Hunter x Hunter news: show will make Blu-ray "this fall". No date just yet. The fruits of Toonami. #otakon

Jojo season 1 is "coming soon" to home video. Presumably a bit after fall and the hunter x Hunter release, then #otakon

Bam. Viz announces an 8th limited edition Blu-ray set for Rama 1/2. Will include all OVAs and movies. #otakon

Ranma 1/2 clarification / correction for @MarcFBR : unknown if 2008 OVA one shot will be in. Viz will try.

By popular request! The Ranma 1/2 OVA & movies collection is coming to limited edition Blu-ray sets in 2017! #VIZ30

NEW ACQUISITION: The first #MonsterHunter #anime! Steaming in OCTOBER on #FunimationNow. #Otakon2016 @MonsterHunter

At the Stephanie Sheh/Michael Sinterniklaas Q&A.

Guy asked when Gundam Wing would come out on Blu-ray.
Sunrise rep says "Next Year"
#Otakon

Code Geass: Akito the Exiled (entire OVA series, in early 2017)

Funimation Entertainment Acquires International Rights To "Monster Hunter Stories Ride On" From Fuji TV

New Anime Series Based on Popular Video Game Franchise to Premiere in October 2016

BALTIMORE, Md., Aug. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night during its annual Industry Panel at Otakon 2016, Funimation® Entertainment announced the acquisition of the new anime show "Monster Hunter Stories Ride On" – based on the game "Monster Hunter Stories" from Capcom, which is being released in October in Japan, and the popular action RPG game series "Monster Hunter." Funimation has secured international rights to home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast distribution of the title as part of its agreement with Fuji TV. "Monster Hunter Stories Ride On" is set to debut this October on the FunimationNow streaming service and will be available to subscribers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Ireland.

"We're thrilled to be distributing this eagerly anticipated series based on Capcom's new 'Monster Hunter Stories' game,'" said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. "With both the game and anime series debuting in October in Japan, we expect 'Monster Hunter Stories Ride On' to be an instant hit on day one with fans of all ages – especially those who have grown-up on the franchise."

The "Monster Hunter Stories Ride On" series will be directed by Mitsuro Hongo, who is best known for directorial roles on "Outlaw Star" and "Immortal Gran Prix" and as series director of "World Trigger." The series is being produced by David Production, the studio behind the long-running "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" as well as "Planetarian," which premiered on FunimationNow on July 7. Capcom's "Monster Hunter Stories" game will be released on October 8 in Japan.

"We're excited to share the acquisition of 'Monster Hunter Stories Ride On' on the heels of our recent announcement of our biggest Broadcast Dubs season ever," said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation. "'Monster Hunter Stories Ride On' is a great addition to our Fall 2016 line-up that fans can look forward to watching in October."

We're also happy to announce that we're bringing @shinkaimakoto's 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND to Blu-ray, with the newer English dub included.

5 Centimeters per Second being released on Blu-ray in 2017

From our @Otakon panel today: ARCADIA OF MY YOUTH coming to Blu-ray! Classic dub included (from best available src)!

That lost classic of anime, CHARGEMAN KEN!!, soon to be subtitled and coming to streaming and DVD in 2017!

FATAL FURY: THE MOTION PICTURE also coming to Blu-ray Disc! Will include all the DVD special features.

New license #3: LUPIN THE THIRD: ISLAND OF ASSASSINS (Walther P38), coming soon as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack!

One more Lupin item. OPERATION: RETURN THE TREASURE!! coming next year to DVD!

Another new license: URUSEI YATSURA: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, dir. by Mamoru Oshii. Includes dub recaptured from master!

Reminder: Jungle Emperor Leo and Blackjack movie coming to Blu-ray next year.

Kyousougiga also has episode 5.5, extended cut, 10.5 as well, will be coming out end of this year or next year early.

- Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack
- Japanese langauge, subtitled in English
- Includes BOTH the ONA and TV Series epsidoes
- We have every redundant frame
- Includes episdoe 5.5, both broadcast and extended cuts
- Includes episode 10.5 review
- Includes Japanese commercials
- Includes titleless Ops + Eds
- Includes sponsor cards

LUPIN THE THIRD PART II Collection 1 due out DECEMBER. 4 sets coming total. Sets 2 & 3 split where Pioneer dubs end.

LUPIN PART II extras include Adult Swim promos, liner notes, and other goodies we can't talk about just yet. Will be spread across the sets.

Magic Knight Rayearth delayed due to paperwork issues. Footage shown looks great. Coming as soon as possible.

Update for Se-Ha girls! DVD/bluray combo pack. Liner notes, long art gallery with every piece of production art available.

All of the approvals for Se-Ha Girls delayed the release.

Seha Girls another @ashuraou triumph. He loves SEGA. Will have liner notes, 16 minutes of production art

Oh yeah also, if you're at Otakon you can pick up early copies of SFII the Animated Movie which doesn't street 'till November!

True Tears release includes the longer ending of the last episode that was not included with the original release. 3 minutes longer.

Thanks to all of those who supported #TurnAGundam DVD release, Turn A Gundam will be coming to Blu-ray in 2017!

Release dates:
NOVEMBER 8th:
-Sonic X Seasons 1 & 2
-Shining Tears X Wind
-Strike the Blood (DVD & BD)
-Karate Master
-07-Ghost

Hana Yori Dango TV and Movie DVDs coming out OCTOBER 25th.

A lil' whoops in yesterday's Lupin news: OPERATION: RETURN THE TREASURE!! is coming out THIS year. The ISLAND OF ASSASSINS BD combo is 2017.

Anime Midstream Licenses B't X TV Anime Series
posted on 2016-08-19 03:15 EDT

Series based on manga by Saint Seiya's Kurumada originally aired in 1996

Dallas-based anime licensing company Anime Midstream, Inc. announced at its panel at AnimeFest on Sunday that it has licensed the B't X television anime series. The company plans to release the series on DVD with the Japanese language track with English subtitles, and with an English dub. Anime Midstream has not yet announced release dates or other release details.

For some extra info I did e-mail Anime Midstream this morning, and they did respond with some extra tidbits:
1. The English dub will be brand new & starting from scratch. That being said, there will be one or two actors from the Illumitoon dub who will be in the new Midstream dub, but nothing about if they will be reprisals, so it's obviously going to be a Texas dub. Also, no word on if the Illumitoon dub will be included for completion's sake. I was also told that a cast list should be coming out soon, so I'm guessing that work on the dub will be starting soon.

2. All of B't X was indeed licensed, so Neo will eventually come out. Midstream simply wants to focus on the TV series right now, with a proper announcement for Neo happening later on.

3. No word on any extras right now, the Japanese LDs featured various interviews with the voice cast, but they'll likely include dub outtakes like they did for Raijin-Oh.
Read more at http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/...QgOrMEtSmAF.99

Just gonna leave this here: Announced at San Japan - My Love Story!! Premium Box Set coming in 2017. #mylovestory #surprise

Hey everyone,

When we started Crunchyroll, we wanted to bring more anime to fans around the world. With the ongoing support of fans (like you) and creators, we have been fortunate to, slowly but surely, increase access to anime for a growing and dedicated fanbase. Now, we take another big step towards realizing our founding goal.

Today, Funimation joins Crunchyroll in our common mission of bringing more anime to fans and more fans to anime. We are announcing a partnership that will expand the anime lineup on both services as well as provide more ways for anime fans to stream, purchase, download, and access more of the shows they love.

Crunchyroll viewers now have access to subtitled Funimation simulcasts, starting with summer titles D.Gray-man HALLOW, Puzzle & Dragons X, and FIRST LOVE MONSTER. Going forward, Funimation will be distributing even more of their simulcast titles on Crunchyroll.

With this partnership, Funimation will also be contributing their subtitled catalog to Crunchyroll. This includes some of the most critically acclaimed and popular titles of the past two decades. You can start watching PSYCHO-PASS, Cowboy Bebop (one of my favorite titles of all time!), and Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash today. We will continue to add more and more catalog titles over the coming weeks and months… there’s a lot of onboarding, encoding and processing taking place behind the scenes!

The partnership extends to Crunchyroll titles as well. Later this fall, you will be able to access several of our titles, such as 91 Days, Mob Psycho 100, and Orange, with English-language Broadcast Dubs on FunimationNow. We will be announcing more Broadcast Dub and dubbed catalog titles in the coming weeks which will be available on the FunimationNow service.

Finally, we will be working together to distribute Crunchyroll titles through Blu-ray, DVD, and Download-to-Own, both dubbed and subbed. Currently planned titles include Ace Attorney, Alderamin on the Sky, Bungo Stray Dogs, JOKER GAME, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress and ReLIFE, with more to be announced in the future, so stay tuned for announcements on availability and street dates.

This is truly an amazing time to be a fan of anime, and an even better time to be a Crunchyroll Premium Member *wink* *wink* =)

We are all really excited to be working together to bring you the best possible anime experience. As always, we would not be where we are without your continued support… and as always, thank you for watching -_-.

