Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Evelyn Dubocq and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in April 2010. This includes the final box set release of NANA, the next episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series, and the latest box set release of NARUTO SHIPPPUDEN. Also releasing is the live action feature film, K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES, from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro. New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 2 Special Edition MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN Available April 20 Team Kakashi is joined by Team Guy in their pursuit of Gaara`s kidnappers, Deidara and Sasori, but their way to the Akatsuki hideout is fraught with familiar enemies and deadly traps. Once inside, Sakura and Granny Chiyo must take on Chiyo`s own grandson, the puppet master Sasori, whose complex tricks and genius puppetry demand every last ounce of Chiyo`s and Sakura`s strength and skill to counter. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi take off after Deidara, who is once again on the run with Gaara in tow... The Special Edition Box Set contains: 13 episodes on 3 discs Exclusive art card Collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja Figure (Deidara) 325 Minutes Rated `T+` for Older Teens NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 2 Standard Edition MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN Available April 20
DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes on 3 discs. Exclusive art card and collectible figure not included. 325 Minutes Rated `T+` for Older Teens NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 8 MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN Available April 27 Supported by Naruto`s powerful chakra, Granny Chiyo performs the Reanimation Ninjutsu to revive Gaara, but the cost is high. Back in the Leaf Village, Kakashi must spend time in the hospital to recover from his use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. With two open spots on Team Kakashi, Naruto is prepared to recruit some of his friends from the village. But unbeknownst to him, the replacements are being chosen by the village elders, and at least one of them he`s really going to hate! Episodes 31-34 English, Japanese Audio English subtitles 100 Minutes Rated `T+` for Older Teens
NARUTO Uncut Season 2 Volume 2 Box Set MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN Available April 27 The destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village has been averted, but at great cost. While the village mourns, a new menace arrives in the form of Sasuke`s brother, Itachi Uchiha--but why is he after Naruto? Then Jiraiya whisks Naruto away on a training journey to find the legendary kunoichi Tsunade, who`s been selected to become the new Hokage. But they`d better hurry, because Orochimaru is looking for her as well! Original and Uncut Episodes English, Japanese Audio English subtitles 650 Minutes Rated `T+` for Older Teens
Additional VIZ Media DVD releases include:
NANA Box Set 4 MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN Available April 13 Life is a whirlwind--will the Nanas make it through the storm without each other? As if Blast`s debut wasn`t causing enough stress, Takumi and Nana K.`s announcement sends everyone reeling, but none more than Nana O. and Reira. While Reira turns to Shin for comfort, Nana is drawn to Yasu and his calm understanding, leaving her questioning her relationship with Ren. Nana K. meanwhile is happily nesting in her new home, but her continued estrangement from Nana O. weighs heavily on her heart. Original and Uncut Episodes 35-47 English, Japanese Audio English subtitles 270 Minutes Rated `M` for Mature
BLEACH Volume 27 MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN Available April 20
With the Bounts defeated, Ichigo and his friends settle down to what they think will be an ordinary life of school and battling Hollows. But things take a turn for the unusual when a new student arrives at school who seems to know all about Ichigo--including the Hollow within him that`s getting stronger all the time. With a menacing Spiritual Pressure descending on Karakura Town, Isshin and Urahara are worried that someone is creating an army of Arrancar--Hollows with Soul Reaper powers--and that someone may be former Soul Reaper captain Sosuke Aizen! Original and Uncut Episodes 110 – 113 English, Japanese Audio English subtitles 125 Minutes Rated ‘T’ for Teens New VIZ Pictures Releases Include: K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN Available April 20 It is 1949 in Japan, in a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system is still in place. Heikichi, a circus acrobat, is deceived by "The Fiend (Kaijin) with Twenty Faces" and is set up to take the fall for the phantom thief. Now, Heikichi must wage war against K-20. Directed by Shimako Sato, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Takako Matsu, and Toru Nakamura. Japanese Audio English subtitles 137 Minutes
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and web site at www.viz.com.