 | FUNimation Entertainment Announces U.S. Broadcast Debut of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
February 5, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Flower Mound, TX – February 5, 2010 – The Elric brothers are back! FUNimation® Entertainment announced today that the mega-hit “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”, a fantasy action-adventure series, will debut on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim on Saturday, February 13. The series will air at 12:00 a.m. ET/PT each Saturday.
The blockbuster anime series “Fullmetal Alchemist” by the acclaimed Japanese studio Bones introduced Alphonse and Edward Elric and the followup film “Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa” ended the series but many fans wished to see the story continue.
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” faithfully recreates the story first told in the classic manga by Hiromu Arakawa and featured in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan magazine. Set in a fictional world where alchemy – the transmutation of raw materials into objects – is science and the way of life, the series follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, on their perilous journey in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. They set forth in the hope that the magical artifact can restore their bodies after a failed attempt to revive their dead mother cost Edward’s left leg and right arm, as well as Alphonse’s entire body, leaving his soul affixed to a suit of armor. In “Brotherhood” the brothers will risk what remains to restore what was lost.
Acquired from Japanese producer and distributor Aniplex, the English-dubbed series is produced by Mike McFarland and directed by McFarland and Caitlin Glass. McFarland also directed “Fullmetal Alchemist.”
Reprising their roles from the first series are Vic Mignogna as Edward Elric, Caitlin Glass as Winry Rockbell, Travis Willingham as Roy Mustang, Laura Bailey as Lust, Sony Strait as Maes Hughes, and Mike McFarland as Jean Havoc.
Actor Maxey Whitehead is taking on the role of Alphonse Elric.
Originally Al in “Fullmetal Alchemist,” Aaron Dismuke will be featured in another role later in the series.
Episodic Descriptions for February airdates:
Episode 01 – Fullmetal Alchemist, premieres February 13
The Elric brothers adjust to military life and take part in a manhunt for the dangerous Isaac the Freezer, a former State Alchemist bent on bringing Fuhrer Bradley down.
Episode 02 – The First Day, premieres February 20
A glimpse into the past reveals the pain and desperation that drove the Elric boys to break alchemy’s greatest taboo – human transmutation – and their reasons for becoming dogs of the military.
Episode 03 – City of Heresy, premieres February 27
Science and faith collide when the Elrics confront Father Cornello. He claims to work miracles, but the brothers suspect he is abusing a Philosopher’s Stone to manipulate his flock.
Funimation Entertainment will release “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” Part One on DVD and Blu-ray on May 25.
Tags: anime, Anime Related News, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Funimation Entertainment
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| Sakura-Con 2010 announces new guests! |
February 4, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Seattle, WA 02-04-2010 - ANCEA (Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association) is proud to present the thirteenth annual Sakura-Con April 2-4 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Downtown Seattle Washington. Sakura-Con is the Northwest’s first and largest convention devoted to Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), gaming and Asian culture (established 1998). It is the destination event for an expected attendance of over 18,000 fans, industry leaders, celebrities, and artists. Sakura-Con is one of the largest events of it’s kind in the United States-ranking in the top 5 for attendance.
ANCEA is proud to present Tsuyoshi Nonaka, Yasuhiro Imagawa, and Yutaka Minowa. Look forward to more exciting guest announcements in the coming weeks. Visit www.sakuracon.org
Tsuyoshi Nonaka is a Mechanical designer known for his work on D.I.C.E. (TV) and Shin Mazinger Shogeki! Z-Hen. This will be Nonaka-San’s first Sakura-Con.
Yasuhiro Imagawa has directed several unconventional updates of classic Japanese robot stories, such as Giant Robo, Mobile Fighter G Gundam, and most recently, Shin Mazinger Shogeki! Z-Hen. He also wrote scrips for Pet Shop of Horrors, Violinist of Hamelin, Berserk and Harelya II Boy. This is Imagawa-San’s first Sakura-Con.
Yutaka Minowa is a character designer and animation director who works almost exclusively with Madhouse, one of the premiere Japanese animation companies. His work is most notably recognized in the Yoshiaki Kawijiri movies he has designed characters for, among them Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D:Bloodlust. He’s also worked as character designer and/or animation director for many popular titles including Outlaw Star, the Animatrix, and many, many more. This is Minowa-san’s second Sakura-Con.
