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Pokémon Movie Collection: Diamond & Pearl UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2018 April 10 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us the release details for the Pokémon Movie Collection: Diamond & Pearl. It's due out on Monday 21st May 2018, as always you can pre-order the DVD set from Amazon.co.uk.

United Publications Spring Clearance Sale 2018

Date: 2018 April 09 18:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from anime and manga retailer United Publications have sent us details of their spring clearance sale for 2018.

Managing Director Martin Dudman tells us - "Chance to try new series or help fill gaps in your collection.
Spring Clearance Books, DVD & Figures, limited quantity first come first served.
All orders will be posted ASAP and can not be held waiting on other items"

United Publications are a retailer you may have met before on the UK convention scene, as they regularly have stalls at London Comic Con and fan run conventions around the country.

Souce: United Publications

Studio Ghibli co-founder and animation director Isao Takahata passes away in Tokyo

Date: 2018 April 07 11:31 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Isao Takahata, the co-founder of the legendary Studio Ghibli, has passed away in Tokyo at the age of 82. The animation director who worked alongside fellow director and studio founder Hayao Miyazaki was an integral part of the studio as well as being one of the major directors throughout its history. Among his many personal accomplishments were the animated films My Neighbours the Yamadas, Pom Poko, Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday and the Oscar-nominated The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Ghibli Movies to Air on Film4 in the UK this Easter 2018

Date: 2018 March 29 19:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based Studio Ghibli fans can catch 4 Miyazaki classics over Easter 2018. Film4 will be showing:

My Neighbour Totoro - Monday 2nd April (1.05pm) & 8th Sunday April (11am)
Kiki's Delivery Service - Tuesday 3rd April (12.50pm) Monday 9th April (11am)
Howl's Moving Castle - Wednesday 11th April (12.40pm)
Spirited Away - Thursday 12th April (12.35pm)

All screenings on the free to air channel will be dubbed in English, with a screenings of Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away shown on later slots on Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th April in Japanese with English subtitles.

Film4 have a lovely habit so showing Ghibli Films during school holidays and such screenings of these amazing movies often get many people into anime. We suggest you catch these delightful films.

If you fancy watching some Ghibli on the big screen in London this year, the BFI will be screening some classic Ghibli titles this May.

Souce: Film4

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Limited Edition UK Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 March 28 20:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks at Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of the up coming release of Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex on Blu-ray. The limited edition set comes with the whole of the Stand Alone Complex Series, that's Season 1, 2nd Gig (that's season 2), The Laughing Man OVA, Individual Eleven OVA and Solid State Society (the TV movie).

The blu-ray set is limited to 1,000 copies and is out on Monday 4th June 2018.

It also comes with a ton of extras Interviews with Kenji Kamiyama (director), Yoko Kanno (composer), voice actors, writers, mecha designers, animation directors and more. Bundled in is an 140 page in depth book.

Ghost In the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is in our opinion the definitive version of the franchise, while the movie is amazing and ground breaking, SAC feels closer to the original manga, capturing the humour and spirit. You've got Tachikoma's too, you can never get enough robot spider tanks running around. That and well, Yoko Kanno's amazing score for the series. The show also gave anime fandom the iconic Laughing Man Logo. We interviewed the graphic designer behind this logo a while ago.

The set is available for pre-order from Zavvi, currently it's £99 for the whole thing on blu-ray.

BFI May 2018 Anime Screening Details

Date: 2018 March 27 20:08 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London based anime fans will want to get over to the BFI in May 2018 to catch an Anime Weekender.

They'll be screening a range of titles including the soon to be released Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, along with the box office giant Your Name. One Your Name screening will be on IMAX, we caught it on the colossal screen last year and suggest you can catch it if you can.

There's so much good stuff in this season, including the charming Lu Over the Wall. We saw it last year and loved it.

Tucked away on the listings (and easily missed) is a complete run down of the BFI Animation 2018 Season. This includes a delightful screening of Ghibli Classics My Neighbour Totoro and two screenings of Spirited Away, plus a screening of Princess Mononoke.

Satoshi Kon's masterpiece Paprika will also be shown.

Fans keen to see Akira can also catch two screenings of 30th anniversary screening: Akira, including one on IMAX.

History buffs and historic anime fans alike will be interested in Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors a World War II propaganda film thought to be destroyed after the war.

Basically we suggest you catch one of these fantastic films on the big screen. Nothing beats watching a great anime film on a huge cinema screen. We also suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.

Otaku News - Out with the old and in with the new!

Date: 2018 March 24 19:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

After 14 years you may have noticed we've had a bit of an update here at Otaku News. Our website now has a new look and feel! This is version 2 of Otaku News.

As part of the update URLs for existing articles and reviews have changed, but they'll be automatically redirected so if you've bookmarked them, or mentioned them on a forum, cited them on a paper or whatever you'll be fine to keep the existing link.

The Pirate Anime FAQ address has also changed to https://www.otakunews.com/pirate-anime-faq.

Our RSS Feeds are still available too and existing links still work.

Meanwhile the links we used to have down the side have been trimmed away, as a lot of the anime and manga companies we linked to don't exist any more!

Updating the code that runs the website wasn't originally a priority. We've always focused on content. When we first launched in 2004 the website looked up-to-date, then as time went on, the website was good enough, until it drifted into being, erm, well a bit vintage. 14 years is aeons in internet time and a lot has changed on the internet since then! So we've updated the code. It's now more mobile and tablet friendly. Hopefully as time goes on, we'll also add new features a lot quicker than before!

Please do get in touch and tell us what you think. Don't forget you can also find us on Twitter via @otaku_news.

Also we're always looking for new contributors, so if you're interested in contributing then please do get in touch.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms - UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2018 March 24 12:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans in the UK looking for a cinema screening in June will be excited to hear about Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. Anime Limited will be bringing the feature film to the UK on Wednesday 27th June 2018 for a nation wide cineam screening.

The film marks Mari Okada's directorial debut. The story in a fantasy land of Iolph where it's people are known for youthful longevity and peaceful lives weaving tapestry. Invaders want the to learn the secrets of their long life and Maquia's life it turned upside down as a result, she embarks on and adventure with Aliel, an orphaned baby boy.

The film is from P.A. Works who are renowned for high quality animation and also the slightly quirky (such as the thoroughly enjoyable The Eccentric Family). You may know their other works Shirobako or A Lull in the Sea.

As always we've already put the details up on the Otaku Calendar to help you keep track of up coming events.

We'll provide further details as and when they're available.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

My Hero Academia Season Two - Part One UK Competition

Date: 2018 March 21 20:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from Funimation Entertainment have given us one copy of My Hero Academia Season 2 Part 1 to give away on DVD. The show hits the shelves on DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 2nd April 2018. So read on to enter our competition!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation - Review

Date: 2018 March 19 22:19 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Anime

Thanks to the good folks from Anime Limited Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation hits UK Cinemas on Wednesday 21st March 2018 for a special screening. You want to know is it any good? Well we sent Nes Long occasional Otaku News contributor and Lelouch cosplayer to find out.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hibanacon 2018 Details

Date: 2018 March 18 15:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

UK Anime fans looking for a convention in November 2018 will be interested in Hibanacon in Milton Keynes. Set to run from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November 2018 the convention returns with fan favourites including panels, games, live acts, cosplay and as every fan run convention demands parties (including a cosplay ball)!

Registrations are now open so we suggest you book soon to avoid disappointment if you want to go to a fan run convention.

Souce: Hibanacon

My Hero Academia Season Two - Part One UK Release Details

Date: 2018 March 10 20:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Funimation Entertainment have sent us details of their up coming release of My Hero Academia Season 2 - Part 1. The fan favourite is due out on DVD and blu-ray on Monday 2nd April 2018.

A Silent Voice Now on Netflix for March 2018

Date: 2018 March 10 16:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Netflix have just announced that they'll be showing A Silent Voice. The emotional roller-coaster of a movie adapted from the manga by Yoshitoki Oima it tells the tale of Shoya a boy who bullied Shoko a new deaf girl in his class. As the story unfolds, Shoya realises the error of his ways and seeks out Shoko to apologise and redeem himself a few years later.

We've reviewed the film from it's original theatrical run. If you don't have Netflix you can always get the movie on DVD or blu-ray too.

A Silent Voice is from Kyoto Animation who are renowned for the quality of their output. Their current series Violet Evergarden is currently showing in Netflix in the UK and is proving very popular.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation - UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2018 March 03 21:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Anime fans in the UK looking to get some cinematic anime action will want to keep Wednesday 21st March 2018 free. For one day there'll be a special screening of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation.

The film forms a retelling of the series opening acts and it a great way to get into the series or remind yourself of the series. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I - Initiation is the first part of a planned trilogy.

The good folks at Anime Limited are releasing the film around the UK. To find a screening near you head over to http://codegeassfilm.co.uk/.

Attack On Titan: The Roar of Awakening Competition

Date: 2018 February 20 15:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Attack On Titan: The Roar of Awakening hits cinemas in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 21st February 2018. To celebrate we've teams up with the good folks at Anime Limited to give away some snazzy attire. We've got a limited edition Attack on Titan cape to give away. You too can pretend to be in the Survey Corps and explore the area beyond wall. We tried to get some 3D Manoeuvring Gear, but Anime Limited were insistent that giving away something that fires a spike attached to a cable wasn't exactly safe.

To find a cinema screening near you, check out the Anime Limited Screening page.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale Now on Netflix

Date: 2018 February 15 17:09 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based anime fans with streaming service Netflix will want to check out Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale. It follows on from the TV series where Kirito and Asuna get involved with the latest augmented reality game Ordinal Scale. Mild peril ensues. We posted a review when hit the cinemas last year.

Souce: Netflix UK

Anime Limited to Release Mirai - Mamoru Hosoda's Latest Movie in Cinemas in the UK in 2018

Date: 2018 February 15 16:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from UK anime company Anime Limited have just revealed that they will be bringing Mirai to UK Cinemas during 2018. Mirai is the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda the director behind The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, along with The Boy and the Beast. The film has yet to be released in Japan. It's early days yet and all the details still need to be confirmed, but Anime Limited intend to release it in UK cinemas sometime during the final quarter of 2018.

We first mentioned the film in May 2017 when the details around the film were first announced.

Mamoru Hosoda are much loved by anime fans. With his productions being of consistently high quality in terms of animation and storytelling. It's probably safe to say, if Mirai is going to be anything like his other features, it's going to be good!

You can already his most recent film The Boy and the Beast on DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

Manga Entertainment UK have also released a premium Hosoda Collection of his other movies

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Manga Entertainment UK Spring 2018 DVD and Blu-ray Release Line Up

Date: 2018 February 09 17:11 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us their release schedule for Q2 of 2018. They've got a mix of classic shonen action and some new stuff including BLAME!.

April 2018:

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1
Occultic Nine Volume 1
Dragon Ball Z The TV Specials Double Feature: The History Of Trunks/Bardock The Father Of Goku
Ushio & Tora Complete Series Collection DVD
Naruto Shippuden Complete Series 8 Box Set
Pokemon The Movie 20: I Choose You! Blu-ray Steelbook

May 2018:

Power Ranger Dino Super Charge: Vol 2 Extinction
Naruto Shippuden Box 32
Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga Volume 2
BLAME!
Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal Season 3

BLAME! UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 February 09 16:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details of their latest acquisition. BLAME! the CG animated film based on the popular manga of the same name. Originally released as a Netflix exclusive the movie will hit DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 28th May 2018. Manga UK will be partnering with Dybex to distribute the film in the UK, Ireland, France and Benelux.

You can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk now.

Attack On Titan: The Roar of Awakening - UK Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2018 February 04 10:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK Anime fans looking to watch something on the big screen this February will want to find a cinema near them screening Attack On Titan: The Roar of Awakening. The film which is a recap of season 2 will be screened around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 21st February 2018. The film hits cinemas thanks to the good folks at Anime Limited. To find a screening near you visit Anime Limited's Cinema Screening page.

The film itself is really intended for fans of Attack on Titan as it's a big screen directors cut of season 2 of the show. It's not a stand alone movie. It's great if you've seen season one and want to see the best bits of season 2 or if you just want to enjoy some Titan action on the big screen.

If you can't catch the film on the big screen, you can always get the Blu-ray or DVD of season 2 on Monday 26th February 2018.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms UK and International Premiere Details

Date: 2018 January 25 17:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Glasgow based anime fans looking for a premiere film screening will want to go to the Glasgow Film Festival on Sunday 4th March 2018 to catch Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms. This is the International Premiere. It'll be coming to cinemas nationwide in March 2018 thanks to the good folks at Anime Limited.

The fantasy anime marks Mari Okada’s directorial debut you may be familiar with her other work she wrote The Anthem of the Heart and the screenplay for Nagi-Asu: A Lull in the Sea. The Anime is produced by P.A. Works who created one of the Otaku News Team's favourite anime series The Eccentric Family.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Attack on Titan Season 2 UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2018 January 13 11:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK Anime fans eagerly awaiting to get their hands on the home video release of Attack on Titan Season 2 won't have to wait much longer. The good folks at Funimation Entertainment have sent us details for the UK release on DVD and blu-ray. The hugely popular series will hit UK shelves on Monday 26th February 2018.

The DVD and blu-ray releases are packed with extras including episode commentaries, interviews with original creator Hajime Isayama, plus interviews with staff at Anime Expo 2017.

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

World's Largest Collection of CardCaptor Sakura Merchandise

Date: 2018 January 04 15:42 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Fandom

If you think your collection of anime merchandise is big then you might want to think again. Is it big enough to get a Guinness World Record? We've just heard from Sofia Pichihua a keen CardCaptor Sakura fan from Peru, who has the world's largest collection of CardCaptor Sakura merchandise with 1,086 items. Sofia writes for the Otaku Press blog (that's a name we like).

There are other collectors out there. Masao Gunji in Yotsukaido, Japan has the world's largest collection of Hello Kitty memorabilia with 5,169 items.

Can anyone else out there beat this? Do you have a large collection of anime merchandise that's worthy of a Guinness World Record?

Violet Evergarden on Netflix UK from 11th January 2018

Date: 2018 January 03 16:41 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK Anime fans looking to get into the latest anime from Kyo Ani, the studio behind A Silent Voice and K-On will want to get onto Netflix from Thursday 11th January 2018 as the streaming service will be showing a new series Violet Evergarden. The fantasy series follows the story of Violet Evergarden, known as "the weapon" she's recovering from the recent war and has to find her place in the new post war world. It's based on a series of light novels written by Kana Akatsuki.

We were lucky enough to see the first episode at the MCM London Comic Con in October 2017 thanks to an official screening run by Anime Limited.

The production values are lavish. The first episode was like watching a feature film. We've also heard it described as opulent and wouldn't disagree with this description. It's like someone has just given Kyo Ani a truck full of money and said "Take this huge truck full of money and use it to make anime". Although this is the first episode, we'll be very curious to see if the production values remain throughout.

Evangelion Ring Watch Details

Date: 2017 December 23 08:28 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from on-line anime shop Tokyo Otaku Mode have sent us details of a new Evangelion product available for pre-order that will be of interest to the fan who has everything.

We've covered the world of Evangelion merchandise before with the Transformers Mode Eva (which promptly sold out), along with an article covering all the stuff available, plus a follow up article (our favourite bit of merchandise is still an AT Field Umbrella).

With such a wide variety of Eva themed goods, the merchandise department khara must be looking for something a bit different to sell. So a tie in with character-based jewellery firm U-TREASURE seems like a good choice. They'll be releasing a "ring watch". It's a ring with a watch face on the setting. There's lot of interesting details such as the bezel featuring the Eva Pilot's synchro rates, and the jewel matching the patterns of the AT Field. What strikes us is the choice for the base of the ring. They've decided to use the pilots torso as the base, yes, you've read that right. Not their face, or some sort of montage, or some other Eva iconography like the Lance of Longinus or some nifty design featuring the angels or something along those lines, but a ring with the torsos of the pilots in their plug suits.

You can chose between two designs one with a red jewel, with Rei's torso in her 00 suit and 09 suit, or another design with a blue jewel featuring Shinji and Kaworu.

The ring watch will retail for ¥53,000 JPY which is about $468 USD / €394 EUR / £350 GBP (at the time of publishing). Both designs will be limited to 100 units each with serial numbers.

Pre-orders open from 10:00 am (JST) on December 22, 2017
Pre-orders period ends at 11:59 pm (JST) on January 31, 2018

Fireworks UK Anime Cinema Screening Reminder

Date: 2017 November 14 16:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

Remember, remember the 15th of November,
Anime screening with a plot.
We see no reason
Why anime screenings
Should ever be forgot!

Anime fans in the UK should be reminded that Fireworks hits the cinemas with a bang (pun intended), on Wednesday 15th November 2017 for special one day screening. You can visit FireworksMovie.co.uk to find a screening near you.

Souce: Fireworks Movie Website

Ronja The Robber's Daughter UK Blu-ray and DVD Release Details

Date: 2017 November 08 16:53 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK anime fans eager to own Studio Ghibli's TV show Ronja The Robber's Daughter, will be pleased to hear that it's getting a home video release on Monday 4th December 2017. It's available for pre-order on Blu-ray and DVD from the good folks at Studio Canal.

London based fans with children can also visit the BFI on Sunday 19th November 2017 for a special screening event showing the first 4 episodes of the series. Tickets for this event are selling out quickly, so book while you can if you want to go.

Perfect Blue UK Halloween Cinema Screening Review

Date: 2017 October 24 16:40 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Features

UK Anime fans can catch the Satoshi Kon Classic Perfect Blue at UK Cinemas Nationally on 31st October 2017. Visit perfectbluemovie.co.uk to find a screening near you.

We sent James and Lee to review the movie. Our editor found them after the screening rocking back and forth in the corner of the room, muttering about perception of reality and something about an unreliable narrator, he didn't care that this movie freaked them both out, he just wanted his 500 word review. So after some special counselling involving a unicorn chaser of both seasons of K-On (plus the movie) we managed to get a coherent review. Although they are still on edge a bit when they see J-Pop Idols for some reason...

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Fireworks UK Anime Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 October 20 17:44 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK Anime fans looking for a cinematic treat in November will be pleased to hear about Anime Limited's latest offering of Fireworks. Pitched as a coming of age story with a hint of sci-fi from the director of Nisekoi and Monogatari. It hits cinemas around the UK on Wednesday 15th November 2017.

To find a screening near you visit fireworksmovie.co.uk.

As always we've put the details up on the Otaku Calendar.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Your Name DVD Competition

Date: 2017 October 18 16:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans keen to get their own copy of the smash hit anime Your Name will want to set the date of Monday 6th November 2017 for the DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray Steelbook and Thursday 23rd November 2017 for the Deluxe Edition exclusively to Anime Ltd and Zavvi.

We've teamed up with the good folks from Anime Limited to give one lucky reader a copy of the film on DVD.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Little Witch Academia Creators to Appear at MCM London Comic Con October 2017

Date: 2017 October 15 15:37 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime fans heading the MCM London Comic Con will be pleased to hear that they've got the creators of Little Witch Academia as the anime guests. The fan favourite show is available to watch in the UK on Netflix.

Series director Yoh Yoshinari, series producer Naoko Tsutsumi, producer Katsuhiro Takei and video game producer Yosuke Futami will all be at the MCM London Comic on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October 2017.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October 2017.

RWBY Volume 5 - Premieres October 14, 2017 on Rooster Teeth FIRST

Date: 2017 October 13 15:49 | Posted By: Lee

Category > Anime

Volume 5 of popular anime RWBY by Rooster Teeth debuts on 14th October 2017 on Rooster Teeth First. We plan to catch up with our friends at Rooster Teeth this weekend to learn more about the series at RTX London, however click below for a glimpse of what to expect from the new series.

Perfect Blue UK Halloween Cinema Screening Details

Date: 2017 October 09 16:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK anime fans will be pleased to hear that the clever folks at Anime Limited have realised that Perfect Blue would make the perfect Halloween night screening. The psychological thriller doesn't just mess with the protagonist, it also messes with your mind in the late great Satoshi Kon's debut film.

The film will screen (and make you scream) for one night only, the night of Halloween on Tuesday 31st October 2017. To find a screening near you visit perfectbluemovie.co.uk.

Traditionally at Christmas time at Otaku News we watch another Satoshi Kon film Tokyo Godfathers to get into the Christmas Spirit. We hope this becomes some kind of Halloween tradition from Anime Limited.

Silent Manga Audition Round 9

Date: 2017 October 06 16:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Are you an aspiring manga artist? Do you want to get the attention of the manga industry? Well the Silent Manga Audition are running another manga competition. The clever twist is that you're not allowed to use dialogue, hence Silent Manga, this is clever as it makes it more international.

There are 3 themes for this round Fairness / Respect / Teamwork. The themes are chosen to encourage creation of works that will help promote the spirit of 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The deadline is 31st of March 2018. The top prize is 500,00 JPY (about $4,438 USD, €3,782 EUR, £3,396 GBP at the time of writing).

An Interview with Masaaki Yuasa

Date: 2017 September 29 16:51 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Features

Cult anime director Masaaki Yuasa was in the UK recently, being eager to quiz him about his two upcoming films Night is Short, Walk On Girl which hits cinemas on 4th October 2017 (visit the official website to find a screening near you) and Lu Over the Wall on 6th December 2017.

Rather than just send anyone to interview this great director, we wanted to send someone we knew who is one of Masaaki Yuasa biggest fans. So we sent Katy.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

A Silent Voice UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 September 26 08:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK fans of the emotional rollercoaster of anime movie called A Silent Voice will be pleased to hear the latest announcement from anime distributors Anime Limited.

The company confirm that they'll be in fact 4 editions of the release -

Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray+DVD set
Standard Blu-ray
Standard DVD

Plus a special bundle from Anime Limited's web shop that includes 2 A3 posters (which will be sent in a poster tube so there won't be any folds).

All the editions will hit the shelves on Monday 30th October 2017. If you want to watch it now, you can buy or rent it from Amazon Video.

In Tuesday 14th November 2017 manga publishers Kodansha Comics will be releasing A Silent Voice as a complete Manga Box Set. So you can read all 1,344 pages of it across all 7 volumes from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Lu over the Wall UK Cinema Release Details

Date: 2017 August 31 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

We've just been sent details about Lu over the Wall from the good folks at Anime Limited. The new movie from director Masaaki Yuasa features a heartwarming and magical mermaid tale.

The film will be at the BFI London Film Festival Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October 2017. You can read more about it on the BFI LFF Website. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 14th September 2017. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment.

The film will be shown nationwide around the UK on Wednesday 6th December 2017.

Masaaki Yuasa's trade mark style includes quick fire dialogue, eccentric and eclectic mix of style story and animation. You may have seen his work before on the cult The Tatami Galaxy.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Reminder

Date: 2017 August 31 14:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Just a quick reminder to fans of anime director Mamoru Hosoda. Studio Canal will be releasing The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray on Monday 4th September 2017. You can read more details here.

Souce: Studio Canal

Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival 2017 Details

Date: 2017 August 27 02:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans in Wales looking for some fun at the end of September in Cardiff or the end of October in Aberystwyth will want to head over to the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival 2017. Set to run at Chapter in Cardiff from Friday 29th September until Sunday 1st October 2017 and at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on Saturday 28th October 2017.

The festival is in partnership with The Japan Foundation.

As always, we've added the details of this event to The Otaku Calendar to help you keep up to date with all the latest events and release dates.

AmeCon 2018 Announced

Date: 2017 August 20 13:02 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans looking for a fan run convention in the UK for the summer of 2018 will be excited to hear that AmeCon have announced that they will return on Friday 27th until Sunday 29th July 2018 at the Warwick Arts Centre. The venue has proved a popular location for AyaCon, AmeCon and KitaCon. Registration will be £50 or £95 for premium for the whole weekend. Registration will open on Monday 16 October 2017. Special guest is American Voice Actor Jerry Jewell.

The event has just been announced as the closing ceremony of KitaCon 2017.

Souce: AmeCon

When Marnie Was There on Film4

Date: 2017 August 20 07:55 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

UK based fans of Studio Ghibli will want to tune into Film4 at 11 am on Wednesday 23rd August 2017 to catch the network premiere of When Marnie Was There.

While on Tuesday 22nd August 2017 also at 11 am Film4 will be screening Ghibli movie The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

UK Viewers can catch Film4 on the following channel on the following services:

15 Freeview
315 Sky
342 Sky HD
428 Virgin
300 Freesat
15 YouView
15 BT TV
15 TalkTalk

Souce: Film4

My Experience of seeing Your Name at the IMAX

Date: 2017 August 17 13:38 | Posted By: Voxie

Category > Features

As I leave Cineworld Leicester Square, trying to pull together the memories of what I had just watched, I smile and sense a melancholic joy well up inside of me. Watching Your Name reminded me of all the subconscious thoughts, moments and dreams we might have all forgotten through the motions of everyday life, an inevitable cycle of the human mind... and yet there I was, trying not to let go of what I had just seen, trying to fathom the beauty of the film’s meaning and put it into words. Makoto Shinkai had done it again!

But I'm not here to review the film today (you can read our earlier, spoiler-free review here). Instead, I'm here to talk about the experience of watching the world’s first anime to be released in IMAX format!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Napping Princess Movie Review

Date: 2017 August 12 18:47 | Posted By: Guest Contributor

Category > Anime > Film

Napping Princess hits the UK Cinemas on Wednesday 16th August 2017. You can find a screening near you by visiting NappingPrincessMovie.co.uk. It's being distributed by good folks at Anime Limited. We sent Otaku News contributor James off to a sneak peak of the film.

James is a full-time cynical geek who's probably getting too old for all this. Although he hates to admit it, the reason he's still watching anime after all these years is because some of it is actually pretty good.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

The Red Turtle UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 12:26 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Studio Canal have just sent us details the UK DVD and Blu-ray release of The Red Turtle. It's due out in the UK on Monday 25th September 2017.

The movie is produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit who was head hunted especially for the film with Isao Takahata acting as artistic director.

You can read our review of The Red Turtle and our interview with the director.

To be honest this movie is amazing. There's no dialogue, so you won't need to watch it subbed or dubbed. It's very intelligent, it's well animated, it doesn't talk down to you. Given the choice you can watch a few episodes of a long running shonen series or you can spend the time watching something that'll get you thinking.

There subtle things in this film, although there's no real dialogue apart from the occasional grunt, moan or the main character going "heeeeeeeeeeeeey", the attention to detail is stunning. They decided to record the sound of the characters breathing to make it feel more real. Repeat viewings will make you notice details you didn't spot first time around.

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

The Boy and The Beast UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 20 11:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

We've just heard from the good folks at StudioCanal that Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and The Beast will finally be heading to DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on Monday 4th September 2017. The movie follows the adventures of Kyuta an abandoned boy who stumbles into the mythical world of beasts where he meets Kumatetsu the brash warrior. Kumatetsu takes Kyuta under his wing (shouldn't that be paw?) and adventure ensues.

You may be familiar with director Mamoru Hosoda other works, which include Summer Wars, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Wolf Children. We've seen this film and confirm if you like anything else by Hosoda you'll know exactly what to expect. You'll enjoy this!

As always you can pre-order the DVD and Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk.

It should be noted that Manga Entertainment UK have announced that they'll be releasing a premium Hosoda Collection of his other movies.

Genocidal Organ Review

Date: 2017 July 09 15:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Anime has now started to get a regular monthly screening at select cinemas national wide around the UK! This month on Wednesday 12th July 2017, Genocidal Organ will hit screens across the UK.

You can find a screening near you by visiting genocidalorganmovie.co.uk, but before you do are you wondering if the movie is any good? Read our review and find out!

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Manga Entertainment and Animatsu UK Q4 2017 Anime DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2017 July 03 16:47 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us their Q4 2017 release dates. The release list includes their sister label Animatsu.

There's some good stuff coming up for the end of the year. They've got a great Hosoda Collection in which the works of excellent director Mamoru Hosoda get's a premium release. They'll be releasing The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Wolf Children and Summer Wars as blu-ray separate sets with various extras deluxe packaging and companion books all bundled in. It's due to hit the shops at the beginning of November 2017 and each box costs about £30. They've yet to release any examples of the box art and packaging (although it's early days yet).

The 20th November 2017 marks the date when Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto hits the shelves, it's a silly and enjoyable comedy.

On 27th November 2017, they'll be releasing fan favourite JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Our favourite in the line up is Kinmoza due out 9th October 2017 and the second series Hello! Kinmoza which is due out on 18th December 2017. The show based on a four panel comedy manga follows the very light adventures of Japanese school girl Shino and her English friend Alice who lives with her. We had a world exclusive reveal visiting Fosse Farm, the real life location used for Alice's House, when the show first aired in Japan.

Sky UK Channel Viceland to Show Anime

Date: 2017 June 21 14:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > TV

The good folks from Anime Limited have just revealed that Sky and Now TV Channel Viceland will be airing anime.

They'll be showing Anime Limited titles Cowboy Bebop, Tokyo Ghoul and Eureka Seven, along with MVM Entertainment licensed Samurai Champloo. The block will show anime from midnight. So set your Sky+ Box to record it if you're not a night owl. They'll start airing anime from Monday 17th July.

Viceland is currently available on Sky Channel 153 and Now TV.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

In This Corner of the World wins the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy

Date: 2017 June 20 15:32 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

In This Corner of the World wins the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have sent us details about one of their latest titles. The feature film In This Corner of the World has won the Feature Film Jury Award at the 41st Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Recently Manga Entertainment UK sent us details announcing that the film was going to compete at the Annecy. Now they're please to announce that it's won one of the coveted awards. The film first caught our interested when we heard it was directed by Sunao Katabuchi who also directed the excellent Mai Mai Miracle.

The film opens in the UK on Wednesday 28th June 2017. If you want watch to catch the movie yourself, you can visit www.inthiscornerfilm.co.uk to find a screening near you.

Anime Smash Hit Your Name returns to UK Cinemas this August

Date: 2017 June 12 15:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

UK based anime fans who missed the super smash hit movie Your Name will want to set a date of Wednesday 23rd August 2017 to catch the movie on the big screen. This time we mean really BIG screen, as they'll be IMAX Screenings of the feature film too.

The Makoto Shinkai movie won critics praise around the world and become a surprise box office smash in Japan and beyond. The IMAX screenings will be in Japanese with subtitles, as currently that's the only version that exists in the colossal IMAX format, while regular sized cinemas will be showing a mix of screenings dubbed into English and in Japanese with English subtitles. We urge you to watch this movie on a cinema screen while you can. It was the anime movie of 2016 and should be seen on a cinema screen to do it justice. An IMAX screening is incredibility rare for an anime title, so if you can catch it there, it's an insanely rare treat. As always we advise you book early for these screenings to avoid disappointment. We also suspect those who have caught it before at the cinema will want to catch it again while they can.

If you want to know more about the film you can read our review of Your Name and our interview with the film's director Makoto Shinkai.

The movie is not out on DVD or blu-ray in the UK yet. As we've mentioned before distributors Anime Limited have set the provisional release date for Monday 30th October 2017. They do however state that this date is likely to change and hopefully they'll be able to release it earlier.

You can pre-order one of 3 editions via Amazon.co.uk.
Your Name on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name on Blu-ray from Amazon.co.uk
Your Name Collectors Edition on Blu-ray and DVD Combi-pack from Amazon.co.uk

Anime Limited have confirmed at this time they are uncertain if there will be an Ultimate Edition. All editions will contain the movie dubbed in English and in Japanese with subtitles. They've yet to clarify the contents of each edition as it's still early days yet.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Hibanacon 2017 UK Convention Details

Date: 2017 May 31 15:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Are you looking for an anime convention to go to in the UK in November? The folks behind Hibanacon 2017 have got in touch to tell us about their up-coming convention in Milton Keynes. The new convention is set to run from Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November 2017 at Jury's Inn Milton Keynes.

This new convention is intended for up to 350 people and includes everything you'd expect at a fan run anime convention, including panels, workshops, screenings, a dealers room, a games room and of course, cosplay!

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