SciFi Japan

    Sentai Filmworks has acquired North American rights to KIDS ON THE SLOPE, the anime adaptation of Yuki Kodama`s manga by the team behind COWBOY BEBOP and MACROSS PLUS. © Yuki Kodama ? Shogakukan/ Kids on the Slope Committee

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    New Watanabe/Kanno Team-Up Coming to North America Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: noitamina-apollon.com (Japan), noitamina-apollon.com/index_en (English) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce the acquisition of one of the most anticipated animated series of the decade, KIDS ON THE SLOPE (???????, Sakamichi no Apollon, 2012), the long awaited reunion of the team behind COWBOY BEBOP and MACROSS PLUS, director Shinichiro Watanabe (SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, THE ANIMATRIX ) and composer Yoko Kanno (RAHXEPHON, ESCAFLOWNE, GHOST IN THE SHELL S.A.C.). Produced for Fuji Televisions prestigious noitaminA block and based on the manga by Yuki Kodama, the 12 episode series’ already blockbuster list of production credits grows even more impressive with the addition of character designer Nobuteru Yuki (RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, ESCAFLOWNE, BATTLE ANGEL) and scripting by Yuko Kakihara (PERSONA 4- THE ANIMATION, TAYUTAMA- KISS ON MY DIETY,) and his

    Packaging for the HERO TALES: THE COMPLETE SERIES DVD Box. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Huang Jin-Zhou • Genco • Flag. © Hero Tales Production Partners.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Complete Set Streets June 5th Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: jyushin.jp (Japan), funimation.com/hero-tales (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter FUNimation Entertainment will release the complete 26 episode series of HERO TALES (???? - HERO TALES -, Jyushin Enbu - Hero Tales, 2007) in a DVD box set on June 12th. The anime is co-written and features character design by Hiromu Arakawa, creator of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST. For citizens of the Xian Empire, justice is a myth. Lord Keiro, the deranged General of the Imperial Army, blazes a trail of terror across the countryside in search of the sacred sword that will make him a god. Standing in his way is Taito, an omnipotent star reborn in human form -- a young hero who vows to use his celestial strength to avenge those slaughtered by the villainous General. Taito`s mystical powers steer him toward a violent showdown with

    Akira Tsubaki falls for a transfer student who keeps scissors tucked into her panties in the new anime series, MYSTERIOUS GIRLFRIEND X. © Riichi Ueshiba ? Kodansha, Ltd. © King Record Co.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: starchild.co.jp/nazokano_x (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder, Sentai Filmworks proudly announces its acquisition of a tale of strange, sticky bonds and slobbering repercussions: Riichi Ueshiba’s MYSTERIOUS GIRLFRIEND X (????X, Nazo no Kanojo X, 2012)! Featuring direction by Ayumu Watanabe (SPACE BROTHERS), music by Tomoki Hasegawa (DNANGEL, NANA) and character designs by Kenichi Konishi (BOKURANO, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS), MYSTERIOUS GIRLFRIEND X is sure to be a hit with any self-respecting salivator. When the oddly peculiar Mikoto Urabe transfers into Akira Tsubaki’s class, he finds that life has thrown him the weirdest curve ball ever. Because while Urabe may be an anti-social loner who sleeps on her desk, carries a pair of scissors in her underwear and breaks out in sudden fits of insane laughter,

    THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY Blu-ray cover art. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.© 2010 GNDHDDTW, © 2012 GNDHDDTW.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Walt Disney to Release Three Studio Ghibli Favorites on May 22nd Source: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Inc. Press release Official Movie Site: disney.go.com/arrietty (US) On May 22nd, Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli (PONYO, SPIRITED AWAY) proudly open the doors to the visually stunning animated masterpiece THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD. Also streeting that day are Blu-ray + DVD Combo Packs of the Studio Ghibli classics CASTLE IN THE SKY and WHISPER OF THE HEART. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (????????????, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) is a remarkable filmmaking achievement that families will want to add to their home entertainment collections and enjoy over and over. Based on the acclaimed children’s book series The Borrowers by Mary Norton, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is an imaginative tale of “little people” living furtively

    Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and DVD cover artwork for DRAGON AGE: DAWN OF THE SEEKER. © EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. © Dragon Age Project

