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

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS HOSTS MAKOTO SHINKAI AT ANIME EXPO 2013.[/size]

HOUSTON, June 14, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to welcome critically acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai as our Special Guest of Honor for Anime Expo 2013; and in celebration of the event, Sentai will be hosting the official English Language premiere of his new animated masterpiece, The Garden of Words. A mesmerizing drama focusing on two unusual acquaintances who become much more than friends over the course of several rainy days, The Garden Of Words is the latest animated treasure to join Shinkai’s amazing pantheon of previous work, which already includes the breakout hit Voices of a Distant Star, She and Her Cat, The Place Promised In Our Early Days, 5CM Per Second and the feature length Children Who Chase Lost Voices.

Widely considered to be one of the most influential new figures in the anime industry by fans and critics alike, this will be Makoto Shinkai’s first appearance at Anime Expo, North America’s largest dedicated anime convention. Both the convention and the official Premiere of The Garden Of Words will take place in the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles, CA, with Mr. Shinkai appearing from July 6th and 7th and the Premiere taking place on July 6th at 3:00PM in Video Room 1. Whether you’re an anime enthusiast or a serious student of film, this event promises to be a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and interact with an animation legend in the making. The fireworks will only be the start of the festivities, so come join Sentai Filmworks, Anime Expo and 50,000+ attendees as we show Mr. Shinkai how anime fans celebrate the four day Fourth of July weekend!

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.

Sentai Filmworks Announces Makoto Shinkai at Anime Expo

[SIZE=18]Sentai Filmworks Announces Makoto Shinkai Anime Expo Schedule[/SIZE]

Sentai Filmworks is proud to bring Makoto Shinkai, director behind such masterpieces as Children Who Chase Lost Voices, 5cm Per Second, and his latest marvel, The Garden of Words, to this year’s Anime Expo as our honored guest.

In addition to hosting the US English Language premiere of The Garden of Words, Shinkai-san will also be appearing in a number of other venues. Below is his full schedule of appearances:

[B]The Garden of Words English Language Premiere[/B]

Saturday, July 6th
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM in Video Room 1

Enjoy the US English Language Premiere of Makoto Shinkai’s lastest masterpiece The Garden of Words, with an introduction from the director himself!

[B]The Garden of Words Green Carpet Reception[/B]

Saturday, July 6th
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM in Lounge 21

The drinks are on us at The Garden of Words Green Carpet Reception, where famed director Makoto Shinkai will be available for autograph/photo requests. Limited space available, must be 21 or older.

[B]The Garden of Words Panel: A Conversation with Makoto Shinkai[/B]

Sunday, July 7th
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM in LP1

We invite you to attend The Garden of Words Panel, where director Makoto Shinkai will speak candidly about his new film, as well as answer questions from the audience.

For more details on The Garden of Words, visit www.thegardenofwordsmovie.com

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DI GI CHARAT”[/size]

HOUSTON, June 25, 2013 — Get ready for cat girls, aliens and idol singers galore in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Di Gi Charat! The original 16 episode TV series directed by Hiroaki Sakurai (Maid Sama!) features character designs by Koge Donbo (A Little Snow Fairy Sugar manga) and Yoshinobu Yamakawa, with music by Yusuke Sakamoto (Aquarian Age the Movie). Sentai Filmworks’ license also includes the Di Gi Charat Specials (14 episodes) and Di Gi Charat Winter Garden (2 episodes).

Dejiko is a perfectly normal princess from the planet Di Gi Charat, who arrives in Tokyo with dreams of becoming an idol. Unfortunately, girls with cat ears and a tail, and who can shoot ray beams out of their cat eyes, aren’t exactly what most prospective employers are looking for. But there’s one place where Dejiko does fit in perfectly: Akihabara, where a kindly game store owner offers a job to Dejiko, her sidekick Puchiko and their balloon-like protector Gema. But things still aren’t going to be simple, as Dejiko’s bunnysuit clad rival Rabi-en-Rose wants to become an idol too. And when the notorious Black Gema-Gema Gang, led by Princess Piyoko of the planet Analogue, lands in Tokyo, it will be all Dejiko can do to keep up with Piyoko’s nefarious plot of opening a rival game store across the street! (She’s kind of on a budget, since her parents spent all their money unsuccessfully trying to take over Di Gi Charat.) Can an interstellar cat princess really find happiness on Earth in the music industry? Find out in the DI GI CHARAT!

