 | SECTION23 FILMS ANNOUNCES JULY SLATE |
April 11, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
CLANNAD: AFTER STORY BLU-RAY Available on July 24th
HOUSTON, April 11, 2012 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its July slate of releases; including CLANNAD: AFTER STORY. The Complete Collection will be released on BLU-RAY by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks
Product details follow, in order of release
Coming July 2012
Title: HIDAMARI SKETCH SPECIALS
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 50 min.
Street Date: 7/3/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $14.98
SYNOPSIS: Even though studying at a prestigious art school like Yamabuki is hard work, the girls who live at the Hidamari Apartments always manage to squeeze in time for a little fun and exploration. And when they actually get a day off? Watch out world! Yuno, Sae, Hiro, Miyako and new students Nori and Nazuna return to create another masterpiece of life as art, with all new adventures that include swimming, pajama parties, trips to the art museum and even an all-you-can-eat diner courtesy of the landlady! Of course, there’s always a little housework that has to be squeezed in, but with a pinch of resourcefulness and a dash of creativity, even the most onerous of chores can be turned into something magical. Get ready for another illustrious collection of life, laughter and togetherness as Yuno and her friends always put a little love in their art in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP!
Title: NEEDLESS COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 600 min.
Street Date: 7/3/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $79.98
SYNOPSIS: The year is 2130 and the world has been decimated by a devastating third world war, making the planet a dangerous, apocalyptic hellhole. There is, however, one hope-Adam Blade, a fake priest with big fists and a nasty disposition. Still, he’s the closest thing this world’s got to a superhero. But like any superhero, he has a weakness. Though in Adam’s case, it isn’t Kryptonite; it’s cuties in sexy little outfits, usually of the schoolgirl variety. Big bloody battles and a liberal dose of fan-service have made Needless one of the craziest, most action-packed anime series in years. And now every episode of Needless is right here-so you can get what you want and what you need in one complete series!
Title: NEEDLESS COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 600 min.
Street Date: 7/3/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $89.98
SYNOPSIS: The year is 2130 and the world has been decimated by a devastating third world war, making the planet a dangerous, apocalyptic hellhole. There is, however, one hope-Adam Blade, a fake priest with big fists and a nasty disposition. Still, he’s the closest thing this world’s got to a superhero. But like any superhero, he has a weakness. Though in Adam’s case, it isn’t Kryptonite; it’s cuties in sexy little outfits, usually of the schoolgirl variety. Big bloody battles and a liberal dose of fan-service have made Needless one of the craziest, most action-packed anime series in years. And now every episode of Needless is right here-so you can get what you want and what you need in one complete series!
Title MAHOROMATIC ULTIMATE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 725 min.
Street Date: 7/10/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: Mahoro has just 398 days left to live. A military android created by VESPER to combat the alien menace of the Saint, her operational lifecycle is winding down when, with just over a year to go, she is given the choice to retire from active service and do anything she wishes in her last days. Her unexpected choice, however, is to serve as maid and bodyguard to a very surprised teenage boy! But Suguru Misato isn’t just any teenager. He’s the son of Mahoro’s former commander and is already in the crosshairs of the aliens! However, Mahoro isn’t any ordinary combat android either. Using captured Saint technology, her creators may have given her something no android has ever had before: a soul. From the legendary Studio Gainax (NEON GENESIS EVANGELION) comes an amazing saga of life, love and combat! And the complete epic tale, including two new, never before released episodes, is collected here for the first time in MAHOROMATIC – THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION!
Title: MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME!
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 50 min.
Street Date: 7/10/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98
SYNOPSIS: As Mahoro’s life timer rapidly approaches her two hundred and fiftieth day, a more joyous chronological observance occurs to distract her: the 120th anniversary of the founding of the town of Hiryushi. And as part of the celebration, Suguru, Miyuki, Hamaji and several other friends have come up with the perfect tribute: a Maid Café! Unfortunately, their Maid Café may end up completely Maid-less, as Mahoro and Minawa are attacked by Management forces under the command of Feldrance! For all those who’ve longed for just a little more Mahoro, prepare to return to the world of the hit series once more in this very special side story- MAHOROMATIC – I’m Home!