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    New Animated Film Arrives May 29th Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: dragonagemovie.com (US), dragonagemovie.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter On May 29th, FUNimation Entertainment will debut the computer animated feature DRAGON AGE: DAWN OF THE SEEKER (??????? ??????????, Doragon Eiji: Buraddomeiji no Seisen) on DVD and in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. Based on the hit RPG franchise, the film is an action-packed look at the origins of a character destined to shake the very foundations of the DRAGON AGE world. DRAGON AGE: DAWN OF THE SEEKER is a co-production between FUNimation, EA international and BioWare and was released in Japanese theaters on February 11th. In a land where battles are fought with swords and magic, a young heroine rises to glory as Templars, mages, and dragons clash. Cassandra Pentaghast, a brash and beautiful warrior, must stop a conspiracy that threatens

    Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    CLANNAD: AFTER STORY Blu-ray Available July 24th Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details for its July slate of releases; including CLANNAD: AFTER STORY. The Complete Collection will be released on Blu-ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks. Product details follow, in order of release... HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP (SPECIALS) Published by: Sentai Filmworks Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 50 min. Street Date: 7/3/2012 Format: DVD Language: Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $14.98 Even though studying at a prestigious art school like Yamabuki is hard work, the girls who live at the Hidamari Apartments always manage to squeeze in time for a little fun and exploration. And when they actually get a day off? Watch out world! Yuno, Sae, Hiro, Miyako and new students Nori and Nazuna return to create another masterpiece of life as

    © 2011 Ume Aoki ? Houbunsha/ Hidamari-sou Management Association

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: tbs.co.jp/hidamari (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is pleased to invite you along for another visit with everyone’s favorite art students in HIDAMARI SKETCH X SP (????????×SP???????, Hidamari Sukecchi Supesharu, 2011). These two special episodes feature the cast and staff that have brought the girls of the Hidamari Apartments to life, including direction by Akiyuki Shinbo (MARIA HOLIC, AND YET THE TOWN MOVES) and character designs by Yoshiaki Ito (ALICE ACADEMY). Even though studying at a prestigious art school like Yamabuki is hard work, the girls who live at the Hidamari Apartments always manage to squeeze in time for a little fun and exploration. And when they actually get a day off? Watch out world! Yuno, Sae, Hiro, Miyako and new students Nori and Nazuna return to create another masterpiece of life as art, with all new

    DVD cover art for THE DEVIL’S FEAST. Photo courtesy of Section23 Films. © 2007 Shin-Toho Pictures Co.,Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Section23 Films Official Movie Site: shin-toho.com/oni (Japan) Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Switchblade Pictures has tied up the rights to THE DEVIL’S FEAST (????, Oni no Kaen, 2007), the suspense and shibari erotic thriller from the late, internationally acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Oniroku Dan (Flower and Snake, Rope Hell, Lady Black Rose). Widely considered to be Japan’s greatest master of dark erotica, Dan, who passed away in May of 2011, wrote over two hundred novels over his career, as well as the screenplays for many of Japan’s most successful and influential features, being especially known his popularization of the Japanese rope-bondage art of Shibari. Directed by Kenji Hanyu from an adaption by Hiroshi Yoshino, THE DEVIL’S FEAST was distributed theatrically in Japan by Shintoho and stars Chihiro Koganezaki (CRUEL RESTAURANT,) Yuya Matsuura (ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA,) Hitoshi Kajiki (RINKO 18) and famed AV model Arisa Matsumoto.

    Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS Available on June 12th Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its June slate of releases. Packed with top titles by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks, including FATE / STAY NIGHT UNLIMITED BLADE WORKS, K-ON! and TOWANOQUON, June promises to make this the hottest summer on record! Product details follow, in order of release... KURENAI COMPLETE COLLECTION Published by: Sentai Filmworks Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 300 min. Street Date: 6/5/2012 Format: DVD Language: Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $49.98 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

    The horror anime series SHIKI will be released in a pair of Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs next month. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Fuyumi Ono, Ryu Fujisaki /Shueisha, SHI KI Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: okiagari.net (Japan), funimation.com/shiki (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter On May 29th, FUNimation Entertainment will release two Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs of SHIKI (??, 2010), the psychological thriller that will send you to bed with a cross in hand. Based on the horror novel by writer Fuyumi Ono (12 Kingdoms, Ghost Hunt), the animated series was directed by Tetsuro Amino (MACROSS 7, MOBILE SUIT SD GUNDAM FESTIVAL) and produced by Aniplex (BLACK BUTLER, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST). SHIKI: Part One Blu-ray/DVD Combo Limited Edition When citizens of a secluded village begin dying off in alarming numbers, the sole hospital`s head doctor tries desperately to save his patients - but his efforts are in vain. Entire families are wiped out while others desert their homes. All hell breaks loose as the villagers discover their loved ones` corpses are rising from the grave

