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    Contents of the KOIMONOGATARI Limited Edition Blu-ray Set. Photo courtesy of Aniplex of America. © NISIOISIN/KODANSHA, ANIPLEX, SHAFT

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Unexpected Alliances are Formed in the Dramatic Fifth Arc of the Monogatari Series Second Season Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: monogatari-series.com (Japan), AniplexUSA.com/monogatarisecondseason (US) Special Thanks to EJ Rivera and Joanna Metoki At their recent industry panel at OTAKON Vegas, Aniplex of America announced the highly anticipated details of their release of the KOIMONOGATARI Blu-ray Set. The fifth installment of the popular Monogatari Series Second Season is planned to be released on February 24th, with pre-orders beginning on January 16th on their official homepage and through official retailers for sale in the U.S. and Canada. The KOIMONOGATARI Blu-ray Set will feature all 6 episodes of the “Hitagi End” arc on 2 Blu-ray discs featuring approximately 150 minutes of content. The set will include the original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Bonus contents and materials will feature both the Hitagi Solo

    Artwork not final – mock-up. Photo courtesy of Section23 Films. © Nitroplus/ Soni-Ani Project

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: soniani.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to David Del Rio Sentai Filmworks announces celebrated personality and world renowned cosplayer Jessica Nigri as the lead in SONI-ANI: SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION (???? Super Sonico the Animation, 2014). Nigri, an avid cosplayer and convention interview correspondent, set her sights on the world of voice acting with her role in the Rooster Teeth production of RWBY. Now, Jessica is lending her talents as the official English voice of model, rocker and international sensation Super Sonico. “I always felt a connection with Sonico,” said Jessica Nigri. “She’s just got such a positive and genuine spirit about her that when they asked me about playing the part, I squealed with joy! It’s like my dream was finally coming true. Being here with my Sentai family has been surreal.” Production is currently wrapping for

    *Artwork not final. Image courtesy of Aniplex of America. © Naoshi Komi/SHUEISHA, ANIPLEX, SHAFT, MBS

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: nisekoi.jp (Japan), NisekoiUSA.com (US) Special Thanks to Joanna Metoki Fans of the highly popular romantic comedy series, NISEKOI (????, 2014) were excited to hear Aniplex of America’s announcement at OTAKON Vegas detailing their upcoming release of Volumes 3 and 4 of the Blu-ray. These volumes will feature the latter half of the fan-favorite anime adaptation produced by studio SHAFT PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, the MONOGATARI Series). Aniplex of America confirmed that Volume 3 will be released on March 31st and Volume 4 will be released on May 26th. Pre-orders for both SKUs can now be made through their official website and official retailers. The NISEKOI Blu-ray: Volume 3 will feature episodes 11-15 with the original Japanese audio with English subtitles. This volume’s bonuses will include the clean ending sequence with all the characters shown, and the clean version of Marika’s ending sequence.

    Image courtesy of Right Stuf. © Tsumugu Hashimoto / Mediaworks • PONY CANYON

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Right Stuf, Inc. press release Official Site: mxtv.co.jp/half_moon (Japan), half-moon.rightstuf.com (US) Special Thanks to Jessica Breon Anime producer Lucky Penny Entertainment is pleased to announce that LOOKING UP AT THE HALF-MOON (?????????, Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora, 2006) will be available on April 7, 2015. This DVD set will contain the complete six-episode series. LOOKING UP AT THE HALF-MOON features Japanese audio, English subtitles, and English on-screen translations. On-disc extras will include the clean opening, clean closing, and promotional videos. The series is based upon the light novels of the same name by Tsumugu Hashimoto, which has also inspired a series of drama CDs, a live-action television drama, and a live-action film. LOOKING UP AT THE HALF-MOON is directed by Yukihiro Matsushita (MARIA WATCHES OVER US), and features character designs by Mitsuru Ohara (PEACH GIRL), music by Shinkichi Mitsumune (REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA, ROZEN MAIDEN),

