New 5 Issue Comic Book Mini-Series
Source: IDW Publishing

Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors #1 Cover A,
Image courtesy of IDW Publishing. © Toho Co., Ltd.

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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Rathalos from Screen Gems and Constantin Films MONSTER HUNTER. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment. © 2020 SONY PICTURES
DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MOVIE © 2020 CONSTANTIN FILM PRODUKTION GMBH

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Toho-Towa Co., Ltd.
Official Movie Site: monsterhunter.movie (US), monsterhunter-movie.jp (Japan)

Sony Pictures’ MONSTER HUNTER is now playing in theaters worldwide. The fantasy action movie is written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (RESIDENT EVIL film series) and based on the global video game series phenomenon MONSTER HUNTER (モンスターハンター, Monsutā Hantā) by Capcom.
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Photo courtesy of Toho. ©2020 “Confidence Man JP” Production Committee

Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Pony Canyon
Official Site: confidenceman-movie.com (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho Co., Ltd. and Pony Canyon have provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res photos from THE CONFIDENCE MAN JP -EPISODE OF THE PRINCESS- (コンフィデンスマンJP　プリンセス編, Konfidensuman JP Purinsesu-hen). The movie was originally scheduled to open in Japan on May 1, 2020 but was delayed to July 23 due to the pandemic. It is now being offered for international distribution by Pony Canyon.
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Photos courtesy of Shout! Factory. THE CAT RETURNS ©2002 Nekonote-Do • GNDHMT. WHISPER OF THE HEART ©1995 Aoi Hiiragi / Shueisha • Studio Ghibli • NH

Source: Shout! Factory press release
Special Thanks to Sarah J. De Bruin

Studio Ghibli and GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory, will release THE CAT RETURNS and WHISPER OF THE HEART, from the famed Studio Ghibli library of films, on March 16, 2021 in limited edition SteelBook packaging with striking new art. Each SteelBook will house a Blu-ray & DVD combo pack, presenting the film alongside hours of bonus features and a booklet with stunning art and statements from the filmmakers.
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Photo courtesy of Toho. © Kaiu Shirai, Posuka Demizu / Shueisha © 2020 Fuji Television Network, Shueisha, Toho

Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Pony Canyon
Official Site: the-promised-neverland-movie.jp (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho Co., Ltd. and Pony Canyon have provided SciFi Japan with press notes and high-res photos from THE PROMISED NEVERLAND (約束のネバーランド, Yakusoku no Nebārando). The film, an extraordinarily suspenseful prison break story, is a live action adaptation of the manga of the same name by writer Kaiu Shirai and artist Posuka Demizu that has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since August 2016. An anime television series adaptation ran from January to March 2019,with a second season set to premiere in January 2021.
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GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA actress Yumiko Shaku (center) with hosts Handroid Meg (Megumi Han, left) and Dr. Tokusatsu (Muga Tsukaji, right)
in the new documentary, GODZILLA’S LEADING LADIES. Photo courtesy of NHK. © NHK. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Authors: Keith Aiken, Bob Johnson
Source: Takeshi Yagi, William Winckler, NHK
Official Site: nhk.jp/p/ts/P5MN1377R8 (Japan)

Veteran Ultraman producer/director Takeshi Yagi (ULTRAMAN GAIA, ULTRAMAN NEXUS, ULTRAMAN MAX, ULTRASEVEN X, SUPERIOR 8 ULTRAMAN BROTHERS) has created an all new, 89-minute documentary for the major TV network NHK, titled GODZILLA’S LEADING LADIES (ゴジラとヒロイン, Gojira to Hiroin), focusing on the Japanese actresses who starred in Toho Co. Ltd.’s giant monster films.
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Photo courtesy of NECA. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Source: NECA press release
Special Thanks to Peter de Leon

As part of their “12 Days of Downloads” event, NECA has posted a Godzilla Action Figure Visual Guide that can be downloaded here.

Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2020 ” Records of the Three Kingdoms” Film Partners

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shinkaishaku-sangokushi.com (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho has provided information and a gallery of high-res photos from RECORDS OF THE THREE KINGDOMS (新解釈・三國志, Shin Kaishaku Sangokushi). The film is based on the historical text of the same name, which describes the division of China by the Shu, Wu and Wei warlords during the later Han Dynasty (approximately 200 A.D.) . Director/screenwriter Yuichi Fukuda (the HK: FORBIDDEN SUPERHERO and GINTAMA films) presents a fresh take on the classic tale, full of laughter and surprises and featuring an all-star cast.
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Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Nippon TV
Official Site: okusama-movie.jp (Japan)

New theatrical poster, courtesy of Toho. ©2020
“Caution, Hazardous Wife: The Movie” Film Partners

Originally scheduled for June 5, 2020, the Toho action drama CAUTION, HAZARDOUS WIFE: THE MOVIE (奥様は、取り扱い注意, Okusama wa, Tori Atsukai Chūi) will now open in Japanese cinemas on March 19, 2021. The theatrical release was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Japanese version of the Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie movie MR. & MRS. SMITH, the film is a continuation of the hit television series CAUTION, HAZARDOUS WIFE, which debuted in October 2017 and hit a peak 25.6% rating share during its broadcast run on Nippon TV. The movie is directed by Toya Sato, the filmmaker behind the blockbuster KAIJI series (2010-20) and GATCHAMAN (ガッチャマン, 2013).

For more information and high-res images, please see the CAUTION, HAZARDOUS WIFE: THE MOVIE Press Notes and High-Res Photos From Toho article here on SciFi Japan.

The King of the Monsters Reigns Supreme in Comic Books, Tabletop Games, and Other Products Aimed at a Wide Demographic of Fans
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., IDW Publishing press releases
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Sarah Allen

Image courtesy of IDW Publishing. © Toho Co., Ltd.

IDW and Toho International, Inc. are proud to announce a multi-year publishing program that will bring Godzilla and dozens of monsters from the Godzilla live action films to a wide selection of publications and merchandise.

Beginning in spring 2021, Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra, King Ghidorah, and dozens of kaiju will stomp their way across IDW’s line of comic books, graphic novels, trade collections, art books, coloring books, journals, tabletop games, and puzzles. Furthering IDW’s company-wide mission to expand the most beloved story worlds across all mediums, the publishing program — available in print and digitally — will represent a comprehensive range of content, delivering city-stomping entertainment to young readers and adult audiences.

“We’re very excited to work with Toho to build a comprehensive array of stories and products that Godzilla fans everywhere can enjoy,” says Nachie Marsham, IDW’s publisher. “Their library of characters are quite literally titans of pop culture, and we can’t wait for people to get their hands on what we’re creating in close partnership with Toho. There will truly be something for everyone, from casual fans to people who live and breathe these amazing creatures.”
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Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

Consumer-Focused Initiative Combines Traditional Theatrical Release Windows Worldwide With Exclusive Concurrent One Month Streaming Access Period Domestically On HBO Max
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures press release

Today, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group announced that it has committed to releasing its 2021 film slate via a unique, consumer-focused distribution model in which Warner Bros. will continue to exhibit the films theatrically worldwide, while adding an exclusive one month access period on the HBO Max streaming platform in the U.S. concurrent with the film’s domestic release.
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Photo courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz

Toho International, Inc. shares their exciting 2020 Holiday Gift Guide products for Godzilla fans of all ages, featuring toys, tabletop and board games, home goods, apparel, accessories more!
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The Burning Godzilla Humidifier is scheduled for release in late November. Photo courtesy of Shine Co., Ltd. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD. ℗ & © TOHO MUSIC CORPORATION

Author: Keith Aiken
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Shine Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shine-jp.com/burning-godzilla-humidifier

This month, Shine Co., Ltd., makers of the popular Godzilla Coin Bank, will release a new humidifier based on Godzilla’s appearance from the 1995 Toho movie GODZILLA VS DESTOROYAH (ゴジラvsデストロイア, Gojira vs Desutoroia). Known as “Burning Godzilla”m this design featured Godzilla’s body glowing red with runaway nuclear energy.
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The “Internal Invasion Course” zipline ride at the “Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji – National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster”
theme park attraction. Photo courtesy of Pasona Group Co., Ltd. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Author: Keith Aiken
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., Nijigen no Mori Co., Ltd., Pasona Group Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shop.nijigennomori.com

Preorders have begun for merchandise from “Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji – National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster” (ゴジラ迎撃作戦～国立ゴジラ淡路島研究センター～, Gojira Geigeki Sakusen ~ Kokuritsu Gojira Awajishima Kenkyū Sentā ~), the new entertainment attraction at the Nijigen no Mori Anime Park on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. Godzilla is the latest addition to the theme park, which has featured popular attractions based on anime characters such as Crayon Shin-chan and Naruto.
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Source: Sentai press release

