SciFi Japan

    The sci-fi anime FREEDOM is now avilable on Australian Blu-ray and DVD. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2006 Freedom Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    A New Vision of the Future from the Creator of AKIRA Source: Madman Entertainment The sci-fi anime series FREEDOM (??, 2006) is now available on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) from Australian distributor Madman Entertainment. Animated by Sunrise (COWBOY BEBOP, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM), FREEDOM features character designs by Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of AKIRA. The seven-part series uses a hyper anime-realistic cell-shaded 3D look similar to APPLESEED and VEXILLE. In the year 2041, mankind created their first space colony on the moon. But after a freak cataclysm devastated human civilization on Earth, the republic of the moon built a domed megalopolis known as Eden. Now in the year 2267, a boy called Takeru spends his time engaging in hover-craft races against rival street gangs, unaware that he is about to embark in the journey of unearthing Eden`s origin. Format: DVD (Region 4, PAL) SRP:

    Blu-ray and DVD cover art for NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media. © Masashi Kishimoto /2007 Shippuden © NMP 2008

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    The World’s Most Popular Ninja Returns in the Second NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Anime Feature Film Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: naruto.com Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, is proud to announce the DVD and Blu-ray release of the latest NARUTO feature film on October 25th. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (??? NARUTO????? ??? ?, Gekijooban Naruto Shippuuden: Kizuna, 2008) will be the first Blu-ray release from the international anime franchise to hit North American shores, and is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and priced at $24.98 (Blu-ray) and $19.98 (DVD) in both the U.S. and Canada. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is packed with dynamic action and visually stunning fight scenes, giving devoted fans and newcomers alike a chance to experience NARUTO SHIPPUDEN like

    The erotic arthouse favorite TOKYO DECADENCE will be reissued on DVD this month in the United Kingdom. Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 1992 Melsat Co., Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Disc Streets October 24th Source: The Associates press release Written and directed by acclaimed Japanese novelist and film director, Ryu Murakami— the genius mind behind Takashi Miike`s AUDITION— TOKYO DECADENCE (???? Topaazu, 1992) takes the viewer on a journey to the seedy, secretive side of modern Japanese society as seen through the eyes of a young call girl who specializes in sadomasochistic acts of bondage, domination and submission. Miho Nikaido (the real-life wife of US indie director Hal Hartley and the star of several of his films, including HENRY FOOL, FLIRT and FAY GRIM) stars as Ai, a young Japanese prostitute whose unrequited love for a former celebrity client draws her ever deeper into the dark underworld of gangsters, drugs and subversive sex as she tries desperately to win his affection. Catering to Yakuza captains, salarymen and ostensibly "respectable" heads of industry, Ai

    Jackie Chan and Andy Lau in SHAOLIN, the martial arts epic coming this month to US DVD and Blu-ray. Photo courtesy of New York Asian Film Festival. © 2011 Emperor Motion Pictures

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Epic Martial Arts Masterpiece Debuting on Blu-ray and DVD October 25 Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release Special Thanks to Chrissy Walker, Doris Pfardrescher and Leif Helland Andy Lau (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, FUTURE X-COPS), Nicolas Tse (THE STOOL PIGEON, STORM WARRIORS), and international superstar Jackie Chan (THE KARATE KID, RUSH HOUR trilogy) star in the martial arts drama SHAOLIN (????, X?n Shàolín Sì, 2011), debuting on Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack, DVD and Collector’s Editions DVD and Blu-ray October 25 from Well Go USA. In this remake of Jet Li’s SHAOLIN TEMPLE (1982), acclaimed director Benny Chan (CITY UNDER SIEGE) tells an epic tale of sadistic warlords squaring off against noble monks in “a tale of monstrous evil, spiritual transformation and ultimate self-sacrifice” (Mark Jenkins, NPR). SHAOLIN will be available for $24.98 SRP (DVD), $29.98 SRP (Blu-ray + DVD Combo

