SciFi Japan
    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

    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

    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!

    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

    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

    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:

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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”

    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

    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

    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

    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.

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: bantorra.com, tsutaya.co.jp/shisho (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks is glad to announce its licensing of THE BOOK OF BANTORRA (???? The Book of Bantorra, Tatakau Shisho - The Book of Bantorra, 2009), the action-packed anime where the story of your life is a book - literally! Based on the light novels written by Ishio Yamagata and illustrated by Shigeki Maeshima, the 27 episode series is directed by Toshiya Shinohara (BLACK BUTLER, INUYASHA movies) with character designs by Masaki Yamada (TIGER & BUNNY, APPLESEED: EX MACHINA) and music by Yoshihisa Hirano (DEATH NOTE, BROKEN BLADE). In another time and place, on a world of pain and sorrow, when someone dies, their soul doesn’t go to Heaven or Hell -- it becomes a book. A book that reveals the deceased’s innermost secrets... and can be read by anyone. Protecting

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: tbs.co.jp/getbackers (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks proudly announces the licensing of the fan-favorite GET BACKERS (???????? -???-, Gettobakkaazu Dakkan`ya, 2002), the anime where anything that’s been taken can be returned to its rightful owner by the Get Backers – Ban & Ginji. The 49 episode series was produced by Studio Deen (HELL GIRL, RUROUNI KENSHIN) with series composition by Akemi Omode (RUROUNI KENSHIN, KYO KARA MAOH!) and character designs by Atsuko Nkajima (HAKOUKI, YOU`RE UNDER ARREST). Whether it’s a favorite stuffed animal, a priceless painting or even your last shred of hope, if someone’s taken it from you, Ban and Ginji will get it back. They’re the Get Backers, an expert “recovery” service. And they’ll retrieve what’s been stolen, no matter what it is or who took it. Of course, with Ban’s special “Evil Eye” and

    Source: FUNimation Entertainment Official Site: funimation.com/sengoku-basara-samurai-kings (US) Special Thanks to Scott Lonski, Tim Baxter and Michelle Lee FUNimation Entertainment will release two SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS (??BASARA, 2009-2010) Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo packs on February 7th. Based on the brutal video game world created by Capcom, the animated series was produced by the famed studio Production I.G. (GHOST IN THE SHELL, KILL BILL VOL. 1, EDEN OF THE EAST). SENGOKU BASARA: SAMURAI KINGS -- Complete Series Blu-ray/DVD Combo SENGOKU BASARA drops you directly into the burning battlefields of feudal Japan, where rival warlords hack and slash their way to total domination. Each conqueror wields a special attack that boosts their powers of devastation, and each commands a horde of relentless warriors. But when a supreme evil -- the Demon Lord -- threatens the land, these fierce generals launch a co-op campaign of annihilation

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment Special Thanks to Chris Smith and Barrett Evans Last September, Mill Creek Entertainment released the acclaimed daikaiju film 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 subtitles which were out of sync with onscreen dialogue and text. Mill Creek is now offering free replacement copies of GAMERA 3 for people who are having issues with the subtitles. They`ve asked SciFi Japan to run the following message... GAMERA 3 Replacements now available! If you are having problems with the subtitles on GAMERA 3, please send your artwork wrap (as proof of purchase) with your contact and mailing

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