SciFi Japan

    Soo Ae plays double-agent Yoon Hye-in in ATHENA: GODDESS OF WAR. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © SBS and SBS Content Hub.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Korean Action Film Streets October 23rd Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: funimation.com/athena-goddess-of-war (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter FUNimation Entertainment will release the motion picture ATHENA: GODDESS OF WAR (???: ??? ??, Atena: Jeonjaengui Yeosin, 2010) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on October 23rd. A new sexy spy thriller that captures the best of a proven blockbuster genre, this live-action movie is a spin-off to the hit Korean series IRIS (????, 2009). Three actors from ATHENA: GODDESS OF WAR were nominated for Best Actress and Best Actor awards. Beautiful double-agent Yoon Hye-in (Soo Ae) is caught in the middle of a game of nuclear espionage -- and torn between two very different men. One heroically fights beside her on the anti-terror task force known as NTS. The other ruthlessly controls Athena, the extremist organization NTS is trying to stop. As Yoon

    The 501st Joint Fighter Wing are back in STRIKE WITCHES Season 2, coming to Blu-ray and DVD on October 2nd. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 501st Joint Fighters Wing

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    Streets October 2nd Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: s-witch.cute.or.jp (Japan), funimation.com/strikewitches (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter FUNimation Entertainment will release the second season of the anime series STRIKE WITCHES (???????????, Sutoraiku Witch?zu, 2010) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on October 2nd. The lovely ladies of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing are back to battle a new breed of alien invader! The extraterrestrial menace known as the Neuroi have returned to Earth, and even a direct hit won`t stop these monsters. The Strike Witches are Earth`s last line of defense, but they`ll have to learn some new tricks to survive this dogfight -- and win the war on pants once and for all! The STRIKE WITCHES Season 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains episodes 1-12. The limited edition includes an artbox sized to hold both seasons 1 and 2 of STRIKE WITCHES. Blu-ray/DVD Combo:

    KOTOKO, from the cult director of the cyberpunk TETSUO series, comes to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on October 8th. Images courtesy of Third Window Films. © 2011 Kaijyu Theater / Makotoya

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Third Window Films Official Movie Site: kotoko-movie.com (Japan), thirdwindowfilms.com/kotoko (UK) Special Thanks to Adam Torel and Claire Marty KOTOKO (???, 2011), the new film from cult director Shinya Tsukamoto (TETSUO, SNAKE OF JUNE, VITAL) comes to DVD and Blu-ray in the United Kingdom on October 8th, 2012 from distributor Third Window Films. Starring the famous Japanese folk singer, Cocco, KOTOKO is the only Japanese film to ever win the ‘BEST FILM’ award in the Orrizonti of the Venice Film Festival. A North American home video release has not been announced. Shinya Tsukamoto presents an unnerving film about mental instability. Kotoko (folk-singer Cocco), a young single mother, lives alone with her baby son. Suffering from an unknown illness that makes her see double -- especially people -- and not knowing which version of the person is real, it severely impacts her day-to-day life,

    The new anime series LOVE, ELECTIONS & CHOCOLATE debuts this Thursday on Anime Network Online. © sprite/ fairys ? Love Chocolate Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Starts August 30th on Anime Network Online Source: Sentai Filmworks, Anime Network press releases Official Site: koichoco.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams and Toni Brown Sentai Filmworks’ is pleased to announce their latest acquisition: LOVE, ELECTIONS & CHOCOLATE (???????????, Koi to Senkyo to Chokoreeto, 2012). With series composition by Katsuhiko Takayama (EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES., AND YET THE TOWN MOVES), this series is sure to have the right recipe to win at the polls, and to complete the ticket, direction by Toru Kitahata (THE BIG O, RUMBLING HEARTS), music by Elements Garden (BODACIOUS SPACE PIRATES) and character designs by Hiroaki Gohda (AMAGAMI SS, PLEASE TEACHER!) add the icing that tops it all off. In Japan, participation in extra-curricular activities is as fundamental a part of an education as chalk and gym shorts. However, not all students are overachievers, and for

    GALAXY EXPRESS 999: ETERNAL FANTASY cover art. Image courtesy of Discotek Media. © Leiji Matsumoto • Toei Animation