Title: BOOK OF BANTORRA COLLECTION 2
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 350 min.
Street Date: 7/17/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: As the Shindeki Church marches forward with their plans of conquest, Hamyuts Maseta and the Armed Librarians continue to struggle against them. However, the path to victory is a long and dangerous one, not easily navigated. Along the way, friends will be lost, new allies gained and blood will assuredly be shed. With the whole world seemingly turned against them and the Library facing its darkest hour, does Hamyuts still have a trick or two up her sleeve? Find out in the exciting final chapters of The Book of Bantorra Collection 2!
Title: PSYCHIC SQUAD COLLECTION 2
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 7/17/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: Growing up is hard enough for most girls, but for Class 7 espers Kaoru, Shiho and Aoi, who have to do it while also protecting the world as part of B.A.B.E.L., it’s even rougher. It’s bad enough that they’re feared by most of the population just for being what they are, but when they also have to act as police against other older and more experienced espers AND still go to school, they’re getting an early education into how unfair the real world can be. And just to make matters worse, now there’s an esper vigilante to deal with and a new mysterious organization called P.A.N.D.R.A. on the rise. Can the girls’ highly put-upon supervisor and guardian Minamoto keep his charges from losing control in every possible sense? The action continues as three little girls with Class 7 sized growing pains threaten to bring down the house in the second mind-blowing collection of PSYCHIC SQUAD!
Title: CLANNAD: AFTER STORY COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 625 min.
Street Date: 7/24/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $89.98
SYNOPSIS: A few months have passed since Tomoya declared his love to Nagisa. Now their relationship is entering a new phase, and neither is quite sure where it will take them. As their friends move on to lives of their own, Tomoya and Nagisa get ready to start a family of their own. But Nagisa’s health has always been precarious, and an event that should bring nothing but joy delivers tragedy instead. Now Tomoya must learn to accept the bitter with the sweet and to understand that the most important thing is to hold onto love, no matter what. Don’t miss the heartbreak and triumph of the masterful conclusion to one of the most beloved anime series ever in CLANNAD: AFTER STORY!
Title: THE KUNOICHI
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 65 min.
Street Date: 7/24/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98
SYNOPSIS: As the long, brutal and bloody war between the Iga and Koga ninja wages on, it is the women of the rival clans who pay the heaviest price. The kunoichi must fight alongside their fathers and brothers, they must bury their sons and their husbands, and when captured themselves, are denied an honorable death and instead reduced to sex slaves for the purpose of slaking the savage and twisted desires of their former foes. But when Iga warriors Shimotsuki and Hyotsu kidnap four Koga women, they soon learn that killing the beautiful ninja girl Kisaragi would have been a far wiser course of action. For a kunoichi is never unarmed, even when naked, and Kisaragi is deadlier than most. Rising martial arts superstar and Japanese Karate champion Rina Takeda explodes into action as prey becomes the hunter in THE KUNOICHI!.
Title: THE DEVIL’S FEAST
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 67 min.
Street Date: 7/31/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98
SYNOPSIS: When the beautiful Kumiko joins the editorial desk at a small local newspaper, the most deeply kept secrets of the rich and powerful leader of a religious cult suddenly begin finding their way into print in blistering exposes. Scandalous exposes which have even more shocking repercussions for the paper’s sales manager, Okomoto, and his elegant wife Shizuyo. Ensnared in the escalating war of wits and chains between the sadistic cult master and Kumiko, his former sex slave, Shizuyo finds herself strung in the rope bonds of a ruthless game that mixes sensuality with humiliation. Could it be that Shizuyo’s only hope of release may come in the form of her own husband’s mistress? Or is that exactly what the Devil has been planning on all along? From the novels of the late, legendary SM Master Oniroku Dan, prepare to be served a dark and unsettling vision of twisted lust and inhuman bondage: THE DEVIL’S FEAST!
