Scotland Loves Animation the fan favourite anime film festival is back for 2021. They're set to run at Glasgow from 1st to 3rd October 2021 and Edinburgh 11th to 17th October 2021.
Festival Highlights include Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko from Studio 4°C, Pompo the Cinephile a film about making films, Shirobako: The Movie which is an anime about making anime, along with Sing a Bit of Harmony which we mentioned yesterday, The Deer King, along with the original The End of Evangelion.
There's lots to see and as always there's a host of UK premieres with the odd European premiere too.
Souce: Scotland Loves Animation
The good folks from anime company Funimation have just sent us details about Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train which will be streaming on Funimation in the UK & Ireland from Monday 30th August 2021.
The TV series caused a massive spike in the manga sales and a movie was the natural progression of the franchise. The movie did rather well in Japan, becoming highest-grossing film ever at the Japanese box office.
In this feature film Tanjiro and the other heroes (plus the annoying Zenitsu) go on an adventure to investigate the death and disappearances on a steam train. Action ensues.
Don't forget Viz will be releasing a complete box set of the original manga on Tuesday 5th October 2021.
Read More... | Souce: Funimation UK
Category > Anime
The good folks from anime distributors Funimation UK have just revealed details of the co-production Sing A Bit of Harmony. The film is set for release in Japan on 29th October 2021, and will be coming soon to the UK and Ireland. The story focuses on a mysterious transfer student Shion who turns out to be an AI. Pandemonium ensues with the new classmate.
The film is written and direct by Yasuhiro Yoshiura, who is also known for the enjoyable Patema Inverted: Beginning of the Day and the excellent Time of EVE.
You can see the official trailer here.
Read More... | Souce: Funimation UK
The good folks from the BFI have just sent us details of the upcoming Japan 2021 Cinema Season. Celebrating 100 Years of Japanese Cinema, coming to cinemas UK-wide from October to December 2021. The season will show case an amazing selection films from Japan.
The screenings mark a continuation of the Japan 2020 season from last year, which was more of a home screening event due to the UK's COVID-19 lockdown situation.
As well as the often imitated Akira Kurosawa re-release of Seven Samurai cinemas UK Wide, there'll be a major two part season of Japanese cinema at BFI Southbank from 18 October - 30 December 2021. Plus screenings and special events at cinemas UK-wide. Along with BFI Japan collection on BFI Player.
Read More... | Souce: BFI Japan 2021
From Wednesday 11th August 2021 Josee, the Tiger and the Fish hits cinemas around the UK and Ireland. To celebrate it's launch we've teamed up with the good people from Anime Limited to give away a limited edition one sheet poster. Want a chance to win it? Then read on.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
The good folks from anime distribution company Anime Limited have just sent us the latest update about Mamoru Hosoda's latest movie Belle. The film has just received a 14-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The coveted audience endorsement was the the seventh longest in the festival's history!
We haven't seen the movie yet, but we're excited about it, as Mamoru Hosoda has a track record of delivering great movies. Critics are making the right sounds about it too, with Telegraph film critic Robbie Collin saying "there is usually one film per Cannes that emotionally bulldozes me, and this year Belle was it." While Time Out's Phil de Semlyen described it as one of my favourite things at Cannes.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us details of their latest cinematic outing. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is due to hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Wednesday 11th August 2021.
Pitched as beautiful, emotional and uplifting (which is the kind of movies Anime Limited love in their catalogue), it follows the love story between Tsuneo who gets a job assisting Josee an artist in a wheelchair. Animated by Studio Bones, who are best known for hits like My Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist and Eureka Seven, this film marks a change in pace and genre for the studio.
You can find a screening near you on the official UK website Joseefilm.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: Josee, the Tiger and the Fish UK and Ireland Website
The good folks from anime distribution company Anime Limited have sent us the latest details about Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu's latest film Belle. We've been told it will get it's world premiere at the 74th Cannes Film Festival.
We've mentioned that Anime Limited have the rights to the movie for the UK and Ireland. We're really excited about this feature and are eager to see it!
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
The good folks from third window films have sent us details of new release of Tezuka's Barbara. It's a film adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's manga Barbara by his son Macoto Tezka. With cinematography by Christopher Doyle, staring Goro Inagaki and Fumi Nikaido. Barbara itself is regarded as the legendary Tezuka's most adult and sexually-charged works. The film adaption appears to keep those elements, giving the film it's 18 rating.
It's just been released on Monday 28th June 2021 and retails for £19.99.
You can buy the all region blu-ray on Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: third window films
Category > Anime
The good folks from Anime publishing company Anime Limited have just sent us details about their most recent acquisition - Belle, the latest film from Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu. Previous works include the absolutely fanatic Mirai, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and The Boy and the Beast.
The movie follows familiar Hosoda themes of other worlds and cyber space with Suzu a 17 year old high school girl who enters the virtual world of U. There she becomes Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest to become who they truly are.
The movie has a top range of talent in production and we're very excited about this. We always enjoy a Mamoru Hosoda movie and we're certain this one will deliver!
Anime Limited have announced they've acquired all distribution rights to the film for the UK and Ireland. They'll have a cinema release, and no doubt a home video release in the not too distant future too.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
The good folks from anime distribution company Anime Limited have just announced a special one day screening of Violet Evergarden: The Movie across the UK and Ireland. The feature film is due to hit cinemas on Thursday 1st July 2021 for a one day only screening. The film will be available in Japanese with English subtitles.
The movie follows on from the hugely successful series about Violet, a former child soldier turned "Auto Memory Doll" scribe, who travels around the Europeanesque world helping her clients write letters from their heart. During the her adventures Violet's clients learn about themselves and in turn so does Violet.
The series available on Netflix and blu-ray has extraordinarily lavish animation. The movie continues that tradition.
Anime Limited will also be releasing the film on blu-ray and are taking pre-orders now.
We're hugely excited about this film and can't wait to see it.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
US anime label Discotek Media announced on Monday evening via Twitch they have licensed Shaman King, Super Dimension Century Orguss on blu-ray, Case Closed: The Darkest Nightmare, Lupin the Third: Part 5, Galaxy Cyclone Braiger on blu ray and Fatal Fury: The OVA Collection on blu-ray. They also gave updates for new releases coming from August 2021 onward.
Read More... | Souce: Discotek Media
Category > Anime
Normally by now we would have posted details of June's line up for Screen Anime, the streaming film festival. However now with cinemas opening back up and (hopefully) things getting slowly back to pre-COVID normality the curated streaming film festival has run it's course. The festival lasted for a year! Which is impressive by itself.
Anime Limited are still offering some movies streamed via Crunchyroll each month in the UK, Ireland and the US. While those who are still members of Screen Anime would have received a digital gift card for the AllTheAnime.com store via email, prorated based on the amount of time left in their subscription.
Anime Limited are also launching Anime (Un)Limited for £17.99 a year you'll get A 10% discount on all orders placed at the AllTheAnime.com store (which will have paid for itself fairly quickly if you buy a lot of anime). A free copy of their glossy high quality magazine, plus exclusive products and offers for members such as vinyl variants or other unique products.
Additionally tickets are now on sale for LUPIN III: THE FIRST, exclusively in Showcase Cinemas on Wednesday 2nd June 2021.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
As things start to open up in the UK cinemas are warming back up too. Funimation UK are getting off to a good start this year by releasing Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train on 26th May 2021 across the UK and soon in Ireland too.
You can find a screening near you on the official UK website.
The TV series caused a massive spike in the manga sales and a movie was the natural progression of the franchise. The movie did rather well in Japan, becoming highest-grossing film ever at the Japanese box office.
In this feature film Tanjiro and the other heroes (plus the annoying Zenitsu) go on an adventure to investigate the death and disappearances on a steam train. Action ensues.
To be honest, we found the TV series incredibility enjoyable (despite the annoying Zenitsu). If you haven't already you can watch the series legally on Crunchyroll. We suggest you watch it before going to a screening (although chances are you've already seen the show so don't need to hear what we think about it). The show itself is a great mix of action, adventure, along with the importance of family and freeing your sister from being cursed to live as a demon.
Read More... | Souce: Demon Slayer Movie Offical UK Website
The good folks from Japanese movie distributor third window films have just sent us the release details for One Cut of the Dead: Hollywood Edition
This special limited edition pressing is limited to 2,000 units. It includes One Cut of the Dead featuring 4 hours of content, including the spin-off film One Cut of the Dead in Hollywood.
We have seen the original One Cut of the Dead. All we'll say is watch it. Don't read any reviews, avoid any spoilers or plot synopsis. Just go in and watch it. You'll have the most rewarding experience if you do. It's a clever movie and also has plenty of rewatch value. We're curious to see what the spin off movie in Hollywood is like.
The all region blu-ray is available from Monday 31st May 2021 and will retail for £21.99.
You can pre-order it from Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: third window films
Category > Anime
Venerable UK anime brand to be retired in favour of new parent company's identity, social media idents to be moved over to existing Funimation UK addresses.
In an announcement on its official blog, Funimation confirmed that their UK home video division, Manga UK, will rebrand as Funimation. The fan-favourite UK anime label will start changing over to its parent labels identity, starting with their website and social media teams. The post also states that Blue Exorcist and its Kyoto Saga retcon would be available to UK and Irish viewers to celebrate. The change is expected to be completed by May 2021.
Read More... | Souce: Official Funimation blog
Category > Anime
US anime boutique label Discotek Media announced on Monday night via Twitch a number of new licence acquisitions and details on already announced titles. They also gave updates on the status of titles they are working on and the state of where they are.
Read More... | Souce: Discotek Media
Category > Anime
The good folks from Screen Anime the curated monthly streaming anime festival have sent us the details of their March 2021 showings. As always they've got a great line up.
For March they headline with the live action adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul, along with the classic anime Mind Game, which marks the directorial debut of Masaaki Yuasa. For the festival favourite they'll be showing The Case of Hana & Alice and for the final feature Summer Days with Coo will be showing too.
For the TV Series subscribers will be treated to the popular sci-fi show Planetes.
This month we highly recommend Mind Game and Planetes, but everything they've got (as always) is worth your time.
The shows are available from from 25th February 2021 until 25th March 2021. The subscription based service costs £3.98 a month or £39.98 per year. You can also gift a subscription for up to a year.
Read More... | Souce: Screen Anime
Category > Anime
The good folks from the Japan Foundation in the UK have sent us a reminder about their Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2021. As we've mentioned before in addition to the eighteen finest and most talked about recently released Japanese films, the programme will host 7 online talks where 8 Japanese directors in total will talk about their work and explore issues existing in Japanese society.
They've curated 18 Japanese titles under the theme of This is My Place - Carving out a sense of existence and belonging in Japanese Cinema.
You can sign up to watch the films and talks at home check out https://onlinecinema.jpf-film.org.uk.
As always we've they some really good titles.
The live action adaptation of Little Miss Period stands out. If you enjoyed the manga or are curious about personifications of that time of the month, then it's well worth catching!
For anime fans they'll be showing HELLO WORLD, a romantic story with a sci-fi twist.
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2021
Category > Anime
We've just received details from the good folks at The Japan Foundation in the UK. They've just revealed the line up for The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2021. The yearly film festival has always been a great way of seeing a wide range of Japanese films. This year around for the first time ever the festival is going online. It's set to run from 19th February to 10th March 2021.
Screening dates will be announced on Friday January 22nd 2021.
They've curated 18 Japanese titles under the theme of This is My Place - Carving out a sense of existence and belonging in Japanese Cinema.
Anime wise they'll be showing HELLO WORLD, a romantic story with a sci-fi twist.
They've also got the live action adaptation of Little Miss Period. The movie is based on the manga about personified visitations of that time of the month.
As always they've got a lot of good stuff showing and we're spoilt for choice. This time around you'll be able to watch it from the comfort of your own home.
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2021
Category > Anime
After showing off their releases for the start of 2021, Discotek have announced the next batch of titles for 2021. Unlike their earlier announcement, these titles have no release dates or preorder link details.
The list includes older titles, OVA's, newer shows and standalone movies. They also gave an update on their future release of Project A-Ko on blu-ray.
Titles announced are:
Read More... | Souce: Discotek Media
Category > Anime
UK anime label Anime Limited followed up on their earlier announcement of new titles with release dates and news of their yearly Christmas sales. They also teased further releases for 2021.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited at Cloud Matsuri
Category > Anime
Hot on the heels of Anime Limited's own solicitations for 2021, US anime label Discotek Media has announced its latest batch of releases. These include their second 4K UHD release and an SD on BD release.
The line up is as follows:
Read More... | Souce: Discotek Media
Category > Anime
UK anime company Anime Limited have hosted a live stream livestream to announce details for their upcoming 2021 titles. They used the stream to promote their annual 12 Days of Christmas sales period. Set to run from the 1st to the 12th of December 2020.
They've also revealed some new titles coming soon (hopefully December, but it's tentative).
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
Update: Due to COVID restrictions The Leeds International Film Festival 2020 have had to move online for the whole event.
The Leeds International Film Festival always offers some interesting movies. In 2006 they ran the UK Premiere of Paprika by the late great Satoshi Kon. They've just launched the LIFF 2020 programme.
Anime fans will be interested in Liz and the Blue Bird from Naoko Yamada (A Silent Voice) and Kyoto Animation. It is set to play at City Varieties Music Hall on at 10:00 am on Saturday 7th November and 1:45pm on Sunday 8th November 2020. At this stage it's not clear if it'll be a subbed or dubbed screening. The film is a must for fans of the Sound! Euphonium Series (which you can pre-order from Anime Limited).
We're also waiting for the festival to reveal more details around it's screening of The Message - Onoe Caponoe as part of it's music video competition. The music video is from creative duo TOCHKA. You can catch the part animated video here.
Some of the festival will be taking place in the real world, while other bits will be online via the Leeds Film Player.
Thanks to Jordan Scott for sending us details of the festival.
Souce: The Leeds International Film Festival 2020
Category > Anime
The good folks at online anime film festival channel Screen Anime have revealed their October 2020 line up.
As always they've got a bit of something for everyone, movie wise they've got the premiere of Birthday Wonderland from Keiichi Hara (Miss Hokusai), Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel 1: Presage Flower (a little something for Fate/Stay fans). They've also got the classic Makoto Shinkai film 5 Centimeters Per Second, this is the Your Name director's earlier film and has a good dose of Shinkai melancholy.
For something a bit different they've got the eclectic Genius Party, which contains an anthology of 7 short films from some of the most celebrated directors in anime including Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Carole & Tuesday) and Masaaki Yuasa (Ride Your Wave).
Series wise they'll be showing Bartender, an 11 episode TV series, about a hidden bar in Ginza and it's great bartender who knows just the tipple you'll need.
Screen Anime is available in the UK & Ireland for £3.98 a month or £39.98 for a year. Members can take advantage of benefits including discounts at Anime Limited's online store and more. Currently the service can be access via your web browser, with apps promised for for TVos, iOS, Android & Amazon soon.
Read More... | Souce: Screen Anime
The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just revealed that they'll be bringing the 4K edition of Akira to cinemas around the UK and Ireland soon. The screenings will include select IMAX screens and up to 300 other locations.
At the moment locations are to be confirmed, but you can register your interest on the booking website.
Akira is regarded one of the most seminal anime movies ever made. It's a classic dystopian future has influences on movies, cyberpunk culture and even predicted that the 2020 Olympic games would be held in Tokyo! It's one of those movies you just have to see on the big screen to fully appreciate.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
We're all excited about Anime Limited's latest announcement. They've acquired the rights to the latest Masaaki Yuasa film INU-OH for the UK, Ireland and France.
Anime Limited have previously released Masaaki Yuasa other excellent features including Ride Your Wave, Lu Over the Wall, and The Night is Short, Walk on Girl.
Character design for the film is by manga artist Taiyo Matsumoto, who has worked with Masaaki Yuasa before on Ping Pong. You may also be familiar with Matsumoto's other works Tekkonkinkreet and the slice of life series Sunny.
The movie will be hitting cinemas sometime in 2021.
If you're interested in reading more about his past works we interviewed Masaaki Yuassa a few years ago last time he was in London.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
The good folks at anime company Anime Limited have just sent us details of the latest line up on their online film festival Screen Anime.
The curated anime experience changes it's screenings one a month. This time around from the 25th June to 25th July 2020 they'll be showing Makoto Shinkai's fantastic Weathering With You, along with his super smash hit Your Name. So you can have a double bill of these amazing movies. If you want something a bit different and emotional they'll also be showing Anthem of the Heart. They'll be showing summer romance movie (with a time travelling twist) Fireworks too.
Plus for their TV line up Screen Anime have Silver Spoon. From the manga creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, this story goes in a completely different direction as it takes us to agricultural college with city boy Hachiken. This sweet slice of life show is a gentle comedy. You'll learn about Japanese agricultural practices and farming life in general.
The service is available for £3.98 a month or £39.98 a year.
Read More... | Souce: Screen Anime
Category > Anime
A quick reminder to our readers as part of the BFI JAPAN 2020 Season the BFI's magazine Sight & Sound has just published an anime special as it it's latest issue. The June 2020 bumper anime issue includes plenty of articles by anime experts, including Jonathan Clements, Helen McCarthy, Jasper Sharp and many more.
The issue is out now you can buy a print issue, get the digital edition or subscribe to the magazine.
To be honest even though it's packed with great content they had us with the Totoro cover!
Read More... | Souce: BFI Sight & Sound Magazine
Category > Anime
The good folks from anime distributors Anime Limited have just announced their latest venture Screen Anime. It's the first online anime film festival! Enjoy curated film & extras, refreshed monthly.
We're impressed with the opening line up which includes PROMARE, Penguin Highway, Patema Inverted and Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise, along with a to be confirmed TV show. They'll also have bonus content for each feature.
The streaming service will cost £3.98 monthly or £39.98 a year, with yearly subscribers getting a physical membership card that entitles them to further discounts from Anime Limited's shop.
We think they've nailed the pricing options as it'll cost more to rent the films separately or you could save money by paying up front. Screen Anime will be available in the UK and Ireland from Monday 25th May 2020. You can access it from your web browser, with apps for TVos, iOS Android & Amazon following over the coming months.
We're keen for apps so you can watch it directly on your TV with ease. However in our opinion we think the quality of the apps is what will make it and take it to the next level. Ideally you want as many options as possible to watch and enjoy anime. We hope Anime Limited are able to develop high quality apps to support Screen Anime quickly. They already have a excellent track record of acquiring top tier anime titles and always go the extra mile at events, often having something special up their sleeve such as a Japanese guest or exclusive item.
So head over to Screen Anime to register your interest.
Read More... | Souce: Screen Anime
Category > Anime
UK readers will be very interested to hear that the BFI have just announced a fantastic new season called BFI Japan 2020.
Starting with Akira Kurosawa and other classics in May, they'll then run different themes every month until October with some J-Horror (just in time for Halloween). We you know you'll want to watch some anime too, which is why they'll be showing anime in July, this will include films from Hayao Miyazaki, Mamoru Hosoda and the late great Satoshi Kon, plus some other top tier titles too.
There is pretty is much something for everyone during this fantastic season. Currently catering for the audience at lockdown at home they aim to bring cinema to you via their BFI Player and BFI YouTube.
When the cinemas reopen (which the BFI anticipates will be late 2020 or early 2021) the BFI will also re-release the Akira Kurosawa classic Seven Samurai, along with monthly seasons at the BFI Southbank in London.
Additionally the BFI will be releasing some DVDs and Blu-ray features too including Ozu's Tokyo Story, The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice, Toshio Matsumoto's Funeral Parade of Roses, along with a Takeshi Kitano Blu-ray boxset featuring Sonatine, Violent Cop and Boiling Point.
Read More... | Souce: BFI Japan 2020
Category > Anime
My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising is the latest cinematic offering for the My Hero Academia series. It hits cinemas around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February 2020. Of course you want to know is it any good? Well read on to find out!
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Not content with releasing just one anime feature film in February 2020 in the form of One Piece Stampede Manga Entertainment UK have gone beyond and went plus ultra to also release the new My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising Movie. The move will hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February 2020. The movie will be shown in both subbed and dubbed formats. Cinemas are yet to confirmed, but you register your interest on the official UK movie website.
For this second My Hero Academia cinematic outing Class 1-A visits Nabu Island where they finally get to do some real hero work. Of course where ever Class 1-A go, villains follow! What will Deku and his classmates do?! We'll have to watch it to find out.
Only just release in Japan on 20th December 2019, this is a speedy turn around to UK cinemas!
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Culture
While everyone is talking about Makoto Shinkai's latest smash hit Weathering With You, we can't help but wonder what the next Makoto Shinkai offering will be. Whole Hog Theatre have got in touch with to reveal that they'll be performing a stage adaptation of The Garden of Words.
The official stage production is set to run from 16 July - 15 August 2020 at Park Theatre in Finsbury Park, London.
Whole Hog Theatre are not new to adapting anime, having run a mesmerising stage version of Princess Mononoke.
We're excited to see what creative ideas Whole Hog Theatre will bring to life.
Read More... | Souce: Whole Hog Theatre Company
The good folks at anime distributors Anime Limited have just sent us some more details about the current screenings of Weathering With You. Due to popular demand they'll be expanding massively from the current 40 screens to over 250 on 30th January 2020.
Screening times and venues can be found on the Official Weathering With You UK Cinema Website.
The opening weekend for Weathering With You was a strong one for anime with weekend box office (including previews) of £221,320 - almost 10 times that of Your Name's £22,274 opening according to Screen Daily.
If you want to know more about the movie then why not read our Weathering With You Movie review?
Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
Streaming service Netflix have just announced that they'll be adding Studio Ghibli films to their list of movies. Fans from Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to enjoy films. The films will be subtitled in 28 languages, and dubbed in up to 20 languages.
Studio Ghibli are renowned for creating high quality masterpiece movies. Hugely influential Studio Ghibli is the only Japanese anime studio to have won an Oscar with Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
The movies release to Netflix will be spread across 3 months, on 1st February 2020, 1st March 2020 and 1st April 2020.
Totoro, Kiki and Porco Rosso will all be in the first wave movies. Up until now Studio Ghibli have been reluctant to allow their titles available for streaming.
All these movies are fantastic in their own right and we can't say in stronger words go out and watch them. With the exception of Tales from Earthsea which was a trouble production, skip that one.
The US, Canada and Japan are noticeably absent from the list of countries the films will be available from. We suspect another company has streaming rights to these countries.
Read More... | Souce: Netflix
Category > Anime
Makoto Shinkai's latest cinematic offering Weathering With You is about to hit cinemas around the UK and Ireland from Friday 17th January 2020. We were lucky enough to catch the movie beforehand at a special press screening. Want to know if it's any good? Then why not read our review?
You can find a screening near you by visiting weatheringwithyoufilm.co.uk.
You can also catch a special double bill screening of Your Name and Weathering With You at selected cinemas on Wednesday 15th January 2020.
Read More... | Souce: Otaku News
Category > Anime
UK Fans of Japanese are in for a great treat. The Japan Foundation have just revealed the line up for their Touring Film Programme 2020. The theme for this year is Happiness is A State of Mind: Joy and Despair in Japanese Cinema. Films will be screened all around the UK from 31st January to 29th March 2020.
There's plenty of excellent films to choose from too:
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2020
2019 isn't over yet, but Manga Entertainment UK have started to look forward to 2020 and revealed that they'll be releasing the One Piece Stampede Movie in cinemas around the UK on Sunday 2nd February 2020. The screenings of the latest One Piece cinema outing will be at select cinemas for one day only, both subbed and dubbed.
To find out more and to register your interest on the booking site visit onepiecefilm.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: One Piece Stampede UK Movie Site
The good folks at Anime Limited have just announced they'll be some special double bill screenings of Your Name and Weathering with You.
Your Name is Makoto Shinkai's smash hit movie is a must to see on the big screen, while his latest film Weathering with You is on the path to prove just as successful.
As a special treat on Wednesday 15th January 2020 you can the double screening around the UK. They'll first show Your Name, then after a short interval you'll get to see Weathering with You. We've seen both films and can confirm you really must see them on the big screen for maximum enjoyment.
They'll be screenings all around the UK. So we suggest you book now to avoid disappointment.
You can also catch Weathering With You by itself from Friday 17th January 2020.
Read More... | Souce: Offical Weathering With You UK Film Website
Category > Retail
The wait is finally over. The original book of Kiki's Delivery Service is getting a new English language release. It's due out in the US on Tuesday 7th July 2020 from Delacorte Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Penguin Random House).
Japanese translator Emily Balistrieri revealed the news on Twitter. She is responsible for the new translation of the book.
The novel by Eiko Kadono was the original source for Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli Film of the same name. Although Miyazaki's film adaptation has been hugely successful in the west, an English language version of the book has been out of print for some time. It was last released in 2003 and the old editions have gone for £70 and up. Now you'll be able to get a more affordable hardcover instead. The publishers have put a suggest reading age of 10 and up, so it's sure to be enjoyed by fans of the movie keen to read to the original source of inspiration.
As always you can pre-order the book from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Read More... | Souce: Penguin Random House
Category > Anime
UK broadcaster Channel 4 has announced 100 hours of anime content will stream on their UK/ROI catchup service, All 4, from Friday the 25th of October 2019. 10 shows will premiere on launch day with another 4 to join the lineup at a later date.
Titles available now include smash hit anime Cowboy Bebop, kawaii CLAMP classic Cardcaptor Sakura and fantasy Inuyasha. They've also got a nice mix of titles in their line up including Tokyo Ghoul, The Dragon Dentist, Megalo Box, The Vision of Escaflowne and Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin. Plus Charlotte and Durarara!!
Read More... | Souce: Channel 4
UK based fans of Studio Trigger are in for a treat. Anime Distributors Anime Limited have just announced they've acquired the rights to Promare.
Studio Trigger are responsible for TV series Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, director Hiroyuki Imaishi was also behind GAINAX's Gurren Lagann. Promare marks the studio's first theatrical outing.
On Tuesday 26th and Thursday 28th November 2019 there will be screenings at select cinemas around the UK and Ireland.
If you're lucky enough to be in Scotland and and get to the Glasgow Film Theatre on Sunday 13th October 2019, you can get to the UK premiere! There will also be a Promare Special Events Screening at Edinburgh on Saturday 19th October 2019, with major creative talent behind this film. Plus there's also a screening at the Edinburgh Filmhouse on Monday 21st October 2019.
Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
Fans of anime who can get to Cardiff or Aberystwyth are in for a treat as the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Film Festival returns for it's 2019 run. As you'd expect they've got a great line up of films, plus other events including an Anime-Themed Disco, a Masterclass with stop motion animators Takeshi Yashiro & Satoshi Akutsu.
Movie wise they've got some great titles that are worthy to catch on the big screen including Birthday Wonderland, Penguin Highway and A Silent Voice. They'll also be showing Tamako Love Story as a nod to KyoAni and their recent tragedy.
The festival is set to run in Cardiff at Chapter from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October 2019 and at Aberystwyth Arts Centre Saturday 19th to 20th October 2019.
Read More... | Souce: Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival
Anime fans in London looking for a day of films can't wrong by heading over to the first The Anime Film Festival. It's set to run on Saturday 7th September at Picturehouse Central in London's West End. They've got a sterling line up of films that should all really be enjoyed on the big screen.
All films will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.
They'll be showing the following:
Read More... | Souce: Anime Film Festival
Category > Anime
Anime fans in London are in for a treat. The Barbican have got anime expert Helen McCarthy to curate a season of anime screenings. Anime's Human Machines is set to run from Thursday 12th to Monday 30th September 2019.
Each screening will have a special introduction by Helen McCarthy. They've also got super mecha designer Shôji Kawamori. Anime fans will best know him for his mecha designs in Macross. He also co-directed Macross Plus. Other famous designs include a series of Dicalone toys for Japanese toy company Takara. This was a collection of transforming robots. Hasbro licensed these toys and rebranded them as Transformers. Mr Kawamori designed a certain truck called Convoy who was rebranded as Optimus Prime!
Shôji Kawamori will be introducing the Ghost in the Shell Movie (the 1995 animated version), at the Barbican on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at 20:45. Kawamori did some of the mechanical design for this film too!
This season has a whole host of awesome films that are all really worth watching on the big screen (Helen's spoilt us for choice). We suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.
They'll also be showing the mind bending Paprika, Patlabor the Movie, Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars, plus a few other awesome films.
Not content with just films, they've got a couple of drawing workshops too!
Read More... | Souce: Barbican
We've just heard from the The Japan Foundation London that they've teamed up with The British Library to present Summer Explorers! Manga Comes To Life - Live Action Japanese Films Based on Manga.
The Japan Foundation always have an interesting selection of films up their sleeves and this time is no different as they'll be showcasing live action films based off manga. Anime and manga fans may already be familiar with some of the titles here from their original manga or even an anime adaptation. They've got Inuyashiki a typical story about a retired salaryman given superpowers, along with lots of other films offering something slightly different.
Screenings are set to run on Saturday, 27 July and Sunday, 28 July 2019 at The British Library, Knowledge Centre Theatre.
Individual tickets are £8, while concessions are £6 and under 14s get in free. Day passes are £20 or £15 for concessions, while again under 14s are free. As always with events like this we suggest booking early to avoid disappointment.
Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation and The British Library
Category > Anime
The good folks from anime company Manga Entertainment UK have announced that Okko's Inn will be screened in select cinemas around the UK.
The film is directed by Kitaro Kosaka of anime studio Madhouse. The fantasy follows the adventures of Okko a girl who after losing her parents in a car accident moves in with her grandmother in the countryside. Okko's grandmother runs a traditional Japanese inn. Okko then discovers that the inn is inhabited by spirits only she can see.
The film is pitched as having storybook charm. It'll hit cinemas around the UK at select cinemas on Sunday 14th July 2019.
If you can make it to screening near you ticket holders will also receive a free, exclusive postcard featuring character artwork - available on a first come, first served basis while stocks last.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK
Category > Anime
UK based fans of Mamoru Hosoda's latest hit movie Mirai will be pleased to hear that Anime Limited have made the title available for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk. The Oscar nominated movie will be available from Monday May 27th 2019. The film follows the domestic life of 4 year old Kun and the upheaval that occurs when his little sister Mirai arrives, as a new born baby and then as a time traveller from the future!
It'll be released as a special Collectors Edition Combi, Standard Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD.
If did get a chance to catch the movie when it was in the cinemas last year, then now's your chance get it on DVD or Blu-ray. We really enjoyed Mirai and think it's an excellent family film. It's a rare joyful movie that has plenty of rewatch value. We've said it's an instant classic, and we'll say it again. If you want to know more then why not read our review of Mirai?
Souce: Anime Limited
Category > Anime
The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just announced that their latest cinema offering Dragon Ball Super: Broly has broken the £1 million box office mark. This significant milestone means that only Spirited Away has achieved a greater UK box office.
You can still catch the movie in a cinemas around the UK or you could pre-order it on DVD or Blu-ray.
Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK