Television – Page 26 – ÜberSciFiGeek

VIZ Media Announces New DVD Releases for April 2010

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in April 2010. This includes the final box set release of Nana, the next episodic releases of the popular Bleach and Naruto: Shippuden series, and the latest box set release of Naruto: Shippuden. Also releasing is the live action feature film, K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces, from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

New Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden Releases Include:

Naruto: Shippuden Box Set 2 Special Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN
Available April 20
Team Kakashi is joined by Team Guy in their pursuit of Gaara’s kidnappers, Deidara and Sasori, but their way to the Akatsuki hideout is fraught with familiar enemies and deadly traps. Once inside, Sakura and Granny Chiyo must take on Chiyo’s own grandson, the puppet master Sasori, whose complex tricks and genius puppetry demand every last ounce of Chiyo’s and Sakura’s strength and skill to counter. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi take off after Deidara, who is once again on the run with Gaara in tow… The Special Edition Box Set contains 13 episodes on 3 discs, exclusive art card, and a collectible Naruto: Shippuden Mininja figure (Deidara).

Naruto: Shippuden Box Set 2 Standard Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN
Available April 20
DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes on 3 discs. Exclusive art card and collectible figure not included.

Naruto: Shippuden Volume 8
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
Available April 6
Supported by Naruto’s powerful chakra, Granny Chiyo performs the Reanimation Ninjutsu to revive Gaara, but the cost is high. Back in the Leaf Village, Kakashi must spend time in the hospital to recover from his use of the Mangekyo Sharingan. With two open spots on Team Kakashi, Naruto is prepared to recruit some of his friends from the village. But unbeknownst to him, the replacements are being chosen by the village elders, and at least one of them he’s really going to hate! Episodes 31-34.

Naruto Uncut Season 2 Volume 2 Box Set
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN
Available April 27
The destruction of the Hidden Leaf Village has been averted, but at great cost. While the village mourns, a new menace arrives in the form of Sasuke’s brother, Itachi Uchiha — but why is he after Naruto? Then Jiraiya whisks Naruto away on a training journey to find the legendary kunoichi Tsunade, who’s been selected to become the new Hokage. But they’d better hurry, because Orochimaru is looking for her as well!

For more information on Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, please visit NARUTO.com.

Additional VIZ Media DVD releases include:

Nana Box Set 4
Rated “M” for Mature
MSRP: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN
Available April 13
Life is a whirlwind — will the Nanas make it through the storm without each other? As if Blast’s debut wasn’t causing enough stress, Takumi and Nana K.’s announcement sends everyone reeling, but none more than Nana O. and Reira. While Reira turns to Shin for comfort, Nana is drawn to Yasu and his calm understanding, leaving her questioning her relationship with Ren. Nana K. meanwhile is happily nesting in her new home, but her continued estrangement from Nana O. weighs heavily on her heart. Contains episodes 35-47.

For more information on Nana, please visit nana.viz.com.

Bleach Volume 27
Rated “T” for Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
Available April 20
With the Bounts defeated, Ichigo and his friends settle down to what they think will be an ordinary life of school and battling Hollows. But things take a turn for the unusual when a new student arrives at school who seems to know all about Ichigo — including the Hollow within him that’s getting stronger all the time. With a menacing Spiritual Pressure descending on Karakura Town, Isshin and Urahara are worried that someone is creating an army of Arrancar — Hollows with Soul Reaper powers — and that someone may be former Soul Reaper captain Sosuke Aizen! Episodes: 110 thru 113.

For more information on Bleach, please visit BLEACH.viz.com.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces
MSRP: $24.92 US/ $35.99 CAN
Available April 20
It is 1949 in Japan, in a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system is still in place. Heikichi, a circus acrobat, is deceived by “The Fiend (Kaijin) with Twenty Faces” and is set up to take the fall for the phantom thief. Now, Heikichi must wage war against K-20. Directed by Shimako Sato, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Takako Matsu, and Toru Nakamura.

For more information on VIZ Pictures titles please visit VIZ-Pictures.com.

Factory Entertainment: The Green Hornet, The Princess Bride Prop Sword Video, Universal Monsters

from Factory Entertainment:

The Green Hornet

HAVE YOU HEARD THE BUZZ?!

Factory Entertainment is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. to produce a range of collectibles and gift items relating to Columbia Pictures’ 2010 tentpole film, The Green Hornet.

The license also extends to the classic 1966 The Green Hornet television series and the two The Green Hornet movie serials produced in the 1940s.

Products to be released will include action figures, collectible die-cast vehicles, full-sized and scaled replicas of props, and more. Products will begin launching late 2010.

The Princess Bride — The Sword of the Dread Pirate Roberts Limited Edition Prop Replica Prototype Video

Universal Monsters

Look! It’s moving… It’s alive… it’s ALIVE!

Prop Replicas
Jewelry & Costume Accessories
Die-Cast Vehicles
Trading Cards
Lithographs
…AND MUCH MORE!

COMING SOON!

In the Not Too Distant Future…

from Shout! Factory:

There’s a new installment of Mystery Science Theater 3000 on the horizon. The Satellite of Love crew touches down on March 16 for Volume XVII, which includes four DVD newbies: The Crawling Eye, The Beatniks, The Final Sacrifice and Blood Waters of Dr. Z. The 4-DVD set also includes limited-edition mini-posters for each title, The Crawling Eye special introduction by Joel Hodgson, a brand-new interview with The Final Sacrifice’s Bruce J. Mitchell, The Main Event: Crow Vs. Crow at DragonCon ’09 and yes, even more.

And still more exciting news… We just located a lost box of limited-edition 20th Anniversary Edition tins, featuring the Crow T. Robot figurine (oh, and four DVDs). Check back at our store and we’ll have them up for sale shortly — first come, first served.

Newbury Comics has a special offer for MST3K fans! Preorder the upcoming DVD release, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XVII and receive a limited mini-poster autographed by MST3K creator and host Joel Hodgson!

Keep up with the latest Shout! news throughout your day by following us on Twitter and Facebook. Plus, visit our YouTube page for trailers, clips and music videos.

Star Wars: 2010 Toy Fair Wrap Up

from StarWars.com:

This past week saw New York City welcome Toy Fair. The Official Star Wars Blog was there, actively reporting on all of the amazing new products unveiled at the show. Here are some of the highlights, in case you missed it.

Mega AT-AT on the North Ridge!
Hasbro wowed many with a slew of new products, including Clone Wars and Vintage action figures, a flying Millennium Falcon, and the long overdue issue of a rocket-firing classic Boba Fett figure. But the big draw was an enormous AT-AT walker designed for 3 3/4-inch action figures packed to the armored plate with all sorts of play features.

Bricks for Clones and Empire
LEGO’s new assortments celebrate both The Empire Strikes Back and The Clone Wars, with standouts like a new wampa playset and a clone turbo tank.

We Need the Funko, Give up the Funko
Funko surprises and delights with new Star Wars character lamps and bobble-heads that turn Star Wars characters into classic monsters. Spoooky!

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Puzzles
New licensee Cardinal unveiled a variety of “3 in 1 Panoramic Puzzles” and lenticular ones as well.

Say Uncle for Great New Toys
Uncle Milton followed up on last year’s head-turning Force-trainer with a variety of new products, including a Remote Controlled Lightsaber Room Light and a Holographic Animation Lab.

Rush for New Plush
Comic Images unveils new plushes, including two backpacks that — in retrospect — seem like no-brainers. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Empire with a blasted C-3PO backpack, or a Boba Fett style rocket pack.

For more Toy Fair coverage, visit the Official Star Wars Blog here.

Courage: The Series

Courage: Adventures of a Firefly
Dare to go into the black.

There’s more good news on the horizon for Firefly fans. With the upcoming release of the fan-made film Browncoats: Redemption looming closer, another fan-made project has recently been announced. Courage: The Series, from Media Blender Studio, is loosely based on the ever-popular Joss Whedon series Firefly and further expands the lore of the ‘verse with a new crew facing the same problem: The Alliance. The series combines high-definition film with computer animation, and promises “a new tale aimin’ to misbehave”.

James Nicholson finds himself with a wealthy settlement after hearing of his Father’s untimely demise at the hands of the Alliance. Stating in the will that he wanted James to buy a ship and explore the “verse”, James does just that, buying a class three “militia style” transport ship and finding a reliable crew that’s willing to crawl through the darkness of space with him.

The website features teaser trailers, character profiles with pictures, interviews, and some merchandise to help fund the project.

Courage: The Series Blog
Courage: The Series YouTube Channel
Courage: The Series Facebook Profile
Courage: The Series Facebook Page

Angel: Barbary Coast

from Things from Another World:

A recently souled Angel is on a quest for a “cure” in San Francisco when, of course, something goes horribly wrong. Seeking out a Chinese healer, Angel encounters a mysterious girl with a strange tattoo, and quickly learns that life in early 1900s America is full of surprises…

You won’t want to miss Angel: Barbary Coast, the new three-issue comic book miniseries from David Tischman (Red Herring, Star Trek: Year Four) and Franco Urru (Angel: After the Fall).

Pre-order Your Copy of Angel: Barbary Coast #1 Today

Check Out the Angel: Barbary Coast #1 First Look

See Other Angel/Buffy/Serenity

Saving the World is Hard… Saving Yourself is Even Harder in Exciting New Manga Series “Bokurano: Ours”

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight fans with the release of Mohiro Kitoh’s manga series, Bokurano: Ours on February 16th. The manga is rated “T+” for Older Teens and will be published under the VIZ Signature imprint and carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

One summer, fifteen kids innocently wander into a nearby seaside cave. There they meet a strange man who invites them to play an exciting new video game. This game, he explains, pits one lone giant robot against a horde of alien invaders. To play the game, all they have to do is sign a simple contract. The game stops being fun when the kids find out the true purpose of their pact.

“This release continues to demonstrate the success of our innovative partnership with Japan’s Ikki magazine, and sci-fi fans and manga connoisseurs won’t want to miss the debut of this addictive series,” says Leyla Aker, Senior Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “Fans of Mohiro Kitoh already know that he’s a master at blending psychological suspense with amazing action, and we’re excited to introduce his work to a whole new readership.”

Bokurano: Ours is one of the flagship series of Ikki magazine, published in Japan since 2003 and home to some of the most innovative and compelling titles in the world of contemporary manga. The series is currently available to read online at SigIKKI.com, the groundbreaking web destination for a broad range of unique manga designed for mature audiences.

Mohiro Kitoh made his manga debut in 1995 with the series, Vandemiere’s Wings. In addition to Shadow Star, his other notable manga works include, Hallucination from the Womb and Zansho — A Collection of Short Stories. Bokurano: Ours was adapted into a novel, Bokurano: Alternative, by Ohki Renji as well as a 24-episode animated series produced by studio Gonzo.

For more information on other VIZ Signature titles and to check out a sneak peek of chapter one through six of Bokurano: Ours please visit SigIKKI.com.

VIZ Media Announces New DVD Releases for March 2010

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in March 2010. This includes the final box set release of Honey and Clover, the next installments of the Pokémon Elements series, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular Bleach and Naruto: Shippuden series. Also releasing is the live action feature film — Hisashi Tenmyouya: Samurai Nouveau from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

Honey and Clover Box Set 3
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN
Available March 16

Yuta returns from his journey of self-discovery only to find everyone around him deep in their own struggles to shape their futures. Ayumi finds herself increasingly included in projects involving Takumi and Rika, and the strain is breaking her. Far away in America, Shinobu and his brother’s endless quest for money finally helps them achieve their ultimate goal, while back home Hagumi must face the devastating consequences of an accident that could change her life forever. Can the pursuit of happiness and the pursuit of art ever be one and the same?

Contains Season 2, Episodes 1-12. For more information on Honey and Clover, please visit honeyandclover.viz.com.

Shonen Jump releases include:

Bleach Volume 26
Rated “T” for Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
Available March 23

The Bount leader Jin Kariya has obtained the Jokai Crest and is absorbing its immense power. While Ichigo and the others rest and prepare for their next battle, the Soul Reapers are warned by Rantao that there are many Crests within the Seireitei, and all may explode if Kariya’s Crest is released. Head Captain Yamamoto mobilizes all Soul Reapers to find and seal the remaining Crests. Then, atop Sokyoku Hill, Ichigo faces Kariya in their final clash!

Contains episodes 105-109. For more information on Bleach, please visit bleach.viz.com.

Naruto: Shippuden Volume 7
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
Available March 9

In their battle with Sasori, Granny Chiyo and Sakura must make life-or-death choices to bring the puppet master down. Outside the Akatsuki hideout, Team Guy have fought the copies of themselves to the point of exhaustion, but Rock Lee’s plan sets fire to their fighting spirits. Meanwhile, Naruto and Kakashi have caught up to Deidara, and Kakashi prepares to unleash his newest jutsu — the Mangekyo Sharingan!

Contains episodes 27-30. For more information on Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, please visit naruto.com.

Pokémon releases include:

Pokémon Elements, Volume 9: Ghost
Rated “A” for All Ages
MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN
Available March 23

Pokémon Elements, Volume 10: Rock
Rated “A” for All Ages
MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN
Available March 23

Following the Pokémon All Star series set, the Pokémon Elements collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.

From VIZ Pictures (Live Action Feature Films):

Hisashi Tenmyouya: Samurai Nouveau, NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Volume 4
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
Available March 9

A graphic designer turned contemporary artist, Hisashi Tenmyouya brings his own style of NEO-Traditional Japanese Painting to the art world. Tenmyouya reveals his soul through melding of modern urban subjects with traditional methods of painting.

For more information on VIZ Pictures, please visit viz-pictures.com.

Weta News: January 2010

from Weta:

Happy New Year!

We hinted before we went on summer holidays that this year was going to be very exciting. We stand by that.

Avatar has truly set new benchmarks for creativity and box office takings as well as taking home two of the most coveted Golden Globes. And Richard Taylor and Weta have been recognised at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards for Best Makeup!

And we have a couple of new product ranges up our sleeve and we’re continuing our journey through Middle-earth.

Our two Weta Cast hosts, Daniel and Magnus, are feverishly working on a round table discussion between Richard Taylor and some of the artists and craftspeople behind the beautiful designs, maquettes and props from Avatar. This will be an AWESOME podcast.

Announcement — District 9 Collectibles!
We are ENORMOUSLY pleased to be able to announce a range of collectibles and merchandise from District 9, last year’s perhaps most unexpected blockbuster. More details will follow shortly. Keep an eye on our News page.

Master Chief & Arbiter — Master Chief & Flood! Now Shipping!
The most dynamic Halo piece in the galaxy, The Master Chief & Flood, is now shipping, making its way to our warehouses along with The Master Chief and Arbiter — a terrific study in determination and menace. The two pieces join Cortana in our range of Halo sculptures. More about our Halo range here!

Seen Daybreakers yet?
Weta’s been heavily involved in making special makeup effects and prosthetics on a very exciting new movie called Daybreakers. Starring Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill and Willem Dafoe and directed by Australian directors the Spierig Brothers, Daybreakers promises to be a big hit not only among vampire genre fans. Currently showing in the US and other parts of the world, other territories (like New Zealand) will have to wait until March. More here!

Now is the time to get a complete Doctor Who helmet collection!
We’re taking £10 off the price of each helmet until Monday 1 February. That means the Sycorax, Sontaran Officer Linx, The Ice Warrior and the Industrial Welding Mask are only £22 (US$41 | NZ$58+GST) and that The Cyberman Leader Helmet and Lord President Borusa’s Headdress are £28 (US$44 | NZ$62+GST). Save £60 (US$93 | NZ$133+GST) on a whole set! Top reasons why you should get Weta’s Doctor Who helmet collection? They’re absolutely exact replicas of the full size props. Modelmaker David Tremont (who is a complete and utter Who-ligan) has had access through his extensive contacts to some of the originals to ensure accuracy. They’re 1/4 scale, which means “fist sized”, cast in white metal, weigh about 2 lbs (1kg) each and perfectly capture the menace of a Doctor Who baddie. They are AWESOME. Especially when all six are lined up. Get your set now!

Bag End update from Daniel Falconer
Says Daniel: One of the first things to do when the notion of producing Bag End as a miniature collectible environment was mooted was to get some artwork for us all to look at and discuss. We can talk about a piece all we want but it’s impossible to really begin meaningful discussion until a visual exists that defines the bounds of the piece. With a common visual to reference the team can discuss specifics, like, “Will it include the tree? If it does, how big does that necessitate the collectible being…” Check out the article for more. And Pictures!

Have you noted the sweet, sweet smell of VICTORY?
We’ve had some really flattering reviews come in for Greg Broadmore’s latest book, VICTORY — Scientific Adventure Violence for Young Men and Literate Women. Read the reviews on our VICTORY page!

The Lord of the Rings on Blu-Ray from Warner Bros.
What Entertainment Weekly describes as “The best film of the decade!” will shortly be available as a Blu-Ray box set direct from Warner Bros. It will even include a Weta discount coupon! Read more about this release.

Follow Weta Online! Twitter | Facebook

VIZ Media Announces the Launch of the “Kekkaishi” Animated Series on Hulu

from VIZ Media:

Today, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings the animated demon-battling action and adventure of Kekkaishi to Hulu, an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — anytime in the U.S. The series debuts with 5 episodes with new installments launching each week. To view Kekkaishi, please visit Hulu.com.

Kekkaishi is based on a hit manga series by Yellow Tanabe (also published in North America by VIZ Media). Mystical forces are powerful in the region called Karasumori. For over 400 years, it has been the duty of a clan of “kekkaishi” — barrier masters — to guard the land and exterminate the supernatural creatures that are drawn to the area night after night.

Yoshimori Sumimura is a junior high school student at Karasumori Academy. Following in the tradition that’s been passed down through generations, he is the twenty-second “kekkaishi” of the Sumimura clan. But by day, Yoshimori’s got other demons to battle: an addiction to sweets and a seriously crotchety grandfather! Yoshimori’s pretty neighbor, childhood friend and rival, Tokine Yukimura, is also a “kekkaishi,” but their families are feuding over who is the true practitioner of the art. Protecting people from danger while growing stronger himself, Yoshimori will battle the forces of evil again tonight!

“Kekkaishi is the latest series to join the VIZ Media family of animated titles available to U.S. audiences on Hulu and we hope that fans will enjoy its lively mix of adventure, comedy and demon-slaying action,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Brand Management at VIZ Media. “We are committed to utilizing the web to deliver the best in anime through innovative web-based, video streaming outlets like Hulu. Kekkaishi is an exciting addition to all the other top-rated anime from VIZ Media and we invite audiences to dive into this new series!”

Other VIZ Media animated titles available on Hulu include: Bleach, Buso Renkin, Death Note, Hikaru no Go, Honey and Clover, InuYasha and InuYasha: The Final Act, Nana, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, and The Prince of Tennis.

For more information on Kekkaishi or other Shonen Sunday series, please also visit shonensunday.com or viz.com.

The Legend of Neil: 3 Days Left, 3 Votes

from The Legend of Neil:

Hey Legend of Neil-lovers,

So I really believe we’ve got a shot at winning some Streamy Awards this year, and it would really benefit the show if we could pull it off. There’s three days left that you can vote and you can vote once each day, the official ballot is below.

Please try and make it all the way through to the craft awards. I believe that out of every web series I’ve seen, our crew does the most with very little. The sets, the art, the lighting, the music (hell we had a musical!) are really so good because of these unsung heroes of the set, so let’s finally sing them. That’s not to say that the acting, writing, directing aren’t half bad either, so feel free to vote for those too. So, please take a few minutes and make it happen for the show you love, because it’s all in YOUR HANDS!

LEGEND OF NEIL — OFFICIAL BALLOT

Click the categories to get to the right page but BE SURE to choose the correct category from the drop down menu.

Best Comedy Webseries — The Legend of Neil (http://www.legendofneil.com/)

Best Ensemble Cast in a Webseries — The Legend of Neil (http://www.legendofneil.com/)

Best Directing for a Comedy — Sandeep Parikh

Best Writing for Comedy — Tony Janning, Sandeep Parikh

Best Male Actor in a Comedy — Tony Janning / Mike Rose

Best Female Actor in a Comedy — Angie Hill / Felicia Day

Best Guest Star — Felicia Day / Brendan Bradley

Best Editing — Sandeep Parikh, Mat Greenleaf, Tony Orcena, Josh Schaffer, Todd Roy

Best Cinematography — Bry Thomas Sanders

Best Art Direction — Leah Mann