~ Shinji


The new simulcasts and catalog titles will be available in the following territories:

Cowboy Bebop: US and Canada (http://www.crunchyroll.com/cowboy-bebop)

Puzzle & Dragons X: US, Canada, UK, Ireland (http://www.crunchyroll.com/puzzle-dragons-x)

D-Gray-man HALLOW: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands (http://www.crunchyroll.com/dgray-man-hallow)

FIRST LOVE MONSTER: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands (http://www.crunchyroll.com/first-love-monster)

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark (http://www.crunchyroll.com/grimgar-of-fantasy-and-ash)

PSYCHO-PASS: US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa (http://www.crunchyroll.com/psycho-pass)

F.A.Q.

Will all content on Funimation be available subtitled on Crunchyroll?
Both companies are working to make as many shows available to both services as possible, and we will be announcing additional titles in the future.

Is this a merger between your companies?
No, Funimation and Crunchyroll have entered into a distribution partnership. We will still continue to be separate companies serving the anime community.

What new shows are coming to Crunchyroll?
As of today, we’ve got subs for the current season of D.Gray-man HALLOW, Puzzle & Dragons X, and FIRST LOVE MONSTER, as well as PSYCHO-PASS, Cowboy Bebop, and Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash.

We’re excited to add more shows in the weeks and months ahead, so keep checking back!

Are any titles leaving Crunchyroll?
No subtitled shows are leaving, but you’ll find dubbed versions of Free!, and Testament of Sister New Devil over at FunimationNow in the coming weeks, with many more dubs from our Summer 2016 season to follow!

What will happen to titles that Crunchyroll has previously announced it will be making for home video?
They will still be released, and will be distributed through our partner, Funimation. Crunchyroll and Funimation will be working together to produce all future titles.

What if I subscribe to both services now?
In general, you’ll get subbed anime from Crunchyroll and dubbed anime from FunimationNow.

Plus there’s good news! Although both subscriptions are independent, our friends at Funimation have announced a new, reduced price for their dubbed streaming service!

What happens to my subscription to FunimationNow?
For all questions regarding subscriptions to FunimationNow, please refer to Funimation’s FAQs.

Will the cost of a Crunchyroll premium membership increase?
Nope! We’re still $6.95 for a Premium membership and $11.95 for a Premium+ membership.

Will you be subbing the anime you get from Funimation in other languages besides English?
We have not announced any other language subs at this time.

What does this mean if I buy my anime via physical releases?
Funimation will now be producing and distributing home video for select Crunchyroll titles, starting with the Summer 2016 season. Our shows will also be available on all the digital outlets where you buy anime including iTunes, Google Play, PlayStation, Xbox and more.

Does this mean Crunchyroll will no longer do home video releases?
Not at all! Funimation is our distribution partner, so you’ll see Crunchyroll home video releases in all the same places you can find Funimation DVDs, Blu-Rays, and downloads.

Funimation & Crunchyroll Working Together to Bring You More!
Posted by Funimation on 09/08/2016 at 2:00pm


Since Gen Fukunaga started Funimation with the first ever English dub of Dragon Ball Z, our goal has been to make the best anime in the world accessible to most fans possible. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with Crunchyroll that lets us both work together to bring anime to fans around the world.

What does this mean for you? Simpler, easier choices about where to watch anime. For subtitled viewing, you’ll be able to go to Crunchyroll – in fact, we’ve already started putting some of our subtitled shows up on their service today, and we will be adding more over the weeks to come. For English dubs, you’ll continue to get those from Funimation – we will have select shows from Crunchyroll’s catalog up on FunimationNow coming soon, and we will be creating new dubs for even more shows in the future!

Our partnership includes new shows, too. We will be working together with Crunchyroll to bring you new titles going forward, starting with the Fall 2016 season. Simulcasts of those shows with English subtitles will be up on Crunchyroll, and Funimation will be creating Broadcast Dubs for many of these titles, available on FunimationNow just 2-4 weeks after each episode airs in Japan!
All of this means no more hunting for who’s got your favorite shows each season, and it means each company can focus on what they do best. For Funimation, that means creating more dubs than ever before, and adding to the world’s largest library of English-dubbed anime on FunimationNow.

Funimation will also be your source for all the ways to collect your own library of anime – we will be creating, promoting and distributing DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download-to-own releases for titles in our partnership. And, most of these will have both English audio and Japanese audio with English subtitles.

Why are Funimation and Crunchyroll partnering together? To the anime industry, our companies have always been two sides of the same coin – we focus on dubs, Crunchyroll focuses on subs. Funimation has a long history of creating home video and download-to-own releases for anime, where Crunchyroll has been built on streaming.

Creating a confusing landscape where fans have to know which company has which show has never been ideal, and it made it harder for new fans to fall in love with anime. We knew that this was something we could fix if we worked together – and in the process, could create new opportunities for everyone.

What changes are coming to FunimationNow? In the coming weeks will have English dub for Free! -Iwatobi Swim Club, and The Testament of Sister New Devil. We’ve also announced upcoming Broadcast Dubs for 91 Days, Orange, and Mob Psycho 100.

Starting today and over the next few weeks, we will be moving subtitled versions for many of our shows over to Crunchyroll. This process will happen in stages, and we will post updates to our Blog with new changes.

You will also see some new changes coming to subscription plans on FunimationNow, starting with reducing our plan options from two to one. Later today, we’ll begin rolling out FunimationNow Premium which will allow you to access all of our ad-free content for the new price of just $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year. Current subscribers should be on the lookout for emails that detail how their subscriptions will be affected. This means a whole new lower price for the largest catalog of English-dubbed anime legally available anywhere online!

For more information about this exciting new partnership, visit our FAQ.

Read the full press release here.

Crunchyroll and Funimation Partner to Significantly Expand Access to Anime
Posted by Funimation on 09/08/2016 at 1:00pm

Unprecedented collaboration between industry leaders to bring more content to fans and grow the anime community

SAN FRANCISCO and FLOWER MOUND, Texas — September 8, 2016 — Crunchyroll and Funimation, the two leading global providers of anime, have announced a partnership to improve the fan experience and grow the current reach of anime by sharing titles across streaming, home video, and electronic sell-through (EST). Through this agreement, Crunchyroll will continue creating the best subtitled streaming experience for fans, while Funimation will focus on delivering the best in English-language dubbed (“Broadcast Dubs”) streaming. This collaboration will enable fans to enjoy more anime in more ways than ever before.

Starting today, Crunchyroll viewers will have access to subtitled versions of Funimation’s summer simulcast titles, including D.Gray-man HALLOW, FIRST LOVE MONSTER and Puzzle & Dragons X. And in the weeks to come, FunimationNow viewers will be able to watch Broadcast Dubs of Crunchyroll’s summer titles, including 91 Days, Mob Psycho 100 and Orange, with release schedules to be announced. Both companies will also work together to bring the best in subtitled and Broadcast Dubs titles for future seasons to come.
Additionally, a selection of catalog titles, such as Cowboy Bebop, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, and PSYCHO-PASS from FunimationNow will be available on Crunchyroll today, and Free! -Iwatobi Swim Club and The Testament of Sister New Devil from Crunchyroll will be available on FunimationNow, Funimation’s new streaming service, in the coming weeks.

And further, Funimation will now distribute Crunchyroll’s titles through home video and a variety of EST outlets, with both dubbed and subtitled versions together. Currently planned titles include Ace Attorney, Alderamin on the Sky, Bungo Stray Dogs, JOKER GAME, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress and ReLIFE, with more to be announced in the future.

“Crunchyroll is a leading destination for fans to watch anime content,” says Gen Fukunaga, Founder and CEO of Funimation. “Our commitment is first and foremost to our fans — and by partnering with Crunchyroll, together we can expand the reach of anime by making shows available to an even larger audience around the world. Funimation will continue to be the best place for fans to experience dubbed content while we also work with Crunchyroll to grow the market for anime. This is a thrilling next step for both companies.”

“Gen is a true pioneer in anime distribution in North America, and has been growing the reach of anime for over twenty years,” says Kun Gao, Founder and GM of Crunchyroll. “Funimation shares our passion of bringing amazing content to viewers. This partnership will allow Crunchyroll to continue making the best subtitled simulcast experience for all fans. Anime is a lifestyle experience shared by millions, and we look forward to new ways to delight fans together.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Funimation's partnership with Crunchyroll and what it means for the anime community.

What does this partnership mean for how I watch anime?
Funimation and Crunchyroll will be partnering to bring you the best and broadest selection of anime titles for each new season. Crunchyroll will provide the subtitled simulcasts, and Funimation will be streaming Broadcast Dubs for most titles within 2-4 weeks after the show's original Japanese broadcast. Funimation will also create, produce, promote and distribute the DVD, Blu-ray, and download-to-own releases for titles in our partnership, with most including both English audio and Japanese audio with English subtitles. Crunchyroll will also begin streaming subtitled shows from the Funimation catalog, while Funimation will be creating and streaming dubs for select shows formerly only available on Crunchyroll. Together, we will be able to bring more anime to fans, and more fans to anime!

What will happen to shows currently with Crunchyroll or Funimation?
Subtitled versions of many of Funimation's shows will be moving over to Crunchyroll, and English dubs from the Crunchyroll library will be now available on FunimationNow. In addition, Funimation will be creating and streaming new English dubs for shows currently only available with subtitles on Crunchyroll. Funimation will also promote and distribute releases for new Crunchyroll shows on home video and digital download-to-own formats. We will also distribute home video and digital download releases for Crunchyroll shows that have already been announced. Show availability on each platform will be updated in stages, so keep an eye on our Blog for more details!


