2012 Release Dates + R1 DVD/BD News

[Arch-Defender]

Originally Posted by YuriFanboy

I'll be waiting for a real R1 release of Fate/Zero though.

Personally I hope they hurry with their release of Fate/Zero to get to the real one because as it stands I might very well buy the eventual set from France. Depending on their recent re-release of Garden of Sinners I might do that to, since France as it on BD, DVD, dubbed and fairly priced.

[SuiDream]

Originally Posted by Arch-Defender

Personally I hope they hurry with their release of Fate/Zero to get to the real one because as it stands I might very well buy the eventual set from France. Depending on their recent re-release of Garden of Sinners I might do that to, since France as it on BD, DVD, dubbed and fairly priced.

I seriously doubt we'll be seeing a real Fate/Zero release anytime soon. I'm guessing we're going to be waiting at least a year based on the Kara no Kyoukai wait and based on how long it takes a simulcasted series to be released over here. I'm also guessing we'll be seeing a DVD only release based on KnK and my non-existent faith in Aniplex.

[tigeress02]

Originally Posted by tigeress02

Next weekend is A-Kon and it looks like FUNimation, Aniplex and Anime Midstream have panels.

Looks like no big announcements from either the FUNimation or Aniplex of America panels. Aniplex did give out some details on the Oreimo re-release, though at this point SRP is not know. We'll find that out when it goes up for preorder tomorrow.

Via ANN
The re-release of the series on regular-edition DVD will include all 12 episodes in the series plus four video episodes. It will also include a double-sided DVD wrap, an O-sleeve case, an original two-sided poster, and the textless opening and ending sequences. The company will release the DVD set on July 10.

On another note, there will be a FUNiLive later tonight as a wrap-up for the con. Their special guest will be "The Aniplex Guy" EJ Rivera. The broadcast for it will go live at 10 PM CT.

http://www.spreecast.com/events/funilive6312


A little bit of news came out of the Anime Midstream panel. Looks like the company is relocating to Dallas, Texas (FWIW, FUNimation and Sentai are both based in Texas as well). Also, Vol. 4 (Eps. 16-20) of Matchless Raijin-Oh should be out in the next few weeks and Vol. 5 (Eps. 21-25) should released by the end of the summer. After Vol. 5, the releases of this series will be sub-only (Eps. 26-51). (link)

[tigeress02]

Oreimo Complete Collection (sub): July 10, 2012; $54.98; 400 mins

[tigeress02]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES
“HAKUOKI”

HOUSTON, June 8, 2012 — Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce their acquisition of Hakuoki. Directed by Osamu Yamasaki (Yotoden, Toward the Terra), this stunning series features character designs by Atsuko Nakajima (Trinity Blood, Get Backers) and music by Ko Otani (Another, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing).

Disguised as a man, Chizuru Yukimura has come to Kyoto searching for her missing father, a doctor who developed a magical elixir that increases the drinker’s speed, strength and healing abilities. Instead of her father, however, she stumbles across a battle between the Shinsengumi and the Furies, evil vampire-like creatures of their own making. As things turn out, the Shinsengumi are also searching for her father. And when they discover who she is, they decide to take her into their custody for safe-keeping. But her sex is not the only secret Chizuru has, and as more and more Furies begin appearing in Kyoto and the situation becomes ever deadlier, the Shinsengumi may find that the Furies are the least of their problems!

Hakuoki is based on the hit video game franchise by Idea Factory and is now available in North America by Aksys Games on the Sony Playstation® Portable platform. Sentai Filmworks will release Hakuoki through select digital outlets soon with a home video release on bilingual DVD to follow.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.

www.sentai-filmworks.com

Also, FUNimation has picked up Kingdom for simulcast.

[goddessofanime]

Originally Posted by tigeress02

Also, FUNimation has picked up Kingdom for simulcast.

When is Hakuoki coming out?

I stopped watching this because I thought Funi had it ages ago. I'd like to get this on dvd....

[tigeress02]

FWIW, FUNimation never had Hakuoki. Sentai first mentioned they licensed the show back in April at ACen.

Originally Posted by tigeress02

Sentai Filmworks Panel (Friday 6:30pm - 8:00pm CDT)

• New License: Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto; September
• New License: Cluster Edge TV + OVA; sub-only; September
• New License: Hakuōki; all that is currently out; bilingual; September
• New License: Upotte!!

We don't have a specific date just yet, but Sentai's September solicitations should be going out anytime now. I also take this as a positive sign that they will pick up the stream for the new TV series this summer.

[tigeress02]

Media Blasters Updates

Bakuman. Season 1 Collection 1 BD has been removed from the schedule. It had a June 26 release date. Queen's Blade 2 Complete Collection (DVD) and Simoun Classic Collection appear to have made their street dates, but at this point it looks like Fushigi Yugi missed it's street date (June 12th). Though I did notice that a number of sites had a June 19th date and one with a July 3rd date, so I'm not sure what's going on with that one. The only other release they have left for June is the Strawberry Panic Classic Collection on the 26th.

Discotek Update

Apparently that "so bad it's good OVA series" they talked about a few months back was Mad Bull 34 (link). It will be released on DVD next year with English dub and Japanese with English subs.

Nozomi Ent. Soliciation

Rental Magica Collection 2 (sub): October 2, 2012; $39.99; 400 mins

Anime Midstream Soliciation

Matchless Raijin-Oh Vol. 4: June 30, 2012; $23.99; 130 mins

[tigeress02]

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES
“CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES”

HOUSTON, June 14, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is extraordinarily proud to announce the forthcoming release of the year’s most eagerly awaited animated feature, CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES! The latest brainchild of writer/producer/director Makoto Shinkai, the pioneering creator who first turned the Japanese animation industry on its head by producing the hit VOICES OF A DISTANT STAR almost single handedly using his own personal computer, CHILDREN will be Shinkai’s longest and most complex film to date and promises to further continue the director’s evolution as one of the most important emerging talents in the animation industry. Joining Shinkai once again are some of his most trusted collaborators, including composer TENMON, who has created the score to every Shinkai film since the director’s first short, SHE AND HER CAT; animation director/character designer Takayo Nishimura and art director Takumi Tanji, who have both risen up the production chain with Shinkai, having begun as an animator and background artist respectively on THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS and 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND; and most especially the ground-breaking production company ComixWave Films, which has distributed all of Shinkai’s major works to date.

Strange sounds in the darkness… Unearthly music from an old crystal radio… These are all the warning Asuna Watase has before a simple walk to her clubhouse catapults her into a nightmarish adventure that will take her beneath the Earth to a lost land beyond the realm of legend! Attacked by a strange monstrous creature, rescued by a mysterious stranger and pursued by a relentless enemy, Asuna finds herself enmeshed in a centuries old mystery that will bind her to a strange young defender and lead her inevitably, towards a secret that may hold the key to life itself! From Makoto Shinkai, the critically acclaimed anime wunderkind who’s thrilled audiences around the world with the masterworks VOICES OF A DISTANT STAR and THE PLACE PROMISED IN OUR EARLY DAYS, comes an all new, dark and truly epic journey into a world you’ve never seen before: CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES!

CHILDREN WHO CHASE LOST VOICES will begin theatrical release on June 26 – July 3 at the Nuart Theater in Los Angeles. General release through digital channels will follow with a home video release on DVD & BD later this year.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Android Market and YouTube.

www.sentai-filmworks.com

Children Who Chase Lost Voices


Edit: Also, from GKids Films twitter, it looks like they will be handling the home video release for Studio Ghibli's From Up on Poppy Hill (Kokuriko-Zaka Kara).

We have all rights to Poppy Hill in North America, not just theatrical

Poppy Hill will be in this year's Oscars race. Disney didnt pass - we just made a good case. We remain very friendly with them.

Correct, for North America. You'll see a DVD/BD release from us, after the theatrical release. Setting plans now

GKids Films has theatrical and non-theatrical distribution rights to 13 other Studio Ghibli's films (Disney holds the home video rights). (link)

[tigeress02]

FUNimation

Dragon Ball Kai Season 3: September 11, 2012; $49.98; 600 mins (also BD; $54.98)
Fafner Complete Collection (BD/DVD): September 18, 2012; $59.98; 650 mins
Haibane Renmei Anime Classic Collection: September 4, 2012; $39.98; 325 mins
King of Thorn (BD/DVD): September 18, 2012; $24.98; 120 mins
One Piece Collection 8: September 25, 2012; $34.98; 650 mins
Shakugan no Shana Season 2 Collection 1 LE (BD/DVD): September 25, 2012; $69.98; 300 mins
Shakugan no Shana Season 2 Collection 2 (BD/DVD): September 25, 2012; $64.98; 300 mins
Spice and Wolf Season 1-2 Collection (BD/DVD): September 11, 2012; $64.98; ? mins
Tower of Druaga S.A.V.E. Collection: September 18, 2012; $29.98; 300 mins

Plus one delay

Is This a Zombie? Complete Collection LE: Delayed to September 18, 2012 from August 7 (6 weeks)

Sentai Filmworks

Allison and Lillia Complete Collection (sub): September 18, 2012; $69.98; 650 mins
Cluster Edge Collection 1 (sub): September 11, 2012; $49.98; 300 mins
Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth Complete Collection (sub): September 25, 2012; $49.98; 300 mins
Hakuoki Season 1: September 25, 2012; $59.98; 300 mins
Intrigue in the Bakumatsu ~ Irohanihoheto Collection 1: September 4, 2012; $59.98; 325 mins (also BD; $69.98)
Persona 4 Collection 1: September 18, 2012; $59.98; 300 mins (also BD; $69.98)
Psychic Squad Collection 3 (sub): September 4, 2012; $49.98; 325 mins
UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie Ultramaiden Collection (Season 1-2): September 11, 2012; $49.98; 670 mins

Edit: Looks like the Croisee release will also get a soundtrack.

Posted by Janice Williams at Fandom Post
Actually, the release WILL include Episode 4.5, as well as a bunch of other extras, including a CD with BGM music.

[tigeress02]

Venus Wars, The: September 18, 2012; $19.95; ? mins

[tigeress02]

Anime Expo is upon us again. All the usual R1 companies will be present, except it seems that Sentai doesn't seem to have a panel this year (they will have a booth though). If announcements related to this thread come out from other panels, I'll be sure to note it here, but for now I'm just going to list the industry panels.

Anime Expo 2012 (June 29-July 2; Los Angeles Convention Center)

bayoab Live Feed
aquastar's Live Stream

Sentai Filmworks (No Panel; Announced via PRs)

• New License: The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky (OVA); streaming and home video release in 2013
• New License: Hiiro no Kakera ~ The Tamayori Princess Saga; streaming and home video release
• New License: Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere Season 2; summer '12 simulcast and DVD & BD release in 2013
• New License: Hakuoki Reimeiroku; summer '12 simulcast and bilingual home video release in 2013
• New License: Mayo Chiki!; streaming and sub-only DVD in 2012
• New License: Idolm@ster Xenoglossia; streaming and sub-only DVD in 2012
• New License: Natsuyuki Rendezvous; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: Campione!; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: Space Brothers; streaming and home video release
• New License: Detroit Metal City; streaming and home video release
• New License: Qwazer of Stigmata; streaming and home video release in 2012
• New License: So, I Can't Play H!; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: Jinrui Wa Suitai Shimashita; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: Tari Tari; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013
• New License: Someday's Dreamers II Sora; streaming and home video release in 2012
• New License: Kokoro Connect; summer '12 simulcast and home video release in 2013

Super Secret Viz Media Anime Project (Friday 2:00-3:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• Neon Alley Press Release
• Partnering with ANN, Aniplex, and Tai Seng
• Titles shown on Neon Alley will get DVD and/or BD releases when available

Aniplex of America Industry Panel (Friday 3:00-4:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• Baccano!: BD re-release - July 31, 2012
• Blue Exorcist dub cast: Bryce Papenbrook as Rin, JYB as Yukio

Crunchyroll Panel (Friday 3:30-5:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• Crunchyroll Apps to Launch on PlayStation 3 and Samsung TVs
• Summer Simulcast Announcements: Chitose Get You!!; Campione!; Horizon on the Middle of Nowhere Season 2; Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita; Kokoro Connect; La storia della Arcana Famiglia; Natsuyuki Rendezvous; So, I Can't Play H!; Sword Art Online; Tari Tari

Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment Industry Panel (Friday 5:00-6:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• New License: Ristorante Paradiso - Fall 2012
• New License: Hyakko - 2013
• New License: Aoi Hana - 2013
• Announced new label: Lucky Penny

  A publishing division of Right Stuf, Inc., Lucky Penny Entertainment is dedicated to high-quality and budget-friendly releases of anime fan favorites and niche titles. The initial roster of releases for this new studio-label will include Ristorante Paradiso, Hyakko and Aoi Hana: Sweet Blue Flowers.

• Nozomi Ent. label will now function as their "criterion line"/collector's line

  Nozomi Entertainment will now serve as Right Stuf’s signature line, with a renewed emphasis on releasing collectors’ editions of critically acclaimed and notable series. New Nozomi acquisitions will be released first as limited-edition sets with collectors’ art boxes and other premium features and/or content, such as those included with the limited-edition Revolutionary Girl Utena and Martian Successor Nadesico Complete Collection DVD box sets.