Priority entrance to concerts and main events is offered to all members also reserving a Sakura-Con affiliated Hotel room during the 2010 convention. See www.sakuracon.org
 | VIZ CINEMA INVITES ANIME AND SCI-FI FANS TO ATTEND SPECIAL FILM EVENTS IN FEBRUARY |
January 29, 2010 by PRESS · Leave a Comment
Theatre Scheduled To Present A DEATH NOTE Film Marathon,
20th CENTURY BOYS DVD Release Party And A GURREN LAGANN
Encore Double Feature
San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2010 – VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first and only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, gives Bay Area anime, sci-fi and pop culture fans a variety of special movie events to look forward to throughout February.
VIZ Cinema leads off with Death Note movie marathon on Saturday, January 30th in support of the Animation On Display convention (January 30th–31st) taking place at the nearby Hotel Kabuki. On February 9th, the theatre will screen 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope to celebrate the release of the second DVD of the exciting live-action film trilogy from VIZ Pictures. Rounding out the month’s anime-related events will be an encore double-feature presentation of Gurren Lagann: The Movie 1 & 2 – for one night only – on Sunday February 21st. VIZ Cinema offers special combo tickets for $15.00 for the Death Note and Gurren Lagann double-feature showings. Preview trailers and screening times for all films are available at: http://www.vizcinema.com.
DEATH NOTE
Saturday, January 30th, 7:30pm
Sample the action and suspense of the live-action films based on the bestselling supernatural mystery manga that sold over 15 million copies! The story begins when ace student Light Yagami finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue “Shinigami” death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook will die. Upset with the justice system, Light takes matters into his own hands and vows to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of all evil. Special discount combo tickets available for $15.00 for films 1 & 2! Regular admission is $10.00 when purchased separately. Animation On Display attendees receive $2.00 off the regular price with attendee badges. No additional discount will apply to $15.00 combo tickets.
DEATH NOTE 2: THE LAST NAME
Saturday, January 30th, 10:00pm
Death Note 2: The Last Name begins on the heels of the first movie as 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 tries to uncover L’s real name so he can kill him with his Death Note. But things get complicated when a new rash of murders all around the world take place, with a “Second Kira” claiming responsibility. Light learns the identity of the Second Kira and suggests they join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch “Kira” before he is killed?
20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE
Tuesday, February 9th 7:30pm
Don’t miss the exclusive event preceding the long-awaited DVD release of 20th Century Boys 2 from VIZ Pictures. It’s now 2015, and Friend rules a disturbing new world. Kenji’s niece, Kanna, is now in high school and her textbook contains a fabricated story about him being the terrorist behind the horrific events of 2000. Kanna, knowing the truth, openly resents this, and as a result she is marked as a problem child and sent to Friend Land, a facility where people with rebellious anti-Friend behavior are re-educated. There Kanna learns a crucial secret about Friend. Tickets for this special screening are $25.00 and will include a copy of the 20th Century Boys 2 DVD, a postcard, and NEW PEOPLE pin buttons to all who attend. $10.00 tickets are also available for regular admission.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie ~ Childhood’s End
Sunday, February 21st 5:00pm
Based on the hit animated television series, this sci-fi feature takes place in a fictional future in which human beings have been forced to live in closed-off underground villages. Kamina and Simon are constrained by the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet, all this will change when Simon stumbles across a fantastic mechanized device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion. Special discount combo ticket is now available for $15.00 to watch films 1 & 2.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie 2 ~ The Lights In The Sky Are Stars
Sunday, February 21st 7:30pm
Overcoming the loss of loved ones, Simon survived mortal combat with the Beastmen leader Lordgenome. Seven years later, humans have returned to the surface to build a flourishing civilization. But, the peaceful times don’t last forever as humans begin developing beyond their world into outer space and encounter an unknown enemy.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system. Tickets and schedules are available at www.vizcinema.com.
Tags: Anime Related News, Death Note, Viz Cinema
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| NEO ANGELIQUE ABYSS ON SALE |
January 27, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
HOUSTON, January 26, 2010– Section23 Films, America’s fastest-growing anime distributor, is pleased to announce two new anime DVDs from Sentai Filmworks, plus a special live-action double feature from J-horror leader Switchblade Pictures. First up we have the new sci-fi anime Neo Angelique Abyss, followed by the second volume in the fantasy adventure series Tears to Tiara. Finally there is the lo-fi live action thriller Birthday Mail / Kokurri-San double feature. All three new releases go on sale today wherever finer DVDs are sold.
Neo Angelique Abyss Season One Collection presents the anime adaptation of the Angelique game series, the first season of which was broadcast on Japanese television Spring 2008. The collection contains all 13 episodes from that first season plus a load of extras, including “Neo Angelique Abyss Theater.”
SYNOPSIS: Once, Arcadia was a beautiful world. Now it is a land under siege, and against the horrifying creatures known as Thanatos, there is only one known defense: Purifiers, rare humans gifted with the ability to exterminate the life draining monsters. But Purifiers are few and the Thanatos are multiplying, so when the mysterious Nyx discovers 16 year old Angelique, he becomes doubly committed to recruiting her for the team of Purifiers he is organizing. For not only is Angelique a Purifier, she is the first female Purifier in recorded history; moreover, there is an ancient prophecy Nyx is aware of: one of a woman with special powers, the “Queen’s Egg,” whose future will be inextricably tied to the fate of Arcadia! Science fiction, fantasy and romance intertwine in an epic story of fate and destiny: NEO ANGELIQUE – ABYSS- SEASON ONE!
Title: NEO ANGELIQUE ABYSS SEASON 1 COLLECTION
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV PG (V)
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-NA100
UPC: 814131016102
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 12/29/2009
Street Date: 1/26/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98
Tears to Tiara Collection 2 brings together the last 13 episodes of the Celtic-flavored fantasy-adventure series in a single two-disc set. This action-packed series became one of 2009’s big hits when it was first broadcast in Japan last April. Now North American fans have a chance to get in on the fun!
SYNOPSIS: Revelations, Retribution and Revenge… As Dragons Stalk The Earth! Although the Demon Lord Arawn has thus far lead the Gaels well in the battle for Avalon, their tiny force has been battered by the near constant combat. As Gaius is called to the High Court, Arawn attempts to lead Arthur and the Gaels to his own tomb, seeking treasure with which to continue funding their assault. However, the imperial forces’ continuing advance instead prompts a desperate change of plans, forcing Arawn to use a divine spell with grave and unexpected consequences. As an act of treachery again changes the course of the war, leaving the untested Riannon alone in command, Ogam makes a stunning revelation! Ally turns on ally and the most ancient legends of lost Britain are reborn in the epic final half of TEARS TO TIARA!
Title: TEARS TO TIARA COLLECTION 2
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV PG (V)
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-TT200
UPC: 814131012906
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 12/29/2009
Street Date: 1/26/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98
Birthday Mail / Kokurri-San Double Feature collects two lo-fi J-horror masterpieces on one diabolical disc, courtesy of the fiendish minds at Switchblade Pictures.
SYNOPSIS: Ghosts, Ghouls, And Grisly Consequences Galore! Get ready for in a horror filled Switchblade Double feature that proves that communicating with the spirit world in something best left to trained professionals, (preferably on a different continent!) First, a group of Japanese girls forget the number one rule for avoiding demonic possessions and foolishly use an Ouija board in a house where a murder was committed. Now they’ve got the spirit and the spirit is definitely out to get them in KOKURRI-SAN! Next, a nasty new e-mail is making the rounds. It’s not just a virus: open this message and you’ve got 10 days left to live! How does this all connect to a girl who committed suicide 10 years ago and is there any way to break the deadly e-mail chain? The latest recipients of the lethal love note have 10 days to unravel the answer before their time is up in BIRTHDAY MAIL!
Title: BIRTHDAY MAIL / KOKURRI-SAN DOUBLE FEATURE
Running Time: 126 min.
Age Rating: Unrated – V
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SWB-0153
UPC: 814131015303
Published by: Switchblade Films
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 12/29/2009
Street Date: 1/26/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.
Tags: Anime Related News, Neo Angelique Abyss, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures
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| THE POWER OF LOVE TO RENEW, REDEEM AND RECONNECT IS EXPLORED IN POIGNANT NEW FILMS PREMIERING AT VIZ CINEMA IN FEBRUARY |
January 27, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Theatre Is Proud To Present Two Films By Director Isshin Inudo And Announces A Special Encore Anime Double-Feature
San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2010 – February is the month of love and VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first and only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, sweetens this theme with a pair of captivating love stories by director Isshin Inudo, presented in association with Asmik Ace Entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to attend the West Coast premieres of these heartwarming cinematic masterpieces. How far would you go in the name of LOVE?
VIZ Cinema is privileged to present director Inudo’s Josee, The Tiger and The Fish, screening February 5th –18th; and La Maison De Himiko, showing February 18th – March 4th. To celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for the entire month of February, filmgoers who also bring a date (or a friend) will receive a special 50% discount on the second person’s admission.
