FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Houston, TX, August 03, 2011: Sentai Filmworks today confirmed the latest in its recent string of anime series acquisitions by announcing the company’s acquisition of the futuristic thriller No. 6. Based on the manga written by Atsuko Asano and illustrated by Hinoki Kino, the 11 episode post-apocalyptic mystery anime is the first series directed by storyboard and opening animation master Kenji Nagasaki (Kiba, Mobile Suit Gundam 00,) with series script duties being handled by Seishi Minakami (Heaven’s Memo Pad, Living For The Day After Tomorrow,) and character designs by Satoshi Ishino (Excdel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy.)

In a near future world after the last great war, most of mankind now lives in a handful of city states. There, for the privileged elite, life should be perfect. But for young Shion, the only thing perfect has been the nightmare his life has become since letting a strange boy named Nezumi shelter for the night in his apartment. Banished to the outskirts of the city and stripped of all privileges for helping the mysterious stranger, Shion’s personal danger only compounds when his inquiry into a new series of mysterious deaths results in his being arrested on suspicion of murder! But even as Shion is being sent to the city’s Correctional Institute, the long missing Nezumi reappears to rescue him! Now, on the run, the two young men have only one chance at survival: uncover the mysterious secrets that lie at the sinister heart of City Number 6!

No. 6is currently airing digitally on Crunchyroll, and will soon be available through other digital outlets with a home video release of the series to follow next year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston, TX, August 11, 2011: Sentai Filmworks today announced its acquisition of the twin sci-fi anime mini features COICENT and FIVE NUMBERS. Although not directly connected, both films exemplify the best of Japan’s new wave of up and coming anime masters, with COICENT reuniting writer/director Shuhei Moritai and character designer Daisuke Sajiki, who previously collaborated on the seminal CGI anime hit Kakurenbo, while FIVE NUMBERS teams director Hiroaki Ando, (who handled CGI duties for Steamboy and Noiseman,) with character designer Masaru Gotsubo (Samurai Champloo,) and scripter Dai Sato, whose previous credits include HALO: Legends – The Package, Ergo Proxy and screenplays for Cowboy Bebop. Although the two titles will be available separately via digital distribution, Sentai has announced that that they will be released together on DVD and BluRay, and that both titles will be available in both English subtitled and English dubbed versions.

Get ready for a double dose of amazing science fiction as two astounding tales come together in one incredible collection of state of the art animation! First, it’s a quick time jump to the 26th century where a school trip to a rebuilt 21st century city turns into a wild adventure for teenage Shinichi. While chasing a talking deer that steals his bag, he runs into a strange girl trying to elude even stranger pursuers, and then things get wild. It’s a mad dash through a city of the past as two young people discover a chance at a new future in COICENT. Then, four people awake to find themselves in the ultimate prison: an ex-soldier, a beautiful woman, an average Joe and a young computer hacker. Why are they there? What connection links them together? And how can they escape? The answer seems to lie with the fifth prisoner, an old man who knows far more than he is telling. And then there’s the cat. It’s the ultimate locked room mystery and all their lives hinge on solving it in FIVE NUMBERS.

Watch for digital distribution of COICENT and FIVE NUMBERS to begin soon, and catch it on DVD & BluRay later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, August 15, 2011— Sentai Filmworks recent run of new anime series acquisitions got even hotter today when the company announced the licensing of the all-female, future epic ICE. Directed by Makoto Kobayashi (Dragon’s Heaven) and with character designs by Masaya Onishi (Ghost Stories,) ICE is ultimately the creation of Renaissance man Yasushi Akimoto, whose varied and prolific career as writer, TV producer and professor includes the creation of the Japanese Idol super-groups AK48 and Onyanko Club. With that background, it’s no surprise that many members of the huge girl group AK48 ended up contributing their voices to the apocalyptic tale in which all humans bearing a Y chromosome have been wiped from the face of the Earth.

Some strange virus, whether planned or accidental, has wiped out most of the population. The survivors? Beautiful women. Faced with the possible extinction of their entire race, some of these new Amazons have decided to live out their final days in the pursuit only of fleshly pleasures. Others choose to use their beauty, their might, and their minds to fight back and reclaim the planet once more. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but anime has never been hotter than ICE!

ICE will be available this November through many digital distributors as well as on bilingual DVD.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

One Hell of an Announcement

Monday August 22, 2011 at 04:08 pm by Rojas

You’ve seen the first season of Aniplex’s “Black Butler” and you've probably already suspected that we'll be bringing you the second season in 2012 (well, more liked begged us on Facebook and on the website)– but the Season 2 secret we’ve been saving was shared by ADR director Ian Sinclair at Matsuricon this past weekend. Since the cat's out of the bag, let's just make it official:

Playing the roles of a new butler, Claude Faustus, is Jason Douglas; a new charge, Alois Trancy, is Luci Christian; and maid, Hanna Annafellows, is Caitlyn Glass.

We also have the rights to the 5 OVAs of this supernatural series.

• OVA 01 (Wonderland Part 01 and 02)
• OVA 02 (Welcome to the Phantomhives)
• OVA 03 (Making Of )
• OVA 04 (The Intention of Spider)
• OVA 05 (The Story of Will the Reaper)

Look for these demons on DVD in 2012.

Synopsis of Series:

SEASON 1

Ciel Phantomhive was born into a life of luxury, only to have his beloved parents brutally murdered before his eyes. Wrought with grief and tortured by the very fiends who killed his mother and father, Ciel summoned the services of an exquisite butler born of the fires of hell. Together, they’ll turn merry old England on its ear while hunting the mysterious villains who made Ciel an orphan.

SEASON 2

Fans of the deranged escapades of Sebastian and Ciel will be perversely delighted by a new season of demonic adventures. Claude exists only to serve his young master, Alois: a boy who no doubt carries a dark secret.

For more information visit www.funimation.com/black-butler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, September 02, 2011— Sentai Filmworks has announced the acquisition of the popular ROZEN MAIDEN animated series, a package that includes the original 12 episode series and the 12 episode sequel series ROZEN MAIDEN: TRÄUMEND and the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE, which have previously been unreleased in North America. Based on the hit manga by the artist known as Peach Pit (Di Gi Charat,) all three titles were directed by Kou Matsuo (Red Garden, Yozakura Quartet) using character designs and script supervision by Jukkii Hanada (Mahoromatic, S.A., Yozakura Quartet) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (Red Garden.)

Remember those nightmares you had as a child, where your toys came to life? That’s the reality that Jun Sakurada suddenly finds himself living when Shinku arrives in a box, the first of several magical Rozen Maidens to invade his secluded life. Worse, he’s found himself magically bound to Shinku, his life force powering hers, and she’s not too crazy about the way he’s been living his life. Unfortunately, fixing everything that’s wrong with Jun is going to have to take a back seat to making sure that Shinku survives the Alice Game, a competition that pits Rozen Maiden against Rozen Maiden for the prize of becoming a real girl, while the losers’ life essence is drained and they become lifeless toys again. Now, in order to win this deadly game, Jun and Shinku will have to find a way to work together. But to do that they’ll have to start trusting each other first! Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘guys and dolls’ as ‘action figure’ takes on a new meaning in ROZEN MAIDEN - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Watch for ROZEN MAIDEN this winter through multiple digital outlets as well as a complete collection on DVD just in time for Christmas. In addition, the new ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE DVD will be available as a stand-alone item, featuring a new English dub by production studio BangZoom! Entertainment.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

If you attended our industry panel at AnimeFest on Saturday, you got an extra special treat as surprise guest, Ian Sinclair, announced the main cast for the Legend of Legendary Heroes. Don't worry, he had our full permission. So, without further adieu, here are your Legendary cast members:

Ferris - Luci Christian
Ryner - Ian Sinclair
Sion - Eric Vale
Miran - J. Michael Tatum

We fully expect this dub to be Legen....wait for it...dary!

Look for the Legend of Legendary Heroes on Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Spring 2012.

Funimation Plans The Legend of the Legendary Heroes DVD/BD

posted on 2011-09-06 11:00 EDT

TV anime of Takaya Kagami's fantasy novels to ship in dubbed/subbed combo next spring

The North American anime distributor Funimation confirmed with ANN that it will release The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu) anime series in a DVD/Blu-ray Disc combo set next spring. The release will include English dubbing and subtitles. Funimation had made the announcement at the AnimeFest convention this past weekend...

The 2nd season of kimi ni todoke -From Me to You- Premium will be also available in 2012! More info coming soon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


HOUSTON, Sept 14, 2011— Sentai Filmworks hasn’t added a starter course in sorcery to their catalog, but they have added the thoroughly enchanting new series MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE to their ever expanding line up of animated hits! Based on the hit manga ‘Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō’ written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka and illustrated by Miki Miyashita (Maburaho,), the 12 episode series about a world where the task of casting a magic spell is the equivalent of writing computer code has been mystically crafted under the supervision of director Yasuhiro Kuroda (Kampfer, Amazing Nurse Nanako) with Makoto Koga (Aria, Sola, Bludgeoning Angel Dokura-chan) adapting the character designs from Miyashita’s bewitching originals.

Life hasn’t been fair to Koyomi Morishita. Even though she’s in High School, she’s so short that everyone assumes she’s still in grade school. The boys and girls in her school tease her mercilessly and she’s not exactly graceful either. On the other hand, she’s still better off than Yumiko, who has a magician trying to kill her. Or at least Koyomi WAS until their paths crossed! Fortunately, salvation arrives in the form of master mage and graduate student Misa Anehara, who agrees to take Koyomi under her wing in learning the new style of magic, which breaks enchantment down into sequences of code. That will be quite a task, given that so far Koyomi’s talent seems to consist of making washbasins randomly fall out of the sky. But if it was easy, it wouldn’t be magic, would it? Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘spell’ing lesson as Koyomi takes a desperately needed crash course in charm school in MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE!

Watch for MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE on subtitled DVD this December, just in time for Christmas!

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

Coming next year. Both Unico movies on DVD. Fantastic Adventures of Unico and Unico in the Island of Magic. They will be released this time....

both Unico movies will have the english dub and japanese with english subs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, September 25, 2011— Sentai Filmworks fulfills the fantasies of fans of feudal fighting females with the company’s newest announcement, MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS! Based on the mega-hit PC game Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!!from MinatoSoft, the 12 episode series focuses on a city where almost everyone has a Samurai obsession. Direction is by Keitaro Motonaga (Getbackers, Yumeria,) using character designs by Mayumi Watanabe (Fandora, Fairy Tail, Freezing) and story supervision by Katsuhiko Takayama (And yet The Town Moves, e.f. A Tale of Memories.)

It’s one thing to honor your ancestors and keep old traditions alive, but there IS such a thing as taking it to a ridiculous extreme. In Kawakami City, having a samurai ancestor and enormous ‘fighting spirit’ isn’t just an interesting fact, it’s a huge part of how you end up being ranked on the social totem pole. That, in turn, rolls over into the school curriculum. Fortunately, that’s something the local kids like Yamato Naoe have learned to deal with by forming into small ‘bands,’ (that’s the samurai type, NOT music.) However, while the delicate sexual balance of Yamato’s group seemed fine when there were three girls and four boys, the sudden addition of two MORE girls starts to send everything spinning out of control! Seven’s a band of samurai and nine is a riot as boys, girls and naked blades all come together in MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS!

Digital distribution of MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS will begin next month through many outlets. The series will see a home video release next year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

HOUSTON, September 27, 2011— Sentai Filmworks proudlybrings the hit PERSONA game franchise to anime with the acquisition of the red-hot new series PERSONA 4 the Animation. Based on the megahit game-within-a-game from ATLUS, in which extraordinary humans take on even more extraordinary “Personas,” the 25 episode series is being helmed under the direction of Seiji Kishi (Angel Beats!, Magikano, Raagnorok the Animation,) with script supervision by Yuuko Kakihara (Special A, Stitch!, Heaven’s Lost Property,) while the signature original character designs by Shigenori Soejima are being adapted by Kazuaki Morita (Nyan Koi!, My Bride Is a Mermaid, Kamisama Dolls.)
When Yu Narukami’s family moves to the rural country town of Inaba, he’s expecting a lot more peace and quiet than he’s been used to in the big city. Instead, the peace has been shattered and the only quiet is the quiet of the grave, as a rash of mysterious murders and kidnappings sweep the countryside. With the police stymied, Yu finds himself joining with a group of eight other teenagers in a desperate bid to solve the mystery. A mystery that is somehow connected to both the local weather patterns and a strange video game world which Yu, his friends and the enigmatic killer can all enter. And where each must wield a unique weapon and learn to use amazing powers if they wish to survive. Journey beyond the Velvet Room as the hit PlayStation 2™ game becomes a spectacular anime in PERSONA 4 the Animation!

Digital distribution of PERSONA 4 the Animation will begin soon through many outlets, with a home video release on DVD & Blu-Ray in 2012.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, September 28, 2011— Sentai Filmworks announces the acquisition of the upcoming anime mega-series HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, based upon best-selling author Minoru Kawakami’s ongoing, eight-book franchise that has already sold over 750,000 copies in Japan. Directed by Manabu Ono (My Hime, Saki,) the huge and epic story that combines everything from giant robots and aerial ships to witches and werewolves will employ a staff of four Character Designers - Tomoyuki Fujii, Shinya Nishizawa, Yukiko Aikei and Kanta Suzuki- to adapt the original concepts by Satoyasu (TENKY), while script supervision and adaptation falls into the capable hands of Tatsuhiko Urahata (Nana, Master Keaton, Monster, Strike Witches 2.)

‘History’ is coming to an end. When humans came down from the sky they brought with them the Testament, the guide to the path they must follow if they wish to return to the skies again. Now, in a strange world where only the islands of Japan are inhabitable, the nations of the world vie for power and protect the portions of Japan that they have claimed, each armed with its own ultimate weapon: a Roysmoi Opro, the Armor of Deadly Sins. But there may be a far greater threat to mankind than the Roysomi Opro, for the Testament ends abruptly, and it is now the last year. Is this the end of humanity, or can Tori Aoi and his fellow students from the aerial metropolitan ship Musashi somehow affect the course of destiny? Who and what is the HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?

Weekly episodes of HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE will begin airing digitally on The Anime Network on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Japanese with English subtitles. Additional digital outlets and home video releases will follow in 2012.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires .Hack//Quantum

Saturday October 1, 2011 at 01:50 pm by Rojas

Flower Mound, TX (October 1, 2011) – FUNimation® Entertainment today announced that it has acquired the home entertainment, theatrical, broadcast, digital, mobile and merchandise rights to the latest installment in the .hack franchise from Showgate.

The action fantasy “.hack//Quantum” is an anime adaptation of the .hack role-playing games created by Bandai Namco Games. This three episode OVA is animated by Kinema Citrus Studio and directed by Masaki Tachibana (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0).

Tobias, Mary, and Sakura are way into the world’s largest online fantasy role-playing game known as The World R:X. Together, they form an inseparable group, grinding toward the break of day and running dungeons in search of the artifacts of adventure. But when the trio becomes lost in this virtual labyrinth, a chance encounter with the mysterious entity known only as Hermit will change their lives forever. There’s an eerie darkness spreading across The World, and once you stumble in, you may never make it out.

FUNimation Entertainment will release the OVA in early 2012.

For more information, please visit www.FUNimation.com/hackquantum

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires Aniplex Anime Guilty Crown

Saturday October 1, 2011 at 02:00 pm by Rojas

Flower Mound, TX (October 1, 2011) – FUNimation® Entertainment today announced that it has acquired the simulcast, home entertainment, broadcast, digital, mobile, and merchandise rights to the sci-fi series “Guilty Crown” debuting on Fuji TV’s late night noitaminA block in October.

The Production I.G. produced series is directed by Tetsuro Araki (“Death Note,” “High School of the Dead”). The series script supervisor is Hiroyuki Yoshino (“Macross Frontier”), while original character designs are created by redjuice, the artist best known as the illustrator for the music group, Supercell. Supercell's musician, Ryo, is composing the music.

The anime is set in Japan in 2039, 10 years after the "Apocalypse Virus" devastated the land. A multinational orgnization known as GHQ brings the lawless country under control, but at the price of Japan's sovereignty. One day, an unsociable 17-year-old high school student named Shū encounters Inori Yuzuriha, a female singer who is part of the resistance to liberate Japan. Together with Gai Tsutsugami (Shū's 17-year-old rival who is a young "Jiikundō" pilot in the resistance), Shū and Inori fight with mysterious innate abilities known as "imperial powers."

New York Anime Fest will screen the first two episodes of “Guilty Crown” on Saturday, October 15. The screening marks the world premiere of the series' second episode, which won't air in Japan until October 20. The convention will host an additional screening of the first two episodes of “Guilty Crown” along with a Q&A/focus panel on Sunday, October 16.

FUNimation will also simulcast the series starting the same date as its Japanese broadcast debut.

For more information, please visit http://www.funimation.com/guilty-crown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOUSTON, October 5, 2011— Sentai Filmworks has put a chocolate on the pillowcases of anime fans everywhere with the announcement of the company’s acquisition of the acclaimed slice of life anime AND YET THE TOWN MOVES. Based on hit manga by Masakaza Ishiguro, the story of trouble prone Maid-Waitress Hotori is familiar ground for director Akiyuki Shinbo, whose previous body of work includes handling the Hidamari Sketch, Negima and Mariaholic franchises. Script supervision is by genre stalwart Katsuhiko Takayama, whose resume includes such familiar titles as Love Hina, Full Metal Alchemist, Godannar and Sorcerer Hunters, while character design for the 12 episode series is being handled by chief animation director Hiroki Yamamura (Mahoromatic.)

Hotori Arashiyama loves mysteries, but there’s one she just can’t solve: Why does the solution to one problem inevitably seem to lead to another? For instance, how when Hotori has to start working after school at the Seaside Maid Café to pay off a debt and her friend Toshiko fortunately knows exactly how a Maid Café should be run. Which is fortunate since Hotori has no clue. Except that, unfortunately, Toshiko has no interest in working at the café, UNTIL she discovers that Hotori’s childhood friend Hiroyuki is a regular. Which SEEMS fortunate. Except that Hotori doesn’t know that, while Toshiko likes Hiroyuki, Hiroyuki secretly likes Hotori, while Hotori secretly has a crush on… No, no more spoilers! But if that’s not enough drama, there’s work, angst with a certain math teacher, table tennis between her classmates, her younger brother versus the school’s bad girl… And yet, even though everything seems like it’s going to crash at any moment, somehow Hotori’s life keeps going hilariously forward in AND YET THE TOWN MOVES!

Digital distribution of AND YET THE TOWN MOVES will begin through many outlets this winter, and the series will find its way to home video next January with the release of all 12 episodes on subtitled DVD.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

But, there's always an encore after a grande finale, isn't there?

We've also got an extra special announcement for you today. We got the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVAs and Fullmetal Four-Panel Comic Theater. These four OVAs were originally released with the individual Japanese volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

• The Blind Alchemist
• Simple People
• The Tale of Teacher
• Yet Another Man’s Battlefield
• “Fullmetal Four-Panel Comic Theater”.

Expect more information coming soon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, October 07, 2011— Sentai Filmworks has rewarded fans of dark heroic action everywhere with the eagerly awaited announcement of the company’s acquisition of TOWANOQUON, the spectacular new series of animated features from anime powerhouse BONES. Produced by a literal all-star lineup of creators, the first film in the series is directed by Umanosuke Iida (Hellsing, Mobile Suit Gundam MS 08 Team, Mighty Space Miners,) with script supervision by Saizo Nemoto (Kikaider, Tokyo Majin 2) and character designs by Toshihiro Kawamoto (Cowboy Bebop, Wolf’s Rain, Golden Boy,) while music is in the legendary hands of Kenji Kawai (The Ring, Dark Water, Skycrawlers, Pat Labor, Ranma ½, Blue Seed & Sorcerer Hunters.)

No man, not even a superhuman man can stand alone if the adversary he faces is powerful enough; and as a new breed of human called Attractors slowly begin to awaken in a Tokyo of the future, they find themselves the prey of a sinister and faceless secret organization called Custos. But there is strength and safety in numbers and a leader is emerging among the Attractors, a young man with healing powers named Quon, who knows that the only way for the Attractors to survive is to join together and hit the cyborgs of Custos back. Hard. And with allies like the super-speeded Yuri, psi-voiced Kiri, telepath Tei and teleporter Takao, he’s beginning to form the army to do it! Anime, superhero and epic sci-fi come together as a who’s who team of Japan’s greatest animators join forces to produce an all new legend: TOWANOQUON!

Digital distribution of the first TOWANOQUON feature will begin on the Anime Network this month, with DVD and BD releases to follow next year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, October 10, 2011— Breaking News! Sentai Filmworks today announced thecompany’s acquisition of one of the year’s most eagerly awaited anime titles; BROKEN BLADE, an epic new series of animated films based on the international manga bestseller from Yunosuke Yoshinaga (Rampage.) Created in six 50 minute installments, the mega production is helmed by Chief Director Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7, Shiki, Jewell BEM Hunter Lime,) and Director Nobuyoshi Habara (DNAngel, Negima!, Fafner) working from screenplays by screenwriter Masashi Sogo (Bleach, Gantz, Samurai X/Rurouni Kenshin.) Music duties for the blockbuster production will be handled by Yoshihisa Hirano (Death Note, Beyblade, Ouran High School Host Club)

In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems. But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer”, Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon. But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of BROKEN BLADE!


Digital distribution of the first 50 minute installment of BROKEN BLADE set will begin this October on The Anime Network and through many other outlets. The home video release will follow in 2012 with releases on DVD and Blu-Ray.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, October 12, 2011— Sentai Filmworks has let the genie out of the bottle… or in this case, can… with the company’s announcement of the acquisition of the latest ‘pop’ culture phenomenon from Japan, AKIKAN! Animation industry veteran director Yuji Himaki, already known for his work about a superhero made of bread with the latest Anpanman feature film, switches materials and genders to helm both the 12 episode series and the bonus OVA telling the story of a bubbly young girl who just happens to be a soft drink can, while the process of adapting creators Riku Ranjo and Hiro Suzuhira’s original text and art go respectively to script-master Hideaki Koyasu (Brighter than the Dawning Blue, Kure-nai,) and character designer Ryo Tanaka (Virtua Fighter, Lupin III Missed By a Dollar.)

Hobbies are often a great way of meeting new people, but how could Kakeru Diachi, who collects rare juice cans, have ever suspected that he’d meet a fascinating new girl when he attempted to DRINK her? Naming her Melon, because she’s got great melon… soda, Kakeru quickly learns that she’s an Akikan, a beautiful girl who’s also a special can created to fight other Akikans in a strange experiment to determine what kind of container is better: steel or aluminum! Will becoming involved in this ridiculously twisted research project gone amuck complicate Kakeru’s life incredibly? Of course it will, but because Melon’s steel body needs carbon dioxide to breathe, he’s now stuck with her since she’s CO2 dependent! And when his wealthy, attractive best childhood friend Najimi gets HER own aluminum Akikan, the trouble really begins! For once, it’s not what’s inside that counts as battling beverage containers run wild in AKIKAN – The Complete Series!

AKIKAN! will be distributed digitally through a variety of outlets and on subtitled DVD in January 2012.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, including hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Guin Saga, Needless, Canaan and Angel Beats. Sentai Filmworks programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network and YouTube.
# # #

Flower Mound, TX (October 14, 2011) – FUNimation Entertainment today announced that it has acquired the home entertainment, digital, and merchandise rights to the “Fafner” anime series and movie.

The series focuses on a group of children who pilot the titular Fafners in a war against the Festum—giant aliens who destroyed much of the world. The movie takes place two years after the end of the original series.

ABOUT FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading Anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires Production I.G. Feature Film Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror

Flower Mound, TX (October 14, 2011) – FUNimation Entertainment® today announced that it has acquired the home entertainment, broadcast, digital, and mobile rights to the Production I.G. full length animated film, “Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror.” This Production I.G. produced film, directed by Shinsuke Sato (“Gantz” live action films), was nominated for the award for Excellent Animation of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Prize.

“Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror” is the first full length film from Production I.G. done completely in 3D computer generated animation. The character designs have a unique “anime” style to them; while the look and feel of the animation bear a closer resemblance to a video game cut scene.

A blend of fantasy and Japanese tradition, the story revolves around sixteen-year-old Haruka who lost her mother at a young age. Haruka had been given a hand mirror by her dying mother, and told to always have it on her. At some point, it winds up in a closet, and now she can’t find it! One day, she decides to go to a local shrine and pray for the hand mirror to be returned to her. There she encounters a small fox-masked creature which she secretly follows to the land of forgotten items.

ABOUT FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading Anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

11:10:16 <bay|NYCC|Viz> Inuyasha act coming to bluray and dvd
11:10:18 <bay|NYCC|Viz> 2012
11:10:35 <bay|NYCC|Viz> definitely next year
11:10:38 <bay|NYCC|Viz> doing it in both

14:09:02 <bay|NYCC|TB> Q: Will there be an english dub?
14:09:10 <bay|NYCC|TB> A: That question is for Viz I guess...
14:09:17 <bay|NYCC|TB> Viz... why don't you answer it
14:09:20 <bay|NYCC|TB> Yes........
14:09:31 <bay|NYCC|TB> So yea... mitsko is heading that up, we are in pre-production