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

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.

Per PR

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

HOUSTON, July 6, 2013 — Play a winning hand with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Fantasista Doll! This 12 episode series is directed by Hisashi Saito (Heaven’s Lost Property) and features character designs by Hiromi Kato (Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East, GUILTY CROWN) with sound direction by Yota Tsuruoka (Clannad) and music by Yasuharu Takanashi (Hell Girl).

No one ever knows what life has waiting in the cards for them, but for Uzume Uno, the surprises aren’t just in the cards but also in what comes out of them! Through a strange quirk of fate, this typical junior high school student finds herself in possession of a mysterious deck of cards from which five magical girls known as the Fantasista Dolls materialize! By playing the cards in different combinations, Uzume can equip the “Sistas” with an amazing variety of costumes and weapons. Which is going to come in extremely handy, as a new danger that only the Dolls can stop is coming to threaten the Earth! Will Uzume be able to deal with both the Dolls odd demands AND the fate of mankind resting on her shoulders? Or are the odds hopelessly stacked against her? With the future of everyone she knows and loves riding on her, Uzume’s going to have to learn how to play the hand she’s been dealt pretty quickly, because while she may know when to hold them, folding them isn’t going to be an option with the world at stake in FANTASISTA DOLL!

Fantasista Doll will be available soon 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 “FATE/KALEID LINER PRISMA ILLYA”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 6, 2013 — In a universe filled with “what ifs” and “could have beens”, sometimes the same elements combine to produce something completely different. As they have in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya! This mystical fantasy set in an alternate universe to the popular Fate/Stay Night franchise is directed by Shin Oonuma (Dusk maiden of Amnesia, ef ~ a tale of memories) and features character designs by Nozomi Ushijima, with series composition by Kenji Inoue and music by Tatsuya Katou.

Illyaviel von Einzbern seems like a normal school girl, but all that changes when a magic wand named Ruby decides that young Illya is the perfect choice to be her new “master.” On the plus side, that means Illya can use Ruby to gain magical powers. On the negative, Ruby’s previous owner, Rin Tosaka, isn’t exactly thrilled to be de-wanded, especially since she’s just accepted an assignment from the Wizard Zelretch to collect seven magical Class Cards holding legendary spirits inside. However, since the unbending wand is sticking to its decision, the only solution is for Illya to take up the task while Rin supervises. Meanwhile, another girl named Miyu has been chosen by the magic wand Sapphire as HER new master, much to the irritation of Sapphire’s previous master, Rin’s arch rival Luvia Edelfelt! Exactly what kind of plan are the wands conjuring up? It’s a mystical fantasy set in an alternate universe to the popular Fate/Stay Night franchise, in which some very familiar looking characters end up in some very different and completely unexpected situations! Prepare to be en-spelled as six magic-challenged maidens hit the road to adventure in Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya!

Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya will be available soon 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 “KINMOZA!”[/size]

HOUSTON, July 6, 2013 — The British are coming! The British are coming! Coming to Sentai Filmworks that is! Sentai’s latest acquisition is KINMOZA!, a 12 episode series directed by TENSHO, featuring character designs by Kazuyuki Ueta, with series composition by Yuniko Ayana, sound direction by Jin Aketagawa and music by Ruka Kawada.

When Shinobu was still in middle school, she had the amazing opportunity to study in England while living with a host family as an exchange student. And while that was several years ago and she still doesn’t do all that well in English class, Shinobu has had warm feelings for everything English ever since. So when Shinobu learns that the daughter of her host family, Alice Cartelet, is coming to stay with her and study in Japan, she’s thrilled. But will Alice be able to fit in with Shinobu’s Japanese schoolfriends, Youko and Aya? And how will the arrival of Shinobu’s old rival Karen, who’s half-English and half-Japanese, affect the potential culture clash? Every day is an adventure in international diplomacy and self discovery as a group of schoolgirls learn new lessons about each other and themselves in KIMOZA!

KINMOZA! will be available starting 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.

[quote=“Series5Ranger”]

[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 *.[/quote]

I believe that it is possible that there is some “diamond in the rough” anime that could come to light from this deal. I don’t think that the odds of such happening are high.

About the only cause for hope I have is that the story for Gilgamesh was penned in the same time period as anime that this licensing deal potentially allows Sentai to bring to market. While the Gilgamesh anime didn’t come out until much, much later it does give me reason to hope that there is an anime buried deep in Tatsunoko’s vaults that at least tried to have a deeper plot/story than its contemporaries.