SciFi Japan

    High school students battle in CROWS ZERO, director Takashi Miike`s hit adaptation of the bestselling manga. Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2007 “CROWS - Episode 0” Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Takashi Miike Hit Streets on April 9th Source: The Associates press release From prolific and controversial director Takashi Miike, the man behind such diverse cult movie hits as AUDITION, ICHI THE KILLER and 13 ASSASSINS, comes CROWS ZERO (??-??????, Kurozu Zero, 2007), another visionary, super-stylish and off-the-wall study of violence that plays out like a high school version of FIGHT CLUB and has been described by as “effective, engaging, touching and hugely entertaining” (Todd Brown, Twitch). Based on the bestselling manga by Hiroshi Takahashi (screenwriter of the original Japanese RING movies), CROWS ZERO is certainly one of Miike’s most accessible and commercially successful movies in years, proving to be one of his biggest box office hits to date in his native Japan and even spawning an equally successful sequel. The notorious Suzuran Senior High School for Boys is Japan’s lowest achieving and most

    DVD cover art for SULTRY ASSASSIN – THE APHRODISIAC KILL. Photo courtesy of Section23 Films. © 2011 Take Shobo/ Shintoho Pictures

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Section23 Films Official Movie Site: takeshobo.co.jp/shohin (Japan) Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Switchblade Pictures has announced the latest addition to the company’s expanding line of live action features: SULTRY ASSASSIN – THE APHRODISIAC KILL (???????? ?????, Tsuyakenkaku: Kunoichi Biyaku Seme, 2011). Based on the sizzling line of “eroninja” novels by Junichi Yagami, APHRODISIAC KILL is the first film in a new series from writer/director Kenichi Fujiwara (ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, ZEROMAN R and GRAFEETER TOKI). Produced by the Take Shobo Company and Shintoho Pictures Co., Ltd, the erotic action thriller stars Akiho Yoshizawa (MAIDROID 1 & 2, INVADER 33D) as the titular female ninja Rin, while exploitation stalwart Kesuke (CRUEL RESTAURANT), former U.S. adult film star Asami and new ero-horror star Rin Kawai round out the cast. When drugs, graft and the illegal sex trade, come together, the outcome can be deadly; especially in ancient Edo,

    Section23 is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win MARDOCK SCRAMBLE: THE FIRST COMPRESSION DIRECTOR`S CUT on Blu-ray! Photo courtesy of Section23 Films. © Tow Ubukata/ MS Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Section23 Films Official Movie Site: m-scramble.jp/compression (Japan) Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE SciFi Japan is pleased to present our first promotion with Section23 Films and Sentai Filmworks; and we`re kicking things off with a MARDOCK SCRAMBLE: THE FIRST COMPRESSION DIRECTOR`S CUT Blu-ray giveaway! Based on the novels written by Tow Ubukata (Le Chevalier D`Eon) and illustrated by Katsuya Terada (BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, GODZILLA: FINAL WARS), the MARDOCK SCRAMBLE anime trilogy began with MARDOCK SCRAMBLE: THE FIRST COMPRESSION (????????????? ??, Maroudukku Sukuranburu: Asshuku) in 2010, followed by MARDOCK SCRAMBLE: THE SECOND COMBUSTION (????????????? ??, Maroudukku Sukuranburu: Nenshou) in 2011. The final film, MARDOCK SCRAMBLE: THE THIRD EXHAUST (????????????? ?3? ??, Maroudukku Sukuranburu: Dai 3 bu Haiki) is scheduled for release in Japan in the fall of 2012. Tow Ubukata penned the screenplays for the films, which are directed by Susumu

    DVD and Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack artwork for CONFUCIUS, starring Chow Yun-fat as the legendary philosopher. © 2010 Dadi Film Media.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Movie Site: kongzi.sina.com (China), funimation.com/confucius (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee On March 27th, FUNimation Entertainment will release CONFUCIUS (??, Kong Zi, 2010) on DVD and in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. Screen legend Chow Yun-fat stars as Confucius in the inspiring, action-packed saga of a leader whose wisdom and cunning were more powerful than any sword. In this sweeping battlefield epic, Confucius finds his lands threatened by the fires of war. After leading the nation`s most powerful army to victory against hordes of invaders, the new hero finds even greater danger in the jealous eyes of the aristocrats he fought to protect. From the Producer of John Woo’s RED CLIFF and Jet Li’s WARLORDS, and captured on film by Oscar-winning Director of Photography Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON), Chow Yun-fat delivers the award-nominated performance of a lifetime