• Captain Tylor BD a possibility

NIS America: Anime, dood! (Saturday 2:00-3:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1-2 Collection: Fall 2012; 26 eps on 4 discs; artbook

FUNimation Industry Panel (Saturday 5:00-6:00 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• New License: Michiko to Hatchin
• New License: Ikki Tousen: Great Guardians
• New License: Ikki Tousen: Xtreme Xecutor
• New License: Appleseed XIII
• Expanded Rights on: Aria the Scarlet Ammo, Eureka 7 AO, Jormungand
• New License: Blood-C (TV & movie)
• Simulcast: Binbō-gami ga! and Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero (aka Hagure Yūsha no Estetica)

Viz Media Industry Panel (Sunday 1:30-2:30 PM PST) [ANN Panel Report]

• No new info

[tigeress02]

In an unusual move, the show production committee for Ro-Kyu-Bu: Fast Break has requested a buy back of the home video rights in non-Asian territories. Sentai will still retain their digital and TV rights.

HOUSTON, June 27, 2012— Sentai Filmworks announced today that the show's production committee has requested a buy-back of the home video rights to this show from all of the committee's licensees outside of Asian territories. In the interest of cooperation, Sentai Filmworks is complying with the committee's request with respect to the home video rights only.

RO-KYU-BU: FAST BREAK will continue to be available through TV, Streaming and other digital sources.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like Highschool of the Dead, Towa no Quon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats! as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks' programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, PLAYSTATION Network, Android Market and YouTube.
www.sentai-filmworks.com

[tigeress02]

Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1-2 Premium Collection (sub): October 9, 2012; $69.99; ? mins

Santa Ana, CA (June 30, 2012) – NIS America is excited to announce that the critically acclaimed heartwarming title, Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition, will be released in North America on October 9th. This incredible package will come bundled with all 26 episodes from season 1 and 2 on 4 DVD discs! Natsume's Book of Friends explores the true meaning of friendship and what it really means to “be there” for those you care about, as it portrays the unique relationships between Natsume and the various yokai he comes into contact with. Since airing on Japanese TV in 2006, Natsume's Book of Friends has been winning over scores of anime fans throughout North America. And now it makes its long-awaited appearance in the West with a hardcover collector's edition slipcase and deluxe art book! Natsume's Book of Friends will be available at select online retailers this fall:....

Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition:

About Natsume's Book of Friends:
Natsume has always been an outcast because he inherited his grandmother Reiko's ability to see yokai (strange beings that are invisible to most people). After moving to his grandmother's hometown and accidentally releasing a yokai who was imprisoned in a Lucky Cat statue, he learns about one of his grandmother's keepsakes, her “Book of Friends,” which contains the names of the yokai she defeated, and allows its wielder to command the yokai named within. Since then, his life has gotten much more hectic, and yokai now visit him on a daily basis, seeking to either get their names back or take possession of the Book of Friends.

About the extras—art book and bonus features:
- Hardcover art book, “Natsume's Book of Friends,” (full color, 32 pages) which provides a deeper viewing experience with close-up info of the characters, an interview with director Takahiro Omori, an episode guide, rough character sketches, and Japanese DVD package illustrations.
- Clean opening and ending and Japanese commercials

Cast
Hiroshi Kamiya as Takashi Natsume (Durarara!!, Blue Exorcist, WAGNARIA!!)
Kazuhiko Inoue as Nyanko-sensei (NARUTO, Darker than Black)
Sanae Kobayashi as Reiko Natsume (Durarara!!, Macross F)
Akira Ishida as Shuichi Natori (NARUTO, Fate/Zero, Pandora Hearts)

Produced by
Director: Takahiro Omori (Durarara!!, Baccano!, Hell Girl)
Studio: Brain's Base (Durarara!!, Baccano!, Ghastly Prince Enma Burning Up)

TITLE: Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition
ITEM #: NBF1-DVD-US-PE
UPC: 813633012513
AGE RATING: Teen
MSRP: $69.99
RELEASE DATE: October 9, 2012
Natsume's Book of Friends
Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition
For more information, visit NISAmerica.com

[Somnia]

YAY!!!! Natsume's Book of Friends! It's been a while since I've read the books, but I've also seen a few episodes and I really like this show. Looks like I have another series to add to my collection.