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

OK, today is a banner day. It’s official.

Mark Gosdin

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “KILL ME BABY”[/size]

HOUSTON, February 14, 2013 — Head back to school with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Kill Me Baby. Get ready for 13 episodes of schoolroom mayhem, chaos and destruction directed by Yoshiki Yamakawa (Little Busters!, Hatsukoi Limited) and featuring series composition by Hideki Shirane (Queen’s Blade Rebellion, Dream Eater Merry), character designs by Shinya Hasegawa (Revolutionary Girl Utena), sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, AKB0048) and music by EXPO.

Yasuna Oribe isn’t your typical Japanese high school girl. For one thing, she’s a little slow on the uptake, and for another, her best friend, Sonya, is actually a highly trained foreign assassin who’s in Yasuna’s class as part of her assignment. And perhaps Yasuna’s definition of “best friend” is a bit strange, as Sonya has the habit of regularly attacking Yasuna, especially when startled. However, as noted, Yasuna isn’t exactly the sharpest tool in the shed, and while Sonya knows precisely what to do with every one of those sharp objects, even she is hard pressed to deal with the day to day oddities that seem to fill their class schedule. Things like: escaped bears, voodoo curses, juggling and killer mosquitoes. And puppet shows. And, just in case Yasuna’s life wasn’t weird/hazardous enough, there’s her ninja classmate, Agiri, swarms of bees and assassins targeting just about everybody, a mysterious red haired girl with a personal vendetta and the perils of slipping in the public bath. They say a little education can be a dangerous thing, but with a school life like this, Yasuna will be lucky to keep breathing past third period in KILL ME BABY!

Kill Me Baby will be available later this year on bilingual DVD and through select 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.

Ok, I’m happy now. Dubbed, Dubbed … this is going to be interesting.

Mark Gosdin

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF MOMO, GIRL GOD OF DEATH ~ BALLAD OF A SHINIGAMI[/size]

HOUSTON, February 18, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the OVA series Momo, Girl God of Death ~ Ballad of a Shinigami. This six episode drama is directed by Tomomi Mochizuki (Princess Nine, Here’s Greenwood) with series composition by Reiko Yoshida (Kaleido Star, Angelic Layer), character designs by Hiroyuki Horiuchi (Polyphonica, Tenchi Universe), and music by Moka (Elfen Lied, Trouble Chocolate).
Dressed all in white with scythe in hand, she is one of the spirits entrusted with guiding the souls of the no longer living to the other side. But unlike other shinigami who approach their grim duty with detachment or even malevolence, Momo chooses to open her heart to those about to cross over. Nor are solace and sympathy the only gifts she offers. For if the need is great enough, she may allow a last visit, a message to loved ones or even a chance to make amends. But how far can even the most well meaning shinigami bend the rules of life and death before she, herself, is called to task? Momo and her flying cat Daniel may soon learn the answer as they find themselves continually becoming involved in the world of the living, even as they attempt to deal with the not always willing souls in the process of departing it. Grave consequences may lie ahead, but heavenly rewards are just as certainly guaranteed when life, death and what happens in between all come together in MOMO, GIRL GOD OF DEATH!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Momo, Girl God of Death ~ Ballad of a Shinigami in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 Films (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in 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.

About noitaminA
With a top rated late-night anime time slot and major advertising sponsorship from Japan’s largest corporations, Fuji Television’s prestigious noitaminA block was designed to drive creativity and innovation in the art of anime. Assembling high profile teams of creators to produce eight new half hour series per annum, from both famous literary works and original concepts, noitaminA has consistently produced unique and innovative programming that pushes the boundaries of animation to its edge and beyond.
http://noitamina.tv/index_en.html

[quote=“Slowhand”]
MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF MOMO, GIRL GOD OF DEATH ~ BALLAD OF A SHINIGAMI

[details=spoiler]HOUSTON, February 18, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the OVA series Momo, Girl God of Death ~ Ballad of a Shinigami. This six episode drama is directed by Tomomi Mochizuki (Princess Nine, Here’s Greenwood) with series composition by Reiko Yoshida (Kaleido Star, Angelic Layer), character designs by Hiroyuki Horiuchi (Polyphonica, Tenchi Universe), and music by Moka (Elfen Lied, Trouble Chocolate).
Dressed all in white with scythe in hand, she is one of the spirits entrusted with guiding the souls of the no longer living to the other side. But unlike other shinigami who approach their grim duty with detachment or even malevolence, Momo chooses to open her heart to those about to cross over. Nor are solace and sympathy the only gifts she offers. For if the need is great enough, she may allow a last visit, a message to loved ones or even a chance to make amends. But how far can even the most well meaning shinigami bend the rules of life and death before she, herself, is called to task? Momo and her flying cat Daniel may soon learn the answer as they find themselves continually becoming involved in the world of the living, even as they attempt to deal with the not always willing souls in the process of departing it. Grave consequences may lie ahead, but heavenly rewards are just as certainly guaranteed when life, death and what happens in between all come together in MOMO, GIRL GOD OF DEATH!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Momo, Girl God of Death ~ Ballad of a Shinigami in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 Films (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released in 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.

About noitaminA:
With a top rated late-night anime time slot and major advertising sponsorship from Japan’s largest corporations, Fuji Television’s prestigious noitaminA block was designed to drive creativity and innovation in the art of anime. Assembling high profile teams of creators to produce eight new half hour series per annum, from both famous literary works and original concepts, noitaminA has consistently produced unique and innovative programming that pushes the boundaries of animation to its edge and beyond.
http://noitamina.tv/index_en.html[/details][/quote]

Any news on whether or not this will, like several other OVA/movies of late, be fast-tracked onto TAN streaming?

I get a little vexed when the BD’s I order from each “wave” of ex-ADV-company releases show up on TAN instanter while the ones I don’t (cough Bodacious Space Pirates cough) still haven’t.

Additionally I haven’t heard anything about this title before.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF BLACK MAGIC M-66[/size]

HOUSTON, March 19, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the classic OVA Black Magic M-66. Co-directed by legendary manga master Masamune Shirow (GHOST IN THE SHELL, APPLESEED) and visionary director Hiroyuki Kitakubo (JO JO’s BIZZARRE ADVENTURE, GOLDENBOY,) this fast-paced, action-packed show features sound direction by Yasunori Honda (GREEN LEDGEND RAN, DRAGON HALF) and music by Seiyo Katayanagi.
When two malfunctioning combat androids are accidentally unleashed on a “Terminate at All Costs” mission against the unsuspecting granddaughter of their creator, an entire city becomes the battleground and not even the military may be able to stop them! The girl’s only hope: Sybil, a freelance journalist who’s out to get the scoop of her life, if she can somehow keep both herself and her subject alive long enough to file a report. But first, she has to remember to put her clothes on! It’s a tour de force of violence and mayhem on an epic scale as two damsels in distress and two deranged battle robots face off, girl vs. mecha style, in the all-time anime classic: BLACK MAGIC M-66!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Black Magic M-66 in conjunction with home video distributor Section23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) on English subtitled DVD (July 9th) and in 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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF RUIN EXPLORERS (Fam & Ihrie)[/size]

HOUSTON, March 20, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of Ruin Explorers, a tale of dungeons, dangers and dysfunctional damsels. This four episode OVA series features direction and screenplay by Takeshi Mori (Gunsmith Cats, Vandread) with character designs by Toshihisa Kaiya and music by Masamichi Amano (Princess Nine, Giant Robo).
Ancient curses, enchanted artifacts and plain old fashioned dungeon diving: that’s what Fam and Ihrie do for a living - whenever these lovely young ladies can get someone to pay them for it, that is. As two highly trained magic users with slightly faulty spelling abilities (Fam can’t do anything destructive and Ihrie keeps turning into a mouse,) they’re off on a quest for the “Ultimate Power.” All they have to do is find three artifacts: the Proof Of Royalty, the Sword of Sargus and the Mirror of Truth. So how hard can it be? Unfortunately, Sorceress Rasha and her muscle-headed partner Migel are on the same quest, as are the mysterious Prince Lyle, the anything for a buck merchant Galuff with his dog Gil, and the sinister magician Rugudurol! And to make this epic odyssey even more odd and complex, it’s not really clear as to exactly which ones are the bad guys! Hold onto your talismans and amulets, because the road to high adventure is about to have a multi-mage pileup, and the fate of all humanity may just be in the hands of two underpaid young women trying to make a living as RUIN EXPLORERS!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Ruin Explorers in conjunction with home video distributor Section23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) on bilingual DVD (July 2nd) and in 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 TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0 and MOMO ~ THE GIRL GOD OF DEATH as well as genre classics like VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU and MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR OVAS. 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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR TV[/size]

HOUSTON, March 20, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the legendary series Mobile Police Patlabor TV. This 47 episode series features direction by Naoyuki Yoshinaga (Maison Ikkoku, Irresponsible Captain Tylor) with character designs by Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange Road, Urusei Yatsura), mechanical designs by Yoshinori Sayama (RahXephon, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counter Attack) and Yutaka Izubuchi (Gasaraki, Toward the Terra) and music by Kenji Kawai (Vampire Princesss Miyu, Sorcerer Hunters).
Giant Robots, sociopaths, madmen waving guns: these aren’t just the problems the Mobile Police have to deal with every day, these ARE the Mobile Police! But in a world where giant robots called Labors are frequently used for criminal purposes, the boys and girls in blue have to face things that are even bigger and scarier! So when police cadet Noa Izumi comes in to take a pilot aptitude test and instead initiates a high speed chase after a stolen Police Labor, it’s clear that she’s got exactly the right combination of guts, brains and just plain crazy that the Second Special Vehicles Division desperately needs. But fitting into the frequently insane lifestyle of SV2 won’t be easy. She’ll have rivals for the pilot seat of the mech that’s stolen Noa’s heart, and her patrol duties will include herding whales, exorcising hauntings and fighting rogue military units on top of the usual terrorists. On the other hand, she gets to carry the biggest handgun EVER. The wheels of justice keep turning (or, in this case, running on giant metal legs,) as SV2 hits the street in MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR TV!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Mobile Police Patlabor TV in conjunction with home video distributor Section23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) on bilingual BD & DVD (July 16th) and in 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 TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0 and MOMO ~ THE GIRL GOD OF DEATH as well as genre classics like VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU and MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR OVAS. 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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “SHINING HEARTS”**[/size]

HOUSTON, April 3, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Shining Hearts. Based on the best selling Sega game, this 12 episode series is directed and written by Itsuro Kawasaki (Listen To Me, Girls. I Am Your Father!, Arc the Lad) and features character designs by Keita Matsumoto (Bungaku Shojo, Sands of Destruction), sound direction by Yukio Nagasaki (tsuritama, Dragon Ball Z Kai) and music by Hiroki Kikuta.

Over the years, many strange things have washed up on the shores of Windaria, a mysterious island where humans, elves and other beings all live in harmony. Rick, a former swordsman who runs the Le Couer Bakery with his three beautiful coworkers Neris, Amil and Airy, knows this all too well, having been found on the beach with a profound case of amnesia himself. Perhaps that’s why Rick takes a quick interest in Kaguya, a girl who arrives in Windaria in a similar waterlogged and memory-less condition. Whatever the reason, it soon becomes apparent that his skills with a sword may be required to protect the lovely piece of former flotsam. For dark forces are on the move, the red moon is on the rise and a deathly wind is blowing into Windaria in the form of pirates, brigands and other strangers, all of whom seem to be seeking Kaguya! Or is it the mysterious pendant that she wears that they’re after? The one thing that’s sure is that there’ll be no time for loafing around the bakery now, because everything’s about to come out of the oven and go into the fire in SHINING HEARTS!

Shining Hearts will be available later this year on bilingual BD & DVD and through select 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. www.sentai-filmworks.com

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “MAJESTIC PRINCE”[/size]

HOUSTON, April 4, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Majestic Prince. This 24 episode sci-fi action series is directed by Keitaro Motonaga (Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka, Getbackers) and features series composition by Reiko Yoshida (K-ON!, Girls und Panzer) with character designs by Hisashi Hirai (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed series, S-CRY-ed), and mecha designs by Yuji Tani, Koji Watanabe (Blue Gender) and Yasuhiro Moriki (Martian Successor Nadesico).

It’s GC 88 in the New Space calendar. Mankind has settled the solar system as far as Jupiter, when an unknown force suddenly attacks and humanity is plunged into war on an epic scale never before seen. Forced to retreat in the face of the enemy’s overwhelming onslaught, humanity finds itself push to the brink of destruction. Mankind’s last hope for survival lies in the genetically evolved cadets of Gurantseere and their robotic mecha. But can Izuru and his fellow mecha pilots turn the tide of battle in humanity’s favor? Or will they prove to be too little, too late? For the first time in human history, a full-scale war against a force from outer space has broken out and it could just be the end!

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

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “MAJESTIC PRINCE”

HOUSTON, April 4, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Majestic Prince. This 24 episode sci-fi action series is directed by Keitaro Motonaga (Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka, Getbackers) and features series composition by Reiko Yoshida (K-ON!, Girls und Panzer) with character designs by Hisashi Hirai (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed series, S-CRY-ed), and mecha designs by Yuji Tani, Koji Watanabe (Blue Gender) and Yasuhiro Moriki (Martian Successor Nadesico).

It’s GC 88 in the New Space calendar. Mankind has settled the solar system as far as Jupiter, when an unknown force suddenly attacks and humanity is plunged into war on an epic scale never before seen. Forced to retreat in the face of the enemy’s overwhelming onslaught, humanity finds itself push to the brink of destruction. Mankind’s last hope for survival lies in the genetically evolved cadets of Gurantseere and their robotic mecha. But can Izuru and his fellow mecha pilots turn the tide of battle in humanity’s favor? Or will they prove to be too little, too late? For the first time in human history, a full-scale war against a force from outer space has broken out and it could just be the end!

Majestic Prince will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.[/quote]

Now we just need to know if it is getting a dub. Sadly the mecha looks nothing like that of Nadesico or Blue Gender. It looks like a Gundam, which leads me to believe that it will occupy the “unhappy medium” between comedic mecha and “srs” mecha that Gundam too often does. That doesn’t mean that this won’t be good SciFi–which I hope it is as we’ve had too little of that lately–but it means that I’ll be more surprised if it is.

A dub could make this excellent: I did not care for Nadesico subbed but consider the dubbed version to be a classic. Rightstuf can, and did, try but they can’t keep it down.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “PHOTO KANO”[/size]

HOUSTON, April 5, 2013 — Is it true that girls like a guy with a really big lens? Find out in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Photo Kano! This 12 episode series features direction and series composition by Akitoshi Yokoyama with character designs by Mae Shimada, sound direction by Kengo Kawazoe and music by Mina Kubota.

During Kazuya Maeda’s first year of high school he felt like a nobody, just another forgotten face shuffling through the crowded hallways. Even his best friend from childhood, Nimi, seemed somehow more difficult to approach, since she had matured a little quicker in the unsettling way that girls have a habit of doing. However, this year, things will be different for Kazuya, and part of that change may just be because of the big new girl magnet hanging in front of him: the used digital SLR he just received from his dad! But will just having a camera be enough to make talking to girls a snap? Well, if he stays focused and has enough talent to make them look good, it might just be! And since it’s digital, there are no negatives or having to wait for things to develop! Will Kazyuya’s new stock in trade click with the most beautiful girls in school, or will his career as a lensman be just a flash in the pan? Find out as he goes for total exposure in PHOTO KANO!

Photo Kano will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow in 2014.

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.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “HENNEKO - THE HENTAI PRINCE & THE STONY CAT”[/size]

HOUSTON, April 16, 2013 — When you ask a magical stone cat for help, don’t be surprised if the results are a little rocky in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: HENNEKO - The Hentai Prince & the Stony Cat. This 12 episode series is directed by Youhei Suzuki and features character designs by Haruko Izuka (Little Busters!, Inu X Boku SS) with series composition by Michiko Itou (Bodacious Space Pirates, Special A) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Kill Me Baby, Canaan).

Koto is a complete and total pervert, but he doesn’t think that’s a problem. What bothers him is that every time he tries to bluff his way through one of his indiscretions, his inability to drop his façade inevitably digs him in even deeper. Tsukiko also has an issue and wants to get rid of her childish habit of blurting out whatever she happens to be thinking. So when they both learn about a statue of a cat that can take away a single personality trait that you want to get rid of, they’re both eager to try it out. However, what neither of them realizes until it’s too late is that the cat doesn’t just take the personality trait away from you, it GIVES it to somebody else! Now Koto can’t keep himself from saying exactly what’s on his mind, while Tsukiko has picked up a complete inability to display emotion! Could the solution be finding the original owners of all the assorted problems and arranging an un-swap? And if it is, how will they find everyone in the first place? A crazed game of musical personalities encompassing a very surprising cast of characters has only just begun in HENNEKO - THE HENTAI PRINCE & THE STONY CAT!

HENNEKO - The Hentai Prince & the Stony Cat will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION”[/size]

HOUSTON, April 18, 2013 — Make a deal with the Devil himself in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION. This 13 episode action series based on the hit game is directed by Seiji Kishi (Persona 4 The Animation, Angel Beats!) and features series composition by Makoto Uezu (Kamisama Dolls, Qwaser of Stigmata) with character designs by Etsushi Sajima, sound direction by Satoki Iida (Persona 4 The Animation, Inu X Boku SS) and music by Kotao Nakagawa (Inu X Boku SS, S-CRY-ed).

When the world is under attack by a monstrous and seemingly unstoppable enemy, the only way to fight back is with warriors who have already died! Sidestepping a gruesome fate in a subway crash during an earthquake, two young men and a girl find themselves recruited into the ranks of the Devil Summoners and given the ability to literally call up demons to battle against the mysterious Septentrione! Can Hibiki, Daichi and Io survive in a war where demons face demons under human command? Where a person’s death can be seen in advance? Where every living being is just a game piece to be saved or expended? And where each clash comes with a clock counting down to Armageddon? Get ready to be immersed in the ultimate conflict between good and evil as the living, the dead and the demonic combine forces to send the invaders straight back to Hell in DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION!

DEVIL SURVIVOR 2 THE ANIMATION will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “FLOWERS OF EVIL”

HOUSTON, April 19, 2013 — Discover what flowers bloom from the seeds of sin of Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Flowers of Evil. This 13 episode series is directed by Hiroshi Nagahama (Mushi-Shi, Detroit Metal City) and features series composition by Aki Itami with character designs by Hidekazu Shimamura, sound direction by Kazuya Tanaka (High School of the Dead, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi) and music by Hideyuki Fukasawa (Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto).

Darkness lurks everywhere, in every human heart, and sometimes it takes just a second of weakness for it to take root. For Takao Kasuga, that germination begins when his obsession with his beautiful classmate Nanako meets the opportunity to “borrow” her used gym clothes. Unfortunately, his loathsome act of laundry theft is witnessed by Nakamura, the strange girl who sits behind him in class. Soon, Nakamura’s own dark obsessions begin to hook their twisted tendrils into Takao’s miserable existence. Blackmailed into a “contract” under the threat of having his guilt revealed to his entire class, the former bookworm who could spend hours reading Beaudelaire’s “The Flowers of Evil” now finds himself entwined in Nakamura’s growing fantasies as she leads him down the garden path to damnation. As their blossoming relationship becomes ever darker, even the seemingly innocent Nanako is pulled into the nightmare. Just what are Nakamura’s ultimate plans, and will the increasingly trapped Takao really be willing to carry them out? What you sow, you must ultimately reap, and there’s certain to be a harrowing harvest ahead in FLOWERS OF EVIL!

Flowers of Evil will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube. www.sentai-filmworks.com

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “UTA NO PRINCE SAMA”[/size]

HOUSTON, April 19, 2013 — Get ready to make beautiful music with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Uta no Prince Sama 1. This fan favorite 13 episode series is directed by Koh Yuh (Loveless, Angelic Layer) and features series composition by Tomoko Konparu (NANA, Nodame Cantabile) with character designs by Mitsue Mori, sound direction by Shoji Hata (You’re Under Arrest: Full Throttle, Okamkakushi ~ Masque of the Wolf) and music by Elements Garden (Love, Election & Chocolate, Bodacious Space Pirates).

When Haruka gets the chance to take the entrance exam for Saotome Academy for the Performing Arts, it seems as though she’s one step closer to her dream of composing songs for her favorite singer, Hayato. However, this is no gleeful high school musical experience, and Haruka’s hiding a dreadful secret that may silence her musical ambitions forever. And even if she does get into Saotome, the competition will be more brutal than going on Japan’s Top Idol! That’s because, as a writer, Haruka could be paired with any one of six radically different male singers. Will it be upbeat Otoya, serious Masato, flirtatious Ren, split-personality Natsuki, optimistic Syo, or the unapproachable Tokiya, who’s rumored to be Hayato’s brother? And just to make things more complicated and awkward, writers and singers are expressly NOT allowed to become romantically involved! Can one girl and six handsome young men learn to make beautiful music together in a strictly Platonic sense? They can if the oddball staff of Saotome, most of whom are current and former idols themselves, have anything to say about it in Uta no Prince Sama!

Uta no Prince Sama 1 will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE SEVERING CRIME EDGE”

HOUSTON, April 22, 2013 — Experience hair raising thrills, razor-edged suspense and shear insanity in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: The Severing Crime Edge! This 13 episode series is directed by Yuji Yamaguchi (Fate / stay night TV) and features character designs by Katsuzo Hirata (Angel Beats!) with series composition by Tatsuhiko Urahata (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere), sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (CLANNAD) and music by Yasuharu Takanashi (Hell Girl).

Kiri Haimura loves cutting hair. Actually, he doesn’t just love cutting hair, he obsesses over it and even has a special set of scissors he delights in using. But when his mane obsession for a bit of trim draws him to Iwai Mushanokōji , whose long hair has never been cut, he finds himself entangled in a situation no shears can hack him out of. Because Iwai is heir to a strange curse that makes her hair impossible to cut. Or, at least, until Kiri’s clippers take off a lock, thereby revealing that his scissors are cursed as well! But now that she’s shorn free, Iwai has a slew of “murderers” after her, each armed with their own cursed implements and eager for the chance to kill the “Hair Queen.” And if that’s not enough to make Kiri wig out, it seems that many of them actually attend his own school! Will this evil crew cut in on Kiri’s Hair Queen, or will he snip their ambitions in the bud? The worst hair day ever turns into the ultimate series of close shaves, distressing situations and, yes, brushes with death in SEVERING CRIME EDGE!

The Severing Crime Edge will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

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

HOUSTON, April 22, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks invites you to experience life’s ups, downs and surprises and occasionally the internet in their newest acquisition: Yuyushiki! This 13 episode is directed by Kaori and features character designs by Yoshiyuki Tabata with series composition by Natsuko Takahashi and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa.

Everyone knows you can learn a lot on the internet, and some of it is even true. But if you want to know what’s REALLY going on and important, then there’s just one place to go: the computer club! Okay, so maybe it’s not the club itself, but the three girls you’re most likely to find there. And maybe they do spend more time chatting about their social lives and debating things like the virtues of ketchup versus mayonnaise than they do learning about the ins and outs of a keyboard, but whatever they’re up to, it’s sure to put a smile on your face. So come join serious Yui, hyperactive Yuzuko and lovable but not quite in touch with reality Yukari and learn what the mysterious YuiYukari Formula is all about in YUYUSHIKI!

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

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

I always wondered what was up with Sentai and the Internet as their official website(s) are pretty lacking.

Today I decided to check out their facebook page, thinking that a company that has been around for so long (and isn’t Nintendo) has to have a more competent internet presence. There I find a rather active, up-to-date internet outlet for Sentai. Another tragic case of a company using Facebook as their primary internet presence, and they’re using it in a blog-like format. It’s like web sites that put all their stuff in a forum, only more annoying and less convenient.

So I thank people who repost their info onto more civilized places on the internet, places that can be bookmarked, searched, don’t have a real chance of being restricted to Facebook members arbitrarily and have a more guaranteed longevity.

C’mon Sentai. When you were ADV you had websites and even tried to get in on the then-burgeoning fad of BitTorrent. Today your internet presence is scarcely more than an ad-riddled Facebook blog.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “SAMURAI BRIDE” [/size]

HOUSTON, April 23, 2013 — Here comes the bride with a katana by her side in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Samurai Bride. This 12 episode follow up to the smash series Samurai Girls is helmed by returning director KOBUN, and features character designs by Samurai Girls alumni Tsutomu Miyazawa, with series composition by Satoru Nishizono (Needless, Psychic Squad), sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (AKB0048, Queen’s Blade Rebellion) and music by Tatsuya Katou (MEDAKA BOX, Campione!).

Things seemed to be going so well for Muneakira Yagyu, the hapless warrior inexplicably stuck with the ability to awaken a girl’s latent samurai powers with a single kiss. Just having to deal with the impossible Jubei, who fell out of the sky and into his arms and lips, would be more than enough for most men to handle, let alone having the additional stress of being the target of a half dozen other sets of feminine wiles and martial arts prowess. But on top of that, they HAD just defeated the minion of a great evil, so was it too much to ask for a little break in the routine of saving Japan? Apparently it was, as the great evil is back, but that’s the LEAST of the problems complicating Muneakira’s life. Because with all the girls he kissed in order to awaken their latent samurai powers, the inevitable has finally happened and someone’s taking the long walk down the aisle with a samurai girl! It’s going to be a REALLY old fashioned wedding and any resistance by the groom will be totally feudal in SAMURAI BRIDE!

Samurai Bride will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks celebrates its 5th Anniversary as one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Persona 4, Girls und Panzer, Devil Survivor 2, Bodacious Space Pirates, Majestic Prince and High School of the Dead as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies, K-ON! and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs are distributed through Ingram Entertainment, Diamond Comic Distributors, Section23Films and Waxworks through retailers Amazon, Best Buy, Fry’s, FYE, Hastings, Sam Goody, Suncoast, The Right Stuf, Wal-Mart and other good and fine stores. Digital product offerings may be found at Amazon, Anime Network, Crunchyroll, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Netflix, PlayStation Network, Rovi, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.