pressreleases

NEW YORK, September 17 – Yen Press announced today that it will publish a manga adaptation of the first book in Lisi Harrison's #1 New York Times bestselling series, THE CLIQUE, published by the Poppy imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Yen's visualization will be released in July 2010 as a trade paperback and is illustrated by manga artist Yishan Li.

With nearly 8 million copies sold and a popular feature film from Warner Bros. and Executive Producer Tyra Banks out on DVD, THE CLIQUE (called “Sartre with lip gloss” by Time magazine), is set at Westchester County's most exclusive girls' private middle school, and it exactly captures the super-pressured environment in which today's teenagers compete in every way to be the “best”. Through these endlessly entertaining stories readers live vicariously (and often, hilariously) through the lives of the memorable “Pretty Committee” where the only thing harder than getting in is staying in.

Kurt Hassler, Publishing Director of Yen Press, says “THE CLIQUE has been an absolute phenomenon in the young adult publishing world, and Yen Press is extremely grateful to be able to work on this visual adaptation of Lisi's story. It's exciting to be able to work on a project like this that has such amazing potential to introduce a new generation of young female readers to the medium of comics.”

Yen Press's manga visualization of the story will be the perfect companion for legions of existing fans of THE CLIQUE as well as an ideal introduction to the series for the ever-expanding number of manga enthusiasts, particularly in the area of shojo manga which specifically targets female readers between the ages of 10 and 18.

Artist Yishan Li was born in Tianjin, China but currently resides in Edinburgh, Scotland. One of her best known projects was "The Adventures of CG!”, a monthly manga strip which appeared in the pages of CosmoGirl magazine to which she contributed from August 2007 to April 2008.

While living in New York City, Lisi Harrison created and developed shows for MTV. She now resides in Laguna Beach, CA, where she is at work on her next novel in THE CLIQUE series. Visit her online at www.lisiharrison.com, and for more information on THE CLIQUE, join The Clique at www.jointheclique.com, or www.pickapoppy.com.

Yen Press, founded in 2006, is the manga and graphic novel imprint of Hachette Book Group US. Visit www.yenpress.com. 

SHOCHIKU¹S ENDEARING ANIME SKETCHBOOK TO STREAM ON CRUNCHYROLL

The Number One Online Destination for Anime and Asian Entertainment with
Japan¹s Leading Movie Studio Brings a Poignant Story to Fans Worldwide

San Francisco, CA (August 17, 2009) ‹ Japan¹s leading movie studio Shochiku
brings the delightful and poignant anime SKETCHBOOK to Crunchyroll anime
members and fans in North America starting September 17th at 6pm PDT.  More
information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com>
.

SKETCHBOOK was originally created by Totan Kobako and is directed by
Yoshimasa Hiraike, written by Mari Okada with character designs by Isao
Sugimoto,. SKETCHBOOK is a tale of rediscovering beauty in the rustic and
one young girl¹s desire to seize the moments of life through her sketches.

This title will be available to all Crunchyroll fans and members residing in
the U.S., American Samoa, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam,
Virgin Islands, and Canada.

Title Synopsis:

SKETCHBOOK
A high school girl, Sora Kajiwara, joins the art club. Sora carries around a
sketchbook to wherever she goes, in order to capture cherished moments. She
asks herself, "If I really wanted to remember the moments in everyday life,
and to seize every moment of all the events that happen, why not use a
camera or video camera?" However, it just isn't the same. What's not shot,
what's not spoken, what's not heard, but what is left in her drawings; which
flourishes and blooms inside her heart.

Those who are a bit tired of the busy everyday life will enjoy rediscovering
the beauty of ordinary things such as animals, plants, and the changing
colors and scenery of the sky.

About Shochiku
Founded in 1895, Shochiku has established itself as a leading entertainment
firm. Shochiku produces, distributes, and exhibits motion pictures as well
as TV programs and has also become a symbol of enduring tradition as the
exclusive promoter of kabuki theater in Japan. Recent movie productions
include "Departures", which was awarded for 81st Academy Award as Best
Foreign Language Film. Shochiku's animation lineup includes "VEXILLE",
"Summer Days with Coo", "Sketchbook", "Le Chevalier D'Eon", "Sengoku BASARA"
and more.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is an online video service and community that offers full-length
episodes and movies of the very best in Japanese anime and Asian
entertainment. Crunchyroll's content is provided by Asian media leaders
including TV TOKYO, Shueisha, d-rights, Fuji Creative Corporation, Pony
Canyon, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Toei Animation, Gonzo, Munhwa
Broadcasting Corporation America, and many others.

Crunchyroll was founded in June 2006 and has offices in San Francisco and
Tokyo. Crunchyroll is a pioneer and innovator in the Japanese anime industry
and the only video service in the world to offer hit programs like NARUTO
SHIPPUDEN, GINTAMA and many others online to its subscribers within one hour
of its Japanese broadcast. Crunchyroll is a member of the Association of
Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Licensing International Merchandisers
Association (LIMA) and is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock.


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 Crunchyroll.com¹s 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.

Gardena, CA (September 15, 2009) - Pop Japan Travel, originator of the best pop-culture tours of Japan, is excited to announce the tour that every manga lover should join, the Mind Over Manga tour!!! On this amazing tour, you'll get to visit the land where manga originated, and go to a manga cultural event like no other, Comitia 90! At Comitia, amateur and professional artists alike create and sell their own manga called "doujinshi", and you can see the up and coming stars of Japan right there! Tour attendees can even make their own doujinshi to sell at Comitia, and Pop Japan Travel will take care of the table space and booth costs for it's attendees so that they can sell their own books to the Comitia 90 audience! Even if you don't make your own doujinshi, there's tons of things at Comitia to keep you occupied, and Pop Japan Travel will even make arrangements to visit a hot spring, or do some shopping once you've had your fill of the convention! 

On the tour you'll also get to see the Toei Animation gallery, as well as do some shopping in pop-culture meccas Shibuya and Harajuku! On the optional tour extension* to Kyoto, you'll get to visit the amazing Osamu Tezuka Museum, to see amazing works by the proclaimed "Godfather of Manga". The Mind Over Manga Tour is a ton of fun, and you can check out the tour memories from last year on the Pop Japan Travel site under Tour Memories! 

The Mind Over Manga Tour takes place from November 11th-20th, and you still have time to sign up and join the fun! The tour signup deadline is October 9th, so don't miss the opportunity to join a group of fellow manga lovers, artists, and pop culture aficionados to participate in a cultural event that has been captured in multiple manga, and regarded the world over. The Mind Over Manga tour is $1988 plus tax and fuel charge. Or you can meet the tour group in Japan for a land only price of $1598. Contact Pop Japan Travel for more information at travel@popjapantravel.com, or visit us online at www.popjapantravel.com! 

We look forward to having you join us for an amazing time in Japan!!!

VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH DISNEY XD TO PRESENT NARUTO SHIPPUDEN TO TELEVISION AUDIENCES THIS FALL  

Newly Launched Disney XD Channel To Host World’s Most Popular Ninja With New Action-Packed Episodes To Debut Weekly Beginning In October 

San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2009 – In a landmark agreement, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that its animated series NARUTO Shippuden has been acquired by Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group for debut on Disney XD (www.DisneyXD.com) television channel beginning in October.  

Disney XD is a new basic cable channel and multi-platform brand that showcases a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. New dubbed episodes of NARUTO Shippuden will premiere on the network. 

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja in training, wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura is a medic ninja, Gaara has advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well, he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, and Naruto quickly regains his focus when he learns that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru and that the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. The more Naruto finds out about Akatsuki’s sinister plot, the more he realizes that nothing in his world is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger? 

“Disney XD is a growing destination for our key demographic, boys 6-14, and we're looking forward to bringing the adventures of NARUTO Shippuden to our lineup," says Tracy McAndrew, Director, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group.  

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 92 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. NARUTO is a co-production of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd. 

“We’re very pleased to partner with Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group to bring NARUTO Shippuden to U.S. television audiences this fall,” says Bill Germain, Director of Programming Sales, VIZ Media. “With Disney XD as its new broadcast home base, NARUTO Shippuden is poised to take viewers, both new and old, to unprecedented levels of ninja-excitement!”   

More information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.  

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 the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, 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.

SPIKE TV TO PRESENT ENCORE PRESENTATION OF “AFRO SAMURAI: RESURRECTION” ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 IN HONOR OF THE NETWORK’S FIRST PRIMETIME EMMY®-NOMINATED PROGRAM

Program Nominated For Outstanding Animated Program, Winner To Be Announced During 2009 Emmy Creative Arts Awards Ceremony On September 12

Winner Of Juried Emmy Award For Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation

New York, NY, September 8, 2009  – Spike TV will present a special encore presentation of the critically-acclaimed, funktastic anime series “Afro Samurai: Resurrection,” in honor of its Primetime Emmy®-nomination for Outstanding Animated Program (for programming one hour or more) this Friday, September 11 (1:00 - 3:00 AM, ET/PT).  This is Spike’s first-ever Primetime Emmy®-Nomination from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.  The winner of this animation category will be revealed during the 2009 Creative Arts Awards on Saturday, September 12 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.  “Afro Samurai: Resurrection” has already been honored with a 2009 juried Primetime Emmy® Award for Art Director Shigemi Ikeda, Art Director for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

“Afro Samurai: Resurrection” is the sequel to the network’s 2007 premiere of “Afro Samurai” and is based on the original art and story telling of manga artist Takashi Okazaki about a black samurai’s quest for revenge and justice for his murdered father.  Academy-Award®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, who also serves as an executive producer, stars in a dual role, as the uncompromising hero, Afro, as well as his motor-mouthed sidekick Ninja Ninja.  When his father’s body is stolen from its grave, Afro is forced to pick up his sword again and wreak bloody vengeance against an army of deadly foes led by a sadistic mastermind.  

“Afro Samurai: Resurrection” also featured the voices of Emmy Award®-nominated actress Lucy Liu, Mark Hamill and Yuri Lowenthal. The original score for “Afro Samurai: Resurrection” was provided by award-winning artist The RZA.  

 “Afro Samurai: Resurrection” was produced for Spike TV by Japanese studio GONZO in association/partnership with GONZO K.K. and FUNimation Entertainment.  

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimationEntertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States.  FUNimation 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. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

About GONZO K.K.

GONZO KK is a globally-focused Japanese media company founded in February 2000.  The group produces cutting edge entertainment for teens and young adults through the famous GONZO animation brand and for kids and family under the Gonzo Films and Gonzino brands.  Gonzo KK is a world leader in content development that targets both domestic and international audiences with Japan's trend-setting animation culture and, usually, GONZO controls licensing management and international distribution for the content it produces. GONZO group companies include Future Vision Music K.K., GONZINO K.K., and GK Entertainment K.K .

About SPIKE

Spike TV is available in 96.1 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

 EISNER-NOMINATED MANGA: THE COMPLETE GUIDE  TO RELAUNCH WITH 1,825 GRAPHIC NOVEL GIVEAWAY ON SUVUDU.COM

Random House’s Suvudu.com and Jason Thompson to give away 5 manga a day for an entire year from Thompson's personal collection

NEW YORK, NY – September 9, 2009 – Suvudu (www.suvudu.com),  Random House’s science fiction and fantasy portal , will present a new exclusive feature on Suvudu: the long-awaited continuation of Jason Thompson's Manga: The Complete Guide, the critically acclaimed encyclopedia of manga originally published in trade paperback format by Del Rey Manga in 2007. The Suvudu Manga: The Complete Guide will feature completely new manga reviews every day that act as supplements to the original book. To celebrate, Jason Thompson and Suvudu will give away five or more free graphic novels a day, for an entire year, to randomly selected Suvudu site visitors.

 The new Manga: The Complete Guide is scheduled to run for a year on Suvudu, starting September 16, 2009. In addition, every day, readers can fill out a form on the site to be eligible for five free graphic novels from Thompson's collection, given away daily. Readers who post a photo of themselves with their graphic novels on their personal website and link to Suvudu will automatically receive an additional five graphic novels. By the end of the year, Suvudu and Jason Thompson will have given away between 1,825 and 3,650 graphic novels.

“There is so much manga out there, it's hard to sample them all and wade through it all to find the gems, and that's why I wrote Manga: The Complete Guide,” said Thompson, who is writing an original English-language manga, King of RPGs, to be published by Del Rey Manga in December. “I hope that people have the same experience I did when I wrote the book, and discover a lot of new things they didn't know they'd like."

 Wired magazine praised Manga: The Complete Guide, saying it “provides everything the obsessive fan needs to become a walking manga encyclopedia,” while Ain’t It Cool News called the guide a “staggeringly impressive resource.” While writing the book, Thompson read manga nonstop for an entire year, reading 10-30 graphic novels a day and amassing a manga collection featured on Comic Book Resources' "Shelf Porn" column . Manga: The Complete Guide also features reviews by other writers, including Patrick Macias (Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno, Editor in Chief, Otaku USA Magazine) and Shaenon Garrity (author of the upcoming CLAMP in America).

  

About Jason Thompson

Author Jason Thompson has been a manga editor for VIZ Media, Del Rey Manga and SHONEN JUMP magazine, working on the English editions of titles such as Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball Z, Hana-Kimi, One Piece, Shaman King, Uzumaki, The Drifting Classroom and Sayonara, Zetsubou-sensei. His writings on manga have appeared in WIRED and The Comics Journal. He is the author/artist of several fantasy comics including H.P. Lovecraft's The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, Bold Riley and the Serpent in the Belly, The Stiff and The Strange High House in the Mist (mockman.com). King of RPGs, a new original English-language manga written by Thompson, will be released by Del Rey Manga in January.

About Suvudu.com

Suvudu launched July 18, 2008 , providing information and content to fans of science fiction and fantasy across all media—books, comics and manga, audiobooks, movies, games, and more. The site brings together the talents of some of the industry’s top science fiction, fantasy, graphic novel and gaming guide publishers and encourages the feedback of knowledgeable fans through its online forum community.

   

DAPHNE IN THE BRILLIANT BLUE ON SALE TODAY
Also New J-horror Double Feature from Switchblade Pictures

HOUSTON, September 8 2009 – Section23 Films, America’s fastest-growing anime distributor, is pleased to announce the the Sentai Filmworks DVD release Daphne in the Brilliant Blue Collection 2 goes on sale today, as does the live-action Japanese horror double feature Slit Mouth Woman / Zombie Dead from Switchblade Pictures. 

Daphne in the Brilliant Blue is a “fun, funny, and fast-paced piece of nonsense” (DVD Verdict) featuring sexy super-agents and plenty of action. Now, with the second 13 episode collection, fans can follow this madcap thrill ride to the bitter end – and beyond!

SYNOPSIS: Maia is having a very bad day. Her life-long dreams to join the elite Ocean Agency wither and die, when, despite everyone's high expectations, she fails the entrance exams. Then, with the loss of her student status, she gets evicted! Penniless, homeless, and unemployed, Maia finds herself in the middle of a shoot-out between fugitive convicts and the Nereides ─ sexy agents who only take the most high-paying and dangerous jobs. Desperate, Maia takes the first job offered to her: to take a starring role in the next Nereides operation ─ as bait!

Title: DAPHNE IN THE BRILLIANT BLUE COLLECTION 2
Running Time: 325 mins.
Age Rating: TV PG
Language: English, Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SF-DBB100
UPC: 702727201820
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/11/2009
Street Date: 9/8/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

New from Switchblade Pictures, we have Slit-Mouth Woman / Zombie Dead Double Feature on DVD. It’s a live-action gore-fest straight from Japan with two times the action, two times the terror, and two times the hot babes of any single horror disc available today.

SLIT MOUTH WOMAN SYNOPSIS: Her First Stab at Stardom Ended Gruesomely…Now She’s Back on the Cutting Edge! As a brutal serial killer terrorizes Japan, an aspiring young journalism student makes a horrifying discovery. Could the murders be related to a missing woman, a singer whose nightmarish mutilation ended a promising career? The trail leads to an artist whose best work ALWAYS ends up on the cutting room floor! Blood will flow and the music of the night will play as the ultimate hack slashes her way through the critics in SLIT MOUTH WOMAN!  

ZOMBIE DEAD SYNOPSIS: When the Sleeper Awakes…The Ultimate Nightmare Begins! A female cop wakes from a coma only to discover herself in a bizarre hospital where flesh-eating zombies stalk the halls and all the remaining humans have had their memories wiped clean! Is this a bizarre scientific experiment? Or a small part of a greater holocaust? All she knows is that in order to stay alive, she has to find a way to stop the woman-eating monsters from doing what they do unnaturally! But how can you stop something that’s already died? Dead men walking take on the living in ZOMBIE DEAD!  

Title: SLIT-MOUTH WOMAN / ZOMBIE DEAD DOUBLE FEATURE
Running Time: 130 mins.
Age Rating: Unrated - V
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT: SWB-2082
UPC: 702727208225
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 8/11/2009
Street Date: 9/8/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98

About Section23 Films

Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

CRUNCHYROLL AND MICO BRING BEAST PLAYER ERIN TO THE PEOPLE

World Anime Channel to Simulcast High Fantasy Epic Based on the Legendary
Nahoko Uehashi's Novels

San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (September 4, 2009) ‹Crunchyroll and
Media International Corporation (MICO) partner to bring the epic fantasy
anime BEAST PLAYER ERIN, based on the novels by legendary fantasy writer
Nahoko Uehashi, to Crunchyroll. More information can be found at
www.crunchyroll.com/erin.

BEAST PLAYER ERIN (ERIN) commences on Crunchyroll September 4, 2009 with
episodes 1-4 starting at 5:00 pm PST. Then on Sunday (9/6/09) at 3:00 am
PST, Crunchyroll will begin simulcasting the streaming of the 34th episode
(most current) of the show. Additional prior catalog episodes of the title
will start streaming in subsequent weeks. This title will be available in
the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand,
Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia,
and the Philippines and will be subtitled in English.

³ERIN is the kind of program that can really thrive digitally,² states Rob
Pereyda, Crunchyroll's Vice President of Licensing. ³With a broad, clean
appeal and the hook of the highly popular fantasy genre, ERIN will be an
extremely important focus title for us.²

³We are excited about the prospect of finding new audiences through digital
distribution,² states Hideaki Sakamoto, Executive Manager at MICO. ³We hope
that through Crunchyroll and its partners, ERIN will play well to fantasy
fans everywhere.²

BEAST PLAYER ERIN broadcasts Saturdays at 6:25PM (JST) on NHK E, and will be
available to Crunchyroll's Anime Members twenty-four hours after its
broadcast in Japan, with a general Crunchyroll release one week later. This
will be MICO¹s first simulcast anime over the internet. In addition to
Crunchyroll's own website, BEAST PLAYER ERIN will be available through the
Crunchyroll network, including Crunchyroll's brand-new Facebook application,
and more.

Title Synopsis:

BEAST PLAYER ERIN
ERIN has an awesome gift: she succeeded in control of the OHJU, the regal
Beasts which legend claims no human can tame, with her spirit of inquiry and
great zeal. As a result of this, young Erin becomes involved in a
long-standing power struggle in which the fate of the entire Kingdom rests
in her hands.

This production is based on the novel, ³The Beast Player², by Japan's most
prominent fantasy author, Nahoko Uehashi.

About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is an online video service and community that offers full-length
episodes and movies of the very best in Japanese anime and Asian
entertainment. Crunchyroll's content is provided by Asian media leaders
including TV TOKYO, Shueisha, d-rights, Fuji Creative Corporation (FCC),
Media International Corporation (MICO), Pony Canyon, Yomiuri Telecasting
Corporation, Toei Animation, Gonzo, Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation America
and many others.

Crunchyroll was founded in June 2006 and has offices in both San Francisco
and Tokyo. Crunchyroll is a pioneer and innovator within the Japanese anime
industry and the only video service in the world to offer hit programs like
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, GINTAMA and many others online to its subscribers within
one hour of its Japanese broadcast. Crunchyroll is a member of the
Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Licensing International
Merchandisers Association (LIMA) and is funded by leading venture capital
firm, Venrock. More information can be found at its website
http://www.crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com/> .

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 Crunchyroll.com¹s 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.

Anime Network
  * Angelic Layer
  * Appleseed
  * Aquarian Age
  * Burn Up Excess
  * E’s Otherwise
  * Madlax
  * Neon Genesis Evangelion
  * Sister Princess
  * UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie

FUNimation
  * Afro Samurai
  * Ah! My Goddess
  * Aquarion
  * Baccano!
  * Baldr Force EXE
  * Basilisk
  * Black Blood Brothers
  * Blue Gender
  * Burst Angel
  * The Count of Monte Cristo: Gankutsuou
  * Darker Than Black
  * Desert Punk  
  * Devil May Cry
  * Fruit Basket
  * Fullmetal Alchemist
  * Gad Guard
  * Galaxy Railways
  * Ghost Hunt
  * Glass Fleet
  * Gunslinger Girl
  * Hell Girl
  * Heroic Age
  * Jyu-Oh-Sei
  * Kaze no Stigma
  * Kiddy Grade
  * Last Exile
  * Moon Phase
  * Murder Princess
  * Mushi-Shi
  * Negima!? Magister Negi Magi
  * Ouran High School Host Club
  * Peach Girl
  * Project Blue Earth SOS
  * Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
  * Romeo x Juliet
  * Rumbling Hearts
  * Samurai 7
  * Samurai Champloo
  * School Rumble
  * Shigurui: Death Frenzy
  * Shuffle
  * The Slayers
  * The Slayers Next
  * Solty Rei
  * Speed Grapher
  * Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry
  * Suzuka
  * Tony Hawk in Boom Boom Sabotage
  * Trinity Blood
  * Vexille
  * Witchblade
  * xxxHolic

Manga Entertainment
  * Descendents of Darkness
  * Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
  * Gurren Lagann
  * Hell Boy Animated: Sword of Storms
  * Macross II
  * Noein
  * Now and Then, Here and There
  * Rave Master
  * Read or Die
  * Robotech
  * Street Fighter II V
  * Tactics
  * Tokko
  * Virus

Nozomi
  * Boogiepop Phantom
  * Gravitation
  * Gravitation: Lyrics of Love
  * His & Her Circumstances
  * Shingu: Secrets of the Stellar Wars
 
Sony Pictures Television
  * Astro Boy

Toei Animation
  * Air Master
  * Captain Harlock
  * Digimon Adventure 02
  * First of the North Star
  * Galaxy Express 999
  * Slam Dunk

Viz Media
  * Bleach
  * Death Note
  * Naruto

Wep
  * Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs
  * Voltron

SECTION23 FILMS ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER SLATE

Includes Five New Anime from Sentai Filmworks

HOUSTON, September 2, 2009 – Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its November 2009 slate of new DVD releases. 

Section23 client Sentai Filmworks is coming out with six new home video releases, including five anime series never before available on DVD in North America. These new series are Blue Drop, Polyphonica, Special A, Tears to Tiara, and You’re Under Arrest Season 2. Sentai Filmworks is also releasing the second collection of the anime series Little Snow Fairy Sugar in November.

Switchblade Pictures, another Section23 client, has two “live-action” DVD releases straight from Japan – the sci-fi horror collection Ki-Gai, and the sci-fi thriller Nu-Meri ~ Book of the New Spawn.

