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BFI Southbank launch complete Studio Ghibli feature film retrospective, including a preview of The Wind Rises.

Date: 2014 February 20 15:34 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK fans of Studio Ghibli will be very pleased to hear the news we've been sent from the good folks at the BFI. From April to May 2014 the BFI Southbank will launch complete Studio Ghibli feature film retrospective, including a preview of The Wind Rises. They'll be celebrating the Studio's 30th Anniversary.

They'll also be showing a preview of Hayao Miyazaki's The Wind Rises. The latest film he's directed and likely to be his last as he says he's retired from film making. The Wind Rises will be screened on a special preview on Wednesday 23rd April 2013.

If you haven't seen a Studio Ghibli feature on the big screen before, we strongly suggest you do. It's a special treat to see these films as they're intend on the big screen!

Read More... | Souce: BFI Southbank

Mai Mai Miracle UK and US Release Kickstarter Update

Date: 2014 February 08 15:24 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The big news in anime circles this week has been from Anime Limited and their Kickstarter campaign to bring Mai Mai Miracle to home video.

Within the first 18 hours the Kickstarter hit it's $30K (USD) funding goal. So now they're going for a stretch goal. If they hit the goal of $60K, they'll be able to fund a dub. At the time of writing (with 26 days left on the Kickstarter), they have reached just over $54K. You can keep up to date with news about the Kickstarter here or check out Anime Limited's own website.

Souce: Mai Mai Miracle Kickstarter

Space Dandy UK DVD and blu-ray release details

Date: 2014 February 08 15:03 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

For UK anime fans who have been watching Space Dandy on Wakanim you'll already know that it's due out on DVD and blu-ray on 24th November 2014. Amazon.co.uk have just started to take pre-orders for the DVD and blu-ray.

Souce: Amazon.co.uk

Anime Limited launch Kickstarter campaign for Mai Mai Miracle

Date: 2014 February 03 14:20 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

After spending a few days teasing followers to guess, Anime Limited have announced the details of their Kick Starter Campaign to bring Mai Mai Miracle to the UK and US.

The film has yet to get any English speaking territory home video release, only being shown occasionally at anime film festivals. We first discovered the film at a Barbican Screening in 2009 and were immediately fans. It's made by Mad House, the studio well know for hight quality releases. The film itself has that nostalgic Ghibli like feel to it, with it's own touch of whimsy. We've been wondering why it hasn't had an English language blu-ray or DVD release yet, and we always recommend people see it if they can. It's one of those rare must see family movies.

Anime Limited are aiming to bring it on blu-ray to both the UK and US! For us this is a no brainer. This is a case of shut up and take my money.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Anime Limited announce 2014 DVD and Blu-ray release schedule

Date: 2014 January 13 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The good folks from UK anime company Anime Limited have just unvealed their 2014 release line up.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

Space Dandy streams for free on Wakanim

Date: 2014 January 07 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based anime fans wanting to see the new sci-fi space comedy Space Dandy should head over to Wakanim now to enjoy it. The show has just started to stream with both the sub and dubbed versions available on-line. The show is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe who also directed Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Kids on the Slope. We caught up with him at the May MCM London Comic Con where he mentioned the show.

Souce: WakAnim

Wolf Children UK DVD Competition

Date: 2013 December 20 17:56 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us two copies of Wolf Children to give away. The film is directed by Mamoru Hosoda, who also directed Summer Wars and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Christmas 2013 at Fosse Farm the Home of Alice from Kinmoza

Date: 2013 December 19 15:52 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

Without doubt one of our most popular articles this year was our on location coverage of Fosse Farm - Alice Cartalet's house from Kinmoza. Key scenes in the anime set in England used Fosse Farmhouse as Alice's house.

Caron Cooper who owns and runs the B&B has just got in touch with us to let us know about a special Christmas offer for Otaku news readers -

Double or twin bedrooms in The Stables Cottage (Alice and Shino's Hanafuda house) £99.00 per room per night B&B.

Available from 20/12/2013 - 26/12/2013 inclusive.

Plus a few spaces remaining for our delicious 4 course Christmas Day lunch at £48.00 per person.

