With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013
With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

ACF 1687: Tonight's planned screening of MEMENTO MORI is cancelled

 Memento Mori / Yeogo goedam II
Directed by KIM Tae-yong and MIN Kyu-dong

Due to weather conditions and traffic problems related to hurrican Sandy, The Korean Cultural Service has cancelled tonight's Special Halloween Screening of Memento Mori.

ACF 1686: UN-GO COMPLETE COLLECTION is now on sale


Section23 Films has announced the release of UN-GO, the eagerly awaited new series from Fuji TV’s prestigious noitaminA animation block and mega animation studio BONES. The complete collection of UN-GO is available on DVD & Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.

Title:                 UN-GO COMPLETE COLLECTION
Running Time:   325 min.
Age Rating:       TV PG (V)
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
CAT:                  SF-UG100
UPC:                 814131011435
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Street Date:      10/30/2012
Format:             DVD
SRP:                 $59.98

Title:                 UN-GO COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
CAT:                 SFB-UG100
UPC:                814131017529
Format:            BD
SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Some call him the 'Last Great Detective'. Others call him the 'Defeated Detective'. What's certain is that he's Shinjurou Yuuki, a young man with a passion for mysteries and a talent for solving them that has made him the target of dark forces now stirring within the sinister underworld of a near future Tokyo.  That could prove lethal, given that not even the other 'good guys,' including the police, are exactly on Shinjouro's side.

Fortunately Yuuki's not completely on his own, and with the aid of his uniquely talented associate Inga, he's ready to cut a swath through the veils of secrecy that have been laid before him. Get ready for mind against matter and a lot of cloak and dagger as the ultimate battle of clue and deduction begins in UN-GO

Monday, October 29, 2012

ACF 1685: SuBlime announces eleven new Yaoi manga titles for 2012


 GLOBAL YAOI PUBLISHER SuBLime ANNOUNCES ELEVEN NEW MANGA TITLES
FOR RELEASE IN 2013 INCLUDING YOUKA NITTA’S EMBRACING LOVE

Publisher Delights Fans At YaoiCon 2012 As It Details Multiple New BL Manga Titles
Scheduled To Debut During The First-Half Of Next Year

SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publisher, thrilled fans during its packed panel discussion at the recent YaoiCon 2012 with the announcement of eleven new manga (graphic novel) titles the imprint plans to release throughout 2013.

The forthcoming new titles are rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers. Select releases will be offered as either print-only editions with an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN, or as digital-only releases with an MSRP of $5.99 (U.S. / CAN). Other titles will be made available in both formats.

For digital releases, the $5.99 purchase price will offer readers digital access to two versions of each manga volume on www.SuBLimeManga.com – a downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer or via the embedded online manga viewer found on the web site.

New Print and Print+Digital Titles:

EMBRACING LOVE Vol. 1 2-In-1 Edition, by Youka Nitta ·
Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital April 2013

SLEEPING MOON Vol. 1, by Miyamoto Kano · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only June 2013

BLUE MORNING Vol. 1, by Shouko Hidaka · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only May 2013

FALSE MEMORIES Vol. 1, by Isaku Natsume · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital July 2013
From the creator of DEVIL’S HONEY, also published by SuBLime

Hide And seek, by Yaya Sakuragi · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print Only July 2013
Sequel to BOND OF DREAMS, BOND OF LOVE, also available from SuBLime

SPIRITUAL POLICE Vol. 1, by Youka Nitta · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available In Print And Digital October 2013

New Digital-Only Titles:

THE RAVISHING OF THE CROWN PRINCE, by Wang Yi & Feng Nong ·
Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available January 2013
Taiwanese creator and artist

SWORD AND MIST, by Hayate Kuku · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available February 2013

THE MATCH SELLER, by Sakae Kusama · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Available March 2013
From the creator of THE BED OF MY DEAR KING, also published by SuBLime

EGOISTIC BLUE, by Mio Tennohji · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers ·
Available April 2013

BOYS, BE AMBITIOUS!, by Saburo Nagai · Rated ‘T+’ for Mature Readers · Available May 2013

“Fans will have plenty to look forward to from SuBLime in 2013 with a wide array of new titles we’re scheduling for release,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “As our library continues to expand, we hope that readers will enjoy a diverse and growing selection of unique stories and characters by some of the most prominent creators and authors in the yaoi genre that will be available worldwide from SuBLime. Stay tuned as we look forward to releasing more information on each of these exciting forthcoming titles closer to their release dates!”

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

About SuBLime:
SuBLime is a global yaoi manga publisher, and is a partnership between VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate). This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide available at SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

ACF 1684: BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING premieres today on Neon Alley

VIZ MEDIA PREMIERES
BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING
TODAY ON NEON ALLEY

First Installment Of Anime Feature Film Trilogy About A Young
Medieval Mercenary Premieres On New 24-Hour Anime Channel

Don’t miss the visceral clash of arms and armor as VIZ Media premieres BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING exclusively on Neon Alley today, Sunday, October 28th at 8:00pm EST / 5:00pm PST. The highly anticipated anime film repeats at 12:00am EST / 8:00pm PST, and will air again throughout the week.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s new 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut). For a limited time only, the subscription-based service is offering a one-week free trial, available for fans who sign up at NeonAlley.com.

Combining a foreboding medieval European-inspired setting with fantasy and exquisitely detailed swordsmanship, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary, Guts, as he travels a land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to kill enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.

BERSERK: THE Golden Age Arc film trilogy was produced in Japan by Studio 4ÂșC and is based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga (graphic novel) series created by Kentaro Miura.

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

For more information on Neon Alley and to register for updates, please visit NeonAlley.com.

ACF 1683: Free Halloween screening of horror classic MEMENTO MORI

Korean Cultural Service
presents
Korean Movie Night 
Special Halloween Screening
 Memento Mori / Yeogo goedam II
Directed by KIM Tae-yong and MIN Kyu-dong
South Korea, 1999, 97 minutes
When: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 @ 7:00 PM
Doors open: 6:30 PM
Where: Tribeca Cinemas
54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, NYC
Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops
 Map
Admission: FREE!!!
All seating is first-come, first served

The Korean Cultural Service is providing a special Halloween screening of this brilliant, scary Korean shocker! Young Min-Ah discovers that two of her fellow high school students are holding onto a strange diary, capable of causing hallucinations. The two girls have an unusually strong bond, but when one of them suddenly and unexplainably kills herself, the entire school is shocked. Min-Ah, however, starts to feel different… as though she’s somehow possessed by the dead girl.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

ACF 1682: MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS is now available


Section23 Films has announced the release of MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS. Based on the mega-hit PC game Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! from MinatoSoft, the 12 episode series focuses on a city where almost everyone has a Samurai obsession. The complete collection of MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS is now available on DVD & Blu-Ray by Section23 client, Sentai Filmworks.
 
Title:                 MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS
Running Time:   300 min.
Age Rating:       TV PG (V,S, D)
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Format:              DVD
SRP:                $59.98

Title:                 MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS BLU-RAY
Format:              BD
SRP:                $69.98
 
Synopsis: In Kawakami City, having a samurai ancestor and enormous fighting spirit isn't just an interesting historical fact; it's a huge part of how you end up being ranked on the social totem pole. That, in turn, bleeds over into the school curriculum - sometimes, literally. Fortunately, that's something the local kids like Yamato Naoe have learned to deal with by forming small bands, (of samurai, not the musical type.) And while the delicate sexual balance of Yamato's group seemed fine when there were three girls and four boys, the sudden addition of two more girls starts to send everything spinning out of control! Seven's a band of samurai and nine is a riot as boys, girls and naked blades all come together in MAJIKOI ~ OH! SAMURAI GIRLS!

Friday, October 26, 2012

ACF 1681: Girls, Girls, "Girls" coming this November on Anime Network

Next month the girls come out to play, and Anime Network will be the place to find them! We've got 3 red hot shows for fans just in time for cold weather, featuring a bevy of beautiful ladies all vying for your undivided attention. Tread carefully, though: some of these gals don't play nice, and some aren't even...well, you'll see. Check out what's in store for you this November on Anime Network:
Starts Online: November 30th 
Watch the Trailer 
Subtitled Version available to watch online now!

About the Series:
In Kawakami City, having a samurai ancestor and enormous ‘fighting spirit’ is a huge factor in one's social standing. At school, Yamato and his friends are a tight gang, ready to stand against any rivals. However, the addition of two new girls disrupts the delicate sexual balance of the group and sends everything spinning out of control! Seven’s a band of samurai, but nine is a riot as boys, girls and naked blades all come together in Majikoi ~ Oh! Samurai Girls! Rated: TV-MA
ADR Directors: Christopher Ayres & John Swasey
Featuring:

- Josh Grelle
- Carli Mosier
- Brittney Karbowski
- Emily Neves
- Cynthia Martinez
- Tiffany Grant
- Greg Ayres
- Allison Keith
Starts Online: November 30th
Watch the Trailer

About the series:
Have you heard the one about The Cross-Dressing Butler, the Female Wrestlers, the Chicken AND the Principal’s daughter? Sakamachi Kinjiro suffers from acute gynophobia, but his female troubles don’t redline until a wrong turn exposes Subaru’s secret; if her cross-dressing isn’t enough of a drag, Kinjiro’s girl problems also include a martial artist, a fetishist, AND his own sister! The freak flags fly, the punch lines aim low, and the butler is cross-dressed to kill in Mayo Chiki! Rated: TV-MA


iDOLM@ster Xenoglossia (Subtitled)
Starts Online: November 23rd
About the Series:
The Moon’s destruction 107 years ago is a distant memory. So when Haruka Amami auditions for the Idolmaster Project, she THINKS she’s trying out to be a singer. Instead, her career is going meteoric and you won’t believe the rocks she will roll! Haruka is now a pilot candidate for an iDOL—a robot that intercepts moon debris. When she pilots Imber, she questions the nature of the iDOLs. The mysteries mount, the competition is furious and the mission to save Earth is on in iDOLM@ster Xenoglossia! Rated: TV-14

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

ACF 1680: 9th Annual South Asian International Film Festival


The 9th Annual South Asian International Film Festival begins this Wednesday, October 24th, in New York and will run through Tuesday, October 30th. The festival focuses on emerging artists and showcases established filmmakers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Screenings will take place at three venues. Full information about this intriguing festival, which is being presented by HBO, is available here.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

ACF 1679: Busou Shinki Coming to Anime Network Online this Week


Anime Network has announced the upcoming online release of Busou Shinki this week on Anime Network Online.

The first 3 episodes of the series will be available at the following times:

Episode 1 - Saturday October 20, 2012 @ 10:55 AM CDT
Episode 2 - Sunday October 21, 2012 @ 10:55 AM CDT
Episode 3 - Monday October 22, 2012 @ 10:55 AM CDT

...episodes 4 and onwards will air on Mondays at 10:55 AM Central

Synopsis: Some guys wait their entire lives to meet the girl of their dreams, but Rihito already lives with four dream girls who are eager to please him. That’s because they’re Shinki: 6-inch high, customizable androids.

Don’t let their tiny size fool you. These little ladies have full-sized intelligence and emotions, and since each one would prefer to be Rihito’s favorite, there’s sure to be friction!

Get ready for sparks to fly as four battery powered princesses take charge of Rihito’s world in Busou Shinki!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

ACF 1678: BELKA, WHY DON’T YOU BARK? is now available from VIZ

Beruka, hoenainoka? (C) Hideo Furukawa, 2005
Originally published in Japan by Bungei Shunju
in 2005 (hardcover) and 2008 (paperback)
English translation Copyright (C) Michael Emmerich 2012
All rights reserved. Cover design by Sam Elzway

A MULTI-GENERATIONAL EPIC OF MAN’S BEST FRIEND DEBUTS IN
BELKA, WHY DON’T YOU BARK?
 
Novel By Celebrated Post-Modern Author Hideo Furukawa
Takes Readers On An Imaginative Adventure Through
 The Eyes Of Several Military Dogs And Their Descendents

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint has announced a fantastic new tale of intrigue and the undying bond man shares with dogs with the recent publication of BELKA, WHY DON’T YOU BARK?, by author Hideo Furukawa. The hardcover novel carries an MSRP of $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN. The eBook edition is available for $9.99 on the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader Store.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

BELKA, WHY DON’T YOU BARK? begins in 1943, when Japanese troops retreat from the Aleutian island of Kiska, leaving four military dogs behind. One of them dies in isolation, and the others are taken under the protection of U.S. troops. Meanwhile, in the USSR, a KGB military dog handler kidnaps the daughter of a Japanese yakuza. Named after the Russian astronaut dog Strelka, the girl develops a psychic connection with canines.  A multi-generational epic as seen through the eyes of man’s best friend, the dogs that are used as mere tools for the benefit of humankind gradually discover their true selves, and learn something about us.


“Hideo Furukawa has produced a thought-provoking adventure that tells the secret history of the Cold War as seen through the eyes of several military canines and their descendants,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor, Haikasoru. “Beginning during World War II, the novel continues through the Korean conflict, the Space Race, and even the collapse of Communism. Hideo Furukawa is widely acclaimed in Japan and often compared to the postmodern master, Haruki Murakami. Historical-based fiction fans as well as dog lovers everywhere will definitely enjoy this inspired new release from Haikasoru!”

Author Hideo Furukawa was born in 1966. He dropped out of Waseda Universitiy’s literature program. He was nominated for the Naoki Prize with Belka, Why Don’t You Bark? in 2005 and won Mishima Yukio Prize with Love in 2006. Furukawa has been active in giving readings as an expression of literature and has collaborated beyond the genre of fiction in fields including music, art, and dance.

For more information and to read an excerpt of BELKA, WHY DON’T YOU BARK?, visit the dedicated website at Haikasoru.com/belka-why-dont-you-bark/.

For more information on Haikasoru and other titles available from the imprint, please visit the website at Haikasoru.com.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

ACF 1677: To loveru Darkness coming to Anime Network Online this week


Anime Network has announced the upcoming online release of To loveru Darkness this week on Anime Network Online.

The first 3 episodes of the series will be available at the following times: 

Episode 1 - Thursday October 18, 2012 @ 10:00 AM CDT
Episode 2 - Friday October 19, 2012 @ 10:00 AM CDT
Episode 3 - Saturday October 20, 2012 @ 10:00 AM CDT
 

...episodes 4 and onwards will air on Saturdays at 10:00 AM Central

Synopsis: When junior princesses Nana and Momo transfer into Earth School where big sister Lala can keep an eye on them, things SHOULD be smooth sailing. In addition to sister drama, Yami, the Golden Darkness, enters the scene with all the subtleness of a supernova, along with an army of possessed high school students! >

All of which is certain to make Rito’s life suck more than a black hole at the family picnic. Unless, of course, a certain semi-demonic princess will open a can of Develukean Whoop Ass! It’s “Wham, bam, thank you, Space Ma’am” time once again in To loveru Darkness!

Monday, October 15, 2012

ACF 1676: MONSUNO graphic novels to begin arriving late Spring 2013

VIZ MEDIA DEVELOPS A NEW ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
BASED ON THE HIT BOYS ANIMATED ACTION ADVENTURE SERIES 
MONSUNO, AIRING ON NICKTOONS

VIZ Media continues to expand its library of original graphic novels as it announces the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for MONSUNO, an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between this group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. The MONSUNO publishing series will debut with a graphic novel, written by Brian Smith with artwork by Erwin Prasetya, delivering all new, original adventures beginning late Spring 2013 under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint. MONSUNO Volume 1 is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Like the animated series, the MONSUNO graphic novels will follow Chase Suno and his friends as they search for Chase’s father and discover the power of Monsuno. The first adventure introduces a new villain to the MONSUNO universe, and kicks off long before Chase had ever heard of Monsuno, when scientists experimented with Monsuno essence. One such scientist, Dr. Moto, tried to create her own Monsuno, but the experiments went horribly wrong. Trapped in an icy lab, Dr. Moto’s tests have continued, and now Chase, Bren and Jinja have stumbled upon the horrifying results!

“Being a teenager with access to controllable 15-foot-tall hybridized monsters is everything you’d want it to be and more in this action-packed new series coming next Spring from VIZ Kids,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “Our MONSUNO graphic novel series will deliver original stories inspired by the hit animated program seen widely on Nicktoons, and offer inspirational characters, gripping action, and high-stakes adventure that combines with a dose of impromptu humor to produce a fun adventure with monstrous potential! Look for this new title coming soon in 2013!”

The Monsuno series, created by Jared Wolfson and Jeremy Padawer, is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line. The Topps Company produces Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

For more information on MONSUNO or other VIZ Kids properties, visit: VIZKids.com.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

ACF 1675: Chunibyo Demo Koi Ga Shitai Coming to Anime Network Online this Week


Anime Network has announced the upcoming online release of Chunibyo Demo Koi Ga Shitai this week on Anime Network Online.