Product details follow, in order of release 

Coming November 2009

Title: KI-GAI
Running Time: 130 min.
Age Rating: Unrated - V
CAT: SWB-0111
UPC: 814131011107
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/6/2009
Street Date: 11/3/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98

Title: YOU'RE UNDER ARREST SEASON 2 COLLECTION 1
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV PG (V)
CAT: SF-YUA201
UPC: 814131011206
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/6/2009
Street Date: 11/3/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

Title: NU-MERI ~ BOOK OF THE NEW SPAWN
Running Time: 76 min.
Age Rating: Unrated - V  
CAT: SWB-0114
UPC: 814131011404
Published by: Switchblade Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/13/2009
Street Date: 11/10/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $19.98

Title: SPECIAL A COLLECTION 1
Running Time: 300 min.
Age Rating: TV PG
CAT: SF-SPA100
UPC: 814131011503
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/13/2009
Street Date: 11/10/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98
 

Title: BLUE DROP COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
CAT: SF-BD100
UPC: 814131011701
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/20/2009
Street Date: 11/17/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

Title: LITTLE SNOW FAIRY SUGAR COLLECTION 2
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV PG
CAT: SF-LSF200
UPC: 814131011800
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/20/2009
Street Date: 11/17/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

Title: POLYPHONICA COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time: 300 min.
Age Rating: TV 14
CAT: SF-PY100
UPC: 814131013200
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/20/2009
Street Date: 11/17/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98
 

Title: TEARS TO TIARA COLLECTION 1
Running Time: 325 min.
Age Rating: TV PG
CAT: SF-TT100
UPC: 814131011909
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Pre-Book Date: 10/27/2009
Street Date: 11/24/2009
Format: DVD
SRP: $39.98

About Section23 Films

Section23 Films provides home video marketing and distribution services for a variety of companies, including Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, and AEsir Holdings. With its special focus on genre entertainment, Section23 Films distributes some of the very best anime, martial arts, and horror titles on the market today.

A.D.VISION, INC. CONCLUDES SERIES OFASSET TRANSACTIONS

HOUSTON, September 1, 2009 – A.D. VISION, INC. ("ADV" or the "Company") announced today that June 1, 2009, the Company concluded a series of transactions that are expected to result in seamless delivery of home video products and television programming to customers.

Through an asset purchase agreement, AEsir Holdings, LLC (“Aesir”) acquired a subordinated interest in selected programming from ADV’s film library together with other intellectual property subject to all liens and security interests of the Company’s senior secured lender. The transaction requires Aesir to assume specific obligations and scheduled liabilities of the Company under legacy license agreements associated with the acquired programming. 

Concurrently, the Company concluded an asset purchase agreement with SXION 23, LLC, doing business as “Section23 Films,” a home video distribution company, under which it assumes account servicing and distribution operations in connection with the library acquired by Aesir, subject to all liens and security interest of the Company's senior secured lender. 

John Ledford, ADV’s President and CEO, states “We believe the actions we initiated and completed provided the same or more value to the Company’s secured lender and its programming licensors while giving other key stakeholders such as employees and customers some potential value or the reasonable probability of realizing value.”

In a separate transaction, Valkyrie Media Partners, LLC (“Valkyrie”) acquired a 100% equity position in Anime Network, Inc. (“ANI”), formerly ADV’s television unit, pursuant to a stock purchase agreement between ADV and Valkyrie. That transaction includes an assumption by Valkyrie of specific liens and security interests of the Company's senior secured lender.

In another separate transaction, Seraphim Studios, LLC acquired Amusement Park Media, the production unit of A.D. Vision, Inc. 

Further announcements are expected from the respective acquiring entities over the coming days.

Gardena, CA (August 26, 2009)- Pop Japan Travel, originator of the best pop-culture tours of Japan, is proud to announce another amazing tour, the Jump Festa 2010 tour! Yes, even though it takes place in 2009-it's called Jump Festa 2010! Do you love Naruto? Bleach? One Piece? Then check out the Jump Festa festival, put on by Shueisha/Shonen Jump Comics in Japan, which brings out anime and manga from some of the best of the Shonen Jump Comics line-up, including exclusive peeks and the manga-ka themselves! Not only that, some of the biggest video game companies turn out. In 2008, companies like Square Enix, Nintendo and Koei were exhibiting, so don't miss the chance to see some of the best in Japan this year! To get an idea of what you're in for, check out the Shonen Jump Festa (*In Japanese) site HERE. And check out pics from last year's show, just to get an idea. They'll be showing some great new anime (like Tegami Bachi and One Piece), and so much more! Not only that, you'll also get to experience Japan in winter, and see the beautiful Christmas-time celebrations and lights all around! It's going to be a fun and magical tour for everyone that comes aboard! You also have some great options after checking out Jump Festa, including visiting Mt. Fuji, visiting the Tokyo Dome, and more! Plus, you can extend your stay for a small fee to see beautiful Kamakura in the winter. The Jump Festa tour is a great tour for all ages, so feel free to bring the whole family to see Japan in the winter!

The Jump Festa tour is $2298, tax, fuel, and hotels included. But if you sign up now, there is a special $100 early-bird discount! The tentative dates for the Jump Festa tour are December 15th-December 23rd, but are subject to some slight date modifications. We're always adding cool things into our tour packages, including special gifts exclusively for tour participants, or special meetings with manga-ka, and so on, so keep checking with us as we get closer to the event! To get more information on the Jump Festa tour, check out the page on Pop Japan Travel: www.popjapantravel.com! If you still have questions, contact our tour personnel via the contact page, who will gladly and quickly answer your questions. We hope to see you soon!

VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF ARTISTIC DOCUMENTARY

TRAVELING WITH YOSHITOMO NARA 

The First In The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES That Spotlights Renowned Modern Japanese Pop Artists 

San Francisco, August 26, 2009– VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release of Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara – NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES, Volume 1 on September 15th. The DVD will carry an MSRP of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media.  

Produced by VIZ Pictures, the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series is an intriguing collection of documentaries that each highlight a renowned modern Japanese pop artist who utilizes unique world views and inspirations to create captivating works of art. The series is an extension of the NEW PEOPLE entertainment destination, located in San Francisco, which brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North America through film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques. 

Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara was directed by Koji Sakabe and captures the journey that the artist, Yoshitomo Nara, took during the creation of his exhibit, AtoZ, in his hometown of Hirosaki, Japan. The film is notably narrated by Aoi Miyazaki, an up-and-coming Japanese actress who appeared in the acclaimed manga-inspired film NANA (VIZ Pictures). Yoshitomo Nara’s work has captured the attention of the international art world and his cartoon-like girl images with characteristic big heads, chubby-faces and slanted eyes have become icons of the artist’s style. His paintings and sculptures have been auctioned at Sotheby’s and his sculpture, Light My Fire (2001), sold for over $1.1 million. 

“We are very pleased to launch the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series with Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of NEW PEOPLE. “This film documents Nara’s creative process and how he tapped the talents of many fellow artists to help bring this exhibition to life. The people, the experience, and the works of art all come together in this film and culminate in the grand opening of the AtoZ exhibit. Art aficionados as well as fans of Japanese culture will delight in this intimate portrait of one of the most talented modern pop artists working today.” 

For more information, visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.newpeopleartistseries.com

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.:

Based in San Francisco, California, VIZ Pictures, Inc. licenses and distributes selective Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, 20TH CENTURY BOYS, and TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO. VIZ Pictures is also the producer of NEW PEOPLE, a part of the J-Pop Center Project, a unique entertainment destination bringing Japanese pop culture through film, art, fashion, and retail products. For more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.newpeopleworld.com. Phone: (415) 345-1975.

© 2009 VIZ Pictures, Inc. 

LIVE NATION/HOUSE OF BLUES ANNOUNCES TODAY ONLY SPECIAL ON GLAY CONCERT
TICKETS FOR HOLLYWOOD SHOWS

House of Blues Sunset Strip Announces Special Ticket Prices for Super J-Rock
Band¹s Concerts Dates in Hollywood for One (1) Day Only-While Supplies Last!

Los Angeles, California and Tokyo, Japan (August 26, 2009) ‹ Live
Nation/House of Blues Sunset Strip announces a special one (1) day deal
starting today for J-Rock fans to obtain GLAY tickets for either of their
two (2) Southern California shows, Sept. 11 and 12, 2009, for $10.00 U.S.
each while supplies last. Get your tickets now! More information can be
found at www.livenation.com.

GLAY tour dates and performance locations are as follows:

* Wednesday, September 9, 2009; 8:00 PM: San Francisco CA: The
Fillmore
* Friday, September 11, 2009; 9:00 PM: Hollywood CA:
House of Blues Sunset Strip
* Saturday, September 12, 2009; 9:00 PM: Hollywood CA: House of
Blues Sunset Strip

Tickets are available now onsite at the concert venue or online via
Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com> ) or Live
Nation (www.livenation.com <http://www.livenation.com> ). San Francisco
tickets available starting at $45.00/each and Hollywood shows available
starting at $37.50/each with special group rates.

About GLAY
Formed in 1988 by two (2) high school friends (TAKURO and TERU), GLAY
considered on of the most successful and popular J-Rock bands still today
with a total of four (4) band members (TERU-Vocals, TAKURO-Guitar,
HISASHI-Guitar and JIRO-Bass). To date, GLAY, has sold over 56,000,000
Singles, CD¹s, DVD¹s and has drawn over seven (7) million concert attendees.
More information can be found at www.glay.co.jp/en/
<http://www.glay.co.jp/en/> .

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT AND CRUNCHYROLL TO STREAM ANIME MECHA SERIES HIT EUREKA
SEVEN

The Number One Online Destination for Anime and Asian Entertainment and
Award Winning U.S. Anime Distribution Company Team Up!

San Francisco, CA (August 26, 2009) ‹U.S. Anime distribution company, Bandai
Entertainment Inc., and the number one (1) online destination for Anime and
Asian Entertainment, Crunchyroll, to stream the hit mecha Anime series
EUREKA SEVEN (episodes 1-50; subbed and dubbed) to Crunchyroll anime members
and fans worldwide starting today, August 26, 2009. More information can be
found at www.crunchyroll.com/EurekaSeven
<http://www.crunchyroll.com/EurekaSeven> .

Bandai Entertainment Inc., has garnered record numbers accolades in both
2008 and 2009 from the fan selected SPJA Industry Awards, with EUREKA SEVEN
winning in 2007 for Best Mechanical Design and Best Manga. Bandai
Entertainment Inc. will also be releasing, for one (1) night only, the
EUREKA SEVEN theatrical movie on Thursday; September 24, 2009 in selected
theaters nationwide on a first-come and first-served basis (with priorities
provided to online reservations). More information can be found at
www.ncm.com/Fathom/Anime/EurekaSeven.aspx
<http://www.ncm.com/Fathom/Anime/EurekaSeven.aspx> .

³We are excited to be working with Crunchyroll bringing Eureka Seven back to
so new and old fans alike can enjoy the series once again,² said Ken
Iyadomi, President of Bandai Entertainment inc.

³We are extremely honored and ecstatic to be working with U.S. Anime
power-house Bandai Entertainment Inc.², states Crunchyroll executive Mr.
Brady McCollum, ³Bandai Entertainment Inc. titles have been a staple in U.S.
fandom. Any Anime fan will have a large number of Bandai Entertainment Inc.
titles in their collection and we are excited to be bringing a Bandai
Entertainment Inc. fan favorite, EUREKA SEVEN, to the Crunchyroll fan base.²

This title will be available in subbed and dubbed formats and available in
the following territories: USA, Canada, and their respective territories.

Title Synopsis:

EUREKA SEVEN
For Renton, every day¹s the same. Nothing happens, nothing changes. He
goes to school, he goes home. The only thing that keeps him happy is
lifting on his ref board. Nothing exciting ever happens to him. Until one
day, a giant mecha called an LFO comes crashing down on him literally. And
inside is the most beautiful girl he has ever seen! The thing is, though,
the girl, named Eureka, is on the run from the military with her stolen
mecha, and she¹s brought trouble with her.

