ACF 840: Live Event at Premiere of GANTZ in Hollywood on January 20th, 2011

All GANTZ Images © Hiroya Oku/Shueisha © 2011 "GANTZ" Film Partners

NEW PEOPLE ANNOUNCES A THEATRICAL LIVE EVENT FOR PREMIERE OF SCI-FI THRILLER – GANTZ – IN HOLLYWOOD, CA ON JANUARY 20th

Kinetic Sci-Fi Live-Action Film Based On Hit Anime/Manga Series Screens
At Mann’s Chinese 6 And Will Include Rare In-Person Cast Interviews

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment company that brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, will present a very special theatrical event to celebrate the premiere of GANTZ across North America on Thursday, January 20th. Mann’s Chinese 6, located in the Hollywood & Highland Mall in the heart of Hollywood, CA, will host the film’s theatrical premiere in a gala screening beginning at 5:00pm.

Audiences are invited to join Otaku USA Editor-in-Chief Patrick Macias immediately following the screening as he leads an insightful discussion session on GANTZ and conducts in-person interviews with several cast members. Seating for the Mann’s Chinese 6 screening is limited to 400 seats, so the opportunity to purchase tickets to the event will be awarded through a drawing. For a better chance to win, enter as soon as you can at www.gantzmovies.com. Winners will be notified promptly via email and will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for $15.00 each. All movie attendees will also receive a special GANTZ t-shirt.

Kenichi Matsuyama stars in GANTZ

In addition, GANTZ also will make its U.S. premiere in 334 movie theaters in an exclusive one-night-only event presented by NCM Fathom, Dark Horse Comics, and NEW PEOPLE on Thursday, January 20th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. PT (tape delayed). Tickets (for all locations except Hollywood, CA) are available at participating theater box offices and online at http://www.fathomevents.com/. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants are subject to change).

And the good people at New York -Tokyo are giving away 5 pairs of tickets! For more on the premiere and your chance to win tickets, click here, but do it right away, as the deadline to be eligible is Sunday, January 16th at midnight.

GANTZ (English dubbed) is based on a hit manga series created by Hiroya Oku and tells the story of childhood friends Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, who are accidentally killed while trying to save another man’s life. Rather than find themselves in the hereafter, however, they awaken in a strange apartment in which they find a mysterious black orb they come to know as “GANTZ.” Along with similar abductees, they are provided with equipment and weaponry and manipulated into playing a kind of game in which they are sent back out to the greater world to do battle with alien beings, all while never quite knowing whether this game is an illusion or their new reality.

About NEW PEOPLE
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA. For more information about films, please visit www.viz-pictures.com. Learn more about NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco, at http://www.newpeopleworld.com/.

ACF 813: DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION due December 28th

DEATH NOTE © 2003 by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

A SHINIGAMI DEATH GOD AND THE HUNT FOR AN ‘ETHICAL’
SERIAL KILLER TO ENTHRALL THE MANGA WORLD AGAIN IN
THE RELEASE OF VIZ MEDIA’S DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION

New Edition Of The Riveting Supernatural Crime Mystery
Features A Larger Size And Added Full Color Pages

VIZ Media has announced the release of DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION, an oversized version of the acclaimed supernatural crime thriller. Volume 1 hits stores on December 28th and includes the first two editions of the popular manga (graphic novel) series as well as added full-color pages. The DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION will be offered under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will retail for $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal…or his life?

“DEATH NOTE took the manga world by storm and became an international bestseller with its sinister plot and captivating artwork,” says Beth Kawasaki, Sr. Editorial Director. “The BLACK EDITION is an ideal way for those who never read the original series to finally see what the buzz is all about in six volumes versus the original 12-volume run. For established fans or anyone that might have missed later DEATH NOTE volumes, the new version also presents a great opportunity to revisit the series with its larger trade paperback size, new cover design, and bonus color pages.”

The original DEATH NOTE series, a 12-volume mystery created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, continues to be a must-read among legions of ardent fans, having sold over 1.2 million copies in the U.S. to date. DEATH NOTE has spawned not only a fanbook (DEATH NOTE: HOW TO READ 13) and two novels (DEATH NOTE ANOTHER NOTE: THE LOS ANGELES BB MURDER CASES and DEATH NOTE: L, CHANGE THE WORLD), all published by VIZ Media, but also a 37-episode animated series (available streamed online for free at VIZAnime.com and on DVD from VIZ Media), three live-action feature films and a plethora of related posters, toys and action figures. The DEATH NOTE manga and anime are both rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens.

For more information on DEATH NOTE, visit DeathNote.viz.com.

View animated DEATH NOTE episodes for free at http://www.vizanime.com/.

For more information on other Shonen Jump titles, visit http://www.shonenjump.com/.

ACF 784: VIZ Pictures announces planned 2011 release of documentary "Eatrip"

VIZ PICTURES LICENSES DIRECTOR YURI NOMURA’S
SCRUMPTOUS CULINARY DOCUMENTARY EATRIP

New Film Explores The Ways That Food Unites Humanity And Explores
The Interpersonal Relationships People Forge Through Eating

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced that it has licensed Eatrip, a documentary that takes audiences on a journey throughout Japan to look at how life can be led richly through the daily ritual of eating.

Yuri Nomura, a food coordinator, columnist, and teacher, makes her directorial debut with this film. In Japan, she is widely active with her food creative team Eatrip. VIZ Pictures plans to release the film in 2011. Eatrip was an official selection of the Montreal World Film Festival 2009 in the Documentaries of the World category; the Vancouver International Film Festival 2009; Le Festival International du Film d’Environnement 2009 (Paris); and the Barcelona Asian Film Festival 2010.

To eat is more than a necessity – it’s a universal experience all human beings share. In the film,Yuri Nomura embarks on an insightful journey throughout Japan to examine the daily rituals of eating among people from a variety of walks of life. Actor Tadanobu Asano, singer UA, and fashion designer Jurgen Lehl are among those featured. From the Tsukiji fish market to a farm in Okinawa, the film offers poignant interviews with intriguing personalities including the head monk of a famous Buddhist temple; a distributor of Japanese soup stock (Bonito broth); an Okinawan woman leading a self-sustainable lifestyle devoid of modern conveniences; a tea ceremony master, and a musician and writer who recites poems about food.

“Eatrip is a cinematic culinary journey that explores the interpersonal relationships that food nurtures,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Through interviews with a variety of people, Yuri Nomura shows the ways that food and the ritual of eating unites humanity and creates strong bonds between human beings. We’re very pleased to license this documentary and look forward to audiences gleaning new meaning from something so essential to life that we all do every day.”

