Anime/Manga News

“DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY” KICKS-OFF SECOND WEEK OF THEATRICAL RUN WITH STUNNING $24M + BOX OFFICE TOTAL-TO-DATE FOR FUNIMATION FILMS

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“DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY” KICKS-OFF SECOND WEEK OF THEATRICAL RUN WITH STUNNING $24M + BOX OFFICE
TOTAL-TO-DATE FOR FUNIMATION FILMS

Overwhelming Response from Fan Base Drives 20th Feature Film from Dragon Ball Franchise
to 3rd Highest Grossing Anime Film of All Time in U.S. in Just Five Days of Run

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – January 24, 2019 – Following a record-setting opening and huge box office over the MLK holiday weekend, Funimation Films, the theatrical division of Sony Pictures Television’s Funimation, reported today that the cumulative box office for “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” now totals $24M+ as the movie begins the second full week of its theatrical release. After eclipsing all previous records set by 2015’s “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’” in less than two days, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” has catapulted into the top 3 highest grossing anime films of all time in the U.S. “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” will continue its run in theaters across the U.S. and Canada. Check local listing for locations and showtimes. For a complete list of locations, visit the official movie websitedragonballsuperoffical.com.

“Response to ‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ has been nothing short of overwhelming. Earning a spot among top 3 highest grossing anime films of all time in the U.S. in just five days has been extremely gratifying,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and President of Funimation. “Our goal for this release was to honor both its iconic franchise and its incredibly diverse fanbase. I believe we are well on our way with the film’s historic box office to date. I want to add that our current success would not have been possible without the support of Toei Animation, Twentieth Century Fox Films and the production committee.”

Based on the original story, screenplay and character designs of creator Akira Toriyama, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” follows the events of the hit anime series “Dragon Ball Super,” the first new Dragon Ball storyline from Toriyama in more than 18 years. Since premiering in summer 2015, “Dragon Ball Super” has propelled the popularity of the franchise globally – with both lifelong fans and a whole new generation of children and teens.

For more about “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” including tickets, theater locations, trailers and cast information, visit dragonballsuperofficial.com.

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/funimation and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/funimation and on Instagram at instagram.com/funimation.

‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ Goes Super Saiyan With #1 Box Office Opening in U.S. For Funimation Films

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“DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY” GOES SUPER SAIYAN WITH #1 BOX OFFICE OPENING IN U.S. FOR FUNIMATION FILMS

20th Feature Film from Dragon Ball Franchise Earns Record $7M+ and
Takes Top Spot at Box Office with $5,695 Per Screen Average

FLOWER MOUND, TEXAS – January 17, 2019. The North American Box Office was no match for the Dragon Ball franchise and its Super Saiyan warriors. “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” the highly-anticipated new anime feature from Funimation Films, the theatrical division of Sony Pictures Television’s Funimation, opened as the #1 movie in the U.S. with a stunning $7M+ box office on its first day. Opening on 1,440 screens including 180 IMAX and Cinemark XD premium large format screens, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” also took 1st place among the Top 10 movies with a $5,695 per screen average. Based on yesterday’s box office, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly,” the 20th Dragon Ball feature film, is the biggest opening for an event film ever as well as the 5th highest earning anime theatrical opening of all time. The film’s $7M+ box office also sets a new opening day record for Funimation Films. The previous record was $1.97M set in 2015 by “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’,” the 19th Dragon Ball film.

“Both anime and mainstream audience response to ‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ has been overwhelmingly positive. We anticipated a strong opening, but we’re thrilled that the box office exceeded even the high end of our estimate,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and President of Funimation. “We’re thrilled to hear that countless fans have or plan to watch the film multiple times. Fans are at the core of our strategy for this film. From the theatrical campaign and fan engagement events to our theatrical footprint and IMAX / Cinemark XD opening day presentation, our goal has been to make ‘Dragon Ball Super: Broly’ available to as many fans as possible through the widest array of touchpoints. This strategy has paid off.”

“Dragon Ball Super: Broly” follows the events of the hit anime series “Dragon Ball Super,” the first new Dragon Ball storyline from original creator Akira Toriyama in more than 18 years. Since premiering in summer 2015, “Dragon Ball Super” has propelled the popularity of the franchise globally – with both lifelong fans and a whole new generation of children and teens. The 2015 release of “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’,” was a box office blockbuster – grossing $8.4M in North America to become the first independent film to make the Top 10 list of highest grossing anime films domestically as well as establish a new record for the highest grossing event style theatrical release in the U.S.

For more about “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” including tickets, theater locations, trailers and cast information, visit dragonballsuperofficial.com.