    Key art for the anime special MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME! © Nakayama ? Ditama / Wani Books ?Mahoro Special Edition Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: mahoro-matic.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is happy to announce that it has licensed MAHOROMATIC: I’M HOME! (???????? ?????????, Mahoromatic: Tadaima Okaeri, 2009). Featuring a screenplay by Tatsuhiko Urata (A-CHANNEL, ARIA THE NATURAL) and character designs by Kazuhiro Takamura (HE IS MY MASTER, STRIKE WITCHES), these two special episodes are the perfect morsel for those wanting just a little bit more of the unforgettable Mahoro. As Mahoro’s life timer rapidly approaches her two hundred and fiftieth day, a more joyous chronological observance occurs to distract her: the 120th anniversary of the founding of the town of Hiryushi. And as part of the celebration, Suguru, Miyuki, Hamaji and several other friends have come up with the perfect tribute: a Maid Café! Unfortunately, their Maid Café may end up completely Maid-Less, as Mahoro and Minawa are attacked by

    Mill Creek is now offering customers complimentary GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS replacement Blu-rays with corrected subtitles on both the film and bonus features. Image courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 1999 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Mill Creek Offering New Discs with Improved Subtitles Source: Mill Creek Entertainment NOTE: Article updated April 6th with additional information from Mill Creek. Last Fall, Mill Creek Entertainment released the fan-favorite Japanese monster movie GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (???3 ?????????, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999) on Blu-ray, both as a single disc and as part of a GAMERA TRILOGY Collector`s Edition set. The bargain priced (SRP: $9.98) release -- packed with nearly 3 hours of Gamera bonus features -- was unfortunately marred by subtitling problems, including subs which were out of sync with spoken dialogue and onscreen text. In January, Mill Creek began offering complimentary replacement copies of their GAMERA 3 Blu-ray to any customers in North America who had purchased the disc. But, to the frustration of customers and company alike, the subtitles were corrected for the main feature but extremely oversized on the

    The two feature film adventures of Osamu Tezuka`s Unico are coming to DVD in North America. © Sanrio Co., Ltd. /Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Discotek Media On May 15th, Discotek Media will release the two UNICO animated feature films on DVD. Based on a manga the legendary "God of Manga" Osamu Tezuka (ASTRO BOY, KIMBA) created for Sanrio’s Ririka magazine, this is the story of a little unicorn whose power to make anyone happy angers the gods. Condemned to wander endlessly with no home and no memories, Unico’s cheerfulness and kindness provide lessons in living in the moment in these heartrending but uplifting fables. THE FANTASTIC ADVENTURES OF UNICO (???, Uniko, 1981) Unico the Unicorn has the amazing power to make anyone he meets happy. Whether it`s because of his personality or the powers of his horn, no one knows. However, the gods become jealous of Unico, thinking that only they should be able to decide or allow people to be happy. Unico is banished to

    The FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD OVA COLLECTION presents untold tales of FMA characters like Izumi Curtis. Image courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © Hiromu Arakawa/ FA Project, MBS

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Untold Tales Revealed in Original Video Animation Set Coming May 22nd Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: animax-asia.com/FMAB (Japan), funimation.com/fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood (US) Special Thanks to Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee Amazing secrets and startling facts are exposed for the first time in the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD OVA COLLECTION (?????? FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Furumetaru Arukemisuto), a new selection of stories set in never-before-seen corners of the FMA universe. Starting April 24th, FUNimation Entertainment will release the OVA COLLECTION in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on May 22nd. Join Ed and Al as they chase rumors of successful human transmutation into a web of shocking family drama and lies. Sneak a glance at hidden sides of Winry and Hawkeye`s personalities. Survive the frigid north with a young Izumi Curtis as she fights to gain a deeper understanding of alchemy. Explore the legendary friendship shared by Mustang

    DVD cover art for the Marvel anime series IRON MAN and X-MEN. Images courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. © 2011 Superhero Anime Partners.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Each Set Includes 12 Episodes Plus New Bonus Features Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Click Communications Special Thanks to Dre Birskovich Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Marvel Animation release the IRON MAN ANIME and X-MEN ANIME on DVD April 24th. With 12 episodes and bonus features in each DVD, bring home the action and adventures of Iron Man and the X-Men in the classic anime style. Guided by New York Times best-selling author Warren Ellis (Iron Man: Extremis, Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis) and produced by Madhouse (BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE) for Marvel Television and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the distributor. IRON MAN ANIME Tony Stark arrives in Japan to help implement his goal of world peace by building the Arc Reactor, a carbon-neutral power plant, that once operational will be able to provide limitless (thus free) energy to the

