Source: Third Window Films press release Special Thanks to Adam Torel and Claire Marty
In the late 60s and early 70s the world`s most famous manga artist Osamu Tezuka, nicknamed "The Godfather of Manga" and creator of ASTRO BOY and BLACK JACK, made a series of adult-oriented anime called ANIMERAMA???????which pushed the boundaries of anime. UK distributor Third Window Films are pleased to be able to finally present the first two films of the Animerama series together in one release for the first time on Blu-ray and remastered DVD. Both films are presented with new 2K digital restorations handled by Tezuka Productions. As well as the erotic themes, they are also defined by mixing more typical traditional animation with sequences of UPA and Y?ji Kuri–influenced experimental use of modern design, limited animation, and still paintings akin to Tezuka`s experimental short films and like those largely were all directed, sometimes sharing the billing with Tezuka, by Eiichi Yamamoto. The first, A THOUSAND & ONE NIGHTS (??????, Senya Ichiya Monogatari, 1969), was the first erotic animated feature film and, at 130 minutes, remains one of the longest ever animated films. The second, CLEOPATRA (??????, Kureopatora, 1970), was an even more outlandish tale and a commercial flop in Japan which ended up bringing down Tezuka`s company. They are also notable for having scores by famed composer and electronic rearranger Isao Tomita. There was an unofficial third part of the series called BELLADONNA OF SADNESS (?????????, Kanashimi no Beradonna, 1973) which was also directed by Eiichi Yamamoto but without Tezuka`s involvement, and it too was recently remastered and played many large international film festivals.
Blu-ray Set Specifications 2000 limited edition package featuring slipcase and reversible sleeves Product Code: TWFBD038 Region: B/2 Format: PAL Number of Discs: 2 SRP: £29.99 (Approximately $40.56 US) Release Date: June 18 2018 Rating: 15 Audio: Japanese Subtitles: English Bonus Features Audio commentaries for both films by Helen Mccarthy, author of The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga New hour-long interview with director Eiichi Yamamoto Liner notes by film critic Simon Abrams
DVD Set Specifications 1000 limited edition package featuring slipcase and reversible sleeves Product Code: TWF069 Format: PAL Number of Discs: 2 SRP: £19.99 (Approximately $27.04 US) Release Date: June 18 2018 Rating: 15 Audio: Japanese Subtitles: English Bonus Features Audio commentaries for both films by Helen Mccarthy, author of The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga New hour-long interview with director Eiichi Yamamoto Liner notes by film critic Simon Abrams
About Third Window Films
The Third Window Films brand was born in 2005 when its film-loving founders grew bored of the stream of worn-out shock horror vehicles from the Far East. Third Window Films works hard to bring you the wonderful world beyond long-haired ghost films and mindless Hollywood action copies, sourcing the finest works in new Far Eastern cinema. We strive to represent a rich variety of film genres, be they dramas, comedies, political satires, action or anything else in between. Expect everything from the unknown and cult to the off-beat and even the occasional mainstream masterpiece... or expect nothing but quality Asian cinema! Let Third Window Films be your window to the East!