Free screening of TWO FACES OF MY GIRLFRIEND on Tuesday in New York

Korean Cultural Service New York
presents
Korean Movie Night 2014
Series Six
Idols on Film: K-pop Superstars Take on Cinema!

Two Faces of My Girlfriend / Du eolgurui yeochin 
Directed by LEE Seok-hoon
South Korea,  2007, 117 minutes

When: Tuesday December 2, 2014 @ 7:00 pm

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Map

Admission: FREE!!!
North American Premiere!

Gu-chang (Bong Tae-gyu), who has spent the past seven years of his life in college, can’t find a job and doesn’t have the money to get a date. One day, he spies a wallet on the street with three dollars in it. When he realizes that the owner of wallet is A-Ni (Jung Ryeo-won), a beautiful young woman, he hands it back to her. Gu-chang instantly falls in love, and begins a relationship that he thinks will last forever… but just as everything seems perfect, he discovers another side to A-Ni – a dark side that he cannot comprehend.

Could the woman Gu-chang fell in love with just be one of the girl’s multiple personalities… and how will he save her?

This charming, dramatic romance stars the blockbuster debut of Jung Ryeo-won, known for her career as a singer in the girl group Chakra, whose performance received the Blue Dragon Award for “New Leading Actress!”

Viz acquires TWIN STAR EXORCISTS

VIZ MEDIA ACQUIRES THE SUPERNATURAL ACTION

MANGA SERIES TWIN STAR EXORCISTS

New Series Has Drawn Rave Reviews From Japanese

Readers And Launches In-Print And Digitally Under

VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump Imprint In Summer 2015

VIZ Media has acquired of the supernatural action manga (graphic novel) series, TWIN STAR EXORCISTS.

Created by Yoshiaki Sukeno, TWIN STAR EXORCISTS is set to launch in the Summer of 2015 and will be published in print and offered digitally under the company’s Shonen Jump imprint. TWIN STAR EXORCISTS is rated ‘T’ for Teens. The series, which has released 3 volumes to-date, is ongoing in Japan.

In the series, beings from the dark realm of Magano creep into our world and can only be expelled by talented exorcists. Rokuro is from a family of exorcists, but after a terrible disaster, he’d rather be a singer, a soccer player or anything else! He’s forced to own up to his incredible potential by the arrival of Benio, an exorcist who’s more than his match and stirs his competitive spirit. When neither can top the other in supernatural combat, they earn the title of “Twin Star Exorcists” – two supreme fighters fated to marry and birth the ultimate spiritual warrior. Will these rivals fall in love? The fate of two worlds hangs in the balance!

“We’re very excited to announce TWIN STAR EXORCISTS as a new manga series set to join our Shonen Jump publishing roster next summer,” says Hope Donovan, Managing Editor. “In Japan, it has become one of the most popular series in the Shonen Jump line of manga and the series scored very high among readers. We are looking forward to launching TWIN STAR EXORCISTS for a new legion of English-language fans around the world!”

Creator Yoshiaki Sukeno’s previous series, the supernatural manga comedy Binbougami ga!, was adapted into the anime Good Luck Girl in 2012.

For more information on TWIN STAR EXORCISTS or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Fourth RANMA 1/2 Limited Edition Blu-ray Set in time for the holidays

© Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

RANMA ½ ANIME SERIES SET 4

LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY BOX SET

Latest Collection Of Action Packed HD Episodes Of

The Legendary Martial Arts Comedy Arrive In Time

For The Holidays In A New 3-Disc Blu-Ray Set;

Standard Edition DVD Set Also Available

VIZ Media delivers a fresh installment of action-packed RANMA ½ anime episodes as it announces the home media release on December 9th of Set 4 in the continuing series of High Definition Limited Edition Blu-ray and HD Standard Edition DVD Box Sets.

VIZ Media is releasing the revered gender-bending martial arts action comedy, based on the popular manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi, in the original Japanese series order across seven Limited Edition Blu-ray and DVD Box Sets. RANMA ½ is rated TV-14.

Arriving in time for the holidays, the RANMA ½ Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set Set 4 carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. The set contains Episodes 70-92 on 3 discs, presented in full 1080p High Definition resolution with the series’ original, un-cropped 4:3 aspect ratio. Bonus features include clean openings and endings as well as series trailers. The set comes in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

The RANMA ½ Standard Edition DVD Set Set 4 also features 23 episodes presented in crisp HD with the original, un-cropped 4:3 aspect ratio, and bonus features that include clean openings and endings and trailers. The Standard Edition DVD set is available with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The mayhem continues in the latest RANMA ½ home media release!! Shampoo visits Ranma, bringing a souvenir bell from China along with a Phantom Cat, who’s in search of a bride! Ranma will have to endure his fear of felines in order to defeat the Phantom Cat. Then, after a series of certain events, Ryoga becomes the strongest martial artist in the world. After that, Kuno gets his hands on a secret sword call the “Mangamaru,” which grants the user here wishes, and one of them is to have a date with the Pigtailed Girl! Finally, a mysterious foursome has come from China in search of the legendary Dragon’s Whisker and will stop at nothing to get it. But what is the Dragon’s Whisker and what does it have to do with Ranma?

RANMA ½ manga creator Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most prolific and respected manga artists and is the creator of several long running series including MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½, and INUYASHA – all published in North America by VIZ Media. The spotlight on her prolific career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and also spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another— MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGA, RUMIC THEATER, ONE-POUND GOSPEL, and RIN-NE (all also published in North America by VIZ Media).

For more information on RANMA ½ or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai acquires FAMILIAR OF ZERO: KNIGHT OF THE TWIN MOONS

When your hero’s a zero and decides to stick around, there’s not much to do but soldier on in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons. This magical comedy series is directed by Yuu Kou (Uta no Prince Sama, Loveless) with character designs by Masahiro Fujii (Dream Eater Merry, Hayate the Combat Butler!!), art direction by Yoshinori Hirose (Best Student Council, Kampfer), and animation production by J.C. Staff (Excel Saga, Golden Time).