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Region 1 DVD Release in October Source: Discotek Media Official Site: toei-anim.co.jp/999/eternal (Japan) The anime feature GALAXY EXPRESS 999: ETERNAL FANTASY (??????? ???????????, Ginga Tetsudo 999: Eternal Fantasy, 1998) will be released on Region 1 DVD on October 16th from Discotek Media. Based on the original story by Leiji Matsumoto, this new film picks up one year after the events of ADIEU, GALAXY EXPRESS 999 (???????????????????????, Sayonara Ginga Tetsudo 999: Andromeda Shuchakueki, 1981). A young boy named Tetsuro and his motherly companion Maetel worked to rid the universe of the Mechanized Empire who had overtaken Earth. Now Tetsuro is back home on Earth, and constantly beaten by new tyrants who took over after the machines were destroyed. Right before he is executed, Maetel and the 999 zoom in and whisk him away for an all-new adventure. DVD: Region 1 SRP: $19.95 Release Date: October 16, 2012

    Screen shot from the HD transfer of DAIMAJIN, coming to Blu-ray in North America this September from Mill Creek Entertainment. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. NHFN/1966

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Special Thanks to Barrett Evans and Chris Smith A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Mill Creek has given SciFi Japan readers an exclusive first look at the trailer for their DAIMAJIN Triple Feature Collector`s Edition Blu-ray, streeting September 18, 2012. The 2-disc set includes high definition transfers for all three Majin films -- DAIMAJIN (???), RETURN OF DAIMAJIN (?????, Daimajin Ikaru), and DAIMAJIN STRIKES AGAIN (?????, Daimajin Gyakushu) -- plus extensive bonus features from the Kadokawa Pictures vaults. Check back with SciFi Japan for more DAIMAJIN Triple Feature Collector`s Edition Blu-ray exclusives in the near future. About Mill Creek Entertainment Mill Creek Entertainment is a source of value home video entertainment. Helmed by a management team with over eighty years of experience in the consumer home entertainment marketplace, the company produces entertainment products that typically sell

    The anime series ARIA THE SCARLET AMMO will be released in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack in October. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2011 Chugaku Akamatsu, Media Factory/Tokyo Vo-High School of Detective Armed

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Anime Set Streets October 23rd Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: mediafactory.co.jp/bunkoj/aria (Japan), funimation.com/aria-the-scarlet-ammo (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter FUNimation Entertainment will release the anime series ARIA THE SCARLET AMMO (??????, Hidan no Aria, 2011) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on October 23rd. Aria is a volatile girl who wields two pistols and two swords and holds the highest rank in assault studies at a high school for young mercenaries. This pint-sized prodigy swoops in to save her classmate Kinji from a high-speed chase, but he ends up saving her after he switches from a boring wimp into a total hot shot! His secret? He only turns into something of a James Bond when he`s turned on! Convinced Kinji`s an ace, Aria strong-arms him into being her partner -- but she isn`t the only femme fatale who wants a taste of his coveted

    Blu-ray and DVD cover art for the second season the CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME. Photos courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Featuring Special Bonus Content Optimus Prime: Up Close and Personal Panel with Peter Cullen & Larry King Source: Shout! Factory press release Special Thanks to Tom Chen With UNICRON defeated by OPTIMUS PRIME, what was thought to be the end of AUTOBOTS’ darkest hour is actually proving to be just the beginning. The dynamic second season of Hasbro Studios’ acclaimed animated hit series TRANSFORMERS PRIME digs deeper into TRANSFORMERS mythology as both the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS uncover clues relating to secret artifacts of Iacon, CYBERTRON’s capital city. Their discoveries could not only change the balance of power in the war, but also potentially revive their dead home planet. Fans of all ages can relive the thrilling adventures of TRANSFORMERS PRIME when the complete SEASON TWO debuts on home entertainment shelves nationwide in the U.S on DVD November 20, 2012 and on Blu-ray November 27, 2012 from Shout!

