Viz 4th Quarter 2008 DVD Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES DIVERSE ARRAY OF EXCITING ANIMATED DVD RELEASES FOR
FOURTH QUARTER 2008
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Releases Include Debut Of New Series HUNTER X HUNTER And Standard As Well As Deluxe Box Set Editions Featuring Special Collectible Figurines That Expand DVD Libraries For DEATH NOTE, BLEACH, NARUTO, BUSO RENKIN, INUYASHA And BLUE DRAGON
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San Francisco, CA, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a dynamic array of new animated titles scheduled for release throughout the Fourth Quarter.
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The new releases include the long-awaited launch of a new series – HUNTER X HUNTER – as well as a variety of DVD Box Sets, Special Editions and single disc editions of popular series including BLEACH, NARUTO, DEATH NOTE, BUSO RENKIN, BLUE DRAGON and much-loved classics like INUYASHA.
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New Series Debut:
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HUNTER X HUNTER DVD Box Set Volume 1 · Rated “T+†for Teens · MSRP: $49.98 US / $64.99 CAN · Available December 9
Based on the popular HUNTER X HUNTER manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi (also published by VIZ Media), this new fantasy action series introduces audiences to Hunters, a special breed of adventurers dedicated to tracking down treasure, magical beasts, and even humans. But such pursuit requires a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Gon might be a country boy, but he has high aspirations. Despite his aunt’s protest, Gon decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a legendary Hunter. The journey begins on the long, arduous road to the Exam Hall, where he meets Leorio and Kurapika, two applicants with the same determination. Gon and his two companions must now prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters! The HUNTER X HUNTER DVD Box Set Volume 1 contains the series’ first 15 episodes on 3 discs.
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BUSO RENKIN Releases Include
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BUSO RENKIN DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.98 US / $64.99 CAN · Available Now!
BUSO RENKIN is based on a popular 10-volume fantasy adventure manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki (also published by VIZ Media). The Alchemist Warriors Kazuki and Tokiko continue their war against the evil homunculi. But the awakening of Victor, the “King” of all homunculi, triggers the dark force lurking within Kazuki. Cursed with the black kakugane, he becomes a marked man. Hunted by their former allies, Kazuki and Tokiko find help from the most unlikely source, and as the showdown in this century-long battle nears its conclusion, the future rests in the hands of one young man. Kazuki must make a final decision that no one, not even Tokiko, could have predicted! The BUSO RENKIN DVD Box Set Volume 2 features episodes 14-26 on 3 discs as well as bonus material including special behind the scenes footage and a full-color collectable booklet.
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BLUE DRAGON Releases Include:
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BLUE DRAGON Volume 2 · Rated “A†for All Ages · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $14.98 US / $19.99 CAN · Available Now!
BLUE DRAGON is an exciting animated adventure inspired by the popular Microsoft Xbox 360 Role Playing Game. The game and animated series also feature memorable characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). In BLUE DRAGON volume 2, Shu and his fellow shadow wielders are determined to seek help at Jibral Castle. When they are finally granted an audience with the king, Zola requests permission to view the all-important Book of the Beginning. But during an attack by Grankingdom, seven key pages of the book are stolen, and the group decides to set off on a dangerous journey to Grankingdom itself!
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BLEACH Releases Include:
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BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $29.98 US / $39.99 CAN · Available Now!
Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and a best-selling manga series (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media) by acclaimed Japanese artist Tite Kubo, BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY begins as unidentified beings known as “Blanks†start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has sent the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from annihilation?
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BLEACH Volume 13 · Rated “T†for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 US / $34.99 CAN · Available Now!
Television luminary Don Kan’onji brings back Yuzu, Jinta, and Ururu as his Karakura Superheroes to revive his flagging show–with Kon serving as mascot! In the Soul Society, Rukia’s execution is imminent. Luckily for Ichigo and his comrades, some of the Soul Reapers have taken their side and help break Chad, Ganju, and Uryu out of their prison cell. While Ichigo struggles to complete his bankai training, Renji emerges to rescue Rukia, but finds himself face to face with none other than Rukia’s brother, Byakuya Kuchiki. Will Renji’s bankai prove strong enough to defeat his own captain? BLEACH Volume 13 features 4 action-filled episodes as well as exclusive collectable stickers.
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DEATH NOTE Releases Include:
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DEATH NOTE Volume 7 With Limited Edition Collector’s Figure · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 US / $49.99 CAN ·
Available Now!
With his memory recovered and Higuchi of the Yotsuba Group out of the way, Light can put his master plan into motion and march humanity closer to his perfect world. Then a new investigative force steps forward to challenge Kira – the SPK, headed by a boy genius named Near. Near’s first plan of action is to get his hands on a Death Note, and when Light’s sister Sayu is kidnapped it just might get him closer to his goal! Production art, audio commentary and interviews with the voice cast are also featured. The special Collector’s Edition includes a limited edition figurine of Mello.
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DEATH NOTE Volume 7 Standard Edition · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 US / $34.99 CAN · Available Now!
Disc-only edition features the same content as the Collector’s Edition but without collectable figure.
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DEATH NOTE DVD Box Set Volume 1 · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.98 US / $89.99 CAN · Available Now!
Volume 1 box set features episodes 1-20 of the animated supernatural mystery series based on the hit manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata (also published by VIZ Media). Meet Light Yagami, a brilliant but bored high school student whose life is changed when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami, or god of death, named Ryuk. When Light discovers that any human whose name is written in the book dies, he vows to use its power to rid the world of evil. But every action has its consequences, and Light soon finds himself in a life or death battle of wits with the mysterious genius detective called L. Humanity itself becomes the battleground to determine what form of justice will prevail! Bonus features of this set include audio commentary, behind the scenes interviews with the voice cast and a production art gallery.
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DEATH NOTE Volume 8 With Limited Edition Collector’s Figure · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 US / $49.99 CAN ·
Available December 30
When Mello realizes that he may be Kira’s next target, he bursts into the SPK headquarters to retrieve a picture of himself – and gives Near a piece of information that may prove to be an invaluable advantage: some of the Death Note rules are fake. With this information in hand, Near’s suspicions of the task force, and Light in particular, become certainties. Now that he’s in the spotlight once more, Light decides it’s time to recruit some new disciples. Bonus features of this set include audio commentary, behind the scenes interviews with the voice cast and a production art gallery. The special Collector’s Edition also features a limited edition figurine of Shidoh.
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DEATH NOTE Volume 8 Standard Edition · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 US / $34.99 CAN · Available December 30
Disc-only edition features the same content as the Collector’s Edition but without collectable figure.
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NARUTO Releases Include:
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NARUTO THE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDON · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $29.98 US / $39.99 CAN
· Available Now!
Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi team up with Rock Lee to protect Prince Michiru and his son Hikaru on their return home to the Crescent Moon Kingdom in this latest full-length NARUTO feature. The mission initially seems easy enough, until the royal family becomes a royal pain! Prince Michiru can’t help indulging his son, even buying him a circus along the way! Naruto has a tough time putting up with both the spoiled Hikaru and a saber-toothed tiger, but the real adventure begins when they reach the Land of the Moon and find themselves facing a villainous uprising. Does Naruto have what it takes to save an entire kingdom? The special 2-disc set also offers several bonus features including “The Story of Naruto: Growing Up a Ninja†as well as “Teamwork: The Art of Group Recording†which gives insights into the film’s voice cast. An interview with the NARUTO THE MOVIE 3 producers and the original Japanese movie trailers are also included.
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NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 10 Special Edition · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.98 US / $89.99 CAN · Available Now!