    DVD and Blu-ray cober designs for the Australian release of EDEN OF THE EAST: PARADISE LOST. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 EDEN OF THE EAST.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Madman Entertainment Official Site: juiz.jp (Japan) The anime feature EDEN OF THE EAST: PARADISE LOST (????? ???? Paradise Lost, Higashi no Eden Gekijooban II: Paradise Lost, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray in Australia by Madman Entertainment on October 19th. The film wraps up the storyline begun in the acclaimed anime series EDEN OF THE EAST (?????, Higashi no Eden, 2009). Accused of terrorism and feeling the heat, Saki Morimi`s high-tech crew is in the crosshairs. Meanwhile, the shroud of mystery covering Akira Takizawa is lifted as he and his fellow Selecao make their final moves. Every game must come to an end. For those playing Mr. Outside`s twisted game of conspiracy thrills, the end comes now. Format: DVD (Region 4, PAL) SRP: $29.95 Catalogue: MMA4362 Format: Blu-ray (Region 4, PAL) SRP: $34.95 Catalogue: MMA4362BR Release Date: October 19, 2011 Year

    DVD and Blu-ray cover art for TREASURE HUNTER. Photo courtesy of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2009 Chang Hong Channel Film & Video Co..

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Taiwanese Action/Comedy Starring THE GREEN HORNET`s Jay Chou Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: funimation.com/the-treasure-hunter Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee Fans of The MUMMY need hunt no further for edge-of-your-seat thrills! Hong Kong Film Award winners, Jay Chou (THE GREEN HORNET) and Eric Tsang (INFERNAL AFFAIRS), star in THE TREASURE HUNTER (??, Ci Ling 2009), a blazing adventure packed with action and stunning special effects. In November, the movie will be released on both DVD and Blu-ray in North America by FUNimation Entertainment. Qiao Fei (Jay Chou) is a relic expert with a gritty past. When his mentor`s daughter is held hostage over a map with a deadly history, the rugged warrior whips into action! Chaos erupts as he swoops in to the rescue and scours the sands for legendary riches buried deep in China`s northwest desert. Chased down

    Naruto voice actress Junko Takeuchi will visit NYCC and attend the US premiere of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © Masashi Kishimoto /2007 Shippuden © NMP 2008

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    NARUTO Voice Actress, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS Premiere, Panel Discussions, Booth Activities And Giveaways Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced a packed schedule of events, panel discussions, promotional giveaways, theatrical film premieres, and rare guest appearances for the 2011 New York Comic Con, taking place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, October 13th – 16th. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 932. The annual New York Comic Con is the largest gathering on the East Coast dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Complete details on New York Comic Con is available at newyorkcomiccon.com. Digital technology and distribution has forever changed the way fans read and purchase manga, and

    Major Motoko Kusanagi hunts cyber criminals in GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2002-2004 Shirow Masamune- Production I.G/Kodansha

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    The Complete Section 9 Cases Collected Source: Madman Entertainment Official Site: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, ghostintheshell.com.au (Aus) On October 19th, the complete GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX (????? STAND ALONE COMPLEX, Kookaku Kidootai Sutando Aroon Konpurekkusu) will be released in Australia as a limited edition DVD box set (Region 4, PAL) from Madman Entertainment. The STAND ALONE COMPLEX television series is based on Masamune Shirow`s manga and Mamoru Oshii`s highly influential film GHOST IN THE SHELL (?????, Goosuto In Za Sheru/Kookaku Kidootai, 1995), one of the most popular anime movies of all time and widely cited as inspiration for the MATRIX. Produced by Japan`s acclaimed Production I.G (KILL BILL, BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE), GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX takes viewers to futuristic society where technology has saturated citizens` daily lives. Along with the new technology comes

    The seven part OVA series FREEDOM— featuring character and mecha designs by AKIRA creator Katsuhiro Otomo— will be released on Blu-ray and DVD in the United Kingdom on October 10th. Photo courtesy of The Associates. © 2006 Freedom Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Character and Mecha Designs by AKIRA Creator Katsuhiro Otomo Source: The Associates press release Official Site: freedom-project.jp (Japan) AKIRA creator and STEAMBOY co-writer and director Katsuhiro Otomo’s unmistakeable visual style shines throughout FREEDOM (??, 2006), a beautifully envisioned sci-fi anime series of cinematic scope and quality that puts most TV animation in the shade. Written by Katsuhiko Chiba (BLUE DRAGON; SLAYERS), Yuuichi Nomura (XAM’D: LOST MEMORIES) and Dai Sato (CASSHERN; GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX), directed by Shuhei Morita (COICENT; KAKURENBO) and with Otomo on board as the series’ character and mecha designer, this seven-episode (plus Prologue) series will more than satisfy those hungry anime fans who are eagerly waiting to see what Otomo will produce next. The year is 2267 and, following a global catastrophe that rendered the Earth uninhabitable, mankind has settled in a vast, domed moon colony originally

    The Yamato races against time to save the Earth in the hit film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, coming to DVD and Blu-ray from the Australian label Madman. Photo courtesy of Madman Entertainment. © 2010 Space Battleship Yamato Production Committee.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Region 4 Home Video Release in December Source: Madman Entertainment On December 14th, the live action feature film SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO (???????, Supeesu Batorushippu Yamato, 2010) will be released on DVD (Region 4, PAL) and Blu-ray (Region B) in Australia by Madman Entertainment. The movie is not currently scheduled for release in North America or the United Kingdom. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki (RETURNER, the ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET films), the film is based on the hugely popular SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO anime franchise (originally shown in America as STAR BLAZERS). It topped the box office upon its release in Japan, earning $12 million (US) in just five days. In the year 2194, alien marauders called the Gamilons bombard the Earth with planetary bombs sent from space. Humanity fights back but is defeated and escapes underground. Five years later, those who remain on the devastated planet gather together

    Cover art for the LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON Blu-Ray/ DVD Combo Pack. Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. © 2011 The Legend of The Millennium Dragon Film Partners.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Anime Feature Film from the Producers of NARUTO Now on Sale Source: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Official Movie Site: onigamiden.jp (Japan) Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released the anime film LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON (???, Onigamiden, 2011) as a 2-Disc Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack. Based on the 2004 novel by author Takafumi Takada, the movie was produced by Studio Pierrot (BLEACH, NARUTO) and TV Tokyo. The creative team includes director/writer Hirotsugu Kawasaki (SPRIGGAN, NARUTO THE MOVIE: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL), screenwriter Naruhisa Arakawa (SPICE AND WOLF, DRAGON BALL Z), and voice actors Kensho Ono (the Japanese voice of Harry Potter), Satomi Ishihara (CINNAMON THE MOVIE), and Shidou Nakamura (DEATH NOTE). Sony`s publicity materials describe LEGEND OF THE MILLENNIUM DRAGON as "A spectacular journey of an unwilling young hero thrust into a mysterious past full of monsters, dragons, and strange hidden powers. Through a series

    Announcement for the GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER Blu-ray and DVD. Photo courtesy of Warner Home Video. © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 Gantz Film Partners

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: NEW PEOPLE Entertainment, Warner Home Video Official Movie Site: gantz-movie.com (Japan), gantzmovies.com (US) Warner Home Video has announced that the sci-fi thriller GANTZ II: PERFECT ANSWER (?? PERFECT ANSWER, Gantsu Pafekuto Ansaa, 2011) will be released by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment in January, 2012. The film concludes the story begun in director Shinsuke Sato`s GANTZ (??, Gantsu, 2011), and stars leading Japanese actors Kazunari Ninomiya (LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA) and Kenichi Matsuyama (DEATH NOTE, DETROIT METAL CITY). Determined to resurrect friends who have died in battle, Kei Kurono (Ninomiya), Masaru Kato (Matsuyama) and other members trapped in the "in-between" world of GANTZ are aiming to score the 100 points needed to break through. An emergence of a mysterious investigator, however, complicates the situation further. The battle continues on as the two dimensions start to merge together. Some fight for love, and others fight for justice. At the end, who will

    Fifty-four high school girls commit a terrifying act in director Shion Sano`s SUICIDE CLUB, now available for the first time on DVD in the UK. Photo courtesy of Cine du Monde. © 2001 Omega Project /Biggubito /For Peace Co., Ltd. /Fyuzu /Kadokawa Pictures

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    New Label Presents Controversial Horror Favorite from Director Shion Sano Source: Cine du Monde Official Site: cinedumonde.co.uk/suicideclub (UK) Special Thanks to Andrew Kirkham Cine du Monde is a great new DVD/Blu-ray label launched in the United Kingdom. The company will focus on "Left-of-Centre Cinema", giving well-deserved attention to films that do not generally receive mainstream recognition. One of Cine du Monde`s first DVD releases is the uncut version of the controversial Japanese shocker SUICIDE CLUB (??????, Jisatsu Saakuru, 2002). Written and directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Shion Sano (LOVE EXPOSURE, COLD FISH), SUICIDE CLUB quickly became a favorite on the international film festivals, winning the Jury Prize for "Most Ground Breaking Film" at the 2003 Fantasia Film Festival. The cast features Ryo Ishibashi (AUDITION, THE GRUDGE), Masatoshi Nagase (PISTOL OPERA), Mai Hosho (MECHANICAL VIOLATOR HAKAIDER, ONMYOJI), Tamao Sato (OHRANGER), Takashi Nomura (BRANDED TO

    Suou Pavlichenko has the ability create a PTRD-41 rifle from the meteor fragment she wears around her neck. © Bones - Tensai Okamura/DTB Committee • MBS.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Set Features the Complete Season 2 Plus 4 OVAs Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release Official Site: d-black.net (Japan), funimation.com/darker-than-black (US) Special Thanks to Jackie Smith and Michelle Lee On October 18th, FUNimation Entertainment will release the DARKER THAN BLACK: GEMINI OF THE METEOR (DARKER THAN BLACK -?????[????]- Daakaa Zan Burakku -Ryuusei no Jemini-, 2009) Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, containing all twelve episodes from season two of the sci-fi anime series DARKER THAN BLACK. The set also includes the four-part DARKER THAN BLACK GAIDEN (DARKER THAN BLACK ????? ??, Daakaa Zan Burakku Kuro no Keiyakusha: Gaiden, 2010) OVA that links seasons 1 and 2. DARKER THAN BLACK: GEMINI OF THE METEOR is produced by Studio Bones (FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, WOLF`S RAIN, COWBOY BEBOP, ESCAFLOWNE) and directed by Tensai Okamura (WOLF`S RAIN, COWBOY BEBOP: THE MOVIE, NARUTO: THE MOVIE). In the series, a new and deadly breed

    Cover art for the UK DVD release of the Korean horror movie DEATH BELL. © 2008 Core Contents Media

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Korean Horror Film Arrives October 10th Source: Third Windows Films Official Site: terracottadistribution.com/death-bell (UK) Terror Cotta, the new sub-label from Terracotta Distribution presents their first release, the Korean slasher-horror DEATH BELL (??: ?? ????, Gosa: Piui Junggangosa, 2008). Students at an elite high school, preparing for mid-term exams, are held captive and forced into a series of sadistic games. The students find themselves plunged into a deadly test where they are picked off one by one and held in impenetrable traps where they must rely on the amazing intellects of their classmates to be released, every time a question is answered incorrectly, a classmate meets their torturous, grizzly death. When it emerges that the students are being picked off according to a pattern, pupil Kang Yi-na understands exactly how much time she has to stay alive and figure out the mysteries of who is imprisoning them

    Korean student Cha Se-hui (Park Ji-Yeon) is trapped in school with a murderer in DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP. © 2010 Core Contents Media