FunimationNow

What new shows are coming to FunimationNow?
In the weeks to come, FunimationNow Subscribers will be able to watch English dubs of Crunchyroll's summer titles including 91 Days, Mob Psycho 100, and Orange. We will announce our combined Fall Season programming later this month and will post details to our Blog at Funimation.com/Blog.

Does this mean more Broadcast Dubs?
YES! We've expanded our production team and capabilities so partnerships, like one we've announced with Crunchyroll, will allow us to bring more Broadcast Dubs to fans, faster than ever—now within 2-4 weeks after the show's original broadcast in Japan!

Are you changing the price for FunimationNow since you won't have subs anymore?
Yes. Going forward FunimationNow will offer one paid plan (called FunimationNow Premium) at $5.99 per month, or $59.99 per year. You can subscribe now at Funimation.com/subscribe.

Will all content on Crunchyroll be available dubbed on FunimationNow?
We are both working to make as many shows available to both services as quickly as possible.

When will subtitles on FunimationNow go away?
Subtitled content for titles affected by this agreement will be removed from FunimationNow in phases, with the transition expected to be completed by the end of 2016. We will keep you up to date with these changes on our Blog. Subtitled content for a small selection of titles will remain on FunimationNow based on previous licensor agreements.

Will there be a discount on FunimationNow Premium if I'm a Crunchyroll subscriber?
We're lowering the price of FunimationNow for everyone so that anime fans will be able to subscribe to both!

I'm a current US Funimation subscriber. What will happen to my subscription?
We will be contacting each of our subscribers by email, but here's a basic overview:
- If you're currently an All-AccessPass subscriber, your account will be automatically converted to FunimationNow Premium and your next bill will reflect the new pricing.
- If you're currently a SubPass subscriber, you will not be charged for your subscription after today and you will have 60 days of upgraded access to FunimationNow Premium.

Will I still be able to watch free ad-supported shows on FunimationNow?
Yes, we will still have select episodes available to watch for free with ads. And, ad-supported viewing will be coming soon to the FunimationNow iOS, Android, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Roku Apps!


International

I'm a current UK / Ireland FunimationNow subscriber. What will happen for me?
We will be contacting each of our subscribers by email, but here's a basic overview:
- If you're currently an All-AccessPass subscriber, your account will be automatically converted to FunimationNow Premium and your next bill will reflect the new pricing.
- If you're currently a SubPass subscriber, you will not be charged for your subscription after today and you will have 60 days of upgraded access to FunimationNow Premium.

Will you be dubbing content in other languages besides English?
We have not announced dubs in any other languages at this time.

Will you be making FunimationNow available to other territories outside the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland?
We have not announced any other territories for FunimationNow at this time, but we are working to bring English dubs to as many fans in as many countries as we can!


Home Video & Download-to-Own

What will happen to digital anime content I've already purchased?
Download-to-own content that has already been purchased will not be affected.

What will happen to home videos releases that Crunchyroll has previously announced?
All of the titles previously announced for home video by Crunchyroll will be created, promoted and distributed by Funimation.

Will my dubbed home video have subtitles as well?
Yes! Any home video releases that have the English dub will also have subtitles.

Does this mean Crunchyroll will no longer do home video releases?
Funimation will be the primary home video distribution partner for Crunchyroll going forward.


Other

Is this a merger between your companies?
No, Funimation and Crunchyroll have entered into a distribution partnership. We will still continue to be separate companies serving the anime industry.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES
“Chihayafuru”

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its acquisition of both seasons of the shoujo anime series Chihayafuru. The series was directed by Morio Asaka (Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, My Love Story!!), with animation production by Madhouse (My Love Story!!, No Game, No Life, One-Punch Man) and was broadcasted in Japan by Nippon TV.

Chihaya Ayase is a beautiful and headstrong young woman with a passion for karuta, a card game inspired by classical Japanese poetry. As a child, Chihaya was introduced to the game by a quiet, gifted transfer student named Arata, and she was instantly drawn to it. Now in high school and reunited with her childhood friend Taichi, Chihaya dreams of finding Arata and the three resuming their love of karuta, only to discover that Arata has quit the game due to personal reasons. Determined not to let Arata’s passion go to waste, Chihaya and Taichi form the Mizusawa High School Karuta Club, where they learn that in karuta - as in life - working toward your dreams is the key to winning, even when what you want seems just out of reach.

The first and second seasons of Chihayafuru will soon be available through select digital outlets, with a home video release to follow.

First off, The classic OVA The Galaxy Railways: A Letter from the Abandoned Planet comes to Crunchyroll members in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, starting TODAY at 4pm Pacific Time!

