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

AN Shows
166

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SWITCHBLADE PICTURES STEELS UP WITH “IRON GIRL”[/size]

HOUSTON, September 17, 2013 — As superhero films based on American comics sweep over the world, Switchblade Pictures returns the favor with Japan’s typically unique perspective on the concept: IRON GIRL! Based on the longstanding Japanese science fiction and anime philosophy that a few extra artificial enhancements can only make a super heroine even more attractive, IRON GIRL launches AV model, actress and ultimate hardbody Kiara Asuka into Power Ranger style combat against hordes of ruthless bandits terrorizing a mysterious post-apocalyptic world. Adding extra feminine firepower to the mix is KAMEN RIDER franchise star (and METAL GEAR SOLID 3 poster girl) Rina Akiyama, who joins in the girls gone wild in the wastelands action, while complimentary eye candy for the ladies is provided by Yasuhisa Furuhara (PIRATE SQUADRON GOKAIGER, ENGINE SQUADRON GO-ONGER.) Featuring fight choreography provided by stunt world legend Takanori Shibahara (DYNAMAN, the SPACE SHARIFF series, JUSPION, FLOWER & SNAKE,) the 92 minute film was directed by Masatoshi Yagamine from a screenplay by Yagamine and Yoshiyuki Ishizuka.

In a distant land and an unknown time, a small village is under siege, terrorized by the brutal reign of the bandits known as the Crazy Dogs. However, the legends of the village speak of an Iron Clad Savior, one who shall come to the aid of the people and liberate them from the forces of evil and oppression. So when brave young Anne is miraculously rescued from a vicious bandit attack by a superhumanly strong heroine in shining armor, she becomes convinced that this mysterious fighter must be the figure from the prophecy. However, the woman known only as Iron Girl has been cursed with amnesia, and not even she knows whether she can actually defeat the Crazy Dogs. Not that the Dogs are about to let any potential threat to their power stay alive. Prepare for a battle royale as a full frontal assault of female fury tears into the dogs of war in IRON GIRL!

IRON GIRL will be released on DVD in Japanese with English subtitles beginning in January 2014.

About Switchblade Pictures
With a growing roster of international exploitation films, Switchblade Pictures is dedicated to bringing the wildest and most unique entertainment programming to North America. Titles currently in release include the zombie cult hits ATTACK GIRLS SWIM TEAM VS. THE UNDEAD and ZOMBIE HUNTER RIKA, the SULTRY ASSASSIN period epics, the upcoming Japanese trucker comedy BIG BAD MAMA-SAN – DEKOTORA 1 and a wide variety of other daring erotic, horror and comedy programming from Japan.

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.

167

Awww, no hokey “Viva Tokyo!” styled dub?

168

Per PR:

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

HOUSTON, September 28, 2013 — Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its newest acquisition, from the creator of Speed Racer and Gatchaman: CASSHAN! This 35 episode sci-fi epic is the creation of Tatsunoko Production’s legendary Tatsuo Yoshida and features series composition by Takao Koyama (Slayers TV, Saint Seiya TV) and character designs by Tatsuo Yoshida and Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy video games, Vampire Hunter D OVA), with music by Shunsuke Kikuchi (Doraemon, Getter Robo).

When lightning strikes the prototype android BK-1, a new horror is unleashed on the world as the resulting monster Buraiking begins taking over all other robots on Earth, setting them against their creators in a massive orgy of planet-wide destruction! With humanity helpless in the face of the new Neoroiders and their mechanical armies, mankind’s only hope may lie in the hands of Tetsuya Azuma, son of the creator of BK1, who transfers his consciousness into an android body to become a Neoroider himself… the ultimate robot fighter: Casshan! Now, together with his robot dog Flender and the beautiful Luna Uetsuki, the daughter of another scientist and wielder of the most robot-lethal gun on the planet, Casshan is on a mission to clear his father’s name, avenge his mother’s death, and save the Earth from the iron clutches of Buraiking! But things aren’t going to be easy, not when you’re three against thousands, and Buraiking has some shocking surprises in store that will rip Casshan’s world in two! It’s the ultimate blast from the past as the battle for the future pits the good bots against the bad in CASSHAN!