For more information on Eatrip or other VIZ Pictures titles, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

ACF 654: Death Note collection on Blu-ray coming August 24th, 2010

SHINIGAMI DEATH GODS AND THE HUNT FOR A SERIAL KILLER CONSPIRE IN NEW BLUE-RAY DEATH NOTE COLLECTION

Highly Anticipated Double-Feature Release Based On Popular
Manga & Anime Series Includes Death Note, Death Note II: The Last Name
Feature Films And Bonus Disc

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will debut the Blu-ray Death Note Collection on August 24th, 2010. The 3-disc set includes 2 feature films – Death Note and Death Note II: the Last name – as well as a bonus disc containing more than two hours of all new behind-the-scenes footage. Both films feature Japanese audio with English subtitles as well as an English dubbed dialogue track. MSRP for the Death Note Collection is $39.98 U.S. / $57.99 CAN.

To celebrate the new release, VIZ Pictures will hold a special screening of both films at VIZ Cinema, located inside NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco’s Japantown, 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115, on Saturday, September 4th. Death Note plays at 12:00 noon and Death Note II screens at 2:30pm. Special combo tickets are available for $35.00 and include passes for the screenings, the Blu-ray release and a poster. Regular combo tickets are $15.00 for tickets for both shows (no Blu-ray or poster), while general admission for one screening is $10.00. Tickets and information are available at www.vizcinema.com.

As a special offer to U.S. and Canadian Death Note fans, VIZ Pictures will award three lucky winners posters for Death Note and Death Note II along with an autograph from one of the three lead actors – Tatsuya Fujiwara (who played Light), Erika Toda (Misa) and actor Kenichi Matusyama (L/Ryuzaki), one of the most promising actors in Japan, who can also be seen in films such as NANA (2006), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Detroit Metal City (2008). The campaign runs until September 24th. For more details about the campaign, visit www.viz-pictures.com.

“Death Note is an intense psychological crime thriller and we’re very proud to debut both films in a special new collection on Blu-ray,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Death Note established a new benchmark for Japanese anime, manga, and film and we invite domestic fans to savor all the tension and imaginative supernatural drama of this exciting new release from VIZ Pictures!”

Death Note is a battle of wits based on the acclaimed manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Law student Light is upset with the justice system and when he finds the Death Note dropped by a Shinigami death god, he vows to rid the world of evil. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies. As criminals all over the world begin to perish mysteriously, a world-renowned detective known only as ‘L’ is put on the case to stop this serial killer that the public calls ‘Kira.” The battle between Light and L continues in Death Note II: the Last name as Light joins the investigation team. L suspects Light of being Kira while Light attempts to learn L’s real name. Time becomes even more crucial with the appearance of a second Kira. Whose name will be the last written in the Death Note?

For more information on Death Note or other VIZ Pictures titles, visit www.viz-pictures.com.

ACF 651: 2010 J-Pop Summit coming to San Francisco's Japantown in September

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, will expand its upcoming 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival, happening on Saturday, September 18th in San Francisco’s Japantown, with a special series of just-announced events taking place at the venue each night during the week leading up to the Festival. Tickets are now available on www.J-Pop.com.

Beginning on Monday, September 13th and continuing every evening through Friday, September 17th, different aspects of Japanese and Asian film, anime, fashion design, music and other forms of pop culture will be celebrated in a series of unique screenings, interactive discussions, multimedia presentations and live performances. Special gift bags containing a variety of fun premiums will be given to all ticket holders each night.

“The 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival is shaping up to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the country and is devoted to celebrating Japanese pop culture in all its forms,” says Seiji Horibuchi, founder of NEW PEOPLE and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “We’re very excited to announce this roster of special events taking place at the VIZ Cinema theatre and throughout the entire NEW PEOPLE venue, and invite the public to enjoy of variety of inspired film, fashion, music and art each night leading up to the big all-day street celebration on Saturday September 18th!”

More details on the 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/. Additional news alerts over the coming weeks will detail specific events and appearances.

TOKYOSCOPE TALK, Vol. 6: Bad Girls & Wild Women
Monday, September 13th at 6:00pm

Join hosts Patrick Macias (Editor, Otaku USA), and Tomohiro Machiyama (founding editor, Movie Treasures magazine) for a unique look at sexy Stray Cats, Female Prisoners, Delinquent Bosses and other captivating and sexy bad girl roles from Japanese cinema. The evening will be complemented by a theatrical screening of the lurid prison film Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion. Adults only due to mature subject matter; 18+ General admission tickets for the discussion and film screening are $20.00.

ANIME NIGHT with Animation On Display & Crunchyroll
Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00pm

Animation On Display, San Francisco’s very own anime convention, joins forces with leading online content provider Crunchyroll for a theatrical presentation of Makoto Shinkai's "5 Centimeters Per Second”. The evening will also include a special VIP reception, open to the public, as well as a Q&A session about the film. Come meet other anime fans and join the fun with a special evening celebrating anime! General admission tickets for the film screening are $10.00.

6%DOKIDOKI HARAJUKU FASHION NIGHT Featuring Designer Sebastian Masuda
Wednesday, September 15th at 6:00pm

Join eclectic clothing designer and 6%DOKIDOKI founder Sebastian Masuda for a trip through the colorful and edgy world of Harajuku fashion. Masuda will offer insights and a history on the evolution of fashion from this ultra-hip district in Tokyo that has gone on to gain a worldwide audience as well as preview some of his latest designs. 6%DOKIDOKI shop girls Yuka and Vani will offer a mini-fashion show of some of the company’s newest ensembles and audience members are invited to try out for a chance to model new designs to be showcased at the J-Pop Summit Festival on Saturday, September 18th. General admission tickets for the lecture and fashion show are $20.00.

Noise Pop Meets J-Pop: Film Screenings of 77 Boadrum, preceded by Cornelius - Synchronized & Sensurround
Thursday, September 16th at 5:30pm Happy Hour; Screening at 7:00pm

Join Noise Pop, organizers of the leading independent music festival in the Bay Area, for a special theatrical presentation of 77 Boadrum. On July 7, 2007, Japanese free-rock group the Boredoms staged a live performance featuring 77 drummers at the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park in Brooklyn, NY. 77 Boadrum is the official live documentary of this incredible event – complete with behind the scenes rehearsal footage, interviews, and of course, the actual performance. With intense, chaotic energy that melds into a No-Wave rock infused format, the Boredoms have garnered international attention for the member’s incredible rhythmic power, clever melodic punches, and sheer chaotic intensity. Since exploding onto the scene in 1997, Japanese musician Cornelius has dazed and amused fans worldwide with his freeform pop aesthetic and playful sense of humor. His short music videos are edgy and exceptional, the live ones being seen for the first time in the U.S. There will be a complementary Happy Hour before the screening. General admission tickets for the film screening are $10.00.