Please email caron@fossefarmhouse.com for further details/booking.

Of course if you can't make it to Fosse Farm over Christmas, they do take bookings around the year too!

Souce: Fosse Farm

Anime Limited licence Space Dandy TV Series

Date: 2013 December 09 18:11 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Anime Limited announces licence for new TV series from the creator of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

London Anime and Manga Shopping Guide Updated

Date: 2013 December 03 17:17 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

From the feedback we've been getting a fair few of our readers are planning on heading into London over Christmas. With this in mind we've just updated the London Anime and Manga Shopping Guide with details of updated shops. We hope this will you help you get a bit of real world otaku retail therapy!

Regardless of where you do go shopping, we always suggest some caution. There are some retailers around that are less than honest and will sell pirate goods. To help you avoid getting ripped off we suggest you read the Pirate Anime FAQ.

Souce: Otaku News

Porco Rosso Blu-ray release details and Studio Ghibli UK Steel Book details

Date: 2013 November 18 15:06 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

Christmas as come early for many Ghibli Fans in the UK. Porco Rosso has just got a Blu-ray release in the UK. The adventures of the Crimson Pig over the Adriatic Sea is a classic Miyazaki movie. it's got all the hallmarks you'd expect, aviation, air fights, sea plane pirates and a touch of magic. It's a must see movie.

Keen readers of the Otaku Calendar will already know that Monday 25th November marks the release date of 4 Ghibli Steel Book Sets in the UK. Each set contains the movie on DVD and Blu-ray and comes in a shiny steel case featuring artwork from each film. They'll be releasing My Neighbour Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo and Nausicaa.

We're already drooling over these sets and different members of the Otaku News crew have expressed interested in different copies of these steel books. I'm dropping subtle hints to santa that I would like a copy of *cough* Totoro *cough* on Steel book, even though I've got the original Japanese DVD and UK Blu-ray releases. Yes! I am that much of a Ghibli fan. ^_^;;

Souce: Otaku Calendar

Manga UK announces live viewing of K-On! movie through social media

Date: 2013 October 29 11:06 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Manga UK will hold a social media live viewing event for K-On! movie on the 30th of October 2013

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

MCM Expo licence announcements

Date: 2013 October 26 19:09 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

UK anime labels announce 2014 lineup acquisitions at London MCM Expo.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Animax Launches in the UK

Date: 2013 October 25 17:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

The first day of the MCM London Comic Con has just ended, we know people are partying into the night, but we're stopping to tell you the latest news from the event.

A new UK streaming / video on demand service has just launched Animax UK. The division of Sony are showing anime on a model similar to BBC iPlayer. The shows are simulcast for everyone to watch for free for 2 weeks. After that they go into the archive where paid subscribers can access the shows. Subscriptions cost £5.99 a month, and will also remove ads from any shows.

Depending on how much anime you watch a month, this could be a good way of catching up with titles without paying for a boxset.

What makes them a bit different, is apart from offering simulcasts they also have movies for paid subscribers, and also offer viewers the choice to watch shows dubbed in English where available, or in Japanese with English subtitles.

If you're going to the MCM London Comic Con this weekend (Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013), you should pop over to their stall for a chance to win a big Sony TV.

It seems along with other legal streaming services Wakanim.co.uk and Crunchyroll, there are lots of ways to watch anime on-line now.

Read More... | Souce: Animax

New UK streaming service announces Kill La Kill for UK/Ireland

Date: 2013 October 04 09:37 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

Anime Limited announces UK branch of French based anime streaming service, also announces Kill La Kill as first title.

Read More... | Souce: ANN

Sci-Fi London Anime All Nighter October 2013 Details

Date: 2013 October 01 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

London based anime fans are in for a late night treat as the Sci-Fi London returns with their traditional Anime All Nighter. It's set to run at the Stratford Picture House from 11:15pm on Saturday 12th October 2013, it'll run until late into the night.

This years screening is an Eva centric one with Evangelion 1.0, Evangelion 2.0, and Evangelion 3.0, plus Wolf Children and Perfect Blue. All these films are fanastic by themselves, but so see them all together it's a rare treat. They really do need to be seen on the big screen to be enjoyed. As always, we've already added the details to the Otaku Calendar.

Souce: Sci-Fi London

Studio Behind Attack On Titan to be Anime Guests of Honour at London Comic Con October 2013

Date: 2013 September 26 14:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

It's that time of year again when the MCM London Comic Con announce their guests. Anime fans are in for a treat as they've got Studio WIT, the studio behind the anime version of Attack on Titan.

Present at the event will be producer George Wada, Katsuhiko Kitada (character designer on Hal, animation director for Attack On Titan), Tetsuya Nakatake (animation producer for Attack On Titan) and one of the studio's rising stars, Ryotaro Makihara. They'll be their to show off their latest movie Hal.

The MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. We don't yet know if the London ExCel centre is a suitable venue for using 3D maneuver gear or defending from hoards of man eating giants, I'm sure we'll find out in October though!

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

MCM Belfast Comic Con To Launch In June 2014

Date: 2013 September 15 10:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from MCM have sent us details of a their newest event to the MCM Comic Con line-up. The MCM Belfast Comic Con, which is due to run from 7th to 8th June 2014 at Kings Hall in Belfast. This is the very first time the event will run in Northern Ireland.

Read More... | Souce: MCM Comic Con

London's Japan Centre to close it's doors this September

Date: 2013 September 12 15:57 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

London's well known Japanese shop Japan Centre has just announced that they'll be closing their doors on Sunday 22nd September 2013. Currently their store is just around the corner from Piccadilly Circus. The new location and opening details will be announced soon.

The shop has been popular with fans of everything Japanese for years, as it stocks Japanese food, books and current magazines. In the meantime they'll still sell everything via their website until the new location is revealed.

Update: The Japan Centre will reopen at 19 Shaftesbury Avenue in October 2013.

Read More... | Souce: Japan Centre

Deadman Wonderland UK Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2013 September 06 15:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Deadman Wonderland The Complete Series to give away.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Sword Art Online UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Details

Date: 2013 August 20 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Over the weekend of AyaCon on Sunday 18th August 2013 Manga Entertainment UK announced the release details of the of the highly anticipated Sword Art Online. Like the US release the UK edition will be released over 4 parts.

Release details are still to be confirmed, but they're aiming to release the first volume in December 2013 and the last volume by March 2014.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Hyper Japan 2013 seeks volunteers

Date: 2013 July 18 15:48 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from London based Japanese Culture Festival Hyper Japan have got in touch to say that they're still looking for volunteers for the event. It's set to run from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

They are looking for people to help out at the Reception area. This includes queue control, ticket scan, workshop area and so on. You won't be able to choose what you do in this area, so just e-mail volunteer@hyperjapan.co.uk and mention that you'd like to help out at the reception area.

They're also looking for people to help out at the Sushi Awards as Serving staff. If you're interested contact eri@hyperjapan.co.uk.

Souce: Hyper Japan

UK Anime Fans get to Pick Steins;Gate Part 2 Cover Artwork

Date: 2013 July 18 15:15 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have got in touch with us about a unique opportunity in relation to Steins;Gate Part 2. They are giving people the chance to vote on what cover design they would like to see used on their DVD and Blu-ray release.

With Steins;Gate Part 1 out now on DVD and Blu-ray Manga Entertainment have used unique artwork. This is actually the original Japanese design that the licensor has given special permission to use, making this artwork a UK exclusive in English speaking territories.

For Steins;Gate Part 2, Manga Entertainment have been given that same chance, but they would like the Manga UK community to vote for which design they want on their shelf.

There are 3 designs to choose from and the cover that receives the most votes will be the one submitted for approval. The closing date to vote by is 11:59pm on Thursday 25th July. Only one vote per person.

Head over to http://www.mangauk.com/SteinsGateVote to cast your vote today!

Steins;Gate Part 2 comes to DVD and Blu-ray on 30th September.

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Steins Gate: Part 1 Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2013 July 15 16:14 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Steins Gate: Part 1 to give away.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Win a night at Alice Cartalet's house from Kinmoza

Date: 2013 July 07 10:16 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

To celebrate the launch of Kinmoza we've teamed up with Fosse Farm who were a key location in the show. You can win a chance to spend a night in Alice's Bedroom in the show!

Read More... | Souce: Fosse Farm

On location at Fosse Farm - Alice Cartalet's house from Kinmoza

Date: 2013 July 07 08:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Features

For most otaku it would be a dream come true to be contacted by an anime studio wanting to use their home as a location in a new anime series. For Caron Cooper, it is just the latest unlikely chapter in her incredible life story.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

NHK World at the Japan Expo 2013 Paris

Date: 2013 July 02 17:13 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from NHK World have sent us details of their latest European adventures.

They'll be at the Japan Expo 2013 in Paris from 4th to 7th July 2013. NHK world will have a host of events at the Expo, highlights include a Shironuri Makeup Session with leading shironuri artist Minori.

We've been told that they'll also be at Hyper Japan 2013 in London on Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July 2013.

For the latest event schedule, please visit their Japan Expo 2013 Website.

UK based readers will be pleased to hear that you can now watch NHK World on Virgin Media Channel 625, along with FreeSat Channel 209 or on Sky Channel 507.

Read More... | Souce: NHK World

MCM London Comic Con October 2013 details

Date: 2013 June 11 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

The good folks from the MCM London Comic Con have sent us news of the next London event. We're still recovering from this May's London Comic con which saw over 76,000 visitors.

The next MCM London Comic Con is set to run from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th October 2013. To accomdate the huge number of visitors the event will for the first time be using both sides of the huge Excel centre, increasing their capacity from 25,000 to 34,000 square metres. That's a lot more space for cosplayers with big wings!

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

Anime Limited announce the theatrical release of A Letter to Momo in the UK

Date: 2013 June 06 16:39 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > Film

This week is a good week for UK based anime company Anime Limited. They've just released 009 RE:Cyborg in UK cinemas and they're following up this with news of their next UK cinema release. In Winter 2013 they'll be releasing A Letter to Momo. The movie is directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, who is best known as the director behind Jin-Roh: Wolf Brigade. They're currently waiting for the dub to be completed in the USA before releasing it in UK cinemas.

Read More... | Souce: Anime Limited

High School of the Dead: Drifters Of The Dead Edition OVA Only UK Details

Date: 2013 May 28 16:27 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from UK based anime and manga mail order firm United Publications have sent us news that they've got the exclusive stock of High School of the Dead: Drifters Of The Dead Edition (OVA Only). So if you've already got High School of The Dead and just want the OVA only, they're the ones to turn to.

Souce: United Publications

Anime Cels for sale and free Otaku News Postcards at the MCM London Comic Con May 2013

Date: 2013 May 22 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks at the Japanese Gallery have sent us news that they'll be at the MCM London Comic Con from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. They'll be there with cels from anime for sale. They've got cels from Hunter x Hunter, Dragon Ball Z, Transformers, Pokemon, and 2 from Studio Ghibli films!

They've also got some free Otaku News Postcards to give away at their stall. We normally only give these out at anime conventions so they're rare and hard to get. Just head over to their stall and ask for one! If you can't get to the comic con, you can always download our wallpaper which features designs from our postcards.

Update: The details in the Comic Con book aren't exactly clear. The Japanese Gallery can be found at booth 302.

Read More... | Souce: Japanese Gallery

Manga Entertainment UK at the MCM London Comic Con May 2013

Date: 2013 May 15 15:01 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

It's almost that time again! The MCM London Comic Con weekend is set to run from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May 2013. As you'd expect the great folks from Manga Entertainment UK will be there and they'll have lots of lovely things at their booth (number 510).

Cosplayers can have their photo taken for free, plus the best cosplayers can win hundreds of pounds worth of goodies! They'll also have exclusive prizes and offers. They've got DVDs starting at £2 and blu-rays starting at £5. So when you get to the Expo, head over to booth 510.

They've got a ton of prizes to give away too, including a hamper full of anime collectibles worth over £1,000.

Read More... | Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Cosplay at Comica MangAsia in London 18th May 2013

Date: 2013 May 09 14:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

We've covered the Comica MangAsia details earlier. The event is set to run in London at Asia House on Saturday 18th May 2013. We've been sent more details of the cosplay workshop that'll be running there. It's an event in it's own right and is run by veteran cosplayers Emily Bastian and Adelaide Filippe as part of the fun.

Read More... | Souce: Cosplay Bookings at Eventbrite

Shinichiro Watanabe at MCM London Comic Con May 2013

Date: 2013 April 17 14:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Anime fans who can get to the MCM London Comic Con on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th May will be in for a real treat. Anime director Shinichiro Watanabe will be at the event as Anime Guest of Honour. The director is the man behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo and Kids On The Slope. He also directed two shorts on the Animatrix - Kid's Story and A Detective Story.

Attending all three days of the show, Shinichiro Watanabe will be taking part in on-stage panels and promoting both Anime Limited's upcoming HD release of Cowboy Bebop and the UK debut of his latest series, Kids On The Slope, released by MVM Entertainment.

Kids On The Slope is currently streaming on crunchyroll and is available to pre-order from Amazon.co.uk on DVD and Blu-rayand other retailers.

Cowboy Bebop Collectors Edition Part 1 is available to pre-order on Blu-ray.

Additionally, if you pre-order Cowboy Bebop from Amazon.co.uk or HMV and bring proof of the pre-order to the show you can receive an exclusive A4 Bebop print to get signed (while stocks last).

Read More... | Souce: MCM London Comic Con

Japanese video streaming service to be viewable in UK/ROI

Date: 2013 March 24 14:13 | Posted By: Eeeper

Category > Anime

DAISUKI, a Japanese video streaming service for anime fans outside Japan, announces in multiple emails that their service will be available in the UK and Ireland.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

009 Re:Cyborg with Kenji Kamiyama at the BFI Southbank in London April 2013

Date: 2013 March 19 16:25 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans will want to head over to the BFI Southbank in London on Thursday 4th April 2013 for a very special screening of 009 Re:Cyborg. The director Kenji Kamiyama will be there for a QA session, he also directed the hugely popular Ghost in the Shell: SAC, along with Eden of the East.

If you're in the UK and can't get to London, fear not 009 Re:Cyborg will be hitting UK cinemas in June 2013. It'll be released by new anime company on the block Anime.Ltd.

Read More... | Souce: BFI Southbank

Studio Ghibli Season on Film4 UK

Date: 2013 March 19 15:45 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK anime fans will be pleased to hear that Film4 will be showing a season of wonderful Studio Ghibli Films. The season is timed for the Easter break and includes plenty of screenings on the free to air channel. The movies are set to run from Tuesday 26th March - Saturday 13th April 2013.

We updated the Otaku Calendar with all the details over the weekend.

The Oscar winning Spirited Away is the first film showing on Tuesday 26th March at 6.30pm.

You can view Film4 on:

Film 4 is on:
Free View: Channel 15
Freesat: Channel 300
Sky: Channel 315
Virgin: Channel 428
Virgin HD: Channel 429

Don't forget Film 4 +1 as well.

Freesat: Channel 301
Sky: Channel 316
Virgin: Channel 430

Souce: Film4

Kiki's Delivery Service UK and Australian Blu-ray details

Date: 2013 February 28 14:22 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

UK Studio Ghibli Fans will be pleased to hear that Studio Canal will be releasing the classic Miyazaki movie Kiki's Delivery Service on Blu-ray on Monday 27th May 2013. Details are not yet up on the Studio Canal website. You can pre-order the title from Amazon.co.uk.

The title will also be released in Australia by Madman on Wednesday 22nd May 2013.

Souce: Otaku Calendar

Kids On The Slope Complete Collection UK DVD and Blu-ray release details

Date: 2013 February 10 10:19 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Anime fans in the UK will be pleased to hear that MVM Entertainment will be releasing Kids On The Slope Complete Collection on DVD and blu-ray on 24th June 2013. The show is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll. The series is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (who is best known for Cowboy Bebop and Macross Plus) with music by Yoko Kanno (who is best know for the music behind Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex).

You can pre-order the DVD and blu-ray from MVM's mail order website Anime-on-line. However due to security issues with the site last year, we suggest using a more secure retailer.

Souce: Otaku Calendar

One Piece Uncut UK DVD Release Details

Date: 2013 February 10 09:51 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Fans of pirate adventures will be pleased to hear that Manga Entertainment UK will be releasing One Piece! The first DVD release will be One Piece Collection 1 Episodes 1-26 Uncut, it's due out 27th May 2013. As it's the uncut edition they won't have any weird digital editing with Sanji's cigarettes replaced with lollipops.

You can pre-order the collections off Amazon.co.uk:
One Piece Collection 1 Episodes 1-26 Uncut - Release date 27th May 2013
One Piece Collection 2 Episodes 27-53 Uncut - Release date 1st July 2013
One Piece Collection 3 Episodes 54-78 Uncut - Release date 23rd September 2013
One Piece Collection 4 Episodes 79-103 Uncut - Release date 11th November 2013

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

NEO Magazine Issue 107 out now

Date: 2013 January 24 16:23 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Press Releases

The good folks from Neo Magazine have sent us details of issue 107. It's out now from all good news agents.

Read More... | Souce: NEO Magazine

Cowboy Bebop returns to the UK on DVD and Blu-ray Q3 2013

Date: 2012 December 22 13:54 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

New UK anime company on the block Anime Limited have just announced on Twitter (and other social media) that their first title will be Cowboy Bebop on DVD and Blu-ray. It'll be released sometime in Q3 of 2013. The TV show has been released in the UK a few times on DVD before but has been out of print for a while and UK copies of the DVD are hard to find.

It has never been released on blu-ray in the UK. A hi-def version of the series has the potential to look amazing as the series was cel animated with some CGI, if done properly the blu-ray release would be worth grabbing!

The series was voted number 2 on the top anime of all time list by 11,700 Newtype USA readers (Neon Genesis Evangelion the TV show was voted number 1).

Cowboy Bebop, like Evangelion is one of those landmark must have titles that all anime fans should see. Additionally, Bebop isn't just about the anime, it's also about the music, The Seatbelts (Yoko Kanno's band) do an amazing job on the Bebop soundtrack.

Souce: Anime Limited Twitter Feed

Dragon Ball Z Complete Season 1 and Season 2 on Offer on Play.com

Date: 2012 December 13 14:21 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Retail

The good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have just sent us details about a great deal on Play.com selling Dragon Ball Z for £15.99 each. Both titles include free postage.

Dragon Ball Z Season 1 on Play.com

Dragon Ball Z Season 2 on Play.com

Our price aware readers will know that this is currently cheaper than Amazon.co.uk.

Souce: Manga Entertainment UK

Trigun Badlands UK Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2012 November 12 15:43 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Trigun: Badlands Rumble Movie to give away on Blu-ray.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

UK Anime DVD and Blu-ray release details for November and December 2012

Date: 2012 November 11 16:58 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

Using our sister site Otaku Calendar we are able to present a list of up coming anime DVD and Blu-ray tiles for the rest of 2012.

Release dates as follows:

Monday 12th November 2012
Castle Of Cagliostro (Blu-ray)
My Neighbour Totoro (Blu-ray)
Towanoquon Complete Series Collection (DVD)
Trigun Movie: Bandlands Rumble (DVD)
Trigun Movie: Bandlands Rumble (Blu-ray)

Monday 19th November 2012
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OVA Collection (Blu-ray)
Sekirei Pure Engagement (Season 2) (DVD)

Monday 26th November 2012
Naruto Shippuden Box Set 11 (DVD)
Ninja Scroll (Blu-ray)

Monday 3rd December 2012
Clannad After Story Part 2 (DVD)
Phantom: Requiem Complete Series (DVD)
Tales Of Vesperia: The First Strike (DVD)
Tales Of Vesperia: The First Strike (Blu-ray)

Monday 10th December 2012
Hetalia Axis Powers Season 4 Collection (DVD)

Monday 17th December 2012
Freezing Complete Series Collection (DVD)

Monday 24th December 2012
Berserk - Film 1: Egg Of The King (DVD)
Berserk - Film 1: Egg Of The King (Blu-ray)
Gintama The Movie (DVD)
Persona 4 The Animation - Box 1 (Blu-ray)

Monday 31th December 2012
Shiki Part 2 (DVD)

Being Studio Ghibli fans we're most excited about the blu-ray releases of My Neighbour Totoro and Castle of Cagliostro. The blu-ray of Ninja Scroll has also been long awaited, you can read our review of it here.

Souce: Otaku Calendar

Workshop for Japanese Language Learners - London December 2012

Date: 2012 November 04 10:33 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

London based fans of Bleach looking to improve their Japanese Language proficiency will want to head over to The Japan Foundation in London on Sunday 9th December 2012. The Japan Foundation will be running a special workshop where you can get to grips with Japanese using Bleach.

The workshop costs £7 to attend and includes a copy of the original Japanese language edition of the manga Bleach. Booking deadline is Tuesday 27th November 2012.

Recommended language level is upper beginner (around JLPT N4) or above.

Read More... | Souce: The Japan Foundation

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Series UK Blu-ray Competition

Date: 2012 October 24 17:40 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime > DVD

UK based anime fans will be pleased to hear that the good folks from Manga Entertainment UK have given us one copy of Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Complete Series to give away on Blu-ray.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Ninja Scroll Premiere at The Hackney Picturehouse in London

Date: 2012 October 23 15:36 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Anime

London based readers who enjoy the violent action anime movie that is Ninja Scroll will want to get to the Hackney Picturehoue on Friday 16th November 2012. They'll be screening a special premiere of Ninja Scroll, the premium ticket includes admission to the movie along with a standard edition copy of the movie on blu-ray and a limited edition world exclusive signed poster by Sam Gilbey.

Only 300 tickets are available to this event. To make things even more awesome Manga Entertainment will give away a bundle of goodies worth £500 including some of their best selling titles.

Read More... | Souce: Hackney Picturehouse

Princess Mononoke London Stage Performance - Auditions

Date: 2012 October 20 17:29 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Culture

A few months ago, we posted some exciting news about Princess Mononoke being adapted for the stage. The Whole Hog Theatre are about to start auditions for the stage adaptation!

Auditions will be open to all, but the number of people they can see will be limited. The roles will be unpaid and voluntary (as are all roles within Whole Hog Theatre), but this is a great chance to get involved with an amazing theatrical event. People wishing to audition will need to sign up on-line from 8am on Thursday 25th October 2012.

Audition dates as follows:

Thursday 22nd November 2012 - New Diorama Theatre, London
Friday 23rd November 2012 - The Band Factory, Leamington Spa
Saturday 24th November 2012 - Warwick University Campus, Coventry

They'll also be looking for technical people too, such a Set Designer, Costume Designer, Technical Manager / Lighting Designer, Stage Manager, plus Hair and Makeup Design.

Read More... | Souce: The Whole Hog Theatre

Toshio Maeda at the London MCM Expo

Date: 2012 October 15 17:18 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

Fans of hentai at the London MCM Expo have a rare opportunity to meet one of the most influential and controversial manga artists Toshio Maeda. Creator of the the renowned Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl has his own stall at the hugely popular event. He'll be selling uncensored original artwork, including some London exclusives. We've been told by those who have seen this artwork that it is beautiful and photos / screen shots just don't do it justice. That and well, if you're going to buy hentai artwork, buy it from the most influential creators!

Visit the Tentacle Master shop at the expo to pick up your own signed and numbered limited edition digital lithographic print. Each AQ2 sized print is on sale exclusively at the London MCM Comic Con and limited to 200 prints.

Even if you don't buy anything, if you go along to his table and say that you are "Otaku News Fans", Tosho Maeda will give you a small free present!

The London MCM Expo runs from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th October 2012 at ExCel.

Read More... | Souce: Otaku News

Hisamitsu Ishikawa at Hyper Japan Christmas 2012

Date: 2012 October 14 14:38 | Posted By: Joe

Category > Events

As if anime fans in London already needed an excuse to go to Hyper Japan Christmas 2012 at Earls Court on November Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th 2012, the good folks running the event have just told us that Hisamitsu Ishikawa (CEO of Studio IG and the producer of Ghost In The Shell) will be there. He'll be giving a special talk at the event. So if you haven't booked tickets already, you should now!

Souce: Hyper Japan

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