PRESS RELEASE

Illumitoon Entertainment, Ltd. is a newly formed collaboration of business and creative professionals focused on delivering customized, quality entertainment to the North American markets. The company¹s principals have more than 20 years combined experience in acquiring, producing, and distributing anime, as well as creating original productions for the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit the company online at www.illumitoon.com <http://www.illumitoon.com/> .About Westlake Entertainment

Westlake Entertainment is a fully integrated, independent entertainment distribution company. Primarily engaged in licensing and distributing feature films and television programs, Westlake specializes in bringing new release content to retail. Westlake serves as a distributor for the following labels: Rigel Entertainment (theatrical features), Illumitoon Entertainment (Anime), Phoenix Entertainment Group (Urban and Latino), Red Bull USA (Extreme Sports) and Cineville Films (theatrical features). For more information regarding Westlake Entertainment¹s product, visit www.westlakeent.com <http://www.westlakeent.com/> .# # #

One evening in 2004, a drunk man began harassing several ladies on the commuter train, including one young, cute girl. A quiet otaku saw this and stood up to the man. The two struggled for a moment while other passengers got a conductor to remove the man. Thankful for his assistance, the cute girl asked for his address and sent a “thank you” gift. The otaku begun to be called Densha Otoko (Train_Man) and detailed the story on 2ch.net with fellow users posting messages of encouragement and help while the two kept in touch. The original event and story are real, but the phenomenon that follows is a universal theme. Viz Pictures brings to America the movie adaptation of the true story that swept Japan, inspiring a novel, manga, stage play, and television series: Train_Man: Densha Otoko. (more…)

Director Yoshimitsu Morita’s award-winning black-comedy about a stereotypical Japanese family in modern, 1980’s-era Japan has been brought to DVD by Geneon Entertainment’s new Foreign Film Favorites line. The Family Game, based on a novel by Yohei Honma, follows the difficult life of the Numata family as they struggle to get the kids a good education in order to survive in the world. Shigeyuki Numata is one of the lowest-ranking students in school and no tutor has been able to motivate him to do anything about it. That is until the family hires Yoshimoto to knock some sense (literally) into Shigeyuki’s head. The question is, can Yoshimoto’s unorthodox methods convince the underachiever to straighten up his act before High School entrance exams? (more…)

Forty years ago, an adulterous woman named Natsu (Satoko Yamamura) was caught cheating on her husband with Yusaku (Akihiro Ooshi). After a cult’s attempt to burn Natsu is thwarted, the group decides to pay a house visit and thank Yusaku and his whore of a lover. Nailing him to the wall and slicing Natsu across the eyes, the two cult members think they have won. As a final gesture of revenge, the men slice Yusaku’s face and pull out his eye. Yusaku screams in pain and curses everyone with his grudge. Masanori Inoue’s 2004 horror film Corpse Grudge -crack- has been brought to America by Neon-g as Virgin Nightmares. (more…)

Following the cliffhanger ending based on the actions of Izumi Kagura, we were left wondering how all the loose ends would be tied up. In a park there is yet another school girl falling victim to a Light Hunter. Just as her clothes are torn off and the tentacles attack, Ryo rushes in and slays the monster with his sword. But… Ryo doesn’t understand what the beast was nor why he knew how to slay it. And the girl he just saved continues to please herself while still in the monster’s deep trance. The only ones who can help are watching from a distance, trying to keep from pulling Ryo back into their mess. From Anime 18 comes Square of the Moon: Phase 2 to explore the concluding adventure of the Astronomy Club versus the blue moon. (more…)

Based on the Alice Soft PC hentai game and animated by Green Bunny, Square of the Moon takes a different approach in the erotic adventure genre of hentai by mixing hot girls, monsters, and a Witch-Hunter-Robin-ish opening storyline. Ryo Hamura leads a fairly normal life, until he’s attacked by a mysterious monster one evening. Rescued by an unknown girl with a scythe, the local Astronomy Club has found their next candidate to join the Kasha. The following morning, Ryo accidently crushes a cute blonde girl on the train. He begins to apologize when she tells him to meet her later. Baffled but curious, Ryo goes only to be jumped by two masked men. Ryo manages to fend them off long enough for the group to see that their candidate is just right for the job. Square of the Moon: Phase 1 from Anime 18 is ready to introduce you to those who stand between us and the evil from the blue moon. (more…)

On the outside, Peach Paradise seems like your typical adult-themed video store. However, what happens inside is hardly what you would call typical. Owners Masaki Kitazawa and Koji Miyamoto have built their shop selling adult videos, but only a few people know the true secret behind the store: some of the videos are produced by the owners themselves who kidnap and rape their victims on film. Their newest target is Miki Seriyawa, a girl attending private school who has ample talent bouncing with every step. Add in a mother and aunt as equally filled-out and the newest “Chains of Lust” film is already looking at a popular roster to capture. Animated by Vanilla Series and based on the PC hentai-game Ryouzoku no Rensa comes Chains of Lust from Anime 18. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anaheim, California (April 27, 2007) ‹ Love Anime? Love Music? Got a Band?With music as the theme of this year¹s Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest convention will be hosting the first ever Anime Expo® Battle of the Bands contest. This exciting and new program will provide amateur bands the chance to perform song choices from two categories (Anime TV series/OVA/Movie and Anime Themed Videogame) to attendees at the highly anticipated 2007 convention June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .Anime Expo® Battle of the Bands will be held on the Animatsuri Summer Festival stage from 5:00 pm til 8:00 pm on June 29, 2007 (Friday). Deadline for band submissions is June 1st, 2007 with the top finalists contacted and announced on June 15th. Each audition must include either an audio (CD) or video (DVD/VHS) recording, a picture of all band members and the official entry form (downloadable off the Battle of the Bands website:

http://anime-expo.org/botb/index.php?page=about). Additional rules are asfollows:

<file://localhost/anime/anime2007/attreg/index.cgi> . Attendees interested in booking flights, car rentals and/or other hotels for Anime Expo® 2007 can do so via the AX Travel Store located at www.AXTravelStore.com <http://www.AXTravelStore.com> .About Anime Expo®

More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more

information can be found at its website (www.spja.org).The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA¹s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company’s assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

RIGHT STUF’S ANIME TODAY INTERVIEWS

Visit www.rightstuf.com for this episode, as well as an archive of all ANIME TODAY episodes and extended liner notes. Listeners can also download and subscribe to ANIME TODAY via the Apple iTunes Music Store.Meet other ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the official ANIME TODAY forums at AnimeOnDVD.com:

(http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showforum.php?fid/57/).ABOUT ANIME TODAY

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Comic Party, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart and The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA, April 26, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of NARUTO NATION™, a broad campaign that will bring an unprecedented increase in the frequency of publication of its wildly popular NARUTO™ manga series. In order to catch up to the present Japanese release schedule and to prepare readers for upcoming notable changes in the main character and story arc, VIZ Media will offer three new volumes of NARUTO per-month from September through December 2007 – a first for any U.S. manga publisher.The new publishing schedule will carry the series up to Volume 27, after which there is a significant break in the story arc: Two and a half years pass, and we find Naruto taller, older, and wiser. To support NARUTO NATION, VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine will continue to serialize the NARUTO series, will provide in-depth background information for fans about the developments in the accelerated manga, and will begin to feature the new adventures of the older Naruto beginning in the January 2008 issue (estimated in stores December 4, 2007).

“We are excited to launch NARUTO NATION as a bold publishing campaign to give NARUTO fans what they want – more NARUTO and a similar experience to NARUTO readers in Japan!” says Cammie Allen, Product Manager, Publishing, VIZ Media. “The tremendous success of the NARUTO brand now includes manga, DVDs, novels and features in magazines like SHONEN JUMP. This campaign is not just an accelerated publishing program — NARUTO NATION is a highly-anticipated event, where for the first time, a publisher will offer three new volumes of a single ongoing graphic novel series every month. VIZ Media also plans a variety of captivating in-store displays, signage, and even a few special exclusive items that we will announce shortly.”About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

MEDIA ALERT

VIZ Media brings the hottest manga and anime series sweeping North America to the big screen on June 6, 2007 for a very special, one-night-only theatrical engagement in 160 select theaters nationwide of the first NARUTO™ feature film — NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW. NARUTO THE MOVIE is rated “T” for Teens and will play in select theaters through National CineMedia’s Fathom in every major market across the country. A complete list of cities is located on the VIZ Media’s web site at www.VIZ.com. In coming days, VIZ Media will also send registered subscribers of its SHONEN JUMP magazine a special invitation to purchase advance tickets which will include the link to purchase tickets beginning on April 27. Tickets to the general public will go on sale on April 30 through the Fathom website at www.FathomEvents.com.NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW is a theatrical side story based on the continuity of the animated TV series and was a box office hit upon its initial release in Japan. New and existing fans of the hit title, which is seen across North America on Cartoon Network, will not want to miss this exciting opportunity to see the latest chapter in the NARUTO saga on the big screen!

Video games based on anime/manga properties (and vice versa) are fairly common in Japan. Yet every once and awhile you just have to hope one of these will be ported over to America. Case in point, IkkiTousen has a new PS2 video game coming out this Summer in Japan. Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu has some screenshots posted of the popular pantsu-revealing brawler series. Who wouldn’t want to play a game where your character’s clothes can be torn to shreads?

DLsite.com has returned with another interactive title translated for a new English-speaking audience. The first TrashBox title by circle Kamiten follows a young girl named Tsubaki waking up in a room unfamiliar to her. Stepping out from the darkness, Coco looks at her prey and ravages Tsubaki’s body for her own perverse desires. TrashBox 2 directly follows the events of the first title with neko-demon Coco unleashing even darker passions upon Tsubaki’s sexy frame. (more…)

The Right Stuf’s latest episode of their Anime Today podcast features an interview with Jonathan Klein.

And Robotech podcast Space Station Liberty has recently had an extensive interview with Carl Macek, Robotech story editor and producer, founder of Streamline Pictures, and former ADV Films ADR director, script adapter, and producer.

Additional casting information was posted on Anime on DVD by ADV producer Janice Williams in regard to new characters set to appear in the second volume of Ah! My Goddess TV, Season 2, dubbed by NYAV Post and released by ADV Films. New episodic characters, Shiho Sakakibara and Satoko Yamano, will be voiced by Bela Hudson and Stephanie Sheh, respectively. The third new character finally making her appearance in the animated version of this popular manga title is the seductive goddess Peorth, voiced by veteran voice actor Juliet Cesario.

Cesario was the English voice of Belldandy in the first animated incarnation of the franchise, the Oh My Goddess! OVA, dubbed by Coastal Carolina in 1996 for AnimEigo, and a longtime fan-favorite in the role. The NYAV Post dub of Ah! My Goddess TV is the third of the franchise, following Coastal’s efforts and then Animaze.. iNC.’s dub for the Pioneer release of the Ah! My Goddess the Movie in 2001. Cesario’s casting marks a link to the original production, as well as being the second Coastal voice actor to appear for NYAV Post, following Scott Simpson’s role in their recent Cutie Honey Movie live action dub for Bandai. (Simpson was incidentally also the voice of Keiichi in the original Oh My Goddess! dub. For a further connection, NYAV Post owner Michael Sinterniklaas had his start in the business working in North Carolina in the mid-nineties for both Coastal and Southwynde studios.)

KARIN VOLUME ONE
It’s hard enough being a teenager, but it’s even harder when mom and dad like feasting on the neighborhood kids and only come out to play at night! What’s a girl to do?  Find out when Karin – Infusion Volume One, arrives on DVD May 29 from Geneon Entertainment. Karin Maaka considers herself to be an ordinary girl, but she’s anything but, she’s a vampire.  A vampire that likes all the things she shouldn’t, a vampire that doesn’t feast on human blood!  Karin’s “normal” life gets a little crazy when her usual dislike for human blood goes awry when she notices that her classmate smells extra tasty! Based on the Manga released by TokyoPop as Chibi Vampire, Karin – Infusion Volume One contains four full episodes and is presented in Dolby Digital English and Japanese audio and is also available with two different English subtitle streams including dialogue translation and signs only translation.   Available in a Limited Edition Collector’s Box, Karin – Infusion Volume One features a non-credit opening and will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.98 and $39.98 (Limited Edition Collector’s Box).

Karin – Infusion Synopsis
Karin Maaka leads an ordinary life in spite of the fact that she is from a family of vampires. Unlike the rest of her family, she has no problem with bright lights, sleeps in a bed instead of a coffin and loves to eat garlic. She is such an abnormal vampire that she doesn’t even suck blood? She makes it! Everything begins to unravel when she gets uncontrollable urges every time she gets near her classmate, Kenta Usui. Will she hold back the urge to purge or give in to her need to bleed?

Karin – Infusion DVD Basics
Prebook: April 24, 2007
Street Date: May 29, 2007
Price: $29.98
Catalog Number: 12935
Rating: 13 UP
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Run Times: 100 min
 
Karin – Infusion with Limited Edition Collector’s Box DVD Basics
Prebook: April 24, 2007
Street Date:  May 29, 2007
Price: $39.98
Catalog Number: 12934
Rating: 13 UP
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Run Times: 100 min

CRITICAL MASS VIDEO ANNOUNCES JULY 31 RELEASE OF

G-TASTE (c) Licensed by Mi-PiC Corp. (c) Hiroki Yagami * Kodansha * Planet * Mi-PiC. Based on the manga “G-taste” by Hiroki Yagami originally serialized in the “Young Magazine Upper’s” published by Kodansha Ltd. (c) Hiroki Yagami * Kodansha.

(”anime”) labels in the United States, with a catalog including well-known titles such as Cool Devices, Anyone You Can Do… I Can Do Better, Dragon Pink and favorites from the Vanilla Series, such as Love Doll, Naughty Nurses and Sex Ward. For more information, visit www.criticalmassvideo.com

Deep in the heart of Akihabara wander an otaku and his depressed friend. In an attempt to cheer up his good friend over his failure to pass the judicial exam yet, Shirou Komura (Taketora Morita) takes Hideki Kawaguchi (Takatsuki Jun; Kamen Rider Ryuki) to a maid cafe called Maid in Japan. A gaijin in the land of anime fetishes, Hideki quickly learns what happens in a real Maid-themed cafe when the pair are greeted by a cute maid referring to them as “master.” While the scenery is nice inside, it’s the angelic face of Akihabara’s most popular maid, Misaki, that catches Hideki’s attention. It’s love-at-first-sight, but how is he going to get her attention? Asia Pulp Cinema brings the final volume in the Akihabara Trilogy with Pretty Maid Cafe. (more…)

RIGHT STUF and KADOKAWA PICTURES USA

the series site at www.thethirdanime.com. THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE, VOL. 1: ENCOUNTER

THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE (c) 2006 The Third Partners.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Comic Party, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart and The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com. ABOUT KADOKAWA PICTURES USA

GENEON ENTERTAINMENT NAMED INDEPENDENT DVD VENDOR OF THE YEAR (2006)

ENTERTAINMENT (USA) INC. (www.geneonanimation.com) is a full-serviceproducer and distributor of entertainment content including film, music, animation and television shows on DVD, UMD, CD, and new media, including the Internet and mobile devices. Continually introducing new and classic anime and live-action programming, as well as anime CD soundtracks, the company also serves as a creative partner to many of Japan’s top anime production companies. Additionally, Geneon Entertainment distributes critically acclaimed musical performances on DVD and CD from renowned artists. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Geneon Entertainment