Source: Sentai Filmworks press releases Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks` recent run of new anime series acquisitions continues with the licensing of the popular ROZEN MAIDEN animated series and the all-female, future epic ICE.
Directed by Makoto Kobayashi (DRAGON`S HEAVEN) and with character designs by Masaya Onishi (GHOST STORIES), ICE (???, 2007) is ultimately the creation of Renaissance man Yasushi Akimoto, whose varied and prolific career as writer, TV producer and professor includes the creation of the Japanese Idol super-groups AK48 and Onyanko Club. With that background, it’s no surprise that many members of the huge girl group AK48 ended up contributing their voices to the apocalyptic tale in which all humans bearing a Y chromosome have been wiped from the face of the Earth. Some strange virus, whether planned or accidental, has wiped out most of the population. The survivors? Beautiful women. Faced with the possible extinction of their entire race, some of these new Amazons have decided to live out their final days in the pursuit only of fleshly pleasures. Others choose to use their beauty, their might, and their minds to fight back and reclaim the planet once more. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but anime has never been hotter than ICE! ICE will be available this November through many digital distributors as well as on bilingual DVD. Sentai Filmworks` ROZEN MAIDEN (????????) package includes the original 12 episode series (2004) and the 12 episode sequel series ROZEN MAIDEN: TRÄUMEND (?????? Toroimento, 2005) and the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE (???????? Ooberutyuure, 2006), which have previously been unreleased in North America. Based on the hit manga by the artist known as Peach Pit (Di Gi Charat), all three titles were directed by Kou Matsuo (RED GARDEN, YOZAKURA QUARTET) using character designs and script supervision by Jukkii Hanada (MAHOROMATIC, S.A., OZAKURA QUARTET) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (RED GARDEN).
Remember those nightmares you had as a child, where your toys came to life? That’s the reality that Jun Sakurada suddenly finds himself living when Shinku arrives in a box, the first of several magical Rozen Maidens to invade his secluded life. Worse, he’s found himself magically bound to Shinku, his life force powering hers, and she’s not too crazy about the way he’s been living his life. Unfortunately, fixing everything that’s wrong with Jun is going to have to take a back seat to making sure that Shinku survives the Alice Game, a competition that pits Rozen Maiden against Rozen Maiden for the prize of becoming a real girl, while the losers’ life essence is drained and they become lifeless toys again. Now, in order to win this deadly game, Jun and Shinku will have to find a way to work together. But to do that they’ll have to start trusting each other first! Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘guys and dolls’ as ‘action figure’ takes on a new meaning in ROZEN MAIDEN - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION! Watch for ROZEN MAIDEN this winter through multiple digital outlets as well as a complete collection on DVD just in time for Christmas. In addition, the new ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE DVD will be available as a stand-alone item, featuring a new English dub by production studio BangZoom! Entertainment.
About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD, GUIN SAGA, NEEDLESS, CANAAN and ANGEL BEATS. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23 Films, The Right Stuff and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.