SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DEVIL SURVIVOR 2: THE ANIMATION”

HOUSTON, April 18, 2013 — Make a deal with the Devil himself in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION.  This 13 episode action series based on the hit game is directed by Seiji Kishi (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) and features series composition by Makoto Uezu (Kamisama Dolls, Qwaser of Stigmata) with character designs by Etsushi Sajima, sound direction by Satoki Iida (Persona 4 The Animation, Inu X Boku SS) and music by Kotao Nakagawa (Inu X Boku SS, S-CRY-ed).

When the world is under attack by a monstrous and seemingly unstoppable enemy, the only way to fight back is with warriors who have already died!  Sidestepping a gruesome fate in a subway crash during an earthquake, two young men and a girl find themselves recruited into the ranks of the Devil Summoners and given the ability to literally call up demons to battle against the mysterious Septentrione!  Can Hibiki, Daichi and Io survive in a war where demons face demons under human command?  Where a person’s death can be seen in advance?  Where every living being is just a game piece to be saved or expended?  And where each clash comes with a clock counting down to Armageddon?  Get ready to be immersed in the ultimate conflict between good and evil as the living, the dead and the demonic combine forces to send the invaders straight back to Hell in DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION!

DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores.  Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com

 

VIZ MEDIA PARTNERS WITH SENTAI FILMWORKS TO PREMIERE HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD ON NEON ALLEY

This Friday, Hordes Of Flesh-Eating Zombies Descend Upon North America’s 24-Hour Console-Based Anime Channel For PS3 And Playstation® Network, And Xbox 360® And Xbox Live®

San Francisco, CA, April 18, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, partners with Sentai Filmworks to unleash a frightening new world of the living dead as it premieres the zombie action of HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD on Neon Alley this Friday, April 19th. Episode 1 (English dubbed) of the high-octane anime action series will debut in High Definition at 10PM EST / 7PM PST, replaying at 2AM EST / 11PM PST, and will air again throughout the week. New episodes will premiere every Friday. Check the Neon Alley program guide or NeonAlley.com for more information and additional airtimes.

Based on the ultra-violent manga (graphic novel) originally created by Daisuke Sato, directed by Tetsuro Araki (Death Note, Black Lagoon) and produced by the internationally famed studio MADHOUSE (Death Note, Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D-Bloodlust, Wicked City) HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD (rated TV-MA) is distributed in North America by Sentai Filmworks and combines hordes of flesh-eating zombies with state of the art animation to deliver one of the most action packed anime series ever!

A deadly new disease is ravaging the world, turning the populace into mindless zombies and the number of infected victims is skyrocketing by the second. As their fellow classmates and teachers succumb to the infection around them, a small group of students at Fujimi High School must fight for their lives after surviving the initial outbreak. It’s up to Takashi Komuro to unite the group of weary survivors and try to escape the horrors that surround them. In this new world of the living dead…will they escape?

“We’re thrilled to welcome Sentai Filmworks as a content partner for our innovative anime content delivery service, Neon Alley,” says Brian Ige, VIZ Media Vice President, Animation. “HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD is the newest anime series to join Neon Alley’s expansive schedule for Spring 2013, and fans won’t want to miss this action-packed tale of survival when it debuts Friday!”

“HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD is a riveting story that combines plenty of visceral action with compelling, multi-faceted characters and some sexy fan service,” says David Del Rio, VP of Licensing, Sentai Filmworks. “We look forward to the series finding a brand new audience of avid fans on Neon Alley and to viewers joining Takashi Komuro and his cohorts as they face a stark and dangerous world.”

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s 24-hour, subscription-based anime channel available for the PS3 game console and Playstation® Network, and Xbox 360 and Xbox Live®. The platform features the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut), presented in HD (when available), for a low monthly subscription rate of $6.99, and a limited time only, a one-week free trial is available to all fans that sign up at NeonAlley.com.

