FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA, June 29, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced the highly anticipated DVD release of the anime series DEATH NOTE™ today at Anime Expo 2007. The latest addition to the SHONEN JUMP™ Home Video line is rated T+ for Older Teens and makes its debut in stores on November 20, 2007. The DVD features four original and uncut episodes with English dub and Japanese with English subtitles for $24.98.DEATH NOTE vol. 1 will also be available with a Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine: Ryuk for $39.98. Previously available only with the Japanese DEATH NOTE DVD product, the rare collectible figurines will be limited to 15K units in North America. Pre-sales for Death Note, vol.

“The buzz and anticipation surrounding the release of DEATH NOTE has built steadily among eager fans in recent months and we are pleased to announce the debut of this series on DVD at Anime Expo 2007,” states Wendy Shimamura, Associate Product Manager, Home Entertainment, VIZ Media. “DEATH NOTE is a riveting and intricate story of murder, justice, morality, ambition, and strategic cunning – it is as much a psychological thriller as it is a crime drama. We look forward to fans discovering the series and making it a hit across North America.”VIZ Media has also made DEATH NOTE available for secure and legal Download-to-Own (DTO) and Download-to-Rent (DTR) through Direct2Drive.com and TotalVid.com. The availability of DEATH NOTE for domestic audiences in this manner is significant because it marks the first time a well-known Japanese anime property is being made available to domestic audiences for download while the title still airs on Japanese television. It further sets a new benchmark for diminishing the gap in time between when series air in Japan and their eventual debut in North America.

VIZ Media is announcing the release of DEATH NOTE in conjunction with Anime Expo® 2007, the largest anime convention in North America. This year the convention, which is held in Long Beach, CA June 29 – July 2, will spotlight DEATH NOTE by welcoming in-person appearances by series director Tetsuro Araki and character designer Masaru Kitao, in addition to screening the two live action films in 35mm. VIZ Media will further highlight DEATH NOTE during its Anime and Manga panel discussion, scheduled for Friday, June 29, 12:00-12:50pm, in Room LP2.About VIZ Media, LLC

(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anaheim, California (June 29, 2007) ‹ With a forecast of clear and sunny skies, attendees from around the globe have arrived at the Long Beach Convention Center for the nation¹s largest Anime and Manga convention-Anime Expo® 2007. This year¹s highly anticipated 2007 convention will be held June 29-July 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information can be found on the website <http://www.anime-expo.org> .Highlight activities for the day include:

More updated schedule information can be found on the Official online video show daily-AXBackstage (<http://www.axbackstage.org> ).AXBackstage offers visitors an insider¹s look at the hottest anime/manga titles, exclusive videos/trailers, video coverage, images, news and related peripherals. In addition, visitors can download up to date information and changes/corrections in scheduled events, activities and much more.

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 popularly known by its entertainment property Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (<http://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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ACQUIRES NEW SERIES

PROJECT BLUE EARTH SOS

Retro Design Meets Modern Movie Magic

HOUSTON, June 26 2007 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to announce it has acquired the exclusive home video and broadcast rights in North America for the science fiction OVA series Project Blue Earth SOS.

Brought to life by veteran director Tensai Okamura (Naruto The Movie, Wolf’s Rain) and the production team at Studio A.C.G.T. (Kino’s Journey, Human Crossing), Project Blue Earth SOS is a beautiful sci-fi period piece combining a retro look with modern production techniques and crisp clean animation.  The show is based off a series of illustrations from original creator Shigeru Komatsuzaki, a famous Japanese artist who worked on many landmark titles such as Thunderbirds and Agatron.

Synopsis: At the turn of the century, humanity has reached a technological high-mark with the creation of the G-Reaction, an advanced engine capable of extraordinary speeds.  During the unveiling of a new train utilizing the G-Reaction system, the train and its technology disappear in a flash of beautiful light. Witnessing the disappearing act are Billy, Penny and Lotta.  It isn’t long until the three teens discover that similar disappearances have been occurring across the globe, and an invasion looms on the horizon.  With invasion imminent, the world’s greatest minds have joined forces to form the Labyrinth Alliance, and Billy, Penny and Lotta are its newest “volunteers.”  Together the trio will help to pilot the Sky Knight, the only fighter plane capable of defending Earth from destruction.               

Project Blue Earth SOS is comprised of six segments, each forty-five minutes in length.  A release date has not yet been scheduled.

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Through this weekend, visit IGN.com to check out the first episode of THE THIRD - for FREE! See RightStuf.com for details or visit http://the-third.rightstuf.com/watch-now. THE THIRD, Episode 1 on July’s Newtype USA DVD:

Visit www.rightstuf.com and the official Right Stuf forums at AnimeOnDVD.com for breaking news throughout the convention weekend.ABOUT THE RIGHT STUF, INC.

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, June 27, 2007 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release of THE TASTE OF TEA, the critically acclaimed and award-winning film about Japanese family life from director Katsuhito Ishii. The film will be distributed by VIZ Media beginning on July 3, 2007. THE TASTE OF TEA will be offered in a standard single-disc version for $24.98, as well as a limited-edition two-disc set for $34.98 which includes a special 90-minute Making of The Taste of Tea bonus feature with director and cast interviews as well as a rare animated short by director Ishii called SUPER BIG.

THE TASTE OF TEA introduces audiences to the Haruno’s, a rather unconventional but happy and loving family. They live in a small town in the mountains just outside of Tokyo where life is good and quiet – but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own quirks and little problems. There is 8-year old Sachiko (Maya Banno), who is bothered at inopportune moments by a giant-sized double of herself, who hangs around sitting on buildings staring at her, while her older brother Hajime (Takahiro Sato) privately wrestles with raging hormones and a love-struck heart after the- more -

Newtype USA features Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Plus! Debut of new redesign with more news, features, reviews!!

HOUSTON, June 27, 2007—Newtype USA, the leading anime magazine in North America, continues its summertime hot streak with an exclusive cover featuring the hottest anime of 2007, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Along with a collectible cover, the July 2007 issue also dishes the dirt on the SOS Brigade, offering an inside scoop on the secrets behind Haruhi Suzumiya’s eccentric pals! Plus, Newtype USA even has an exclusive interview with director Tatsuya Ishihara, in which he reveals even more telling tales behind the production of this mega-hit show!

The July issue also marks the debut of a bold new redesign, with more of everything you love about Newtype USA! That means more features, including an exclusive update on the Evangelion movies; more reviews, including all the latest anime, manga, video games, music and toys; and more news, including first looks at the latest anime in the US and Japan!

To celebrate such a sizzling issue, Newtype USA has rounded up some scorching extras, including the latest installment of CLAMP’s newest manga, KOBATO., which you can only read within these pages! The free DVD comes packed with three full episodes of brand-new shows: The Third, Suzuka and Girl’s High. And the pull-out poster features the lovely ladies of Kurau Phantom Memory!

Also inside the July issue:

• 13 features, including AIR, Tsubasa and Shonen Onmyouji
• 5 must-see titles from Paprika director Satoshi Kon
• The official art of The Wings of Rean
• Read before you buy! 16 manga reviews and 11 DVD reviews!
• More features! My-Otome, Karin and Gunbuster 2
• Toward the Terra sneak-peek!
• More convention and cosplay coverage than any other anime magazine
• Voice Actress Spotlight: Fumie Mizusawa

Availability

Newtype USA Vol. 6, Issue 7 is available July 1, 2007

About Newtype USA:

Newtype USA is the official English-language version of Newtype, Japan’s #1 source for information about anime and manga.  Newtype USA includes all the best Japanese content translated, plus loads of original U.S. material: anime, manga, music, game, and toy reviews, feature articles, director interviews, artist profiles, and regular columns by industry experts, tastemakers and deep-cover insiders. Newtype USA also includes awesome bonus gear, such as a centerfold poster, a manga (comic) insert and an exclusive bonus DVD. For more information, visit http://www.newtype-usa.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA, June 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 availability of DEATH NOTE™, one of the hottest anime series to hit North America, on a Download-To-Own basis beginning June 28, 2007 on TotalVid.com. The first 16 subtitled episodes will be available at launch, with one new episode added each week thereafter. TotalVid.com offers consumers unlimited access to thousands of enthusiast, special interest and instructional videos in categories such as anime, action sports, martial arts and travel on a subscription basis for $9.95 per month. Individual DEATH NOTE episodes will also be available on a download-to-own basis for $1.99 each.This is the latest step VIZ Media has taken to make its anime content available for secure downloads. The availability of DEATH NOTE in the U.S. is significant because it marks the first time a well-known Japanese anime property has officially been made available for download while the title still airs on Japanese television. It further sets a new benchmark for diminishing the gap in time between when series air in Japan and its eventual debut in North America.

TotalVid.com unleashes the power of broadband to deliver on-demand access to the world’s largest collection of full-length enthusiast, educational, and instructional videos. With more than 4,000 titles across 100+ categories, TotalVid’s content represents the collective interests and passions of more than 150 million people. Consumers can access TotalVid’s library on (http://www.totalvid.com/) or through a growing number of distribution partners. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, TotalVid is a wholly owned subsidiary of Landmark Communications Inc., which also owns The Weather Channel, Q Interactive and a variety of other media businesses. Partners of TotalVid include AT&T, AOL, Blinkx, Comcast, D-Link, Google, Microsoft Windows Media (MSFT), The Platform, Verizon, W-Cities, Weather.com, Xbox Live, and Yahoo. With strong partnerships and a growing customer base, TotalVid.com is fast becoming a leading broadband video destination for consumers and a powerful distribution partner for content owners looking to expand their customer base.About VIZ Media, LLC

(415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ACQUIRES NEW SERIES

TOKYO MAJIN

 Teens Defend Tokyo in Fast-Paced Action Series

HOUSTON June 26, 2007 – ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to announce it has acquired the exclusive home video and broadcast rights in North America for the new 26 episode anime series Tokyo Majin. 

Tokyo Majin is an amazing new series from the production teams at AIC Spirits (Tokko) and BeSTACK (The World of Narue).   The series is based on the hit Japanese game series for PlayStation, but fans of Bleach will feel right at home with this supernatural shounen show, which pits high school rivals against weird monsters determined to take down Tokyo.  With cool characters, fluid animation, and more action than you thought could be crammed into a single series, Tokyo Majin is an A-list anime series for teens and adults.    

Synopsis: Deep beneath the streets of Tokyo, the spirits of the long-dead and forgotten grow   restless.  Holy shrines of once-great men are being desecrated, and a string of murders and missing bodies plague the police.  Innocents are dying and the dead are rising.  In the midst of the madness, mysterious transfer student Tatsuma Hiyu arrives at Magami High School.  Thrust together with resident delinquent Kyouichi Horaiji, class president Aoi Misato, captain of the archery team Komaki Sakurai and wrestling club captain Yuya Daigo, Hiyu and the others must fight a swarm of evil.  The dark forces these youths confront are shrouded in mystery, but the threat to Tokyo is clear.

Tokyo Majin is a 26 episode series presented over six DVDs, the first release of which has yet to be scheduled.

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://the-third.rightstuf.com/watch-now One Girl. One Tank. No Problem.

Blue Eye, visit the series site at www.thethirdanime.com. More About THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE The 24-episode anime, also known as “The Third - Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo,”

http://outgoing.rightstuf.com/sleeves/rsdvd0712.jpg (To access, cut and paste URL into browser.) THE THIRD: THE GIRL WITH THE BLUE EYE (c) 2006 The Third Partners.ABOUT THE RIGHT STUF, INC.

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

It’s June of 1983 and Keiichi Maebara recently moved to the quiet country village Hinamizawa along with his parents. In only a month, he’s befriended a group of girls at school and becomes involved with their silly game-club where cheating is about the only way to win. However, the tiny village and these girls seem to hold a dark secret. Based on the long-running PC visual novel game Higurashi no Naku Koroni comes the newest expansion to the murder-mystery-scenario series, When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koroni): Volume 1 from Geneon Entertainment. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ANNOUNCES AUGUST 28 RELEASE

UTAWARERUMONO: THE BEAST WITHIN

“A Riveting Must-See Series.” – J! Ent

Houston, June 25, 2007 - ADV Films is proud to announce an August 28 street date for the fifth volume of an epic fantasy series.  Fans still have trouble pronouncing it, but they all agree that Utawarerumono is a show that can’t be missed.   

From veteran production studio Oriental Light and Magic (Berserk, Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor) comes the tale of a man in a mask he can’t remove.  With a heart-felt story and exciting action set in a far-off land, Utawarerumono will appeal to fans of Inuyasha.  Make sure to get your dose of action and intrigue in what theOtaku.com calls “a great series for those looking for something with action, drama, a touch of comedy.”

Synopsis: In a warring land, blood runs deep and trust wears thin.  Just when Hakuoro thinks he has gained a trustworthy ally, he finds that he must defend his people against a power-hungry onslaught from an invincible mechanized force, the likes of which have never been seen in this primitive world.  When Hakuoro is backed into a corner, his inner beast is unleashed – and pieces of the mystery begin to unfold.  Is he a bloodthirsty killer, or a mystical protector of life? How did he get here?  Don’t blink, or you might miss a clue!  So sit back, relax, and decipher the flashbacks in this compelling installment of Utawarerumono!

Utawarerumono: The Beast Within (SRP $29.98 DVD) is an anamorphic DVD-only release including episodes 19 through 22, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 2.0 with English subtitles.  Extras include the “Omake Theatre” video short, the 15-minute video “Utawarerumono: The Story So Far…”, extended episode previews, a glossary of terms, a character art gallery, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases. 

DVD Product Details

Volume:                 5 of 6

Running Time:    100 min.

Age Rating:          TV 14 (V)

CAT:                      DUM/005

UPC:                      702727161629

Pre-Book Date:    7/31/2007

Street Date:          8/28/2007

Format:                  DVD

SRP:                      $29.98 

Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

If you haven’t put in your order yet, you better hurry because the Geneon Megasale at RightStuf ends June 27th. You can find all the details and coupon codes here. You can’t find a better price for these CDs and DVDs.

From a young age, the only thing Sakiko Suzuki (Naomi Nishida; Train_Man, Honey & Clover) cared about was money. Naturally, her family suggested she take her passion for counting and playing with money to find a job working at a bank. But counting other people’s money just wasn’t as fun as having it herself. Bored with her job, Sakiko wishes the bank would get robbed and she could be taken as a hostage… Be careful what you wish for, because it can come true. Taken hostage and thrown into the trunk of a car, along with a briefcase full of money, Sakiko starts to worry about what could happen to her when the robbers run the vehicle off a cliff in the Aokigahara wilderness. Sakiko and the briefcase are thrown clear and into the river before the car explodes. Sakiko is found safe-but-injured from the ordeal. The briefcase, on the other hand, remains missing with 500 million yen stuffed inside, and only Sakiko knows where it’s disappeared to. Director Shinobu Yaguchi’s (Waterboys) comedic story of a lazy girl who will do anything to get her hands on the lost 500 million yen is finally in English as My Secret Cache from Geneon Entertainment. (more…)

