SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “GINTAMA – THE MOVIE”
February 9, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, February 9, 2012— Sentai Filmworks once again returns to the world of the strangest samurai odd jobs ever with the company’s announcement of their licensing of GINTAMA – THE MOVIE, the latest installment in the hugely successful GINTAMA animated series based on the GIN TAMA manga series by Hideaki Sorachi. Following the wise, ancient and possibly Japanese adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the 95 minute feature film reunites most of the key staff of the TV series. Director, Shinji Takamatsu (SCHOOL RUMBLE) and writer Akatsuki Yamatoya (To LOVE RU, SOUL EATER) handle the story components of the film, while animation director Shinji Takeuchi (SAMURAI CHAMPLOO) once again takes up the task of adapting Sorachi’s original character designs for film.
Odd Jobs Gin has taken on a lot of odd work in the past, and when you’re a Jack of All Trades agency based in a feudal Japan that’s been conquered and colonized by aliens, the term “Odd Jobs” means REALLY ODD jobs. But when some more than slightly suspicious secrets from the shadows of OJG founder Gintoki Sakata’s somewhat shady former samurai past and a new pair of odd jobs collide, the action is bound to get so wild and demented that only a feature film will do it justice! So if you’ve had the good fortune to see Gintama, Japan’s most popular science fiction samurai series before, get ready for more of the same on an epic scale! And if you haven’t seen Gintama before, well, this is your quick and easy introduction to why Gintama (the series) is the hottest thing to hit the Land of the Rising Sun since a certain large, green reptile whose name we can’t use due to certain litigious lawyers! So sit down, strap yourself in and make sure you’re not wearing anything too tight or constricting as the junior half of OJG takes on the task of tracking down a tenacious terrorist while their silver-haired slickster of a partner seeks out a certain sword in the side-splittingly silly GINTAMA- THE MOVIE!
GINTAMA- THE MOVIE will soon be available digitally, with a home video release on DVD and Blu-Ray 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
FUNimation Entertainment Acquires Additional Rights to HAGANAI
January 30, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
lower Mound, TX – January 28, 2012 – FUNimation Entertainment announced today at Ohayocon that it has acquired the broadcast, home entertainment, merchandising, mobile and streaming rights to the anime series, HAGANAI (Boku wa Tomodachi Ga Sukunai). FUNimation plans to release the HAGANAI series on DVD and Blu-ray. Watch full episodes on www.funimation.com.
Series synopsis:
Kodaka Hasegawa has just transferred to St. Chronica’s Academy and he’s having a hard time making friends. With his naturally blond hair and fierce looking eyes, people constantly mistake him for a delinquent. One day, he runs into his bad-tempered loner of a classmate, Yozora, while she’s talking to her imaginary friend, Tomo. Since neither of them have any friends, they decide to form a club and start recruiting some. Little by little, lonely classmates join their club to learn how to build friendships through cooking together, playing games, and other group activities. But, with so many misfits, will the club members really be able to get along?
Additional information may be found at: http://www.funimation.com/haganai
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.
Aniplex to Host Puella Magi Madoka Magica Special Meet and Greet Event at Anime Jungle in Los Angeles
January 26, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
SANTA MONICA, CA (January 26, 2012) – Celebrating the Release of Puella Magi Madoka Magica Vol. 1 in North America, Aniplex of America is having a special Meet and Greet Event with the English Voice Cast of the series. Fans will get to share the excitement of Madoka Magica with the English Cast just days after the release of the First Volume (February 14th). This Meet and Greet event will be held on Friday February 17th at 8:30 PM at Anime Jungle #1 in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo.
The Madoka Magica Meet and Greet event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for fans to meet the English Cast in person and show their love for the series. Fans will have the opportunity to have their questions answered from the English Cast. In addition, there will also be an autograph session for fans that have purchased the first volume of the series and bring their proof of purchase to the event.
The First Volume of Puella Magi Madoka Magica will be available on February 14th (Valentine’s Day). The second and third installments of the series are now available for pre-order at Rightstuf.com.
Each volume will be released in three formats: a Limited Edition Box Set, and Regular Edition Blu-Ray and DVD. Each Limited Edition Box Set will include the Blu-ray, DVD and Soundtrack CD composed by Yuki Kajiura.
More information about this series can be found at: http://www.MadokaMagicaUSA.com
FUNimation Suspends Production of Dragon Ball Z Blu-rays
January 26, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Flower Mound, TX – January 26, 2012- FUNimation Entertainment, has officially confirmed they have suspended production of all future planned Blu-ray releases of Dragon Ball Z including Level 2.1 scheduled to be released on March 27, 2012.
Blu-ray editions of Dragon Ball Z went into production based on fan demand, however due to technical challenges of restoring from the original film frame by frame, we are unable to continue these releases by way of this process. FUNimation will be re-evaluating the current process and researching more efficient methods of restoration.
Specific questions may be directed to : feedback@funimation.com
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME TO HULU PLUS SUBSCRIBERS SAME DAY AFTER JAPANESE DEBUT
January 19, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
VIZ MEDIA BRINGS NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME TO HULU PLUS SUBSCRIBERS THE SAME DAY AFTER BROADCAST DEBUT IN JAPAN
Latest Action-Packed Ninja Adventures Straight From Japan To Stream For Fans Beginning With Episode 245
VIZ Media has announced the simulcast of the latest episodes of the anime series NARUTO SHIPPUDEN on the Hulu Plus subscription service (www.hulu.com/plus). Beginning January 19th, Hulu Plus subscribers will be able to simulcast the latest episode of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in high-definition just an hour after broadcast debut in Japan. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Episode 245 (rated TV-14, subtitled) and new episodes will be broadcast weekly.
Users of the free, ad-supported Hulu service will also be able to catch the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN segments one week after their initial run on Hulu Plus; the episodes will also be available on the company’s own VIZAnime.com site.
In the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN adventure, Naruto begins his training to control the power of a Tailed Beast with Killer Bee as his new master. In order to do so, one must fight with the Tailed Beast’s head on and absorb its chakra, converting it into one’s own power. Using the key entrusted to him by Jiraiya, Naruto unlocks the seal to release Nine Tails, and the battle between the two begins.
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens. The manga and anime series (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for older teens), depicting the adventures of ninja-in-training Uzumaki Naruto, is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across the Americas, and Europe The NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animated series are co-productions of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.
In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He’s done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?
More information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “MOTTO TO LOVE RU”
January 11, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, January 11, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the acquisition of MOTTO TO LOVE RU, the sequel series to the company’s previous hit TO LOVE RU. Based as before on the manga by Kintaro Yabuki (BLACK CAT) and Saki Hasemi (MOETAN,) the new 12 episode series is helmed by Atsushi Otsuki, (who directed the final episode of the original series as well as episodes of FULL METAL ALCHEMIST, the second season of WAGNERIA and LADIES VS. BUTLERS,) working from series composition by SLAYERS and VENUS VS. VIRUS vet Yasutomo Yamada, while Yuichi Ouka once again adapts Yabuki’s original character designs for animation.
The insanity that began when a very naked (and very female) alien teleported into Rito Yuki’s bathtub (while he was in it) continues, and even though Princess Lala has finally started to admit her true feelings about the young man she’s inexplicably engaged to marry (as a result of what happened in said bathtub and Develuke customs,) her sometimes erratic technology and the snags and snarls of intergalatic politics and intrigue are still causing major problems. That transporter, for example? Still has the nasty habit of leaving the clothes behind. Those alien bounty hunters? Yep, even more of them and they’re even more devious. Add body switches, alien skunks, a bathroom that changes size and shape, the inevitable sleepover that you just know is going to go horribly, horribly wrong (spoiler: it does,) and worst of all, Valentine’s Day, and even in space you’ll be able to hear Rito scream! Love takes a quantum shift into the wrong gear and the star brakes are broken in the extra-special, extra-crazy extraterrestrial romance to end them all, MOTTO TO LOVE RU – The Complete Collection!
Watch for MOTTO TO LOVE RU on subtitled DVD this spring!
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
Sentai Filmworks Licenses “Waiting in the Summer”
January 5, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “WAITING IN THE SUMMER”
HOUSTON, January 5, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is very proud to announce the acquisition of the eagerly awaited new anime WAITING IN THE SUMMER (ANO NATSU DE MATTERU), which is already drawing considerable buzz due to its re-pairing of several already highly successful creative partnerships. Legendary anime writer Yōsuke Kuroda (Excel Saga, High School of the Dead, Puni Puni Poemy,) reteams with his PLEASE TEACHER!/PLEASE TWINS collaborator, original character designer Taraku Uon (READ OR DIE, TV and OVA,) while director Tatsuyuki Nagai (Toradora, Honey & Clover II,) reunites with his TORADORA/ANO HI MITA HANA collaborator, character designer Masayoshi Tanaka (also HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD,) to produce a unique 12 episode anime series that takes a rather different view of the classic teen romance genre.
Lights! Camera! Teen Angst! When a group of friends decide to make a movie over a long summer holiday, they end up learning a little about filmmaking and a lot more about each other and themselves. What begins as a simple way to avoid the summer doldrums quickly turns into something much more complex, intimate and revealing, as the maturing relationships between the members of the young cast take on new, and sometimes very unexpected, turns. Get ready for a whole new take on summer romance as hidden emotions get captured and secrets meant to be kept hidden inside young hearts instead spill off of the screen for your viewing pleasure in WAITING IN THE SUMMER!
