DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME U.S. Theatrical Event!

Film to be Digitally Screened in Nearly 400 Theaters on October 15 and 16 Source: VIZ Media Official Movie Site (Japan): Death-Note-Movie Official Movie Site (US): Death Note Films VIZ PICTURES AND NCM FATHOM PARTNER TO BRING LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME EVENT TO THE BIG SCREEN Early Online Ticket Purchase for SHONEN Jump Newsletter Subscribers Begins August 29th for Unique Event in Nearly 400 Select Theatres Nationwide

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced that it will again team with NCM FATHOM, the entertainment division of National CineMedia, to present a special two-night, multi-city event — DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME at nearly 400 theatres across the United States on October 15 and 16 at 7:30pm local time. Advance ticket online purchase opens exclusively to SHONEN JUMP Newsletter Subscribers on August 29th and then to the general public on September 5th. Fans are encouraged to sign up for the SHONEN JUMP Newsletter at shonenjump.com/news before August 29th to be among the first to secure seats. VIZ Pictures previously teamed with NCM FATHOM to present the first DEATH NOTE live-action theatre event earlier this year. Based on the enthusiastic attendance and the continued success of the DEATH NOTE franchise, the companies will stage another unique event, this time with the live-action DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME (English dubbed) appearing in nearly every major U.S. city with this next chapter of the thrilling saga based on the popular Japanese manga series. The theatre event will also feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look about the creation of this breakthrough live-action event, an in-depth interview with director Shusuke Kaneko, who also directed DEATH NOTE, and a unique profile of the cast. Tickets for these special theatre events are available at participating theatre box offices and online. For a complete list of theatre locations, prices and ticket information, please visit FathomEvents.com (theatres are subject to change). Additional information about DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, trailers and background on the manga and animated series are available at Death Note Films.

“The first DEATH NOTE event was a tremendous success, enjoyed by thousands who were given a glimpse into the making of this visually phenomenal series earlier this year,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. “Fathom is excited to again partner with VIZ Pictures to bring DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME to the big screen and invite fans nationwide to enjoy this wonderful event at their local movie theatre.” DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga (graphic novel) series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is a sequel to DEATH NOTE, which closely followed major plot elements from the original manga series, but also introduces several new key story elements. Taking place right after the conclusion of the DEATH NOTE, Light Yagami joins the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as "Kira.” While L still strongly suspects that Light is "Kira,” Light Yagami continues to seek out the real name of L so he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable are the `Eyes of Death`, given to the second Kira, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Adding further confusion for the authorities, a new rash of murders attributed to the Death Note occurs all over the world and is attributed to "the Second Kira.” Light Yagami learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note book?

“DEATH NOTE has captivated millions of fans with a truly original story that has found great success as a manga, an animated series and live-action feature,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME continues the battle of wits between master sleuth L and his nemesis, Light Yagami, as the motives between good and evil and what is moral and what isn’t are explored and played upon. The success of the first DEATH NOTE live-action event in North America led us to again team with NCM FATHOM to add nearly 100 more theatres, which gives an even greater number of fans an opportunity to see the event. We invite everyone to check out this newest chapter in the DEATH NOTE saga.” The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, Death Note 13: How to read, a companion volume to the successful manga series, also published domestically by VIZ Media, was recently (February 2008) ranked in USA Today`s Top 150 list of America`s best-selling books. For more information on DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME and other VIZ Pictures films please also visit viz-pictures.com. For additional information on DEATH NOTE please visit deathnote.viz.com.

About National CineMedia National CineMedia (NCM) LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC`s national network includes over 17,000 screens of which approximately 14,700 are part of the company`s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC`s network covers 176 Designated Market Areas (49 of the top 50). During 2007, approximately 685 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres currently included in the network (excluding Consolidated Theatres and Star Theatres). National CineMedia, Inc. owns a 42.3% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit nationalcinemedia.com.

About VIZ Pictures, Inc. Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan`s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular NARUTO animated TV series. For more information please visit viz-pictures.com. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and web site at VIZ.com. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information on DEATH NOTE please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: