One of ADV’s oldest out-of-print DVDs is back in-stock at RightStuf right now: Battle Angel. ADV lost the rights to the Battle Angel OVA a few years ago when James Cameron was looking to make a US live action movie based on the title. Somehow RightStuf found some copies and now you can fill another gap in your collection if you missed this classic title the first time for only $11.99. Act now, the supply won’t last forever.
As a further update to the news that FUNimation will now be handling distribution for Geneon’s DVD releases, RightStuf has updated their listings and prices. Series stopped midway through a release are getting the earlier volumes released again. Other series which managed to finish completely or at least the first season are seeing affordable box sets. Either way, you will have a chance to pick up what you missed starting in August.
While you’re there, don’t forget to pre-order Gakuen Alice: Complete Collection and the film Toward the Terra available from RightStuf.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ANIME EXPO® 2008 ANNOUNCES 17TH CONVENTION BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE
Increased Attendance Numbers, Charity Auction Results and Next Year¹s Convention Dates Announced for the Nation¹s Largest Anime and Manga Event
Los Angeles, California (July 6, 2008)
‹ 43,000 unique attendees (2007 attendance was approximately 41,000) came to the streets of downtown Los Angeles to participate in the biggest anime and manga event of the year held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Total daily numbers for the convention is approximately 103,000 attendees ascended onto the Los Angeles Convention Center over the 4th of July weekend. More information can be found on the website www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .
Attendees who attended the annual charity auction and bid on artwork and exclusive items (from this year¹s list of Guests of Honors) and other related properties garnered $14,518.00 (U.S.) for Children¹s Hospital Orange County (CHOC). Items auctioned included exclusive one of a kind original artwork, articles of autographed clothing, posters from the convention as well as BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT and much more.
Due to the overwhelming success of this year, Anime Expo® has announced (during closing ceremonies) that next year¹s convention will be returning to the Los Angeles Convention Center July 2-5, 2009.
The public is encouraged to visit the convention¹s official online video coverage site-AXBackstage. AXBackstage offers visitors an insider¹s look at the hottest anime/manga titles, exclusive interviews with Guests attending this year¹s hottest convention, video coverage of convention activities, attendee and convention photos/images, news and related peripherals. In addition, visitors can download up to date information and change/corrections in scheduled events, activities and much more.
AXBackstage has launched on the world wide web at
www.axbackstage.org.
The full list of official Anime Expo® 2008 Guests of Honor included up and coming director Masahiro Ando, legendary American voice actor David Hayter, famed POKEMON director Masamitsu Hidaka, the dynamic duo known as Jyukai, renowned animator Hiromi Kato, celebrated veteran voice actor Toshihiko Seki, the new Japanese ³It-Girl² Shokotan and the legendary character designer Takada Akemi.
This year¹s (2008) Red & Black Sponsors are FUNimation and ImaginAsian Television. Platinum Sponsor is Imagi Studios. Gold Sponsor is Digital Manga Publishing. Silver Sponsor is Gaia Online. Patron Sponsors are Central Park Media and COPIC Markers.
About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2009 will be held July 2 July 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. 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 (
www.spja.org <http://www.spja.org> ).
RightStuf announced that they will be re-releasing Tylor in thinkpak form (a great option for those that missed the Ultra editions). They will also be releasing their Toward the Terra movie on DVD and licensed Gakuen Alice to be released in a single set.
Those who have been missing Geneon will be pleased to know that the distribution deal originally to be signed with ADV has now been signed with FUNimation. That’s right, several of Geneon’s current series will be coming back including Black Lagoon, Rozen Maiden, Fate/stay night, and When They Cry. Celebrate the chance to finish collecting these series. Geneon will still be overseeing the dubbing and other aspects of their titles while FUNimation markets and distributes the titles on DVD. Many of these series were finished by their current dubbing studios last year so don’t expect a big disruption in the English cast between the previous releases and new volumes.
Finally, ADV has officially given word that Sojitz has pulled out of financially backing the company. While ADV is staying mum on what is going on behind-the-scenes until Otakon, Sojitz has transfered the rights to 32 series Sojitz financed with ADV to FUNimation to release on DVD. Many of these have already recieved complete releases while a few have been struggling to reach the last volumes (Kanon, Welcome to the NHK) or were never released (Sgt. Frog).
July 4, 2008 (Cypress, CA) –Bandai Entertainment Inc. announced today that they have licensed
the television rights to the series GUNDAM 00 to Starz Media, which has set the series for its
US premier on SCI FI Channel. First season episodes will premiere in early November this fall
on SCI FI Channel’s “Ani-Monday” block, which features leading programming from Manga
Entertainment, a division of Starz Media. Two episodes will air each week during a 13 week run.
“We are excited to be bringing Gundam to the Sci-Fi Channel, we believe this is going to be a
new era for Gundam in the U.S., having found an ideal home for broadcast, said Ken Iyadomi,
President of Bandai Entertainment Inc.
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is the latest installment in the long running franchise and takes place in
the year 2307 A.D. When fossil fuels have been completely depleted and humanity has turned to
solar energy to maintain its way of life, the controlling nations of the solar power find themselves
at war with more impoverished countries and threats to the “promised land of God” lead to the
formation of a group called the Celestial Being, whose purpose is to end war and unite humanity
through the use of four Gundam mech. The series is directed by Seiji Mizushima whose past
credits as a director and storyboard artist include Fullmetal Alchemist, Evangelion, and
Appleseed: Ex Machina.
www.bandai-ent.com
About Bandai Entertainment Inc.
Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc. and the premier
distributor of Japanese animation on DVD and programming for television broadcast in North
America. Titles include Code Geass Lelouch of Rebellion, Gurren Lagaan, The Melancholy of
Haruhi Suzumiya, Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, Escaflowne, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone
Complex, Gundam Seed Destiny, My Hime, and many more.
About SCI FI Channel
SCI FI Channel is a television network where “what if” is what’s on. SCI FI fuels the
imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science
fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine.
Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC
Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.
About Starz Media
Starz Media, LLC, is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide.
It includes the Film Roman, Anchor Bay Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment brands. Its
units create animated and live-action programming — including theatrical films — and
programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming,
and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters,
broadcasters, ad supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video
distributors in the US and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is an operating
unit of Starz, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, and is
attributed to Liberty Capital Group, a tracking stock group of Liberty Media Corporation.
FLOWER MOUND, TX, July 4, 2008 — FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, and the ARM Corporation, announced today their agreement to transfer ARM’s interest in select series to FUNimation. FUNimation Entertainment will distribute and release these DVD titles in North America and other territories around the world.
Under the terms of the deal, FUNimation Entertainment obtains varied rights to these titles including home video, broadcast, digital and merchandise to such international successes as “Devil May Cry” and “Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor TV”. The complete list of acquired titles follows below:
• 009-1
• Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy
• Air Gear
• Air movie
• Air TV
• Blade of the Phantom Master
• Comic Party Revolution
• Coyote Ragtime Show
• Devil May Cry
• Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor TV
• Jing, King of Bandits: Seventh Heaven
• Jinki:Extend
• Kanon
• Kyoshiro to Towa no Sora
• Le Chevalier D’Eon
• Magikano
• Moeyo Ken TV
• Moonlight Mile
• Murder Princess
• Nerima Daikon Brothers
• Pani Poni Dash!
• Project Blue Earth SOS
• Pumpkin Scissors
• Red Garden
• Sgt. Keroro 1st & 2nd
• Tokyo Majin
• UFO Princess Valkyrie
• Utawarerumono
• Venus Versus Virus
• The Wallflower
• Welcome to the NHK
• Xenosaga
“We are very enthusiastic about these titles,” said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. “Not only are these excellent series, but they also fuel FUNimation’s major initiatives in social networking, the FUNimation Channel and internet VOD. These new titles cement FUNimation as the leading anime provider for television broadcast and legitimate online content. These shows allow us to increasingly provide the best anime to our fans on their own terms.”
FUNimation Entertainment will begin releasing ARM titles later this year.
About FUNimation Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for being the market share leader for home video sales of anime in the United States. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.
About Navarre Corporation
The Navarre Corporation is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, DVD video, video games and accessories. Additional information is available at http://www.navarre.com.
About ARM Corporation
The ARM Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese Contents Investment LPC (JCI) and formed by the Sojitz Corporation and other partners, was established to support the overseas licensing and distribution of Japanese anime.
Sojitz is engaged in the investment of content creation, with a focus on Japanese animation, and its export and sale in overseas markets. The company currently handles over 100 anime titles in more than 30 markets worldwide.
FLOWER MOUND, July 03, 2008 — FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, and Geneon Entertainment (USA) Inc., a leading producer of Japanese animation, announced today their partnership to distribute select DVD titles in North America.
Under the terms of the agreement, FUNimation Entertainment obtains the exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of established Geneon titles, including international successes “Ergo Proxy”, “Hellsing Ultimate” and “Black Lagoon”.
Among the first titles to be released includes the special edition of “Hellsing Ultimate”, directed by Tomokazu Tokoro and produced by Satelight (“Aquarion” and “Baldr Force EXE Resolution”).
Follow up releases include “Black Lagoon Second Barrage”, “Karin”, “Kyo Kara Maoh Season 2″, and “Lyrical Nanoha”.
“Geneon is a strong producer, known for excellent production and quality of its anime series,“ said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. “We are pleased to partner with them and we are committed to the successful release of these series.”
“FUNimation’s momentum as the leading anime distributor continues to build,” said Yushin Soga, president and CEO of Geneon. “We are sure this partnership will only grow the prominence of our portfolio.”
Additional titles include: “Black Lagoon”, “Elemental Gelade”, “Fate Stay Night”, “Kamichu”, “Ninja Vixens”, “Paradise Kiss”, “Rozen Maiden”, “Rozen Maiden Traumend”, “Shana”, “Shonen Onmyouji”, “The Familiar of Zero”, “The Story of Saiunkoku”, “When They Cry”, and “The Law of Ueki”.
About FUNimation Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for being the market share leader for home video sales of anime in the United States. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.
About Navarre Corporation
The Navarre Corporation is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, DVD video, video games and accessories. Additional information is available at www.navarre.com.
About Geneon Entertainment
A leading supplier of Japanese animation in North America, and the recipient of the 2006 “Best Anime Company” by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT (USA) INC., is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based advertising giant Dentsu, Inc. Geneon Entertainment primarily develops animation properties for release in North America on DVD and new media.
About Dentsu Inc.
Dentsu Inc., founded in 1901, is the largest advertising agency brand and the fifth largest marketing and communications organization in the world. Based in Tokyo, the group has more than 6,000 clients and more than 15,000 full-time employees in both Japan and in its offices overseas. Consolidated sales for fiscal term 03/07 were recorded at $17,738 million. Dentsu is publicly quoted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (Code 4324).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RIGHT STUF & NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT Announce GAKUEN ALICE, TOWARD THE TERRA Movie & Upcoming Releases Anime Expo 2008: New license announcements, preview of 21st year
GRIMES, IA, July 4, 2008
– Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. and Nozomi Entertainment started the company’s 21st year with a bang by making several announcements during its July 4th panel at Anime Expo 2008. Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner revealed the acquisition of the GAKUEN ALICE television series, the first-ever North American DVD release of the classic TOWARD THE TERRA movie, a remastered re-release of THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR, and additional details about future releases for several ongoing series, including EMMA: A VICTORIAN ROMANCE, MARIA WATCHES OVER US and ARIA.GAKUEN ALICE
Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment announced its license for GAKUEN ALICE, as well as plans to release the series in a single DVD box set
– with Japanese audio and English-language subtitles – during 2009. A comedy with supernatural and magical elements, the series chronicles the adventures of Mikan, a spunky and excitable 10-year-old, as she runs away from home and follows her genius best friend to a mysterious Tokyo school for students with exceptional abilities and gifts.This 26-episode adaptation of Tachibana Higuchi’s ongoing manga features direction by Takahiro Omori (Baccano!, Hell Girl) and aired on Japan’s national NHK television network. (Savvy fans will also notice “Mikan,”
the series’ pig-tailed heroine, is portrayed by Kana Ueda, the voice of “Yumi” in Maria Watches Over Us, “Rin” in Fate/stay Night and “Hayate”
in Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s.)
The original manga is currently serialized in Japan’s Hana to Yume girls’ manga magazine, where it has appeared alongside titles including Fruits Basket, Hana-Kimi, Skip Beat! and Special A since its 2003 debut.
The Gakuen Alice manga is published in North America by TOKYOPOP.
Visit gakuenalice.rightstuf.com for more information about Gakuen Alice and to pre-order the box set.
TOWARD THE TERRA Movie
In response to fan requests, Right Stuf and Nozomi announced the first-ever North American DVD release of the TOWARD THE TERRA movie.
(Right Stuf had previously released the title on VHS and laserdisc.) This classic film adaptation of Keiko Takemiya’s ground-breaking, science-fiction manga was produced by Toei Animation and is a forerunner to the Toward the Terra TV series, soon-to-be released by Bandai Entertainment. Takemiya’s original manga, known as To Terra (Terra e…), is published for English-speaking audiences by Vertical, Inc. The new DVD release will feature Japanese audio and English-language subtitles.
The Toward the Terra movie depicts a future where mankind’s seemingly utopian society is strictly controlled by the government, which ruthlessly suppresses anything that threatens to disrupt the status quo.
When 14-year-old Jomy begins to question the way the society is run, he suddenly becomes a target for both the government and the Mu, an outcast race that possesses extra-sensory abilities and has been fighting against the government for generations. Now, each group is determined to hunt him down
– one to kill him and the other to save him.Visit terra.rightstuf.com for more information about the Toward the Terra movie and to pre-order the DVD.
Remastered IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR
Nozomi Entertainment has plans to revisit another fan favorite from the Right Stuf catalog, with upcoming re-releases of THE IRRESPONSIBLE CAPTAIN TYLOR. The television series and OVAs (original video animation) each will be re-released as bilingual, thinpak-style box sets that utilize remastered video footage from the Japanese DVD release and feature “soft subtitles.”
As a service to fans who purchased the “Ultra Edition” versions of these releases, Right Stuf will offer a trade-in program, with details to be announced in the future.
Proclaimed one of the “50 best anime of all time” by Anime Insider, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor is based upon a series of novels by Hitoshi Yoshioka and features direction by Koichi Mashimo (Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Noir, Sorcerer Hunters). The English dub stars Crispin Freeman as “Captain Justy Ueki Tylor,” Lisa Ortiz as “Azalyn,” Rachael Lillis as “Yuriko Star,” Carol Jacobanis as “Harumi Nakagawa,” David Brimmer as “Lt. Makato Yamamoto” and Veronica Taylor as “Shia Has.”
Visit
www.tylor.com for information about The Irresponsible Captain Tylor and for details about the re-releases and trade-in program, as they are made available.Additional Release Dates & Info for EMMA - Season 2, MARIA WATCHES OVER US, ARIA & Merchandise
Finally, Kleckner revealed release dates and additional details for several ongoing and upcoming series:
- The EMMA: A Victorian Romance
– Season 2 DVD Collection is scheduled for release on October 28, 2008. This second box set will include the 12 episodes of the series’ “Second Act,” plus “Episode 0: Intermission,” a recap/preview released prior to the start of the Season 2 telecast in Japan.As with the first season set, the first 1,000 anime fans to pre-order the Season 2 box set from RightStuf.com will be recognized in a “special thanks” section of the DVD credits for the set.
Visit emma.rightstuf.com for more information about Emma: A Victorian Romance and to pre-order the Season 2 DVD Collection.
- The MARIA WATCHES OVER US (Maria-sama ga Miteru) Season 1 DVD Collection was previously announced to street on July 29, 2008, and while supplies last, fans who pre-order the box set directly from RightStuf.com will receive a Lillian Girls’ School/ Chinesis Family cell phone charm. (The box sets for future seasons will also have similar “pre-order direct” special offers.)
The Maria Watches Over Us
– Season 2 DVD Collection, featuring the second television season, is currently scheduled for late Fall 2008.The third box set will follow in 2009.
Right Stuf and Nozomi will be collecting fans’ questions for an interview with Maria Watches Over Us creator Oyuki Konno. Look for details to be announced post-Expo.
Visit mariasama.rightstuf.com for more information about Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru).
- The ARIA THE ANIMATION DVD Collection is scheduled for release on September 30, 2008, and it will have a special “pre-order from RightStuf.com” offer.
Additional DVD releases for ARIA are scheduled for early 2009.
Visit aria.rightstuf.com for more information about Aria the Animation and to pre-order the box set.
- Nozomi also has plans to release new shirts and apparel featuring artwork from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, several FUNimation properties (Hell Girl, Mushi-shi, School Rumble and more), Gravitation and Ninja Nonsense (Ninin ga Shinobuden), plus a new line of original designs that includes the previously announced Otaku Collegiate and the soon-to-be-announced Sounds of the Samurai collections.
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
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, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye,
Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and Aria, 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
ANIME EXPO® 2008 ANNOUNCES THE 2008 SPJA AWARD WINNERS
Los Angeles, California (July 4, 2008)
‹ At approximately 7:45 pm on July 3,2008 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation Chief Executive Officer Ms. Trulee Karahashi announced the winners of the fan voted SPJA Awards for
2008 at the Wachovia VIP Lounge at the Nokia Theatre Live L.A. Anime Expo®
2008 will be held from July 3-6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information can be found on the website
www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .
Winners of the 2008 Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation Awards
are:
Best Voice Actor (Japanese)
Tomokazu Sugita The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Kyon
Best Voice Actor (English)
Alessandro Juliani DEATHNOTE L
Best Voice Actress (Japanese)
Aya Hirano The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Voice Actress (English)
Laura Bailey Shin-chan Shin-chan
Best Casting Director
Kaeko Sakamoto The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Character Design
Shoko Ikeda The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Mechanical Design
Eureka 7 (Staff includes Shoji Kawamori)
Best Male Character
Ichigo Kurosaki Bleach
Best Female Character
Haruhi Suzumiya The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Best Mascot Character
Mokona Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles
Best Background Design
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Sunrise
Best Original Video
Hellsing Ultimate Geneon Entertainment
Best Feature Film
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Bandai Entertainment
Best Television Series
DEATHNOTE Viz Media
Best Original Score
Naruto Toshio Masuda & Musashi Project Aniplex
Best Original Song
³Hare Hare Yukai² (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya) Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara, and Yuko Goto Lantis
Best Director
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Naruto
Best Manga - Action
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles CLAMP Del Rey Manga
Best Manga - Comedy
Negima! Ken Akamatsu Del Rey Manga
Best Manga - Drama
Eureka Seven Jinsei Kataoka / Kazuma Kondou Bandai Entertainment
Best Publication
Newtype Kadokawa Shoten
AXBackstage offers visitors an insider¹s look at the hottest anime/manga titles, exclusive interviews with Guests attending this year¹s hottest convention, video coverage of convention activities, attendee and convention photos/images, news and related peripherals. In addition, visitors can download up to date information and change/corrections in scheduled events, activities and much more. AXBackstage has launched on the world wide web at
www.axbackstage.org.
The full list of official Anime Expo® 2008 Guests of Honor include up and coming director Masahiro Ando, legendary American voice actor David Hayter, famed POKEMON director Masamitsu Hidaka, the dynamic duo known as Jyukai, renowned animator Hiromi Kato, celebrated veteran voice actor Toshihiko Seki, the new Japanese ³It-Girl² Shokotan and the legendary character designer Takada Akemi.
Attendees that have pre-registered can also update their information and add on orders for main event tickets via the Anime Expo® 2008 Online Registration Area at
www.anime-expo.org <http://www.anime-expo.org> .
Free shuttle services for all hotel attendees will be provided. Regular non-hotel attendees will have access to utilize the free shuttle services during designated hours as well. All schedules and routes will be posted in the lobby of each shuttle hotel. Frequency of service is pending local traffic, road conditions and can change without notice. Also, no shuttle service provided to the Holiday Inn City Center and the Figueroa Hotel (both are within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center).