Anime fans can also look forward to a special double-feature encore showing of Gurren Lagann: The Movie 1 & 2 – for one night only – on Sunday February 21st at 5:00pm and 7:30pm respectively. VIZ Cinema will offer special combo tickets for $15.00 to attend both showings. Preview trailers and screening times for all films are available at: http://www.vizcinema.com.
Isshin Inudo first gained fame as an innovative director of television commercials. But he started garnering international accolades with his first feature film, Two, Talking (1994), which won the Grand Prix award at the Sundance Film Festival in Tokyo and the Best New Director award from the Japanese Film Director’s Association.
Josee, The Tiger and The Fish, February 5th – February 18th REGIONAL PREMIERE
Love blooms between two unlikely people when college student Tsuneo meets Kumiko, aka “Josee,” a young woman who embraces life with a feisty personality, despite cerebral palsy and her need for a baby buggy for transport. Isshin Inudo deftly adapts author Seiko Tanabe’s short story into a poignant feature film that was a genuine crowd pleaser and won numerous awards including a Best New Director Award from The Japanese Minister of Education. The Tiger and The Fish takes a place alongside memorable films such as Benny & Joon, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Rory O’Shea Was Here and captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of physical handicaps and shows how love can flourish with pride and self-determination.
La Maison De Himiko, February 18th – March 4th REGIONAL PREMIERE
Family secrets, redemption, and the power of love to renew family bonds are explored between a father and daughter who can’t understand each other and a man and a woman who can’t love each other. Their odd and beautiful stories are brought to life by director Inudo against a backdrop of a colorful homosexual retirement home. Teenage Saori despises her father, who chose to leave her mother to live a new life out of the closet. But family ties are recalled as she learns of her father’s terminal cancer; and her curiosity is piqued by a beautiful and mysterious young man who delivers the message and claims to be her father’s lover. La Maison De Himiko explores homosexuality in Japan and also how people affirm or deny the stereotypes society imposes and how they embrace their decisions and individuality, and love’s ultimate power to redeem.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie ~ Childhood’s End
Sunday, February 21st 5:00pm
Based on the hit animated television series, this sci-fi feature takes place in a fictional future in which human beings have been forced to live in closed-off underground villages. Kamina and Simon are constrained by the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet, all this will change when Simon stumbles across a fantastic mechanized device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie 2 ~ The Lights In The Sky Are Stars
Sunday, February 21st 7:30pm
Overcoming the loss of loved ones, Simon survived mortal combat with the Beastmen leader Lordgenome. Seven years later, humans have returned to the surface to build a flourishing civilization. But, the peaceful times don’t last forever as humans begin developing beyond their world into outer space and encounter an unknown enemy.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com <http://www.NewPeopleWorld.com> .
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| Anime voice actor Daisuke Gouri dead from an apparent suicide |
January 19, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Mainichi Daily News is reporting that Daisuke Gouri (known for his voice as Mr. Satan for “Dragon Ball Z”, Hiromi Yamazaki of “Patlabor”, Robin Mask of “Kinnikuman” and many, many other anime series) has died of an apparent suicide. According to the publication, Gouri was found on the street with cuts on his wrist and neck. A suicide note was found in his trousers.
Tags: anime, Daisuke Gouri, Dragon Ball Z, Kinnikuman, 本名・長堀芳夫
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| Sakura-Con 2010 announces multiple new guests! |
January 18, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
ANCEA (Asia Northwest Cultural Education Association) is proud to present the thirteenth annual Sakura-Con April 2-4 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Downtown Seattle Washington. Sakura-Con is the Northwest’s first and largest convention devoted to Japanese animation (anime), comics (manga), gaming and Asian culture (established 1998). It is the destination event for an expected attendance of over 18,000 fans, industry leaders, celebrities, and artists. Sakura-Con is one of the largest events of it’s kind in the United States-ranking in the top 5 for attendance.
ANCEA is proud to present Troy Baker and Vic Mignona as the newest to the line up of special guests for Sakura-Con, which also includes Chis Patton, Richard Epcar, Luci Christian, Brina Palencia, Kent Williams and Todd Haberkorn. Visit www.sakuracon.org <http://www.sakuracon.org> for full details.
Troy Baker is a multi-talented voice actor and performer. Troy has voiced such memorable characters as Abel Nightroad in Trinity Blood, Frank Archer in Fullmetal Alchemist (TV), Nagi Springfield in Negima! Magic 101 (TV), and Alphonso in Gunslinger Girl (TV) and many more. Troy has multiple video game roles to his credit, including: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2″ (VG), Kanji in “Persona 4″ (VG), Sol Badguy in “Guilty Gear 2: Overture” (VG), Yuri Lowell in “Tales of Vesperia” (VG) and more. This is Troy’s first appearance at Sakura-Con.
Vic Mignogna is a voice actor and performer of such renown he hardly needs introduction. Vic has been in more than a hundred and fifty shows and video games, known for such roles as Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki Suou in Ouran High School Host Club, Fai in Tsubasa Chronicle, Dark in DN Angel, Kurz in Full Metal Panic, Broly in Dragonball Z, Ikkaku in Bleach and many more. Vic is also a professional music composer / singer / producer who has written and produced hundreds of songs for TV, radio and CD. This will be Vic’s third Sakura-Con.
The Hsu-nami and Soul Candy join High and Mighty Color and Dazzle Vision for our musical guest line up for Sakura-Con 2010.
“The Hsu-nami” a World/Progressive/Instrumental Rock band are the first ever “Er-hu prog rock group” in the world. Their music features fusion of metal, psychedelic, prog rock to funk, incorporating the use of an amplified ”Erhu”, a Traditional two-string bowed instrument that is often used in Chinese classical music and folk ensembles, takes the place of lead vocals. Hsu-nami’s music was also featured in the 2008 Bejing Summer Olympics. This is Hsu-Nami’s first Sakura-Con.
Soul Candy is a Seattle-based band consisting for 4 talented musicians that bonded through their love of music and anime. After performing at various local cultural events and building a strong fan base Soul Candy released their much anticipated debut EP, ‘Soul Candy’ in 2009. As the four member band from Seattle call their music “otaku rock,” the EP will appeal to many fans of Japanese animation. This is Soul Candy’s first main stage appearance at Sakura-Con. Priority entrance to concerts and main events is offered to all members also reserving a Sakura-Con affiliated Hotel room during the 2010 convention. See www.sakuracon.org <http://www.sakuracon.org> .
Tags: ANCEA, Asian Northwest Cultural Education Association, Sakura Con 2010, Troy Baker, Vic Mignona
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| AMAZON.COM TO EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTE MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UNICORN V. 1 BLU-RAY; OTHER GUNDAM SERIES AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING |
January 14, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
January 14, 2010 – Bandai Visual Japan announced today that Amazon.com will release the Mobile Suit Gundam UC(Unicorn) Vol.1 Blu-ray with a two-month exclusive window in North America under the “Honneamise” label.
Amazon.com will be taking pre-orders starting on January 10 with a street date of March 12, 2010 at a SRP of $49.98. Bandai Entertainment Inc.distributes this Blu-ray product for Bandai Visual Japan.
Since its inception in 1979, the Gundam franchise is considered the introduction of the giant robot or “Mecha” genre in the U.S. Mobile Suit Gundam UC is a series of popular novels by Harutoshi Fukui, which was originally serialized from 2006 to June 2009 in the monthly Gundam Ace magazine by Kadokawa. Ten volumes of the novel have sold over 2 million copies. The story is set in Universal Century, three years after the events of the film Char’s Counterattack. The series will be comprised of six 50-minute episodes directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi.
The Blu-ray will feature Episode One with Japanese and English TrueHD 5.1 and Japanese and English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio with a 16:9 / 1080P High Definition transfer. Subtitle tracks will include Japanese, English, French, Spanish, and Chinese (in both Cantonese and Mandarin). The English voice cast features the talents of Steve Cannon, Stephanie Sheh, Rachael Lillis, Tara Platt, and others.
Additionally, to celebrate Gundam UC’s Blu-ray release, Bandai Channel will begin streaming classic Gundam series starting February 1. This is a long-awaited opportunity for existing fans to revisit their favorites or for newer fans to become familiar with the world of Gundam beforewatching Gundam UC. Six TV series of Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Z Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, and Mobile Suit Gundam 00) are planned for free streaming in North America and Europe for limited time only on AnimeNewsNetwork (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com), Crunchyroll (http://www.crunchyroll.com) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/AnimeChannel). More series are to be added later.
Tags: a J!-ENT Anime Blu-Ray Disc Review, anime, Blu-Ray, Blu-ray News, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM UNICORN
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| HIDIMARI SKETCH On Sale Today |
January 12, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
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Get a Free Japan Travel eCourse - Click Here A J!-ENT Exclusive!
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HOUSTON, January 12, 2010 – Section23 Films, America’s fastest-growing anime distributor, is pleased to announce two new DVDs on sale today. From Sentai Filmworks we have the comedy anime Hidamari Sketch, and from Switchblade Pictures there is the live action double feature Female Combatants Battle School / Demonic Heroine in Peril. Both new releases are available wherever DVDs are sold.
Hidamari Sketch Season 1 Collection is a slice of life comedy revolving around struggling art student Yuno and her eccentric neighbors from the boarding home near her school. This DVD release contains the entire first TV season plus two bonus episodes from the ongoing series.
SYNOPSIS: For years, Yunos dreamed of attending Yamabuki Arts High School; but now that she’s been accepted, it means the scary prospect of moving away from her home and family for the first time! Fortunately, Yuno quickly learns that if her new neighbors at the eclectic Hidamari (Sunshine) Apartments aren’t technically family, at least the majority share the bond of being fellow art students. From second year students like Hiro and Sae, who try to behave like helpful older sisters (mostly successfully) to her hyperactive new neighbor, classmate and best friend Miyako (who has the scariest apartment ever,) Yuno begins to build the support network she’ll need for dealing with strange characters like her oddly masculine Landlady, her cosplay obsessed home room teacher, her tooth-chattering Principal and all of the other odd denizens who inhabit her chosen world of art. It won’t be easy, and it won’t always be pretty, but with her friends at her back, Yuno’s going to reach for the stars in HIDAMARI SKETCH!
Title: HIDAMARI SKETCH SEASON 1 COLLECTION
Running Time: 350 min.
Age Rating: TV PG
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-HS100
UPC: 814131013408
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 12/15/2009
Street Date: 1/12/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98
Female Combatants Battle School / Demonic Heroine In Peril Double Feature is a double dose of super-powered bad girl hijinks, courtesy of the fiendish minds at Switchblade Pictures.
SYNOPSIS: In a switch on the usual, the Bad Girls get their chance to shine in a very special Switchblade Double Feature! First up, we’ve all seen hundreds of stories about the origins of both Superheros and Supervillains, but what about the origins of the Supervillain’s MINIONS? At long last, the time has come to learn the secret story behind all those faceless, anonymous battle casualties! When a beautiful agent attempts to infiltrate the evil Dark Mist organization, she discovers just how hard (and frequently fatal) learning to be cannon fodder really is in FEMALE COMBATANTS BATTLE! Then, when a female assassin is sent out on her ultimate assignment: take out Trionger, a trio of semi-retired super-rangers in power armor (who may or may not have their own line of toys!) Unfortunately, she doesn’t count on becoming friends with Trionger’s unbelievably weird kid sidekick, thereby setting up a confrontation with her own malevolent masters in DEMONIC HEROINE IN PERIL!
Title: FEMALE COMBATANTS BATTLE SCHOOL /
DEMONIC HEROINE IN PERIL DOUBLE FEATURE
Running Time: 154 min.
Age Rating: Unrated – V
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SWB-0152
UPC: 814131015204
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 12/15/2009
Street Date: 1/12/2010
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.
Tags: Anime Related News, Female Combatants Battle School, Hidimari Sketch, Japanese Entertainment News, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures
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| FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES “THE SACRED BLACKSMITH” FROM MEDIA FACTORY |
January 8, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Flower Mound, Texas (January 08, 2010) – FUNimation® Entertainment today announced that it has acquired home entertainment, broadcast, merchandise, and digital rights to the 12 episode action anime series “The Sacred Blacksmith” from Media Factory.
Based on the popular Japanese light novel series by Isao Miura, the anime is directed by super star director Masamitsu Hidaka (“Pokemon” series and movies, “Linebarrels of Iron”).
About The Sacred Blacksmith
Cecily Campbell is making her family proud. She is taking up the family business by becoming the newest Knight Guard of the Independent Trade City of Housman. The only problem is that she is not very good at her new job. Fortunately for her, Luke, the sacred blacksmith, is on her side. Luke has the power to forge powerful swords capable of defeating the demons that plague the land.
For more information about the series, please visit http://www.funimation.com/sacredblacksmith .
FUNimation Entertainment will release the entire series on DVD in one set in Fall 2010.
Tags: Anime Related News, 聖剣の刀鍛冶, Funimation Entertainment, Media Factory, The Sacred Blacksmith