Neon Alley’s schedule includes a dynamic mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, including new debuts this season of weekly exclusive episodes of ACCEL WORLD, FATE/ZERO and ZETMAN. Fans also can catch other favorite blockbuster anime series from the beginning, including BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE, TIGER & BUNNY, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and more.

Neon Alley is specially designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and content distributors, including Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, and Anime News Network. Members can also share real-time thoughts and status updates using social media technology from Tout (Tout.com), some of which will air on the network.

More information on Neon Alley is available at NeonAlley.com.

Additional information on Sentai Filmworks HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD is available at: http://www.sentai-filmworks.com.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores.

Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

 

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES AN EXCITING SPRING SEASON OF HOT NEW ANIME PROGRAMMING ON NEON ALLEY

Innovative 24/7 Anime Channel To Premiere ACCEL WORLD, BLEACH, FATE/ZERO and ZETMAN, With New Seasons of Favorite Hits Also Debuting

San Francisco, CA, April 16, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has unveiled its new spring programming line-up for Neon Alley with 7 exciting premieres for the innovative anime channel available for the Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE® as well as for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) gaming system and the PlayStation®Network.

Set to premiere on Friday, April 19th will be ACCEL WORLD, FATE/ZERO, and the Season 2 opening episode of LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE. Saturday, April 20th offers the Neon Alley debut of BLEACH Season 1, as well as the exclusive English dub premiere of new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes, the start of Season 2 of NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, and the launch of the intense action series, ZETMAN. Check NeonAlley.com for specific airtimes in your geographical area.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s 24-hour, console-based anime channel that features a variety of the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut) and presented in HD (when available) for a low monthly subscription rate of only $6.99. For a limited time only, the service is also offering a one-week free trial available to all fans that sign up at NeonAlley.com.

“The new schedule of spring anime premieres is the most exciting we’ve launched on Neon Alley,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “From continuing action anime favorites like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, and NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, to brand new series such as ZETMAN, ACCEL WORLD, the highly acclaimed FATE/ZERO, and the addition of one of the most popular anime of all time, BLEACH, there will be plenty of reasons to tune into Neon Alley this month. We look forward to lots of North American anime fans experiencing this exciting way to enjoy some of the best in animated entertainment from Japan!”

ACCEL WORLD · Rated “TV-14” · Premieres Friday April 19th
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. Please watch the sneak peek at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhPZdp1OLFM.

FATE/ZERO · Rated “TV-14” · Premieres Friday April 19th
FATE/ZERO is based on a popular Japanese light novel, written by Gen Urobuchi and illustrated by Takashi Takeuchi. This is the story that goes back to zero, back to the beginning. The ultimate battle royal, in which seven Masters vying for control of the miracle-granting Holy Grail summon seven Servants and fight until only one remains… The Holy Grail War! Catch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql_bWLNPIjo.

LAGRANGE – THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE, SEASON 2 · Rated “TV-MA” ·
Premieres Friday April 19th
Thousands of years ago, mankind was at the height of its glory, an advanced civilization extending into the far reaches of space. To defend against its galactic enemies, mankind developed giant humanoid robots called “Vox,” never anticipating that the powerful robots would lead to the destruction of their own civilization. Fearing their infinite power, the Space Federation known as Polyhedron hid away the existence of the Vox and Earth itself from the rest of the galaxy. Now, the Vox are a mere legend, and in Kamogawa, Japan, robots are the furthest thing from Madoka Kyono’s mind. She’s an energetic high school girl who just wants to help people in need. But Earth is under threat once more, and when a mysterious girl named Lan asks Madoka to pilot a resurrected Vox robot, her life will never be the same!

