ACF 1263: Sentai Filmworks acquires rights for GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES

Sentai Filmworks, with understandable pride, has announced the acquisition of distribution rights for the critically acclaimed animation masterpiece GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES.  The movie is based on the semi-autobiographical retellings of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki and directed by Iaso Takahata (co-founder, with Hayao Miyazaki, of Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli, the studio that performed the animation duties for the film).

I saw the film years ago on an English language promotional preview DVD from Central Park Media, which has been out of business for a couple of years now. It's a fantastic film, but my opinion is that it's definitely suitable only for children that are at least 10 to 12 years old. The subject matter -- siblings struggling to survive in the horror that was Japan as World War II ended -- is way too serious and disturbing for those younger than that.

Here's what Sentai has to say about their upcoming release:

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES has been universally hailed as both an artistic and emotional tour de force, with famed critic Roger Ebert calling the feature “An emotional experience so powerful that it forces a rethinking of animation” and stating that “it belongs on any list of the greatest war films ever made.”  Sentai Filmworks is extraordinarily honored to have been given the privilege of handling the digitally restored version of one of the art of animation’s true crowning achievements.

Digital distribution of GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES will begin through many outlets this winter, and a DVD of the digitally restored master will be in stores next year.

Synopsis: As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies.  This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources.  Forced to fend for themselves in the aftermath of fires that swept entire cities from the face of the earth, their doomed struggle is both a tribute to the human spirit and the stuff of nightmares.  Beautiful, yet at times brutal and horrifying, it is a film that perhaps only the animated medium could render without completely overloading human senses, transforming the fog of war and the screams of the dying into what Ebert calls “visual poetry.”

ACF 1259: Section23 Films announces its January 2012 slate of releases

Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its January slate of releases, including THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS, The devilishly fun anime will be released on both DVD & Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Product details, in order of release:

AND YET THE TOWN MOVES COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         300 min.

Street Date:      1/3/2012

Format:             DVD

Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS:  Hotori Arashiyama loves mysteries, but there's one she just can't solve:  Why does the solution to one problem inevitably seem to lead to another?  Like how when Hotori has to start working at the Seaside Maid Café after school to pay off a debt and her friend Toshiko fortunately knows exactly how a Maid Café should be run.  Which is fortunate since Hotori has no clue.  Except that, unfortunately, Toshiko has no interest in working at the café, UNTIL she discovers that Hotori's childhood friend Hiroyuki is a regular.  Which SEEMS fortunate.  Except that Hotori doesn't know that, while Toshiko likes Hiroyuki, Hiroyuki secretly likes Hotori, while Hotori secretly has a crush on…  No, no more spoilers!  But if that's not enough drama, there's work, angst with a certain math teacher, table tennis between her classmates, her younger brother versus the school's bad girl…  And yet, even though everything seems like it's going to crash at any moment, somehow Hotori's life keeps going hilariously forward in AND YET THE TOWN MOVES!   

AKIKAN! COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         350 min.

Street Date:      1/10/2012

Format:             DVD

Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS:  Hobbies are often a great way of meeting new people, but how could Kakeru Diachi, who collects rare juice cans, have ever suspected that he'd meet a fascinating new girl when he attempted to DRINK her?  Naming her Melon, because she's got great melon… soda, Kakeru quickly learns that she's an Akikan - a beautiful girl who's also a special can created to fight other Akikans in a strange experiment to determine what kind of container is better: steel or aluminum!  Will becoming involved in this ridiculously twisted research project gone amuck complicate Kakeru's life incredibly?  Of course it will, but because Melon's steel body needs carbon dioxide to breathe, he's now stuck with her since she's too CO2 dependent!   And when his wealthy, attractive, best childhood friend Najimi gets HER own aluminum Akikan, the trouble really begins!  For once, it's not what's inside that counts as battling beverage containers run wild in AKIKAN - The Complete Series!  

PRINCESS RESURRECTION COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         650 min.

Street Date:      1/17/2012

Format:             DVD

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS:  She's a hot Goth vixen with a love-jones for swords, chainsaws and mace balls. And it's a good thing she's handy at using them all because every zombie, vampire, mummy and demon spawn is gunning for her. But weapons aren't the only thing Princess Resurrection has going for her. She's got a team of ass-kicking darksiders right beside her-a pint-sized android maid, a half-werewolf hottie, a sexy high school vampire, a wicked-cute little sister and a young boy she brought back from the dead. Fighting evil was never this sexy. Or this much fun! All new dub featuring the voices of Shelley Calene-Black and Blake Shepard!

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         300 min.

Street Date:      1/24/2012

Format:             DVD

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $59.98

SYNOPSIS:  Keima is a dating sim champion. Cute girls are rendered powerless by his irresistible game playing techniques. Too bad things aren't that way in the real world. That is, until his tempting game playing causes a real live-and very bubbly-cute-demon hunter named Elsie to materialize! Now Elsie wants Keima to help her free hot girls from sneaky demons who secretly possess them. Rack up the love points with the devilishly fun anime The World God Only Knows!

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         300 min.

Street Date:      1/24/2012

Format:             BD

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS:  Keima is a dating sim champion. Cute girls are rendered powerless by his irresistible game playing techniques. Too bad things aren't that way in the real world. That is, until his tempting game playing causes a real live-and very bubbly-cute-demon hunter named Elsie to materialize! Now Elsie wants Keima to help her free hot girls from sneaky demons who secretly possess them. Rack up the love points with the devilishly fun anime The World God Only Knows!

EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         300 min.

Street Date:      1/31/2012

Format:             DVD

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $59.98

SYNOPSIS:  One Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono helps Miyako, the victim of a purse snatching, and discovers that she goes to the same school he does. To the dismay of his childhood friend, Kei, Hiro starts hanging out with Miyako. But Kei is not about to let a new girl in Hiro's life take him away from her, and sets out to prove that she's the only one for him. When Renji Asou meets Chihiro Shindou at an abandoned train station, he doesn't notice anything unusual at first.  But he soon discovers that she suffers from a rare form of amnesia and can only remember things for thirteen hours.  Chihiro dreams of writing a novel, but her amnesia has made it an impossible task.Now, however, Renji is determined to help her fulfill her dream. Emotionally charged, beautifully animated and now available for the first time with an all-star English cast. Don't miss one of anime's masterpieces: ef ~ A Tale of Memories!

EF ~ A TALE OF MEMORIES COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY

Published by:    Sentai Filmworks

Distributed by:  Section23 Films

Run Time:         300 min.

Street Date:      1/31/2012

Format:             BD

Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles

SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS:  One Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono helps Miyako, the victim of a purse snatching, and discovers that she goes to the same school he does. To the dismay of his childhood friend, Kei, Hiro starts hanging out with Miyako. But Kei is not about to let a new girl in Hiro's life take him away from her, and sets out to prove that she's the only one for him. When Renji Asou meets Chihiro Shindou at an abandoned train station, he doesn't notice anything unusual at first.  But he soon discovers that she suffers from a rare form of amnesia and can only remember things for thirteen hours.  Chihiro dreams of writing a novel, but her amnesia has made it an impossible task.Now, however, Renji is determined to help her fulfill her dream. Emotionally charged, beautifully animated and now available for the first time with an all-star English cast. Don't miss one of anime's masterpieces: ef ~ A Tale of Memories!

ACF 1236: Sentai Filmworks licenses comedy series A-CHANNEL

Sentai Filmworks has announced the acquisition of A-CHANNEL, a cutting edge, slice of life comedy series based on the popular four panel comic by bb Kuroda.  Helming the task of adapting the four panel strip into linear story are director Manabu Ono (Transformers: Cybertron, Dragonaut, Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere,) and lead writer Tatsuhiko Urahata (Strawberry Panic, Murder Princess, Monster).

Animation director and character designer Masakatsu Sasaki (Saki, Erotic Torture Chamber) adapts Kuroda’s designs for the animation medium while music is in the hands of Satoru Kousaki (Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya),

A-CHANNEL will be available digitally through many outlets and on subtitled DVD next February.

Synopsis: Toru and Run have been best friends forever, so when Toru learns that she’s managed to get into the same high school as Run, she runs to tell her… only to find Run in a compromising position with yet another girl, Yuko.  Needless to say, that makes things a bit awkward at school, with Toru fending off those who might be interested in Run while Yuko and their other girlfriend, Nagi, have to deal with Run’s own penchant for drama.

But it’s not all angst all the time, and as the school year progresses the four girls and their many classmates find time to laugh, play and figure out how to handle unexpected problems life likes to throw at them.  Like bugs in the house, accidentally giving each other horrible haircuts, freezing up at karaoke or forgetting to put your underwear on in the morning.   When it comes to learning about the real world, there’s always something ‘educational’ to be found in A-CHANNEL!

ACF 1230: UN-GO will soon be available through digital outlets; home video release coming in 2012

Sentai Filmworks has acquired UN-GO (pronounced An Go,) the eagerly awaited new series from Fuji TV’s prestigious noitaminA animation block and mega animation studio BONES.

Loosely inspired by a collection of detective stories by Japanese literary giant Ango Sakaguchi, the all star production transposes the action to a gritty near future, post war Tokyo, and is helmed by director Seiji Mizushima (Full Metal Alchemist, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Daiguard) with a storyline by his Full Metal Alchemist collaborator Shou Aikawa (Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma, Martian Sucessor Nadesico, Ghost Slayers Ayashi).

In yet another unique twist, character design duties will be split between illustrator pako (Rental Magika) and Loveless and Earthian manga creator Yun Kouga (Mobile Suit Gundam 00). 

UN-GO will soon be available digitally through many outlets, with a home video release next year on DVD and Blu-Ray

Synopsis: He pursues his job as the ‘Last Great Detective’.  Others call him the ‘Defeated Detective’.  What’s certain is that he’s Shinjurou Yuuki, a young man with a passion for mysteries and a talent for solving them that has made him the target of dark forces now stirring within the sinister underworld of a near future Tokyo.  That could prove lethal, given that not even the other ‘good guys,’ including the police, are exactly on Shinjouro’s side.

Fortunately Yuuki’s not completely on his own, and with the aid of his uniquely talented associate Inga, he’s ready to cut a swath through the veils of secrecy that have been laid before him.  Get ready for mind against matter and a lot of cloak and dagger as the ultimate battle of clue and deduction begins in UN-GO!

ACF 1215: Paranormal thriller PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE acquired by Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the new paranormal thriller series PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE from famed director and manga creator Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon, Sergeant Frog, Pretear, Aria,) and legendary anime studio SUNRISE (Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Sorceror Hunters, Dirty Pair, Escaflowne.)  Based on a treatment by ‘Hajime Yatate,‘ a collective name for the Sunrise staff, and with script supervision by Mayori Sekijima (Najica Blitz Tactics, Plastic Little, Sol Bianca, Clamp School,) the 25 episode series will feature character designs by veteran animator Youhei Sasaki and music by Akio Izutsu.

PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE will soon be available digitally on Anime Network Online, followed by many outlets other outlets. 

Synopsis: Kaito Daimon would be a completely average high school student except for one thing: he’s a ‘demon’ at solving puzzles.  Kaito’s so brilliant, in fact, that when he’s asked to take some ‘special’ tests of his unique ability, he immediately suspects that the test itself is a test.  Kaito suddenly finds himself caught up in a lethal Philosopher’s Puzzle made by the sinister group POG, a murderous maze of trap upon trap, where failing to solve the secret correctly will result in death!

Fortunately, Kaito’s skills prove up to the first test, both for himself AND his childhood friend Nanoha, who is also caught up in the deadly scheme.  But now that he has been designated as a Solver, he is pulled into a new life where he must travel the world with other Solvers, attempting to solve the latest deadly riddles left by POG.  There’s a new conundrum around every corner and each deception could lead to death, but once a riddle has been posed, you can count on Kaito to unfold, unravel and unlock it in PHI-BRAIN ~ KAMI NO PUZZLE!

ACF 1208: "MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Lovers" licensed by Sentai Filmworks

  

Sentai Filmworks announces the acquisition of MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Lovers, the anime adaptation of the hit game franchise from visual novel developer Pallete, which has already spawned three manga spinoffs and a series of drama and music CDs. Produced by Manglobe, the 12 episode series will be scripted by Team RIKKA and directed by Eiji Suganuma (Sasameki Koto, Ninja Cadets.)  Adaption of the intricate original designs by Tsubasu Izumi (Akane-Iro ni Somaru Saka, ef: a tale of memories) will be handled by Toshie Kawamura (The World God Only Knows, Yes! Precure 5, Precure All-Stars,) who will also serve as the animation director. 

MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Lovers will be available digitally soon.  The home video release will follow next year on subtitled DVD.

Synopsis: When boys suddenly get into places where they’ve never been allowed before, some girls tend to get upset.  So when the decision is made to merge the elite Yuihime Girls' Private Academy and the coeducational Kagamidai Private Academy, everyone wants to take extra care in avoiding trouble while bringing the two Privates together.  Therefore, rather than just sticking the Kagamida boys into the Yuihime girls all at once, a plan is concocted in which a group of test males will be inserted into the Girls’ Private Academy first.