CASSHAN will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release on subtitled DVD and BD 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.

170

Per PR:

[size=16]Sentai Filmworks AWA Announcements Rundown[/size]
September 28, 2013 at 5:49pm

If you couldn’t make it out this year to Anime Weekend Atlanta, then never fear! We’ve got a full rundown of what all was announced below.

January 2014 Releases

We’re starting the new year with a song in our hearts and blood in our noses with Uta no Prince Sama 1000% Season 1 and fan favorite Maria Holic both releasing in January. Medaka Kurokami’s student council days continue as well with Medaka Box Abnormal, the second season to smash hit Medaka Box, which is now available to purchase. Check out what else is coming your way in January!

Uta no Prince Sama 1000% on Blu-ray and DVD
:black_medium_small_square:Japanese w/English Subtitles
:black_medium_small_square:Available January 7, 2014

Taisho Baseball Girls Complete on Blu-ray
:black_medium_small_square:Japanese w/English Subtitles
:black_medium_small_square:Available January 14, 2014

Casshan Complete Collection on Blu-ray and DVD
:black_medium_small_square:Japanese w/English Subtitles
:black_medium_small_square:Available January 21, 2014

Medaka Box Abnormal Complete Collection on Blu-ray and DVD
:black_medium_small_square:English & Japanese w/English Subtitles
:black_medium_small_square:Available January 21, 2014

Maria Holic Complete Collection on Blu-ray and DVD
:black_medium_small_square:English & Japanese w/English Subtitles
:black_medium_small_square:Available January 28, 2014[/quote]

Sentai Filmworks Facebook Page

171

Another interesting little tidbit…

[quote=WTK]via CR Industry Panel

https://twitter.com/Opn01/status/384070402734968832

[/quote]

Hmm…
I wonder if that is an all-encompassing reference or just a reference to his newer stuff.

If it’s all-encompassing, I guess that means they went back and picked up the the other 3 that ADV had.
I wonder if we’ll see a 5 Centimeters Per Second release some time in the future, with the ADV dub perhaps.

173

[size=16]Sentai Fall 2013 Announcements[/size]
10 ? boxes listed + 1 ? box for bonus

[quote]Sentai Filmworks

The Fall Season has just begun, and we’re ready to start announcing new shows! Keep an eye on our Fall 2013 Licenses tab to make sure you don’t miss a single one![/quote]

[quote]Sentai Filmworks‏

We’ll be starting our Fall 2013 licensing spree TOMORROW, so watch out for it! [/quote]

174

Per PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “DIABOLIK LOVERS”

HOUSTON, October 3, 2013 — Follow the red string of fate, if you dare, to Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Diabolik Lovers. This sexy and provocative 12 episode series about the fate of a young woman in the hands of a brood of vampires is directed by Shinobu Tagashira and features character designs by Yuuko Yahiro and music by Yuuki Hayashi.

Yui Komori used to see dead people. But as troubling as past glimpses of spirits, poltergeists and psychic phenomena may have been, they pale into insignificance compared to what she’s about to discover once she’s forced to transfer to a new school. Because it turns out that her own history is very different from what she thought it was, and she has a very different kind of family waiting for her. Now she’ll be sharing her living space with six very attractive young men, though not a single one is human. And while her new dorm mates may be brothers, and their attraction to her involves her bloodline, “brotherly” is the last word to describe their intentions. In moving from her father’s church to becoming the object of six blood lusting young vampires’ affections, Yui will undergo the most shocking, soul ripping and draining experience any teenage girl could imagine in her wildest fantasies… or most salacious nightmares. From walking to school with the dead, to becoming the Sakimaki brothers’ preferred dinner companion, she is about to learn what it is to become one of the DIABOLIK LOVERS!

Diabolik Lovers is available now 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.

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Per PR:

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

HOUSTON, October 4, 2013 — Experience the law of clause and effect in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Golden Time. This 24 episode series revolving around the lives of some decidedly unusual law students is based on the light novel by Yuyuko Takemiya (Toradora!) and features direction by Chiaki Kon (La storia della Arcana Famiglia, When They Cry – Higurashi) with character designs by Shinya Hasegawa (Kill Me Baby, Revolutionary Girl Utena), series composition by Fumihiko Shimo (Kokoro Connect, Clannad) and sound direction by Jin Aketagawa (Bodacious Space Pirates, Upotte!).

Many people think that lawyers live in a separate reality, but at one private law school in Tokyo that may literally be true. For example, when would-be law student Banri Tada tumbled off a bridge, he learned more than just that legal eagles can’t fly. Or, to be more accurate, he unlearned everything, as the accident not only left him with retrograde amnesia, but also split a portion of his psyche into a separate being that carries all of his memories prior to graduating high school! And the disgruntled spirit now following Banri around isn’t the school’s only stalker. Banri’s friend Mitsuo is also being pursued. In Mitsuo’s case, though, it’s a prior commitment. The lovely Kouko Kaga is relentlessly hounding him, determined to hold him to a childhood agreement to eventually wed. And if you think those characters are out of order, the jury’s still out on Nijigen-kun, who’s given up on the 3D world and reverted to 2D! But don’t rush to judgment just yet! Join in a paper chase through some very uncivil actions and exposed legal briefs and arrive at your own verdict in GOLDEN TIME!

Golden Time is now available 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.

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[quote]Sentai Filmworks

We’re done with licensing announcements…for this week. We’ll start right back up on Monday, so watch out for it!

Also, we’ve got a BONUS licensing announcement that we are really excited about and can’t wait to share with you all! Here are a few hints:

1. It’s NOT a current season anime.
2. It’s NOT a license “rescue”.

Any guesses?[/quote]

177

Total Eclipse?

Maoyu (since “Sentai Australia” has it)?

Denno Coil, since after 6 years its internet fan following is still kicking?

Why did they put the word rescue in quotes?

178

I’ll take a guess:

Mach GoGoGo
It fullfills both requirements. And if I remember correctly, didn’t they play an episode or two at AWA.

179

Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “INFINITE STRATOS 2”[/size]

HOUSTON, October 7, 2013 — The high-flying fan favorite is back in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: Infinite Stratos 2. This 12 episode follow up to the hugely successful series is directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi and features character designs by Kumi Horii (Student Council’s Discretion) with sound direction by Toshihiko Nakajima (Infinite Stratos, Devil May Cry) and music by Hikaru Nanase (Infinite Stratos, Canaan).

There are probably worse things that could have happened to Ichika Orimura besides being the first male on the planet capable of operating an Infinite Stratos powered exoskeleton. Then again, being the only guy in an academy filled with highly competitive, boy-crazed teenage girls equipped with giant robots and excessive amounts of combat training definitely qualifies as hazardous duty! It was bad enough becoming the focus of a rivalry between his childhood friends Lingyin and Houki, but when British and German pilots Cecillia and Laura joined in the melee he barely escaped with his dignity intact. And when the new French “dude,” Charles, turned out to be a Charlotte, Ichika’s hands were filled with a roommate whose disguise slipped off at the least convenient times. But surely, by now, Ichika’s finally put all his girl troubles behind him, right? Oh don’t be ridiculous. None of the femme fatales in his life have canceled their conquest scenarios; there’s double trouble arriving in the form of the Sarashiki sisters; and the rest of the school is still waiting in line to take their shot as the mecha maiden mayhem continues in INFINITE STRATOS 2!

Infinite Stratos 2 is now available 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.

180

I believe this qualifies as the least surprising license announcement of the season. Regardless, I know a lot of people are looking forward to it.

181

As far as I’m concerned IS 2 doesn’t exist until I’m able to watch the Greenfield-directed dub of it.

Kinda surprised that Funi picked up Blazblue. I was leaning towards Sentai for that, though funi is more likely to recast certain actresses for it, which is a good thing. Then again, now that funi has gone sub-only they might intend to do that for this. I miss the old days where every funi release was dubbed, every Sentai bluray was dubbed and, if something wasn’t dubbed, the anime companies didn’t tell us that if we wanted a show dubbed then we should have streamed it subbed. Hard to believe that “those days” only ended about 2 months ago…

182

I think Phi Brain would qualify first, followed by this and the other TBS titles.

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[quote=“TheCoffeeGod”]

I think Phi Brain would qualify first, followed by this and the other TBS titles.[/quote]

Wait, they haven’t said a thing about the new Phi-Brain yet have they? How long are we going to wait before they’re done with the announcements?

184

[quote=“miquelfire”]
Wait, they haven’t said a thing about the new Phi-Brain yet have they? How long are we going to wait before they’re done with the announcements?[/quote]

They haven’t yet, that’s how expected it is.

Their original post included an FB app that listed 10 boxes + 1 bonus (https://www.theanimenetwork.com/component/option,com_kunena/Itemid,183/catid,4/func,view/id,127953/limit,20/limitstart,160/#150715), though I can’t seem to get it to work anymore.
The bonus license is also not part of this season either.

That being said, they’ve announced 3 out of that 11 so far, so we still have a ways to go yet.
However, a couple other series have popped up on CR that might also be Sentai’s, so there might be more than those initial 11.

185

I don’t have a Facebook account, so I ignore Facebook links.

186

I don’t either, as it’s completely unnecessary since most useful pages can be viewed without one.

That being, with the amount of series that CR has this season, there’s a good chance of Sentai having at least 12 series for this season.

So far, these are the 3 they’ve announced:

Diabolik Lovers - (Showgate)
Golden Time - (King Record Company/Starchild)
Infinite Stratos 2 - (TBS)

These are the assumed guarantees:

Beyond the Boundary - (TBS)
Outbreak Company - (TBS)
Little Busters! Refrain - (Showgate)
Phi Brain Season 3 - (Sunrise)
Nagi no Asukara - (Showgate)
Strike the Blood - (Showgate)

This is very likely since it’s a Toho license and Sentai has been licensing Toho stuff these past few seasons and has the license for all the rest of Toho’s stuff on CR.

MEGANEBU!

These are the most recent CR additions that are also very likely, since Sentai has licensed nearly all of the series from these two companies that have been on CR.

Arpeggio of Blue Steel - (Showgate)
Non Non Biyori - (Media Factory)

And that makes
[size=17]12[/size]

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Per PR:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[size=16]SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES “BEYOND THE BOUNDARY”[/size]

HOUSTON, October 11, 2013 — They should never have met. They shouldn’t even exist. But the entire world will change when they come together in Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition, Beyond the Boundary (Kyōkai no Kanata). This 12 episode series from the acclaimed Kyoto Animation studio is directed by Taichi Ishidate and features character designs by Miku Kadowaki with series composition by Jukki Hanada (Campione!) and music by Hikaru Nanase (Hiiro no Kakera ~ The Tamayori Princess Saga).

The last surviving member of her clan, Mirai Kuriyama is cursed with the terrifying ability to control and manipulate blood, a power so heretical that she is shunned even by those with the ability to understand her “gift”. Akihito Kanbara is only half human, but while the monstrous other half of his lineage seems to have doomed him to a life alone, it has also given him near invulnerability in the form of rapid healing. Alone their future seems bleak, but when a chance encounter brings them together, it becomes clear that they share more than just an unexpected bond. Together they share a destiny and a mission that only the two of them together may be strong enough to survive. Beyond the world that we know, in a realm where nightmares are real and legends walk, their future awaits BEYOND THE BOUNDARY.

Beyond the Boundary is now available 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, 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.