The first 3 episodes of the series will be available at the following times:

Episode 1 - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 @ 09:30 AM CDT 
Episode 2  - Wednesday, October 17, 2012 @ 10:30 AM CDT 
Episode 3
 - Thursday, October 18, 2012 @ 09:30 AM CDT 

...episodes 4 and onwards will air on Thursdays at 9:30 AM Central

Synopsis: Yuta has a problem. First, Rikka has told him that they’re officially dating, but she’s… a little bit delusional. There’s also the fact that he used to be a little delusional himself, one of the thousands of Japanese students afflicted with “Chunibyo”, so desperate to stand out that they’ve literally convinced themselves that they have secret knowledge and hidden powers. Unfortunately, that’s not the main part of Yuta's problem.

No, the REAL problem is that, even though HE’s no longer delusional, and Rikka MIGHT have been getting better, his OTHER female “friend,” Satone, his one true soul mate, has ripped back into his life and she’s still epically and truly NUTS! “Crazy in love” gets a whole new meaning as three fantasy worlds collide in Chunibyo Demo Koi Ga Shitai!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

ACF 1674: VIZ Manga Platform Digital Manga Debuts for the 2nd half October

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION © kharaGAINAX
The library for the VIZ Manga platform continues to grow, adding to the over 1000 volumes now available for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android smart phones and tablet, and now Kindle Fire! 

A highlight for this update is the debut of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION Vols. 11 & 12 this week and next! Get ready for the worldwide simultaneous debut of Vol. 13 on Nov. 2nd (in the U.S., both digitally & in print from VIZ Media!) by catching up on the ENTIRE series! 

Additional digital manga debuts for the second half of October include: 

TENJHO TENGE © 1997 by Oh!great/SHUEISHA Inc.
TENJO TENGE Vol. 9 debuts today, the same day as the print counterpart! 

BOKURANO: OURS makes it's VIZ Manga debut! Vols. 1 & 2 debut today!  

- More NANA and HUNTER X HUNTER, as the catch up to print editions continues - a new volume debuts each week! 

- The concluding 2 volumes of both HONEY AND CLOVER and SAND CHRONICLES arrive! The final volume of OISHINBO, focused on Izakaya cuisine (pub food) also debuts! 

- And check out some new additions to the top 10 weekly best selling series: THE PRINCE OF TENNIS Vol. 16, KIMI NI TODOKESHAMAN KING Vol. 12, and more! 

Friday, October 12, 2012

ACF 1673: PERSONA 4: THE ANIMATION on Xfinity On Demand as Part of Halloween Programming


In celebration of Halloween, Anime Network will air the eerie Persona 4: The Animation in Xfinity’s On Demand Top Picks now through October 31st. Persona 4: The Animation is based on the Playstation game franchise and is voiced by the cast of wildly popular role playing video game. A group of teenagers in a small town try to catch a serial killer, encountering creepy shadow creatures, gruesome murders and a mysterious other worldly television channel along the way.

Xfinity customers will have all 12 episodes available to them through October 31st. Episodes 7 through 12 will be available for weeks before customers of other cable providers. In addition, Xfinity subscribers will have exclusive access to the Director’s Cut version of Episode 1 “You're Myself, I'm Yourself.”

ABOUT PERSONA 4: THE ANIMATION:
When a series of grizzly murders shake up a small town, a group of friends try to catch the killer before he catches them. During the investigation, they the Midnight Channel is no myth, but truth. When a television turns itself on at midnight on a rainy day, it provides an eerie glimpse at the killer’s next target. The only way to rescue them is to enter the dangerous, haunted world through the television screen before time runs out.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

ACF 1672: Happy Birthday to Korean actress BAE Doo-na!

Actress Bae Doona in Seoul, South Korea. Originally a model, she went on to star in both Japanese and Korean films. Her next starring role will be in the multinational production of Cloud Atlas, set to open in the U.S. on October 26, 2012.

Here's a sampling of screenshots some of my favorite BAE Doo-na films:

Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002)




Saving My Hubby (2002)

Linda Linda Linda (2005)

The Host (2006)

 Air Doll (2009)

ACF 1671: Section23 Films announces December 2012 slate of releases


NINJA SCROLL Available on December 4th

Home video distributor Section23 Films has announced its December slate of releases, including the classic anime masterpiece: Ninja Scroll.  The movie that’s been called a “gateway drug to anime” will be available for the first time ever on Blu-Ray, featuring an all-new, high-definition transfer straight from the source!
 
