part of her journey to atone for the sins of her foster father. As Chagum interacts with Balsa’s various allies, he begins to mature greatly despite his royal upbringing. Balsa and Chagum come face to face with numerous mysteries on their adventure. But who is the Water Spirit’s Guardian, what secret lies behind the Summer Solstice Festival, and will Balsa be able to fend off the assassins and keep Chagum safe from the incubating egg of the Water Spirit?
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Highly Collectible Mehve Glider Set Previously Released Only in Japan from Premium Bandai Now Available for First Time to Studio Ghibli Fans in North America
Source: BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin) press release
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto
While the popularity of its films has never waned over its 35-year history, Studio Ghibli is now enjoying a major resurgence as mainstream audiences everywhere experience its films for the first time — digitally. To address fan and collector demand, BANDAI NAMCO Collectibles (Bluefin), a BANDAI NAMCO Group company and the master distributor of officially licensed Studio Ghibli merchandise in North America, announced plans to offer exclusive limited-time and limited-run product for the first time ever in North America via its direct-to-consumer website BluefinBrands.com.
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It’s time for a supercute celebration!
Source: The Loot Company press release
Special Thanks to George Roush
RSVP for the party of the year as Loot Crate celebrates Sanrio’s 60th anniversary with the October ‘Anniversary’ themed Sanrio® Crate! Kick off the celebration with new and exclusive Hello Kitty® and Friends collectibles and gear.
The October Anniversary crate includes a Loot Crate exclusive Hello Kitty Cake Figure, a Loot Crate exclusive Jewelry Pouch and other supercute items showcasing 60 years of Hello Kitty and Friends. Fans won’t want to miss out on getting these amazing anniversary-themed surprises.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Sentai announced today that it acquired rights to WICKED CITY (妖獣都市, Yōjū Toshi, 1987), the acclaimed psychological horror feature directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and based on the novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, creator of VAMPIRE HUNTER D, for audiences in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Beyond the boundaries of our ordinary existence lies a dark and dreadful parallel world where demons dwell and humans dare not tread. For centuries, peace has existed between our world and theirs. To preserve that fragile balance and to ensure the survival of humankind, a new deal must be brokered, but dark and powerful forces lust to destroy the accord. When a militant group rises from the shadows, two elite agents are mobilized to counter the destructive forces and preserve the balance of our universe.
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Source: Virtual Crunchyroll Expo
Special Thanks to Bianca Doria and Amanda Geraldo.
Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, announced the first wave of guests, panels, and programming for this year’s Virtual Crunchyroll Expo including the the cast and creators from RENT A GIRLFRIEND, SO I’M A S;IDER, SO WHAT? and THE HIDDEN DUNGEON ONLY I CAN ENTER.
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Source: Well Go USA, ddPR
Special Thanks to Leif Helland
Well Go USA Entertainment is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a Blu-ray of the all-new animated adventure A DOG’S COURAGE (언더독, Eondeodog, 2019). Jacob — a feisty and playful dog abandoned by his owners — joins a pack of strays and embarks on a journey filled with fun adventures and life lessons in their pursuit to find a perfect place of safety and peace — the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea.
Perfect entertainment for the whole family, the film is available in both the original Korean language and an all-new English dub. Directed by Chun-Baek Lee and Oh Sung-Yoon (DAISY, A HEN INTO THE WILD), A DOG’S COURAGE was nominated as Best Animated Feature Film at the 2019 Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
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Source: Sentai Filmworks press release
Sentai announced today that it acquired DEMON CITY SHINJUKU (魔界都市〈新宿〉, Makai Toshi: Shinjuku, 1988) — aka MONSTER CITY — the Madhouse-produced epic that numbers among the trailblazing works that launched the 80s anime boom. Sentai will distribute DEMON CITY SHINJUKU in the United States, Canada and Mexico and will include the original English dub.
Ten years ago, the mad psychic Levi Rah opened a gateway to hell in the center of Tokyo, slaying the great hero Genichiro and transforming the ward of Shinjuku into a city of demons. Not even the military dares enter the nightmare that Shinjuku has become, while Levi Rah plots to destroy the rest of the world. When Rah’s minions kidnap the World President, however, the insane tyrant fails to anticipate two things: the president’s headstrong daughter, Sayaka, who storms into Shinjuku to save her father, and Sayaka’s reluctant protector, Kyoya, Genichiro’s son, who is destined to inherit his father’s legendary abilities… if he can survive long enough! Human courage and forged steel cut their way through a living wall of fangs, claws and tentacles as the fate of the world hangs in the balance in DEMON CITY SHINJUKU!
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