Press Releases for February 2007
February 2007
- February 28, 2007: Live Action Film “Cat Girl Kiki” Slated For May Release
- February 28, 2007: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - on DVD March 30th!
- February 27, 2007: ANIMETV revamps the "Top Five Countdown"
- February 23, 2007: “Legend Of The Doll” Theatrical Premiere Set For March 19th
- February 22, 2007: AnimeTV (TM) will release a supplemental episode tonight at 8:00 PM
- February 13, 2007: “Gunbuster” fans can enter to win the ultimate trip to Japan
- February 12, 2007: Magnolia Films Launches Alternate Reality Game for The Host
- February 10, 2007: The first anime to be reviewed on the first episode of AnimeTV, Feb 15
- February 7, 2007: Toon Disney presents the premieres of Bionicle 2 and Bionicle 3 Feb 26
- February 1, 2007: "Gunbuster 2," "The Wings Of Rean" And "Demon Prince Enma"
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February 28, 2007: Live Action Film “Cat Girl Kiki” Slated For May Release
The May release of Cat Girl Kiki, the second live action film in the Akihabara Trilogy, was announced today by Central Park Media. The three stand alone films (Legend of the Doll, Cat Girl Kiki and Pretty Maid Café) in this series are all set in the well known Akihabara shopping district in Tokyo which is a popular destination for hardcore fans of anime, manga, video games and model kits. This large shopping area and its unique culture provide a colorful backdrop for each of the movies.
Cat Girl Kiki, a tale about a lonely guy whose adoptive kitten transforms into a beautiful girl, is from the producer of “Shall We Dance?” and “Gamera”. The order date will be April 10, 2007 and the street date will be May 8, 2007. This DVD will be priced at $19.95 SRP and contain Japanese language tracks with English subtitles.
The Legend of the Doll, the first of the Akihabara Trilogy movies slated for release, has been scheduled for a theatrical premiere on March 19, 2007 at The ImaginAsian Theater in New York City. For more information about the premiere and the Akihabara Trilogy, visit AsiaPulpCinema.com/akihabara.
Cat Girl Kiki
This is the incredibly strange tail...we mean tale...of Yoshiro, a lonely introvert who is stuck in a rut... Each day is exactly the same, drab and dismal, until he finds an abandoned kitten on the street and brings it home. The next morning, Yoshiro discovers that the kitten has transformed into a beautiful girl named Kiki! Too bad she has cat ears and scratches up the furniture. It seems like a match made in heaven, but what is the secret behind Cat Girl Kiki's sudden appearance, and what does it mean for Yoshiro's chance at a normal life?
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February 28, 2007: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - on DVD March 30th!
On behalf of Lionsgate Home Entertainment, we are pleased to announce the DVD release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Season 4. This March, prepare for a pizza-loving, reptilian invasion as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take center stage in celebration of their 25th anniversary! For the first time ever, fans of the classic television series can own a complete season box set as Lionsgate releases to DVD Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Season 4 on March 13th.
Starring Leonardo, Donatello, Michaelangelo and Raphael, there are 40 shell-kicking episodes in season 4 – 39 of which are available on DVD for the first-time together in this five-disc DVD box set, complete with special features for the first time as well as limited time, collectible 3D plastic-molded packaging modeled after the turtles themselves! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Season 4 will be available in stores just weeks before the new highly-anticipated, CG-animated feature film release on March 30th.
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February 27, 2007: ANIMETV revamps the "Top Five Countdown"
Due to the extensive amount of feedback and comments AnimeTV received from episode 1, viewers will be getting a slightly new twist on the TOP FIVE COUNTDOWN from Episode 2, scheduled to be aired March 1. Co-Creator Mark Fujita states "Top Five Countdowns are deceptively elusive concepts. Top 5... of what exactly? Top 5 sales? Top 5 of our personal favorites? And how do you keep it interesting week after week?" Episode 2 of AnimeTV will count down the top five of a specific category of anime, starting with "Historical" anime this week. The titles have been selected by around 500 fans who signed up from around the world to review and score anime for the show, in addition to the ATV Crew itself, who also cast their votes.
"The reason we decided to change the concept for the ATV TOP FIVE is because we all sat down and said 'What would WE want to see?' - and we all got terribly excited about the new idea." said Eric P. Sherman, Producer and Director of AnimeTV. Watch AnimeTV this Thursday and see an all new episode, as well as an all new Top Five Countdown.
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February 23, 2007: “Legend Of The Doll” Theatrical Premiere Set For March 19th
Central Park Media announced today that it would be kicking off the theatrical release of Legend of the Doll, the first live action film in the Akihabara Trilogy, with a premiere at The ImaginAsian Theater in New York City (239 East 59th Street) on March 19, 2007 at 7pm. This is the first of 3 movies set in the famed Akihabara shopping district in Tokyo which is a popular destination for hardcore fans of anime, manga, video games and model kits. This city-sized shopping area provides a colorful backdrop and plays an integral part in the storylines of each of the movies.
Prior to the screening, there will be a formal welcome which will include an introduction to the film by Tetsuya Ikeda, the producer of the Akihabara Trilogy movies as well as the producer of “Shall We Dance?” and “Gamera”. As Mr. Ikeda’s schedule prevents him from personally attending the premiere, he is preparing a very special video message for the event. In addition, all attendees will be eligible to participate in a prize raffle prior to the start of the movie.
In honor of the strong anime tie-in, all cosplayers who are dressed as either their favorite anime character or in Akihabara style will be admitted free to the premiere. Admission will be charged to all other attendees. Any members of the press wishing to attend the theatrical premiere should RSVP at prpress@teamcpm.com as soon as possible. As the formal welcome ceremony will start promptly and seating will be limited, all attendees are encouraged to arrive on time.
About Legend of the Doll:
Model-maker and action figure collector Ryouta achieves his lifelong dream when he finally completes his collection with a rare action figure model at a shop in Akihabara. Tragically, the doll is stolen by a group of delinquents before Ryouta can even get it home. Disappointed to his very core, Ryouta wanders the streets until he finds a bizarre, back alley shop. Venturing inside, he purchases an ultra-rare figure named “Airu”. Ryouta rushes the figure home and quickly assembles it...And to his surprise and delight the figure comes to life. Airu is a real, living girl...And she only has eyes for Ryouta! For more information about the Akihabara Trilogy, visit www.asiapulpcinema.com/akihabara.
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February 22, 2007: AnimeTV (TM) will release a supplemental episode tonight at 8:00 PM
AnimeTV (TM) will release a supplemental episode tonight at 8:00 PM. ANIMETV - BEHIND THE SCENES #1.
It's brand new never before seen footage of "behind the scenes" during the AnimeTV shoot. Check out Johnny Yong Bosch and get to know some of the other cast and crew members a little bit better.
Exclusive "behind the scenes" footage will be up at www.goanimetv.com, Youtube, iTunes, etc at 8pm PST. Don't miss it!
Stay tuned for AnimeTV episode #2 on March 1 (Thursday) @ 8PM PST!
Thank you for watching!!!
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February 13, 2007: “Gunbuster” fans can enter to win the ultimate trip to Japan
Anime fans across North America are eagerly anticipating the DVD release of the 1988 classic anime series “Gunbuster” on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, when the newly re-mastered 3-disc set will be available for purchase in stores across the continent and at leading online retailers.
The DVD is being released on the Honneamise label by Bandai Visual USA Inc., a leading innovator in Japanese animation, and distributed by Image Entertainment, a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of home entertainment programming in North America.
A favorite among anime fans, “Gunbuster” has been re-mastered in HD 24P format with newly translated English subtitles under the supervision of the original producers. The DVD set (SRP: $64.99) will contain all six episodes on 3 discs and includes a 24-page color booklet.
- First-time U.S. DVD release
- Newly translated English subtitles for all six episodes
- Bonus clips totaling 30 minutes
- 24-page color booklet
- All packaged in an original deluxe art box imported from Japan
To celebrate the highly-anticipated launch of “Gunbuster,” Bandai Visual USA will invite one winner to tour Japan for the ultimate experience of Japanese tradition and pop culture. The sweepstakes is open to anyone with no purchase required. For more information on the contest or to enter, anime fans can go to www.bandaivisual.us/gunbuster1/survey.html. Fans can also enter to win “Gunbuster” merchandise, including collectible figures and posters. The contest begins February 13 and ends March 21, with the winner being announced on April 2.
Anime fans who purchase “Gunbuster” can send away for a free special “Gunbuster” trailer manga card by renowned character designer/illustrator/manga artist Haruhiko Mikimoto (“Macross”) by filling-in and returning the card in the DVD. The image on the 4-color card was originally used on the publicity poster to promote the first volume of the “Gunbuster” OVA which was released in 1988. The offer ends March 30, 2007 and while supplies last.
The directorial debut of acclaimed creator Hideaki Anno (“Neon Genesis Evangelion,” “Nadia: Secret of Blue Water,” “Cutie Honey,” “His and Her Circumstances”), “Gunbuster” casts pretty girls and giant robots in a moving epic of interstellar naval war and is a story of a young girl’s struggle to pilot the ultimate weapon. The first commercial success of the fan-turned-pro studio Gainax, “Gunbuster” (a.k.a. “Aim for the Top!”) was the first anime OVA (original video animation) made by and for the “otaku generation” – a series for those who love anime. Not tied to any pre-existing manga or toy campaign, “Gunbuster” was a declaration that anime could be made for its own sake.