MYX VIP Party
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm

MYX® is the only music entertainment and lifestyle channel dedicated to the Asian American community, utilizing music, culture and entertainment. The network will showcase several of its music, youth culture and lifestyle programs including Music Bang, 360VM, Vinyl Addiction, and That’s My Jam in a special evening showcasing the exciting and diverse worlds of Asian pop music, fast import street racers, designer vinyl and collectable toys, and lots more! MYX can be seen on Channel 368 on Comcast’s Digital Preferred Tier in the San Francisco Bay Area, Comcast ON DEMAND, Cox Digital Basic Cable, DIRECTV 2067 and RCN. Free admission. RSVP at www.j-pop.com.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located in San Francisco at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/.

ACF 560: Japanese artist Makoto Aida subject of new VIZ Pictures DVD

MAKOTO AIDA: CYNIC IN THE PLAYGROUND PROFILES

ONE OF JAPAN’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL ARTISTS

Latest Release In NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES Captures

The Work And Private Life Of Pop Art Provocateur

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the release of the newest volume of its ongoing NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES – Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground. The recently released documentary is directed by Yusuke Tamari, carries an MSRP of $25.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed exclusively by VIZ Media.

Makoto Aida is one of the most diverse and controversial artists in Japan working prolifically in various media including sculpture, painting, video, installation and manga. Known for his diverse and often controversial images, Makoto Aida shares his work and private life as he creates his "Human Project" and "Shinjuku Castle."

“Makoto Aida’s art often exhibits a dark cynicism that is infused with elements of a lighthearted, lowbrow-style humor as he tackles heavy subjects such as terrorism, pedophilia, and societal misogyny,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “This documentary, which is the fifth release in our NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES, is a rare look at one of the most provocative artists of our time, and lets his true character emerge through his intense creative process.”

The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES is an intriguing collection of documentaries introducing modern Japanese Pop artists to the American audience. All of the highlighted artists possess unique views and inspirations to create captivating works of art.

For more information, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or www.newpeopleartistseries.com.

ACF 545: K-20 available today on DVD

K-20: The Fiend With Twenty Faces
(K-20: Kaijin niju menso den)
Written and Directed by Shimako Sato
Japan, 2008, 137 min.

K-20: The Fiend With Twenty Faces comes out today in a single disc DVD edition from VIZ Pictures. It has an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN. Based on the novel Kaijin Niju menso den by Soh Kitamura and set in 1949, the story employs an alternate history motif in which the Japan never attacked Pearl Harbor and engaged in war with the United States. The island nation has an extremely rigid, hereditary class system with almost all the wealth held by a small aristocracy.

In the imperial capital of Teito, a phantom thief known as "K-20," or the "Fiend (Kaijin) with 20 Faces," steals priceless objects from the rich. However, unlike Robin Hood, he does not give to the poor, but keeps his trove to himself.

Takeshi Kaneshiro stars not as K-20, but as Heikichi, a circus acrobat and illusionist. The title character actually appears very little in the film. He does set up Endo to be mistakenly identified and arrested as K-20, and the movie is thus about Endo's efforts to prove that he's not the master thief.

Endo's nemesis is detective Kogoro Akechi (Toru Nakumura), who is also a baron and thus a member of the nobility. Romantic interest for the two male leads is supplied by lovely Takako Matsu as Duchess Yolko Hashiba, the heir to Hashiba Industries.

The film has a beautiful Steampunk look that could have gone murky in the transfer to DVD. Thankfully it hasn't, as VIZ Pictures has done an outstanding job in maintaining detail in the many shadowy scenes. Writer/director Sato has done a masterful job moving things along and providing great action sequences. This is the first film I can recall seeing in which Kaneshiro (Chungking Express, House of Flying Daggers, and most recently John Woo's Red Cliff) carries the film as the dominant male lead, and he's more than equal to the task.

The DVD doesn't have much in the way of extras, just the original and the English trailers and some trailers from other VIZ films. But don't let that dissuade you from buying this release.

K-20 is terrific entrainment, and gets an ACF rating of 3.5 out of 4 stars, very highly recommended.

ACF 534: K-20: The Fiend With Twenty Faces coming on DVD on April 20th

VIZ PICTURES BRINGS THE HIGH FLYING ACTION OF

K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES TO DVD

Suspense And Intrigue Combine With Stunning Visual Effects And Gravity-Defying Stunts For A Riveting Adventure About A Phantom Thief

VIZ Pictures will release the action film K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces on DVD on April 20th. The film will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN, and will be distributed exclusively across North America by VIZ Media. The move played at last summer's New York Asian Film Festival and was very popular.

Director Shimako Sato assembled a strong cast and used cutting edge special effects to bring K-20 to life. The movie is set in the fictional city of Teito in the late 1940s, in a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system established during the Meiji Era still exists. An extreme divide exists between the upper and lower classes, with 90 percent of the country’s wealth being held by the upper class. The capital of Teito is in crisis with the emergence of a menacing phantom thief known as "The Fiend (Kaijin) With Twenty Faces" or simply "K-20." The film is based on The Story of Nijyumenso, a novel written by Soh Kitamura, and also features the mesmerizing theme song, Shock of the Lightning, by the British band OASIS.

Heikichi Endo (played by Takeshi Kaneshiro) is a circus acrobat who is deceived by K-20 and framed to take the fall for the phantom thief. Using his incredible physical dexterity, Heikichi wages war against K-20 in order to clear his name and fights alongside K-20's next wealthy target, Duchess Yoko Hashiba (Takako Matsu) and her fiancée, the brilliant detective Kogoro Akechi (Toru Nakamura). But what is the ultimate decision Heikichi has to make?

Actor Takeshi Kaneshiro is internationally renowned and made his screen debut in the film Executioners (1993) followed by the critically acclaimed Wong Kar-Wai film Chungking Express (1994). More recently he has starred in films including Wong's House of Flying Daggers (2004) and John Woo's The Battle of Red Cliff (2008).

To celebrate this new release, VIZ Pictures has also announced a special theatrical screening of K-20 at VIZ Cinema in San Francisco on April 20th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $25.00 and also will include a copy of the DVD, a K-20 poster and more! VIZ Cinema is located at: 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Tickets are available at the box office and online at www.vizcinema.com.

“The character of K-20 was originally born in the best-selling 26-volume Boy Detectives series, written by Japanese literary master Rampo Edogawa, and over the years the stories have been enjoyed by more than 100 million people,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “The inspired film uses a potent mix of eye-catching visual effects and gravity-defying high wire stunts to bring the unique story to the screen with incredible results. We look forward to fans discovering this thrilling new action feature from VIZ Pictures.”

For more information on K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces or other VIZ Pictures titles, please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

ACF 528: VIZ announces DVD releases for May - June 2010

© Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentsu, Pierrot / SHONEN JUMP and BLEACH

are trademarks of Shueisha, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

VIZ Media has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in May through June 2010. This includes the latest box set and episodic releases of the popular NARUTO and BLEACH series.

Also releasing are the live action feature films – MAKOTO AIDA: CYNIC IN THE PLAYGROUND, 20^TH CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION and KATSURA FUNAKOSHI: WHISPERING GAZE from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

BLEACH releases include:

BLEACH Uncut Box Set 5 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available June 8

The deadly Bounts have infiltrated the Soul Society seeking revenge, and Ichigo and his comrades are quick to follow. But with the large amounts of reishi available in the Soul Society, the Bounts' power seems nearly limitless, and even the most formidable Soul Reaper captains have a grueling fight on their hands. At the Department of Research and Development, Bount leader Jin Kariya is after the Bount Crest known as Jokaisho, which has the power to blow all of the Seireitei away, and only Ichigo and Chad stand in his way!

Contains episodes: 92 - 109 (Original and Uncut).

BLEACH Volume 28 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 25

Captain Hitsugaya, along with Lieutenant Matsumoto and other Soul Reapers, arrives in Karakura Town to protect the living from the murderous Arrancars. Led by the Arrancar Grimmjow, the Arrancars have entered the World of the Living with the goal of killing anyone who possesses the slightest amount of Spiritual Pressure. As they fan out looking for victims, they find a fight with well-trained Soul Reapers instead. Ichigo, Chad, and the Advance Troops fight hard to protect Karakura town from the dangerous intruders.

Contains episodes 114 – 117.

BLEACH Volume 29 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 22

The streets of Karakura Town become the scene of a fierce battle between Soul Reapers and the Arrancars. Ikkaku Madarame faces off against the Arrancar Edrad, who dodges his wild attacks, forcing him to release his Bankai, which he has long kept secret. And Captain Hitsugaya struggles against the Arrancar Shawlong, who reveals to him the existence of far more powerful Arrancars called the Espada. Contains episodes 118 – 121.

For more information on BLEACH, please visit www.BLEACH.viz.com.

NARUTO releases include:

NARUTO UNCUT SEASON 3 BOX SET Volume 1 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available June 29

Naruto returns from his training journey eager to see his friend Sasuke. But Sasuke has only one thing on his mind: his quest for revenge against his older brother. His unquenchable thirst for power knows no bounds, and soon he is lured from the Leaf Village by Orochimaru's minions, the Sound Four. Determined to get him back, Shikamaru and Naruto put together a team of the top genin in the village to go after him, and the chase begins! Contains episodes 107 – 135.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 9 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 18

Everything about Team Kakashi's newest member Sai rubs Naruto the wrong way, and Sakura and their new leader Yamato have their hands full trying to keep them apart. A night at a hot springs inn doesn't do much to promote team unity, but Naruto decides that he will do anything, even pair up with Sai, to help their mission succeed: to find Sasuke and bring him back. Sai has a hard time understanding Naruto's feelings, but that may be because he himself has no feelings at all! Contains episodes 35 – 39.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 10 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 1

In the midst of their spying mission, Team Kakashi is suddenly confronted with the Leaf Village's sworn enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto challenges him, and during their battle, his anger brings forth the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Naruto will never give up his determination to find Sasuke and bring him home, but in his rage he risks losing all awareness of himself and hurting those he cares for the most. Contains episodes 40 – 43.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit www.NARUTO.com/.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

MAKOTO AIDA: CYNIC IN THE PLAYGROUND, NEW PEOPLE

Artist Series Volume 5 · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 4

Known for his diverse and controversial works in various media, Makoto Aida shares his work and private life as he creates his "Human Project" and "Shinjuku Castle." Through his creative process his unique character surfaces.

20^th CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 1

Based on Naoki Urasawa’s phenomenal hit manga, 20th CENTURY BOYS 3: REDEMPTION is the third and final chapter of the sci-fi action film trilogy. With an all-star cast and input from the original creator himself, the characters truly come to life in this exciting live-action motion picture, which is directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi. Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa, Teruyuki Kagawa, Airi Taira and others once again star in the film.

KATSURA FUNAKOSHI: WHISPERING GAZE, NEW PEOPLE

Artist Series Volume 6 ·MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 15

Witness the visionary sculptor Katsura Funakoshi as he breathes life into camphor wood. His human-like sculptures are known for their distant gaze as if pondering philosophical thoughts and projecting subtle yet bold emotions.

For more information on VIZ Pictures, please visit www.viz-pictures.com.

ACF 487: DVD doc on artist Hisashi Tenmyouya due March 9th from VIZ

VIZ PICTURES EXPANDS
NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES
WITH DVD RELEASE OF
HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU

Perceptive Documentary Profiles
Graphic Designer Turned Contemporary Artist

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will release HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU, the newest volume of its ongoing NEW PEOPLE Artist Series. This interesting documentary follows the life of one of the most talented young artists in Japan today. The DVD, due to release this coming Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 with an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN, will be distributed by VIZ Media.

For you readers in the San Francisco area, note that VIZ Pictures has scheduled two special screenings of HISASHI TENMYOUYA at VIZ Cinema, one tomorrow, Saturday, March 6th at 1:00 pm, the other on Sunday, March 7th at 3:00 pm.

Here's what VIZ Pics has to say about the DVD release:

HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU presents a look into the artist Hisashi Tenmyouya, a graphic designer turned contemporary artist, and his Neo-Traditional Japanese Painting style. He uses gold foil and fine brushes to prepare for various exhibitions while people surrounding the artist share their thoughts. In this film, Tenmyouya reveals his soul through the melding of modern urban subjects with traditional painting methods.

In celebration of this new release, VIZ Pictures has scheduled special screenings of HISASHI TENMYOUYA at VIZ Cinema on Saturday, March 6th at 1:00 pm, and Sunday, March 7th at 3:00 pm. VIZ Cinema is located inside NEW PEOPLE, a newly opened entertainment destination in San Francisco at 1746 Post Street devoted to Japanese pop culture. For more information about this event, please visit www.vizcinema.com or www.viz-pictures.com.