Synopsis: Louise the Zero and her familiar Saito are back for another round of chaotic magic and even more chaotic romance. With the Albion invasion put to a stop, it seems as if peace has finally returned to the Kingdom of Tristain. After Saito sacrifices his only chance to return to Tokyo in order to remain at Louise’s side, it seems like the relationship between this fiery mage and her familiar should finally find a little peace as well. Unfortunately, thanks to Saito’s wandering eye and Louise’s explosive temper, their relationship is more turbulent than ever.

As Louise struggles between understanding her feelings for Saito and her powers as the only Void magic user in the world, the threat of war looms once again on the horizon with the appearance of a dangerous foe wielding a dark artifact. With Louise’s childhood friend Henrietta now crowned Queen of Tristain, Louise will have to learn to control her magic if she hopes to protect her friend and put an end to the conflict once and for all!

Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

11th Annual South Asian International Film Festival's top honor goes to TITLI

TITLI, directed by Kanu Behl

The South Asian International Film Festival, presented by HBO, recently announced the winners of its 2014 Gala Awards, held November 23rd at Manhattan’s Carlton Hotel.

Kanu Behl's TITLI took home the festival’s Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature, presented to it by jurors Richard Lorber, Bill Straus, David Wilentz, Isil Bagdadi, and Kelly Edwards. The tale of a young man desperate to escape a brotherhood of carjackers stunned both jurors and audiences at SAIFF. The Jury's highly-acclaimed Runner-Up was Berlin and Mumbai Film Festival selection KILLA.

“KILLA is beautifully cast, right down to the teacher who lords over the children in the classroom. It's a gem of a film," says the South Asian International Film Festival's new Executive Director Joya Dass.

The Best Director Award was presented to first-time writer/director Afia Nathaniel for her film DUKHTAR. The tense drama, Pakistan's official entry to the 2014 Academy Awards, was also presented with the festival's Audience Award.

“From a festival attendance standpoint, Afia Nathaniel's DUKHTAR was the clear winner." says Dass. "We had a sold out house and a roaring response to her directorial debut.”

The jury awarded their Short Grand Jury Prize to Gitanjali Rao's TRUE LOVE STORY, a a stunning animated short about a 17-year-old orphan who uses his love of Bollywood cinema to help him woo the girl of his dreams.

The Audience Award for Short Film was awarded to VEIL from director Sreemoyee Bhattacharya.

The lavish awards ceremony took place at Manhattan’s Carlton Hotel on November 23rd, celebrating SAIFF’s eleventh anniversary. Following the awards ceremony and private dinner, guests and press were treated to a set from recording artist Ashni Davé.

SAIFF 2014 WINNERS:
Grand Jury Winner, Best Feature: TITLI
Grand Jury Runner-Up, Feature: KILLA
Best Director: Afia Nathaniel for DUKHTAR
Grand Jury Winner, Best Short Film: TRUE LOVE STORY
Audience Award, Best Feature: DUKHTAR
Audience Award, Best Short Film: VEIL

The Eleventh Annual South Asian International Film Festival ran from Tuesday, November 18th, 2014 through Sunday, November 23rd, 2014 in New York City, at The SVA Theater and AMC.

For additional information on SAIFF 2014, visit www.saiff.org.

VIZ launches shojo manga YUKARISM on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014

Yukarism © Chika Shiomi 2011/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

TRAVEL BACK TO EDO-ERA JAPAN WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE

SEXY NEW SHOJO MANGA SERIES YUKARISM FROM VIZ MEDIA

Dreamy Historical Romance Depicts A Teenage Writer’s

Extraordinary Past Life As A Courtesan In Edo-era Japan;

New Series From The Creator Of YURARA And

RASETSU Debuts In Print And Digitally!!

VIZ Media entices shojo manga (graphic novel) readers with the print and digital launch of the new series – YUKARISM – on December 2nd.

The nostalgia-tinted historical romance comes from creator Chika Shiomi, who is widely known among manga fans for her series YURARA and RASETSU (both available from VIZ Media). YUKARISM will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint and is rated ‘T’ for Teens. Print MSRP will be $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

A digital version of YUKARISM, Vol. 1 also debuts on December 2nd for $6.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones. Digital volumes of YUKARISM can also be purchased through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. Future editions of this 4-volume manga series will be released in-print and digitally on a quarterly basis.

YUKARISM introduces readers to Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17 who writes with amazing accuracy about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period – as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki!

“YUKARISM is a sexy romance about past lives and gender-bending reincarnation that will captivate readers with its exquisite artwork, cute male characters and suspenseful plot,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Creator Chika Shiomi weaves an enticing story that links each of the main characters’ past and present lives and generates some potent sexual tension as readers learn more about Yukari’s past. The gender-bending aspects also offer plenty of hilarious moments!”

Creator Chika Shiomi debuted with the manga, Todokeru Toki o Sugitemo (Even if the Time for Deliverance Passes), and her other notable works include the supernatural series YURARA and RASETSU. Her hobbies include reading manga, traveling and listening to music; favorite artists include Michelangelo, Hokusai, Bernini and Gustav Klimt.

For more information on YUKARISM, or other Shojo Beat manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

TOUCH OF THE LIGHT is available today on DVD from Well Go USA

Well Go USA

Entertainment

presents

 Touch of the Light / Ni guang fei xiang 

Directed by CHANG Jung-chi
Starring HUANG Yu-Siang, Sandrine Pinna,
LEE Lieh, and HSIEH Kan-chun

Taiwan, 2012, 110 minutes

Touch of the Light, Taiwan filmmaker CHANG Jung-chi's  award-winning feature film debut, becomes available today on DVD  and digital from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The film is an expanded remake of CHANG's 37-minute short The End of the Tunnel(2008). Both films were inspired by the true story of HUANG Yu-siang, a blind piano prodigy, when he leaves the security of his family -- mother (played touchingly by LEE Lieh), father, and younger sister -- to attend the music program at a university in Taipei. There he befriends Jie, a young woman who works in a menial service job but wants to become a dancer. In both films HUANG plays himself and Sadrine Pinna portrays Jie.

HUANG's mother drives him from their rural village to the university and helps him learn to navigate the campus.  His roommate CHU Tze-ching (HSIEH Kan-chun), a somewhat portly phys-ed major, arrives and proves to be a true friend.

The film depicts the difficulties HUANG encounters, not just those from his being blind, but even more so those arising from the negative way he's regarded and treated because of his blindness. We also learn about how some such negative encounters in his past have shaped his attitudes towards both his blindness and, to a degree, towards others.