    On October 9th, DEADMAN WONDERLAND: The Complete Series will be released on DVD in North America as a 3-Disc set from FUNimation Entertainment. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2010 Jinsei Kataoka, Kazuma Kondou/ Kadokawashoten/ Deadman Wonder Land Ward G.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: dwl.jp (Japan), funimation.com/deadman-wonderland (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter Death is the main attraction in DEADMAN WONDERLAND (????????????, Deddoman Wandaarando, 2011), from the studio that brought you SAMURAI CHAMPLOO and ERGO PROXY. On October 9th, DEADMAN WONDERLAND: The Complete Series will be released on DVD in North America as a 3-Disc set from FUNimation Entertainment. Adult Swim’s premiere of DEADMAN WONDERLAND was #1 in its time period among adults 18-24; new episodes continues to be ranked #1 in its timeslot among adults 18-24 and men 18-34. Ganta is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers. He’s framed for the carnage, sentenced to die, and locked away in the most twisted prison ever built: Deadman Wonderland. And then it gets worse. At Deadman Wonderland, convicts are forced into brutal deathmatches for

    Blu-ray and DVD cover art for Criterion`s new restored edition of Akira Kurosawa`s 1950 masterpiece RASHOMON. Images courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1950 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment Official Site: criterion.com/rashomon Special Thanks to Micheal Perzi and Brian Carmody On November 6th, 2012, RASHOMON will be released in digitally restored DVD and Blu-ray editions by The Criterion Collection. A riveting psychological thriller that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice, RASHOMON is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Four people recount different versions of the story of a man’s murder and the rape of his wife, which director Akira Kurosawa (SEVEN SAMURAI) presents with striking imagery and an ingenious use of flashbacks. This eloquent masterwork and international sensation revolutionized film language and introduced Japanese cinema -- and a commanding new star by the name of Toshiro Mifune (YOJIMBO) -- to the Western world. Awards • 1951: Winner, Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival • 1951: Winner, Best Foreign Language Film,

    Win the Korean action movie QUICK on Blu-ray or Region 1 DVD from Shout! Factory. Photos courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 2011 JK Film / CJ Entertainment.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    New Korean Action-Adventure from the Makers of SECTOR 7 Source: Shout! Factory, MPRM Communications Special Thanks to Leif Helland A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE On September 4th, the Korean action-packed adventure QUICK (?, Qwik, 2011) will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in North America by Shout! Factory. To celebrate the new release, Shout! Factory is giving SciFi Japan readers a chance to win a free copy of QUICK on either Blu-ray or DVD. From the filmmakers of the international hits HAEUNDAE (TIDAL WAVE) and SECTOR 7 (7??, Chil gwanggu, 2011) comes a non-stop motorbike action adventure. Former motorcycle gang member Ki-su makes a living as a bike messenger. One day, he escorts a female singer to a TV station. As she puts a bike helmet on her head, a timer mechanism is triggered and a countdown clock appears. Ki-su gets a

    UK Blu-ray and DVD slipcase art for the double feature release of Shinya Tsukamoto`s cult classics TETSUO: THE IRON MAN and TETSUO II: BODY HAMMER. Photos courtesy of Third Window Films. © 1989-1992 Toshiba EMI/ Kaijyu Theater

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Third Window Films press release Special Thanks to Adam Torel Third Window Films are very pleased to be the first in the world to release a newly remastered high definition Blu-ray of Shinya Tsukamoto`s cult classics TETSUO: THE IRON MAN (?????????, Tetsuo, 1989) and TETSUO II: BODY HAMMER (?? II????????????, 1992). Not only does the double-disc Blu-ray and DVD set include a new transfer of both films -- digitally restored from their original negatives -- it also features Shinya Tsukamoto`s 45 minute pre-TETSUO film THE ADVENTURES OF ELECTRIC ROD BOY (???????, Denchu Kozou no Boken, 1987) which has also been remastered. To top everything off Third Window has a brand new exclusive interview with Tsukamoto, talking about both Tetsuo films as well as giving a 5 minute introduction to ROD BOY. To make the set even nicer Third Window are including 5

    Packaging for the SHAKUGAN NO SHANA: Season 2 Part 1 Limited Edition. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Yashichiro Takahashi/ ASCII Media Works/ ?Shakugan no Shana? Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: shakugan.com (Japan), funimation.com/shakugan-no-shana (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter On October 16th, FUNimation Entertainment will release the second season of SHAKUGAN NO SHANA (??????, 2007) in a pair of Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs. The iconic animated series, directed by Takashi Watanabe (ARIA THE SCARLET AMMO) and produced by J.C.Staff (TORADORA!, OKAMISAN AND HER SEVEN COMPANIONS), is based on Yashichiro Takahashi`s novels about the spark between a hot-blooded huntress and a teenage boy as they maintain the balance between the ordinary world and the supernatural. SHAKUGAN NO SHANA: Season 2 Part 1 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Limited Edition The heated bond between Shana and Yuji is tested as their paranormal adventures continue. The Flame Haze fends off supernatural foes by night, but by day, she contends with a classmate who`s also after Yuji`s heart. Emotions flare as a suspicious transfer student who resembles a recently

    Here;s your chance to get Neptun Media`s new THE LAST SAMURAI DVD for free! Photo courtesy of Neptune Media. © 1974 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Neptune Media Special Thanks to William Ferguson A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Thank you to everyone who entered Neptune Media and SciFi Japan`s Kenji Misumi’s THE LAST SAMURAI DVD contest. The randomly drawn winners are: Damon Brittingham Jonathan Crimmins Jesse Davenport Ben Duffy Congratulations to the winners! Each of you will receive one (1) THE LAST SAMURAI DVD from Neptune Media. Your prizes will ship soon so keep an eye on your mailboxes. The 67th and final film by the director of ZATOICHI THE BLIND SWORDSMAN, RETURN OF DAIMAJIN and LONE WOLF AND CUB, THE LAST SAMURAI (???????, Okami yo Rakujitsu o Kire, 1974) boasts dazzling sword fights, elaborate battle sequences and a stirring score from internationally renowned composer Akira Ifukube (Godzilla series, CHUSHINGURA). Neptune Media`s DVD release features a new 16:9 high definition digital transfer of the film in its original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect

    The crew of the AAB-Gamma -- Lisa (Peggy Neal), Captain Sano (Toshiya Wazaki), Michiko (Itoko Harada) and Miyamoto (Shinichi Yanagisawa) -- run into trouble while en-route to Mars in Shochiku`s giant monster movie, THE X FROM OUTER SPACE. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection. © 1967 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    DVD Box Set Coming November 20th Source: The Criterion Collection, Image Entertainment, Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: criterion.com/eclipse-series-37-when-horror-came-to-shochiku Special Thanks to Micheal Perzi and Brian Carmody On November 20th, the Criterion Collection`s Eclipse Series imprint will release a box set of four science fiction/horror films produced by the Japanese studio, Shochiku. ECLIPSE SERIES 37: WHEN HORROR CAME TO SHOCHIKU marks the Region 1 DVD debuts of all four films, and the first wide US release of any kind for both THE LIVING SKELETON and GENOCIDE. The daikaiju movie THE X FROM OUTER SPACE was originally syndicated to television in the United States by American International Pictures in 1968, while GOKE, BODY SNATCHER FROM HELL was distributed to theaters by Pacemaker Films in 1979. The following information and images are courtesy of The Criterion Collection... ECLIPSE SERIES 37: WHEN HORROR CAME TO SHOCHIKU Following

    SPIELVAN, one of three Toei Metal Hero shows adapted for Saban`s VR TROOPERS. © 1987 Toei Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Flash Back to Two of the Most Beloved Live Action Pop Culture TV Series Source: Shout! Factory press release Special Thanks to Tom Chen In the wake of Shout! Factory`s POWER RANGERS DVD releases comes two more titles from Saban Brands: VR TROOPERS and BIG BAD BEETLEBORGS. Both 3-Disc DVD sets hit store shelves nationwide this October. As with POWER RANGERS, VR TROOPERS and BIG BAD BEETLEBORGS are loosely adapted from Japanese hero shows produced by Toei Co., Ltd. BIG BAD BEETLEBORGS featured footage from B-FIGHTER (?????????, Juukoo Bii Faitaa, Heavy Armor B-Fighter, 1995) while VR TROOPERS used material from three different series; SPACE CAPTAIN SHAIDER (?????????, Uchuu Keiji Shaidaa, 1984), SPIELVAN (?????????, Jikuu Senshi Supiruban, 1986) and METALDER (????????, Choojinki Metarudaa, 1987). VR TROOPERS: SEASON ONE, VOLUME ONE This Fall, prepare to join the action and relive the action adventures of Ryan

    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: SEASON 1, VOLUME 1 will be released on DVD next week. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © 1993 Power Rangers LLC.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Shout! Factory, Click Communications press release Special Thanks to Scott Neumyer In anticipation of the August 21st release of MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: SEASON 1, VOLUME 1 on DVD, Shout! Factory invites fans to get to know their favorite RANGERS characters. The 3-disc set marks the DVD debut of the original POWER RANGERS series and features the first 30 episodes from the first season at a suggested retail price of $19.93. The pre-order is now available at Amazon.com and ShoutFactory.com. JASON LEE SCOTT – THE RED RANGER (Austin St. John) A seventeen-year-old black belt in karate and the leader of the team, he is serious about his martial arts and spends much of his time working out new moves and perfecting old ones. The remainder of his time is spent on schoolwork and hanging out with his friends, like most other kids

    First look at the complete wraparound cover art for the DAIMAJIN Triple Feature Blu-ray. Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © Kadokawa Pictures, Inc. NHFN/1966

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Special Thanks to Barrett Evans and Chris Smith A SciFi JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Mill Creek has revealed the final wraparound cover art for their DAIMAJIN Triple Feature Collector`s Edition Blu-ray, streeting September 18, 2012. The 2-disc set includes high definition transfers for all three Majin films -- DAIMAJIN (???), RETURN OF DAIMAJIN (?????, Daimajin Ikaru), and DAIMAJIN STRIKES AGAIN (?????, Daimajin Gyakushu) -- plus extensive bonus features from the Kadokawa Pictures vaults. Check back with SciFi Japan for more DAIMAJIN Triple Feature Collector`s Edition Blu-ray exclusives in the near future. About Mill Creek Entertainment Mill Creek Entertainment is a source of value home video entertainment. Helmed by a management team with over eighty years of experience in the consumer home entertainment marketplace, the company produces entertainment products that typically sell in quantity, at impulse price-points,

    Cover art for the FAFNER: Complete Series Blu-ray/ DVD Combo Pack. © King Record.Co., Ltd. © Xebec/ Tatsumiyajima Yakuba

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: Official Site: fafner.jp (Japan), funimation.com/fafner (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter FUNimation Entertainment will release the complete series of the giant robot anime FAFNER (????????, Sookyuu no Fafunaa) in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on September 18th. Produced by Xebec -- the studio behind MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO and SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO 2199 -- a sequel series has been announced for production. Terrorized by a hostile alien race`s mental warfare, humans hear only this question just before their lives are destroyed by the violent invaders. Kazuki and his classmates lay everything on the line to pilot their heavily guarded island`s secret weapons: towering mechs for which only they are genetically qualified to control. With most of Earth in ruins, humanity`s survival relies on these youths` selfless determination to protect the only home they know. But when each battle pushes the pilots to the

    Koji Yakusho and Shun Oguri in THE WOODSMAN AND THE RAIN. © 2011 Kitsutsuki to Ame Film Partners

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    UK DVD and Blu-ray Planned for 2013 Source: Third Window Films press release Special Thanks to Adam Torel UK distributor Third Window Films is pleased to announce the acquisition of 2 wonderful comedies from the Far East, Pang Ho-Cheung`s VULGARIA (????, 2012) and Shuichi Okita`s THE WOODSMAN AND THE RAIN (??????, Kitsutsuki to Ame, 2012). Both films have been touring many popular international film festivals to rave reviews with VULGARIA having its European premiere at the prestigious Udine Film Festival and then going on to open the New York Asian Film Festival while THE WOODSMAN AND THE RAIN won the Special Jury Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival and then had its European debut at the Terracotta Film Festival before going on to sell-out shows at Udine, Japan Cuts and many more. Third Window Films mainly handles Japanese films nowadays, but the

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