Title: HATSUKOI LIMITED COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 7/31/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: Romance is a funny thing: you hear about it, read about and dream about it, but it always seems to elude you… until it actually happens, in a way you never imagined it, and knocks you off your feet! At least, that’s how it SEEMS to feel to young Ayumi and her friends, all just entering the eighth grade, as, one by one, they discover that love is infectious and you can catch it from anyone! Now Ayumi’s torn between two brothers, Koyoi has an altogether different kind of brother issue and budding theatrical impresario Sumire seems ready to do anything to land her leading man. Then there’s tom-boy Rika, aspiring artist Nao, Kei, who’s very ‘mature’ for her age and older girl Misaki who really IS more mature. Oh, and the guys? They’re just as clueless and entangled in the complex web of relationships that’s called growing up! That most infections of all ailments, the ‘love bug,’ is about to bowl over the student body of an entire school in HATUSUKOI LIMITED!
About Section23 Films:
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.
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| Sentai Filmworks Licenses Hidamari Sketch SP |
April 10, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, April 10, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to invite you along for another visit with everyone’s favorite art students in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP. These two special episodes feature the cast and staff that have brought the girls of the Hidamari Apartments to life, including direction by Akiyuki Shinbo (Maria Holic, And Yet the Town Moves) and character designs by Yoshiaki Ito (Alice Academy).
Even though studying at a prestigious art school like Yamabuki is hard work, the girls who live at the Hidamari Apartments always manage to squeeze in time for a little fun and exploration. And when they actually get a day off? Watch out world! Yuno, Sae, Hiro, Miyako and new students Nori and Nazuna return to create another masterpiece of life as art, with all new adventures that include swimming, pajama parties, trips to the art museum and even an all-you-can-eat diner courtesy of the landlady! Of course, there’s always a little housework that has to be squeezed in, but with a pinch of resourcefulness and a dash of creativity, even the most onerous of chores can be turned into something magical. Get ready for another illustrious collection of life, laughter and togetherness as Yuno and her friends always put a little love in their art in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP!
HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP will be available digitally soon, with a home video release on subtitled DVD scheduled for later this year.
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
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| VIZ MEDIA BECOMES MASTER LICENSOR FOR BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC FEATURE FILM TRILOGY |
April 9, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Arms and Armor Action Clash In Three Visceral Anime Films About A Young Medieval Mercenary
San Francisco, CA, April 9, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has acquired the North American theatrical, TV, home entertainment, digital and merchandising rights for the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC animated movie trilogy. The company made the licensing announcement during its panel held at Sakura Con 2012 this past weekend.
BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy was produced in Japan by Studio 4ºC and is based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga (graphic novel) series created by Kentaro Miura. VIZ Media plans to release the first film of the trilogy, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING, in the Fall of 2012.
Combining a foreboding medieval European-insired setting with fantasy and exquisitely detailed swordsmanship, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.
“Thrilling action and a tense plot are at the center of these gripping films that depict how the young mercenary protagonist, Guts, becomes a legendary swordsman,” says Lyn Johnson, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “We’re very excited to add these films to the VIZ Media anime library. BERSERK combines a foreboding medieval European-inspired setting with fantasy and horror elements to make for an amazing adventure that no action fan will want to miss, and we look forward to announcing more information on the release of the first film in the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC trilogy very soon!”
The BERSERK manga series, by Kentaro Miura, debuted in Japan in 1989 and quickly drew a devoted following, going on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide. The series, still ongoing in Japan, has been published in North America and the UK, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Latin America. The BERSERK manga has also inspired a popular anime television series and has spawned a variety of related video games, collectable figures and toys, and music soundtracks, as well as the current BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy.
For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.
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.
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| FUNimation Entertainment Announces New Acquisitions at Anime Boston |
Flower Mound, TX – April 7, 2012 – FUNimation Entertainment announced today at Anime Boston it has acquired simulcast to 3 series : Jormungnad, Lupin III and Is this A Zombie 2. FUNimation Entertainment has also acquired additional home video rights to Future Diary.