BLEACH · Rated “TV-14” · Premieres Saturday, April 20th
Catch the epic supernatural action series based on the smash hit manga series by Tite Kubo from the very beginning! For as long as he can remember, 15 year-old Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts. But when he suddenly meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper from the Soul Society who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, his life will change forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling – to protect the living and the dead from evil at all costs!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (Latest Episodes) · Rated “TV-14” ·
Premieres Saturday, April 20th
Catch the latest action-packed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventures beginning with Episode 188! Naruto Uzumaki is back! After a long training journey with the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, Naruto has returned older, a little bit wiser, and a lot stronger! Sakura’s been studying under another of the Sannin, Tsunade, and is now an accomplished medical ninja with a few new battle skills of her own. To show off their new skills, Naruto and Sakura team up to take on their old master, Kakashi. While the three battle it out, the Village Hidden in the Sand is infiltrated by the Akatsuki, who are after Naruto’s old rival and the newest Kazekage of the Sand – Gaara!

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, SEASON 2 · Rated “TV-14” ·
Premieres Saturday, April 20th
Rikuo Nura looks like your typical junior high student, but in reality, he is a quarter yokai and is the grandson of Nurarihyon, the leader of all yokai! As the Third Heir to the Nura Clan, Rikuo has successfully brought an end to the territory conflict against the Shikoku yokai. Now, Rikuo must face his most powerful enemies yet—the Hagoromo-Gitsune and her Kyoto yokai!  With her absolute power and charisma, the Hagoromo-Gitsune is taking the ancient capital of Kyoto by storm in a quest to fulfill her four-hundred-year-old wish. Joined by the Oshu-Tono Family yokai and the Keikain Clan Onmyoji, Rikuo and his Nura Clan will take on the Hagoromo-Gitsune for an epic showdown!

ZETMAN · Rated “TV-MA” · Premieres Saturday, April 20th
“ZET” is the one who is entrusted with the future of mankind. “ALPHAS” are the ones searching for the meaning of true justice. They will be the ones who will change the world. Is it coincidence or fate that brings these two heroes together? Soon, the two will learn what fate has in mind for them…

Neon Alley’s schedule includes a dynamic mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime. Other current shows include TIGER & BUNNY, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE, INUYASHA, KEKKAISHI, BUSO RENKIN, and VAMPIRE KNIGHT.

Neon Alley is specially designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and content distributors, including Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, and Anime News Network. Members can also share real-time thoughts and status updates using social media technology from Tout (Tout.com), some of which will air on the network.

For more information on Neon Alley, please visit www.NeonAlley.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

 

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE OF INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION ON BLU-RAY

New Set Collects 4 Feature Films Based On The Classic Fantasy Adventure Manga & Anime Series Created By Rumiko Takahashi, Now In High Definition For The First Time

VIZ Media brings the classic anime feature film action of INUYASHA home to fans across North America with the brand new release of the INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION. The new 2-disc set is available now on Blu-ray, and contains 4 complete feature films from the venerable fantasy action adventure franchise, each rated TV-14, including INUYASHA THE MOVIE 1: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 2: THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 3: SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER and INUYASHA THE MOVIE 4: FIRE ON THE MYSTIC ISLAND.

The INUYASHA MOVIE COLLECTION carries an MSRP of $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN, and features bilingual language options including English dubbed as well as original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Bonus features include a production art gallery and the original theatrical trailers for each film.

The INUYASHA movies are based on Rumiko Takahashi’s highly successful manga about the adventures of a Kagome, a Japanese schoolgirl who is transported back in time to feudal era Japan, where she encounters and befriends Inuyasha, a half-demon boy. Together they battle against evil demons and make new friends and allies. In these four feature films, our heroes take on new challenges and battle strange foes. With their crew of demon-slaying friends, Kagome and Inuyasha will face the adventures of their lives!

INUYASHA has established itself as one of the most popular and successful manga and anime properties in North America and Japan, and has captivated fans with its stunning artwork, beautiful animation, compelling characters and sophisticated storytelling. The INUYASHA animated TV anime series and feature films are based on characters originally developed by famed manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for INUYASHA in 2002. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporated a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Digital versions of the INUYASHA manga series are now available on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® or iPod® touch, Android smart phone or tablet. INUYASHA anime episodes are also featured on VIZAnime.com, the company’s premiere web site for free streaming anime content.

 

CRUNCHYROLL TO SIMULCAST SAMURAI BRIDE ANIME

Season 2 of Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls joins Crunchyroll

San Francisco, Calif. (April 4, 2013) – Crunchyroll, Inc., continues its spring simulcast announcements with the addition of SAMURAI BRIDE, which is set to broadcast every Friday starting on April 5th at 7:00 pm Pacific Time for its premium members. Free members will be able to view one (1) week after initial broadcast on Crunchyroll. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/samuraibride.

Samurai Girls is based on a light novel series written by Akira Suzuki. The anime adaptation is produced by Arms and directed by KOBUN.

“The beauty of the nation of Japan tends at times to arouse the sadistic nature of evildoers. However, do not worry! Do not fear! Japan has its guardian gods, the Samurai! Hyakka Ryouran: a tale woven by beautiful samurai to tell of these noble souls!”

SAMURAI BRIDE will be available to Crunchyroll’s audience in the United States and Canada.

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPhone and iPad application, the Android application, Windows Phone, PS3™, Xbox LIVE®, Panasonic TVs with Viera Connect, Roku, Boxee, Google TV, Samsung TV, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live, additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members have access to the largest selection of anime and drama, same-day access for simulcast titles, no advertisements and can stream in up to 1080p quality on select titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global destination and platform for Japanese anime and Asian content. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, Playstation®3, Xbox LIVE®, Internet-enabled TVs, set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers over 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers direct to viewers translated professionally in multiple languages within minutes of TV broadcast.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Officially launched in 2009, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com.

 

CRUNCHYROLL TO SIMULCAST THE SEVERING CRIME EDGE ANIME FOR SPRING 2013

The leading online Asian entertainment stream service adds the anime series The Severing Crime Edge to Spring 2013 lineup

San Francisco, Calif. (April 5, 2013) – Crunchyroll, Inc., has acquired the anime series The Severing Crime Edge as part of its spring simulcasts, and is set to broadcast every Saturday,  starting on April 6, 2013 at 4:30pm Pacific Time for its premium members, and April 13 for free members. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/crimeedge.

The Severing Crime Edge will be available to Crunchyroll’s audience in the following territories: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.

The Severing Crime Edge is based on the original manga, Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge, written and illustrated by Tatsuhiko Hikagi. It centers around Kiri Haimura, a boy who is obsessed with cutting other people’s hair, and Iwai Mushanokouji, a girl whose long, beautiful hair is cursed so that no scissors can cut it. After a chance meeting between the two, Kiri gets pulled into an ancient murder game where Iwai is the target of the “Killing Goods” and their owners. Now it’s up to him to protect Iwai, “The Queen of Hair,” in this love-battle story!

The Severing Crime Edge is being directed by Yuji Yamaguchi, whose other notable works include Fate/stay night and Angel Links. Newcomer voice actress Kotori Koiwai, whose previous works include Kigurumi Harokitei in Joshiraku and Yuki Funahara in Psycho-Pass, will be starring as Iwai, and Natsuki Hanae, also known for his roles as Atsuhiro Maeda in Tari Tari and Sakagami in Oreshura, is playing the role of Kiri.

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPhone and iPad application, the Android application, Windows Phone, PS3™, Xbox LIVE®, Panasonic TVs with Viera Connect, Roku, Boxee, Google TV, Samsung TV, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live, additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members have access to a large selection of anime and drama, same-day access for simulcast titles, no advertisements and can stream in up to 1080p quality on select titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global destination and platform for Japanese anime and Asian content. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, Playstation®3, Xbox LIVE®, Internet-enabled TVs, set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers over 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers direct to viewers translated professionally in multiple languages within minutes of TV broadcast.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Officially launched in 2009, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com.