Attendees, Press and Industry Members are also encouraged to view the video coverage site of the 2007 convention at
www.AXBackstage.org <http://www.AXBackstage.org> .
This year¹s Red & Black Sponsors are FUNimation and ImaginAsian Television.
Platinum Sponsor is Imagi Studios. Gold Sponsor is Digital Manga Publishing. Silver Sponsor is Gaia Online. Patron Sponsors are Central Park Media and COPIC Markers.
About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2008 will be held July 3 July 6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. 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 (
www.spja.org <http://www.spja.org> ).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Right Stuf’s ANIME TODAY Tackles the Tokyo Toy Show Plus Anime Expo, winners of EMMA contest, reviews & more in episode 70!
GRIMES, IA, July 3, 2008 — Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. counts down to the Anime Expo and holiday weekend with a look at the Tokyo Toy Show, plus reviews, a rundown of upcoming anime conventions, and the announcement of which lucky fans are winners of the contest celebrating Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment’s DVD release of EMMA: A Victorian Romance
– Season 1 in episode 70 of ANIME TODAY.Also in this episode:
- Chad tells listeners “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and
manga.
- Although Shawne’s at Anime Expo, there are many anime and manga
treasures to be found at Right Stuf’s summer clearance. (20% off the regular sale prices on most in-stock items!)
- In a special two-segment, Tokyo Toy Show edition of the “Anime
and Gamers’ Guide,” Kris and Judy talk about the newest toy sensations, including ways for kids of all ages to test their reflexes, go star-gazing in their bedrooms (and bathrooms), and revisit childhood favorites like baking and robot-themed toys.
- Rich and Nick announce the winners of the EMMA: A Victorian
Romance contest for a replica of creator Kaoru Mori’s Emma art and copies of the Emma graphic novels from CMX Manga. They also announce the winner for the Viz Pictures’ Maiko Haaaan!!! contest. And then, they kick off two new contests: one warming up for FUNimation’s box set release of BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad and a second celebrating Viz Pictures’ release of NANA 2.
- Judy-sensei returns with a new mini Japanese 101 lesson about
toys.
- Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions,
courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
- Marie checks out FUNimation’s release of the vampire anime Black
Blood Brothers.
- Listen to musical clips from the JapanFiles.com CDs Great
Composers and Good Morning Playground by Miami.
- And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan
reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
Have a question about anime and manga? Want to comment on one of the podcast’s segments? Call our Anime Today Hotline at 1-800-338-6827, ext.
7424. You may hear yourself on a future episode of Anime Today!
Visit
www.rightstuf.com <http://www.rightstuf.com> and www.animetoday.com <http://www.animetoday.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 fans, talk with ANIME TODAY listeners, submit your suggestions for future episodes and more at the new ANIME TODAY forums:
http://www.rightstuf.com/ubbthreads/<
http://www.rightstuf.com/ubbthreads/> . Visit ANIME TODAY on MySpace at
http://www.myspace.com/animetoday <http://www.myspace.com/animetoday> .ABOUT ANIME TODAY
Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (”anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what’s new and what’s hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.
“If you’re into anime and what’s happening in the anime market then this is the podcast for you!”
- User review on iTunes
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
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, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye,
Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and Aria, 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 > .
BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT INVITES FANS AND MEDIA TO SPECIAL SERIES OF VOICE ACTING WORKSHOPS TAKING PLACE DURING 2008 ANIME EXPO
Company To Feature Notable Anime Voice Actor Personalities In Four Unique Workshops Occurring Each Day Throughout Expo And Will Also Have New Documentary For Sale And Special Photo Opportunities At Bang Zoom! Booth #811
Burbank, CA, July 2, 2008 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has invited the thousands of fans and attendees, as well as press and industry, to attend a series of special workshops for aspiring voice actors taking place at the Anime Expo® 2008. Anime Expo is the nation’s largest anime and manga convention and takes place July 3-6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. Bang Zoom will also have copies for sale of its new DVD release, ADVENTURES IN VOICE ACTING- Volume One, at its booth located in the Main Exhibit Hall Booth #811. More information about 2008 Anime Expo is available at www.anime-expo.org.
The Voice Acting Workshops will each feature a variety of important topics critical for those looking to enter the voice acting arena. These topics include an informative overview of the dubbing process and the technology used in recording as well as an insider’s view of voice acting business as it relates to the Anime industry. Attendees will also learn studio and industry protocol and how to prepare for an audition.
The classes are scheduled for 5:30-6:30pm on Thursday, July 3 in LACC Room #304, Friday, July 4 from 11:00am-12:00pm, also in LACC Room #304. The workshop for Saturday July, 5 will be held from 2:30pm-3:30pm in LACC Room #304 as will the Sunday session which runs from 11:30-12:30 also in the same room. Those interested to attend one of the workshops may pre-register at the Bang Zoom! booth (#811) to reserve a spot.
Workshops will feature a pair of notable voice actors including Philece Sampler and Tony Oliver. Sampler’s vocal range makes her one of the best among voice actors and she has demonstrated a keen ability to voice male roles (Cody from Digimon), elderly women (Tiptree in Eureka Seven), as well as notable female roles in Bleach, Last Exile and Zatch Bell!. Tony Oliver is renowned for his lead role as Rick Hunter on the Robotech series as well as Arsene Lupin III from Lupin The 3rd and work in several of the Power Rangers series.
A first-of-its-kind documentary produced by Bang Zoom!, ADVENTURES IN VOICE ACTING- Volume One is the debut of a proposed multi-volume series detailing the behind-the-mic world of the talented and diverse personalities that bring animated and video game characters to life for English-speaking audiences. As anime and gaming continue to captivate millions of fans across North America, a strong interest has emerged to explore this subject in greater detail. Bang Zoom! Entertainment brought the idea to life, having completed English language dubs and audio post production for more than 2,000 anime episodes for a wide variety of acclaimed series including Samurai Champloo, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Chobits and Last Exile, in addition to working on a variety of other animated features, live action productions and video games.
“This year’s convention is going to be very exciting as we’ve partnered with Anime Expo to offer a series of very special workshops to give those hoping to enter the dynamic world of voice acting some insights directly from two of the most famous voice actors in the business,” says Eric P. Sherman, President and CEO of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “We’ll also have many fun events planned for our booth throughout the show including exclusive signing opportunities by many of the notable actors featured in the documentary, as well as a special opportunity for fans to pose in a mini recording booth, complete with a mic and headphones, and have their picture taken as if they were a real voice actor! This year’s Anime Expo is definitely not one to miss!”
About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation¹s largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2008 will be held July 3 July 6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. 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 (www.spja.org).
About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and a staff of just under 200 actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to carrying out innovative projects that contribute to the promotion of global cultural awareness. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its products can be found on the company’s web site, which is located at www.bangzoomentertainment.com.
RIGHT STUF & NOZOMI ENTERTAINMENT
NEW LICENSE ANNOUNCEMENTS at
ANIME EXPO 2008 & COMINGSOON.RIGHTSTUF.COM
Full details revealed at approximately 6 p.m. EDT on Fri., July 4, 2008
WHO:
Right Stuf Inc.’s Nozomi Entertainment
WHAT:
New License Announcements
WHEN:
Friday, July 4, 2008
6 p.m. EDT / 5 p.m. CDT / 4 p.m. MDT / 3 p.m. PDT
WHERE:
- Visit comingsoon.rightstuf.com (http://comingsoon.rightstuf.com) to
- take part in the official countdown and
- chat and speculate about the announcement.
- Follow Right Stuf and Nozomi on Twitter (http://twitter.com/animetoday).
OR
- Attend the Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel at Anime Expo 2008.
(Location: LP 2 - Los Angeles Convention Center Rm. 502)
WHY:
In 2008 alone, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment have announced licenses – and release dates – for fan-favorite series Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) and Aria. And at last year’s Anime Expo panel, the release plans for Emma: A Victorian Romance were unveiled. What will Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner announce this year?
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation (”anime”) industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
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, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance and Maria Watches Over Us, 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.
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