Di Gi Charat will be available soon through select digital outlets and on bilingual DVD 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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

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

HOUSTON, June 25, 2013 — Get ready for the one that started it all as Sentai Filmworks brings Gatchaman to the U.S. in high definition! All 105 episodes of the original TV series plus the three episode OVA series will be released in both DVD & BD versions. This classic action series is directed by Hisayuki Toriumi (Area 88) and features character designs by Tatsuo Yoshida (Hurricane Polymar) with sound direction by Shigeharu Shiba (Sorcerer Hunters) and music by Bob Sakuma.

Using amazing weapons powered by super-science, the international terrorist organization known as GALACTOR is out to steal all of Earth’s resources for itself and its inhuman masters. Mankind’s only hope? The International Science Organization and their elite strike force, the Science Ninja Team! But these five young heroes will have their work cut out for them as they take on the seemingly impossible task of defeating GALACTOR’s horrific arsenal of mechanized weapons of mass destruction and endless armies of henchmen. Can costumed commandos Ken the Eagle, Joe the Condor, Jun the Swallow, Jinpei the Sparrow and Ryu the Owl really overcome such overwhelming odds? Utilizing the incredible technology and fighting techniques created by Dr. Nambu, and with the mighty ship the God Phoenix at their command, they just might! It’s time for the bad guys to get old-schooled science-ninja style as Japan’s original super team defeat evil, one flying kick at a time, in the legendary, one and only GATCHAMAN!

Gatchaman will be available soon through select digital outlets and on bilingual BD & DVD 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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “GODANNAR”.[/size]

HOUSTON, June 27, 2013 — A man, a woman and an alien invasion – it’s going to be a hell of a honeymoon in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Godannar! This 26 episode fan favorite is directed by Yasuchika Nagaoka (Banner of the Stars) and features character designs by Takahiro Kimura (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion) with sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (AKB0048) and music by Chuumei Watanabe.

Five years ago, Goh, the pilot of the giant robot Dannar, rescued Anna Aoi as the monstrous Mimetic Beasts attempted to wipe human life from the planet. Now the Beasts are back, but Goh’s not going back into battle alone. Not only does his new bride-to-be Anna have a mech of her own, but their “his and her” giant robots are designed to mate together to form the ultimate in alien-smashing technology, the mighty Godannar! Unfortunately, while they may have the perfect partnership on the battlefield, things aren’t running so smoothly on the home front and when “the other woman” from Goh’s past suddenly returns, the rifts that are opened may be wide enough to put the entire defense of mankind in jeopardy! Can an international supporting cast of the wildest giant robot pilots ever hold the line until Goh and Anna can come together in the cockpit, join interlocking parts and create the perfect marriage of man, woman and machine? It’s time to love, honor and kick serious monster ass as family ties go nuclear in GODANNAR!

Godannar will be available soon through select digital outlets and on bilingual DVD 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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF ROYAL SPACE FORCE : THE WINGS OF HONNEAMISE

HOUSTON, June 27, 2013 — Maiden Japan is proud to announce their latest acquisition: Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise, the movie that Roger Ebert called “…one of the most ambitious of all anime productions…”! This legendary film catapulted Studio Gainax to the fore as one of Japan’s premiere production houses and features direction and screenplay by Hiroyuki Yamaga (Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Mahoromatic Automatic Maiden) and character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto (Nadia, Secret of Blue Water, Neon Genesis Evangelion).

In a world eerily similar to our own, war between the Kingdom of Honneamise and its archrival, The Republic, seems inevitable. But even as the two nations’ rapidly evolving technology creates new ways to wage greater and more deadly forms of warfare, a small group seeks to use those same advances to propel mankind forward into the future and into space in their world’s first manned spaceflight program. For astronaut candidate Shirotsugh Lhadatt, it’s not just a journey beyond the reach of the atmosphere, but a personal odyssey as he grows from an aimless young man into a leader willing to put everything on the line in order to move the human race forward and away from the brink of Armageddon. Staggering animation, brilliant storytelling and a scope that goes beyond epic combine to produce an emotional powerhouse that will send your spirit flying towards the stars with THE ROYAL SPACE FORCE: THE WINGS OF HONNEAMISE!

Maiden Japan will be distributing Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honneamise in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) on bilingual DVD & BD 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 new and classic titles that includes such hot releases as TOKYO MAGNITUDE 8.0, VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU TV, BLACK MAGIC M-66 and PATLABOR. 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 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.

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.

From Anime Expo:

[quote]16:24:25 <bay|AX|Sentai> Nov titles
16:24:38 <bay|AX|Sentai> Hiiro no Kakera S2
16:24:39 <bay|AX|Sentai> DVD and BD
16:24:41 <bay|AX|Sentai> Nakaimo
16:24:54 <bay|AX|Sentai> My Little Sister is Among Them Complete collection DVD and BD
16:25:01 <bay|AX|Sentai> Little Busters S1
16:25:05 <bay|AX|Sentai> on DVD in Nov
16:25:18 <bay|AX|Sentai> La Historia de La Arcana Familiar DVD and BD
16:25:41 <bay|AX|Sentai> putting out… High School of the Dead Drifters of the Dead on DVD and BD[/quote]

[quote]16:25:53 <bay|AX|Sentai> and some license rescues
16:26:03 <bay|AX|Sentai> Sentai has license Divergence Eve and Yumeria
16:26:05 <bay|AX|Sentai> complete collections in Nov[/quote]

[quote]16:26:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> Sentai has made a special deal with Tatsunoko for a lot of their library
16:26:34 <bay|AX|Sentai> and we will be releasing a lot of their titles …
16:26:43 <bay|AX|Sentai> Casshern is part of the deal
16:26:48 <bay|AX|Sentai> Gatchaman…
16:26:55 <bay|AX|Sentai> we will be announcing the titles as we go
16:27:02 <bay|AX|Sentai> we have signed a special deal with them for their library[/quote]

[quote]16:28:25 <bay|AX|Sentai> we’re excited to work with TBS on this series (Chunibyo)
16:28:27 <bay|AX|Sentai> coming on DVD and BD
16:28:34 <bay|AX|Sentai> release date pending … Q1 next year
16:28:36 <bay|AX|Sentai> early next year[/quote]

[quote]16:41:26 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For Girls und Panzer, will there be horrible accents dubbed in?
16:41:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: I don’t think there will be, The director hasn’t been set, nor has the cast[/quote]

[quote]16:42:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For the Gatchman set, will it include the Alex Ross artwork?
16:42:35 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: My understanding is they are talking about that, I’m getting a nod, so it will.[/quote]

[quote]16:43:11 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For Golgo 13… is that just the original series?
16:43:25 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: It’s just the series we released on DVD up to this point, it’s going to be re-released complete on DVD and BD. Don’t have any other news on the rest.[/quote]

[quote]16:43:54 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: Which nov titles are getting DVD/BD?
16:44:12 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: all but Little Busters… which is pending BD approval, the intent is to do one we’re waiting for approval from the Japanese for that[/quote]

[quote]16:44:42 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: Does the Tatsunoko deal include Speed Racer?
16:44:43 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: Can’t confirm or deny.[/quote]

[quote]16:47:00 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: How did you get the tank here?
16:47:12 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: They brought it on a flatbed and then drove it a block.[/quote]

[quote]16:48:53 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: OVA’s and extras for Panzer?
16:49:12 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: Good question… honestly don’t know the answer right now… but if you go by the Section 23 booth, I can check and see if i can find out[/quote]

[quote]16:49:32 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: There is a scene where the girls are singing the Katusha song, will that be included?
16:49:28 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: I don’t know[/quote]