 

CRUNCHYROLL ADDS FLOWERS OF EVIL ANIME TO SPRING LINEUP

Flowers of Evil plants itself on the leader for streaming Anime and Asian content

San Francisco, Calif. (April XX, 2013) – Crunchyroll, Inc., continues its simulcast additions with the inclusion of FLOWERS OF EVIL, which is set to broadcast every Monday starting on April 8, at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time for its premium members. Free members will be able to view this series one (1) week after initial Crunchyroll broadcast. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/akunohana.

Based on the manga by Shuzo Oshimi, FLOWERS OF EVIL anime will feature the voice talents of Mariya Ise (in the role of Sawa Nakamura) and Yoko Hikasa (in the role of Nanako Saeki). Ms. Ise is notably known for her performances in hit series such as Hunter x Hunter, Bodacious Space Pirates, and Durarara!!, while Ms. Hikasa has a similar list of accolades with majors roles in Dog Days, K-ON!, and Inu X Boku Secret Service.  This show will also mark the inaugural appearance of Shinichiro Ueda, as our other protagonist: Takao Kasuga.

Moreover, FLOWERS OF EVIL will take a unique production spin with the integration of rotoscoping in its animation process.  Rotoscoping was developed back in 1915 and uses tracing techniques over frame-by-frame footage, which has been used in notable films such as Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the original three Star Wars movies, and Titan A.E.

FLOWERS OF EVIL will be available in the following territories: U.S.A, Canada, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Central & South America.

“FLOWERS OF EVIL revolves around Takao Kasuga, who is caught stealing Nanako Saeki’s gym clothes by Sawa Nakamura whose cold attitude makes her generally disliked by everyone. In exchange for her silence, he makes a ‘contract’ with her, in which he must abide by all of her unreasonable demands. Initially torturous, Kasuga wants out until one day when things start to change between them…”

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPhone and iPad application, the Android application, Windows Phone, PS3™, Xbox LIVE®, Panasonic TVs with Viera Connect, Roku, Boxee, Google TV, Samsung TV, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live, additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members have access to a large selection of anime and drama, same-day access for simulcast titles, no advertisements and can stream in up to 1080p quality on select titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global destination and platform for Japanese anime and Asian content. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, Playstation®3, Xbox LIVE®, Internet-enabled TVs, set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers over 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers direct to viewers translated professionally in multiple languages within minutes of TV broadcast.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Officially launched in 2009, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com.

 

CRUNCHYROLL TO SIMULCAST VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR THIS SPRING

Soaring high above the atmosphere, Valvrave the Liberator – one of this season’s most highly anticipated series blasts off on Crunchyroll

San Francisco, Calif. (March 29, 2013) – Crunchyroll, Inc. is thrilled to announce, licensed by Aniplex of America, the simulcast of VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR, which is set to broadcast every Friday starting on April 12 at 11 a.m. Pacific time for its premium members.  Free users will be able to watch it one (1) week after immediate broadcast on Crunchyroll. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/valvrave.

Laced with an all-star vocal cast, VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR will soar high this spring with the help of Ryota Ohsaka and Ryohei Kimura as the story’s protagonists, Asami Seto and Haruka Tomatsu.  Mr. Kimura (known for lead roles in Haganai, Angel Beats, Star Driver) and Ms. Tomatsu (known for lead roles in Sword Art Online, Accel World, To Love-Ru, Bodacious Space Pirates) will provide some veteran vocal experience to bring this story to life.  Ms. Seto (Dog Days, Magi) and Mr. Ohsaka (OniAi, Oreshura, Attack on Titan) – two of the hottest new voice actors – will join the cast to make this one of the most anticipated series of the season.

“A new age where 70% of the human population lives in space thanks to the development of “Dyson Sphere”, a city in space. The world is divided into two main powers: The Dorssia Military Pact Federation, a power which grew out of a military alliance, and the Atlantic Rim United States (ARUS), which grew in power as it expanded its trade agreements.

The minor nation of JIOR has declared neutrality between these two forces and maintains its peace through economic prosperity. Within the JIOR’s Sphere, Haruto Tokishima lived an ordinary life as a high school student in the division known as “Module 77”—until the Dorssian military begins their sudden invasion! But the whole world will be shaken when Haruto meets the mysterious humanoid weapon, Valvrave! ”

VALVRAVE THE LIBERATOR will be available to Crunchyroll audiences in the following territories: US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPhone and iPad application, the Android application, Windows Phone, PS3™, Xbox LIVE®, Panasonic TVs with Viera Connect, Roku, Boxee, Google TV, Samsung TV, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live, additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.

Crunchyroll premium members have access to a large selection of anime and drama, same-day access for simulcast titles, no advertisements and can stream in up to 1080p quality on select titles. More information about the Crunchyroll membership plan can be found at: http://www.crunchyroll.com/freetrial/

About Crunchyroll, Inc.

Crunchyroll is a leading global destination and platform for Japanese anime and Asian content. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, Playstation®3, Xbox LIVE®, Internet-enabled TVs, set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers over 25,000 episodes and 15,000 hours of officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers direct to viewers translated professionally in multiple languages within minutes of TV broadcast.

Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Officially launched in 2009, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. More information can be found at http://www.crunchyroll.com.

About Aniplex of America Inc.

Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and leading provider of anime content and music production and distribution in Japan. Aniplex of America has launched fan-favorite DVD and Blu-Ray releases such as Bakemonogatari, Durarara!!, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Garden of Sinners and Blue Exorcist. The company’s ever-growing line-up of shows includes our most recent titles, Sword Art Online, Magi, Blast of Tempest, Oreshura and Vividred Operation.

www.AniplexUSA.com/valvrave

www.AniplexUSA.com

www.Youtube.com/AniplexUS

 

Aniplex of America brings back the fan favorite TV Series Gurren Lagann on DVD and Blu-ray

The Gurren Lagann TV Series pierces through the heavens in a Brand New Limited Edition DVD Box Set and Blu-ray Box Set

SANTA MONICA, CA (March 29, 2013) – Recently at their industry panel at Sakura con in Seattle,
Aniplex of America Inc. announced that the Gurren Lagann TV Series will be released in a Limited
Edition DVD Box Set and will be available through anime distributor RightStuf.com and official
retailers (http://aniplexusa.com/retailers/). This will be the first time that Gurren Lagann will be released
in a complete DVD set with bonus features and collector’s extras. Pre-orders for both sets begin on April
1st.
The Gurren Lagann Limited Edition DVD Box Set features the entire TV series (27 episodes) and an
unaired episode. The Box Set comes with a double sided poster, a 12 postcard set, 2 stickers of
Kamina’s famous remarks all enclosed in a rigid box illustrated by Mechanical Design You Yoshinari.
Bonus extras include SANZIGEN’s 3DCG test animation footage, creative staff interview, a special
“Yoko Goes to GAINAX” video and more!
For the Gurren Lagann Fans who prefer to watch in Blu-Ray, Aniplex of America is also set to bring the
Gurren Lagann Complete Blu-ray Box to the US and Canada. The Blu-ray Box set will be imported
from Japan and will include. Fans in North America can take comfort knowing this Blu-ray box set will
be released nearly the same time as Japan’s release date.
“Gurren Lagann is a great series and we are confident these new box sets will satisfy the fan’s requests
for a collector’s set” says Hideki Goto, the president of Animation Business of Aniplex of America.
This release is a US and Canada Exclusive and available while supplies last
Gurren Lagann TV Series DVD Box Set features:
<DVD Features and Bonus Contents>
 Video: 16:9/ Widescreen / MPEG-2
 Audio: Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0) English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
 Subtitles: English
 Includes all 27 episodes and an unaired episode 6 on 6 DVDs: Total length of more than 700
minutes!!
 Includes 2 Original Soundtrack CDs
 36 page Illustration Booklet
 2-sided Poster
 2 stickers of Kamina’s famous remarks
 12 Postcard set
 Rigid Box illustrated by You Yoshinari (Mechanical Design)
 Bonus “Yoko Goes to GAINAX –Study Animation at GAINAX-“
 SAZIGEN 3DCG Test Animation Footages
 And more!