    Key art for KURENAI. © 2008 Kentaro Katayama • Yamato Yamamoto/ Brain`s Base, Shueisha, Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: samidareso.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the licensing of KURENAI (?, 2008), the 12 episode series that pits a seven-year-old heiress and her teenage bodyguard against her own family. Based on the light novels by Kentaro Katayama with illustrations by Yamoto Yamamoto, the series features direction and script supervision by Kou Matsuo (ROZEN MAIDEN, YOZAKURA QUARTET) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (ROZEN MAIDEN, OREIMO). 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

    Detective Masamitsu Shigeta (Takayuki Yamada) is ready to announce the winners of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment and SciFi Japan`s GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER DVD + Poster Prize Pack contest. Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

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    Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US) Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Thank you to everyone who entered NEW PEOPLE Entertainment and SciFi Japan`s GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER DVD + Poster Prize Pack contest. The three randomly drawn winners are: Sarah Waddell Phillip Dishon Kyle L. Dennis Congratulations to the winners! Each of you will receive the GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER 2-Disc DVD Edition and poster. The prizes will be shipped next week so keep an eye on your mailboxes. Both GANTZ and GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER are now available from retailers across North America in 2-Disc DVD Editions (SRP: $24.92 each) and in 3-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Sets (SRP: $29.99 each). The films are based on the hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide (published in

    Cover art for HETALIA AXIS POWERS: The Complete Series. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2008 Hidekaz Himaruya, Gentosha Comics/ Hetalia Project

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: hetalia.com (Japan), funimation.com/hetalia (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee Forget everything you learned in history class, and imagine all the nations of the world as cute guys hanging out on a wildly inappropriate reality show. Now, toss in every stereotype ever and prepare to pledge allegiance to your favorite superpower in HETALIA AXIS POWERS (???? Axis Powers, Hetaria Akushisu Pawaazu, 2009)! FUNimation Entertainment will release the complete series DVD set on March 6th. Maybe you`ll surrender to Italy`s charms. He`s a sweetie who`s always got a noodle in his mouth and he`s BFF with blue-eyed Germany and shy Japan. Sounds nice, right? Of course, their friendship sort of causes World War II, but is that really such a big deal? Not if it means those adorable allies France, America, and England will be stormin` the beach!

    Key art for the second season of K-ON! © 2010 kakifly • Houbunsha/ Sakura High Band

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: tbs.co.jp/k-on (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is delighted to announce the licensing of K-ON! Season 2 (????!!, Keion!!, 2010), the continuing exploits of the Light Music Club of Sakuragaoka Girl’s High. The creative staff from K-ON! returns for another 26 episodes plus an OVA of a rocking good time, featuring character designs by Yukiko Horiguchi (LUCKY STAR) and music by Hajime Hyakkoku (ICHIGO 100%). On top of their proven performance, Sentai Filmworks’ release will feature an electric dub by Bang Zoom! Entertainment. 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

    Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES REMASTERED EDITION Available on March 6th Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its March slate of releases; including GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES. Now digitally remastered and restored, it is one of the rare films that truly deserves to be called a masterpiece. It will be released on DVD by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks. Product details follow, in order of release... GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES REMASTERED EDITION Published by: Sentai Filmworks Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 89 min. Street Date: 3/6/2012 Format: DVD Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $19.98 As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita

    Cine-Asia is reissuing four classic martial arts films starring international superstar Jet Li. Photo courtesy of Showbox Media Group. © 1991 Star TV Filmed Entertainment

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Arriving February 27th from Cine-Asia Source: Showbox Media Group press release Official Site: cine-asia.com Special Thanks to Louise Rivers From 1999 to 2006, Hong Kong Legends brought the biggest films of Asian cinema to DVD in the UK. Now, Cine-Asia the UK’s leading Asian action cinema label is reissuing them under the ‘CINE-ASIA presents HKL’ banner, bringing together the two greatest catalogues of Asian cinema under one ultimate label! February`s lineup focuses on Jet Li -- the star of FIST OF LEGEND, BLACK MASK, LETHAL WEAPON 4, ROMEO MUST DIE, KISS OF THE DRAGON, HERO, UNLEASHED, THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, OCEAN HEAVEN and THE EXPENDABLES -- with new digitally remastered and restored DVDs of four classic films. ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA Ultimate Edition DVD (???, Wong Fei-hung, 1991) Street Date: February 27, 2012 Format: DVD (Region 2 PAL) Number of discs: 1 Certificate: 15 Run Time:

    Preliminary Australian DVD cover for SECTOR 7. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2011 JK Film/ CJ Entertainment

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Madman to Release the Monster Blockbuster from Korea Source: Madman Entertainment press release Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea) Hot on the heels of yesterday`s announcement that SECTOR 7 (7??, Chil gwanggu, 2011) -- South Korea`s first homegrown 3D IMAX film -- has been licensed for home video in North America by Shout! Factory comes word that an Australian release is also in the works from distributor Madman Entertainment. Madman has confirmed that the Region 4 DVD will street on April 18th. SECTOR 7 was written and produced by Yoon Je-kyun. Referred to as "the Korean Michael Bay", Yoon was the director of the tidal-wave disaster hit HAEUNDAE (???, released in the US as TIDAL WAVE). The film was directed by Kim Ji-hoon, who previously helmed the drama MAY 18 (??? ??, Hwaryeohan hyuga, 2008) and is currently at work on the

    Shout! Factory has acquired the North American rights to the Korean hits SECTOR 7 and QUICK. © 2011 JK Film / CJ Entertainment.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Popular Overseas Box Office Hits Include 3D Epic Thriller SECTOR 7 and QUICK Source: Shout! Factory press release Official Movie Site: sector7movie.blogspot.com (US), 2011sector7.co.kr (Korea) Special Thanks to Tom Chen Shout! Factory announced today a multi-year agreement with CJ E&M, the leading film distribution and production company in Korea, to be the exclusive North American home entertainment distributor for two widely popular Korean motion pictures. The announcement was made by Shout! Factory’s founding partners Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos; and CJ E&M America’s CEO Joon Choi. Under the multi-property alliance, Shout! Factory has secured the rights to distribute the Korean 3D creature thriller SECTOR 7 and action-packed adventure QUICK for all packaged media (DVD/Blu-ray) home entertainment releases and digital distribution in the U.S and Canada. “We’re excited about this opportunity with CJ E&M and look forward to bringing these films to

    The King of the Monsters makes his debut in GODZILLA, now available on Blu-ray and DVD from The Criterion Collection. © 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Author: Allen Perkins Source: The Criterion Collection Official Site: criterion.com/godzilla Special Thanks to Curtis Tsui On January 24th, the prestigious Criterion Collection released GODZILLA (???, Gojira, 1954) and its companion film GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS (1956) on DVD and Blu-ray in a fantastic special edition. For Criterion to release GODZILLA represents one of the highest honors the film has ever received and truly solidifies its status as not just a classic monster movie, but also an important cinematic achievement. Few films can lay claim to such an honor. Godzilla fans all over should be proud that this film joins a series that includes most of Akira Kurosawa’s output. VIDEO GODZILLA is presented in a pillarboxed 1080p transfer in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and is sourced from a 35mm fine grain print struck from the original camera negative. The image is much

    There`s some crazy magic fighting in store for the FAIRY TAIL: PART 4 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, streeting March 20th. © 2009 Fairy Tail Guild Production Committee: Hiro Mashima/ Kodansha/ TV Tokyo

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: tv-tokyo.co.jp/fairytail (Japan), funimation.com/fairy-tail (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee FUNimation Entertainment will release the Blu-ray/DVD Combo set of the action/adventure anime FAIRY TAIL: PART 4 (????????, Fearii Teiru, 2009) on March 20th. Based on the hit manga by Hiro Mashima, the long running series is co-produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, and directed by Shinji Ishihira. The fourth Blu-ray/DVD Combo set contains episodes 37-48. Forced to face her demons at the Tower of Heaven, Erza is in real danger of becoming a live sacrifice in Jellal’s demented plan -- which spells disaster for Fairy Tail’s strongest team! As the Council prepares to wipe out the island with the Etherion beam, Erza’s allies endure a heart wrenching battle to get her back! Big surprises await the comrades as they return for Magnolia’s

    Promotional art for GINTAMA – THE MOVIE. © Hideaki Sorachi/ Gintama The Movie Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: warnerbros.co.jp/gintama (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams 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 (???????????, Gekijouban Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-Hen, 2010), 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