Product details follow, in order of release
 
Title:                 MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ THE COLOR OF LOVERS
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         300 min.
Street Date:      12/4/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS:  When boys suddenly get into places where they've never been allowed before, some girls tend to get upset.  So when the decision is made to merge the elite Yuihime Girls' Private Academy and the coeducational Kagamidai Private Academy, everyone wants to take extra care in bringing the two Privates together.  Therefore, rather than just sticking the Kagamida boys into the Yuihime girls all at once, a plan is concocted in which a group of test males will be inserted into the Girls' Private Academy first.  Thus it is that poor young Shingo finds himself being thrown as a sacrificial lamb to the lionesses of Yuihime, who aren't exactly waiting for him with open arms.  Will Shingo manage to survive the estrogen soaked death pit that is Yuihime?  Can the girls learn to be more receptive to the boys?  And just how long until something involving panties will cause emotions to flare, sparks to fly and the war between the sexes to explode?  It's a desperate battle to turn discord into making sweet music together in MASHIROIRO SYMPHONY ~ The Color of Lovers!


Title:                 NINJA SCROLL
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         94 min.
Street Date:      12/4/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $14.98

SYNOPSIS: Swords shatter, blood sprays and demons suck the life out of dying men as the wildest samurai adventure ever made is unleashed to tear your senses asunder!  Jubei Kibagami has always been the master dealer of death, but in rescuing a ninja woman from a monster he sets loose a chain of events that puts death in his own veins and sends them on a nightmarish odyssey through a surreal and devil infested ancient Japan.  How do demonic possessions, an annihilated village and a man Jubei thought safely buried in his past all connect?  If Jubei can't piece the blood-soaked clues together, his only consolation will be that he won't live to regret it for very long!  Prepare your mind and steel your gut for the insanely gore-packed orgy of violence that still stands alone and unchallenged as the ultimate anime action feature: the epic milestone in animation that is the legendary NINJA SCROLL.


Title:                 NINJA SCROLL BLU-RAY
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         94 min.
Street Date:      12/4/2012
Format:             BD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $24.98

SYNOPSIS:  Swords shatter, blood sprays and demons suck the life out of dying men as the wildest samurai adventure ever made is unleashed to tear your senses asunder!  Jubei Kibagami has always been the master dealer of death, but in rescuing a ninja woman from a monster he sets loose a chain of events that puts death in his own veins and sends them on a nightmarish odyssey through a surreal and devil infested ancient Japan.  How do demonic possessions, an annihilated village and a man Jubei thought safely buried in his past all connect?  If Jubei can't piece the blood-soaked clues together, his only consolation will be that he won't live to regret it for very long!  Prepare your mind and steel your gut for the insanely gore-packed orgy of violence that still stands alone and unchallenged as the ultimate anime action feature: the epic milestone in animation that is the legendary NINJA SCROLL.


Title                  MAGICAL SHOPPING ARCADE ABENOBASHI COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by:    AEsir Holdings
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         325 min.
Street Date:      12/11/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $39.98

SYNOPSIS:  Arumi and Sasshi seem to be normal, twelve-year-old kids living in Osaka, but things are not what they seem.  Suddenly, Arumi and Sasshi find themselves in a world like their own... only not!  As they try to fight their way back to the real world, they'll face menacing mushrooms, big-breasted space pirates, killer kung-fu fighters, a tripped-out transvestite, and a sorcerer who seems to be in a mid-life crisis.  And that's just the beginning.  They say there's no place like home, but this ain't exactly Oz, and it sure as heck ain't Kansas!  So, hold on to your hats and get ready for one wildly wacky, frenetically funny ride as reality takes an extended vacation in the madcap, spaced-out world of Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi.


Title:                 LETTER BEE COLLECTION 1
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         325 min.
Street Date:      12/11/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS: In a dark land of near-perpetual night, only a single artificial sun illuminates a single city, and communication between the rest of the world is made possible only by the Letter Bees - elite couriers who must fight against monsters known as Gaichuu in order to make their deliveries.  Having been saved by a Letter Bee when his mother was kidnapped years ago, Lag Seeing has finally gained employment at the Bee Hive, but he's quickly learning that the dangerous job has become even more lethal, with renegade humans now targeting the Letter Bees as well.  Fortunately, Lag's been blessed with the ability to see into the memories of others, and every Bee is also supposed to find a "Dingo," a partner to watch their back.  However, when Lag finally finds his Dingo, she's not at all what he expected.  In fact, she may end up being the girl who kicks over the entire hornet's nest!  But no matter what the stings of fate, Lag isn't going to let anything clip his wings!  It's a spectacular adventure into swarms way as the flight of the Letter Bee begins in LETTER BEE - COLLECTION 1!


Title:                 KOBATO COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         600 min.
Street Date:      12/11/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Shattered dreams and broken hearts are painful facts of life, but with the aid of a magic flask that can absorb human sorrow, young Kobato soon hopes to get her chance to help make life better for everyone.  However, first she has to meet the approval of the half- human creature known as Ioryogi, and he has his doubts whether the strange girl with the mysterious past is truly ready.  It's only with great reluctance that he decides to send Kobato on her first test assignment, and it's going to be the ultimate test of Kobato's spirit.  Because the only way to truly understand the pain of a broken heart is to have had one yourself, and even with the power of magic behind her, Kobato is about to learn that there are some hearts she may never be able to mend.  Including her own.   From the famed creative team CLAMP comes a unique tale of life, love and destiny: KOBATO - THE COMPLETE COLLECTION     


Title:                 THE LEGEND OF HEROES COMPLETE
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         81 min.
Street Date:      12/18/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $29.98

SYNOPSIS: Ten years ago, a massive invasion by the Erebonian Empire almost shattered the Kingdom of Liberl, piercing to the heart of Capital City before being driven back by a determined counteroffensive led by Cassius Bright.  Now, as the invaders pace behind the northern borders, coveting the small kingdom's magic and high technology, Liberl slowly rebuilds with the aid of the Bracer's Guild, whose mystical use of "Craft" is even more intrinsic to the nation's defense than its own army.  For young Estelle Bright, daughter of Cassius, this is all just ancient history that she and her adopted brother Joshua learned as kids.  But history has a way of repeating itself, and as they prepare to join the Bracers Guild themselves, sinister forces are preparing to thrust them into the familiar family situation of being in the worst possible place when mayhem breaks out.  Because when their father's airship goes suddenly missing, of course it only makes sense to two green, but extraordinarily capable, young teenagers to strike out on a rescue mission of their own!


Title:                 THE LEGEND OF HEROES COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         81 min.
Street Date:      12/18/2012
Format:             BD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $39.98

SYNOPSIS: Ten years ago, a massive invasion by the Erebonian Empire almost shattered the Kingdom of Liberl, piercing to the heart of Capital City before being driven back by a determined counteroffensive led by Cassius Bright.  Now, as the invaders pace behind the northern borders, coveting the small kingdom's magic and high technology, Liberl slowly rebuilds with the aid of the Bracer's Guild, whose mystical use of "Craft" is even more intrinsic to the nation's defense than its own army.  For young Estelle Bright, daughter of Cassius, this is all just ancient history that she and her adopted brother Joshua learned as kids.  But history has a way of repeating itself, and as they prepare to join the Bracers Guild themselves, sinister forces are preparing to thrust them into the familiar family situation of being in the worst possible place when mayhem breaks out.  Because when their father's airship goes suddenly missing, of course it only makes sense to two green, but extraordinarily capable, young teenagers to strike out on a rescue mission of their own!


Title:                 HAKUOKI: RECORD OF THE JADE BLOOD
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         250 min.
Street Date:      12/25/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $59.98

SYNOPSIS: After tasting the humiliation of being forced to flee to Edo, the members of the Shinsengumi have become disillusioned.  Not only are they disappointed by the Shogun's behavior, but they are also facing personal problems.  Kondou is still recovering from his gun wound.  Okita is still bedridden due to both his illness and his bullet wounds.  Heisuke must watch over Sanna, who seems to be slowly slipping into madness.  And meanwhile, Hijikata is desperately fighting to keep the Shinsengumi together.  Still, no matter how dangerous the battle sounds, there is no stepping down, and the veins of the Shinsengumi are filled with the jade blood of the truly loyal.  As the flames of war march up and down the length and breadth of the land, they must prepare to return to the battlefield once more or risk losing more than just their lives in Hakuoki: Record of the Jade Blood.


