ACF 705: "The Secret of Kells" due out Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

It may be Irish, not Asian, but I think that many anime lovers (and others as well) will be interested to learn that the Academy Award®-nominated Best Animated Feature, The Secret of Kells, will be available on DVD and Blu-ray from New Video's Flatiron Film Company on Tuesday, October 5, 2010.

A stunning, sweeping adventure about the power of imagination, this delightful and dazzling animated movie will captivate audiences of all ages with astounding imagery and a universally-powerful and uplifting story. The Secret of Kells will also be distributed day-and-date (October 5) on video-on-demand (VOD) and on digital platforms via New Video's partners.


The Secret of Kells, directed by Tomm Moore, transports viewers to a remote medieval outpost of Ireland, where young Brendan (Evan McGuire) embarks on a forbidden adventure that begins when a celebrated master illuminator named Aidan (Mick Lally) arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears to travel on a dangerous and mysterious quest that takes him away from his uncle Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) and into the enchanted forest. He meets the fairy Aisling (Christen Mooney), an enigmatic young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But, with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision help illuminate the darkness and prevail against evil?

"We are extremely proud of and bowled over by the response to Kells. That audiences at home can revel in the excitement of the film is vitally important to us," said Mr. Moore. "Families and kids across the country have been inspired by Kell's imagery and storyline. We hope the film remains a treasure for them for years to come."


Hailed by critics and audiences alike as one of the most beautiful animated films of recent times, The Secret of Kells (75 minutes) is the surprise nomination for Best Animated Feature at this year's Academy Awards.

The Secret of Kells DVD (SRP $29.95) and DVD/Blu-ray combo pack ($39.95) feature two hours of fascinating exclusive bonus content, including audio commentary with the director, co-director and art director; a special "The Voices of Ireland" segment that includes voice recording sessions with Brendan Gleeson, Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney and Mick Lally; a director's presentation of pre-production sketches and inspirational images, and more. In addition, the DVD/Blu-ray combo includes a special collectible 24-page full-color prequel graphic novel by Mr. Moore that follows Aisling's and Brendan's adventures that took place before the story in the film begins.

Credits:
GKIDS presents a film by Tomm Moore; Co-Director Nora Twomey; Script, Fabrice Ziolkowski; Art Director, Ross Stewart; Music by Bruno Coulais, featuring original music by Kila. A Les Armateurs-Vivi Film-Cartoon Saloon-France 2 Cinema Production.