A brief synopsis for each show is listed below:
Jormungand – A ruthless arms dealer on a quixotic quest for world peace. A child soldier born into chaotic conflict. Their lives will intertwine as they journey together through the seedy underbelly of the world’s arms market. An intense action-packed series that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! FUNimation has acquired both parts of the series. The first part will air April 2012, and the second part will air October 2012.
Lupin III ~Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna~- What happened when Lupin III met Fujiko Mine for the first time? Find out in the first new chapter of the Lupin III franchise in 25 years!
Is This A Zombie? of The Dead – The second season of the anime series, Is This A Zombie? Aikawa Ayumu was revived as a zombie by the cute necromancer Eucliwood Hellscythe. After the zany, madcap adventures in the first season of Is This a Zombie? ended, Ayumu thought his life might finally get back to normal, or as normal as it can be for a zombie. However, destiny has other plans for him. Some guys just can’t catch a break. Watch the second season of this hilarious comedy where anything goes!
The Future Diary – This psychological thriller, based on the manga written and illustrated by Esuno Sakae, is about Yuki, a loner who’s not very good with people. He prefers to write a diary on his cell phone and talk to his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina – The God of Time and Space. However, Yuki soon learns that Deus is more than a figment of his imagination when he makes Yuki participate in a battle royale with eleven others. The contestants are given special diaries that can predict the future, each diary possessing unique features that give it both advantages and disadvantages. Within the next 90 days, the contestants must try to survive until there is only one left standing. The winner will become the new God of Time and Space.
Full episodes will begin on www.niconico.com/anime & www.funimation.com during spring 2012.
ABOUT NICONICO
Launched in April 2011, niconico.com is the ultimate social media network with more than 25 million customers worldwide. By making it possible for viewers to overlay comments directly on a video stream, niconico offers the best of both worlds – real time audience interaction plus video. Considered one of the top 10 most visited websites in Japan, niconico offers a breadth of services and programming including video uploading, live user video broadcasting, live official content, and Anime simulcasting. NicoNico is currently the only consumer online network to offer the comment overlay feature.
About FUNimation® Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.
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| FUNimation Entertainment Announces New Acquisitions at Sakuracon |
April 6, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Flower Mound, TX – April 6, 2012 -FUNimation Entertainment announced today at Sakuracon it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, mobile, and streaming rights to 2 anime series: Sankarea, and Shangri-La. In addition, FUNimation has acquired the simulcasts rights for Sankarea. A brief synopsis for each show is listed below:
Sankarea- Furuya’s not interested in the living, he’s got zombies on the brain! When Furuya’s cat dies, he decides he’s going to try and bring it back to life. In the process, he stumbles across a girl whose failed attempted suicide has turned her into a real zombie! What’s Furuya going to do now that the thing he loves the most is right in front of his eyes? Watch what happens in this campy romantic comedy about the undead. The simulcast will begin on www.niconico.com/anime & www.funimation.com during spring 2012.
Shangri-La – A young woman fights for her life in the carbon dioxide infested jungles of a neo-futuristic Tokyo. When she uncovers a government plot to suppress the less fortunate, a battle for humanity’s future begins.
About NicoNico
Launched in April 2011, niconico.com is the ultimate social media network with more than 25 million customers worldwide. By making it possible for viewers to overlay comments directly on a video stream, niconico offers the best of both worlds – real time audience interaction plus video. Considered one of the top 10 most visited websites in Japan, niconico offers a breadth of services and programming including video uploading, live user video broadcasting, live official content, and Anime simulcasting. NicoNico is currently the only consumer online network to offer the comment overlay feature.
About FUNimation® Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com .
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| VIZ MEDIA ENCOURAGES FANS TO ACCELERATE THEIR BRAINS WITH THE SIMULCAST PREMIERE OF NEW ANIME SERIES ACCEL WORLD |
April 6, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Debuting Today on VIZAnime.com, A Bullied Teen Finds New Powers & Strength In A Virtual Reality Video Game
San Francisco, CA, April 6, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, adds another hot new title to its anime arsenal with the announcement of the subtitled, simulcast premiere of ACCEL WORLD. The new sci-fi fantasy series (rated TV-14,) launches today, the same day it debuts in Japan on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well on the free, ad-supported Hulu service and the Hulu Plus subscription service (www.Hulu.com). Brand new installments of the 24-episode series are scheduled to premiere on the outlets every Friday.
