S23/Sentai Filmworks/Switchblade Pictures/Maiden Japan , etc PR, News, And Announcements - 2012/2014

AN Shows
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This thread is going to be the thread for all PRs, and announcements from S23 and all the companies they handle. Aesir, ADV , Sentai Filmworks , Switchblade Pictures , Maiden Japan , and any others I am forgetting at the moment.

So normal discussion threads still get made, but everything PRs, and announcement wise gets put here starting as of now.

Includes:
ADV
AEsir Holdings
The Anime Network
Kraken Releasing
Maiden Japan
Section23
Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Selects
Seraphim Digital
Switchblade Pictures

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Via NekoCon

[size=15]Sentai Filmworks licenses[/size]

Kamisama Dolls
Bilingual DVD & BD; release time frame is TBD. The 13-episode series is still streaming @ Crunchyroll. 6 2-min. specials not confirmed at this time.

Ebiten
Includes home video and streaming licenses. The 10-episode series is currently streaming @ Crunchyroll.

Battle Girls: Time Paradox
Bilingual DVD & BD; release time frame is TBD. The 13-episode series is still streaming @ Crunchyroll.

Say, "I Love You"
Includes home video and streaming licenses. The 13-episode series is currently streaming @ Crunchyroll.

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou
Includes home video and streaming licenses. The 24-episode series is currently streaming @ Crunchyroll.

3

Cool. Wish I could have been there but Neko ran a beaucoup of other events against Sentai. I did hit up their booth extensively though.

I don’t think that I’ve heard of a one of these shows, however.

4

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “BATTLE GIRLS: TIME PARADOX”[/size]

HOUSTON, November 7, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Battle Girls: Time Paradox. This 13 episode series features direction by Hideki Okamoto (Ebiten: Koritsu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmon-Bu), series composition by Touko Machida (Allison & Lillia, Okami Kakushi), character designs by Koji Yamakawa, music by Eishi Segawa and sound direction by Yuichi Imaizumi.

Yoshino Hide (nickname Hideyoshi) is your average, everyday teenager – interested only in fashion, snacks and her afterschool free time. And destined to fail her next history test without some sort of miraculous intervention. So, she stops by the local shrine to offer up a prayer or two to any deity that might be listening. But as everyone knows, you should be careful what you wish (or pray) for, and after she’s engulfed by a mysterious blue light, Hideyoshi finds herself in a strange new world that appears to be feudal Japan. Only, all the inhabitants of this world, including feudal warlord Oda Nobunaga, are women! Now Hideyoshi finds herself on a quest to gather the pieces of the Crimson Armor and help Nobunaga conquer the land!

Battle Girls: Time Paradox will be available next year on bilingual DVD & Blu-Ray and through select digital outlets.

Battle Girls: Time Paradox Produced by Sengoku Otome Project © HEIWA / Sengoku Otome Project

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

5

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “EBITEN: KORITSU EBISUGAWA KOKO TENMONBU”[/size]

HOUSTON, November 7, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Ebiten: Koristu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmonbu! Sometimes friendship is all about chemistry, but in this zany comedy from Director Hideki Okamoto chemistry is just about blowing things up! Featuring series composition by Yuuko Kakihara (Persona 4 The Animation, Heaven’s Lost Property), character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (Okamikakushi, Acchi Kocchi) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Canaan, Bodacious Space Pirates).

Take one group of rabid fan girls with tenuous grips on reality, toss out all rules of proper social behavior, mix them together in a basement with more twisted anime parodies and allusions than you can shake a schtick at, and what do you get? Well, besides a recipe for disaster, if borderline delusional Kyoko Todayama is in what passes for charge, you get the Asstronomical Club, where mayhem rules and the wall between the real world and total fantasy shatters at least once every five minutes! And as if things weren’t wild enough, let’s throw in a “boys love” manga fanatic who always seems to end up in her underwear, a maid on a secret mission, a ruthless arch-enemy whose goal is to have the club disbanded, and a CAT as the faculty adviser! And then there’s Itsuki, who still inexplicably thinks this is a club for astronomy… Although to be fair, some of the members DO seem to be robots/aliens and/or from outer space. One thing’s for certain though: the Student Council will most definitely NOT approve of what happens when the Insane-O-Meter redlines and freaky fan girls run wild in EBITEN!

Ebiten: Koristu Ebisugawa Koko Tenmonbu will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow next year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

6

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU”[/size]

HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. Atsuko Ishikuza directs this 12 episode series featuring series composition by Mari Okada (Boo of Bantorra, Black Butler), character designs by Masahiro Fuji (Dream Eater Merry, Hayate the Combat Butler), music by Yuzo Hayashi (Tokimeki Memorial, Honey and Clover) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, Qwaser of Stigmata)

Banished from normal housing for the crime of adopting stray cats, Sorata Kanda’s life has gone to the dogs and now he’s been impounded in Room 101 of Sakura Dormitory, a notorious den of troublemakers, geniuses and weirdos. Meanwhile, Mashiro Shiina in Room 202 is the cat’s meow of the art world. However, she’s so unfocused and dysfunctional that she needs a full-time keeper to survive day-to-day life while she puts her career as a famous artist on hold and studies to be a manga creator. That’s too big a task for Chihiro, Mashiro’s cousin who lives in the same dorm and also happens to be Sorata’s teacher. But given Sorata’s weakness for taking in small, cute but sometimes not completely loveable creatures, could he be the one destined to take over Mashiro’s grooming, feeding and general, er… domestication? Well, if he’s not, too bad, ‘cause no one else is stepping up and he’s stuck with it and her! Heavy petting gets redefined, the Dorm’s the only thing likely to get housebroken and hopefully no one will get neutered as who’s on whose leash becomes anybody’s’ guess in The Pet Girl of Sakurasou!

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou will be available soon through digital outlets and next year on home video.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

7

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “KAMISAMA DOLLS”[/size]

HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Kamisama Dolls. This 13 episode supernatural thriller features direction by Seiji Kishi (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) with series composition by Makoto Uezu (The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky, The Qwaser of Stigmata), character designs by Kazuaki Morita (Persona 4 The Animation, Nyan Koi!), series animation direction by Hideyuki Motohashi (Fushigi Yugi, Hikaru no Go), music by Chiaki Ishikawa and sound direction by Takeshi Takadera (Psychic Detective Yakumo, MM!).

When Kyohei Kuga moves to Tokyo to escape the strictures of life in a small town, he thinks he’s left his old life behind. But when he discovers a bloody corpse, he also discovers that the past isn’t so easily left behind. Especially when the past is as unusual as Kyohei’s. You see, back in his home town, Kyohei was a “seki” – an individual able to control “kakashi,” mysterious dolls that are regarded as vessels for “God”, with his mind. And now it seems that there’s a kakashi loose in Tokyo, and it just may be up to Kyohei to stop it and its seki.

Kamisama Dolls will be available next year on bilingual DVD & Blu-Ray and through select digital outlets.

KAMISAMA DOLLS © Hiroyuki Asada / Shueisha, LBP, TV TOKYO

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES ‘SAY, “I LOVE YOU”’[/size]

HOUSTON, November 16, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Say, “I love you”. Directed by Takuya Sato, featuring series direction by Toshimasa Kuroyanagi (Inu X Boku SS, Blue Exorcist) character designs by Yoshiko Okuda, sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, The Pet Girl of Sakurasou) and music by Yuji Nomi (The Cat Returns, Whisper of the Heart).

Friends suck, and trusting someone is just setting yourself up. That’s the lesson Mei Tachibana learned after her heart was ripped out and only a shell was left where a girl used to be. But unlike so many, she found an easy solution: she never made any more friends. Ever. Okay, maybe that’s not as easy as it sounds, but it’s worked for Mei. Or at least it did. Until handsome, charming and annoyingly popular Yamato Kurosawa came along. Because, for some freakish reason, he seems to like Mei. He even gave her his phone number! As if she would ever call him. Except she did. But only because she needed help. Still, he came. He actually came. And now things are getting way too complicated. Mei’s no princess in a tower. She’s not waiting for a knight in shining armor to rescue her. So why did he have to kiss her and confuse everything? And why are those three little words so hard to say? Between heartbeats, behind trembling lips, unspoken with every breath, the specter of betrayals past, future and present now haunt them both in Say “I love you.”

Say, “I love you” will be available soon through digital outlets and next year on home video.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AMAGAMI SS+”[/size]

HOUSTON, December 4, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Amagami SS+. This fan favorite returns with more episodes featuring Junichi Tachibana, the world’s romantically luckiest guy. Once again directed by Tomoki Kobayashi (Rozen Maiden, Utawarerumono) with series composition by Noboru Kimura (Nyarko-san: Another Crawling Chaos), character designs by Hiroaki Gohda (Love, Election & Chocolate), sound direction by Satoki Iida (Mayo Chiki!) and music by Toshiyuki Omori (Dirty Pair OVA).

So far, Junichi Tachibana has been luckier than any guy has any right to be, getting to experience what it would be like to be romantically paired with not one, not two, but SEVEN different beautiful girls in a multiple of alternate universes. So how can he possibly follow THAT up? Well, how about with continuations of ALL of those storylines! Yes, all of the pairings in the original AMAGAMI SS are back as each of the girls return to follow up the romantic advancements in each of their possible futures! Is Junichi going to be able to handle a second go-round with Tsukasa, Rihoko, Ai, Kaoru, Sae, Haruka and even Risa? Will little sis Miya get a follow up to her own sneaky storyline too? The answer’s yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, maybe, yes and oh yes as boy meets girl, girl, girl, girl, girl, girl and girl again in the multiple sequel that has no equal, Amagami SS+!

Amagami SS+ will be available next year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “RUROUNI KENSHIN ~ NEW KYOTO ARC”[/size]

HOUSTON, December 5, 2012 — Return to one of anime’s most beloved anime inSentai Filmworks newest acquisition from Aniplex Inc.: Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc. Get ready for blades to flash and blood to flow as Nobuhiro Watsuki’s acclaimed masterpiece returns for a new look at one of its most compelling storylines. Directed by series veteran Kazuhiro Furuhashi (You’re Under Arrest, Getbackers) with script services by Mari Okada (Caanan, The Book of Bantorra), character designs by Hiromitsu Hagiwara and music by Noriyuki Asakura (Ragnarok The Animation).

Although she’s only sixteen and looks even younger, Misao Makimachi is already a skilled and competent member of the Oniwabanshū ninja clan. Which is a fortunate thing for Misao, as her onimitsu talents may be all that keeps her alive when a journey in search of the leader of the clan, Aoshi Shinomori, leads her instead into a face-to-face encounter with an even more dangerous man and a plot to overthrow the Meiji government! Quickly enmeshed in the affairs of the legendary assassin Hitokiri Battōsai, now known as Kenshin Himura wielder of the reverse-blade sword, Misao finds herself pulled into the middle of a deadly intrigue against Makoto Shishio, who is orchestrating the conquest of all Japan, beginning with Kyoto!

Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc will be available next year on bilingual DVD & BD and through digital outlets.

About Aniple Inc
Aninplex Inc. is an entertainment company that handles a wide variety of entertainment business in both domestic and international markets. Such services include: production of video and music content, production, distribution and sales of packaged media such as DVD, BD and CD, digital distribution, theatrical distribution, TV program sales, merchandising licensing and theater/stage.
Official homepage: http://www.aniplex.co.jp

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU TV![/size]

HOUSTON, December 5, 2012—Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the hit animated series Vampire Princess Miyu TV! Based on the manga of the same name by creators Narumi Kakinouchi and Toshiki Hirano, Vampire Princess Miyu is a classic tale of horror presented in 26 episodes. Direction is by Toshiki Hirano (Devil Lady, Godannar), with character designs by Megumi Kadonosono (Rayearth OVA, Kiddy Grade), sound direction by Yasunori Honda (Himawari, Black Lagoon) and music by Kenji Kawai (Blue Seed, Towanoquon).

Born of Vampire and Human, doomed to remain trapped in the body of a teenager forever, she is the Chosen One: Mankind’s last defense against the forces of Darkness. With her once greatest foe, the Shinma named Larva, as her sole companion, she stands eternally poised at the bridge between two worlds. She is charged with the duty of tracking down supernatural beings who seek to harm the human race and banishing them back to the dark realms from whence they came. But this ultimate hunter is a creature of the Night herself, and though her human half gives her the ability to walk by day, she still needs the blood of the living in order to survive. And though she may use the name Miyu Yamano when dealing with mere mortals, since the loss of her human memories she is increasingly drawn back towards the Darkness, even as those on the other side prepare to target her! Get ready to hunt the night as the death-dance of undead predator and prey unleashes true Hell on Earth in VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Vampire Princess Miyu in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in both bilingual English DVD and digital formats.

About Maiden Japan
Maiden Japan is a new and upcoming distributor of Japanese animation in North America, with a rapidly growing roster of releases that includes such hot new titles as POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S, HIMAWARI!, RAY and PAPILLON ROSE. A sister company to live action Shock film specialist Switchblade Pictures (ATTACK GIRLS SWIM TEAM VS. THE UNDEAD, ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, SULTRY ASSASSIN: NINJA BRAINWASH), Maiden Japan’s programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuff 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.

About Section23 Films
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

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Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]TBS ANIME AT COMIC MARKET[/size]

HOUSTON, December 28, 2013 — This Saturday, December 29th through Monday, December 31st, Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) will be hosting an animation booth at Comic Market 83, to be held at Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center). TBS and Sentai Filmworks cordially invite you to stop by Booth 341 in the Corporate Dealer Area, West Hall 4F for the latest news and information on all of TBS’ popular animation series.

Rikka and Yuta from this season’s hit show “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions” will be at the booth to meet fans and provide them with flyers and merchandise* for popular titles.

In addition, TBS will be holding special presentations for overseas customers of their upcoming titles “Tamako Market” and “Sasami-san@Ganbaranai”, both of which make their television debuts this January.

Be sure and stop by the booth for the latest news on all the hottest shows. And check out “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions” and other great TBS titles on Anime Network Online at http://www.theanimenetwork.com.
For more information, visit the official Comic Market website at http://www.comiket.co.jp/index_e.html

*Merchandise is limited and subject to availability.

About TBS
TBS is a Japanese broad casting company involved in producing domestic terrestrial television and satellite television broadcasting; production and distribution of television programs and movies, DVD, video, etc; and planning and production of cultural events. TBS has become known throughout the world as a source of popular animation series like “Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions!” and “K-ON!,” which have become domestic and international hits, and continue to be licensed to a growing number of media and territories.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, XBOX Live, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0![/size]

HOUSTON, January 3, 2013—Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the compelling animated drama Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.Based on extensive research into the potential effects of a massive earthquake, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 is an 11 episode study into human courage and the will to survive which originally debured in Fuji TV’s powerhouse anime block “noitaminA”. Direction is by Masaki Tachibana (.hack//Quantum) with series composition by Natsuko Takahashi (07-Ghost), character designs by Atsuko Nozaki (The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky), sound direction by Kazuya Tanaka (High School of the Dead) and music by Ko Otani (Hakuoki).

The devastation is unleashed in the span of seconds. Yielding to centuries of unrelenting pressure, an ancient rift in the Earth gives way and a force equivalent to over a thousand atomic bombs erupts beneath the feet of the citizens of the world’s largest mega-cities! For the people of the greater Tokyo area, the results are catastrophic as even “earthquake-proof” buildings sway like weeds in the wind, gas mains rip open in gouts of flame and huge sections of the city’s vital infrastructure are torn into shreds. For sister and brother Mirai and Yuki who were caught in the earthquake while in Odaiba during summer holiday, it’s the start of a desperate journey back to their parent’s home in Setagaya. For motorcycle courier Mari, it means an equally frantic battle towards Sangenjaya and her own daughter and mother. Joining together in an epic odyssey through the mangled streets, these three must brave impossible obstacles and endure unspeakable hardships and heartbreak, with no way of knowing if their loved ones are even still alive. But they’ve no other choice! In the aftermath of nature’s fury, only the strongest of will and most courageous of heart can hope to survive in TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in bilingual English DVD, BD and digital formats on April 2nd 2013

About Maiden Japan
Maiden Japan is a new and upcoming distributor of Japanese animation in North America, with a rapidly growing roster of releases that includes such hot new titles as POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S, HIMAWARI!, RAY and PAPILLON ROSE. A sister company to live action Shock film specialist Switchblade Pictures (ATTACK GIRLS SWIM TEAM VS. THE UNDEAD, ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, SULTRY ASSASSIN: NINJA BRAINWASH), Maiden Japan’s programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuff 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.

About Section23 Films
Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Maiden Japan and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

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Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “TEGAMI BACHI: REVERSE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 3, 2013 — Return to the Bee Hive with Sentai Filmworks and their newest acquisition: Tegami Bachi: Reverse. Director Akira Iwanaga returns to the helm for this 25 episode sequel to the popular Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee. Series composition is by Masanao Akahoshi (La storia della Arcana Famiglia) with character designs by Minako Shiba (Black Butlet), sound direction by Katsunori Shimizu (Nadia, Secret of Blue Water) and music by Kunihiko Ryo (Emma: A Victorian Romance).

After Niche carries the wounded and stunned Lag back to the Bee Hive, the Letter Bee finally begins to piece the puzzle together. Now he knows what’s happened to Gauche, why the Marauders are so focused on stealing mail and the actual intent of the group controlling both, Reverse. However, when he’s forbidden to reveal the truth, Lag is soon forced out of the artificial sunlight and back into the world of perpetual night. And soon Reverse’s plot to take down the Letter Bees and overthrow the Amberground government begins to accelerate. If things weren’t already bad enough, the giant insect creatures called gaichuu are apparently evolving into something new; there may be traitors working within the Hive; and Niche’s sister, who’s definitely not human friendly, shows up to turn family drama into a full-scale siege! It all spells serious trouble for the Letter Bees, but if anyone can weather the storms and gloom of night, Lag and his team are the ones who’ll deliver. The excitement continues as the man of letters who’s also the ultimate man of action carries on fighting in TEGAMI BACHI: REVERSE.

Tegami Bachi: Reverse will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

Tegami Bachi: Reverse © Hiroyuki Asada/Shueisha,LBP,TV TOKYO

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “PSYCHIC DETECTIVE YAKUMO”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 4, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Psychic Detective Yakumo. Get ready for 13 episodes of mystery and death, based on the novel of the same name by Manabu Kaminaga,. Directed by Tomoyuki Kurokawa (Murder Princess), with series composition by Hiroyuki Kawasaki (Blade of the Immortal), sound direction by Takeshi Takadera (Kamisama Dolls) and music by R●O●N (Kurenai).

Haruka Ozawa’s sophomore year is getting seriously scary. One of her friends is possessed, another has committed suicide and Haruka could be the next one to flunk the still-breathing test. Her only way out of this potentially lethal dead end? Yakumo Saito, an enigmatic student born with a mysterious red eye that allows him to see and communicate with the dead. But the deceased don’t always desist and some killers are more than ready to kill again to keep dead men from telling any more tales. That doesn’t stop Haruka’s knack for digging up buried secrets, and there’s even more evidence of bodies being exhumed by both Yakumo’s police contact and an investigative journalist with a newly made corpse in her closet! Can this pair of anything but normal paranormal detectives solve the ultimate dead case files or will they end up in cold storage themselves? If the spirits are willing, they may just have a few ghosts of a chance in PSYCHIC DETECTIVE YAKUMO!

Psychic Detective Yakumo will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “TAMAKO MARKET”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 7, 2013 — Welcome to a place where the unexpected happens every day in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Tamako Market. Join mochi expert Tamako as she tries to make life a little sweeter in this 12 episode series directed by Naoko Yamada (K-ON!) and featuring series composition by Reiko Yoshida (La Corda D’Oro), character designs by Yukiko Horiguchi (K-ON!), sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (Clannad) and music by Tomoko Kataoka.

Tamako knows just about everything there is to know about mochi, the traditional Japanese dessert treats. When she’s not attending her first year of high school, she even invents new flavors and varieties for Tama-ya, her family’s mochi shop. School and growing up, on the other hand, are some things that she’s still trying to find the right recipe for. But with the help of her best friends Kanna and Midori, two girls whose parents run businesses in the same shopping district, Tamako’s determined to make the best of things. It’s complicated though, especially when it comes to emotions and her relationship with her best boy friend Mochizo, whose family runs a rival mochi shop. And lately, Kanna’s been feeling a little odd about her feelings towards Tamako as well. And what’s with up with that strange bird fluttering around, the one that speaks fluent Japanese? It’s all very mysterious and overwhelming, but at least Tamako always has one thing she can count on: No matter if your day’s been good or bad, there’s certain to be something sugary and delicious waiting at the end of every adventure whenever you take a walk through TAMAKO MARKET!

Tamako Market will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “SASAMI-SAN@GANBARANAI”

HOUSTON, January 8, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Sasami-san@Ganbaranai. Based on the light novels by Akira, this 12 episode series is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (Hidamari Sketch, Maria Holic) and features series composition by Katsuhiko Takayama (ef: a tale of memories, And Yet the Town Moves), character designs by Hiroki Harada (Romeo X Juliet), sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (Clannad, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere) and music by Yukari Hashimoto (Mayo Chiki!, Toradora!).

The Japanese call them hikikomori - people who’ve become so withdrawn socially that they refuse to leave their homes for weeks and even months at a time. For Sasami Tsukuyomi, who’s attempting to pass her first year of high school despite being a shut in, it’s more than just a word. Fortunately though, she lives with her older brother Kamiomi, who just happens to be a teacher at the school Sasami is supposed to attend. Not to mention, her “Brother Surveillance Tool” which lets her view the outside world via her computer and will, theoretically, allow her to readjust to interfacing with people again. What it mainly does, however, is let her view her brother’s interactions with the three very odd Yagami sisters, who inexplicably seem to have had their ages reversed and have various types of “interest” in Kamiomi. And then things start to get really weird… Magical powers? Everything turning into chocolate? Is life via the web warping Sasami’s brain, or is it the universe that’s going crazy? It looks Sasami will have to take off her pajamas and go out into the “real” world to set things straight in Sasami-san@Ganabaranai!

Sasami-san@Ganbaranai will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “PLACE TO PLACE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 9, 2013 — JoinSentai Filmworks on a journey from friends to something much more in their newest acquisition: Place to Place (Acchi Kocchi). Based on the manga of the same name by Ishiki, this 13 episode series chronicles the birth of a romance and beyond. Directed by Fumitoshi Oizaki (Romeo X Juliet) with series composition by Nobuhiko Amagawa, character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (Okamikakushi), sound direction by Yoshikazu Iwanami (Another) and music by Masaru Yokoyama (Kimikiss: Pure Rouge).

Everyone has a circle of friends they hang out with. But even within a small group there are smaller groups of friends, best friends and, here’s where it gets complicated, boyfriends and girlfriends. Sometimes relationships just develop in a way where you’re not exactly sure what you are to the other person. Which is the problem Tsukimi has when it comes to Io. Io’s as tall and easygoing as Tsukimi is short in both temper and stature, but he also seems to be totally clueless about how she’s starting to feel. Yet, at times, he’s almost too affectionate. It’s just confusing and irritating. And their prankster friends Mayoi and Sakai aren’t much help. Especially Mayoi, as it gives her one more thing to tease Tsukimi over. Hime, the fifth member of their usual gang of five isn’t much better, because she’s not really well connected to reality anyway. Which leaves Tsukimi stuck in a quandary. Are she and Io just best friends? And is it worth risking that for what Tsukimi wants? It’s a puzzle she’ll have to solve as they live from one moment to the next in PLACE TO PLACE.

Place to Place will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “LITTLE BUSTERS!”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 10, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Little Busters! Based on the visual novel by Key (Clannad, Kanon), this 26 episode series is directed by Yoshiki Yamakawa (Kill Me Baby, Hatsukoi Limited) and features series composition by Michiru Shimada (Nanatsuiro Drops, Shugo Chara!) and character designs by Haruko Iizuka (Inu X Boku SS, Sisters of Wellber).

When tragedy struck Riki Naoe as a child, he was rescued from grief over his parent’s deaths when four other kids “recruited” him for their group - the “Little Busters.” Now in high school, Riki and the other Busters are still fast friends, and though their vision of being heroes for justice may have faded, they’d still do anything for each other. Which is why Riki is now on TWO special missions. The not so secret one: recruiting new members so the Busters can form a baseball team. Preferably FEMALE recruits, as the current dude/babe ratio is an inconvenient 4 to 1. The OTHER mission, though… That’s the strange one. Because Riki and Rin, the group’s singular girl, are receiving odd messages, delivered by cats, concerning the existence of a “secret world” and assigning them tasks they have to complete. Were their youthful dreams of being crusaders not so fanciful after all? Or is there something even more vital at stake? Between steeling his courage to talk to girls, dealing with his own narcolepsy and facing his feelings concerning Rin, Riki may just need the strength of a superhero to solve the ultimate mystery of the LITTLE BUSTERS!

Little Busters! will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.

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[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AMNESIA”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 11, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce their newest acquisition: AMNESIA. Based on the PSP game by Otomate (Hakuoki), this 12 episode series is directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi (Witchblade, Galaxy Angel) and features series composition by Touko Machida (Allison & Lilla, Tears to Tiara), character designs by Maho Yoshikawa, sound direction by Satoki Iida (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) and music by Yoshiaki Dewa.

This story takes place in a fictional town, in a fictional country, in a fictional world. One morning, a young lady awakens to find that she has lost all her memories prior to that morning. Her life, her relationships, her very name – all gone. All that’s left is a cell phone with numbers and names she doesn’t recognize and Orion, a young boy that only she appears to be able to see. With Olion’s guidance, she struggles to make sense of herself, a boyfriend she doesn’t know and the thousand and one little things that make up a daily life. But with no memories left, the only alternative is to forge new ones, even if that means leaving old loves behind.

AMNESIA will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. 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, Google Play and YouTube.