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

[TheCoffeeGod]

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “CUTICLE DETECTIVE INABA”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 14, 2013 — It’s not the wolf at the door that you have to watch out for inSentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Cuticle Detective Inaba. Based on the manga by Mochi, this 12 episode series is directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and features series composition by Makoto Nakamura, character designs by Satoshi Koike and sound direction by Hideo Takahashi.

In a world where half-human, half-animal chimeras live and work alongside normal people, there are sure to be a few bad apples in the bunch. Unfortunately, half-human criminals means non-human clues that often leave the police stumped. That’s where lone wolf detectives like Hiroshi Inaba come in. He’s literally part wolf and has the amazing ability to extract critical information just by examining or tasting a sample of someone’s hair! Of course, that ability has also resulted in Inaba having a little bit of a hair fetish, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem for his two assistants. (Well, at least the cross-dressing one isn’t complaining much.) And it’s nothing compared to the strange tastes of Inaba’s nemesis, the omnivorous (and half goat) crime boss Don Valentino, who has an appetite for green legal tender instead of tender young greens! Inaba’s sworn to cut Valentino out of the criminal flock before the Don can wolf down more ill-gotten dough, but he’s going to have to chew his way through a lot of evidence to get his goat. Can sheer dogged detective work put the baaaaad guys behind bars? Find out in CUTICLE DETECTIVE INABA!

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

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF PATLABOR OVAS![/size]

HOUSTON, January 15, 2013— Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the classic police action-comedy PATLABOR. The original 7 episode OVA series is directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) with scripts by Kazunori Ito (Dirty Pair), character designs by Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange Road), mechanical designs by Yutaka Izubuchi (Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack) and music by Kenji Kawai (Vampire Princess Miyu).
Drunk drivers are bad, but put a drunk driver in a giant robot called a Labor and you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen. And when REAL criminals get their hands on those same giant robots, the cops need giant robots of their own just to maintain the status quo, right? Well, in any case, that’s the logic behind the development of the Patlabor program and special Labor Crime units like Japan’s Section 2. But what logic fails to take into account is where to find police officers who’re equally conversant with both robots and the regulations? And THAT’s where the motley crew of Section 2, Division 2 comes in! With ridiculously perky tomboy Noa Izumi and gun-happy madman Isao Ohta as primary Labor pilots and the impossibly laid back Captain Goto in what passes for command, SV2 is ready to hit the streets with their twenty ton feet! But will they be taking a byte out of crime or have they bitten off more than they can chew? The law of the land and the laws of robotics are about to collide in MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR!

Maiden Japan will be distributing PATLABOR in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the original OVA series to be released in bilingual English DVD, BD 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.

[TheCoffeeGod]

Per PR

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

HOUSTON, January 15, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East. Overseen by Chief Director Osamu Yamasaki (Hakuoki: Dawn of the Shinsengumi) and directed by Mitsue Yamasaki, this series features character designs by Hiromi Kato (Needless), sound direction by Hozumi Goda (Vampire Knight) and music by Hitomi Kuroishi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion).

When their village was wiped out five years ago, only Shino Inuzuka, Sosuke Inukawa and the girl Hamaji, who was raised as if she were their sister, survived. And both men inexplicably have the same peony-shaped birthmark. Genpachi Inukai and Kobungo Inuta were raised 100s of miles away as foster brothers, but they too share the same birthmark. When they went north as part of the army three years ago, they went to confront demons and came back forever transformed. Now the Imperial Church has come for Shino and Sosuke and they must find eight mystical gems and their owners or face a fate worse than death at the hands of the Church. One of Japan’s greatest works of literature is born again in HAKKENDEN: EIGHT DOGS OF THE EAST!

Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

[TheCoffeeGod]

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “AKB0048”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 16, 2013 — Get ready to rock in the New Year with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: AKB0048! This epic 26 episode series is directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike (Kaleido Star, Amagami SS) and features series composition by Mari Okada (Vampire Knight, Canaan), character designs by Risa Ebata (Macross Frontier), sound director by Jin Aketagawa (Samurai Girls, Canaan) and music by Hiroshi Takaki (Tytania).

The year is 0048, and in the wake of the great wars, all forms of entertainment have been banned by the dystopian and iron-gloved rule of the anti-music DES. To combat this threat to intergalactic harmony, a group of bold young women have resurrected the legendary J-Pop band AKB48 and formed an all new Band of Sisters – AKB0048! But these rocking rebels aren’t simply singers! Trained in combat as well as choreography, these striking strike team members are equally at home in concert halls and in the trenches. Under the leadership of the mysterious Sensei Sensei, they’re ready to lay down their lives in order to make the universe a safe place for getting your groove on! And as a fresh new team of singer-soldiers join the cause and enter basic training, the batons and battle gear are about to be passed to a new generation of daring divas! Get ready to polish your dancing boots and dive into danger with the latest hard hitting hits as the new recruits take the staging ground and the veterans provide the musical soundtrack to their own action epic in AKB0048!

AKB0048 will be available soon on select digital outlets and later this year on home video.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

[SpaceCobraJoe]

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU”

HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. Atsuko Ishikuza directs this 12 episode series …[/quote]

The series has been extended to 24 episodes.

I haven’t seen an announcement for it, but the show on ANN and also showed up on Crunchyroll.

-Joe

[dragonrider_cody]

[quote=“SpaceCobraJoe”]

[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “THE PET GIRL OF SAKURASOU”

HOUSTON, November 13, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce their newest acquisition: The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. Atsuko Ishikuza directs this 12 episode series …[/quote]

The series has been extended to 24 episodes.

I haven’t seen an announcement for it, but the show on ANN and also showed up on Crunchyroll.

-Joe[/quote]

TAN mentioned it in one of their weekly updates, or on Facebook, or something like that.

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]MAIDEN JAPAN ANNOUNCES LICENSE OF “LOVE LOVE?[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — Maiden Japan today announced its acquisition of the romantic comedy Love Love? where the writer isn’t just flirting with danger, he’s being written into a corner!. This 13 episode series is directed by Takeo Takahashi (Rozen Maiden) and features character design by Miwa Oshima (Koihime Muso) and music by Toshihiko Sahashi (Steel Angel Kurumi).

It’s said that Heaven and Hell can be the same place, depending upon your situation, and Naoto Ooizumi is learning that lesson the hard way. At only 17 years old, he’s working on the set of Cosmopolitan Prayers (CosPrayers for short,) one of the hottest TV soaps on the air, and the girl of his dreams, Natsumi Magami, is playing the lead. The problem: as much as he wants to start a relationship with her, he keeps getting romantically intercepted by the OTHER cute girls in the show. It’s not like they’re just trying to stop a Naoto/Natsumi hook up. They seem to be actively “interested” in the cute young man who’s running the behind the scenes production camera! But that’s not the biggest twist, because unknown to anyone except the show’s producer, Ooizumi ISN’T just a camera operator, he’s also the show’s WRITER! So what do you do when you’re able to put any words you want in the mouth of the girl you love, but you’re contractually obligated to put similar things between the lips of the girls that love you? The pros and cons abound as romance goes wildly off script in LOVE © LOVE?!

LOVE ©LOVE is the 3rd and final story in a trilogy of series, the first of which is Cosmopolitan Prayers (Cosplayers), and the second part is Smash Hits. These were initially on the air in Japan the first half of 2004 and called the “Metamorphosis Trilogy”.

Maiden Japan will be distributing Love Love in conjunction with home video distributor Section 23 (Clannad, High School of the Dead, Appleseed,) with the entire series to be released on subtitled DVD 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.

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “KÄMPFER ~ FÜR DIE LIEBE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition: Kӓmpfer ~ Für die Liebe. Yasuhiro Kuroda (Modern Magic Made Simple) returns to direct this two episode follow up to the popular TV series. Featuring series composition by Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, character designs by Mariko Fujita (Rosario + Vampire), sound direction by Yasunori Ebina (BTOOOM!) and music by Tatsuya Katou (Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere).

Natsuru used to dream of being a lady killer. Instead, he got turned into a Kämpfer - a lady who’s supposed to fight and kill other girls in mortal combat! Now, he’s stuck splitting his/her days between being a typically average Japanese boy and a very untypical Japanese girl. And to make matters even more complex, Natsuru’s allowed him/herself to be convinced to move in with three other gorgeous Kämpfers, who are definitely all woman all of the time, for their “mutual defense.” Of course, the fact that more than one of them may have less than honorable designs upon one or the other of his/her two alternate sexualities couldn’t possibly be a problem, could it? Of course it could, and things really get hopping when Natsuru has to take a job at the Bunnygirl Café and ends up in the hot box! Getting in touch with your feminine side’s a full-contact, no-holds-barred, Amazon action-fest as feelings are bared and titans clash in Kämpfer für die Liebe!

Kӓmpfer ~ Für die Liebe will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

Choose Sentai Filmworks to Fulfill Your Anime Cravings!

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “OKAMIKAKUSHI ~ MASQUE OF THE WOLF”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — When the Masque of the Wolf is called, the dance of predator and prey begins in Sentai Filmworks newest acquisition: Okamikakushi ~ Masque of the Wolf. Based on the Konami game of the same name by Ryukishi07 (Higurashi: When They Cry), this 12 episode series is directed by Nobuhiro Takamoto (07-Ghost) and features series composition by Touko Machida (AMNESIA), character designs by Atsuko Watanabe (Place to Place), sound direction by Shoji Hata (You’re Under Arrest: Full Throttle) and music by Takumi Ozawa.

From the moment Hiroshi and his family arrive in Jōga, he senses something odd about the isolated village. It’s not that the people are cold and aloof. Except for his beautiful class president, Nemuru, most welcome him quite warmly. But some also simply disappear. Students transfer out of his school without any notice, and Hiroshi’s next door neighbor Isuzu, who seems quite infatuated with him, warns him to stay away from the old part of town. The upcoming Haasaku Festival, which celebrates the town’s unique oranges, seems to be generating an unusual level of concern, and groups of masked people roam the streets by night, hunting… something. Could the legends of man-sized wolves roaming the mountains surrounding Jōga be real? Who is the girl with the scythe? What is the real purpose of the festival? And how does this all revolve around something called a Temptation? Hiroshi and his new circle of friends have little time to solve these riddles before the answers will become far more dangerous and personal than he could ever imagine! Beneath the mask of society and the skin of humanity, something ancient awaits in Okamikakushi - MASQUE OF THE WOLF!

Okamikakushi ~ Masque of the Wolf will be available later this year on subtitled DVD and through digital outlets.

About Sentai Filmworks
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

Choose Sentai Filmworks to Fulfill Your Anime Cravings!

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “COLORFUL ~ THE MOTION PICTURE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks’ is proud to announce their newest acquisition: Colorful ~ The Motion Picture. This award winning movie about death and rebirth was directed by Keiichi Hara (Summer Days with Coo) and features a screenplay by Miho Maruo (The Dog of Flanders) with character designs by Atsushi Yamagata, sound direction by Akira Ookuma (Spirit of Wonder) and music by Ko Otani (Hakuoki).

There is a train station on the other side of death, yet not all who arrive on the platform will be judged ready for passage onwards. For one unready soul, there will be both a test and a second chance. Rather than be reborn, this soul will awake in the body of 14-year-old suicide Makoto Kobayashi where it must not only find a way to fit into Makoto’s existence, but also unravel two mysteries. What is the secret of the great sin it committed in its own previous life and what were the reasons that led to Makoto’s suicide? While some may believe the truth to be as plain to see as black and white, “Makoto” soon finds that the real world is overlaid with so many shades of grey and rainbows of colors that even the most obvious of “facts” are not what they seem. With the soul’s time in Makoto’s body quickly running out, the answers to all life’s mysteries await discovery in the acclaimed animation masterpiece that won the 34th Japanese Academy Prize for Excellence in Animation: Colorful ~ The Motion Picture.

Colorful ~ The Motion Picture will be available soon on bilingual DVD & BD 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.

Choose Sentai Filmworks to Fulfill Your Anime Cravings!

[Slowhand]

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “K-ON! THE MOVIE”[/size]

HOUSTON, January 23, 2013 — It’s time for road trip with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: K-ON! The Movie. This theatrical follow-up to the ultra-popular TV series features work from K-ON! veterans Naoko Yamada (Director), Reiko Yoshida (Screenplay), Yukiko Horiguchi (Character Designs) and Hajime Hyakkoku (Music).

Graduation time is finally here, but the girls of the Sakuragaoka Girl’s High Light Music Club aren’t going to let the end of high school be the end of all they’ve built together. First, though, they have to keep a promise to take a trip together, and like everything else they do, they’re not doing it halfway. So it’s time to hop on the bus - the double-decker bus that is - and go around the world as the band heads for the birthplace of the British Invasion: the United Kingdom! And on the way they’re going to have to solve that one last big puzzle that’s been vexing them: what to get for their underclassman rhythm guitarist Azusa, who will be taking over the club once they don their caps and gowns and leave Sakuragaoka for the last time. Get ready for a Magical Musical Tour as the whole gang takes in the sights and sounds of London and prepares for one last amazing encore in the climatic finale of K-ON! THE MOVIE!

K-ON! The Movie will be available soon through select digital outlets and on bilingual DVD & BD featuring an English dub from Bangzoom! Entertainment and extensive extras.

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.

Choose Sentai Filmworks to Fulfill Your Anime Cravings!

[mgosdin]

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

Mark Gosdin

[Slowhand]

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.

Choose Sentai Filmworks to Fulfill Your Anime Cravings!

[mgosdin]

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

Mark Gosdin

[Slowhand]

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

[celestial_being]

[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.

[Slowhand]

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.

[Slowhand]

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.

[Slowhand]

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.

[Slowhand]

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