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.
“In this edgy new series launching on VIZAnime.com, Haruyuki must fight and defeat other Brain Burst users in a virtual massive multiplayer online game and learn the true purpose of the Brain Burst technology,” says Lyn Johnson, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Fans have been anticipating the launch of this inventive series, and we’re very excited to simulcast it to North America the day it debuts in Japan! Don’t miss this exciting story that is destined to become a favorite among U.S. fans.”
ACCEL WORLD is based on a series of popular light novels written by Reki Kawahara and animated by the famed studio Sunrise (TIGER & BUNNY, Mobile Suit Gundam, Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop, KEKKAISHI). Kawahara entered the first novel in the series into ASCII Media Works’ 15th Dengeki Novel Prize in 2008 and won the Grand Prize. ACCEL WORLD has also inspired a popular manga (graphic novel) series and several video games.
For more information on VIZ Media anime properties, please visit:
www.viz.com/anime.
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| VIZ MEDIA RELEASES POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK AND POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE |
April 3, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Two Full Length POKÉMON Films Packaged as a Special 2-Disc DVD Set!
San Francisco, CA, April 3, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release today of a special POKÉMON movie double feature set, including the latest POKÉMON films, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM. The 2-Disc DVD set is now available under the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN. Both movies are rated ‘A’ for All Ages.
When Ash and his friends enter a battle competition in Eindoak Town, they meet the Mythical Pokémon Victini, who becomes their newest friend. But disaster strikes when the misguided wanderer Damon seizes Victini for his own plans! Can Ash prove himself a hero and earn the help of the Legendary Reshiram – or Zekrom – to rescue Victini and save Eindoak Town? Two legends and two versions of the story!
“This special release includes the latest POKÉMON feature films that will thrill fans with exciting new adventures from the Pokémon Black & White story arc,” says Lyn Johnson, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “We look forward to fans of all ages enjoying twice the POKÉMON adventure in this fun new release from our VIZ Kids imprint!”
POKÉMON is one of the most successful international kids’ brands. The Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DS family of systems launched in 2011 and have sold more than 13 million copies worldwide. POKÉMON animated series are licensed for broadcast in more than 160 countries and 30 languages. The newest season of the POKÉMON animated series – Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies – recently debuted in the United States on Cartoon Network.
For more information on VIZ Media’s POKÉMON manga and anime titles, please visit www.VIZ.com/Pokemon/.
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 monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine 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.
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| SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS!” |
March 24, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, March 24, 2012— Sentai Filmworks proudly continues the company’s commitment to showcasing the newest and most innovating creators and films in the anime field with their latest short film acquisition, THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS! Produced by CoMix Wave, which helped initiate the current revolution in independent anime production with the works of Makoto Shinkai (Voices of A Distant Star, The Place Promised in Our Early Days) that have inspired a whole new wave of animators in Japan, THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS! was written and created by director Soubi Yamamoto, who’s making her long format animation debut after producing animation for video games and cell phones.
When aliens suddenly invade the world, Earth seems to be fighting a losing battle until Arikawa, one of the defense command staff, accidentally discovers a young man lying on a hill. Tests soon prove the impossible: this one teenager, Kakashi, has the power to defeat the attackers! Unfortunately, Kakashi has also lost his memory, and with it the knowledge of how to actually use his power. Moving Kakashi in with himself and his own commander, Shiro, Arikawa accidentally starts a strange triangle of emotions and relationships. A triangle that threatens the fate of the planet as Kakashi begins to question his own motivations! From up and coming director Soubi Yamamoto, and CoMix Wave, who spearheaded Japan’s new wave of independent anime production, comes a film that turns The War of The Worlds inside out: THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS!