Based on the manga characer by Tohru Shinohara (Female Prisoner Scorpion #701) comes the third installment to the Zero Woman franchise. Rei (Japanese AV model Kumiko Takeda; Close Your Eyes and Hold Me), Zero Woman, has reached her limit on wanting to work for the special Zero Division of the police department. However, Rei is an assassin and is in the middle of an assignment, which means she can’t walk away just yet. The only early way out for the Zero Woman is to die in the line of fire. But when a fellow assassin, Katsumura (Keiji Matsuda), foils Rei’s attempt at suicide by shootout, the Zero Woman is renewed in wanting to kill all of her targets to end this mission. Central Park Media’s Asia Pulp Cinema brings Zero Woman III: Keishicho 0-ka no onna to America as Zero Woman: Assassin Lovers. (more…)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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, June 22, 2007 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced a run of special screenings in New York, Chicago, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles of the celebrated film HULA GIRLS from director Lee Sang-il. The screenings are presented in partnership with VIZ Pictures licensees Fortissimo Films and Cine Qua Non.HULA GIRLS will screen to press on June 27th at 1:00 p.m. in New York with the general screening taking place July 13-24 at the The ImaginAsian Theater at 239 East 59th St, (@2nd and 3rd Avenues), Chicago, July 13-19, at Facets Cinematheque, 1517 West Fullerton Avenue.

For screenings in other cities, check out schedule at www.hulagirls-movie.com.A heart warming comedy/drama, HULA GIRLS was Japan’s official entry to the 2007 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film category and also won four Japanese Academy Awards the same year including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADV ACQUIRES FEATURE FILM

5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND

Latest From “The New Miyazaki”

HOUSTON, June 22, 2007—ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to announce it has acquired the exclusive theatrical, home video, and broadcast rights in North America to 5 Centimeters Per Second,  the newest masterpiece from one of Japan’s most remarkable directors. 

Makoto Shinkai has been called “the new Miyazaki,” for the care, sophistication, and depth of feeling he brings to his animated features.  Shinkai produced Voices From a Distant Star (2002) entirely on his own using a Macintosh.   The short film caused a stir and went on to win prizes at several international film festivals.  Shinkai’s follow-up was the feature length film The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004), which went on to win even more awards and enjoyed a successful art house run throughout North America.  While Place Promised marked Shinkai as a creator to watch, 5 Centimeters Per Second cements his reputation as a world class director of the first rank.

This endeavor marks the first time Shinkai has worked closely with a full staff of animators and artists.  5 Centimeters Per Second is a successful collaboration that nevertheless maintains Shinkai’s signature touch.   “The director’s trademarks of breathtakingly detailed visuals, understated narrative style, and themes of separation and loneliness are propelled to a new level.” (Newtype USA)

Synopsis: After transferring to the same elementary school, Takaki and Akari become best friends.  But when both families are forced to relocate, their lives change.  After a year of separation, Takaki is about to reunite with Akari.  Sitting on the train from Tokyo, memories of the past rush through his mind as he draws closer to his life-long friend.  When a snowstorm delays their fateful meeting, Takaki and Akari begin to wonder if they will ever be able to see each other again, and share their secret feelings.  Join Takaki on a journey into three interconnected tales of love and lost innocence that span the minutes and months of their lives. 

ADV Films will debut a 35mm subtitled version of 5 Centimeters Per Second at two late night screenings Saturday June 30.  A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the ADV Films booth at Anime Expo.  Both showings will take place at a theater within walking distance of the convention center and Expo hotels.

ADV is putting together a theatrical tour of 5 Centimeters Per Second for the fall.  A DVD release is currently planned for December.

About ADV Films:

In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied.  ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X.   In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention.  The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.

Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households.  Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide.  The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels.  Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COOL DEVICES, Ep 1: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/Mon-Mon; COOL DEVICES, Ep 2: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd./Utatane Hiroyuki; COOL DEVICES, Ep 3: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/Protonsaurus; COOL DEVICES, Ep 4: (c) 1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/Yumisuke Kotoyoshi; COOL DEVICES, Ep 5: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/PIL; COOL DEVICES, Ep 6: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/PIL; COOL DEVICES, Ep 7: (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/Toboku Akutagawa; COOL DEVICES, Ep 8 (c)1998 Leed Publishing Co., Ltd/Konodonto/Akaneshinsha; COOL DEVICES, Ep 9

(”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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMMA YOUJO: THE EROTIC TEMPTRESS: THE PERFECT LOVE DOLL (c)1995 Pink Pineapple

(”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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE