VIZ Media Acquires Sailor Moon License

As part of the new agreement, VIZ Media has licensed all 200 episodes of the original SAILOR MOON anime series (rated ‘TV-PG’), including the never before licensed for North America fifth and final climatic season, “Sailor Stars.” The three feature films and additional specials for the long-running show are also part of the acquisition. SAILOR MOON will be presented digitally for the first time, with subtitled EST sets available starting Summer 2014 and dubbed editions late 2014, and DVD and deluxe limited edition Blu-ray/DVD combo packs are planned for Fall 2014. The uncut and uncensored VIZ Media release of SAILOR MOON, featuring its original uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio, will also feature all original Japanese names, story elements and relationships, as well as an all-new, uncut English dub with a new voice cast.

 

VIZ Media will premiere SAILOR MOON Episodes 1-4 (subbed) today on its free NeonAlley.com anime streaming destination and also via the subscription-based Hulu Plus in High Definition. Two new SAILOR MOON episodes will premiere every Monday. Visit www.NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailormoon for more information; the trailer may also be viewed at http://www.hulu.com/watch/635233 and http://youtu.be/RWPyM9afQ-w.

 

VIZ Media has also acquired the new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, and more details are forthcoming.

“We’re pleased to partner with VIZ Media to bring the beloved SAILOR MOON anime series back to North America,” says Masayuki Endo, General Manager, Toei Animation, Inc. “This fresh uncut and uncensored release of SAILOR MOON featuring the most accurate adaptation available will be just as creator Naoko Takeuchi intended. We look forward to fans current and new discovering and falling in love with this classic series all over again!”

 

“SAILOR MOON is one of the extremely rare breed of anime series truly deserving of the title of ‘Legendary’,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “Since its initial debut in the mid-1990’s, SAILOR MOON has been unavailable to English-speaking fans for nearly a decade. It has also never seen a complete and proper unedited release in North America...until now!”

 

“SAILOR MOON was groundbreaking in the way its storyline and main characters resonated with both a male and female audience, and these aspects continue to attract a new generation of fans eager to see this iconic series,” says Brian Ige, VIZ Media Vice President of Animation. “We’re thrilled to be able to release this empowering action title uncut and in its entirety. We invite fans to catch the official premieres on Neon Alley and to enjoy the series on DVD and Blu-ray later this year!”

 

VIZ Media will be celebrating SAILOR MOON at the 2014 Anime Expo, taking place July 3^rd–6^th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. Now celebrating its 23^nd consecutive year, Anime Expo is sponsored by the SPJA and is the nation’s largest anime convention. VIZ Media will host a variety of special activities and panels throughout “Sailor Moon Day,” on Saturday July 5^th. More details forthcoming.

 

The smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation! 

 

 

VIZ MEDIA's NEON ALLEY DEBUTS NEW "CATCH-UP" VOD FEATURE FOR 24/7 ANIME CHANNEL

VIZ Media has unveiled a new “Catch-Up” feature available now for the web-based version of Neon Alley, the company’s 24/7 anime channel.
 
With this new expanded feature, Neon Alley members may select either a “Watch Live” or “Catch Up” option upon logging onto the service. The “Watch Live” option provides fans with the 24/7 linear English-dubbed channel that the network has come to be known for, and with the addition of the Video-On Demand “Catch Up” option, fans now have the flexibility to watch shows at their convenience. The “Catch Up” option also allows viewers to search for content by individual series or by latest additions.

Every episode carried by Neon Alley will be available for a minimum of one week after its initial premiere. Other "World Premiere Neon Alley Exclusives,” such as NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, K, and ACCEL WORLD, will remain available for a minimum of 2 weeks during a series' initial run on the platform. Accessing the details of a selected episode will permit members know how long that particular episode or movie will be available as part of the “Catch Up” service. VIZ Media plans to integrate the “Catch Up” service for Neon Alley for the Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) gaming system and the PlayStation®Network later this Fall.

“Neon Alley currently features over two dozen different anime series, plus weekly movie premieres and other exclusive programming, and the ability for members to access and watch programs whenever they want using this new feature will give them an even greater degree of flexibility and convenience,” explains Brian Ige, VIZ Media VP of Animation. “As we prepare to launch our Fall season, Neon Alley members can complement their linear viewing experience with the new ‘Catch Up’ feature to ensure that they never miss a single program!”
 
Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s 24-hour anime channel that is available for general web access as well as the Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE® and the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) gaming system and the PlayStation®Network. Neon Alley is specially designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and content distributors, including Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, and Anime News Network. The channel’s diverse schedule includes a mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, uncut and dubbed into English, and presented in HD (when available), for a low monthly subscription rate of only $6.99. For a limited time only, the service is also offering a one-week free trial available to all fans that sign up at NeonAlley.com

BERSERK PREMIERE AT NEW PEOPLE & ON NEON ALLEY ON MAY 11th

VIZ Media reminds anime fans of the upcoming special double-feature theatrical presentation of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and the exclusive North American premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. Two double-feature screenings (presented with dubbed English dialogue) are scheduled for 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

VIZ Media also invites Neon Alley members nationwide to catch back-to-back airings of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY taking place the same day at the same times – Saturday, May 11th – at 3:00pm and 8:00pm PST. More details and sign-up information are available at: www.neonalley.com.

Tickets to the NEW PEOPLE Cinema double-feature are $25.00 each and are available online at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2013/. A special galley exhibit featuring original BERSERK production art from Studio 4ºC will also be showcased in the theatre lobby. Upon arrival, each ticketholder will also receive an exclusive gift pack that features exclusive BERSERK promotional collectables including a tote bag, fan, beverage koozie, bookmarks, and more.

A variety of other exclusive BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC memorabilia – including collectable figures, a special art book, cell phone charms, and Japanese theatrical pamphlets autographed by Studio 4ºC CEO Eiko Tanaka – will be given away to lucky winners who attend the screenings at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema premiere. Neon Alley viewers will also have a chance to watch and win one of 50 one-of-a-kind pieces of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC production art available exclusively during the premiere event. Please visit www.facebook.com/neonalleynetwork for more details on the special giveaway items. 

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary Guts as he travels the land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to take down 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 II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY picks up the story as Guts believed, for three years, that his mission was to pursue Griffith’s dream together with him. But in order to become Griffith’s equal and truly be called his friend, Guts realizes he will have to leave the Band of the Hawk. At the same time, a bloody battle to capture the impenetrable Fortress of Doldrey from the Empire of Chuder is about to begin. The Band of the Hawk will face an army 30,000 strong!
For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne Review

Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne English dubbed has finally come to the states thanks to VIZ Media and Neon Alley. I had the pleasure of viewing it. How does the series and English dubbed hold up? 

Story - Madoka is the lone member of her school's Jersey Club. She is one day recruited by a mysterious girl named Lan to pilot the robot "Vox" and protect her city from space invaders. They are joined by a third girl, Muginami, who has a different goal than Ran. Meanwhile, they still don't know their enemies' true goal, or what "Rinne" might be. Lagrange: The Flower Of Rin-ne is a pretty good mech anime. The character Madoka is very fun to watch. She is sweet, heroic and can be a little naive. She is one of the anime characters that you would consider pure, always there for people, willing to help those in need, but very strong when the time comes from it. Her relationship with the alien girl named Lan and the mystery behind who Lan is, will keep you invested in the story. 

The anime has some interesting characters, but some of them unfortunately fall into the typical cliche mech storyline that has been used over and over. The mysterious alien pilot, the one chosen mech fighter who has to save the world, it's not bad and doesn't really kill the anime but we see some of it done before. However minus that little complaint this is one entertaining show. The characters are fresh enough minus the cliche elements to keep you engaged, there are enough set pieces, action and comedy that will have you waiting for the next episode.

© Lagrange Project

Voice Acting - The voice acting cast consist of a very stellar group, Kira Buckland plays Madoka and does great as her. She brings that sweet innocent, but naive approach to the character and works well. Sophie Roberts plays the mysterious Lan and I really enjoyed her voice, it's very cool calm but very mysterious in tone. Other mentions are Johnny Young Basch, Wendee Lee and Karen Strassman all do great jobs.

Music & Animation - The music in this anime has one of the most addicting opening theme songs "Try Unite" by Megumi Nakajima. This song will get you get excited, have you dancing or at least get you in the groove for the anime. The background music is Saeko Suzuki and I love the use strings it's up tempo at times, but really works well for the battle sequences. When the piano is used it's very mellow and tones down the intensity from the action. I will recommend getting the OST if you can find it. 

The animation is lovely. I love the design on the mech's and action sequences. The background and some character designs remind of Eureka Seven for some reason, especially Lan's character she reminded me of Eureka. However the detail and CGI use is well done and it's truly is a beautiful anime to look out.

© Lagrange Project

Final Grade B-/8.0: Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne is a anime you should check out. It has a different type of story with some original and cliche characters that you would expect in a mech anime. The music is awesome, the animation is great and the English dubbbed does a good job.

To watch Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne register for Neon Alley
Register
http://neonalley.com/

Neon Alley: The 24 Hour Anime Channel Review

Are you one those people who can't get anime on cable? Can't find the anime you want on Netflix or other avenues? Then you might want to check out Neon Alley the 24 hour anime channel on the PS3 and online. Neon Alley is brought to you by VIZMedia. This 24 hour anime channel consist of shows like Blue Exorcist, One Piece, Berserk, Naruto, Inuyasha: The Final Act, Vampire Knight just to name a few. Non stop anime all day long with limited advertisement. The great thing about Neon Alley is each week you will get premiere movie or episode. All the shows are in English dub and uncut. In addition Neon Alley also includes some live action movies like Initial D: The Movie. 

So far the channel is up to a promising start. However there is a few things I would like to see change. It would be nice if you have the ability to pause, fast forward, rewind etc. Or have the ability to watch the show that you miss later on in the day by having an option replay menu, instead waiting for that episode to re-air. The advertisement is very limited and keeps true to the subject matter. You will see advertisements from anime conventions, latest manga, and anime shows that will appear on the Neon Alley network. Finally Neon Alley allows a free one week trial. After that it cost a small fee of $6.99 a month which is fair price for non stop anime channel. With new premieres and soon exclusive content coming Neon Alley is heading to the right direction. Hopefully we will see a little more upgrades in the menu and give users more control, still this something all otakus should check out. 

Pros 
Non-stop anime.
Afforable monthly fee.
Premieres every week.

Cons
Lack of controls for the user, such as rewind, fast forward.
No menu for replay shows that aired that day.
Lack of titles (keep in mind that is for now).       

Neon Alley is available on the Playstation 3 store. For more info visit http://neonalley.com/.

   by Nathaniel Jean-Pierre

VIZ Media Debuts Neon Alley On The Playstation Network

VIZ Media, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, anime and graphic novels in North America, announced the launch of Neon Alley, a 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles (dubbed in English and uncut), exclusively on the PlayStation^®Network and the PlayStation^®3 (PS3™) system.

“The Neon Alley premiere on PlayStation 3 is a landmark event for anime fans,” said Ken Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer for VIZ Media.  “Neon Alley combines the appointment viewing and joy of discovery of traditional broadcast TV with the ease of subscribing to a dedicated anime channel. Fans will find all of their favorite series alongside the best of the best new series they didn’t even know they were missing!”

Starting today, the Neon Alley application can be downloaded from PlayStation Network for the PS3 system. The subscription-based service will be available for a low $6.99 per month.  For a limited time only, starting today, a one-week free trial will be available for fans who sign up at NeonAlley.com.

Neon Alley’s schedule includes a mix of action, adventure, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, uncut and dubbed into English, and presented in HD (when available). At launch, Neon Alley will premiere weekly exclusive episodes of BLUE EXORCIST, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, and TIGER & BUNNY. Fans can catch their favorite blockbuster anime from the beginning, including DEATH NOTE, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and more. The critically acclaimed BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I - THE EGG OF THE KING will also debut in October. Future premieres include LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE and ZETMAN. Viewers can easily find out what’s showing on Neon Alley with an electronic program guide showing the schedule for the week ahead.

Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and content distributors, including Aniplex, FUNimation, NTV, Taiseng, Anime News Network, and Empire Distribution. Members can also share real-time thoughts and status updates using social media technology from Tout (Tout.com), some of which will air on the network. Neon Alley will continue to unveil more of its programming lineup, special offers, new acquisitions and other partnerships throughout the next several months.

                                                                                                                                                                   

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

For more information on VIZ Media, visit www.viz.com.  

Neon Alley The 24 Hour Anime Channel Coming This Fall To Game Consoles

Here is some awesome news from our pals at Viz Media. 

Viz Media Launches "Neon Alley"

24-Hour Anime Channel Launches On Game Consoles This Fall

San Francisco, CA, June 27, 2012 – VIZ Media, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, unveiled plans for Neon Alley, a 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles set to debut on game consoles this fall. The service will be available in the United States and Canada.

Neon Alley’s schedule will include a mix of action, adventure, science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, all uncut and dubbed in English, and presented in HD (when available). Programming will include blockbuster anime titles like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, and DEATH NOTE, and will allow fans to discover new titles such as TIGER & BUNNY, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC, ZETMAN, and NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, along with original content that provides news and behind-the-scenes access for fans of anime and manga.

“We created Neon Alley for fans to watch the best anime titles in the world right on their TV,” said Ken Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer for VIZ Media. “Neon Alley will have weekly exclusive premieres of the hit titles they love, along with a mix of new, cutting-edge titles they didn’t know they were missing.”

Neon Alley will be a subscription-based service, subsidized with limited commercial advertising, to keep the launch price to consumers at a low $6.99 per month. Anime fans can register online at NeonAlley.com for news, updates on the service’s launch, and to find out how to get a sneak preview of the series debuting during the first season. Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and distributors, and will unveil its programming lineup, special introductory offers, new acquisitions and other partnerships throughout the next several months.

For more information on Neon Alley, please visit www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.