THIS BOY CAN FIGHT ALIENS will soon be available digitally, with a home video release on DVD & BD scheduled for later this year. Look for it online www.thisboycanfightaliens.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thisboycanfightaliens
About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com
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| SECTION23 FILMS ANNOUNCES JUNE SLATE |
March 13, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS Available on June 12th
HOUSTON, March 13, 2012 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its June slate of releases. Packed with top titles by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks, including FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS, K-ON! and TOWANOQUON, June promises to make this the hottest summer on record!
Product details follow, in order of release
Coming June 2012
Title: KURENAI COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 6/5/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: He’s only a teenager, but Kurenai Shinkurou is already both a master of an arcane martial art and an experienced professional mediator with a long track record of resolving disputes. Not bad for someone who’s just sixteen and still in school, but everyone has their limits and Kurenai may have met his when his boss and role model Benika responds to his request for a more challenging assignment by giving him the task of protecting young Murasaki Kuhoin. Never mind that she’s only seven, the fact that the people Kurenai’s supposed to protect her from are her own very rich and extremely powerful family is guaranteed to take this job into the danger zone. Now the heat is on and Kurenai’s scrambling to put out as many fires as he can, even as the secrets surrounding his young charge bring everything else to a flashpoint in KURENAI- THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!
Title: FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 105 min.
Street Date: 6/12/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98
SYNOPSIS: Having spent the last ten years of his life studying under a mysterious sorcerer, Shiro Emiya has become a Magi, a sorcerer who has summoned a “Servant,” a mystical female warrior of incredible power named Saber, to stand together in the ultimate test of sorcery and magic: the Holy Grail War. But Shiro’s own feelings for Saber may conflict with their goal. For to win the contest means to take the risk of losing everything, even as he also begins to empathize with members of the rival battleteams. For while seven teams will enter the battle, only one will leave, and the winners will receive the prize of the Grail itself and their greatest wish granted. Will that wish be worth the price Shiro must ultimately pay? The battle is on in FATE/STAY NIGHT – UNLIMITED BLADEWORKS!
Title: FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 105 min.
Street Date: 6/12/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98
SYNOPSIS: Having spent the last ten years of his life studying under a mysterious sorcerer, Shiro Emiya has become a Magi, a sorcerer who has summoned a “Servant,” a mystical female warrior of incredible power named Saber, to stand together in the ultimate test of sorcery and magic: the Holy Grail War. But Shiro’s own feelings for Saber may conflict with their goal. For to win the contest means to take the risk of losing everything, even as he also begins to empathize with members of the rival battleteams. For while seven teams will enter the battle, only one will leave, and the winners will receive the prize of the Grail itself and their greatest wish granted. Will that wish be worth the price Shiro must ultimately pay? The battle is on in FATE/STAY NIGHT – UNLIMITED BLADEWORKS!
Title SULTRY ASSASSIN APHRODISIAC KILL
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 68 min.
Street Date: 6/12/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98
SYNOPSIS: When drugs, graft and the illegal sex trade, come together, the outcome can be deadly; especially in ancient Edo, where the law is dictated by he who wields the strongest sword. That’s why Yasaburo, a mere commoner, spends all his spare time practicing and refining his prowess with a blade. But when Yasaburo comes to the aid of a woman he believes to be a prostitute, he soon learns that there are more kinds of weapons than he’d ever imagined… For the woman is actually Rin, a female ninja enforcer assigned to pose as a prostitute in order to investigate shipments of an illegal aphrodisiac, and the deadliest weapon in ancient Japan isn’t made of steel or wood, but rather of human flesh in the form of a deadly kunoichi assassin. Get ready for the wildest eroninja film ever as three of Japan’s hottest female stars – Akiho Yoshizawa, Asami and Rin Kawaii – bring Junichi Yagami’s epic erotic novels of sex and steel to life in SULTRY ASSASSIN – THE APHRODISIAC KILL!