    Image courtesy of The Associates. © 2010 Sengoku Bancho Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Official Site: tekken-bloodvengeance.com (Japan) Source: The Associates press release A former assistant director to prolific and controversial filmmaker Takashi Miike and now an equally maverick director in his own right, Kenichiro Nishiumi is the man behind SAMURAI WARRIOR (???????????, Sengoku Bancho Gachi-Zamurai, 2010), a period-set martial arts action saga starring Yuma Ishigaki (13 ASSASSINS) and Suzunosuke (CROWS ZERO 1 and II; CYBORG GIRL). During Japan’s Warring States Period many powerful feudal lords took it upon themselves to pillage neighboring lands whenever the opportunity arose. As steps towards unifying the whole country began, battles unfolded and many men left the smaller villages to fight in the larger territories. Among those left behind to tend to the farmlands were groups of hoodlum youths, referred to as “Evil Little Devils”, who -- dreaming of supplanting their superiors -- spent much of their time brawling and “stealing”

    Win a GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER Prize Pack containing a poster and the 2-Disc DVD. Photo courtesy of NEW PEOPLE Entertainment. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US) Special Thanks to Shio Toyoda A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Last month, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment released GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (?? PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) -- the live-action film sequel to GANTZ (??, 2011) -- on Region 1 DVD (SRP $24.92) and Blu-ray/DVD combo-pack (SRP $29.99). The GANTZ films are based on the hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku, which has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was previously adapted in a 26 episode anime series. Directed by Shinsuke Sato (THE PRINCESS BLADE) and starring Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY), both GANTZ movies debuted at the top the Japanese box office. To celebrate the new film`s North American release, NEW PEOPLE Entertainment is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a

    Earth forces attempt to repel alien invaders in PLANZET, the computer animated science fiction film from NEGADON director Jun Awazu. © 2010 Jun Awazu/Media Factory/CoMix Wave Films

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Movie Site: planzet.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce its license of PLANZET (??????, Puranzetto, 2010), a science fiction tale of invasion and human struggle and survival. The creation of writer, director and character designer Jun Awazu (NEGADON: THE MONSTER FROM MARS), the movie is presented by industry innovator CoMix Wave (5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND, Hoshizora Kiseki) and has been featured at festivals such as the 14th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and SIGGRAPH Asia 2010. CGI is directed by Shin Miyahara (KARAS: THE PROPHECY) and music is by Shingo Terasawa with the main theme being sung by Chitose Hajime (BLOOD+). In 2047, an unknown, alien life-form descends upon the Earth, destroying all the major cities in one fell swoop. The survivors unite and build a Diffusor to stop the Februus

    Rin (Mika Hijii, foreground right) is one of the many ninja who must stop a killer alien in Sushi Typhoon`s ALIEN VS NINJA. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Sushi Typhoon & “Alien vs. Ninja” Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: funimation.com/avn, Sushi Typhoon (US), Sushi Typhoon (Japan) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee On February 21st, FUNimation Entertainment will reissue ALIEN VS NINJA (AVN, 2010), this time in a 2 disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. The filmmakers behind TOKYO GORE POLICE and THE MACHINE GIRL joined studio Sushi Typhoon for their first creation in a line of pure and entertaining cult cinema... a new hybrid of science fiction, horror, comedy and period action film brought to fans by legendary action directors and fight choregraphers Yuji Shimomura (VERSUS, SHINOBI, DEATH TRANCE) and Kensuke Sonomura (MACHINE GIRL, HARD REVENGE MILLY: BLOODY BATTLE), and directed by Seiji Chiba (DEATH TRANCE, EVIL NINJA)! Centuries ago, the fiercest ninjas of the Iga clan face their toughest enemies -- and they aren’t from this planet! A fiery mass crashes

    Shikanotoride Junior High Class 3-B is sent on a suicide mission in the director`s cut of BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM. © 2003 The “Battle Royale” Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    This Time It`s War Source: Madman Entertainment press release BATTLE ROYALE II: REQUIEM (????????? II????????????, Batoru Rowaiaru II: Chinkonka, 2003), the follow-up to the cult classic BATTLE ROYALE (?????????, Batoru Rouaiaru, 2000), will be released on Region 4 DVD in March by Madman Entertainment. The new release will be a "director`s cut" (also known as BATTLE ROYALE II: REVENGE) with 25 minutes of extra footage. Never before seen in Australia, the extended version ups the stakes in every way. It`s three years after the events of the original BATTLE ROYALE, and Shuya Nanahara (DEATH NOTE`s Tatsuya Fujiwara) is now an internationally-known terrorist determined to bring down the government. His terrorist group, Wild Seven, stages an attack that levels several buildings in Tokyo on Christmas Day, killing 8000 people. Exactly one year afterward, the government enacts the "New Century Terrorist Counter-Measure Alternative" program, a.k.a.

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