Waiting in the Summer will debut on digital platforms starting this month with a subtitled DVD to follow later in the 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
BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT TO CHANGE COMPANY FOCUS IN FEB 2012
January 3, 2012 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
January 3, 2012 (Cypress, CA) – Bandai Entertainment announced today that it will stop releasing new titles on DVD, Blu-ray and Manga formats starting in February of 2012. The company will continue to sell catalog titles and shift its operation to licensing which will include digital distribution, broadcast and merchandising.
As a result of this change in strategy for the North American Market, Bandai Entertainment’s organization will be restructured at the end of January 2012.
The following previously announced anime titles have been cancelled: TURN-A GUNDAM, NICHIJOU and GOSICK.
Similarly, the following manga titles have been cancelled: KANNAGI 4-6, CODE GEASS: RENYA, GURREN LAGANN VOL. 7, GUNDAM 00I, LUCKY STAR BOO BOO KAGABOO, NICHIJOU MANGA, CODE GEASS R2 NOVELS, and TALES OF THE ABYSS: JADE 1 and 2.
Additionally, Bandai Entertainment’s facebook and twitter will be shut down.
For more information go to:
www.bandai-ent.com
CRUNCHYROLL TO SERVE UP THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II THIS WINTER
December 31, 2011 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
CRUNCHYROLL TO SERVE UP THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II THIS WINTER
The leader in streaming anime and Asian content matches up with THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II this season
San Francisco, Calif. (December 30, 2011) – Crunchyroll continues its winter simulcast announcements with the addition of THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II, which will be available every Wednesday starting on January 4, at 10:30 am PST for its members. More information can be found on www.crunchyroll.com/princeoftennis.
THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II will be available in the following territories: North America, South America, Central America, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey
Crunchyroll’s Senior Brand Manager Michelle Hwang said, “With a long running manga series, a myriad of anime and a huge following surrounding one of the most popular worldwide sports, we are more than ecstatic to feature THE PRINCE OF TENNIS II on our site this winter! Match, set and point!”
“Middle school students fought fiercely against one another in a national tournament. Now, 50 chosen representatives return to fight against high schoolers! The stage is the U-17 (Under Seventeen) Japanese Representative Training Camp. Middle school students have been invited for the first time to a camp known to produce the best Japanese tennis players.
National champions from Seigaku, Hyotei, Rikkai, Shitenhoji…With all the rivals from the national tournament attending, everyone eagerly awaits their reunion. At first, the middle schoolers do not expect much from their high school opponents. However, the training camp is not so easy!
Athletes with skills incomparable to those they previously faced and their mysterious coach appear before them. Faced with numerous demanding challenges, can the middle schoolers survive in this meritocratic training camp? The new chapter of “Prince of Tennis” begins here!
The curtain rises on a new stage–”
Episodes can be accessed from Crunchyroll.com, the free iPad and iPhone application, the Android application, Roku, Boxee, Vizio VIA, WD TV Live and additional set-top channels, and affiliate partners.
Crunchyroll premium members will have access to the largest anime and drama selection, same-day access for simulcasted titles, no advertisements and can be viewed in 480p-to-720p quality on selected 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 video network and developer of social media applications for Japanese anime and Asian media. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, TV set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to consumers.
Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco, Calif. and Tokyo, Japan, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Founded in 2006, 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.
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause crunchyroll.com’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company’s assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Broken Blade Airing Throughout January Exclusively on Comcast Xfinity
December 31, 2011 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
OUSTON, TX — Dec. 30, 2011 — Broadcast and digital distributor Anime Network and Comcast Cable are starting 2012 off with a bang, coming together to bring our fans a tale of war, magic, and ancient mecha: Broken Blade!
Throughout January and February, Anime Network is inviting Broken Blade viewers to enter to win ten limited edition DVD/Blu-ray and English cast autographed poster sets. For more information, visit www.theanimenetwork.com/brokenbladecontest.
Broken Blade, published by Sentai Filmworks and distributed by Section 23 Films is the story of Rygart Arrow who defends Cruzon by piloting an ancient and powerful Golem.
ABOUT THE SERIES
In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer,” Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of Broken Blade!
ABOUT ANIME NETWORK
Anime Network is a leading broadcast and digital distributor of Japanese animation and Asian cinema in North America. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Anime Network was founded in 2002 and launched as one of the first VOD networks on most major cable providers. Anime Network’s mission is to bring the best in anime programming to every household in North America. In addition to our VOD network, consumers can access our Online Streaming Service on our official website. This dynamic website, featuring an ever growing anime community, includes a subscription service that mirrors the VOD network and allows viewers to catch up on episodes they may have missed on broadcast.