© 2016 Sotsu / Fields / MJP Production Committee

Sentai announced that it acquired MAJESTIC PRINCE: GENETIC AWAKENING (マジェスティックプリンス 覚醒の遺伝子, Ginga Kikōtai Majesutikku Purinsu Kakusei no Idenshi, 2016), the feature-length successor to the popular MAJESTIC PRINCE anime series, for release in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Team Rabbits returns with even more mecha and combat action. Their leader, Izuru, has fallen into a coma following critical injuries he sustained in a fierce battle with his sworn enemy, Jiart. Now Asagi steps up to command Team Rabbits, but does he have what it takes to live up to his brother Izuru’s legacy? There’s no time for second-guessing as Asagai and Team Rabbits take the ultimate stand against a terrifying new enemy, the likes of which they’ve never faced. Explosive mecha action unfolds against a backdrop of alien warfare and gripping drama in MAJESTIC PRINCE: GENETIC AWAKENING!
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Photo courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Source: Toho Co., Ltd., teamLab
Official Site: godzilla.store/godzillaplus

Toho has released GODZILLA+ (ゴジラ+, Gojira+), a new official app that collects and shares the latest information on Godzilla movies, products, events, and more from multiple Japanese sources. Developed by teamLab, the app’s UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) design and functions allow Godzilla fans to access fresh Godzilla news more conveniently and enjoyably.
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Enjoy karaoke and find true love at the upcoming Godzilla-themed party in Shinjuku. Photo courtesy of EXEO Japan. © Criax Co., Ltd. Godzilla TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

Author: Keith Aiken
Source: Toho Co., Ltd., EXEO Japan
Official Site: exeo-japan.co.jp

The speed dating service EXEO Japan Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Criax Co., Ltd., will hold a karaoke exchange party at the Karaoke Room Kabukicho Shinjuku on November 27. The Godzilla-themed Kabukicho Shinjuku is part of Criax’s popular Uta Hiroba chain of karakoe bars, and is located on the Godzilla Road leading up to the famous Hotel Gracery Shinjuku “Godzilla Tower.”
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Studio Chizu presents a Watch Party in celebration of the 2nd Anniversary release of Mamoru Hosoda’s film, MIRAI.
Image courtesy of Strangely Compelling Multimedia. © 2018 STUDIO CHIZU

Source: Strangely Compelling Multimedia press release
Official Site: mirai-no-mirai.jp (Japan), MiraiMovie.com (US)

​Studio Chizu is proud to announce, f​rom Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda (SUMMER WARS,​ ​WOLF CHILDREN)​ , ​in partnership with North American distributor ​GKIDS, a​ nd anime convention A​ nime NYC​, a Press Play Twitter Watch Party in celebration of MIRAI’s (未来のミライ, Mirai no Mirai, 2018) Anniversary Film release.​
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Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Yoshito Usui/Futabasha・Shin-Ei Animation・TV Asahi・ADK 2020

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: shinchan-movie.com (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Toho has provided information and high-res images from their new anime film, CRAYON SHIN-CHAN THE MOVIE: CRASH! RAKUGA KINGDOM AND ALMOST FOUR HEROES (映画クレヨンしんちゃん 激突！ラクガキングダムとほぼ四人の勇者, Eiga Kureyon Shin-chan Gekitotsu Rakugakingudamu to Hobo Shi-ri no Yūsha). The movie was directed by Takahiko Kyogoku (LOVE LIVE! THE SCHOOL IDOL MOVIE).
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Toho has unveiled monster-sized announcements to celebrate Godzilla Day. Photo courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

New Kaiju-Themed Licensing Collaborations with Mediatonic, Shag and Mondo All Set to Stomp Ahead
Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Jennifer Cruz

Leading up to the iconic kaiju’s 66th birthday on November 3, Toho International, Inc. reveals a slew of Godzilla brand and licensing announcements to help fans celebrate Godzilla Day in ways like never before. The company announces a batch of all-new episodes to drop weekly for its popular GODZILLA TALES series, which has garnered more than 325K views to-date. Toho also unveils new Godzilla-themed licensing collaborations in gaming, apparel, collectibles and more categories.
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Photo courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

The Kaiju Crossover Arrives in Time for Godzilla Day and Japan’s Godzilla Festival Online 2020
Source: Toho Co., Ltd. press release
Official Site: godzilla.com
Special Thanks to Sarah Allen