No timeframe yet, but we'll be releasing the GALAXY RAILWAYS OVA on DVD!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


SANTA MONICA, CA (September 17, 2016) –Aniplex of America announced today at their industry panel at Yaoi Con (San Francisco, CA) that they will begin streaming the animated film, I’ve Always Liked You through Crunchyroll (www.Crunchyroll.com) starting October 4, 2016 at 10AM (PDT). Aniplex of America also unveiled the English subtitled trailer of I’ve Always Liked You which listed the main staff and cast for the project. They have also confirmed that the official premiere date and time will be announced at a later date.

I’ve Always Liked You is an animated adaptation of creator unit HoneyWorks’ music series called “Confess Your Love Committee - Romance Series-” which includes hit songs from their 2014 debut album, “I’ve Always Liked You.” This album was received very well by fans across Japan and charted at #4 their first week on the Oricon Weekly Ranking. HoneyWorks, comprised of three main members Gom (Composer), shito (Composer), and Yamako (Illustrator), and several other supporting members, is an online music creator unit utilizing the popular Vocaloid voice synthesizer software to create positive rock songs they categorize as “kyun kyun kei” (lit. heart-throbbing type) or “seishun kei” (lit. youthful type). Their songs, usually accompanied by a music video, have received over 100 million views across sites such as Youtube and NicoNico.

The film, which was released in Japanese theaters this past April, centers on high school students Natsuki Enomoto (voiced by Haruka Tomatsu) and her childhood friend Yu Setoguchi (voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya). Natsuki hopes to confess her love to Yu but is unable to admit to her true feelings, and ends up telling Yu that she is simply practicing how to confess her love to somebody else. While Natsuki hides her true feelings for Yu, she is asked by her classmate Koyuki Ayase for a date. The story features the sweet but sometimes bitter trials and tribulations surrounding young romance.

I’ve Always Liked You will be featuring an all-star Japanese voice cast including Haruka Tomatsu playing Natsuki Enomoto, Hiroshi Kamiya voicing Yu Setoguchi, Yuki Kaji voicing Sota Mochizuki, Kana Asumi voicing Akari Hayasaka, Kenichi Suzumura voicing Haruki Serizawa, and Aki Toyosaki voicing Miou Aida.

The official U.S. website for I’ve Always Liked You (www.AniplexUSA.com/honeyworks) will be launched at a later date. Details will be released soon.

STAFF:
Original Works/ Music: HoneyWorks
Director: Tetsuya Yanagisawa
Screenplay: Yoshimi Narita
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Maki Fujii (KUSANAGI)
Art Setting: Eiko Tsunado (KUSANAGI)
Art Director: Yuki Umino
Prop Design: Yutaka Miya
Color Design: Makiko Kojima
Director of Photography: Yoshihiro Sekiya
CG: Yoshinori Ban
Edit: Aya Hida
Sound Director: Yukio Nagasaki
Sound Effects: Yasuyuki Konno
Sound Production: Milestone Music Publishing
Animation Producer: Keisuke Kawai
Producer: Shunsuke Saito
Production: Qualia Animation
Produced By: "Confess Your Love Committee" Production Committee

CAST:
Yu Setoguchi: Hiroshi Kamiya
Natsuki Enomoto: Haruka Tomatsu
Sota Mochizuki: Yuki Kaji
Akari Hayasaka: Kana Asumi
Haruki Serizawa: Kenichi Suzumura
Miou Aida: Aki Toyosaki
Koyuki Ayase: Tsubasa Yonaga
Hina Setoguchi: Momo Asakura
Kotaro Enomoto: Natsuki Hanae
Saku Akechi: Hikaru Midorikawa
Sena Narumi: Sora Amamiya

Complete updated schedule for November and December:
November 8th
Sonic X Seasons 1 and 2 DVD collection
Shining Tears X Wind DVD collection
Strike the Blood DVD and BD combo
Karate Master DVD collection
07 Ghost DVD collection

December 6th
Lupin Return the Treasure DVD
Sonic X Season 3 DVD collection
School Days Blu Ray
Eat-Man original series DVD
Black Jack movie Blu Ray
Jungle Emperor movie Blu Ray

December 20th
Cosmo Warrior Zero DVD collection
Gun Frontier DVD collection
Star Fleet DVD collection
Lupin the 3rd 2nd Series first collection 1-40 DVD
Black Jack movie DVD
Jungle Emperor movie DVD

Older announcement updates:
Magic Knight Rayearth DVD and BD, waiting on approvals
Kyousougiga DVD and BD, waiting on authoring
Seha Girls DVD and BD, picking date soon
5cm BD, waiting on approvals
Beautiful Dreamer BD, authoring
Arcadia of My Youth BD, authoring

Cosmo Warrior Zero complete series on DVD. Japanese with English subtitles and the English dub. December 20th.

New title announcements! Eat-Man original series. Coming out December 6th on DVD. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Eat-Man 98 complete series on DVD. Japanese with English subtitles. English dub on episodes 1 and 2. January.

Galaxy Railways OVA. DVD in January, BD later.

Gun Frontier complete series on DVD. December 20th. In Japanese with English subitles and the English dub.

School Days Blu Ray collection. Japanese with English subtitles. December 6th.

Yowamushi Pedal Grande Road DVD collection. Japanese with English subtitles. Coming in January.

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 – Sentai Filmworks is thrilled to rejoin the gorgeous boys of ST☆RISH in the exciting fourth season of the Uta no ☆ Prince-sama series: Utano☆Princesama Legend Star.

In this new season, the stars and heavens collide once more as our vibrant vocalists delve deeper into the competitive and turbulent idol world. With HE☆VENS on the rise, ST☆RISH and Haruka must up their game to bring their performances to sparkling new heights!

A-1 Pictures (Fairy Tail, Black Butler, Your Lie in April, From the New World) returns to produce the fourth season, with music composition once again handled by Elements Garden. The series is directed by Takeshi Furuta (Storyboard and Unit Director of Utano ☆ Princesama Revolutions). Tomoko Konparu (series composition for the first three seasons) and Sayaka Konno helm series composition, with Maki Fujioka (Wolf Girl & Black Prince, La Corda D’oro - primo passo, Uta no ☆ Prince-sama Revolutions) serving as chief animation director.

Utano☆Princesama Legend Star is scheduled for an October 2, 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, September 27, 2016 – Sentai Filmworks, a leading independent distributor of Japanese anime and pop culture programming, announced today that they have acquired extensive distribution rights to the highly acclaimed, record-breaking Japanese anime film, Girls und Panzer der Film, for North America, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories. Sentai Filmworks will release additional information on Girls und Panzer der Film shortly, including distribution, release date, and streaming offerings.

“After seeing Girls und Panzer der Film last year, I knew we had to add this title to our already acclaimed library of movies. It’s one of the most exciting titles we’ve acquired this year,” said John Ledford, President of Sentai Filmworks. “Sometimes we choose films because they are critically acclaimed. Sometimes we pick films because they’re runaway hits. Girls und Panzer der Film is the perfect combination of both.”

During its recent Japanese theatrical run, Girls Und Panzer Der Film was ranked the highest-grossing movie of opening weekend and earned more than $21 million total at the Japanese box office. It is directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, the same director of the 2012-2013 Japanese TV anime series, Girls und Panzer, which was also extremely popular and well received. The film continues where the beloved anime series Girls und Panzer left off, which takes place in a society where humanity exists in cities built atop gigantic carrier ships. A sport called “tankery” is a popular staple activity among high school girls. The girls of the Oarai High School tankery team are in for a new challenge, as they work together to defeat rival schools in order to keep their school from being closed down.

Girls und Panzer der Film shattered both Japanese 2015 box office and DVD sales records, including:

· Sold more than one million tickets and grossed more than $1.2 million U.S. in its opening weekend in Japan, becoming the number-one film in gross at the time
· Earned more than $2.3 billion yen ($21 million U.S.) total at the Japanese box office
· Won the prestigious Seiun Award Best Dramatic Presentation
· Awarded the Sanctuary Award from the 25th Japan Movie Critics Award
· Number one for the first week of its domestic home video release, and the fourth-highest selling Japanese animation Blu-ray Disc to date among all anime (for first-week sales)

Girls und Panzer der Film will kick off its multi-pronged campaign at this year’s AkibaFest, an anime fan festival in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, from October 15-16. Fans can take pictures with Girls und Panzer der Film cosplayers, create shareable GIFs at a GIF booth, shop exclusive merchandise, and score free swag.

For Sentai Filmworks’ latest announcements regarding this and other great titles, be sure to like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. In addition, everyone is encouraged to share pictures, GIFs, Tweets, and more using #GuPderFilm.

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 – The voice acting, or seiyu, business is no joke in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition, Girlish Number. Based on the light novel written by Wataru Watari (My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU) with color illustrations by QP:flapper (Celestial Method, MM!), this new series with a manga adaptation currently running in Dengeki G'S Comic is an exciting addition to Sentai’s Fall 2016 anime lineup.

College student Chitose Karasuma is determined not to do boring things as she enters the adult world. To this end, this bad-mannered beauty barges into a facility that trains would-be voice actors and actresses, somehow landing a job at “Number One Produce,” a seiyu agency managed by her older brother, Gojo. In Chitose’s mind, she’s poised for greatness, but finds herself at a loss when she continues to only get minor roles. As she clashes with other girls in the agency, including a cunning airhead and a girl with a Kansai accent, Chitose is about to learn that there’s more to succeeding in this competitive industry than she imagined.

The series was directed by Shota Ihata (animation director for Tiger & Bunny the Movie: The Rising), with animation production by diomedea (Kantai Collection, Squid Girl, Cute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!).

Girlish Number is scheduled for an October 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 – High-flying otherworldly adventures abound in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition for the Fall 2016 anime season, FLIP FLAPPERS. This original series by Studio 3Hz (Dimension W, Celestial Method) follows two very different girls as they journey into the world of “Pure Illusion.”

Cocona is a model honor student, cautious and slow to embrace new opportunities. This makes life complicated when a mysterious girl named Papika suddenly appears, fearlessly searching for a wish-granting crystal called the “Shard of Mimi.” When fates collide and they’re given the ability to transform into powerful fairy-like beings, where will the dangerous journey into “Pure Illusion” take them?

Kiyotaka Oshiyama directed the series with Takashi Kojima debuting as chief animation director and character designer, and TO-MAS SOUNDSIGHT FLUORESCENT FOREST in charge of music.

FLIP FLAPPERS is scheduled for an October 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 – Sentai Filmworks today announced that it added ClassicaLoid to its Fall 2016 lineup.

Kanae’s got a two oddball houseguests in her beloved grandmother’s mansion: Moz and Beetho-san. However, these guys, with their crazy antics and supernatural musical powers, claim to be Classicaloid versions of maestros Mozart and Beethoven! Their powerful “mujik” arrangements evoke more than just emotions: they can make the stars fall, spirits dance, or even summon… giant robots? Friend or foe, Kanae is stuck with them, even as more classicaloids begin to invade her life. Will their presence usher in a new musical renaissance in her sleepy town, or will their explosive euphonics cut the standing ovation short?

ClassicaLoid is directed by Yoichi Fujita (Gintama, Mr. Osomatsu), with series composition for the original story by Ichiro Sakaki (original creator of Chaika the Coffin Princess and Outbreak Company) and Michihiro Tsuchiya (IDOLM@STER, IDOLM@ASTER CINDERELLA GIRLS). The show was created by Bandai Namco Pictures (Tiger & Bunny and Gintama).

The person involved with the music for works like Final Fantasy X and more, Masashi Hamauzu, is in charge of BGM creation, with “mujik” contributions by Japanese electronic producers and rock musicians, including Tomoyasu Hotei (Transformers Live Action), Daisuke Asakura (producer of T.M. Revolution), Tsunku (composer and lyricist for Morning Musume), and MTV Video Music Award nominee tofubeats.

ClassicaLoid is scheduled for an October 8, 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

HOUSTON, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 – Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its acquisition of animation production studio WHITE FOX’s (Akame ga Kill!, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, Is the Order a Rabbit?) first original anime series, Matoi the Sacred Slayer.

I have wielded a god.

The year 2016 -- In Tenman Shrine in Kamagaya City, Matoi Sumeragi was a 2nd year middle school student working a part-time job as a shrine maiden. Separated at a very young age with her mother, she has been entrusted for a long time with her paternal grandparents, and three months ago she finally started living together with her father Shingo. Because of such conditions, Matoi had been looking up to an ordinary, calm lifestyle.

Matoi's close friend and coworker Yuma Kusanagi was the candidate for the next shrine maiden, being born into the family of the Tenman Shrine's shrinemaster. She finds out that the family has conducted "exorcism" to rid evil spirits for generations, and attempts the "ritual of divine possession", a ritual connected to "exorcism", together with Matoi.

After school, the two of them head to the shrine as usual, but there they find a devastated shrine and Yuma's parents wounded and collapsed. Furthermore, there was a man there with somewhat of an aura of insanity, who was a suspect for a mysterious case that Shingo, who is a detective, was trying to crack. Yuma suddenly conducts a "ritual of divine possession" in order to hold the thrashing man back, but it wasn't Yuma that changes happened to…

What was given a girl who was seeking an ordinary, normal life was the power to wield a god and rid evil spirits!? Matoi Sumeragi will earnestly work at exorcist activities in order to regain those calm days where nothing gets in her way!

The series was directed by Masayuki Sakoi (Strawberry Panic!, Princess Resurrection) with series organization and script by Yosuke Kuroda (High School of the Dead, Trigun, My Hero Academia).

Matoi the Sacred Slayer is scheduled for an October 4, 2016 broadcast in Japan. It will soon be available on select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.