Thus it is that poor young Shingo finds himself being thrown as a sacrificial lamb to the lionesses of Yuihime, who aren’t exactly waiting for him with open arms.  Will Shingo manage to survive the estrogen soaked death pit that is Yuihime?  Can the girls learn to be more receptive to the boys?  And just how long until something involving panties will cause emotions to flare, sparks to fly and the battle of the sexes to explode?  It’s a desperate battle to turn discord into making sweet music together in MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Lovers!

ACF 1203: THE WORLD ONLY GOD KNOWS licensed by Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the eagerly anticipated anime series THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS, which was first revealed to massive applause at the 2011 Anime Weekend Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia on September 30, 2011.  Based on the super-hit manga by Tamiki Wakaki, the 24 episode series is helmed by Trigun and Flame of Recca vet Shigehito Takayanagi, who is directing from scripts supervised by Read Or Die creator Hideyuki Kurata (Excel Saga, Kamichu) and character designs adapted from Wakaki’s originals by Akio Watanabe (SoulTaker, Nurse Witch Komugi-chan.)  Original music is provided by Transformers Armada composer Hayato Matsuo (Hellsing Ultimate, Streetfighter Alpha.)

THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS is currently available digitally.  DVD and Blu-Ray releases of the first 12 episodes are scheduled for January 2012, with Season 2 to follow later in the year.

Synopsis: Keima Katsuragi can score with any girl he wants… provided that she’s not real.  A legendary master of Japanese “dating Sims,” often referred to by other players as the God Of Conquests, Keima is a classic nerd in real life and isn’t even all that interested in girls with more than two dimensions in the first place!  Unfortunately for Keima, his personal preferences cease to be of any importance when he accepts a challenge to what he THINKS is an internet game, only to discover that he’s actually made a deal with a demon!

And not just any demon, this is Elsie, a not particularly competent young female demon who’s been charged with recapturing runaway spirits that prefer to hide in girls hearts, where they can only be driven out by the girls falling in love.  Now Elsie’s got Keima by a collar and he’s got to get the girls or die trying!  Romance and dating are the highway to Hell in THE WORLD ONLY GOD KNOWS!

ACF 1199: Sentai Filmworks acquires pop culture phenomenon AKIKAN!

Sentai Filmworks has let the genie out of the bottle… or in this case, the can… with the company’s announcement of the acquisition of the latest ‘pop’ culture phenomenon from Japan, AKIKAN! 

Animation industry veteran director Yuji Himaki, already known for his work about a superhero made of bread with the latest Anpanman feature film, switches materials and genders to helm both the 12 episode series and the bonus OVA telling the story of a bubbly young girl who just happens to be a soft drink can, while the process of adapting creators Riku Ranjo and Hiro Suzuhira’s original text and art go respectively to script-master Hideaki Koyasu (Brighter than the Dawning Blue, Kure-nai,) and character designer Ryo Tanaka (Virtua Fighter, Lupin III Missed By a Dollar.)

AKIKAN! will be distributed digitally through a variety of outlets and on subtitled DVD in January 2012.

Synopsis: Hobbies are often a great way of meeting new people, but how could Kakeru Diachi, who collects rare juice cans, have ever suspected that he’d meet a fascinating new girl when he attempted to DRINK her?  Naming her Melon, because she’s got great melon… soda, Kakeru quickly learns that she’s an Akikan, a beautiful girl who’s also a special can created to fight other Akikans in a strange experiment to determine what kind of container is better: steel or aluminum!

Will becoming involved in this ridiculously twisted research project gone amuck complicate Kakeru’s life incredibly?

Of course it will, but because Melon’s steel body needs carbon dioxide to breathe, he’s now stuck with her since she’s CO2 dependent!  And when his wealthy, attractive best childhood friend Najimi gets HER own aluminum Akikan, the trouble really begins!  For once, it’s not what’s inside that counts as battling beverage containers run wild in AKIKAN – The Complete Series!

ACF 1194: BROKEN BLADE to be availabe online and on DVD & Blu-Ray

Sentai Filmworks has announced acquisition of the eagerly awaited anime title BROKEN BLADE, an epic new series of animated films based on the international manga bestseller from Yunosuke Yoshinaga (Rampage).

Created in six 50 minute installments, the mega production is helmed by Chief Director Tetsuro Amino (Macross 7, Shiki, Jewell BEM Hunter Lime,) and Director Nobuyoshi Habara (DNAngel, Negima!, Fafner) working from screenplays by screenwriter Masashi Sogo (Bleach, Gantz, Samurai X/Rurouni Kenshin). Music duties for the blockbuster production will be handled by Yoshihisa Hirano (Death Note, Beyblade, Ouran High School Host Club).