[quote]16:49:54 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: You said you were fixing the previous defective releases, but you’ve only done Kids on the Slope, what others and when?
16:50:09 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: I would have to check with Seraphim, I know Kids on the Slope has been corrected[/quote]

[quote]16:51:02 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: Panzer movie?
16:51:05 <bay|AX|Sentai> Can’t confirm nor deny[/quote]

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS INKS DEAL WITH TATSUNOKO PRODUCTION[/size]

HOUSTON, July 4, 2013 — Tatsunoko Production and Sentai Filmworks today announced its acquisition of 100s of hours of programming from Tatsunoko Production’s library. This exclusive license includes eleven of the most influential and beloved anime series, including such classics as Gatchaman and Casshan.

“We’re really excited to bring these Tatsunoko Production titles to anime fans of all generations. Particularly at a time when technology allows us to reach viewers not only through traditional media, but also compelling new digital platforms,” said John Ledford, President of Sentai Filmworks.

Details, including titles, release dates and formats, and digital outlets will be forthcoming over the next year as each of the licensed series is prepared for release.

About Tatsunoko Production
“The dream for children from all of the world…”
These words are the corporate motto and led to the foundation of Tatsunoko Production in 1962. Tatsunoko made the first step into the world of animation by giving birth to “Space Ace” in 1965 and then to “Mach Go Go Go (a.k.a. Speed Racer)” in 1967. Beginning in the late ‘60s, Tatsunoko’s original animations were sweeping over the world and sending hits to every genre such as “Gatchaman” and “Samurai Pizza Cats”. Tatsunoko celebrates its 50th anniversary and is planning to utilize and exploit the world renowned properties to expand into the broader entertainment and services market.

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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

No date for this?

[quote]16:25:53 <bay|AX|Sentai> and some license rescues
16:26:03 <bay|AX|Sentai> Sentai has license Divergence Eve and Yumeria
16:26:05 <bay|AX|Sentai> complete collections in Nov[/quote]

BD? Using the superior video seen here on TAN?

[quote]16:26:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> Sentai has made a special deal with Tatsunoko for a lot of their library
16:26:34 <bay|AX|Sentai> and we will be releasing a lot of their titles …
16:26:43 <bay|AX|Sentai> Casshern is part of the deal
16:26:48 <bay|AX|Sentai> Gatchaman…
16:26:55 <bay|AX|Sentai> we will be announcing the titles as we go
16:27:02 <bay|AX|Sentai> we have signed a special deal with them for their library[/quote]

Meh. Access to a beaucoup of really cheesy anime that is hokier than stuff like Space Ghost and Birdman? I hope they got a good deal on this “special” deal because it sounds like a dud to me.

[quote]16:28:25 <bay|AX|Sentai> we’re excited to work with TBS on this series (Chunibyo)
16:28:27 <bay|AX|Sentai> coming on DVD and BD
16:28:34 <bay|AX|Sentai> release date pending … Q1 next year
16:28:36 <bay|AX|Sentai> early next year[/quote]

[quote]16:41:26 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For Girls und Panzer, will there be horrible accents dubbed in?
16:41:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: I don’t think there will be, The director hasn’t been set, nor has the cast[/quote]

When has Sentai used horrible accents? I think the word that was meant was “hilarious”. Since they both start with “H” I can sort of see how the confusion occurred.

[quote]16:42:29 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For the Gatchman set, will it include the Alex Ross artwork?
16:42:35 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: My understanding is they are talking about that, I’m getting a nod, so it will.[/quote]

So the box art will look cool while the actual show continues to look like crap in comparison? Sarcastic thanks for that.

[quote]16:43:11 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: For Golgo 13… is that just the original series?
16:43:25 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: It’s just the series we released on DVD up to this point, it’s going to be re-released complete on DVD and BD. Don’t have any other news on the rest.[/quote]

Thank you Sentai! The 2 older Golgo 13 animated movies are crap. They besmirch the manga, the anime and the entire concept of Golgo 13. They should not exist.