Gurren Lagann Complete Blu-ray Box features:
<BD Features>
 Video: 16:9 HD Widescreen / 1920×1080p / MPEG-4 AVC
 Languages: Japanese & English (TV Series), Japanese (Movies), Japanese (Bonus Contents)
 Audio: Linear PCM/Stereo (TV Series & Movies), DTS (audio commentary)
 Subtitles: English (Bonus contents don’t include English subtitles)
 Includes all 26 TV Episodes and OVA Episode, Both Movies, Parallel Works and more: Total length
of more than 1,405 minutes!!
 Includes 15 discs! (10 Blu-ray discs + 5 CDs)
 Regenerated to HD format (except for live action footages, OVA episode)
 TV and Movie Textless Openings and Endings
 Gurren Lagann Kirameki☆Yoko Box –Pieces of sweet stars- (“S*t*a*S” PV)
 Eve of Gurren Lagann the Movie (Movie Event footage, Special Drama “Viral’s Sweet Dream”)
 OVA Ep.5.5 “My Gurren is Shiny!!” (included in DS Game Soft “Gurren Lagann”)
 ”Yoko Goes to GAINAX –Study Animation at GAINAX-“
 And more!

 

Aniplex of America has acquired the New Animated Series Valvrave the Liberator

The New Series from Sunrise will be streaming one day after its initial airing in Japan!
SANTA MONICA, CA (March 29, 2013) – Recently at their industry panel at Sakura-con in Seattle,
Aniplex of America Inc. announced the acquisition of Valvrave the Liberator, created by Sunrise studio
(Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suit Gundam), and that the series will be streaming online. Valvrave the
Liberator will be available one day after its initial airing in Japan. Set in a world where 70% of the
human population lives in space, Valvrave the Liberator follows the story of a high school student
named Haruto. Haruto is a kind young man who hates fighting, but all that will change as his peaceful
town will be invaded by a military force. Everything will change once Haruto’s encounter with a
mysterious humanoid weapon called Valvrave.
A synopsis on Valvrave the Liberator: A new age where 70% of the human population lives in space
thanks to the development of “Dyson Sphere”, a city in space. The world is divided into two main
powers: The Dorrssia Military Pact Federation, a power which grew out of a military alliance, and the
Atlantic Rim United States (ARUS), which grew in power as it expanded its trade agreements. The
minor nation of JIOR has declared neutrality between these two forces and maintains its peace through
economic prosperity. Within the JIOR’s Sphere, Haruto Tokishima lived an ordinary life as a high
school student in the division known as “Module 77”-until the Dorssian military begins their sudden
invasion! But the whole world will be shaken when Haruto meets the mysterious humanoid weapon,
Valvrave!
“Valvrave the Liberator is an exciting new series that fans have been looking forward to watching” says Hideki Goto, the president of Animation Business of Aniplex of America. “Valvrave the Liberator is another example of how we continue to provide the fans with the latest and greatest content right after it airs in Japan.”
For more information on Valvrave the Liberator, visit: www.AniplexUSA.com/valvrave
About Aniplex of America Inc.
Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in
Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and leading provider of anime content
and music production and distribution in Japan. Aniplex of America has launched fan-favorite DVD and
Blu-Ray releases such as Bakemonogatari, Durarara!!, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the Garden of
Sinners and Blue Exorcist. The company’s ever-growing line-up of shows includes our most recent titles,
Sword Art Online, Magi, Blast of Tempest, Oreshura and Vividred Operation.
www.AniplexUSA.com
www.Youtube.com/AniplexUS
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