In this poster, HUANG is center left with Pinna next to him. LEE Lieh is at lower left.

The film has an almost documentary feel about it. Partially this comes no doubt from its being derived from real life events. But also it stems from the extensive - perhaps exclusive -- use of natural light throughout. All four of the main actors, HUANG, Pinna, LEE, and HSIEH give lovely, natural performances. Also worth noting is the editing, which is exceptionally outstanding in a sequence near the end of the movie when HUANG and Jie are separately auditioning.

Touch of the Light won Best New Director for Chang at the Golden Horse Awards, one of six awards it has received, in addition to another ten nominations. It was also selected as Taiwan’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 85th Academy Awards®.

Disc Stats:

Audio: Mandarin Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0

Subtitles: English/Off

Extras: Trailer; previews of other Well Go USA Entertainment releases

Touch of the Light is a very special film, both touching and life affirming.

AsianCineFest Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars, very highly recommended.

WOMEN WHO FLIRT opens in North America on November 26th, 2014

China Lion Film Distribution

presents

 

Women Who Flirt

Directed by Pang Ho-Cheung

China, 2014, 96 minutes

China Lion Film Distribution will release Hong Kong director Pang Ho-Cheung's rom-com Women Who Flirt in major metro areas throughout North America on Wednesday, November 26th, 2014. China Lion Australia/New Zealand will release the film the following day, Thursday, November 27th. Both North American audiences and audiences in Australia/New Zealand will be able to see the film ahead of the Mainland Chinese release on Friday, November 28th. For the film's official website, which includes specific release locations, click here.

The Mandarin language film stars Zhou Xun (Painted Skin, The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate) as Angie Zhang, a young professional women who has been in love with Marco Gong (Huang Xiao Ming (Eastern Bandits, The Guillotines) at least since their college days. In fact, she abandoned her desire to be a sculptor so that she could take the job and be near him after they graduated.

Zhou Xun as Angie

Unfortunately, Marco is clueless about Angie's feelings. Because of family issues, he's always been intent on succeeding in a career, and has always fondly thought of Angie as a friend, never really as a woman. In part this is because he likes "sweet girls" and regards Angie as too "butch." At one point he even describes her to a male friend as a dude who pee's standing up.

Marco (Huang Xiao Ming) on assignment in a restaurant

When they are together on an assignment to evaluate the service at a restaurant, Merco reveals to Angie that he's begun seeing someone he met while on a business trip to Taiwan. Her name is Hailey (Sui Tang, a.k.a. Sonia Sui) and she's an expert at manipulative flirting. She also has a derriere that's superb, as revealed by a shot of her wearing cut-off shorts that expose the bottom of her butt cheeks.

On her own, Angie has next to no chance of competing with this brazen hussy because she has no talent whatsoever at flirting. She is totally unable to be provocative, to send a man the kind of signals that indicate that she's really interested in him, and not just as a friend.

May (Sie Yi Lin, second from left) and two "Barbies" advise Angie (right)

Fortunately, her friend May (Sie Yi Lin) is quite knowledgeable about such things. She assembles "The Barbie Army," four of the best female pickup artists in Shanghai to teach Angie the ropes and help her win Marco away from Hailey and convince him that she's the one he should be with.

Hailey (Sui Tang, left) and Angie

Women Who Flirt is a charming and delightful romp. It does a terrific job of successfully crossing cultures and languages, a journey that is often beset with severe pitfalls, particularly for comedies. The cast is quite solid across the board, but special mention must be made of the exceptionally fine performance by Zhou Xun. Her facial expressions are ofttimes hilarious on their own; for example when she's trying to learn how to say "I hate you" with just the right degree of petulance.

Oh, and be sure to stick around after the colorful end credits begin for a wonderful coda, especially you fans of the 1990 film Ghost, which starred Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.

AsianCineFest Rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars; very highly recommended.

Sentai acquires THE WORLD GOD ONLY KNOWS: GODDESSES

The God of Conquests returns to once again win his way into the hearts of young girls and goddesses everywhere in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, The World God Only Knows: Goddesses. From original creator Tamiki Wakaki (Weekly Comic Magazine SHONEN SUNDAY), Goddesses is directed by Satoshi Osedo (Bodacious Space Pirates [as episodic director], Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger [as episodic director]) with series composition by Hideyuki Kurata (The Fruit of Grisaia, OreImo), music by Hayato Matsuo (Hellsing Ultimate, Magic Knight Rayearth), and animation production by manglobe (Broken Blade, Ergo Proxy).

Once again, the God of Conquest sets out…

This time, he is to capture the ancient Heavenly Goddesses, the Jupiter Sisters. Keima Katsuragi and Elsie have previously captured fourteen girls. Among them is his childhood friend Tenri, within whom resides the Goddess Diana. In order to assist in the capture of Diana’s five remaining sisters, Haqua is assigned as a buddy. Given a deadline of one week to save a certain girl, and to save the Human World itself, the Knight must rise again!

The World God Only Knows: Goddesses will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

SAILOR MOON MOONLIGHT PARTY 2 tonight at 7:00 pm (PST)

 VIZ MEDIA HOSTS

SAILOR MOON MOONLIGHT PARTY 2

TO CELEBRATE NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

OF LATEST DUBBED EPISODES

November 21st Virtual Live Stream Soiree Coincides

With Neon Alley Episode Premieres And Will Include

Live Commentary, Real Time Q&A And Trivia

Contests For SAILOR MOON Prizes

VIZ Media continues to celebrate the triumphant return of the classic SAILOR MOON anime series and marks the premiere of the latest high definition Episodes 24-36 – featuring the brand new English dub cast – available to stream on Neon Alley and Hulu starting on Friday, November 21st beginning at 7:00pm (PST). The release time and date for the remaining English episodes of this epic first season will be announced during the event. These latest exclusive dubbed episodes will be available for a limited time only during the Holiday season!

Fans can join in on the festivities with VIZ Media and Neon Alley by attending Moonlight Party 2: A Celebration of SAILOR MOON Reborn! Building on the success and positive fan feedback following the first Moonlight Party held in September, the free virtual party will take place once again as a unique live stream event on VIZ Media’s YouTube channel at: http://bit.ly/SMMnLtP2 beginning at 7:00pm (PST) on Friday, November 21st.