    Artwork not final – mock-up. Photo courtesy of Section23 Films.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    SONI-ANI: SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION Available May 26th Source: Section23 Films press release Special Thanks to Mike Bailiff Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its May slate of releases, including Sentai Filmworks’ acquisition of SONI-ANI: SUPER SONICO THE ANIMATION, which will be released on both DVD and Blu-ray. Product details follow, in order of release... PATLABOR: THE MOVIE Published by: Maiden Japan Distributed by: Section23 Films Run Time: 99 min. Street Date: 5/5/2015 Format: DVD, BD Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles SRP: $29.98, $39.98 Earth`s sea levels are slowly rising and coastal cities around the world have been forced to resort to drastic measures to keep floods of Biblical proportions at bay. Nowhere has the need been more desperate than in Japan, where the city of Tokyo has launched the massive Babylon project: a land reclamation undertaking so vast that it can only

    Ushiko, the Studio Ghibli cat, and acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki in the documentary THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS. © 2013 dwango

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Cinedigm, GKIDS Inc., Bender/Helper Impact Official Movie Site: yumetokyoki.com (Japan), gkidsfilms.com/kingdom (US) Special Thanks to Geovani Rocha GKIDS and Cinedigm are offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win the Studio Ghibli documentary, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS (???????, Yume to Kyoki no Ohkoku, 2013), on DVD. First premiering at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, THE KINGDOM OF DREAMS AND MADNESS is a fascinating, never-before-seen look inside the quirky and wonderful world of Studio Ghibli, creators of masterpieces like PRINCESS MONONOKE (?????, Mononoke Hime, 1997), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (???????, Tonari no Totoro, 1988) and the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001). Granted near-unfettered access to the notoriously insular Studio Ghibli, director Mami Sunada follows the eminent director Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and the elusive and influential “other director” Isao Takahata, for a year as the

    © 2007 Totan Kobako / MAG Garden?full color`s

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Official Site: mag-garden.co.jp/sketchbook (Japan), sketchbook.rightstuf.com (US) Special Thanks to Jessica Breon Anime producer Nozomi Entertainment is excited to announce the acquisition of the SKETCHBOOK ~FULL COLOR’S~ (??????? ?full color`S?, Suketchibukku ?full color`S?, 2007) anime series. Nozomi Entertainment will release SKETCHBOOK ~FULL COLOR’S~ as a complete 13-episode DVD collection in the summer of 2015. The slice-of-life comedy anime is based on the manga series Sketchbook by Totan Kobako, which first appeared in the monthly magazine Comic Blade in 2002. SKETCHBOOK ~FULL COLOR’S~ is directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike (WAGNARIA, KALEIDO STAR), and features character designs by Isao Sugimoto (AI YORI AOSHI, SHAKUGAN NO SHANA), music by Ken Muramatsu (NATSUYUKI RENDEZVOUS), and animation by Hal Film Maker (ARIA). The series originally aired in Japan in October 2007 on TV Tokyo. For more information about SKETCHBOOK ~FULL COLOR’S~, visit sketchbook.rightstuf.com. About Nozomi Entertainment Introduced in 2007

    © Aoi Sekina/Kira Inugami • Fujimi Shobo • Hekiyou Gakuen Seitokai

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: seitokai-no-ichizon.com (Japan) Special Thanks to Christian Lopez Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, STUDENT COUNCIL’S DISCRETION LV.2 (?????? Lv.2, Seitokai no Ichizon Lv.2, 2015). The direct sequel to season 1 of STUDENT COUNCIL’S DISCRETION, this comedy slice of life series with animation production by AIC made its debut online before being broadcast on television, and aims to tear down the 4th wall brick by brick. Sometimes you have to think outside the box, but Hekiyo Academy’s Student Council may go a step further and rewrite their entire universe! At least, that’s what could happen as the second season gets underway and the Council decides that their own anime might need a little spicing up. Should they introduce new characters? Add a boy’s love subplot? Or should they just continue to do what worked previously and spend

    Cover art for the THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES, PART 2 DVD. Image courtesy of Right Stuf. © Ikeda Riyoko Production • TMS

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Nozomi Entertainment Announces the Litebox-style DVD Release Official Site: tms-e.com (Japan), rov.rightstuf.com (US) Special Thanks to Jessica Breon Anime producer Nozomi Entertainment is pleased to announce that THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES, PART 2 (????????, Berusaiyu no Bara, 1979-1980) will be available on April 7, 2015. Also known as “Lady Oscar,” this new value-priced DVD set will feature the series’ final 20 episodes (21-40) with Japanese audio, English-language subtitles and English on-screen translations. On-disc extras will include an interview with director Osamu Dezaki. THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES is based upon the best-selling manga by Riyoko Ikeda (Dear Brother, a.k.a. Oniisama e...), which was originally serialized in Shueisha’s shoujo anthology magazine Margaret from 1972 through 1973, and later collected into 10 volumes. In addition to its anime adaptation, it inspired a short story collection (also written by Ikeda), a French-Japanese live-action film, and multiple musicals staged by Japan’s

    PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA THE MOVIE -REBELLION- comes to Blu-ray and DVD in April. Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Japan. © Magica Quartet/Aniplex, Madoka Movie Project Rebellion

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    Limited and Standard Edition Blu-ray and DVD on April 7th Source: Aniplex of America Official Site: madoka-magica.com (Japan), MadokaMagicaUSA.com/rebellion (US) Special Thanks to EJ Rivera MADOKA MAGICA fans were excited to hear the news they have been waiting for. Aniplex of America announced at their OTAKON Vegas industry panel on Saturday their plans to release PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA THE MOVIE -REBELLION- (??? ????????????????????, Gekijoo-ban Mahoo Shojo Madoka Magica Shinpen: Hangyaku no Monogatari, 2013) on a Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD/Soundtrack CD Combo Set, Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD. The street date for all three SKUs will be April 7th and pre-orders can be made now through the official homepage. PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA THE MOVIE -REBELLION- is the third and final installment of this feature film series following the first two theatrical releases -- PART 1 -BEGINNINGS- (??? ??????????? ??: ??????, Gekijoo-ban

    Key art for DURARARA!!. Image courtesy of Aniplex of America. © Ryohgo Narita/ASCII MEDIA WORKS/Ikebukuro Dollars/MBS

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: durarara.com (Japan), durararausa.com (US) Special Thanks to Joanna Metoki Thanks to popular demand, fans of DURARARA!! (?????!!, 2010) will have another opportunity to purchase the series in a complete set. Aniplex of America Inc. has announced that the hit anime series DURARARA!! will be released in a Complete Blu-ray Box set on April 7th. Previously only available in the now sold out Limited Edition BD Lunch Box Set, the Complete Blu-ray Box Set includes the popular English Dub featuring an all-star English cast. The DURARARA!! Complete Blu-ray Box set features the entire series (24 TV episodes +2 OVAs) on 5 Blu-Ray Discs. Pre-orders for this set have started and is a US and Canada exclusive while supplies last. This Blu-ray set will be coming out just in-time as the second series, DURARARA!! X 2, is now streaming with

    *Artwork not final. Image courtesy of Aniplex of America. © ATLUS ©SEGA/PERSONA3 the Movie Committee

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    Source: Aniplex of America press release Official Site: AniplexUSA.com/p3m Special Thanks to Joanna Metoki Aniplex of America has announced that they will be distributing the SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI PERSONA3 THE MOVIE #2 MIDSUMMER KNIGHT`S DREAM (????????3??2?, Gekijooban Perusona 3 Dai Ni Shoo, 2014) on both collector’s and standard edition Blu-ray imports in over 50 territories starting March 11th. Pre-orders can be made on Aniplex of America’s official PERSONA3 THE MOVIE website. MIDSUMMER KNIGHT`S DREAM is the second installment of the PERSONA3 feature film series which originally premiered in Japanese theaters last June. Along with the first film, SPRING OF BIRTH, these theatrical features are an adaptation of the popular RPG game series with the same name originally created by ATLUS. Both editions of this import Blu-ray features the Director’s Cut Version of MIDSUMMER KNIGHT`S DREAM, including 4 minutes of never-before-seen footage. Both editions include numerous bonuses

    Blu-ray + DVD and DVD packaging art for Isao Takahata’s THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA. Image courtesy of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. © 2013 Hatake Jimusho ? GNDHDDTK

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Nominated Best Animated Feature Source: Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Click Communications press releases Official Movie Site: kaguyahime-monogatari.jp (Japan) Special Thanks to Tyler Gagnon From Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought you SPIRITED AWAY (????????, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 2001), MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (???????, Tonari no Totoro, 1988), and THE WIND RISES (????, Kaze Tachinu, 2013) comes a powerful and sweeping epic that redefines the limits of animated storytelling and marks a triumphant highpoint within an extraordinary career in filmmaking for director Isao Takahata. Announced today as an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Feature, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (???????, Kaguyahime no Monogatari, 2013) is a critically praised film that features the best of Japanese folklore and artful animation. Legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata revisits Japan’s most famous folktale in this gorgeous, hand-drawn masterwork featuring an all-star cast including Chloë

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Epic Tale of the High Seas Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications Special Thanks to Leif Helland Well Go USA is offering SciFi Japan readers a chance to win the award-winning, action-packed South Korean adventure THE PIRATES (??: ??? ? ??, Haejeok: Badaro Gan Sanjeok, 2014) on Blu-ray. Set in 1388, this epic tale of the high seas depicts the efforts of several warring factions as they attempt to retrieve the emperor`s royal seal (and the attendant bounty) after it’s literally swallowed by a whale. Joining in the fun under the direction of LEE Seok-hoon (DANCING QUEEN) are KIM Nam-gil (NO REGRET), SON Ye-jin (BLOOD AND TIES), YOO Hai-jin (FLU), LEE Kyoung-young (KUNDO: AGE OF THE RAMPANT), KIM Tae-woo (LADY FURIOUS), PARK Chul-min (SPELLBOUND) and Sulli Choi (FASHION KONG). Well Go USA is releasing THE PIRATES on Blu-ray (SRP: $29.98), DVD (SRP: $24.98)

    UK DVD cover art for THE SHANGHAI 13. Image courtesy of Terracotta Distribution. © Hong Kong Chang He Motion Picture/Winners` Workshop

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Terracotta Distribution Special Thanks to Claire Marty On February 9th, Terracotta Distribution will release the all-star Hong Kong extravaganza THE SHANGHAI 13 (???????, Shang Hai tan: Shi san tai bao, 1984) on DVD in the United Kingdom. From Chang Cheh, the director of FIVE DEADLY VENOMS and ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN, this adventure about patriots vs. traitors in 1930s Shanghai features Shaw Brothers veterans David Chiang and Ti Lung, and superstar Andy Lau (INFERNAL AFFAIRS). Synopsis Thirteen deadly warriors versus an entire army. During the Sino-Japanese war, a Chinese patriot steals damning evidence that exposes traitorous intentions within the government. Planning to bring the evidence from Shanghai to Hong Kong and break it to the public he becomes an assassination target. In order to ensure a safe passage he employs an elite ensemble of fighters - The Shanghai Thirteen to protect him on

    © Makoto Kawai ? Houbunsha / Kofuku Graffiti Production Committee

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: tbs.co.jp/koufuku_g Special Thanks to Christian Lopez Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, GOURMET GIRL GRAFFITI (????????, Koofuku Gurafiti, 2015). Originally created by Makoto Kawai and with animation production by SHAFT, this food centric slice of life comedy series follows one girl as she creates memories with new friends through the magic of delicious food. Take one part laughter, mix in a heaping portion of scrumptious cuisine cooked to perfection, add a dash of cute girls doing cute things, and you have the recipe of this season’s most tantalizing anime! In the kitchen: that’s where you’ll mostly likely find second-year junior high school student Ryo Machiko, cooking delicious food for her friends to eat. It has been said that there’s no sincerer love than the love of food, and she loves eating it just as much as

    Cover art for SUPER SENTAI ZYURANGER: The Complete Series. Photo courtesy of Shout! Factory. © Toei Company, Ltd.

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Available on DVD for the First Time February 17th Source: Shout! Factory press release Special Thanks to Sarah J. De Bruin On February 17th, 2015, see where the worldwide phenomenon began with Shout! Factory’s release of ZYURANGER (????????????, Kyoryuu Sentai Juurenjaa, 1992-1993), the original Japanese series that inspired the POWER RANGERS franchise! Available for the first time on DVD, SUPER SENTAI ZYURANGER: The Complete Series contains all 50 episodes of the series, presented in Japanese with English subtitles, as well as the Power Morphicon 2014 panel “Power Progenitors: SUPER SENTAI ZYURANGER” as a bonus feature. Fans can pre-order their copy now by visiting ShoutFactory.com. When the sinister witch Bandora is released from her prison after 170 million years, five warriors from an ancient time are woken from suspended animation to once again defend Earth from Bandora and her evil horde. Armed with enchanted weapons and giant

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Right Stuf, Inc. press release Special Thanks to Jessica Breon Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. is excited to announce an exclusive distribution deal with Japanese anime producer and distributor PONY CANYON INC. This new agreement will see high-end, collector-grade Blu-ray, DVD, and merchandise items from Pony Canyon distributed in the United States and Canada for the first time by Right Stuf. Pony Canyon has plans to release exclusive sets of new and catalog programming monthly. The first of these series sets are slated for release on April 10. Right Stuf’s President and CEO Shawne Kleckner couldn’t be more excited about this new arrangement. “We’re delighted to work with Pony Canyon, one of the leading marketers of Japanese animation,” Kleckner said. “We feel their collector-grade products will be of great interest to our customer base.” PONY CANYON INC.’s Executive Director Kazuyoshi Fukuba is also enthusiastic

    Blu-ray and DVD cover art for the South Korean thriller NO TEARS FOR THE DEAD. Photo courtesy of CJ Entertainment America. © 2014 CJ E&M CORPORATION

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    His First Mistake is His Last Chance for Redemption Source: CJ Entertainment America, MPRM Communications press release Official Site: cryingman2014.co.kr (Korea) Special Thanks to Leif Helland From the creator of the internationally-acclaimed action thriller THE MAN FROM NOWHERE comes the heart-pounding box office hit NO TEARS FOR THE DEAD (?? ??, Uneun Namja, 2014), debuting on Blu-ray and DVD February 17 from CJ Entertainment. A hit man traumatized from accidentally killing a young girl during a job is given the mission to eliminate her mother and begins the ultimate fight to save her life. The film’s all-star cast includes superstar JANG Dong-gun (FRIEND, WARRIOR`S WAY), KIM Min-hee (HELPLESS, VERY ORDINARY PEOPLE), Brian Tee (THE WOLVERINE, JURASSIC WORLD), KIM Hee-won (THE MAN FROM NOWHERE, MY WAY) and KIM Joon-seong (INNOCENT BLOOD, MAN-CHOO). Blu-ray and DVD bonus materials include director’s commentary and the featurette “The Making of NO TEARS

    © Kenjirou Hata, Shogakukan / HAYATE PROJECT Partners • TV Tokyo 2012

    DVD Blu-ray Digital

    Source: Sentai Filmworks press release Official Site: hayate-project.com Special Thanks to Christian Lopez Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER: CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU (???????? ?????????????????????, Hayate no Gotoku! Kyanto Teiku Mai Aizu Ofu Yuu, 2012-2013). Based on the popular title published serially in Weekly Comic Magazine SHONEN SUNDAY, and with animation production by manglobe Inc. (SAMURAI CHAMPLOO), this third season of the HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER series forges a new path with an original anime story based on a series concept by original author Kenjirou Hata. It was a tumultuous summer, but it`s drawn to a close and things have returned to normal at Sanzenin Mansion -- when suddenly a phone call is received from the Nevada police! "Have your father`s belongings been found?" a voice asks. "No. I have no interest in such things," replies Nagi,

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