Renton will have to summon up all his courage to face his childhood hero;
get the girl he¹s hopelessly smitten with to like him; and­oh yeah-live up
to the legacy of his father who saved the world. But hey, at least it¹s not
boring anymore.

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. Additional company
and product information is available through our website at
www.bandai-ent.com <http://www.bandai-ent.com/ <http://www.bandai-ent.com/>
> .

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is an online video service and community that offers full-length
episodes and movies of the very best in Japanese anime and Asian
entertainment. Crunchyroll's content is provided by Asian media leaders
including TV TOKYO, Shueisha, d-rights, Fuji Creative Corporation, Pony
Canyon, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, Toei Animation, Gonzo, Munhwa
Broadcasting Corporation America, and many others.

Crunchyroll was founded in June 2006 and has offices in San Francisco and
Tokyo. Crunchyroll is a pioneer and innovator in the Japanese anime industry
and the only video service in the world to offer hit programs like NARUTO
SHIPPUDEN, GINTAMA and many others online to its subscribers within one hour
of its Japanese broadcast. Crunchyroll is a member of the Association of
Japanese Animations (AJA) and the Licensing International Merchandisers
Association (LIMA) and is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock.


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 Crunchyroll.com¹s 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.

THE U.S. DEBUT OF EUREKA SEVEN – GOOD NIGHT,
SLEEP TIGHT, YOUNG LOVERS BRINGS A FUTURISTIC
ANIME TALE OF LOVE AND WAR TO MOVIE THEATERS
NATIONWIDE IN ONE NIGHT EVENT
Tickets Now on Sale to Highly Anticipated Anime Event with Exclusive Behind-the-
Scenes Look at the “Regeneration” of the Storyline to be Simulcast
in More than 430 Select Movie Theaters Nationwide on September 24th
Centennial, Colo. – Aug. 25, 2009 – NCM Fathom and Bandai Entertainment team up
again for Eureka Seven – Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers, a futuristic tale straight
from Japan about mankind vs. the machine, in a special one-night event on Thursday,
September 24th at 7:30 p.m. local time. This unique theater event (English dubbed) will
feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Eureka Seven – Good
Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers at studio BONES (“Sword of the Stranger” and
“Fullmetal Alchemist”) as well as never-before-seen interviews with several English voice
actors including Johnny Bosch (Renton) and Stephanie Sheh (Eureka), audio director
Tony Oliver (Robotech, Gurren Lagann) and director Tomoki Kyoda who explains the
bold new vision and the “regeneration” of the Eureka Seven storyline.
Tickets for this special event are available at www.FathomEvents.com and participating
theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the website
(theaters are subject to change).
For almost half a century, mankind has battled a mysterious organism from space
called “EIZO.” In 2054, Renton, a young soldier, boards a fighter aircraft battling “EIZO.”
The young soldier heads for the battlefield with a dream: to rescue his childhood friend,
Eureka, who was kidnapped eight years ago. Fate, however, brings tribulations to test
the young love between Renton and Eureka as the final battle with “EIZO” approaches.
Exclusive to this in-theater event is an interview with director Kyoda who explains the
creative choices made while working through the production of Eureka Seven – Good
Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers. Audiences will hear about the unique challenges the
audio director faced while creating the English-language version and see how it was
recorded at Bang Zoom Entertainment – one of the premiere U.S. recording studios for
anime recently featured on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” Other voice actors
interviewed for – and appearing in – this event include Crispin Freeman (Holland), Kate
Higgins (Talho) and Kari Wahlgren (Anemone).
”We are delighted to be working with Fathom again to create another amazing event
where U.S. moviegoers will get a chance to see this film as it was meant to be seen—on
the big screen,” said Robert Napton, director of marketing for Bandai Entertainment.
Eureka Seven – Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers appears on the big screen in
high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound in more than 430 select AMC Entertainment
Inc., Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark Holdings, Inc., Cobb Theatres, Georgia Theatre
Company, Goodrich Quality Theatres, Hollywood Theaters, Kerasotes Showplace
Theatres, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements and Regal Entertainment Group
movie theatres, as well as El Raton Theatre (Raton, NM) and Palace Cinema 9 (South
Burlington, VT) through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network – North America’s
largest cinema broadcast network.
“Fathom has experienced great success providing U.S. anime fans with their only
chance to see this type of programming on the big screen,” said Dan Diamond, vice
president of NCM Fathom. “Eureka Seven – Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers is
another opportunity for us to team up with Bandai Entertainment and bring this highly
anticipated event to fans who enjoy experiencing anime as communites, all in the
comfort of their local movie theater.”
About National CineMedia, Inc.
NCM LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term
agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE:
CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the
U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC
produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema, lobby and online advertising
products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming
content. NCM LLC's national network includes approximately 16,800 screens of which
approximately 15,500 are part of the company's Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC's
network covers 171 Designated Market Areas(R) (49 of the top 50). During 2008, approximately
660 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres currently included in the network
(excluding Regal Consolidated Theatres). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a
41.5% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. To learn more about National

CineMedia Inc., please visit the company's website at www.ncm.com.

About Bandai Entertainment
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. Additional company and product information is available through our website at
www.bandai-ent.com.

NEW PEOPLE HOSTS THE THEATRICAL WORLD PREMIERE OF THE THIRD AND FINAL 20th CENTURY BOYS FILM BASED ON THE SMASH HIT MANGA SERIES
 

Dynamic Japanese Pop Culture Venue Debuts Live-Action Science Fiction Feature On August 28th – The Same Day Film Premieres In Japan  

San Francisco, CA, AUGUST 25, 2009 – NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, presents a very special world premiere the final chapter of the 20th Century Boys trilogy of live-action films – 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption – this Friday, August 28th at the newly opened VIZ Cinema located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Japantown. The special world premiere will take place simultaneously with the theatrical release of the film in Japan and will continue to play at the venue through September 3rd. For schedule and ticket information, please visit www.vizcinema.com. 

The 20th Century Boys film trilogy is based on a critically-acclaimed manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoki Urasawa that was a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 24 million copies. Excitement and anticipation for the release of the final chapter has built steadily from fans because the ending of the film is markedly different from the original manga series that inspired it. 

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system. 20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End plays at VIZ Cinema until August 27th, while 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope runs through August 28th. 

Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and presented in partnership with Nippon Television, the 20th Century Boys saga begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write “The Book of Prophecy.” In the book, they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to take over the world and bring about Doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being led by a man only known as “Friend” has emerged and gained strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji.  

Now in 2019, could the catastrophe written in The New Book of Prophecy be happening for real? What’s the true purpose of Friend’s evil plan? Who’s the real savior to that will stand up against him?  

In the final film, the year is Friend Era Year 3 (2017 A.D.) and the World President, Friend, rules humanity. After a deadly virus ravages Tokyo, a wall is built around the city and inhabitants’ lives have been severely restricted. Friend tells everyone that on August 20th, aliens will destroy mankind and only those who believe in him will be saved. But a movement to stop Friend is in motion. Is protagonist Kenji really still alive? What is Friend’s plan for August 20th? Will the mystery behind the true identity of Friend be uncovered? All of the prophecies, schemes and plans will be finally revealed in the saga’s exciting concluding chapter.  

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com. 

Official girugamesh tour goods available at JapanFiles
 
August 26, 2009 – JapanFiles is now selling official girugamesh tour goods to fans worldwide. A limited amount of tour pamphlets, stickers, postcards, cell phone straps, towels and wristbands are available, including goods from previous tours and the current “SUMMER EVOLUTION” tour.
 
Girugamesh tour goods available at this link:
http://www.japanfiles.com/store/band-goods.html
 
 
About girugamesh and JapanFiles:
JapanFiles has released girugamesh's complete discography for digital download. Fan support has kept girugamesh in the JapanFiles Top 10 every week since the beginning of digital sales in September 2008.
 
Over 4000 copies of their USA CD releases, "Girugamesh" and "MUSIC," have been sold through the JapanFiles online store, online retailers, and Hot Topic stores nationwide. The USA releases feature Japanese-language booklets and artwork identical to the Japanese CD releases.
 
Girugamesh recently performed at Sakura-Con in Seattle, WA, in April 2009.
 
 
About JAPANFILES:
 
Supporting Japanese artists since 2004, JapanFiles specializes in digital sales and media promotion for Japanese music, with over 300 indie and major artists reaching their USA fans - rock, pop, hip-hop, punk, and electronic. All downloads are DRM-free and only 99 cents each.
 
JapanFiles has sponsored Japanese artist appearances at Sakura-Con, Anime Boston, A-Kon, FanimeCon, Anime Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Media Expo, Anime Vegas, Animex (Mexico), SXSW, Slim's (San Francisco), and Knitting Factory (New York City).
 
JapanFiles has produced 16 USA CD releases for Japanese artists, including Morning Musume, girugamesh, LM.C, Hangry & Angry, ketchup mania, Swinging Popsicle, LiN CLOVER, Budo Grape, BESPA KUMAMERO, and three volumes of the “Fresh Cuts from Japan” compilation series.
 
Website: http://www.japanfiles.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/japanfiles
LiveJournal: http://japanfiles.livejournal.com

SUPER JAPANESE ROCK BAND GLAY ARRIVES IN THE U.S. WITH CONCERTS AT THE
FILLMORE SAN FRANCISCO AND THE HOUSE OF BLUES HOLLYWOOD IN SEPTEMBER

UDO Artists, Inc. Brings Celebrated Super J-Rock Glay to U.S. Audiences in
San Francisco and Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California and Tokyo, Japan (August 25, 2009) ‹ Celebrating
fifteen (15) rocking years and with over 56,000,000 sold Singles, CD¹s,
DVD¹s, Japan¹s super rock group GLAY will take the U.S. by storm with
concerts in early September at The Fillmore (San Francisco; Sept. 9, 2009)
and with two (2) shows in Hollywood at the House of Blues Sunset Strip
(Sept. 11 and 12, 2009). More information can be found at
www.glay.co.jp/en/ <http://www.glay.co.jp/en/> and
www.myspace.com/glayofficial <http://www.myspace.com/glayofficial> .

UDO Artists, Inc. is launching the GLAY U.S. TOUR 2009-THE GREAT VACATION, a
limited live concert series for all lovers of great radical Japanese rock
music. Don¹t miss GLAY U.S. TOUR 2009-THE GREAT VACATION it is a ³MUST
ATTEND² event for any J-Rock fan! Tickets are available via Ticketmaster
(www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com> ) and Live Nation
(www.livenation.com <http://www.livenation.com> ). More information can be
found on the GLAY official website at www.glay.co.jp/en/
<http://www.glay.co.jp/en/> and their official Myspace page at
www.myspace.com/glayofficial <http://www.myspace.com/glayofficial> .

GLAY tour dates and performance locations are as follows:

* Wednesday, September 9, 2009; 8:00 PM: San Francisco CA: The
Fillmore
* Friday, September 11, 2009; 9:00 PM: Hollywood CA:
House of Blues Sunset Strip
* Saturday, September 12, 2009; 9:00 PM: Hollywood CA: House of
Blues Sunset Strip

Tickets are available now onsite at the concert venue or online via
Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com <http://www.ticketmaster.com> ) or Live
Nation (www.livenation.com <http://www.livenation.com> ). San Francisco
tickets available starting at $45.00/each and Hollywood shows available
starting at $37.50/each with special group rates.

About GLAY
Formed in 1988 by two (2) high school friends (TAKURO and TERU), GLAY
considered on of the most successful and popular J-Rock bands still today
with a total of four (4) band members (TERU-Vocals, TAKURO-Guitar,
HISASHI-Guitar and JIRO-Bass). To date, GLAY, has sold over 56,000,000
Singles, CD¹s, DVD¹s and has drawn over seven (7) million concert attendees.
More information can be found at www.glay.co.jp/en/
<http://www.glay.co.jp/en/> .