[quote]16:47:00 <bay|AX|Sentai> Q: How did you get the tank here?
16:47:12 <bay|AX|Sentai> A: They brought it on a flatbed and then drove it a block.[/quote]

…they’d better have more than just a small-ish industry booth and a shoehorned-in Sunday panel at Otakon 2013.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16] SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “STELLA WOMEN’S ACADEMY, HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION CLASS C3”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 5, 2013 — Girl just want to have guns in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Stella Women’s Academy, High School Division Class C3! This rambunctious 12 episode series is helmed by first time director Masayoshi Kawajiri, and features character designs by Manami Umeshita (MEDAKA BOX), with sound direction by Jun Watanabe (MEDAKA BOX) and music by Kotaro Nakagawa (Devil Survivor 2 The Animation).

When Yura Yamato arrives at Stella Girl’s Academy, she knows there’s something a little different about her dorm mates. But it’s not until her new roommate Sonora invites her to join a club called C3 that it all becomes clear. Because C3 stands for Command, Control and Communications, and NOW Yura understands why all of the other girls have model guns! It’s a survivalist club, and what her new friends like to do is shoot each other! It’s not exactly your typical teenage girl pastime, but Sonora and her friends Karira and Honoka are seriously into it. So faster than you can say “Bang, bang, you’re dead,” Yura and fellow new recruits Rento and Yachiyo are drafted into the ranks of the Caliber Centric Crowd! But the loaded question that puts Yura in the crosshairs of a dilemma is whether she has what it takes to stand and deliver in the face of oncoming friendly fire. Will her hopes of fitting in be shot down or will she hit the target she’s aiming for? Scope out the insanity as Yura pulls the trigger and throws everyone’s battle plans into total disarray in Stella Women’s Academy, High School Division Class C3!

Stella Women’s Academy, High School Division Class C3 will be available soon through select digital outlets and on home video in 2014.

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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES SECOND SEASON OF “HAKKENDEN EIGHT DOGS OF THE EAST”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 5, 2013 — Those who live by the sword may very well die by the sword in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: the second season of Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East![/B] The 13 episode follow up to the popular first season features the return of Chief Director Osamu Yamasaki (Hakuoki: Dawn of the Shinsengumi), Director Mitsue Yamasaki, Character Designer Hiromi Kato (Needless), Sound Director Hozumi Goda (Vampire Knight) with music by Hitomi Kuroishi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion).

Forced to choose between death and an unnatural life bound to the living sword Murasame, Shino Inuzuka chose the sword. Now, however, in the bloody aftermath of his transformation and Kohaku’s death, Shino’s awareness of the true scope of his bond with Murasame has expanded. Is he truly a curse to all who meet him? In the end, the focus must return to the mysterious beads which started everything. What exactly are their origin and powers? Who and where are the holders who have not yet been located? And what are Rio Satomi and the Imperial Church’s real roles in all of this? The search continues in the second stunning season of HAKKENDEN: EIGHT DOGS OF THE EAST!

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East will be available in July through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow in 2014.

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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16] SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DOG & SCISSORS”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 5, 2013 — For a twisted tail with a novel twist, be sure to check out Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Dog & Scissors! This 12 episode romp from animation powerhouse GONZO is directed by Yukio Takahashi and features character designs by Youko Satou, with series composition by Toshizo Nemoto, sound direction by Jun Watanabe and music by Akito Matsuda.

Kazuhito Harumi was the ultimate bookworm, spending days at a time with his head buried in his beloved books, and little could make him happier than perusing the pages of his favorite author, Shinobu Akiyama. Unfortunately, Kazuhito’s life goes to the dogs, literally, when he gets himself killed while trying to stop a robber! Thanks to the power of a true bookworm, however, Kazuhito inexplicably finds himself reincarnated as a dog, which might not be so bad if dogs could READ. Or if the woman who adopts him didn’t have twin predilections for playing with scissors and tormenting her new pet! But what truly makes this strange reincarnation the worst of all possible worlds is that she’s also his FAVORITE AUTHOR! The horror! Can Kazuhito find a way to live with this tantrum throwing typist, or will her crazed clippings prove to be his undoing? Can he escape her constant hounding via the doggy door, or is he barking up the wrong tree? There’s a rough, rough time ahead as canine compulsive readers and literary she-wolves get snippy with each other when doggies do what they gotta do in DOG AND SCISSORS!