Leading OTT Channel, AsianCrush, Will Premiere the Classic, Epic Anime Series THE TWELVE KINGDOMS on 6/29

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LEADING OTT CHANNEL, ASIANCRUSH,
WILL PREMIERE THE CLASSIC, EPIC ANIME SERIES, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS, ON JUNE 29

New and Classic Anime Programming Ramps Up on
Digital Media Rights’ AsianCrush and Genre OTT Channel,
Midnight Pulp, with New Releases from Top Japanese Studios
Such as NHK, King Records and KBC Japan
New York, NY (June 27, 2018) — This June, voyage to a distant, fantastical kingdom with the classic anime epic, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS, which will premiere on AsianCrush, one of the leading OTT channels featuring Asian programming. Currently the sole service to be streaming the popular fantasy series, all 45 complete episodes will be available on June 29, 2018 across all of AsianCrush’s platforms. The announcement was made by David Chu, President of AsianCrush parent company, Digital Media Rights, a pioneer in digital distribution.
Adapted from a series of fantasy novels written by Fuyumi Ono and influenced by Chinese mythology, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS follows the incredible adventures of Yoko Nakajima, an unhappy high school student who suddenly discovers that she’s the rightful heir to a mysterious kingdom. Once transported to this other world with two of her classmates, their status as “kaikyaki” (people who come from Earth) make them hunted fugitives, so they set off on a journey of danger, magic and political intrigue. The Studio Pierrot production originally aired on Japan’s NHK in 2002-3.
THE TWELVE KINGDOMS is the newest addition to AsianCrush’s classic ’80s ,’90s, and early aughts anime library containing other fan-favorite series and feature-length films (released with both English subtitles and English dubbed versions) including JIN-ROH, URUSEI YATSURA 2: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER, ARCADIA OF MY YOUTH, BLACK JACK: THE MOVIE and FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE MOVIE, CARDCAPTOR SAKURA: THE MOVIE and STREET FIGHTER II. Sister OTT channel Midnight Pulp, a highly-curated premiere destination for genre fare, also carries much of the same anime.
“The acquisition and premiere of ‘The Twelve Kingdoms’ marks a new commitment to anime across our AsianCrush and Midnight Pulp OTT channels,” says Chu. “We have strong relationships with prominent Japanese animation studios such as NHK, King Records, and KBC Japan, as well as American home video distributor Discotek Media, and we’re looking forward to bringing our dedicated viewers the very best of the anime genre in the coming months.”
Both AsianCrush and Midnight Pulp, available on the web, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and additional platforms, feature thousands of streaming titles, with new titles programmed each week. The OTT channels are available to consumers on a hybrid model, and they can choose to view the channel for free or with a premium subscription. Registered users can watch videos for free with commercials while premium subscribers can access the entire selection of titles without commercials, in addition to early releases, director’s cuts and bonus features. Premium subscription pricing starts at $4.99 a month for each channel.

Anisong World Matsuri Returns to Anime Expo 2018

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Anisong World Matsuri Returns to Anime Expo 2018

Anisong festival returns to Microsoft Theater for the third year in a row with three-day, multi-artist music event

Santa Ana, Calif. (April 3, 2018) – Anime Expo (AX) is excited to present Anisong World Matsuri (AWM) at Anime Expo 2018 to be held on July 4, 6, and 7. AWM is created in association with BANDAI NAMCO Arts, Inc., Amuse Inc., Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and other leading Japanese entertainment companies.

Details on participating performers and event details for AWM at Anime Expo 2018 will be announced in the coming weeks. Held at the Microsoft Theater at LA Live, all three incredible concert events will be on par with previous years’ performances. Specific ticket sales information will be announced at a later date.

To attend any of the Anisong World Matsuri concert events, attendees will need to present both a valid AX badge of any type along with a respective concert ticket. All 1-day and Pre-Show badge holders will also be able to purchase a ticket to attend any one of the AWM concert events on July 4, 6, and 7.

In 2017, AWM featured a total of 11 acts across two days of performances. Artists included Mashiro Ayano, ALI PROJECT, angela, Aqours, THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS, and Wake Up, Girls！

2016’s AWM featured “Japan Super Live,” a four-hour long, festival-type live event featuring eight popular ANISONG artists such as JAM Project, T.M. Revolution, and sphere; “Japan Band Battle,” featuring FLOW and OLDCODEX, and special events focused on “Love Live! Sunshine” and “One Punch Man.”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Anisong World Matsuri for AX 2018, creating opportunities for wonderful and memorable experiences for our attendees,” said Ray Chiang, CEO of SPJA. “AWM at Anime Expo 2018 will continue to enhance the live performance concert experience at Anime Expo.”