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Korean Horror Film Arrives in October Source: Media Blasters, Inc. Special Thanks to Carl Morano On October 11th, Media Blasters will release the Korean horror film DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP (?? ? ?? ???: ????, Gosa Du Beonjjae Yiyagi: Gyosaengsilseop, 2010) on DVD through their Tokyo Shock label. The first DEATH BELL (??: ?? ????; RR: Gosa: Piui Junggangosa, 2008) was a surprise box office hit in Korea and was released in the United States by IFC Films. While not a direct sequel story-wise, DEATH BELL: BLOODY CAMP follows the original`s basic concept with a tale of students and teachers trapped in a school for another round of brutal, BATTLE ROYALE-style killing. The movie was directed by Yu Seon-Dong (NATURAL CITY, BLOODY REUNION) and stars Park Ji-Yeon (JUNGLE FISH 2), Hwang Jung-Eum (HIGH KICK! 2, WISH), Yoon Si-Yoon (HIGH KICK! 2), Park Eun-Bin

    Five SciFi Japan readers have won copies of the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector`s Edition, courtesy of Mill Creek, Cheap DVD Packs, and SFJ! Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Entertainment. © 2011 Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs Special Thanks to Barrett Evans A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE Our thanks to everyone who entered Mill Creek Entertainment, Cheap DVD Packs, and SciFi Japan`s contest for the GAMERA TRILOGY Collector`s Edition Blu-ray set. We`ve received hundreds of entries, and the randomly chosen winners are: Marcus Scoggins Pete Quint Zen Faulkes Tyler Beasley Jeffrey Jennings Congratulations to the winners! Each of you has won a 2-disc Blu-ray collection of GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (??? ???????, Gamera Daikaiju Kuchu Kessen, 1995), GAMERA 2: ATTACK OF THE LEGION (???2 ??????, Gamera 2: Region Shurai, 1996) and GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS (???3 ?????????, Gamera 3: Jyashin Iris Kakusei, 1999). The prizes will be sent by Mill Creek, and will take 48-72 hours to be processed and shipped out. The GAMERA TRILOGY is now available from stores and online retailers. The

    Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    GLASS MAIDEN COMPLETE COLLECTION Available on October 4th Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films has provided details on its October slate of releases; including the exciting sci-fi meets private eye series, GLASS MAIDEN. The complete collection will be released on DVD by the exciting new anime label and Section23 client, Maiden Japan. Product details follow, in order of release... GLASS MAIDEN COMPLETE COLLECTION Published by: Maiden Japan Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 300 min. Street Date: 10/4/2011 Format: DVD Language: Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $49.98 Shu`s a detective, the brooding, enigmatic type with an eye for the ladies. Together with his kid brother Akira, and `the girls` Manami and Ayaka, he runs an investigative agency that takes on the odd case here and there. Okay, odder than usual, given that their main broker is a

    Cover art for POKÉMON - ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Pokémon. © 1997-2010 Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku. © PIKACHU PROJECT 2010.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: VIZ.com/Pokemon Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will excite POKÉMON fans everywhere with the DVD release of the thirteenth full-length feature film from the venerable kids franchise, POKÉMON—ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS. The DVD, rated ‘A’ for All Ages, was released on September 20th under the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $19.98 CAN. The Pokémon Baccer World Cup. It is the most anticipated event of the year, and as hundreds flock to Crown City to watch the exciting competition unfold, Ash, Pikachu, and his friends encounter a mysterious new Pokémon they have never seen before. But when the three Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune suddenly arrive and begin rampaging through the streets, it’s up

    MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE will be released on DVD in December.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: gendaimahou.com (Japan) Special Thanks to David Williams Sentai Filmworks hasn’t added a starter course in sorcery to their catalog, but they have added the thoroughly enchanting new series MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE (?????????, Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahoo, 2009) to their ever expanding line up of animated hits! Based on the hit manga written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka and illustrated by Miki Miyashita (Maburaho), the 12 episode series about a world where the task of casting a magic spell is the equivalent of writing computer code has been mystically crafted under the supervision of director Yasuhiro Kuroda (KAMPFER, AMAZING NURSE NANAKO) with Makoto Koga (ARIA, SOLA, BLUDGEONING ANGEL DOKURA-CHAN) adapting the character designs from Miyashita’s bewitching originals. Life hasn’t been fair to Koyomi Morishita. Even though she’s in High School, she’s so short that everyone assumes she’s still in grade school.

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