Title: GOLGO 13 COLLECTION 4
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 6/19/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: The hit anime series about the stone-cold assassin Golgo 13 ends with a bang as Golgo faces his most dangerous assignments yet. A beautiful CIA operative seeks Golgo’s help as she is hunted by a hired hit squad. But does she have a hidden agenda? And how is it that a woman suddenly comes to his rescue after a car accident erases his memory? Is she to be trusted? What of the hooker being held captive by mobsters? And the little baby who bears a striking resemblance to Golgo himself? When the stakes are raised this high, is it possible anime’s most heartless killer will finally discover he actually has a soul? Find out in this thrilling ending to one of the smartest animated crime stories ever!
Title: K-ON! SEASON 2 COLLECTION 1
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 6/19/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: For two full years, Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Tsumugi have worked together to keep Sakuragaoka Girl’s High School’s struggling Light Music Club alive, and along the way they’ve begun to build a reputation as real rock musicians… especially since the previous year’s addition of underclassman rhythm guitarist Azusa. But as a new school year begins, there are new and scary challenges ahead. With four fifths of the club graduating at the end of the year, replacement members have to be recruited. There are college exams to prepare for. There are colleges to choose. And there are friends to prepare to say goodbye to. But no matter what happens, they’ll have their faculty adviser and secret former Death Metal guitar/vocalist Sawako Yamada there to help them in her own unusual way, especially since she’s now their homeroom teacher as well!! And most of all, they’ll have each other. Because the group of amateur musicians who barely knew each other has become much more than just a band, and by the time this school year is over, they’re going to achieve something so amazing it requires multiple exclamation marks!! Get ready to be blown away as the girls from K-ON! rock on in an all new adventure in K-ON!! – THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Volume One!!
Title: K-ON! SEASON 2 COLLECTION 1 BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 6/19/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: For two full years, Yui, Mio, Ritsu and Tsumugi have worked together to keep Sakuragaoka Girl’s High School’s struggling Light Music Club alive, and along the way they’ve begun to build a reputation as real rock musicians… especially since the previous year’s addition of underclassman rhythm guitarist Azusa. But as a new school year begins, there are new and scary challenges ahead. With four fifths of the club graduating at the end of the year, replacement members have to be recruited. There are college exams to prepare for. There are colleges to choose. And there are friends to prepare to say goodbye to. But no matter what happens, they’ll have their faculty adviser and secret former Death Metal guitar/vocalist Sawako Yamada there to help them in her own unusual way, especially since she’s now their homeroom teacher as well!! And most of all, they’ll have each other. Because the group of amateur musicians who barely knew each other has become much more than just a band, and by the time this school year is over, they’re going to achieve something so amazing it requires multiple exclamation marks!! Get ready to be blown away as the girls from K-ON! rock on in an all new adventure in K-ON!! – THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Volume One!!
Title: MARIA HOLIC ALIVE! COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 6/26/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98
SYNOPSIS: Some things never change: Ame no Kisaki, that famous and exclusive boarding school, STILL doesn’t accept boys, and Kanako, Kisaki’s most romantically unfortunate student, STILL doesn’t accept them either. (They give her the hives. Literally.) Sadly, that means that Kanako’s STILL trying to connect with ANYONE of the same sex, and having the usual horrid luck. She’s STILL in imminent peril of dying from the constant nosebleeds she gets from being over stimulated by the presence of her fellow classmates. And she’s STILL forced to endure the tragedy of sharing a room with the school’s most beautiful girl who is, of course, STILL a guy in drag. Poor Kanako! She came hoping to find love and happiness, and all she’s found is misery, frustration and a level of desperation so great that she’ll even take a chance on a sleepover in a dorm filled with deathtraps. But what YOU’LL find is non-stop hilarity as the girl least likely to succeed refuses to give up, even if it kills her (and it probably will,) as Kanako’s quest for love continues in MARIA HOLIC ALIVE! The Complete Series!
Title: TOWANOQUON COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 6/26/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98
SYNOPSIS: In the not-too-distant future, children are being born with special powers, marvelous and remarkable abilities. But what would seem like a wondrous gift turns out to be a dangerous curse. For the world is now run by The Order, and these miraculous “deviants” are hunted down-and killed. But Quon and his group of Attractors are out to rescue these children before The Order’s elite squad of ruthless cyborgs detect them. From their hideout beneath a popular amusement park, the Attractors use high tech gadgetry and their own remarkable abilities to save these children, and teach them to harness and control their powers to overthrow the very powers that seek to destroy them. With spectacular animation, stunning fight sequences, and richly detailed characters, Towanoquon is destined to be an anime classic and must-have for any animation fan’s library.
Title: TOWANOQUON COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 6/26/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98
SYNOPSIS: In the not-too-distant future, children are being born with special powers, marvelous and remarkable abilities. But what would seem like a wondrous gift turns out to be a dangerous curse. For the world is now run by The Order, and these miraculous “deviants” are hunted down-and killed. But Quon and his group of Attractors are out to rescue these children before The Order’s elite squad of ruthless cyborgs detect them. From their hideout beneath a popular amusement park, the Attractors use high tech gadgetry and their own remarkable abilities to save these children, and teach them to harness and control their powers to overthrow the very powers that seek to destroy them. With spectacular animation, stunning fight sequences, and richly detailed characters, Towanoquon is destined to be an anime classic and must-have for any animation fan’s library.
About Section23 Films:
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.
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| IRON MAN ANIME & X-MEN ANIME arrives on DVD April 24th |
March 5, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Explode onto DVD April 24th
Each Set Includes 12 Episodes From Each Series and New Bonus Features!
CULVER CITY, CALIF. (March 5, 2012) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Marvel Animation release the IRON MAN ANIME and X-MEN ANIME on DVD April 24th. With 12 episodes and bonus features in each DVD, bring home the action and adventures of Iron Man and the X-Men in the classic anime style. Guided by New York Times best-selling author Warren Ellis (Iron Man: Extremis, Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis) and produced by Madhouse for Marvel Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan (SPEJ). Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the distributor.
The IRON MAN ANIME stars Adrian Pasdar (Heroes, Castle, Profit) as the voice of Tony Stark. The set contains special bonus features:
· Re-Imagining Iron Man explores the plot and themes of the anime series.
· 21st Century Hero: The Technology of Iron Man introduces fans to Tony Starks high-tech suits and gadgets.
· Special Cross Talk round table discussion with the creators of the Iron Man and Wolverine anime series.
· Voicing Tony Stark, an interview with Japanese actor, Keiji Fujiwara.
The X-MEN ANIME features the voice of actor Scott Porter as Cyclops (The Good Wife, Friday Night Lights, Caprica). The set includes:
· Re-Examining The X-Men takes viewers behind-the-scenes of creating X-Mens mutant tales.
· X-Men: A Team of Outsiders provides an in-depth exploration of Marvels most heroic and infamous mutants.
· Special Talk Session round table discussion with the creators of Marvel anime’s X-Men and Blade.
IRON MAN ANIME: Tony Stark arrives in Japan to help implement his goal of world peace by building the Arc Reactor, a carbon-neutral power plant, that once operational will be able to provide limitless (thus free) energy to the world. Set to retire his Iron Man persona, and about to mass-produce a line of Iron Man armor known as Iron Man Dio, Starks plans are derailed by a series of high tech Mech monsters. Zodiac, a top secret organization funded by the terrorist group A.I.M. is out to disrupt the Arc Station, steal the Dio armor and put an end to Iron Man. The Armored Avengers fight is only just beginning.
X-MEN ANIME: The X-MEN are reunited following the death of a teammate and are summoned by Charles Xavier to Japan following the abduction of Hisako Ichiki. There, they confront the U-MEN, a lunatic cult that steals and transplants mutant organs to further strengthen its own army, and the battle for justice is on. Discovering a series of bizarre occurrences in the area they X-Men investigate only to be confronted with a terrible truth that will force them to confront long buried secrets.
Broadcast Year: 2011 (G4)
IRON MAN ANIME and X-MEN ANIME are rated NOT RATED. Visit Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on the Web at www.SonyPictures.com.
ABOUT SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPEs global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.
ABOUT MARVEL
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