Title:                 IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA COLLECTION 2
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         325 min.
Street Date:      12/25/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS: Things are getting a lot more complex at Modenkind and some of the things that Haruka is learning about the IDOLs are more than a little worrying.  Like the fact that while the mechs aren't free to do what they want, they're not exactly obedient machines either; and how the relationship the IDOLs form with their pilots is much more complicated than master and servant.  Especially since Haruka is beginning to realize that her own feelings toward Imber aren't exactly what she'd expected them to evolve into either.  But there's no time to analyze what's going on inside her heart, because suddenly all of Modenkind is under siege, hit from both within and without as hidden spies combine with outside attacks and ruthless kidnappings.  Who is trying to destroy Modenkind and why?  And how is it connected with the real secrets behind the IDOLS?  Betrayal leads to betrayal as the stunning second act escalates to a breathtaking conclusion in IDOLM@STER XENOGLOSSIA - COLLECTION TWO!


Title:                 PENGUIN DRUM COLLECTION 1
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         300 min.
Street Date:      12/31/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $59.98

SYNOPSIS:  Once you make a decision, does the universe conspire to make it happen?  Is destiny a matter of chance, a matter of choice or the complex outcome of thousands of warring strands of fate?  All twins Kanba and Shouma know is that when their terminally ill sister Himari collapses at the aquarium, her death is somehow temporarily reversed by the penguin hat that she had asked for.  It's a provisional resurrection, however, and it comes at a price: to keep Himari alive they need to find the mysterious Penguin Drum.  In order to do that, they must first find the links to a complex interlocking chain of riddles that has wrapped around their entire existence, and unravel the knots that tie them to mystifying diary and a baffling string of strangers and semi-acquaintances who all have their own secrets, agendas and "survival strategies."  And in order for Himari to live, someone else's chosen destiny will have to change.  From the creator of REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA comes a story of love, fate, life, death … and Penguins:  PENGUIN DRUM - THE FIRST COLLECTION.


Title:                 PENGUIN DRUM COLLECTION 1 BLU-RAY
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         300 min.
Street Date:      12/31/2012
Format:             BD
Language:         English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Once you make a decision, does the universe conspire to make it happen?  Is destiny a matter of chance, a matter of choice or the complex outcome of thousands of warring strands of fate?  All twins Kanba and Shouma know is that when their terminally ill sister Himari collapses at the aquarium, her death is somehow temporarily reversed by the penguin hat that she had asked for.  It's a provisional resurrection, however, and it comes at a price: to keep Himari alive they need to find the mysterious Penguin Drum.  In order to do that, they must first find the links to a complex interlocking chain of riddles that has wrapped around their entire existence, and unravel the knots that tie them to mystifying diary and a baffling string of strangers and semi-acquaintances who all have their own secrets, agendas and "survival strategies."  And in order for Himari to live, someone else's chosen destiny will have to change.  From the creator of REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA comes a story of love, fate, life, death … and Penguins:  PENGUIN DRUM - THE FIRST COLLECTION.


Title:                 QWASER OF STIGMATA COLLECTION 1
Published by:    Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by:  Section23 Films
Run Time:         300 min.
Street Date:      12/31/2012
Format:             DVD
Language:         Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP:                $49.98

SYNOPSIS: When Mafuyu Oribe and her adopted sister Tomo rescue a strange wounded man, they have no idea what they're getting involved with or what the consequences will be.  Alexander Nikolaevith Hell is an Iron Qwaser, one of many opposing factions of super-warriors who can each draw upon the power of an element and wield it as an almost unstoppable array of weapons.  And unfortunately for Mafuyu, Alexander's faction is there to gather the mystical relics known collectively as the High Circuit, which puts her friends, family and school at ground zero in a battle for the fate of all mankind!  But there's an even more disturbing twist, as Qwasers require a special liquid diet to manifest their powers, one provided by the women who serve as a Qwaser's partner.  And THAT means that the nursing Mafuyu's already given Alexander isn't the only kind of nursing he needs!  Get ready for one of the wildest, weirdest animes to EVER come out of Japan as the courage within a woman's breast unleashes a whole new kind of mayhem in QWASER OF STIGMATA - COLLECTION ONE!