Fans are invited participate in the event and stream SAILOR MOON Episodes 24, 25, 33, 34 and 35 (showcasing Jupiter, Venus, and Princess Serenity) via Neon Alley/Hulu and also take part in a real-time Q&A with VIZ Media staff that will run throughout the evening. Viewers can submit questions throughout the event via YouTube, in the comments sections of the actual live stream (as available), or on the official VIZ Media Facebook page, and via Twitter using the special hashtag, #MoonlightParty.

Fans also can interact with members of the VIZ Media SAILOR MOON team, which will be present during the live stream to answer questions and offer lively commentary and little known information about the series and these new episodes. A SAILOR MOON trivia contest also will take place and fans and aspiring Sailor Guardians are invited to submit their answers via Facebook and Twitter to win special prizes. SAILOR MOON fans nationwide are also encouraged to share pictures from their own Moonlight Parties by using the hashtag #MoonlightParty on their favorite social media platforms.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. with over 3,200 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 36 series!

In the latest SAILOR MOON episodes, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars continue their quest for the Legendary Silver Crystal as two new powerful allies join the fight. Sailor Jupiter is the tall and tough Guardian of Thunder, and Sailor Venus is the Guardian of Love and the most experienced member. Sailor Moon herself gets an impressive new power and learns more about the mysterious Tuxedo Mask. Could their distant pasts be intertwined, and does that have anything to do with the Moon Princess they seek? The final ordeal with Queen Beryl looms on the horizon, and it will take everything the Sailor Guardians have to be victorious!

“Thousands of fans joined us for our very first SAILOR MOON Moonlight Party, and the enthusiasm and love that was expressed for this iconic series inspired us to hold another event to mark the dub premiere of the concluding half of Season 1,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “Not only will viewers catch the dub debut of Sailor Jupiter voiced by Amanda Miller, and Sailor Venus, voiced by Cherami Leigh, we’ll be sharing plenty of commentary and trivia, as well awarding lots of SAILOR MOON prizes. We look forward to everyone joining us and hope this event might inspire fans to hold some Sailor Guardian soirees of their own!”

The smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

VIZ Media’s SAILOR MOON Season 1 Set 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack as well as the Standard Edition DVD set are both now available for purchase. The SAILOR MOON Season 1 Set 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard Edition DVD sets are now available for preorder from leading anime and video retailers.

Fans can also catch the brand new SAILOR MOON reboot – SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL – with new episodes (subtitled) available to stream each week on Hulu and Neon Alley.

For more information on SAILOR MOON, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of DEVILS & REALIST

A life of leisure is turned on its head as a once well off gentleman must now make an underworld changing decision in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Devils & Realist. This supernatural comedy series, based on the manga series featuring story by Madoka Takadono and art by Utako Yukihiro, is directed by Chiaki Kon (Nodame Catabile: Paris, When They Cry - Higurashi) with series composition by Michiko Yokote (Princess Tutu, xxxHolic), and animation production by Doga Kobo (Love Lab, Engaged to the Unidentified).

Synopsis: William Twining leads the perfect life of an aristocratic noble: he’s handsome, wealthy, intelligent, and takes great pride in his family’s lineage, all while dreaming of his future in high society. After his wealthy uncle goes bankrupt from bad investments, William worries about losing his good name. When he’s told his tuition has yet to be paid at the prestigious Stradford School, he quickly rushes to his estate - only to find that the debt collectors have taken everything and his uncle is missing.

Struggling to find a way to pay for school, William stumbles upon a mysterious room where he accidentally summons Dantalion, Grand Duke of the 36 Armies of Hell. Being a hard-line realist with a love for science, William does not believe in demons and takes Dantalion as a con artist. But the truth of the matter is: as a descendant of Solomon, and the “Elector,” William is the person that must select a substitute ruler to take Lucifer’s throne. His fate will forever change as he is now entwined and inseparable from the underworld which he must manage and nominate an infernal substitute king.

Devils & Realist will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks announces acquisition of GINGITSUNE

The life of a shrine keeper is never easy, but for Makoto Saeki and her spirit friend Gintaro, problems are never far away in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Gingitsune. This supernatural slice of life series is directed by Shin Misawa (Capeta, Initial D) with series composition by Hiroshi Yamaguchi (Desert Punk, Nobunagun), music by Tatsuya Katou (Celestial Method, Medaka Box), and animation production by Diomedea (Campione!, Kantai Collection -Kan Colle-).

Synopsis: Although Makoto Saeki’s life is quiet, it’s anything but ordinary! As the 15th successor to the Saeki Shrine, Makoto is gifted with the ability to see spirits of all sorts. But there’s one spirit in particular who has been at Makoto’s side since childhood— Gintaro, the huge silver fox who’s occupied her family’s shrine for over 350 years! With a love for oranges and a gruff demeanor, Gintaro serves as both messenger of the gods and guardian of the Saeki family shrine.

When Gintaro’s not lazing about or napping, he’s reluctantly helping Makoto tell the fortunes of classmates and providing wisdom as necessary. But with other spirits in the area who need just as much, if not more, help than their human counterparts, Makoto and Gintaro always have their hands full helping out those in need!

Gingitsune will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

AS THE LIGHT GOES OUT is available today from Well Go USA

Well Go USA

Entertainment

presents

As the Light Goes Out / Jiu huo ying xiong

Written and Directed by Derek Kwok

Starring Nicholas Tse, Shawn Yue, Simon Yam & Andy On

Hong Kong, 2014, 115 minutes

In Cantonese with English subtitles available

As the Light Goes Out, Derek Kwok's take on courageous Hong Kong firefighters, debuts today on Blu-ray™ (SLP: $29.98), DVD (SLP: $24.98) and digital Nov. 18 from Well Go USA Entertainment. This review is based on watching the Blu-ray version.

The film begins, as so many recent Chinese films seem to do, with expository comments. In this case they pertain specifically to the dangers of thick smoke, which "is much more deadly than actual fire." Live action begins in December, 2012 when three firefighters -- Sam, Chill and Yip -- are being questioned as to who was responsible for countermanding an order not to proceed to a certain floor at a fire. Chill takes the blame, but without any real serious consequences. A year later, on Christmas Eve 2013, Yip has risen to be in command of a fire station. It's Sam's last day there, as he's being transferred, but Chill will be staying on.

Chill (foreground center) and Sam (right)

That day, there's a serious blaze at a winery to which the firemen at the station (including one veteran played by Simon Yam) respond. After taking care of it, they return to the station, but Sam is uneasy. He is concerned about the heat that was generated by the fire possibly endangering a nearby pipe carrying natural gas to a huge power station. Yang Lin, a female worker at the power station has similar concerns.

Wouldn't you know it, Yip, who is still Sam's superior, and Yang Lin's superior both are more concerned with "looking good" to their own superiors than with seriously considering the danger. Consequently, a major conflagration occurs, destroying the power station and plunging Hong Kong into a blackout on Christmas Eve. Naturally a number of individuals are caught inside the power plant and various firefighters engage in valiant efforts to rescue them.

As the Light Goes Out is not a bad action film, but it does suffer in several regards. First off, I found it somewhat hard to suspend disbelief in the wake of way too many coincidences. Everything that could possibly go wrong, does -- from the decisions of the cardboard cut-outs of the self-interested superiors at both the fire station and the power plant to the three youths (one of whom is the son of a firefighter!) who just happen to be left at the power plant and trapped inside. And let me not forget to mention that Typhoon Henry is approaching Hong Kong! Also, there are too many scenes of an individual about to fall to his death but saved at the last moment by an outstretched arm and hand. Finally, the melodrama is just way overwrought on several occasions.

The film does feature a funny self-referential cameo by Jackie Chan in a recruitment commercial for the fire department. This of course is a nod to his similar recruitment commercial for the police in the Police Story series.

The only extra on disc is a trailer for the film.

AsianCIneFest Rating: 2.5 out of 4 stars; a bit better than fair, but beset with too many implausibilities to qualify as a good film.

VIZ announces selection of anime releases for the holiday season

Sailor Moon Season 1 Set 1 Blu-ray/DVD combo pack (©N.T./PNP, T.A.)

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS FANS A VIVID SELECTION OF

EXCITING ANIME RELEASES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dive Into Exciting New And Continuing Series With Bu-ray And DVD Releases For

GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, SAILOR MOON, RANMA ½,

And The Latest Action-Packed NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Feature Film

VIZ Media gives fans a wide array of exciting new anime releases to consider for wish and gift lists this holiday season.

New and veteran fans are invited to dive into legendary anime series such as the newly dubbed and uncut SAILOR MOON and RANMA ½ with box sets that also contain a wealth of extra features and special bonus material. VIZ Media is also proud to present GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, the vivid sci-fi/action series from the famed anime studio, Production IG, presented in a comprehensive DVD and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Fans of the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, will not want to miss the hero’s latest animated feature film, THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE, which also will be available on DVD and Blu-ray formats. 

New Anime Series Holiday Debuts:

GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET • Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available Now!
In the distant future, Ledo, a young soldier from space wakes up and finds himself marooned on an ocean planet. Growing up in space, and knowing nothing but battle, he is a stranger in a strange land, full of odd customs and a foreign language, but he’s not alone. Starting a new journey on this verdurous planet, Ledo must find a way to survive and reconcile the fact that he may never be able to return home! VIZ Media gives GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET a collection-worthy treatment with a 16x9 high definition presentation and the inclusion of 2 bonus OVA episodes. The home media releases feature premium packaging with an O-Card for the DVD edition and an illustrated chipboard box with a full-color 2-sided Amaray™ wrap and a special GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET art book included with the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

RANMA ½ SET 4 • Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available December 2nd!
The Mayhem continues in the latest RANMA ½ home media set!! Shampoo visits Ranma, bringing a souvenir bell from China along with a Phantom Cat, who’s in search of a bride! Ranma will have to endure his fear of felines in order to defeat the Phantom Cat. Then, after a series of certain events, Ryoga becomes the strongest martial artist in the world. After that, Kuno gets his hands on a secret sword call the “Mangamaru,” which grants the user here wishes, and one of them is to have a date with the Pigtailed Girl! Finally, a mysterious foursome has come from China in search of the legendary Dragon’s Whisker and will stop at nothing to get it. But what is the Dragon’s Whisker and what does it have to do with Ranma? Set contains Episodes 70-92 on 3 Blu-ray or DVD discs housed in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

Fan Favorite Holiday Debuts:

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO /2007 SHIPPUDEN
© NMP 2012

THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE • Blu-ray Combo Pack MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN; DVD MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $34.98 CAN • Available November 25th!

In ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE, long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan. Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

The Blu-ray edition features crisp 1080p High Definition video and also includes a special bonus art gallery.

SAILOR MOON SEASON 1 SET 1 • Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD MSRP: $79.98 U.S. / $93.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN • Available Now!
SAILOR MOON depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The stunning SAILOR MOON Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack offers a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), housed in a beautiful shimmery holofoil chipboard box with specialty printing, and contains an array of exclusive extra features along with an 88-page full-color booklet filled with artwork, character profiles, an episode guide, lyrics, and more! Blu-ray episodes are presented in full 1080p High Definition video.

For more information on anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks acquires STUDENT COUNCIL’S DISCRETION

Politics aren’t normally pretty, but at Hekiyo Academy, they’re absolutely gorgeous! Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, Student Council’s Discretion. This slice of life comedy series is adapted from the light novels by Sekina Aoi and is directed by Takuya Sato (Say,”I Love You”, Strawberry Marshmallow) with series composition by Jukki Hanada (Beyond the Boundary, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions) and animation production from Studio DEEN (Fate/stay night, Sakura Trick).

Synopsis: At Hekiyo Academy, all but one of the Student Council members are elected via popularity contests, and since teenagers think with hormones more often than intellects, those seats are filled by the attractive derrieres of the school’s most beautiful girls! That makes things extra rough on the one student chosen for academic scores, because besides being the council’s only male member, one of Ken Sugisaki’s main assignments is writing stories informing the student body about the many achievements of their Student Council.

That means manipulating the truth just a bit, and given that Ken’s a besotted fan of dating video games who fantasizes about his fellow council members as his “harem”, things tend to get even more out of hand. And exactly who’s going to be the leading lady is up for debate, as immature Kurimu, tomboyish Minatsu, twisted Chizuru and “boy love” obsessed Mafuyu are all trying to add their own particular spins, even as their jealous rivals in the Journalism Club aim to shoot them down! The lines between facts and fiction disappear and what REALLY happened will probably never be revealed except at the Student Council’s Discretion!

Student Council’s Discretion will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Free "SECRET" screening at Korean Movie night tomorrow evening

Korean Cultural Service New York
presents
Korean Movie Night 2014
Series Six
Idols on Film: K-pop Superstars Take on Cinema!

?

When: Tuesday November 18, 2014 @ 7:00 pm

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Map

Admission: FREE!!!

The title of tomorrow evening's screening is a SECRET, but the Korean Cultural Service promises one of the most exciting films they’ve ever screened – starring some of the biggest idols of K-pop!

If you’re a fan of Korea cinema and K-pop stars, you don’t want to miss out on this one!

ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE available November 25th

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO /2007 SHIPPUDEN
© NMP 2012

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE NORTH AMERICAN

HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE

“For My Friends And Family, I’ll Risk My Life For This Mission!”

VIZ Media gives anime fans across North America the opportunity to add the sixth and latest feature film of the massively popular NARURTO SHIPPUDEN saga to their personal collections as it announces the release of ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and DVD on November 25th.

The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is a 2-disc set and will carry an MSRP of $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN. The DVD edition of ROAD TO NINJA is a single-disc release that will carry an MSRP of $19.98 U.S. / $34.98 CAN.

A variety of bonus features will also make ROAD TO NINJA of special interest to NARUTO SHIPPUDEN fans. These include the original Japanese theatrical trailers, broadcast commercials, and promotional videos offered on both the DVD and Blu-ray editions. The Blu-ray edition features crisp 1080p High Definition video and also includes a special bonus art gallery. The Blu-ray edition contains DTS-HD audio, also with English and Japanese dialogue options and English subtitles. DVD audio selections include English 5.1 as well as Japanese 2.0 dialogue options, with English subtitles.

In ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE, long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan.

Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

VIZ Media also invites NARUTO fans to catch the exciting adventures of the world’s most popular ninja in manga (graphic novel) format (rated ‘T’ for Teens), available in-print and also digitally from VIZManga.com, the VIZ Manga App, and from a host of partner platforms. Fans can further dive into all of the previous NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature films on DVD or Blu-ray, and also catch anime series episodes and select films on Neon Alley, VIZ Media’s FREE media streaming platform, including brand new, subtitled episodes simulcast with Japan!

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

For more information on manga titles available from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

SO CLOSE 3D: DANCE WITH WILD DOLPHINS screening twice at one day only engagement in New York CIty

Dolphin Dance Project

and

Dance Films Association

present

 So Close 3D: Dance with Wild Dolphins

When: Sunday December 7th at 12 noon and 2 pm

Where: SVA Theater, 333 West 23rd Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)

Admission: $10 in advance / $15 at the door / $7 with student ID
Free for under 16 with advance reservation.
Map

Tickets

So Close 3D: Dance with Wild Dolphins is a unique and unprecedented opportunity to see wild dolphins and trained human dancers as they collaborate to create underwater dances in the open ocean. The one hour program of this one day only engagement at the SVA theater includes several films presented in Dolby 3D that offer an extraordinarily intimate experience of participating in a movement-based conversation with wild dolphins - as close as being there.

A highlight of the program will be a preview of Dolphin Dreams, shot by the eminent IMAX director and Emmy Award-winning underwater cinematographer Howard Hall and with an original score by Grammy Award-winning cellist and composer David Darling. This gorgeous short film introduces us to the world of a charismatic pod of Atlantic Spotted dolphins through their dances with directors Chisa Hidaka and Benjamin Harley. “So Close” features dancer Kathleen Fisher, previously of the Trisha Brown Company and Bebe Miller Dance Company. The program will open with a live performance juxtaposing human dance against video projections of the movement- based communication of dolphins, highlighting their similarities.

The films of the Dolphin Dance Project delightfully upend expectations about who is ‘us’ and who is ‘animal’. Chisa Hidaka, MD, founded the project in 2009 based on her insight that wild dolphins and humans could achieve unexpected depths of mutual understanding through movement improvisation, like dancers do. The project’s award- winning debut film, Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins (2010) has screened at festivals and events world wide. Some of the project’s other past works are available to view online (https://www.youtube.com/user/dolphindanceproject).“We hope this work increases respect and protection for wild dolphins and their habitats,” says Chisa, “and raises fundamental questions about the relationships between humans and non- humans.”

This screening event is co-produced with Dance Films Association and underwritten by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council with additional support from Artist As Citizen.

VIZ announces manga titles for holiday season shopping

Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

 VIZ MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS EXCITING MANGA TITLES

FOR WISH LISTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2014 Holiday Releases Include New Manga Box Sets,

Shojo And Action/Sci-fi Manga Series And Other

Exciting Gift Ideas For Any Special Fan!

VIZ Media has announced a compelling array of manga, special box sets, novels and other titles that will make ideal gifts to suit a wide range of budgets and interests to delight readers and fans of all ages this holiday season.

Notable selections, which will be available in plenty of time for the start of the 2014 holiday shopping season, include lavish new box set editions for manga series BLACK BIRD, ONE PIECE, and VAMPIRE KNIGHT as well as the hardcover storybook – PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY – an oversized, full-color edition of the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film.

New and exemplary shojo manga series from VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat imprint that also will make thoughtful gifts include KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS and YUKARISM, a new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU that launches December 2nd. Fans and readers of the gothic drama VAMPIRE KNIGHT will not want to miss a special limited edition of the series’ final volume, along with the release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS, a special collection of short stories based on Matsuri Hino’s critically acclaimed series.

Action fans can dive into the debut of the new RESIDENT EVIL series from the VIZ Signature imprint, as well as two exciting new Shonen Jump series, teen-friendly WORLD TRIGGER and Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka that also inspired the blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow film that starred Tom Cruise.

Sci-fi readers also are invited to take note of ASURA GIRL and PHANTASM JAPAN, a pair of riveting new literary releases from the company’s Haikasoru imprint.

HOLIDAY MANGA BOX SETS:

ONE PIECE MANGA BOX SET VOL. 2 • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $185.99 U.S. / CAN • Available Now!
The latest ONE PIECE manga box set features Volumes 24-46, which comprise the series’ third and fourth story arcs – Skypiea and Water Seven. The Box Set also features a full-color poster and special ONE PIECE mini-comic. As a child, ONE PIECE main character Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. The only drawback? He'll never be able to swim again – a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world...

BLACK BIRD MANGA BOX SET • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $149.99 U.S. / CAN • Available Now!
The BLACK BIRD Complete Box Set features the entire series run of 18 volumes. In the acclaimed series crated by Kanoko Sakurakouji, there is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Manga Box Set 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available Now!
This comprehensive manga box set features the second-half of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series, Volumes 11-19, along with the hardcover 42-page art book. Set is contained in a gorgeously illustrated slipcase.

NOTABLE HOLIDAY SHOJO MANGA:

YUKARISM • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available December 2nd
In this new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU, Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period – as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki!

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
Anise Yamamoto has been told that if she ever removes the rose choker given to her by her father, a terrible punishment will befall her. Unfortunately she loses that choker when a bat-like being falls from the sky and hits her. Anise is granted four cards representing four knights whom she can summon with a kiss. But now that she has these gorgeous men at her beck and call, what exactly is her quest?!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT VOL. 19 (SERIES FINALE) LIMITED EDITION • Rated “T+” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
Savor the tense finale to Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed paranormal series in a limited edition featuring an exclusive alternate cover and a hardcover 42-page art book.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN / $10.99 Digital • Available December 2nd!
Fans will not want to miss this special collection of short stories by Ayuna Fujisaki based on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with illustrations by Matsuri Hino! Stories include “Deranged Love,” in which a dying Rido reflects on his obsessive love for Juri. Kaname seeks to reward Yuki for doing well on her studies with tutor Aido in “Gifts for Yuki.” The story of Sara’s first love is revealed in “Hidden Love.” In “Queen of the Abyss,” after Zero parts ways with Yuki and returns to being a vampire hunter, he encounters a vampire named Shien.

NOTABLE SHONEN ACTION MANGA:

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL © 2014 by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Ryosuke Takeuchi, yoshitoshi ABe, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL originally premiered in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga anthology earlier this year and is the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. In this rousing action story, when the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally – the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

WORLD TRIGGER • Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!
“Destroy thy Neighbor” in Daisuke Ashihara’s thrilling sci-fi action manga series, WORLD TRIGGER! Earth is under constant threat from Neighbors, invincible monsters from another dimension that destroy humanity’s way of life. At least there are the elite agents of Border, warriors who co-opt alien technology to fight back. Our hero Osamu Mikumo may not be the best agent, but along with his Neighbor friend Yuma, he’ll do whatever it takes to defend life on Earth as we know it.

NOTABLE VIZ SIGNATURE MANGA:

RESIDENT EVIL • Rated “M” for Mature Readers • MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN • Available Now!
Discover the sinister beginnings of the Resident Evil story in the first-ever manga series based on the smash hit game property. The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In the series’ opening volume, at the prestigious and elite Marhawa Academy in Singapore, a female student suffers a horrifying transformation. Called in to investigate, Professor Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky find themselves caught up in a deadly and growing tragedy. As things get rapidly out of hand, Chris Redfield and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance arrive on the scene, while behind it all a mysterious figure looms.

FOR STUDIO GHIBLI FANS: 
PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY • MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN • Available Now!
This is the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and significantly different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...

HAIKASORU SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY, AND THRILLERS:

ASURA GIRL • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
This tense urban drama about the violent and sexually charged life of a Japanese teenage girl in Tokyo is offered in English for the very first time. Seventeen-year-old Aiko lives a life of casual sex and casual violence, though at heart she remains a schoolgirl with an unrequited crush on her old classmate Yoji Kaneda. Life is about to get harder for Aiko, as a recent fling, Sano, has been kidnapped, and the serial killer Round-and-Round Devil has begun slaughtering children. The youth are rioting in the streets, egged on by the underground Internet bulletin board known as the Voice from Heaven. Expecting that Yoji will come and save her from the madness, Aiko posts a demand for her own murder on Voice of Heaven but will she be left waiting...or worse?

PHANTASM JAPAN • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available Now!
The secret history of the most famous secret agent in the world. A bunny costume that reveals the truth in our souls. The unsettling notion that Japan itself may be a dream. The tastiest meal you’ll never have, a fedora-wearing neckbeard’s deadly date with a yokai, and the worst work shift anyone—human or not—has ever lived through. Welcome to Phantasm Japan, Haikasoru’s latest anthology of fantasy stories from around the world, including new tales by New York Times best-seller Zachary Mason, horror master Gary A. Braunbeck, popular Japanese author Miyuki Miyabe, and much more.

For more information on other manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT premieres on Toonami tomorrow

 VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PREMIERE OF

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT ON TOONAMI

Venerable Fantasy Action Anime Series Reaches

Grand Finale Beginning This Weekend!!

VIZ Media has announced the domestic broadcast premiere of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, the finale to the long-running animated adventure saga, set to be broadcast on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The first episode of the final story arc of the famed action/adventure/fantasy anime series will premiere at 2:00am on Sunday, November 16th with future episodes to air each subsequent Sunday. Check local listings for channel availability and specific regional broadcast times. Adult Swim’s (AdultSwim.com) Toonami is the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network for offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the massively popular manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The INUYASHA anime series has run for 193 episodes in total and has also spawned several popular feature films. Pulled back in time to Japan's ancient past, Japanese high school girl Kagome finds her destiny linked to a dog-like half-demon named Inuyasha, who remembers Kagome's previous incarnation as the woman who killed him - and to the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," which can fulfill the greatest dreams of any man or monster. Now Kagome and Inuyasha must work together to search for the scattered shards of the jewel before everyone's nightmares are given the power they need to come true.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT offers the culmination of the epic quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel. In the final episodes, the half-demon Inuyasha and modern schoolgirl Kagome face the deadly and cunning enemy demon mastermind, Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon!

“This legendary anime series reaches its ultimate conclusion with the exciting premiere of THE FINAL ACT on Toonami and plenty of action and quite a few plot surprises are in-store as Inuyasha and Kagome finally see the realization of their quest to restore the Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager of Animation. “INUYASHA first premiered on Toonami and the series has played a pivotal role in helping to spawn the massive popularity that manga and anime now enjoys in North America. It’s very fitting that Toonami hosts the grand finale of one of anime’s most famous properties. Don’t miss the exciting premiere this weekend!”

Fans also can explore colorful INUYASHA art books and the complete manga series, which is published in North America by VIZ Media, along with the entire anime series and related INUYASHA animated feature films available on DVD.

For more information on INUYASHA and other anime and manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES arrives on November 18th

© OO/SVMD

CELEBRATED SUPERNATURAL SUSPENSE THRILLER DEATH NOTE

RETURNS TO NORTH AMERICA IN A NEW COMPLETE DVD COLLECTION

VIZ Media Announces

DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Featuring All 37 Episodes Of The Acclaimed

Paranormal Anime Crime Drama On 10 DVDs

VIZ Media delivers one of the greatest anime series to ever come to North America in a comprehensive complete collection with the release of DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES on November 18th.

The new set is sure to capture the attention of anime fans and collectors and contains all 37 episodes of the acclaimed paranormal crime thriller on 10 DVDs. DEATH NOTE: THE COMPLETE SERIES will carry an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $52.99 CAN.

Dialogue features include English and Japanese 2.0 stereo audio and available English subtitle options. Over two hours of bonus features include insightful interviews with the DEATH NOTE creators, behind-the-scenes footage of the original Japanese voice cast, a production art gallery, and more!

The DEATH NOTE anime series is based on a bestselling manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Light Yagami is a genius high school student who is about to learn about life through a book of death. When a bored Shinigami, a god of Death, named Ryuk drops a black notepad called a Death Note, Light receives power over life and death with the stroke of a pen. Determined to use this dark gift for the best, Light sets out to rid the world of evil ... namely the people he believes to be evil. Should anyone hold such power? The consequences of Light's actions will set the world ablaze.

Also catch the complete 12-volume DEATH NOTE manga (graphic novel) series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), published in print by VIZ Media and available as individual volumes, 2-in-1 omnibus “Black Editions,” and also as a collected manga box set. The manga series also is available digitally from VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from a variety of digital partner’s proprietary platforms.

For more information on DEATH NOTE, please visit: deathnote.viz.com.

For more information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit: www.viz.com.

Korean crime thriller TRAFFICKERS is due out on December 23, 2014

Korea’s Black Market, Where Everything Is for Sale. Even Your Life.

The award-winning, action-packed South Korean crime thriller Traffickers debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on Dec. 23rd, 2014 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film takes place over six hours on a passenger boat with an ongoing black-market organ-trafficking operation, and a desperate husband out to find his missing wife. Directed by first time feature film director Kim Hong-sun, who was named Best New Director at the 2012 Blue Dragon Awards, Traffickers stars Im Chang-jung (Twilight Gangsters), Daniel Choi (Cyrano Agency), Oh Dal-soo (Oldboy), Cho Youn-hee (Doomsday Book), Cho Dal-hwan (Pirates), Jeong Ji-yoon (I Saw the Devil).

Synopsis: Young-Gyu was the best. He was an organ dealer, smuggling body parts for sale to the highest bidder. His crew was the best – an organized team of professionals with top skills and no conscience. But when one of them dies on the job, the crew scatters. Now he fronts stolen goods, and has fallen in love with Yoo-Ri, a ticket agent at the port terminal. Her father is dying, and when she turns to a ruthless loan shark for help, Young-Gyu goes on a search to find his old partners for one last job.

Traffickers has a runtime of approximately 111 minutes and is not rated.

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint to release ASURA GIRL on November 18

Copyright © Otaro Maijo, 2003

English translation Copyright © Stephen B. Snyder 2014

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT DELIVERS

AN ADRENALINE-FUELED RIDE THROUGH THE

GRITTY TOKYO UNDERGROUND IN ASURA GIRL

Award Winning Japanese Author Otaro Maijo’s Novel

About The Violent And Risqué Life Of A Girl Living

On The Edge Released In English For The First Time

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint publishes a gripping and strange thriller with the release of Otaro Maijo’s ASURA GIRL on November 18th.

The tense urban drama about the violent and sexually charged life of a Japanese teenage girl in Tokyo is offered in English for the very first time with a translation by Stephen Snyder, a professor of Japanese Studies at Middlebury College in Vermont and a noted translator of numerous works of Japanese fiction.

ASURA GIRL will be available in print from Haikasoru for $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition also will debut on November 18th for $8.99 (U.S. / CAN) for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play store.

Seventeen-year-old Aiko lives a life of casual sex and casual violence, though at heart she remains a schoolgirl with an unrequited crush on her old classmate Yoji Kaneda. Life is about to get harder for Aiko, as a recent fling, Sano, has been kidnapped, and the serial killer Round-and-Round Devil has begun slaughtering children. The youth are rioting in the streets, egged on by the underground Internet bulletin board known as the Voice from Heaven. Expecting that Yoji will come and save her from the madness, Aiko posts a demand for her own murder on Voice of Heaven but will she be left waiting...or worse?

“ASURA GIRL starts with a teen girl living on the edge, and then pushes her off the cliff into a surreal underground on conspiracy, serial murder, apocalyptic fervor, and even love,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s tradebooks Editor. “Otaro Maijo combines well-observed depictions of desperate characters with the darkest humor and suspense. ASURA GIRL, largely set in the western suburbs of Tokyo, completely immerses the reader in the surreal and often deadly world Aiko and her friends inhabit. Check out this exhilarating new release from Haikasoru!”

Otaro Maijo is a novelist from Fukui, where most of his stories take place. He debuted with his mystery novel, Kemuri ka tsuchi ka kuimono (Smoke, Soil, or Food), with which he won the Mephisto Prize. He started writing pure literature with Kuma no basho (Place of the Bear), which was nominated for the Mishima Yukio Prize. Then in 2003, he won the Mishima Yukio Prize for Asura Girl.

For more information ASURA GIRL and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.com.