Shunji Inoue, CEO of BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc. is thrilled with their return to Anime Expo. “It is our third year teaming up with Anime Expo. We are very honored to be given such opportunities where the US fans can actually experience the live events of Japanese anisong artists. Please enjoy these exciting performances with the very best artists from Japan.”

Anime Expo will run from July 4 through July 8, 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To purchase badges for Anime Expo, please visit http://www.anime-expo.org/registration/

For more information about attending, please visit the How to Attend page.

For more information about Anisong World Matsuri, please visit http://www.anime-expo.org/anisong-world-matsuri

BABYMETAL IS HEADED FOR ANANIMATED ADVENTURE

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JAPANESE POP-METAL SENSATION BABYMETAL IS HEADED FOR AN

ANIMATED ADVENTURE VIA A NEW SHORTFORM SERIES FROM

WARNER BROS.’ DIGITAL STUDIO BLUE RIBBON CONTENT, IN

COLLABORATION WITH AMUSE GROUP USA

 

Twitter Pitch: WB’s Blue Ribbon Content & Amuse USA develop series w/Japanese pop-metal sensation@BABYMETAL_JAPAN: http://bit.ly/BRC-BabyMetal #BABYMETAL

 

BURBANK, Calif. (September 28, 2016) — Fresh off the triumphant finale to their unforgettable 2016 world tour in front of more than 110,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome, Japanese pop-metal sensation BABYMETAL will embark on a new adventure with an original shortform series from Warner Bros.’ digital studio Blue Ribbon Content and Japanese powerhouse Amuse Inc’s subsidiary, Amuse USA. Manager and creator of BABYMETAL Key Kobayashi (a.k.a. KOBAMETAL) is also producing. The hybrid live-action and animated project is currently in development, it was announced today by Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series.

 

Sam Register said: “BABYMETAL have to be seen to be believed — a mind-blowing, fun combination of pop vocals, heavy metal music and dance choreography brought to life by three incredibly talented teenage stars. We are huge fans here at Blue Ribbon Content and are extremely excited to help bring the BABYMETAL phenomenon to U.S. audiences through this upcoming digital series.”

 

Tatsuro Hatanaka, President, Amuse, Inc. and Amuse USA, commented: “We are grateful for Warner Bros. and Blue Ribbon Content’s interest in BABYMETAL, and to be moving onward with the project. We are very much looking forward to working on this project with Sam and his team, and hope everyone will enjoy our completed work.”

 

The action-adventure will take viewers inside the magical world of heavy metal music as it comes under attack, and one lonely god, Kitsune, forms the warrior band BABYMETAL to save the day. In the series, SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL join together to ultimately redefine the genre. The series will also feature new live-action performances from the group, who will enter the animated world through a secret portal.

 

Fronted by three teenage girls with choreographed dance moves to accompany their vocals, BABYMETAL is making waves in the music industry with two chart-topping albums that have solidified the Japanese pop-metal band’s cross-continent success. In fact, the buzz-worthy group recently caught the attention of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who are taking them on their first UK tour in five years.

 

With a name inspired by “the birth of new metal” and a goal of fusing metal and pop music, the BABYMETAL lineup includes SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL. BABYMETAL has already achieved two major debut singles, both of which ranked in the Top 10 Oricon chart in Japan. Their first studio album also earned the #1 spot on Billboard’s World Album chart, and the official live music video for their debut album’s lead single,“Gimme Chocolate!!,” has garnered more than 60 million views on YouTube. Their sophomore album,METAL RESISTANCE, made them the first Japanese act to make the Billboard200 album chart’s top 40 in 53 years. They have also won several awards, including:

 

·       The Breakthrough Act award at the 2015 Metal Hammer Golden Gods

·       The Spirit of Independence award at the 2015 Kerrang! Awards

·       MTV Europe’s Wildcard Best Japanese Act

·       The Discovery Prize at GQ Japan’s Men of the Year 2015 Awards

·       Women of the Year prize at VogueJapan’s Women of the Year 2015 Awards

·       Best Live Act award at the 2016Kerrang! Awards

·       Best Live Act award at the 2016 AIM Independent Music Awards

 

Since its inception, the Japanese metal dance unit has developed a devoted fan base that describes their concerts as both energetic and unforgettable. The band has also received glowing praise from the industry’s top acts, includingSlipknot’s Corey Taylor, Guns N’ Roses’ Slash and Rob Zombie, who toldBillboard that BABYMETAL “are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” The new series will take their energy from the stage to the screen with a can’t-miss adventure for all ages.

 

A Most Famous Naruto Unmasking

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This was originally posted by Kotaku.

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For years, fans have wondered what was under the ninja’s cowl. Last year, in an interview with Shonen Jump (via Saiyan Island), Kishimoto was asked if was going to show the character’s full face.

“I want to reveal it,” Kishimoto replied. “I’m just not sure yet on how I’ll do it. It might be done in the manga or maybe in an upcoming anime movie, but there is nothing planned as of yet.”

Since then, the character’s entire face hasn’t been revealed. Until now. Kishimoto drew a special manga for the current Naruto exhibit that is being held in Japan.

SPOILER alert

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So, was this the face you all thought it would be? Let us know.

Also check this article for the breakdown of the Naruto exhibit
http://kotaku.com/naruto-exhibit-opening-in-japan-1695919123

Dragon Ball Z: F is for Fukkatsu

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Anime News Networkbrings word today from V Jump Magazine about another film set to debut in 2015 titled Dragon Ball Z: F is for Fukkatsu (or ‘Resurrection’), which will see the return of fan-favorite villain Frieza.

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Akira Toriyama noted that the F in the title stands for the iconic villain who will, as the name implies, be revived for the film. It’s also set to feature Beerus, the villain from “Battle of Gods.” The magazine relays the film’s synopsis (translated from Japanese) as follows: 

“An Earth where peace has arrived. However, remnants of Frieza’s army Sorbet and Tagoma arrive on the planet. Their goal is to revive Frieza with the dragon balls. Their dastardly wish is granted, the “F” that plans its revenge against the Saiyans is revived…!”

The film is set to debut in Japanese theaters next April.

Sailor Moon tortilla chips

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Sailor Moon tortilla chips 

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As part of a tie-up with Japanese snack food makerKoikeya, from November 21 the series’ core cast, in theirSailor Moon Crystal forms, will be gracing bags of tortilla chips. All five of the Inner Sailor Senshi (Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Venus) will make appearances, as will cape-wearing, rose-tossing ally Tuxedo Mask.

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Gundam Burgers at Tokyo station

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AnimeAnime reports that the Tokyo Station Gundam Cafe is being turned into McDaniel Hamburgers Gundam Cafe. The restaurant appeared in the Mobile Suit Zeta Gundamanime as a secret meeting place for the Anti-Earth Union Group, and now it will appear in Tokyo starting November 19.

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McDaniel Hamburgers will serve up Sleggar Burgers, Gundam Burgers with cheese, Char’s Zaku Burgers with tomatoes (top pic), Zaku II Burgers with avocado slices to eat in the cafe or for take out.

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DRAGONBALL​Z: BATTLE OF GODS out on Blu-ray/DV​D

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DBZ_logo_eng

Blu-ray & DVD (Extended Edition) To Be Released October 7, 2014

Includes: Uncut Version and Theatrical Versions of the Movie


Flower Mound, TX – (September 22, 2014) – After its successful theatrical release to over 800 movie theaters in the U.S. and Canada, FUNimation is preparing you to witness Dragon Ball Z as it has never been seen before- on Blu-ray and DVD October 7th 2014!

“…some of the most exhilarating fight sequences I’ve ever seen.” – IGN.com

Stunning animation and epic new villains highlight this first new Dragon Ball feature film in over seventeen years!  For Film Trailers, Wall Papers and everything Dragon Ball Z, visit and link to: www.dragonballz.com

Following the events of the Dragon Ball Z television series, after the defeat of Majin Buu, a new power awakens and threatens humanity. Beerus, an ancient and powerful God of Destruction, searches for Goku after hearing rumors of the Saiyan warrior who defeated Frieza. Realizing the threat Beerus poses to their home planet, the Z-fighters must find a way to stop him before it’s too late. Only Goku, humanity’s last hope, can ascend to the level of a legendary Super Saiyan God and stop Beerus’s from destroying Earth, and possibly the entire universe!

“…I highly recommend it.” – Indiewire’s Animation Scoop

DETAILS

  • Includes: Uncut Version and Theatrical Versions of the Movie
  • Format: Blu-ray& DVD
  • Language: English, Japanese
  • Subtitles: English
  • Closed Captioning: No
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Aspect Ratio: 16×9
  • Main Feature Audio: Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1,Dolby TrueHD: Japanese 2.0,Dolby TrueHD: Japanese 5.1, English 5.1 Surround, Japanese 2.0,Japanese 5.1 Surround
  • Special Feature Audio: Dolby TrueHD: English 2.0,Dolby TrueHD: Japanese 2.0,English 2.0,Japanese 2.0
  • Main Feature Runtime: 105
  • Special Feature Runtime: 33
  • Region: A|1
  • Number of Blu-ray Discs: 1
  • Number of DVDs: 2
  • Studio: FUNimation
  • UPC: 704400015649

About FUNimation® Entertainment

FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their 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 or FUNimation Channel.