    The second season of the anime series PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE will soon be available in North America. © 2011 Sunrise/ NHK · NEP

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: phibrain.net, nhk/anime/phibrain (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks announces it has added Season 2 of the new adventure series PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE (???????? ?????, Fai Burein Kami no Pazuru, 2012) from famed director and manga creator Junichi Sato (SAILOR MOON, SERGEANT FROG, PRETEAR, ARIA), and legendary anime studio SUNRISE (MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM, COWBOY BEBOP, SORCERER HUNTERS, DIRTY PAIR, ESCAFLOWNE). Season 2 takes the outstanding 25 episodes of Season 1 and builds from there with another 25 action-packed episodes. The puzzles get tougher and even more deadly as Kaito Daimon continues his battle against the power hungry Givers of the POG. And with one team member already switching sides, will Kaito have what it takes to keep solving the deadly puzzle traps put before him and reach the fabled Puzzle of God? More importantly, will he be

    Discotek Media will release Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata`s PANDA! GO PANDA! on DVD next month. Photo courtesy of Discotek Media. © TMS Entertainment, Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Two Family Films from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli Source: Discotek Media Official Site: ghibli-museum.jp/panda (Japan) PANDA! GO PANDA!, one of the early works of Studio Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, will be released on Region 1 DVD by Discotek Media on April 17th. The DVD includes both short anime movies: PANDA! GO PANDA! (????????, Panda Kopanda, 1972) and THE RAINY-DAY CIRCUS (???????? ????? ???, Panda Kopanda: Amefuri Circus no Maki, 1973). In 1972, the Chinese government loaned a pair of giant pandas to Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, sparking a wave of "panda fever" across Japan. The craze inspired Hayao Miyazaki (MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, SPIRITED AWAY), who created the premise, wrote the screenplays, and did character designs, layouts and key animation for the PANDA! GO PANDA! films. Both movies were directed by Isao Takahata (GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES,

    © 2009 Mizuki Kawashita/ Shueisha Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: j-hatsukoi.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the licensing of HATSUKOI LIMITED (?????, Hatsukoi Gentei, 2009), the 12 episode series that proves love really is all around, even when you aren’t expecting it! Based on the manga by Mizuki Kawashita (Ichigo 100%), the series features direction by Yoshiki Yamakaw (BABY, PLEASE KILL ME!), character designs by Tomoyuki Shitaya (KIMKISS: PURE ROUGE, MAYO CHIKIi!) and music by Nijine (MASHITROIRO SYMPHONY, IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA). Romance is a funny thing: you hear about it, read about and dream about it, but it always seems to elude you. Until it actually happens, in a way you never imagined it, and knocks you off your feet! At least, that’s how it feels to young Ayumi and her friends, as one by one, they discover that love is infectious and

    Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    PLANZET Available on May 22nd Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its May slate of releases; including PLANZET, a science fiction tale of invasion, human struggle and survival. PLANZET will be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks. Product details follow, in order of release... PSYCHIC SQUAD COLLECTION 1 Published by: Sentai Filmworks Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 325 min. Street Date: 5/1/2012 Format: DVD Language: Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $49.98 They`re cute, adorable and three of the most powerful Espers the world has ever seen: Kaoru, the brash psychokinetic who can move objects with her mind; Shiho, the sarcastic and dark-natured psychometric able to pick thoughts from people`s minds and read the pasts of inanimate objects like a book; and Aoi, the most collected and rational

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    First Film in New Trilogy from Creator of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications Special Thanks to Leif Helland and Alan Amman Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired all North American rights (theatrical, non-theatrical, home video, television, digital/electronic) to TAI CHI 0 (??????), the first in a planned trilogy of films from Chen Kuofu, the producer of DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME. Directed by Stephen Fung with Sammo Hung (IP MAN 2) serving as Action Director, TAI CHI 0 stars William Feng, Eddie Peng and Angelababy. The film was acquired from Huayi Brothers Media in a deal negotiated between Leslie Chen on behalf of the company, and Doris Pfardrescher, President of Well Go USA Entertainment. The film will be released in the US and Canada in early 2013. “We are very pleased to

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