Ahead of Godzilla Day and the widely attended Godzilla Festival in Japan, Mediatonic and Toho Co., Ltd. are helping fans celebrate the King of the Monsters by bringing the fan-favorite kaiju to gamers everywhere in FALL GUYS: ULTIMATE KNOCKOUT. Beginning November 3, through a limited time only, fans will have the opportunity to use the all-new Godzilla skin available to players for 10 Crowns total. Featuring Godzilla’s trademark features such as its three rows of dorsal fins, the character has been designed to fit right into the FALL GUYS world, including different colors depending on what the game calls for. FALL GUYS: ULTIMATE KNOCKOUT is available now on PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam.
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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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Shun Oguri and Gen Hoshino portray to men with opposing interests who are both investigating a decades-pld crime in the Toho thriller
THE VOICE OF SIN. Photo courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. ©2020 “The Voice of Sin” Film Partners

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: tsuminokoe.jp (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

Shun Oguri x Gen Hoshino… an unsolved case that shook Japan.

Toho and Tokyo Broadcasting System have provided press notes and photos for their new crime thriller THE VOICE OF SIN (罪の声, Tsumi no Koe). The movie brings together two of Japan’s top actors — Shun Oguri (BOYS OVER FLOWERS series, SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO, MUSEUM, GINTAMA series) and Gen Hoshino (WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL?, MIRAI, SAMURAI SHIFTERS) — for the first time, and is based on the 2016 best-selling novel of the same name by Takeshi Shiota.
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Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Fujiko Pro/2020 STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 Film Partners

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: doraemon-3d.com (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

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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Satoshi and Pikachu may have been delayed but they’re still coming back to the big screen in POKÉMON THE MOVIE: COCO, the 23rd Pokémon
anime feature film. Image courtesy of Toho Co., Ltd. © Nintendo · Creatures · GAME FREAK · TV Tokyo · ShoPro · JR Kikaku © Pokémon © 2020 PIKACHU PROJECT

Source: Toho Co., Ltd.
Official Site: pokemon-movie.jp (Japan)

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

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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MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING is coming to home video from Funimation. Photo courtesy of Funimation. © 2019 “My Hero Accademia THE MOVIE” Project
© Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha

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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Source: Third Window Films press release
Special Thanks to Adam Torel

Slipcase art by Ian McEwan. Photo courtesy of Third Window
Films. ©1999 SEDIC INTERNATIONAL INC.

UK distributor Third Window Films is pleased to announce Europe’s first Blu-ray and the UK’s first release of Shinya Tsukamoto’s GEMINI (双生児, Sōseiji, 1999). Adapting the Edogawa Rampo short story The Twins, Shinya Tsukamoto’s (TETSUO, TOKYO FIST) modernist Meiji horror represents the director’s first foray into period films and fleshes out Rampo’s original tale of savage sibling rivalry considerably.

Yukio (Masahiro Motoki) is living a charmed life: he is a respected young doctor with a successful practice and a beautiful wife. His only problem is that his wife is suffering from amnesia, and her past is unknown. Things begin to fall apart, however, when both his parents die suddenly, killed by a mysterious stranger with Yukio’s face. Only when Yukio confronts this stranger will the mystery of his identity, and his wife’s past, be revealed.
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Source: Avery Guerra
Official Site: ocaladrivein.info

ALL NIGHT HORROR MOVIES ad, courtesy of Avery Guerra.

The Ocala Drive-In in Ocala, Florida is hosting a 9 hour horror/monster movie marathon this Halloween. The event kicks off with GODZILLA VS MEGALON at 7:00pm and concludes with a 2:00am screening of BEAST OF BLOOD.

Attendees can order tickets now at orderocaladrivein.com.

Ocala Drive-In
4850 S. Pine Ave.
Ocala, Florida 34480

ALL NIGHT HORROR MOVIES

Advance Ticket (Per Car Load) $15.00
At Gate Ticket (Per Car Load) $25.00

Saturday, October 31
GODZILLA VS MEGALON @ 7:00
TERROR IS A MAN @ 8:45
DRACULA VS FRANKENSTEIN @ 10:30
MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND @ 12:15
BEAST OF BLOOD @ 2 AM

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

Image courtesy of Shout! Factory. © Monkey Punch
/ 2019 LUPIN THE 3RD Film Partners

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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Kaiju design by Eiji Yamamori for the upcoming Netflix anime series GODZILLA SINGULAR POINT. Image courtesy of Toho. TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.

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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