Dog & Scissors will be available in July through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow in 2014.

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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

I guess this means that Funimation no longer has exclusive access to Gonzo titles? I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing really.

I’m thinking Leviathan was a bundle deal for this, since they announced the license for that so late.
But yeah, it’ll be interesting to see how this pans out, since Gonzo isn’t the studio it once was.

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]

[quote=“dragonrider_cody”]
I guess this means that Funimation no longer has exclusive access to Gonzo titles? I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing really.[/quote]

I’m thinking Leviathan was a bundle deal for this, since they announced the license for that so late.
But yeah, it’ll be interesting to see how this pans out, since Gonzo isn’t the studio it once was.[/quote]

It isn’t? But their modern CG looks nigh identical to their CG from over a decade ago! How could it not be the same? :silly:

More seriously, I’m trying to remember what the last Gonzo show worth watching was and how many years ago it was made. Probably the better part of a decade.

I’m not sure about another Sentai show with scissors but I’ll give it a chance.

I think Red Garden and Welcome to the NHK were the last Gonzo series I watched that I really enjoyed. Before that, there wasn’t much. Afterwards, they nearly went bankrupt and their stock was delisted. They’re certainly not the fan favorite they once were, that’s for sure.

For me, since I still haven’t seen all of NHK, I think the last Gonzo title of merit that I saw was, well…um…Witchblde?

I see that the lone Divergence Eve dvd @ RS has commentary. Will these commentary (ies>) be on the pending reissue?

It was just announced, we’ll have no idea until the Nov. solicitations come out later this month.

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “ROZEN MAIDEN ~ ZURÜCKSPULEN”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 6, 2013 — A single decision, a single change and the world becomes a complete different place. Or does it? Find out in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Rozen Maiden ~ Zurückspulen! This 12 episode reimagining of the classic Rozen Maiden series is directed by Mamoru Hatakeyama (Sankarea) and features character designs by Kyuta Sakai (When They Cry ~ Higurashi), with series composition and sound direction by Tomomi Mochizuki (Touka Gettan) and music by Shinkichi Mitsumune (Rozen Maiden).

Time is a strange thing. In every moment, there are fleeting circumstances of opportunity, which if taken, can completely change the course of one’s life. And there are those who postulate that not only is each of these chains of events possible, but that there are parallel worlds where those events HAVE taken place. Which brings us to the story of Jun Sakurada… a Jun who chose NOT to turn the key in the back of the lifelike doll that mysteriously arrived at his house. A Jun who DIDN’T enter into a contract with the Rozen Maiden known as Shinku, and never met any of the other Rozen Maidens. Or, should we say, hasn’t met them YET. Because just as certain opportunities exist for only a moment, there are also threads of fate so strong that the very fabric universe can turn itself inside out in order to make them happen. One of which is the thread connecting Jun and Shinku. The events of the original ROZEN MAIDEN are rewritten, and the destiny of the characters rewound as a once lost spark is rekindled in ROZEN MAIDEN ~ ZURÜCKSPULEN!

Rozen Maiden ~ Zurückspulen will be available starting in July through select digital outlets and on home video in 2014.

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, Samsung, Vudu, XBOX Marketplace and YouTube.

[quote=“celestial_being”]
Meh. Access to a beaucoup of really cheesy anime that is hokier than stuff like Space Ghost and Birdman? I hope they got a good deal on this “special” deal because it sounds like a dud to me.[/quote]

I’ll take the Tatsunoko deal on a case by case basis, then buy the titles I’m interested in. Really can’t say *until we know what the other titles are going to be *.

If Super Dimension Fortress Macross is part of the deal, then Sentai better start talking to AnimEigo and get permission to use their Awesome Liner Notes that they included with the release they did of Macross 12 years ago.