Naruto’s pursuit of Sasuke is halted by the most fearsome of the Sound ninja–Kimimaro, a ninja with an uncompromising loyalty to Orochimaru and a hair-raising Kekkei Genkai! But the Leaf Village has sent another able-bodied ninja to assist in the fight, the newly recovered Rock Lee! While the Leaf genin continue their battles against the Sound, Naruto finally catches up to Sasuke at the Final Valley, the legendary site at the border of the Land of Fire. There, Sasuke and Naruto must face each other in their most devastating battle yet, and Sasuke must make a terrible choice in his quest for power that could decide both their destinies! The NARUTO UNCUT Box Set Volume 10 features 15 episodes (121-135) on 3 discs as well as an exclusive Katsuyu (6 of 6) Summoning Creature collectable figurine.
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NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 10 Standard Edition· Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.98 US / $64.99 CAN · Available Now!
Disc-only edition features the same content as the Special Edition but without collectable figure.
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NARUTO Volume 29 · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $19.98 US / $24.99 CAN · Available Now!
While Neji unleashes his Byakugan on the spider-like Kidomaru, the others continue their pursuit of the Sound ninja and the coffin containing Sasuke. Shikamaru plans a successful ambush, but the victory is short-lived when the most fearsome Sound ninja yet arrives to bring Sasuke to the impatient Orochimaru. Leaving Shikamaru and Kiba to battle the last two of the Sound Four, Naruto chases down their new challenger Kimimaro on his own – but does he have what it takes to win against this formidable foe? Single disc edition features 5 episodes.
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NARUTO Volume 30 · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $19.98 US / $24.99 CAN · Available November 25!
Kiba and Akamaru together try to outwit the dual ninja Sakon and Ukon while Shikamaru faces Tayuya and her mysterious flute. But Naruto is up against perhaps the most intimidating challenger of all–Kimimaro! With an undying loyalty to Orochimaru and a gruesome Kekkei Genkai, Kimimaro may be Naruto’s undoing–until help arrives in a most unexpected form! Naruto’s now free to follow Sasuke, who has emerged from the coffin and is racing toward his destiny at Orochimaru’s hands. Single disc edition features 5 episodes.
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NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 11 Special Edition · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.98 US / $89.99 CAN · Available December 16
Sasuke has gone to Orochimaru, and Sakura and Naruto are determined to get him back! Jiraiya, concerned they’ll act recklessly, persuades Tsunade to send them on an official mission to the Land of Rice Paddies, hoping to discover Orochimaru’s hideout. With Jiraiya at their side, can they fail to bring Sasuke back? Then, an escape from a maximum security prison brings Naruto a blast from the past! Mizuki, the teacher who long ago betrayed the Leaf, is on the loose, and Iruka once again joins Naruto in pursuit of the renegade ninja! The NARUTO UNCUT Box Set Volume 11 features 14 episodes (136-149) on 3 discs as well as an exclusive Naruto Mininja (1 of 6) collectable figurine.
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NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 11 Standard Edition · Rated “T+†for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.98 US / $64.99 CAN · Available December 16
Disc-only edition features the same content as the Special Edition but without collectable figure.
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INUYASHA Releases Include:
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INUYASHA SEASON 6 DVD Box Set Deluxe Edition · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $119.98 US / $149.99 CAN · Available December 2
As if battling demons and searching for the Sacred Jewel shards weren’t tough enough, Kagome also faces the battles of a very modern-day student, like preparing for a school festival and a love scene in the class play! But demons wait for no one, and soon enough Kagome is back in the past, encountering demon women that test the bond between Miroku and Sango, a woman who’s mysteriously in love with Inuyasha’s brother Sesshomaru, and an ancestor of the boy with a crush on Kagome in the present day! The INUYASHA SEASON 6 Special Deluxe Edition features 20 episodes (127-146) on 4 discs and also includes an Inuyasha Collector’s Watch.
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INUYASHA SEASON 6 DVD Standard Edition · Rated “T†for Teens · MSRP: $99.98 US / $129.99 CAN · Available December 2
Disc-only edition features the same content as the Deluxe Edition but without collectable watch.
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For additional information on these and all VIZ Media titles please visit www.viz.com.
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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 (graphic novel) 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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment 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.