FUNimation acquires the rights for Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Alternative Architecture
Posted by Michelle on 04/08/2015 at 5:24pm

FUNimation is pleased to announce that we have acquired the rights for the cyberpunk sci-fi action series–Ghost in the Shell: Arise – Alternative Architecture! Even better, episode 1 will be available TONIGHT at 7:30pm ET! Click here to watch the episode.

synopsis:

The Ghost in the Shell: Arise OVA sequence has been rebuilt into eight TV-length episodes and extended with two new broadcast exclusive episodes to create Ghost in the Shell: Arise * Alternative Architecture! In this highly anticipated prequel set in the year after the fourth World War, cyborg and hacker Motoko Kusanagi finds herself wrapped up in the investigation of a devastating bombing. But shešs not the only one looking for answers‹as she delves deeper into the mystery of who is behind the attack, a specialized team unlike any before begins to
take shape.

The series will stream Sundays at 10am ET. Click here for more info.

- Hey guys!it's been 5 months since the last update about Eva 3.33. Is there any other information about release date/status?

- latest info is in the faq on our site. We're hoping for a late 2015/ early 2016 release window.

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Get ready for a new, animated Pokémon adventure! Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages takes Ash and his friends to a desert city by the sea. Here they meet the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa, who has the ability to summon things—including people and Pokémon—through its magic ring.

After a scary incident, they learn a story about a brave hero who stopped the rampage of a terrifying Pokémon long ago. Now, the threat that has been bottled up for years is in danger of breaking loose again! Can Ash help his new friend overcome the darkness within…or will a dangerous secret erupt into a clash of legends? Find out what happens when Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages airs later this year on Cartoon Network!

HOUSTON, April 16, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its acquisition of a landmark film in the history of Japanese animation, Vampire Hunter D. The first in a series of films adapted from the light novels of the legendary Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D depicts a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland where pain and suffering run rampant, where vampires and their prey roam the earth.

Toyoo Ashida, known for his work in Fist of the North Star, directed the series, with a screenplay provided by Yasushi Hirano. Yoshitaka Amano, known best for his hand in creating other iconic characters from series such as Gatchaman and Casshan, as well as creating concept art for the Final Fantasy video game series, handled character design for the film, and acclaimed pop artist Tetsuya Komuro was responsible for the soundtrack. Animation production was provided by Ashi Productions.

Vampire Hunter D will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, April 20, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its acquisition of Hayate the Combat Butler. The first in a series spanning multiple seasons and a film, Hayate introduces the titular character Hayate Ayasaki, a good guy who’s down on his luck and desperately trying to alter his fate. One day he runs into a girl named Nagi Sanzenin, and his life is changed forever.

Keiichiro Kawaguchi directed the romantic comedy series based on the popular title by Kenjiro Hata, published serially in Weekly Comic Magazine SHONEN SUNDAY. Music duties were provided by Kotaro Nakagawa, with sound direction coming from Jun Watanabe. Yoshihiro Nagamori & Masaaki Sakurai was in charge of chief animation direction, with character designs by Osamu Horiuchi. Animation production was handled by SynergySP.

Hayate the Combat Butler will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Announcing: Rainy Cocoa — now streaming!
Posted by Lauren on 04/22/2015 at 4:14pm

Spring simulcast season is well underway (have you started watching it yet? Check out all our shows at funimation.com/spring!), but we’re excited to announce yet a new addition to the roster— Rainy Cocoa (Ame-iro Cocoa)! This is a series of anime shorts (think Hetalia) featuring several big-name Japanese male seiyuu voice actor stars. It’s a sweet tale about hot cocoa and some cool guys!

We’re launching the first three episodes right now at funimation.com/rainy-cocoa, and new episodes will launch again at 11:30 AM every Sunday!

Watch them week-to-week with the rest of your simulcasts, or binge watch them in multi-episode chunks! And if you like the show, be sure to tell your friends to watch it on legal streams too— simulcast views for all shows help up determine whether an anime gets a dub or an awesome home video release!

Here’s a little more about the show:
Aoi Tokura is having a rough day. He’s used to being mistaken for a girl, but it’s even worse when a captivating stranger on the train calls him a creeper for staring a little too long. Aoi’s soaked by a sudden rainstorm and takes shelter at Rainy Color, a cozy café where the warmth of the staff compliments the sweet hot cocoa he’s served. When he falls into a job at the café he feels like things are finally looking up— until Keiichi Iwase, the man he couldn’t help but stare at on the train, shows up. Did this day just get worse, or better?

And here’s the Japanese voice cast:

[...] (see blog post)

Will you be watching? Let us know! And let us know if you want more shorts or bishounen anime content!

Love Live! School Idol Project with English Dub announced for North America!

Santa Ana, CA (April 24, 2015) – NIS America is thrilled to announce that the lovable series Love Live! School Idol Project will be receiving a full English dub! The retail release of both the 1st and 2nd Season will feature the English dub, as well as the original Japanese voice track with English subtitles for the North American market. Release details of the 2nd Season will be announced at a later date, and the English dubbed version of the 1st Season will only be released as a standard edition. To commemorate the English dub, we will also be releasing a limited reprint in July of the Love Live! School Idol Project 1st Season Premium Edition with original Japanese audio and English subtitles.

Right Stuf, The Anime Corner Store, Anime Pavilion, Collectors Anime and NIS America Online Store.

Love Live! The School Idol Movie announced for North American limited theatrical release!

Santa Ana, CA (April 24, 2015) – NIS America is excited to announce that Love Live! The School Idol Movie will be coming to select theaters in North America! The movie will begin screening September 12, 2015, with the original Japanese voice track and English subtitles. This limited theatrical release will be showing in, but will not be limited to, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Additional details about the theatrical release will be announced at a later date.

About Love Live! The School Idol Movie:
Although μ’s, the defending champions of the school idol tournament, plans to dissolve their group after the graduation of their senior members, they receive news that leads them to holding a concert event! The 9 girls continue to learn and grow in this new and unfamiliar world. What is the last thing that these girls can do as school idols? With the clock ticking, what kind of meaning will the μ’s members find in performing the most exciting live performance?

- @FUNimation will #ShowbyRock be getting a home release?

- Aye aye @CapnSwink #ShowbyRock will be getting a home release! Stay tuned for the announcement of when we'll release it!

trying to get the artwork approved on Robot Carnival before selecting the release date

Announcing: High School DxD BorN Broadcast Dub Cast
Posted by Lauren on 05/02/2015 at 11:00am

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – May 2, 2015. FUNimation Entertainment announced today the cast for the Broadcast Dub of High School DxD BorN (Season 3). Weekly, subtitled episodes of the simulcast began airing on FUNimation’s streaming service on April 4 with new episodes premiering each Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Now four episodes into Season 3, FUNimation will be commencing production on the dub versions of the High School DxD BorN simulcast

The cast of High School DxD BorN includes the addition of Josh Grelle and Kelly Angel in the roles of Issei and Akeno, respectively. Grelle is a FUNimation veteran and fan favorite and is well known for his TV, movie and video game roles from Attack on Titan and Mass Effect to The Devil is a Part-Timer and Dragon Ball: Xenoverse. The remaining cast from past seasons including Jamie Marchi, Sean O’Connor and Jād Saxton will be returning for this season’s simulcast.

“’We have always tried incredibly hard to retain the original voice cast for our dubbed releases. However, there are instances where ‘life just gets in the way’, and this is one of those unfortunate situations,” said Justin Cook, director of production at FUNimation. “With that being said, we are proud to bring the talents of both Josh and Kelly into the cast, and though they have big shoes or bras, as the case may be, to fill, I believe our work this season will be the best ever, despite the changes and challenges.”

[...]

Season Synopsis:
The babes and boys of the Occult Research Club are back! Lovable loser Issei and his spirited schoolmates return for a new season of supernatural tussles and mischievous mayhem—featuring old friends and new enemies! Now that all the girls live in Issei’s home, life seems like nothing but adolescent antics…for now! Join Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Asia, Xenovia, Gasper, and everyone’s favorite Harem King Issei as they fight, fumble, and flirt their way through their demonic high school lives.

For more information on or to watch High School DxD BorN, please visit www.funimation.com/high-school-dxd.

Update: Thank you to everyone that has posted comments regarding the first episode of the broadcast dub of High School DxD BorN. We understand the reactions from long term fans to the change in voice actors — which is the very reason we announced the recasting before the new dub aired. For differing reasons, both Scott Freeman and Teri Rogers could not return to the show. FUNimation had no other choice but to bring on two new voice actors, Josh Grelle and Kelly Angel, to High School DxD BorN in order to produce the dub. No amount of time or delay would have changed this. We hope new and especially existing fans will give Josh an Kelly the opportunity to settle into the characters. They are very talented actors and will do the show proud. FUNimation is committed to bringing the best in anime to our subscribers and sometimes, in this case, changes are unavoidable.

HOUSTON, May 6, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, Punch Line, as part of their Spring 2015 anime season acquisitions. The comedy slice of life series tells the story of young Yuta Iridatsu, who’s spirit has somehow been separated from his body.

Yutaka Uemura will be directing the series and Kotaro Uchikoshi, best known for his work on the Ever17 adventure visual novel, will be in charge of scripts. Shota Iwasaki, known for his work on Kill la Kill, will be in charge of character design. Because Punch Line will include a strong musical connection, famed composer and music producer Tetsuya Komuro will provide the score for the series. Animation production will be handled by MAPPA, known for their recent work on Rage of Bahamut: Genesis and Kids on the Slope.

Punch Line is scheduled for an April 2015 release and will soon be available through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

#DubbleTalk Blood Blockade Battlefront and Seraph for Wednesday nights!

Next week is when those #BroadcastDubs start

HOUSTON, May 7, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, TRIAGE X, as part of their Spring 2015 anime season acquisitions. Adapted from the original work of Shouji Sato, creator of the mega hit undead horror series High School of the Dead, this action packed anime introduces a group of mercenary assassins as they rid the world of the “cancers” plaguing society through a precision, emotionless battlefield practice known as triage.

Akio Takami and Takao Kato will be directing the series, with series composition duties going to Katsuhiko Takayama. Character designs will be provided by Akio Takami, and Art direction by Yoshio Tanioka. Music production will be handled by Shunichi Uemura, and animation production will be done by Xebec.

TRIAGE X is scheduled for an April 2015 release and will soon be available through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, May 7, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, MY love STORY!! as part of their Spring 2015 anime season acquisitions. From original creators Aruko and Kazune Kawahara, this romantic comedy series introduces the loveable Takeo Gouda, a giant guy with a giant heart who’s (love) life is about to take an incredible turn.

Morio Asaka will be directing the series, with Natsuko Takahashi providing series composition. S.E.N.S., having previously been involved in series Kimi ni Todoke and xxxHOLIC, will be handling music. Character designs will be handled by Kunihiko Hamada, and animation production will be done by MADHOUSE, broadcasted by Nippon TV in Japan.

MY love STORY!! is scheduled for an April 2015 release and will soon be available through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Announcement: Broadcast Dub Line-Up for Spring 2015
Posted by Lauren on 05/13/2015 at 4:32pm

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – May 13, 2015. FUNimation Entertainment announced today the full line-up of Broadcast Dub titles for the Spring 2015 simulcast season. As with its Winter 2015 simulcast season, FUNimation will be airing ten series in commercial-free 1080p each week, which will be available exclusively to All-AccessPass subscribers. With two complete seasons of Broadcast Dubs, FUNimation has cemented its leadership position in the North American anime industry amidst continuing, overwhelmingly positive response from fans.

“We’re pleased to bring fans a great series line-up of Broadcast Dubs for the spring season,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. “Subscribers can look forward to the combination of fan favorites like Assassination Classroom as well as exciting new series like Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign.”

FUNimation Broadcast Dubs are select series dubbed in English using broadcast/simulcast materials from Japan just weeks after airing on TV. This allows dub fans to experience these select shows as soon as possible and well before home video release. The English dub version of the home video is produced using the final Blu-ray/DVD materials from Japan. In many cases, the Broadcast Dub will be different than the English dub home video due to additional footage not broadcast on Japanese TV.

“Our large number of Broadcast Dubs combined with the recent launch of the FUNimation app for PlayStation 4 and our tent pole titles have really accelerated the growth of our subscription streaming service,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation. “We are committed to giving our fans more anime in more ways to watch.”


The live weekly recap show “DubbleTalk” continues for a second season as the capstone of FUNimation’s prime-time block of anime content each Wednesday evening. Returning hosts – FUNimation’s Justin Rojas and Lauren Moore – along with ScrewAttack’s Chad James will continue to entertain viewers with episode recaps, fan Q&A, special guest interviews, contests and much more.

Starting today and each Wednesday at 8:00 pm ET, FUNimation will feature new episodes of “Assassination Classroom” (8:00 pm ET), “Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign” (8:30 pm ET) and “Blood Blockade Battlefront” (9:00 pm ET) followed by a live broadcast of “DubbleTalk” (9:30 pm ET). While the Broadcast Dubs on FUNimation.com are for All-AccessPass subscribers only, “DubbleTalk” is free to all viewers and will stream at both funimation.com/dubbletalk andtwitch.tv/screwattack.

The complete list of Broadcast Dubs for the Spring 2015 season is listed below. Broadcasts Dubs will begin airing in two phases – approximately four weeks after the subtitled simulcast of each episode.

Phase 1
High School DxD BorN (Saturdays at 1:00 pm ET, beginning May 2)
Assassination Classroom (Wednesdays at 8:00 pm ET, beginning May 13)
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign (Wednesdays at 8:30 pm ET, beginning May 13)
Blood Blockade Battlefront (Wednesdays at 9:00 pm ET, beginning May 13)
Ninja Slayer (Thursdays at 10:00 am ET, beginning May 21)

Phase 2
The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan (Fridays at 2:10 pm ET, date TBA)
Ultimate Otaku Teacher (Saturdays at 7:00 am ET, date TBA)
The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Sundays at 5:00 am ET, date TBA)
Show by Rock!! (Sundays at 9:00 am ET, date TBA)
Mikagura School Suite (Tuesdays at 4:35 pm ET, date TBA)

In addition to Broadcast Dubs, All-AccessPass members can watch FUNimation’s entire library of content – the latest simulcast shows and an almost endless catalog of dubbed and subtitled anime episodes and movies – all in commercial-free, high quality video. Paid subscription pricing starts as low as $4.99 per month.

For more information on FUNimation’s Streaming Service, check out funimation.com/subscribe, and to learn more about FUNimation’s Spring simulcast shows, please visit funimation.com/spring!

HOUSTON, May 14, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, Hamatora. An original concept of Natsu Matsumai and Yūki Kodama, this series takes place in a fictional 2014 where certain humans called Minimum Holders are discovered to have special abilities. The story focuses on Minimum Holder Nice who forms a detective agency and starts gathering a large number of allies and enemies.

Seiji Kishi, alongside Hiroshi Kimura, directed the series, while Jun Kumagai and Toko Machida provided series composition. Makoto Yoshimori, having been involved in the series Baccano! and Durarara!!, coordinated the music. Character designs were by Eriko Itō, Yū Wazu and Yūki Kodama and animation production was by NAZ.

Hamatora will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

FUNimation Acquires U.S. Rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s “The Boy and the Beast”
Posted by Lauren on 05/15/2015 at 10:15pm

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – FUNimation Entertainment announced today its acquisition of U.S. rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s new Japanese animated film “The Boy and The Beast.” As part of its agreement with Gaumont International, FUNimation has secured exclusive rights to theatrical, digital and home video distribution of the film.

“We’re excited to bring The Boy and The Beast to audiences across the United States,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. “Mamoru Hosoda is a masterful director and has made Japanese animated film accessible to everyone.”

FUNimation has distributed two prior Hosoda films in the U.S. including the critically acclaimed and award-winning “Wolf Children” in 2013 and “Summer Wars” in 2010.

“We are looking forward to working with Gaumont International and plan to release ‘The Boy and The Beast’ to theaters beginning in late 2015,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation. “We’re confident that critics and moviegoers will quickly agree that this is an Oscar worthy film.”

As the North American leader in the distribution of animated content from Japan, FUNimation’s acquisition of “The Boy and The Beast” exemplifies the company’s strategy announced in December 2014 — to bring to theaters its extensive library of content and future releases through the creation of a new theatrical events and distribution division based in New York City.

Look for “The Boy and The Beast” in select theaters in late 2015 and nationwide in early 2016.

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires U.S. Rights To Mamoru Hosoda’s ‘The Boy and The Beast’ (EXCLUSIVE)

FUNimation Entertainment has acquired all U.S. rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s animated tale “The Boy and the Beast” from Gaumont Intl.

Produced by Studio Chizu and Nippon TV, “Beast” is a coming-of-age tale about Kyuta, a lonely Japanese boy, and Kumatetsu, a lonesome beast inhabiting an imaginary world.

The movie will be released by FUNimation’s new launched theatrical events and distribution branch based in New York.

“We’re excited to bring ‘The Boy and the Beast’ to audiences across the United States,” said FUNimation CEO and founder Gen Fukunaga. “Mamoru Hosoda is a masterful director and has made Japanese animated film accessible to everyone.”

The toon is being talked about as a potential 2016 Oscar contender.

“We are looking forward to working with Gaumont Intl. and plan to release ‘The Boy and the Beast’ to theaters beginning in late 2015,” said Mike DuBoise, FUNimation’s exec VP and COO. “We’re confident that critics and moviegoers will quickly agree that this is an Oscar-worthy film.”

Gaumont’s deputy head of sales Yohann Comte, who negotiated the deal, said Gaumont had received offers from other distributors but “chose to work with FUNimation because the company has been faithful to Hosoda’s work since the beginning, and they also have the ambition and commitment to screen the film to the widest possible audience.”

FUNimation has distributed two other Hosoda movies in the U.S. (on VOD and homevideo) including the critically-acclaimed and award-winning “Wolf Children” in 2013 and “Summer Wars” in 2010. Hosoda’s “Wolf Children” was a critical and commercial success and traveled to more than 90 countries.

FUNimation will release “The Boy and the Beast” in select theaters in late 2015 and nationwide in early 2016.

FUNimation’s first theatrical rollout will be “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F,” which is scheduled to come out this summer in the U.S. and Canada.

HOUSTON, May 18, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to introduce an exciting new line of products that provides fans with essential programming with a budget conscience experience.

Sentai Selects™ will showcase anime that have withstood the test of time to remain popular and memorable works of their genre. A wide variety of titles have been included in the line to assure that something fresh and different is available for every release, while also being curated specifically to give fans an opportunity to discover new experiences without breaking the bank. This new line of titles will offer reversible cover artwork and other features where applicable.

“The Sentai Selects line was created for those who have recently become interested in anime and wish to expand their libraries with classic shows, as well as those who may have missed their chance to own these titles during their first run”, said David Del Rio, Vice President of Sentai Filmworks. “Our hope is to provide an ideal situation where both new and old fans alike can enjoy these must own anime at an affordable entry price.”

The debut release will be the sci-fi action movie Appleseed and will include enhanced Blu-ray audio and double-sided cover artwork.

Appleseed explores the society of Earth's last city, Olympus, which rose from the ashes of global war on the backs of Bioroids, artificial clones who make up half the city's population. Under the guidance of a supercomputer, humanity's last survivors enjoy peace, but only on the surface. Human terrorists within the military seek a return to power and clash with the government's forces led by Deunan, a legendary soldier and Brialeos, who is more machine than human.

More titles in the Sentai Selects™ line will soon be available.

Announcing Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ Theatrical Dates!
Posted by Lauren on 05/26/2015 at 2:51pm

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – May 26, 2015. Ending the wait of hundreds of thousands of anime fans across North America, FUNimation Entertainment announced today that “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’” will screen August 4-12 in theaters across the U.S. and Canada. The story is a follow-up to last year’s highly successful “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.”

“We are thrilled to bring fans – both new and old – this latest film from series creator Akira Toriyama,”
said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of FUNimation. “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is a visually stunning movie and offers even more action and comedy than Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.”

“Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’” is the 20th film in the Dragon Ball franchise, which first debuted in North America in 1986. The new movie showcases the return of Frieza – one of the greatest villains in all of anime. Now resurrected from death, Frieza embarks on plans to take his revenge on the Z Fighters of Earth. Goku and Vegeta once again face their nemesis together, but this time it is a fight for Earth’s very survival.

“Fans are in for another amazing ride with Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’,” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of FUNimation. “We will be raising the bar for the anime theater-going experience.”

“Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’” will screen in theaters nationwide from August 4 – 12, 2015. Fans are invited to sign-up at www.dragonballz.com to be alerted when ticketing opens. Subscribers can also look forward to receiving exclusive offers, sneak peeks and other news about the film.

To get more information on “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’,” please visit www.dragonballz.com.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u46TCtwhYE8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We also made a trailer for Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust. Planned release date is early September for the Blu Ray and DVD.

The Blu Ray and DVD are English language only. The licensor will not allow the Japanese language to be released anywhere but Japan. We were told it was due to the Japanese version being a dub and the way the dub was produced. We would include it if allowed but cannot.

Orguss TV series update! Here’s the work in progress cover. Aiming for an end of August release (TBD).

HOUSTON, June 22, 2015 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, The World is Still Beautiful. Based on the original manga by Dai Shiina and broadcasted by Nippon TV in Japan, the story follows the adventures of Nike, fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom, who loses a game of chance with her older sisters and is shipped off to marry the terrifying ruler of the Sun Kingdom. However, upon arriving she discovers that King Livius is nothing like she expected, and that there are sinister forces at work in the kingdom that can only be defeated if both young royals can find a way to work together.

Hajime Kamegaki (Air Gear, Fushigi Yugi, Naruto Shippuden The Movie) directs the 12 episode series, with Parasyte -the maxim- scribe Shinzo Fujita providing series composition. Character designs are adapted by Ichiro Uno, while the powerhouse studio Pierrot (Naruto, Saiyuki, Kimagure Orange Road) oversees animation production. Shinya Yamada (Hunter X Hunter, Chihayafuru) will be handling music.

The World is Still Beautiful will soon be available through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Exclusive: Discotek Adds Lupin III: Voyage to Danger Special
posted on 2015-06-26 13:25 EDT

Release will include Funimation's English dub

Discotek Media announced on ANNCast on Friday that it has licensed the anime special Lupin III: Voyage to Danger. The company will release the special on a remastered home video.

Tickets on sale now! Be the first to get yours! http://dragonballz.com/