More information is available on the official “Gunbuster” site (www.bandaivisual.us/gunbuster) and on MySpace at www.myspace.com/honneamise.
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February 12, 2007: Magnolia Films Launches Alternate Reality Game for The Host
Magnolia films has fans looking for clues and deciphering puzzles in the new ARG that is now unfolding online in support of The Host, in theaters March 9th. The main site, Monster Hunters Club looks innocent enough at first glance, but a trip to the forums quickly reveals that there's something sinister going on beneath the surface. Help solve puzzles and make the connections between amateur cryptozooligists, a beautiful 19-year-old Korean film student, a grandson finding out what happened to his army-scientist grandfather, and weird creature sightings that seem to be getting more numerous by the day.
The Host is a story about Gang-du works at a food-stand on the banks of the Han River. Dozing on the job, he is awakened by his daughter, Hyun-seo, who is angry with him for missing a teacher-parent meeting at school. As Gang-du walks out to the riverbank with a delivery, he notices that a large crowd of people have gathered, taking pictures and talking about something hanging from the Han River Bridge. The otherwise idyllic landscape turns suddenly to bedlam, when a terrifying creature climbs up onto the riverbank and begins to crush and eat people. Gang-du and his daughter run for their lives, but suddenly the being grabs Hyun-seo and disappears back into the river. The government announces that the monstrous thing apparently is the Host of an unidentified virus. Having feared the worst, Gang-du receives a phone call from his daughter who is frightened, but very much alive. Gang-du soon makes plans to infiltrate the forbidden zone near the Han River to rescue his daughter from the clutches of the horrifying Host.
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February 10, 2007: The first anime to be reviewed on the first episode of AnimeTV, Feb 15
The first anime to be reviewed on the first episode of AnimeTV (Feb 15) will be "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya".
Sneak peek clips of the English Language version will be shown for the first time anywhere.
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February 7, 2007: Toon Disney presents the premieres of Bionicle 2 and 3 February 26
Tune in for the twists and turns of the second and third installments of the Bionicle series premiering on Toon Disney. Don't miss the action when the second and third installments of the Bionicle series debut back to back on Monday, February 26-- “Bionicle 2: Legend of Metru Nui” (5:00 – 6:30 p.m., ET/PT) and “Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows” (6:30 – 8:00p.m., ET/PT on Toon Disney.
Bionicle 2 Legends of Metru Nui
The story continues when six Matoran from the city of Metru Nui are chosen by Toa Lhikan to become mighty Toa Metru. However, all is not right when Matorans start to vanish, Turaga Dume starts to act strangely and Toa Lhikan is captured. Along with five other courageous souls, Toa Vakama sets out to free Toa Lhikan.
Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows
An old enemy has taken over Metru Nui with robotic spiders that can quickly encase anything or anybody in their path of destruction. Can the Toa learn to navigate their new found powers in time to save the city?
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February 1, 2007: "Gunbuster 2," "The Wings Of Rean" And "Demon Prince Enma"!
Bandai Visual USA Inc., a leading innovator in Japanese animation, today announced that they are set to release 3 (three) new anime titles in the U.S starting Spring 2007. The three titles are "Gunbuster 2," "The Wings of Rean" and "Demon Prince Enma."
Gunbuster 2
Sixteen years after the release of the original "Gunbuster" release in Japan, legendary studio GAINAX returns with an epic sequel! Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki ("FLCL"), "Gunbuster 2" is the story of country girl Nono's quest to become a Topless, the elite pilots whose Buster Machines protect Sol System from the mysterious space monsters!
Set thousands of years after "Gunbuster," the sequel focuses on a space pilot wannabe named Nono from a lonely snow-bound village. Her efforts lead her to join the elite teenage pilot group called Topless in order to defend the Sol System with their superpowers. Nono aspires to and seeks friendship of ace Topless pilot Lal'C even as Space Monsters encroach upon the Sol System and threaten the existence of mankind.
The Wings of Rean
The newest work by the famed Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino and a culmination of his personal vision in which he explores the family torn in war set against a sci-fi/fantasy backdrop. DVD will be released in 3 (three) volumes.Each volume will have original 32-page booklets and bonus features including interviews and other extras.
In "The Wings of Rean," Sakomizu, a WWII kamikaze pilot transported to an alternate universe returns to wreak havoc on present day Japan. His daughter Lyucus tries to stop her father from conducting his plot, and eventually falls in love with Aesap, a youth living in present day Iwakuni.
Demon Prince Enma
An action horror animation series based on a manga created by Go Nagai, a master manga artist who brought classics such as "Devilman," "Mazinger Z," and "Cutey Honey."
Working as a private investigator among humans, prince of demons Enma brings to justice those ghouls that stray into the human world. DVD will be released in 2 (two) volumes. Each volume will have original 16-page booklet and bonus features including interviews.
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