“Hisashi Tenmyouya has shown steadily since his first show in 1990 at age 24, including shows at the Whitney in New York and others in Tokyo, Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, Kiev and Sao Paulo,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “Besides winning the Taro Okamoto Memorial Award in 2003, he was chosen as one of 14 artists in the world to participate in the design of the FIFA World Cup Poster for the in 2006 World Cup. We’re honored to release this new documentary and look forward to more people discovering the world of Hisashi Tenmyouya.”

The NEW PEOPLE Artist Series is an intriguing collection of documentaries introducing modern Japanese Pop artists to the American audience. All of the highlighted artists possess unique views and inspirations, allowing them to create captivating works of art. For more information on the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.newpeopleartistseries.com, and for information on movie schedules at VIZ Cinema, please visit www.vizcinema.com.

For more information on DVD titles distributed by VIZ Media, visit http://www.viz.com/.

ACF 485: VIZ announces April 2010 DVD releases

VIZ Media has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in April 2010. This includes the final box set release of NANA, the next episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series, and the latest box set release of NARUTO SHIPPPUDEN. Also releasing is the live action feature film, K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES, from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro. Here's the info VIZ has provided:

New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 2 Special Edition · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available April 20

Team Kakashi is joined by Team Guy in their pursuit of Gaara's kidnappers, Deidara and Sasori, but their way to the Akatsuki hideout is fraught with familiar enemies and deadly traps. Once inside, Sakura and Granny Chiyo must take on Chiyo's own grandson, the puppet master Sasori, whose complex tricks and genius puppetry demand every last ounce of Chiyo's and Sakura's strength and skill to counter. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi take off after Deidara, who is once again on the run with Gaara in tow...

The Special Edition Box Set contains 13 episodes on 3 discs, exclusive art card, and a collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja figure (Deidara).

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 2 Standard Edition · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available April 20

DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes on 3 discs. Exclusive art card and collectible figure not included.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 8 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available April 6

Supported by Naruto's powerful chakra, Granny Chiyo performs the Reanimation Ninjutsu to revive Gaara, but the cost is high. Back in the Leaf Village, Kakashi must spend time in the hospital to recover from his use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. With two open spots on Team Kakashi, Naruto is prepared to recruit some of his friends from the village. But unbeknownst to him, the replacements are being chosen by the village elders, and at least one of them he's really going to hate!

Episodes 31-34

NARUTO Uncut Season 2 Volume 2 Box Set · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN · Available April 27

The destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village has been averted, but at great cost. While the village mourns, a new menace arrives in the form of Sasuke's brother, Itachi Uchiha--but why is he after Naruto? Then Jiraiya whisks Naruto away on a training journey to find the legendary kunoichi Tsunade, who's been selected to become the new Hokage. But they'd better hurry, because Orochimaru is looking for her as well!

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, visit www.NARUTO.com.

Additional VIZ Media DVD releases include:

NANA Box Set 4 · Rated 'M' for Mature · MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN · Available April 13

Life is a whirlwind--will the Nanas make it through the storm without each other? As if Blast's debut wasn't causing enough stress, Takumi and Nana K.'s announcement sends everyone reeling, but none more than Nana O. and Reira. While Reira turns to Shin for comfort, Nana is drawn to Yasu and his calm understanding, leaving her questioning her relationship with Ren. Nana K. meanwhile is happily nesting in her new home, but her continued estrangement from Nana O. weighs heavily on her heart.

Contains episodes 35-47

For more information on NANA, please visit nana.viz.com.

BLEACH Volume 27 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available April 20

With the Bounts defeated, Ichigo and his friends settle down to what they think will be an ordinary life of school and battling Hollows. But things take a turn for the unusual when a new student arrives at school who seems to know all about Ichigo--including the Hollow within him that's getting stronger all the time. With a menacing Spiritual Pressure descending on Karakura Town, Isshin and Urahara are worried that someone is creating an army of Arrancar--Hollows with Soul Reaper powers--and that someone may be former Soul Reaper captain Sosuke Aizen!

Episodes: 110 thru 113

For more information on BLEACH, visit BLEACH.viz.com.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

K-20: THE FIEND WITH TWENTY FACES · MSRP: $24.92 US/ $35.99 CAN · Available April 20

It is 1949 in Japan, in a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system is still in place. Heikichi, a circus acrobat, is deceived by "The Fiend (Kaijin) with Twenty Faces" and is set up to take the fall for the phantom thief. Now, Heikichi must wage war against K-20. Directed by Shimako Sato, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Takako Matsu, and Toru Nakamura.

(K-20 screened at last summer's New York Asian Film Festival. For my post about it, click here. I really liked it a lot, and I hope to have a review of VIZ's DVD up after screener's become available around the middle of March. Check back for that.)

More information on VIZ Pictures titles is available at VIZ-Pictures.com.

ACF 476: 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope

20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE

The Region 1 North American DVD of the second film in the 20th Century Boys trilogy is scheduled to come out tomorrow, Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 from VIZ Pictures. The single disc release will have an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. and $35.99 CAN.

The first film, 20th Century Boys 1: The Beginning of the End, was set at the end of the 20th Century as a bizarre cult let by a mysterious masked individual name "Friend" has emerged in Japan. At the same time, catastrophes that were described in "The Book of Prophecy," which was written by a young boy named Kenji in 1969, begin to occur. The film ends on New Year's Eve, December 31st 2000, as a giant virus -spreading robot walks the streets of Tokyo, wreaking havoc like a latter-day mechanical Godzilla. A giant explosion destroys buildings and kills the grown-up Kenji, who was trying to prevent the disaster, and some of his friends. Or at least that's the way things seem.

The Last Hope takes up the story fifteen years later in 2015 and focus's on Kenji's niece, Kanna. She denies the official story that her uncle was a terrorist who caused the explosion, and that Friend was mankind's savor. Her "anti-Friend" behavior earns her a stint in Friend Land, a re-education center for those with rebellious behavior. Along with her classmate Kyoko Koizumi, she is sent to the Bonus Stage, a virtual reconstruction of 1971 where each of them learn about Friend's identity.

Meanwhile, another book, The New Book of Prophecy, has emerged. It prophesies the assassination at a church in Shinjuku of a savior who will rise to uphold justice. Does this prophesy refer to Kanna, to Friend, or to someone else entirely?

The first film clocked in at 142 minutes. This second installment, at 140 minutes, is only slightly shorter, but it's much more dense and complex. Personally, I found it a bit difficult to recognize and keep track of all the secondary characters, but even so, this didn't really mar the film for me. Other viewers, especially those familiar with the manga series by Naoki Urasawa upon which the films are based, probably will not be fazed in the slightest. (Eight volumes of the manga are available from VIZ. For info at VIZ, click here.)

The DVD's soundtrack is available in Japanese 5.1 or 2.0, with optional English subtitles; there is no English-dubbed soundtrack. The extras on the DVD are pretty lean. There are trailers of the 20th Century Boys films with English-dubbed dialogue, and the original Japanese with no subtitles. Also included are two promotional trailers for other VIZ Pictures releases: Maiko Haaan!!! and Ping Pong. both of which are pretty terrific films in their own right.

On its own, I'd give 20th Century Boys 2 a 3 out of 4 start ACF rating (solidly recommended). Of course, you can't really separate it from the entire trilogy, and I've got to say I'm really looking forward to the final installment. There are some scenes from it at the end of the credits, as well as in the separate trailers, and it looks awesome. No word on when that final DVD will be out, but rest assured I'll be passing on that info as soon as I get it.

ACF 467: VIZ DVDs for March 2010

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES
NEW DVD RELEASES FOR MARCH 2010

VIZ Media has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in March 2010. This includes the final box set release of HONEY AND CLOVER, the next installments of the POKÉMON ELEMENTS series, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series.

Also releasing is the live action feature film HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU from VIZ Pictures.

VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

Here are the details:

HONEY AND CLOVER Box Set 3 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN · Available March 16

Yuta returns from his journey of self-discovery only to find everyone around him deep in their own struggles to shape their futures. Ayumi finds herself increasingly included in projects involving Takumi and Rika, and the strain is breaking her. Far away in America, Shinobu and his brother's endless quest for money finally helps them achieve their ultimate goal, while back home Hagumi must face the devastating consequences of an accident that could change her life forever. Can the pursuit of happiness and the pursuit of art ever be one and the same?

Contains Season 2, Episodes 1-12.

For more information on HONEY AND CLOVER visit http://www.honeyandclover.viz.com/.

SHONEN JUMP releases include:

BLEACH Volume 26 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 23

The Bount leader Jin Kariya has obtained the Jokai Crest and is absorbing its immense power. While Ichigo and the others rest and prepare for their next battle, the Soul Reapers are warned by Rantao that there are many Crests within the Seireitei, and all may explode if Kariya's Crest is released. Head Captain Yamamoto mobilizes all Soul Reapers to find and seal the remaining Crests. Then, atop Sokyoku Hill, Ichigo faces Kariya in their final clash! Contains episodes 105 – 109.

More information on BLEACH at http://www.bleach.viz.com/.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 7 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 9

In their battle with Sasori, Granny Chiyo and Sakura must make life-or-death choices to bring the puppet master down. Outside the Akatsuki hideout, Team Guy have fought the copies of themselves to the point of exhaustion, but Rock Lee's plan sets fire to their fighting spirits. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi have caught up to Deidara, and Kakashi prepares to unleash his newest jutsu--the Mangekyo Sharingan! Contains episodes 27 – 30.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN visit http://www.NARUTO.viz.com/.

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 9: Ghost · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN · Available March 23

POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 10: Rock · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available March 23

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

HISASHI TENMYOUYA: SAMURAI NOUVEAU, NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Volume 4 · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available March 9

A graphic designer turned contemporary artist, Hisashi Tenmyouya brings his own style of NEO-Traditional Japanese Painting to the art world. Tenmyouya reveals his soul through melding of modern urban subjects with traditional methods of painting.

For more information on VIZ Pictures, please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

ACF 466: 20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE coming out on DVD Feb 16th

VIZ PICTURES TO RELEASE

20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE

ON DVD

Special Theatrical Screening Also Planned For Live-Action Sci-Fi Film –

The Second In A Trilogy Based On Popular Manga Series By Naoki Urasawa

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced that it will release the science fiction feature 20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE on DVD on February 16th in North America through its distributor, VIZ Media. 20th CENTURY BOYS will carry a MSRP of $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN.

The 20th CENTURY BOYS saga is based on Naoki Urasawa’s manga series, 20th CENTURY BOYS (published in the US by VIZ Media), which has become a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 20 million copies of the 24 volumes. Urasawa is the creator of many famous works such as the hit manga series, MONSTER and PLUTO also published in the US by VIZ Media.

The film is directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, who began directing commercials and music videos at Nihon Television. One of his most recent films includes Happily Ever After (2007) is also released by VIZ Pictures and distributed by VIZ Media. Both Naoki Urasawa and Music Director Ryomei Shirai are fans of the 1970’s rock music scene and chose “20th Century Boy” by T.REX (Imperial Records) as the main theme song.

The story began in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write "The Book of Prophecy" in which they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to takeover the world and bring about doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being led by a man only known as "Friend" emerges and begins to gain strong influence over society.

A series of catastrophic events begin to occur mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji and the greatest fear is the climax of "The Book" becoming a reality; December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about "The Book" are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is "Friend"? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?

(For my December 13, 2009 review of the first film, click here.)

In 20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE it is 2015, and “Friend” rules a disturbing new world. Kenji has been missing since the Bloody New Year's Eve of 2000, and his niece Kanna is now in high school. Her history textbook contains a fabricated story about Kenji and his friends being the terrorists behind the horrific events of 2000. Kanna, knowing the truth, openly resents this, and as a result she is marked as a problem child by her teacher and sent to the Friend Land program because of her anti-Friend behavior. Friend Land is a facility where people with rebellious behavior are re-educated. As the program begins, Kanna and her classmate Kyoko Koizumi achieve high marks and are sent to the advanced program called the Bonus Stage, where they find themselves in a virtual reconstruction of 1971, when Kenji and his friends were kids. There, each of the girls learns crucial secrets about “Friend.”

The surviving secret base members have been separated since Bloody New Year's Eve but each has spent the last 15 years in various activities opposing Friend and his regime. As Kenji's friends all try to find out the truth about Friend, they discover the shocking existence of The New Book of Prophecy, the sequel to The Book of Prophecy. The New Book describes an event: In 2015, at a church in Shinjuku, a savior will rise to uphold justice but will be assassinated. Who is the savior? Once again, Doomsday looms near...

To celebrate this DVD release, VIZ Pictures will be holding a special screening event at VIZ Cinema in San Francisco on February 9th at 7:30PM. Admission is $25.00, which will include a ticket for the screening, a copy of the 20TH CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE DVD, poster, and pin! Additionally, VIZ Pictures is raffling off 20th Century Boys T-shirts before the show so come watch the film for a chance to win! Tickets are available at the box office or online at www.vizcinema.com. For more information about this event, please visit www.vizcinema.com or www.viz-pictures.com.

“20th CENTURY BOYS has been a mega hit since it mesmerized audiences with it’s U.S. theatrical premiere of 20th CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END in the summer of 2009, and we are excited to announce the U.S. debut of 20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “We also hope fans in the San Francisco Bay Area can join us for the one night only special screening at VIZ Cinema to experience 20th CENTURY BOYS on the Big Screen.”

More information on 20th CENTURY BOYS and other VIZ Pictures titles can be found at www.viz-pictures.com.

ACF 456: DVD on Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama due out January 26th

DVD RELEASE OF

DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO

and

SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT-ONLY THEATRICAL SCREENING

AT VIZ CINEMA IN SAN FRANCISCO

BOTH ON JANUARY 26, 2010

Documentary Profiles The Life And Art Of One Of The Most Influential Photographers Living Today And Highlights His Style & Technique

VIZ Pictures, the VIZ Media, LLC affiliate that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will release the newest volume of its ongoing NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES – DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO DVD on January 26th. The intriguing documentary following the life and art of Japan’s foremost photographer, will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed by VIZ Media.

Daido Moriyama has been a major force in artistic photography since the late 60’s, but his true persona has been hidden behind a veil of mystery since he has refused any major media appearances - until now. This new documentary follows the charismatic Moriyama as he takes his first digital photos and displays his trademark photographic technique of taking quick snapshots without looking in the viewfinder. Often shot in black and white, out of focus and dramatically cropped or tilted, the themes of Moriyama's images have been said to convey a sense of the disordered human condition and the conflicting realities of modern urban life.

In celebration of this new release, VIZ Pictures has scheduled a special one night only theatrical screening of DAIDO MORIYAMA: STRAY DOG OF TOKYO on January 26th, starting at 7:30pm, at VIZ Cinema, located inside NEW PEOPLE, a newly opened entertainment destination in San Francisco devoted to Japanese pop culture. Tickets are $25.00, which includes a pass to the film screening, a copy of the DVD, a postcard and a NEW PEOPLE original pin button! For more information about this event, visit http://www.vizcinema.com/ or http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

“Daido Moriyama is an acclaimed photographer whose work has been exhibited in museums worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “We’re honored to release this new documentary and look forward to more people discovering this important and influential photographer.”

NEW PEOPLE Artist Series is intriguing collection of documentaries introducing modern Japanese Pop artists to the American audience. All of the highlighted artists possess unique views and inspirations to create captivating works of art. For more information, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or http://www.newpeopleartistseries.com/, for movie schedules at VIZ Cinema, please visit http://www.vizcinema.com/

ACF 442: Feb 2010 DVD releases from VIZ

BLEACH© Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentsu, Pierrot SHONEN JUMP and BLEACH

are trademarks of Shueisha, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES
NEW DVD RELEASES FOR FEBRUARY 2010

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in February 2010. This includes the next box sets of NANA and BLEACH, as well as the latest episodic release of the popular NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. Also releasing is the live action feature film – 20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

NANA Uncut Box Set 3 · Rated 'M' for Mature · MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN · Available February 2

Love can mend your life--but will it tear the Nanas apart? Nana K. is happily involved with Takumi from Trapnest, though she doesn't fully trust him. Nana O. graciously stays away from the apartment for a while, and both Nanas feel the loneliness of their separation. Then in the midst of Blast preparing to sign their first record deal, Nobu makes a surprise confession to Nana K. Now she must make a difficult choice, and someone's heart is bound to be broken.

For more information on NANA visit: http://www.nana.viz.com/.

SHONEN JUMP releases include:

BLEACH Uncut Box Set 4 Part 2 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available February 16

The battle against the evil Bounts grows wider and fiercer as Ichigo and friends, reinforced by a group of Soul Reapers, try to take the fight to their hideout. But the Bounts have many tricks up their sleeves, and it looks like certain defeat for Ichigo and his comrades. Uryu, who had lost his Quincy powers, is the key to the Bount leader Kariya’s plans for reve nge against the Soul Society, as well as the key to his defeat. Will Uryu be able to regain his powers in time to save his friends?

BLEACH Volume 25 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available February 23

Jin Kariya, the leader of the Bounts, arrives at the Department of Research and Development and quickly dispatches the guards there. He has come to find the Bount Crest known as Jokaisho, which has the power to blow all of the Seireitei away, and only Ichigo and Chad stand in his way. Meanwhile, Uryu confronts the Bount Yoshi with his new Quincy powers, but he finds them difficult to control as he desperately tries to defend himself from the attacks of his ruthless opponent!

For more information on BLEACH visit: http://www.bleach.viz.com/.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 6 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available February 9

While Naruto and Kakashi chase after Deidara, Sakura and Granny Chiyo together take on Sasori of the Red Sand. Sasori's masterful puppetry allows him to use the jutsu of the person he's transformed into a puppet, forcing Sakura and Chiyo to face the power of the Third Kazekage. But with Chiyo's guidance, Sakura learns to read Sasori's moves, and the training she received from Tsunade turns out to be invaluable as the attacks grow ever more fierce!

NARUTO Uncut Season 2 Volume 1 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN · Available February 16

Before the final round of the Chunin Exam, Naruto receives some special training from the legendary Toad Sage, Jiraiya. When the battles resume, Naruto is ready, but what about Sasuke? He's about to face the one ninja no one, not even Naruto, thinks he can beat. But in the midst of everything, a sinister plot is set in motion, and the Village Hidden in the Leaves finds itself under attack!

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN visit: www.NARUTO.com.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available February 16

It is now 2015, and Friend rules a disturbing new world. Kenji has been missing since the Bloody New Year's Eve of 2000, and his niece Kanna is now in high school. Her history textbook contains a fabricated story about Kenji and his friends being the terrorists behind the horrific events of 2000. Kanna, knowing the truth, openly resents this, and as a result she is marked as a problem child by her teacher and sent to the Friend Land program because of her anti-Friend behavior. Friend Land is a facility where people with rebellious behavior are re-educated. As the program begins, Kanna and her classmate Kyoko Koizumi achieve high marks and are sent to the advanced program called the Bonus Stage, where they find themselves in a virtual reconstruction of 1971, when Kenji and his friends were kids. There, each of the girls learns crucial secrets about Friend.

The surviving secret base members have been separated since Bloody New Year's Eve but each has spent the last 15 years in various activities opposing Friend and his regime. As Kenji's friends all try to find out the truth about Friend, they discover the shocking existence of The New Book of Prophecy, the sequel to The Book of Prophecy. The New Book describes an event: In 2015, at a church in Shinjuku, a savior will rise to uphold justice but will be assassinated. Who is the savior? Once again, Doomsday looms near...

For more information on VIZ Pictures visit: http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

ACF 412: "2oth Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End" on DVD + special screenings in S.F.

VIZ PICTURES TO RELEASE DVD OF
20TH CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END

Special Theatrical Screening Also Planned For Live Action Sci-Fi Film –
The First In A Trilogy Based On Popular Manga Series By Naoki Urasawa

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will release the science fiction feature 20th CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END on DVD on December 15th in the United States through its distributor, VIZ Media. 20th CENTURY BOYS will carry an MSRP of $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN.

The 20th CENTURY BOYS saga was directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi (who also directed the live-action film, HAPPILY EVER AFTER which is also available from VIZ Pictures) and is based on a popular manga series by Naoki Urasawa. It all begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write "The Book of Prophecy" in which they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to takeover the world and bring about doomsday.

Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being lead by a man only known as "Friend" emerges and begins to gain strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji and the greatest fear is the climax of "The Book" becoming a reality; December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about "The Book" are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is "Friend"? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?

“20th CENTURY BOYS mesmerized audiences at its U.S. theatrical premiere in San Francisco this past summer and we’re very proud to announce its North American debut on DVD,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Naoki Urasawa’s multi-layered story of childhood mystical prophecy, government conspiracies and alien invasion is given a lavish production treatment and the film’s ending is a real cliffhanger that’s also very different from the original manga series. We look forward to introducing audiences to this exciting 3-part science fiction saga!”

VIZ Pictures also has scheduled theatrical screenings of 20th Century Boys 1 in December at VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first theatre venue devoted exclusively to Japanese film operated by VIZ Pictures, Inc.

On December 10th, starting at 7:30pm, VIZ Pictures has a special event to celebrate the DVD release of the first chapter of the trilogy. Tickets are $25.00, which includes a pass to the film screening, the brand new DVD, a poster, and more! VIZ Cinema is located inside NEW PEOPLE, a newly opened entertainment destination in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown offering the latest examples of Japanese popular culture. Tickets are available at www.vizcinema.com or can be purchased at the theatre box-office. For more information about this event, visit www.vizcinema.com or www.viz-pictures.com.

For more information on 20th CENTURY BOYS or other VIZ Pictures titles visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

ACF 390: DVD doc on artist Yayoi Kusama to street on October 27th, 2009

VIZ PICTURES TO RELEASE A NEW DOCUMENTARY ON ACCLAIMED MODERN ARTIST YAYOI KUSAMA

YAYOI KUSAMA: I LOVE ME Is The Latest DVD Release
In The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES

Spotlights The Unique Style & Creative Process Of This World Class Artist

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, will release the second volume of its newly-launched NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES – Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME – on DVD on October 27th. The documentary, which was directed by Takako Matsumoto, will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed exclusively by VIZ Media.

Artist Yayoi Kusama is an avant-garde sculptor, painter, and novelist and her visual style is often characterized by a liberal use of polka dots and nets to achieve a so-called “infinity effect.” The film documents Kusama’s creative process over the course of a year-and-a-half as she completes a series of 50 large monochrome drawings. As her work comes to life, one witnesses the essence of her artistic voice as builds on themes about the conflicts between life, death, and love – sometimes quietly and sometimes not. Her self-confidence and dignified spirit is evident throughout the insightful film.

Yayoi Kusama has been widely acclaimed by the international art world for more than 50 years. In 2006, she received the Japanese National Lifetime Achievement Award, one of Japan’s most prestigious prizes for internationally recognized artists. In November 2008, her No.2 (created in 1959) was auctioned by Christie’s New York for over $5.7 million, the second highest price ever paid for a work by a living female artist. Her work has been exhibited with the likes of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns and also shown at preeminent venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.

“Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME is the newest release in our ongoing NEW PEOPLE Artist Series which highlights notable modern Japanese pop artists who possess unique views and creative inspirations,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “Yayoi Kusama is a truly gifted world class artist who blends elements of minimalism, surrealism, pop art and abstract expressionism. To celebrate this release, VIZ Pictures will have a special event at their brand-new VIZ Cinema in San Francisco on October 27th. Tickets ($25) include a pass to the screening, a brand-new DVD ($25 value), a postcard and NEW PEOPLE original buttons.

For more information, visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.newpeopleartistseries.com.

And, for movie schedule at VIZ Cinema, please visit www.vizcinema.com.

ACF 368: Traveling With Yoshitomo Nara DVD available September 15, 2009

VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF ARTISTIC

DOCUMENTARY TRAVELING WITH YOSHITOMO NARA

The First In The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES That Spotlights
Renowned Modern Japanese Pop Artists

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release of Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara – NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES, Volume 1 on September 15th. The DVD will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media.

Produced by VIZ Pictures, the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series is an intriguing collection of documentaries that each highlight a renowned modern Japanese pop artist who utilizes unique world views and inspirations to create captivating works of art. The series is an extension of the NEW PEOPLE entertainment destination, located in San Francisco, which brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North America through film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques.

Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara was directed by Koji Sakabe and captures the journey that the artist, Yoshitomo Nara, took during the creation of his exhibit, AtoZ, in his hometown of Hirosaki, Japan. The film is notably narrated by Aoi Miyazaki, an up-and-coming Japanese actress who appeared in the acclaimed manga-inspired film NANA (VIZ Pictures). Yoshitomo Nara’s work has captured the attention of the international art world and his cartoon-like girl images with characteristic big heads, chubby-faces and slanted eyes have become icons of the artist’s style. His paintings and sculptures have been auctioned at Sotheby’s and his sculpture, Light My Fire (2001), sold for over $1.1 million.

“We are very pleased to launch the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series with Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “This film documents Nara’s creative process and how he tapped the talents of many fellow artists to help bring this exhibition to life. The people, the experience, and the works of art all come together in this film and culminate in the grand opening of the AtoZ exhibit. Art aficionados as well as fans of Japanese culture will delight in this intimate portrait of one of the most talented modern pop artists working today.”

For more information, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or http://www.newpeopleartistseries.com/.