Digital distribution of the first 50 minute installment of BROKEN BLADE set will begin this October on The Anime Network and through many other outlets. The home video release will follow in 2012 with releases on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Synopsis: In Cruzon, children are born with the ability to control quartz. This power allows them to levitate simple objects—or control enormous and complex mobile battle suits called Golems.  But when an ancient Golem is discovered during the height of a brutal war, a young king and his beautiful queen turn to Rygart Arrow. Though an “un-sorcerer”, Rygart can miraculously pilot this ancient and powerful weapon.

But in war, school friends can turn into bitter enemies and allies have suspicious motives. Strap yourself in, power up, and prepare for the heavy metal mecha action of BROKEN BLADE!

ACF 1193: Sentai Filmworks has acquired TOWANOQUON

 

Attention fans of fans of dark heroic action:

Sentai Filmworks has acquired TOWANOQUON, a spectacular new series of animated features from anime powerhouse BONES.  Produced by a literal all-star lineup of creators, the first film in the series is directed by Umanosuke Iida (Hellsing, Mobile Suit Gundam MS 08 Team, Mighty Space Miners,) with script supervision by Saizo Nemoto (Kikaider, Tokyo Majin 2). Character designs are by Toshihiro Kawamoto (Cowboy Bebop,  Wolf’s Rain, Golden Boy), and music is in the legendary hands of Kenji Kawai (The Ring, Dark Water, Skycrawlers, Pat Labor, Ranma ½, Blue Seed & Sorcerer Hunters.)

Digital distribution of the first TOWANOQUON feature will begin on the Anime Network this month, with DVD and BD releases to follow next year.

Synopsis: No man, not even a superhuman man can stand alone if the adversary he faces is powerful enough; and as a new breed of human called Attractors slowly begin to awaken in a Tokyo of the future, they find themselves the prey of a sinister and faceless secret organization called Custos.  But there is strength and safety in numbers and a leader is emerging among the Attractors, a young man with healing powers named Quon, who knows that the only way for the Attractors to survive is to join together and hit the cyborgs of Custos back. Hard.

And with allies like the super-speeded Yuri, psi-voiced Kiri, telepath Tei and teleporter Takao, he’s beginning to form the army to do it!  Anime, superhero and epic sci-fi come together as a who’s who team of Japan’s greatest animators join forces to produce an all new legend: TOWANOQUON!

ACF 1182: Sentai Filmworks acquires AND YET THE TOWN MOVES

Sentai Filmworks has put a chocolate on the pillowcases of anime fans everywhere with the announcement of the company’s acquisition of the acclaimed slice of life anime AND YET THE TOWN MOVES.  Based on hit manga by Masakaza Ishiguro, the story of trouble prone Maid-Waitress Hotori is familiar ground for director Akiyuki Shinbo, whose previous body of work includes handling the Hidamari Sketch, Negima and Mariaholic franchises. Script supervision is by genre stalwart Katsuhiko Takayama, whose resume includes such familiar titles as Love Hina, Full Metal Alchemist, Godannar and Sorcerer Hunters, while character design for the 12 episode series is being handled by chief animation director Hiroki Yamamura (Mahoromatic.)

Digital distribution of AND YET THE TOWN MOVES will begin through many outlets this winter, and the series will find its way to home video next January with the release of all 12 episodes on subtitled DVD.

Synopsis: Hotori Arashiyama loves mysteries, but there’s one she just can’t solve: Why does the solution to one problem inevitably seem to lead to another?  For instance, how when Hotori has to start working after school at the Seaside Maid Café to pay off a debt and her friend Toshiko fortunately knows exactly how a Maid Café should be run.  Which is fortunate since Hotori has no clue.  Except that, unfortunately, Toshiko has no interest in working at the café, UNTIL she discovers that Hotori’s childhood friend Hiroyuki is a regular.  Which SEEMS fortunate.

Except that Hotori doesn’t know that, while Toshiko likes Hiroyuki, Hiroyuki secretly likes Hotori, while Hotori secretly has a crush on…  No, no more spoilers!   But if that’s not enough drama, there’s work, angst with a certain math teacher, table tennis between her classmates, her younger brother versus the school’s bad girl…  And yet, even though everything seems like it’s going to crash at any moment, somehow Hotori’s life keeps going hilariously forward in AND YET THE TOWN MOVES!

ACF 1164: Sentai Filmworks acquires "Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere"

 

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the upcoming anime mega-series HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, based upon best-selling author Minoru  Kawakami’s ongoing, eight-book franchise that has already sold over 750,000 copies in Japan.  Directed by Manabu Ono (My Hime, Saki,) the huge and epic story that combines everything from giant robots and aerial ships to witches and werewolves will employ a staff of four Character Designers - Tomoyuki Fujii, Shinya Nishizawa, Yukiko Aikei and Kanta Suzuki- to adapt the original concepts by Satoyasu (TENKY), while script supervision and adaptation falls into the capable hands of Tatsuhiko Urahata (Nana, Master Keaton, Monster, Strike Witches 2.)

Weekly episodes of HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE will begin airing digitally on The Anime Network on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 in Japanese with English subtitles.  Additional digital outlets and home video releases will follow in 2012. 

Synopsis: ‘History’ is coming to an end. When humans came down from the sky they brought with them the Testament, the guide to the path they must follow if they wish to return to the skies again.  Now, in a strange world where only the islands of Japan are inhabitable, the nations of the world vie for power and protect the portions of Japan that they have claimed, each armed with its own ultimate weapon: a Roysmoi Opro, the Armor of Deadly Sins. But there may be a far greater threat to mankind than the Roysomi Opro, for the Testament ends abruptly, and it is now the last year.  Is this the end of humanity, or can Tori Aoi and his fellow students from the aerial metropolitan ship Musashi somehow affect the course of destiny?  Who and what is the HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?

ACF 1161: "MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS" licensed by Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks fulfills the fantasies of fans of feudal fighting females with the company’s newest announcement, MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS!  Based on the mega-hit PC game Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! from MinatoSoft, the 12 episode series focuses on a city where almost everyone has a Samurai obsession.  Direction is by Keitaro Motonaga (Getbackers, Yumeria,) using character designs by Mayumi Watanabe (Fandora, Fairy Tail, Freezing) and story supervision by Katsuhiko Takayama (And yet The Town Moves, e.f. A Tale of Memories.)

Digital distribution of MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS will begin next month through many outlets.  The series will see a home video release next year.

Synopsis: It’s one thing to honor your ancestors and keep old traditions alive, but there IS such a thing as taking it to a ridiculous extreme.  In Kawakami City, having a samurai ancestor and enormous ‘fighting spirit’ isn’t just an interesting fact, it’s a huge part of how you end up being ranked on the social totem pole.  That, in turn, rolls over into the school curriculum.  Fortunately, that’s something the local kids like Yamato Naoe have learned to deal with by forming into small ‘bands,’ (that’s the samurai type, NOT music.)  However, while the delicate sexual balance of Yamato’s group seemed fine when there were three girls and four boys, the sudden addition of two MORE girls starts to send everything spinning out of control!  Seven’s a band of samurai and nine is a riot as boys, girls and naked blades all come together in MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS!

ACF 1153: "Modern Magic Made Simple" coming in December from Sentai Filmworks

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES

MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE

Sentai Filmworks hasn’t added a starter course in sorcery to their catalog, but they have added the thoroughly enchanting new series MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE to their ever expanding line up of animated hits. Based on the hit manga  ‘Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahō’ written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka and illustrated by Miki Miyashita (Maburaho,), the 12 episode series about a world where the task of casting a magic spell is the equivalent of writing computer code has been mystically crafted under the supervision of director Yasuhiro Kuroda (Kampfer, Amazing Nurse Nanako) with Makoto Koga (Aria, Sola, Bludgeoning Angel Dokura-chan) adapting the character designs from Miyashita’s bewitching originals.

MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE will be coming out on subtitled DVD this December in time for Christmas.

Synopsis: Life hasn’t been fair to Koyomi Morishita.  Even though she’s in High School, she’s so short that everyone assumes she’s still in grade school.  The boys and girls in her school tease her mercilessly and she’s not exactly graceful either.  On the other hand, she’s still better off than Yumiko, who has a magician trying to kill her.  Or at least Koyomi WAS until their paths crossed!  Fortunately, salvation arrives in the form of master mage and graduate student Misa Anehara, who agrees to take Koyomi under her wing in learning the new style of magic, which breaks enchantment down into sequences of code.  That will be quite a task, given that so far Koyomi’s talent seems to consist of making washbasins randomly fall out of the sky.  But if it was easy, it wouldn’t be magic, would it?  Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘spell’ing lesson as Koyomi takes a desperately needed crash course in charm school in MODERN MAGIC MADE SIMPLE!

ACF 1145: "Rozen Maiden" animated series acquired by Sentai Filmworks

Sentai Filmworks has announced the acquisition of the popular ROZEN MAIDEN animated series, a package that includes the original 12 episode series and the 12 episode sequel series ROZEN MAIDEN: TRÄUMEND and the two made for video episodes known as ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE, which have previously been unreleased in North America. Based on the hit manga by the artist known as Peach Pit (Di Gi Charat) all three titles were directed by Kou Matsuo (Red Garden, Yozakura Quartet) using character designs and script supervision by Jukkii Hanada (Mahoromatic, S.A., Yozakura Quartet) and character designs by Kumi Ishii (Red Garden.)

Watch for ROZEN MAIDEN this winter through multiple digital outlets as well as a complete collection on DVD just in time for Christmas.  In addition, the new ROZEN MAIDEN: OUVERTÜRE DVD will be available as a stand-alone item, featuring a new English dub by production studio BangZoom! Entertainment.

Synopsis: Remember those nightmares you had as a child, where your toys came to life?  That’s the reality that Jun Sakurada suddenly finds himself living when Shinku arrives in a box, the first of several magical Rozen Maidens to invade his secluded life.  Worse, he’s found himself magically bound to Shinku, his life force powering hers, and she’s not too crazy about the way he’s been living his life.  Unfortunately, fixing everything that’s wrong with Jun is going to have to take a back seat to making sure that Shinku survives the Alice Game, a competition that pits Rozen Maiden against Rozen Maiden for the prize of becoming a real girl, while the losers’ life essence is drained and they become lifeless toys again.  Now, in order to win this deadly game, Jun and Shinku will have to find a way to work together.  But to do that they’ll have to start trusting each other first!  Get ready for a whole new kind of ‘guys and dolls’ as ‘action figure’ takes on a new meaning in ROZEN MAIDEN - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

ACF 1129: Sentai Filmworks announces license of "Ice"

Sentai Filmworks recently announced the licensing of the all-female, future epic ICE. Directed by Makoto Kobayashi (Dragon’s Heaven) and with character designs by Masaya Onishi (Ghost Stories) ICE is ultimately the creation of Renaissance man Yasushi Akimoto, whose varied and prolific career as writer, TV producer and professor includes the creation of the Japanese Idol super-groups AK48 and Onyanko Club. With that background, it’s no surprise that many members of the huge girl group AK48 ended up contributing their voices to the apocalyptic tale in which all humans bearing a Y chromosome have been wiped from the face of the Earth.

ICE will be available this November through many digital distributors as well as on bilingual DVD.



Synopsis: Some strange virus, whether planned or accidental, has wiped out most of the population. The survivors? Beautiful women. Faced with the possible extinction of their entire race, some of these new Amazons have decided to live out their final days in the pursuit only of fleshly pleasures. Others choose to use their beauty, their might, and their minds to fight back and reclaim the planet once more. Revenge may be a dish best served cold, but anime has never been hotter than ICE!

ACF 1127: Sentai Filmworks announces digital distribution of of "Coicent" and "Five Numbers"

Sentai Filmworks has announced its acquisition of the twin sci-fi anime mini features COICENT and FIVE NUMBERS. Although not directly connected, both films exemplify the best of Japan’s new wave of up and coming anime masters, with COICENT reuniting writer/director Shuhei Moritai and character designer Daisuke Sajiki, who previously collaborated on the seminal CGI anime hit Kakurenbo, while FIVE NUMBERS teams director Hiroaki Ando, (who handled CGI duties for Steamboy and Noiseman,) with character designer Masaru Gotsubo (Samurai Champloo,) and scripter Dai Sato, whose previous credits include HALO: Legends – The Package, Ergo Proxy and screenplays for Cowboy Bebop.



The two titles will be available separately via digital distribution that is scheduled to begin soon. Sentai has announced that that they will be released together later this year on DVD and BluRay, and that both titles will be available in both English subtitled and English dubbed versions.



Synopsis: Get ready for a double dose of amazing science fiction as two astounding tales come together in one incredible collection of state of the art animation! First, it’s a quick time jump to the 26th century where a school trip to a rebuilt 21st century city turns into a wild adventure for teenage Shinichi. While chasing a talking deer that steals his bag, he runs into a strange girl trying to elude even stranger pursuers, and then things get wild. It’s a mad dash through a city of the past as two young people discover a chance at a new future in COICENT.



Then, four people awake to find themselves in the ultimate prison: an ex-soldier, a beautiful woman, an average Joe and a young computer hacker. Why are they there? What connection links them together? And how can they escape? The answer seems to lie with the fifth prisoner, an old man who knows far more than he is telling. And then there’s the cat. It’s the ultimate locked room mystery and all their lives hinge on solving it in FIVE NUMBERS.

ACF 1122: Sentai Filmworks acquires futuristic thriller "No.6"

Sentai Filmworks has acquired the futuristic thriller No. 6, the latest in its recent string of anime series acquisitions. Based on the manga written by Atsuko Asano and illustrated by Hinoki Kino, the 11 episode post-apocalyptic mystery anime is the first series directed by storyboard and opening animation master Kenji Nagasaki (Kiba, Mobile Suit Gundam 00,) with series script duties being handled by Seishi Minakami (Heaven’s Memo Pad, Living For The Day After Tomorrow,) and character designs by Satoshi Ishino (Excdel Saga, Puni Puni Poemy.)

No. 6 is currently airing digitally on Crunchyroll, and will soon be available through other digital outlets with a home video release of the series to follow next year.

Synopsis: In a near future world after the last great war, most of mankind now lives in a handful of city states. There, for the privileged elite, life should be perfect. But for young Shion, the only thing perfect has been the nightmare his life has become since letting a strange boy named Nezumi shelter for the night in his apartment. Banished to the outskirts of the city and stripped of all privileges for helping the mysterious stranger, Shion’s personal danger only compounds when his inquiry into a new series of mysterious deaths results in his being arrested on suspicion of murder! But even as Shion is being sent to the city’s Correctional Institute, the long missing Nezumi reappears to rescue him! Now, on the run, the two young men have only one chance at survival: uncover the mysterious secrets that lie at the sinister heart of City Number 6!

ACF 1116: "Angel Beats! Complete Collection" now available

ANGEL BEATS! COMPLETE COLLECTION
DVD AND BLU-RAY EDITIONS

Section23 Films has announced the release of ANGEL BEATS, all 13 episodes plus an OVA. The uncensored Complete Collection is available on both DVD and Blu-Ray, and is on sale now.

ANGEL BEATS COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time: 350 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 7/26/2011
Format: DVD
SRP: $59.98

ANGEL BEATS COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY EDITION
Running Time: 350 min.
Age Rating: TV 14 (V)
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Street Date: 7/26/2011
Format: BD
SRP: $69.98

SYNOPSIS: It sucks being dead. Sucks even more to be trapped in a surreal afterlife where you're caught between the living and the dead-where a mysterious, violent Angel is trying to pull you over to…somewhere. What do you do? Well, if you're this group of rough-and-tumble teens, you grab every weapon you can get your hands on and give Heaven hell! High-caliber action and locked-and-loaded comedy meet on a rock and roll battleground in Angel Beats!

ACF 1111: "Heaven's Memo Pad" acquired by Sentai Filmworks; digital distrib on The Anime Network starts July 31st; home video release in 2012

SENTAI FILMWORKS ANNOUNCES
LICENSE OF HEAVEN’S MEMO PAD

Sentai Filmworks has announced their acquisition of Heaven’s Memo Pad, a new series which merges an exploration of the growing phenomenon of social dropouts in Japan with a high school detective series. Based on the highly successful series of light novels by Hikaru Sugii, Heaven’s Memo Pad is directed by Katushi Sakurabi (Gunparade March, Lunar Legend Tsukihime) using character designs by Keichi Sano based upon originals by Mel Kishida and script supervision by Seishi Minakami (Paprika, Daphne in the Brilliant Blue.)

Digital distribution of Heaven’s Memo Pad will begin through The Anime Network on Sunday, July 31, with a home video release of the 12 episodes to follow next year.

Synopsis:
Narumi Fujishima is NOT your typical high school student; he’s never really fit in and has been becoming increasingly more isolated from his fellow classmates. But he’s not alone, and when Ayaka, the sole member of the Gardening Club, introduces him to the reclusive girl who lives above the Ramen shop, Narumi enters a whole new secret world. Alice is a NEET, someone who is Not Employed, being Educated or in Training, but as Narumi quickly discovers, that doesn’t mean that she does nothing all day.

In between tending to her small army of stuffed bears, Alice is an expert hacker and has skills that suddenly become vital to Narumi when a new illegal narcotic invades his school and takes away someone important to him. Now it’s a deadly race as the strange but elite team of oddball associates that Alice assembles from her NEET acquaintances races to locate and destroy the source of the deadly drug. And in the middle of it all, Narumi will find his life changing forever in Heaven’s Memo Pad!