Funimation announced today that they’re bringing the second volume to the excellent series, Gunslinger Girl to fans in the United States. Titled Gunslinger Girl II Teatrino, the story begins with the Social Welfare Agency investigating the Five Republics as they search for a missing operative. The assassin Triela infiltrates the hostile organization, but her search is cut short when she finds herself staring down the barrel of a gun.

The second volume will be released as one complete DVD release. Unfortunately, fans are going to have to wait until 2009 for this one.

San Francisco, CA, March 24, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that it has secured the license from TV Tokyo Corporation, Shueisha Inc. and Dentsu Inc. for BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY in the Americas, Europe and Oceania. The feature film, which will be aimed primarily at teens and older teens, will have a limited theatrical release in major cities throughout North America this summer with the DVD release to follow winter 2008. Subsequent details will be released in coming weeks.

BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY is inspired by the successful animated television series BLEACH airing on Adult Swim, which is based on the best-selling manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) by Tite Kubo, also published in North America by VIZ Media.

“We are extremely excited to announce the domestic license for BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, VIZ Media. “BLEACH has emerged as one of the most popular animated, manga and video game properties in North America and the release of this film will no doubt captivate millions of avid fans. Filled with riveting animation and spectacular battle scenes featuring all the major characters, BLEACH THE MOVIE is ideally suited for a theatrical presentation and we look forward to making it a summer filled with epic action as this film makes its way to theatres in major markets throughout North America.”

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries, and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens) is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise. For more information on BLEACH and BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY please visit the official BLEACH website at bleach.viz.com or www.viz.com.

Our crack team of Chloe Ferguson, Erin Finnegan, and Ken Haley braved long lines and heavily armed cosplayers to bring you the scoop on the Northeast’s fastest-growing anime convention, with the 411 on major anime announcements as well as the weekend’s other events. Erin also toted her camera to the con to capture some of the craziest and most inventive costumes of the weekend. And in case you missed it, here’s our Manga Map of Boston.

Left: Kicking it old school. I love to see age-appropriate costumes! Right: Sign reads: “Save a Horse, Ride a Mustang.” Note the easter basket on the left.

Chloe’s Report

The atmosphere may have been festive, but little could be done about the gloomy undercurrents that pervaded much of Anime Boston 2008’s industry paneling. The transition from 2007 into 2008 has been a rough one for the anime sector, with perhaps the most notable sign of losses being the closure of Geneon, Dentsu’s North American arm and purveyor of a sizeable pool of titles. It’s safe to assume that most North American industry licensors have taken hits of varying sizes, although thus far, a unified plan for recovery and tackling key industry issues remains theoretical at best.

ADV’s Saturday industry panel stands out as a microcosm of the fan and industry-based concerns wracking the anime sector, which frequently resurged among a smattering of like-minded panels. Company rep David L. Williams’ first order of business seemed to be reassurance: that DVDs will continue as scheduled, that ADV is not going under, and that yes, the industry knows it’s reached a sort of death struggle with illegal digital distributors who siphon off profits. There’s no delusion here; Williams readily admitted that digital distribution is not a fast or effective enough lifeline for companies in distress, and that cable streaming of programming was no longer a viable direction for the market. When talk turned to Dentsu and potential directions for its properties, answers were vague at best, although ADV made it clear that the longer the properties spend in limbo, the lower the chances are that third parties will step in to scoop up titles.

Williams then went on to outline the general crisis at hand- that even as the number of titles released has remained consistent, sales are declining, the end result being (he surmises) a contraction on the number of licenses brought over to America in the future. When it comes to combating fansubbing, speed becomes the buzzword of the hour, with company reps each touting the need to release titles at a speed competitive with Japanese broadcasts. The limitations, however, are evident, as this would relegate most shows firmly in the realm of sub-only, thus alienating a large chunk of consumers and presenting further problems down the road. Regardless of how companies choose to approach the problem, it’s undeniable that change is on the horizon for every licensor. As Williams puts it, “these changes will happen because they have to happen. Because the industry needs them to happen.”

Erin’s Report

I arrived at Anime Boston on Saturday morning this year, and immediately noticed the drop in the average age of attendees. There were many age-apporpriate Naruto cosplay kids running around the tragically crowded registration area. Attendance had clearly increased over last year. It was certainly better attended than New York Anime Festival 2007, despite the Easter holiday weekend.

Webcomics about the registration line:

• http://daijoubu.animeblogger.net/2008/03/24/megadaijoubu-27-anime-boston-and-the-line-goes-on/
• http://daijoubu.animeblogger.net/2008/03/24/megadaijoubu-26-in-line-for-anime-boston/
• http://www.unowen.net/tegaki/dblog.php?u=8325&e=49718

Look what you missed by avoiding a huge registration line: groups of girls cosplaying as Link!

Noah witnessed a spontaneous dance-off waiting in the short pre-registration line: a Konoha-era Sasuke cosplayer faced off against a Shippuuden-era Sasuke. They were both excellent dancers, but Konoha Sasuke got served.

Video game cosplay is very popular, and this year saw a significant increase in the number of Phoenix Wrights. Many costumes incorporated a fake cake as a reference to Portal, and cries of “The cake is a lie!” echoed the halls throughout the weekend. There was no stand-out most-popular costume this year, although L and Haruhi Suzumiyas populated the crowd.

The Dealer’s Room was in a smaller space this year, and I found it a little disappointing compared to previous years. One thing that seemed new was manga dealers selling partial or complete sets of manga at a discount.

The manga dealers were flooded with copies of Haruka; Beyond the Stream of Time volume one. One dealer was selling them for $5 on Sunday. Haruka is set for a big North American debut, with a run in Shojo Beat magazine, volume one of the manga due out April 1st, and the anime series being released by Bandai Visual beginning April 22nd. Personally, I hate Haruka, (a Fushigi Yuugi rip-off with no interesting characters or plot), and I doubt it will do well in the U.S. without the support of the popular dating sim it was based on.

I got a really great recording of “Shojo Manga of the 1970′s” (check my podcast next month), learned a little about Japanese baseball, hit a well-attended panel about doujinshi, and attempted to learn the Lucky Star Dance (along with three Disney princess cosplayers).

Noah was impressed by the comedy selections at the AMV contest. Anime Boston’s AMV contest has gotten steadily better every year. I’m sorry I missed it!

Sunday was a surreal experience. A group of gothy-teens in black T-shirts and extra-belted pants also wore bunny ear headbands. Someone walked in wearing a full-body Easter Bunny suit and a red kimono before I had my coffee yet, and I knew it was time to leave.

Having missed the boat on the Hare Hare Yukai dance, I attempted to learn the Lucky Star dance at 10 AM on Sunday.

Ken’s Report

The FUNimation panel on Friday was hosted by Adam Sheenan. Early on, Sheenan plugged the digital distribution format noting that FUNimation had several series available on both Xbox Live and iTunes. He viewed the method as a gateway drug for anime. Newcomers could preview the dub of a series cheaply, then seek the full package afterwards. FUNimation is also looking into the possibility of premiering sub-only episodes of new series online via their website before giving them a physical release.

There was an obligatory FUNimation Channel plug, complete with mentioning that Black Cat recently premiered there, followed by a listing of the all the upcoming series that FUNimation will be releasing in the next few months. Among them are Shuffle, Black Blood Brothers (with episodes currently online), Aquarion (13 episode half season boxed set release), the One Piece Movie plus the FUNimation dub and cut of the 4Kids episodes in half season boxed sets, DBZ movies and season releases, Baldr Force EXE (a single disk OVA), the School Rumble OVA, Claymore, and the CGI movie, Vexille.

After running down the above-mentioned list, Sheenan opened the floor to questions. He stated that they’re interested in getting the new season of Gunslinger Girl but they haven’t acquired it yet. He also said to look for Ouran High School Host Club news this summer. When questioned about Geneon and the possibility of picking up any of their library, Sheenan stated that they’ve been looking into it but it hasn’t moved beyond that stage yet. FUNimation also has no plans to release newer episodes or seasons of Kodacha. FUNimation seems to be really keen on the idea of the the 13 episode half-season boxed sets. The Aquarion and One Piece series are being used to test the waters for this style of release and if they do well enough they may consider the possibility of skipping singles altogether in favor of half-season boxed sets. It was mentioned that they may try releasing Claymore in this format. In regards to Case Closed, FUNimation does want to release more of the series but aren’t sure how to do so at this moment. Sheenan did confirm that the series was dead to Cartoon Network, but didn’t rule out the possibility of it turning up on the FUNimation Channel at some point.

The ADV panel on Saturday was essentially a short Q&A session with ADV’s David Williams and Janice Williams. They quickly shot down the rumor that they were ever in any trouble of closing down despite the brief halt they placed on production earlier this year, and they also mentioned that they had picked up the series, Kiba, recently.

Williams was down on the concept of digital distribution as the wave of the future, maintaining that it hadn’t become easy enough for it become a major means of distribution. He also pooh-poohed the idea of Blu-Ray HD DVD’s, comparing it to the dead SVHS format saying that it would be replaced by something new soon enough. He was also down on the idea of half season sets saying that fans would still pass on them in favor of eventual release of a full season boxed set. When asked about what went down between ADV and Geneon, Williams was rather tight lipped about the situation, avoiding any specifics. He also had very little to say about ADV manga, but they did mention that new volumes of Yotsuba& and Cromartie High have just been released and that there would be more coming from that division in the future, but he wouldn’t even begin to discuss the current state of the Manga divison’s website. Williams had little to say about the new EVA movies but, after being asked about the possibility of ADV “rescuing” the original EVA movies from Manga Entertainment, he did seem rather keen on the idea of gathering all the EVA material under the ADV umbrella. A really interesting tidbit: fansubbers have legal standing to actually sue Crunchyroll. He wouldn’t go into specifics but did say that any fansubbers unhappy with what Crunchyroll is doing with their material should talk to a lawyer. And finally on a live action note, he mentioned that while he’d love to see ADV pick up the license for the earlier Gamera movies they were currently tied up elsewhere.

Left: Guitar Hero cosplayer – note the huge registration line in the background. Right: Is Ouran High School Host Club super popular or are people attracted to the simple costumes? DVDs are due out this summer.

Torrance, Calif. March 7, 2008 – Celebrating the HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Premier and Director Aki Tsunaki’s attendance, Bandai Visual USA announces the details of HARUKA related events, activities and show exclusives at Sakura-Con 2008.

Saturday, March 29
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Haruka Panel (Room 611-614)
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Autograph Session (Room 4B)

Sunday, March 30
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Director Panel (Room 611-614)

For the Haruka Panel (Q & A) on March 29th, VIZ Media Manga Editor Carol Fox and Director Aki Tsunaki are both scheduled to participate in the discussion, which will explore both the anime and manga incarnations of HARUKA.

Also, authentic reproduction cels made by Yumeta Company, the studio that created the anime, will be on display and will be first made available for purchase at Sakura-Con 2008 and will then be sold on dot-anime.us beginning late March. Hand crafted traditional Japanese animation cels are increasingly becoming a rare collector’s item and are available in strictly limited quantities only. There are nine different designs, eight featuring each of the Eight Guardians and one more, which feature Akram and Akane.

Along with cels, Bandai Visual USA will also sell advance copies of HARUKA Vol. 1 DVD and the manga Vol.1, published domestically by VIZ Media, at the Broccoli/Bandai Visual Booths #314, 316, 415, and 417. A specially made HARUKA Japanese style fan will be the exclusive gift for those who purchase HARUKA DVD at Sakura-Con.

For more information on HARUKA DVD please visit our official website at http://www.bandaivisual.us/haruka/

HARUKA manga, rated T+ (for Older teens) is serialized in VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT Magazine reaching over 130,000 readers each month via subscription and on newsstands nationwide. For more information please visit www.shojobeat.com or www.viz.com.

BANDAI VISUAL USA INC. was established in 2005 as a wholly owned subsidiary of BANDAI VISUAL CO., LTD. with a mission to facilitate stronger, more active involvement in positioning, marketing and distribution of BANDAI VISUAL programs in North America. From its base in Torrance, California, BANDAI VISUAL USA seeks to form new alliances and reinforce existing ties in an effort to strengthen BANDAI VISUAL’s international presence as a producer and content provider in the ever expanding and diversified specialty programs market.

VANCOUVER, BC — For the first time, the Vancouver Art Gallery will bring the worlds of anime, comics, cartoons, video games, manga, graphic novels and contemporary art together in one exhibition. Offering an innovative and dynamic survey, KRAZY! The Delirious World of Anime + Comics + Video Games + Art reveals the uniqueness of each medium, while uncovering their histories, interrelations and future trajectories. On view from May 17 to September 7, 2009, the exhibition is co-curated by some of the art forms’ most influential artists and cultural producers, including Maus author Art Spiegelman, The Sims creator Will Wright, comic artist Seth and animated feature film director Tim Johnson. Conceived and developed by Vancouver Art Gallery senior curator Bruce Grenville, the exhibition will travel to a New York City arts institution in March 2009.

“The Vancouver Art Gallery is committed to fostering new and dynamic understandings of visual culture. With the exhibition KRAZY!, we seized a tremendous opportunity to forward the study of some of the world’s fastest growing art forms,” said Kathleen Bartels, director of the Vancouver Art Gallery. “Despite the pervasive presence of these media, little has been done to assess the ties that bind them. By offering an interdisciplinary account in a major survey exhibition for the first time, we will illuminate their importance as a sustained cultural force.”

One of the largest exhibitions ever organized by the Gallery, KRAZY! will occupy two entire floors of gallery space and is designed in collaboration with Tokyo-based architectural firm Atelier Bow-Wow—a design team renowned for their understanding of informal culture and ability to enhance communal visual experiences. Divided into seven sections defined by medium, the exhibition takes viewers through ever-changing gallery environments, which include a mini-theatre for viewing animated cartoons and anime, immersive video spaces and innovative reading environments for visitors to experience a deluge of manga, graphic novels and comics. Built to ensure visitors are exposed to the full breath of the media, the exhibition comprises more than 600 artworks, including original sketches, concept drawings, sketchbooks, storyboards, production drawings, films, video games, animation cels, three dimensional models, sculptures, books, manga and much more.

The artists and works in the exhibition were selected by a group of co-curators, including Bruce Grenville, the exhibition’s coordinating curator and curator of the visual arts section; Tim Johnson, curator of animated cartoons; Kiyoshi Kusumi, curator of manga and anime; Seth, curator of comics and graphic novels; Art Spiegelman, curator of comics and graphic novels; Toshiya Ueno, curator of manga and anime; and Will Wright, curator of video games. Each curator was invited on the strength of their unique knowledge of their particular field, favoring practitioners, artists and cultural producers who are highly regarded for their work. Using their strong historical knowledge, each curator was asked to select a small group of artists who had made a significant contribution through a particular work or body of work. To give the overall selection historical context, curators selected precursors in their respective fields, artists who had established their given genres and artists who are leading the way to the future.

“The co-curators, who are also co-authors in the publication that accompanies the exhibition, are among the most active and sought-after practitioners in their respective fields. Despite their own vigorous workloads they shared their extraordinary insight and experience of this art,” said curator Bruce Grenville. “No one person could have selected the work in this show, but collectively we have drawn a new map of the world of visual culture.”

KRAZY! is a rare opportunity to see artworks that have shaped the history of contemporary visual culture, including Art Spiegelman’s drawings for the first three-page version of his Pulitzer prize-winning Maus; George Herriman’s last three drawings for Krazy Kat; Lotte Reiniger’s 1927 The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the first feature-length animated cartoon; a sneak preview of Will Wright’s groundbreaking video game Spore; and an extraordinary selection of drawings from Yuichi Yokoyama’s latest manga, New Engineering. The exhibition also includes works by Moyoco Anno, Lynda Barry, Marcel Broodthaers, Chester Brown, Cao Fei, Milt Gross, Pierre Huyghe, Ichiro Itano, Tim Johnson, Yoko Kanno, Satoshi Kon, Harvey Kurtzman, John Lasseter, Roy Lichtenstein, Christian Marclay, Winsor McCay, Sid Meier, Shigeru Miyamoto, Junko Mizuno, Mamoru Nagano, Claes Oldenburg, Mamoru Oshii, Katsuhiro Otomo, Nick Park, Raymond Pettibon, Seth, Iwatani Toru, Chris Ware, Masaaki Yuasa and many more.

American Express, the presenting sponsor of the Gallery’s landmark 2004 exhibition Massive Change: The Future of Global Design, partners with the institution again, providing the largest corporate sponsorship ever secured by the Gallery.

“American Express is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Vancouver Art Gallery’s KRAZY! exhibit, and to play a role in bringing this unique survey of contemporary visual art to the public,” said Denise Pickett, President & CEO, American Express Canada Inc. “We want to help enrich our diverse culture by supporting and celebrating a broad range of arts and culture, and KRAZY! offers a perspective on contemporary visual culture that gives us an opportunity to do just that.”

The Gallery also greatly appreciates the significant contribution provided by the exhibition’s supporting sponsor Vancouver Foundation.

The Curatorial Team

Bruce Grenville (Coordinating Curator and Curator – Visual Arts)
Bruce Grenville is senior curator at the Vancouver Art Gallery. He has organized many innovative exhibitions, including Massive Change: The Future of Global Design an exhibition which described a new world of design in which the goals and means of production had radically changed for the better; The Uncanny: Experiments in Cyborg Culture, a thematic survey of the image of the human machine in art and popular culture from the early 19th century to the present; and The Post-Colonial Landscape Project, a six year series of exhibitions and a book which examined the land and its representation within the colonial and post-colonial state.

Tim Johnson (Curator – Animated Cartoons)
Tim Johnson is an animator and feature film director. He made his feature-length directorial debut in 1998 with DreamWorks first computer animated feature, Antz (1998), starring the voices of Woody Allen, Sharon Stone and Sylvester Stallone. His most recent film, Over the Hedge (2006), was both a critical and commercial success and further solidified Johnson’s reputation as one of the preeminent animation directors in Hollywood.

Kiyoshi Kusumi (Curator – Manga and Anime)
Kiyoshi Kusumi is a freelance writer and cultural critic. He was formerly the editor-in-chief of the Japanese art journal, BT Magazine. Kusumi is currently the editor of the Japanese manga magazine Comickers and is credited with identifying and naming the Nouvelle Manga movement. He is an established art critic and cultural theorist and is considered a global authority on manga.

Seth (Curator – Comics)
Seth is the pen name of Gregory Gallant, a Canadian comic book artist and writer. Considered one of the best cartoonists of the past decade, Seth’s distinctive style has been featured in The Washington Post, Details, The New York Times, Spin and The New Yorker. Drawn and Quarterly has published his work in both comic book and graphic novel format and he has contributed cover illustrations for a diverse range of publications, including Fantagraphics’ best selling Complete Peanuts series.

Art Spiegelman (Curator – Graphic Novels)
Art Spiegelman is an American comic artist, editor and critic, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning comic memoir, Maus. Spiegelman has been instrumental in the development of the comic medium, both for his support of emerging comic artists and for his role in creating a broader acceptance of comics as an art form. Spiegelman is currently the editor of a children’s comic anthology, Little Lit, and has recently completed a compilation of his New Yorker submissions called Kisses from New York.

Toshiya Ueno (Curator – Manga and Anime)
Toshiya Ueno is a sociologist, media theorist and critic who lives and works in Japan and Amsterdam. He is currently an associate professor in the Expressive Cultures Department at Wako University, Tokyo. He has written numerous articles, essays and reviews on media, rock/pop music, film, contemporary art, architecture and urban design.

Will Wright (Curator – Video Games)
Will Wright is an American computer game designer and co-founder of the game development company, Maxis. He is best known for creating groundbreaking and genre defining computer games like SimCity and The Sims. His upcoming release, Spore, is the most highly anticipated computer game of the past decade and the game’s scope and level of player interactivity are expected to revolutionize the video game industry. He is considered an industry pioneer and one of the most influential and innovative designers of our time.

San Francisco, CA, February 29, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the U.S. debut of the highly anticipated BLUE DRAGON animated series on Cartoon Network this spring.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame “BLUE DRAGON,” developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy,” and features character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The animated series debuted in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 7, 2007 and is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media.

“We are pleased to announce the U.S. launch of BLUE DRAGON on Cartoon Network,” says William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This fun-filled action adventure story of good vs. evil, magical powers, courage and friendship is set to join the ranks of other popular VIZ Media series such as NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH on the premier cable animation network in the United States.”

The BLUE DRAGON animated series, with an anticipated TV rating of TV Y7FV, is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

I fell a little behind with my news postings, so here’s a round-up of Viz’s most recent anime announcements. You’ll find more information about all of these properties at www.viz.com.

NARUTO, BLEACH, AND DEATH NOTE AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON UNBOX

San Francisco, CA, January 25, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced the availability of three of its most popular and successful animated action series – NARUTO Uncut, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH – for digital download from Amazon Unbox, Amazon’s digital video download service. Amazon Unbox offers customers thousands of television shows, movies and other innovative video content from numerous studio and network partners from Hollywood and around the world. This service can be found at www.amazon.com/unbox.

NARUTO Uncut, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH are available now with episodes costing $1.99 each. NARUTO Uncut initially features episodes 1-25 dubbed, DEATH NOTE features the full series dubbed, and BLEACH features episodes 1-25 dubbed.

SECOND SEASON OF BLEACH TO DEBUT ON ADULT SWIM

San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has announced that the 52-episode second season of the hit supernatural action animated series BLEACH is expected to begin airing on Saturday, March 1st on Adult Swim…

BLEACH is based on a best-selling manga graphic novel of the same name by Tite Kubo which is published domestically by VIZ Media and rated TV 14. The manga has been translated into more than seven languages and has sold over 33.5 million copies in Japan. Both the manga and the animated series have become extremely popular in North America and have spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise. The first season of BLEACH is also currently available in a 3-disc DVD box set from VIZ Media, which is rated ‘T’ for Teens and has a suggested retail price of $89.98. For more information on BLEACH go to www.bleach.viz.com.

“BLEACH is a riveting story and the debut of the second season on Adult Swim has been highly anticipated by millions of fans,” says William Germain, VIZ Media Director of Animation Production. “The plot thickens in Season 2 as Ichigo and his friends battle soul reapers. With 52 episodes there will be plenty of surprises in store for viewers. BLEACH possesses a story and style that has transcended the graphic novel genre to become a very successful animated and video game property and we are committed to continuing its development.”

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW ANIMATED RELEASES FOR FIRST QUARTER 2008

San Francisco, CA, January 31, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media has announced an exciting array of new DVD releases for the First Quarter of 2008 that expand some of the most popular animated series in North America.

The new releases include DVD box bets, special editions containing collectible figurines, and the latest single disc editions for series including BLEACH, NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and PRINCE OF TENNIS, as well as much-loved classics like RANMA ½ and POKéMON.

BLEACH

BLEACH Volume 8: THE ENTRY
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available Now!
Ichigo and his comrades are chased from one end of the Seireitei to the other while fending off furious attacks of the Soul Reapers that guard the city from intruders. When he and Ganju capture a meek member of Squad 4, they are shown a secret way into the White Tower where Ruika is being held prisoner. But at the steps of the fortress, an old nemesis named Renji Abarai appears, and a rematch pits Ichigo against the spirit energy of a powerful lieutenant.

BLEACH Volume 9: THE ENTRY
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available March 18, 2008
In the world of the living, Ichigo’s sisters find themselves in the spotlight as “Karakura Superheroes,” while in the Soul Society, an all-out war is declared against Ichigo and his comrades. But unrest stirs in all corners of the Seireitei, including among the ranks of the Soul Reapers themselves, when a prominent captain meets an untimely fate. Ichigo and the others attempt to ride the waves of chaos straight to the White Tower to rescue Ruika, but they’ll have to face a massive outpouring of spiritual energy to get there.

NARUTO

NARUTO Volume 19: PUSHED TO THE EDGE!
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available Now!
The Third Hokage summons his last ounce of strength in an attempt to seal away Orochimaru’s soul forever, while the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf bravely defend all they hold dear. And far from the village, Sasuke finally catches up with Gaara! But the Sand Ninja has begun an eerie transformation that may be more than Sasuke’s newly mastered Chidori jutsu can match. But there’s a certain scrappy ninja on his way that might just have what it takes – Naruto!

NARUTO Volume 20: LIGHT VS. DARK
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available Now!
With Sasuke’s strength wasted and Sakura slowing being crushed to death, Naruto must battle Gaara alone to defend what is precious to him. Can he prove that the path of friendship is stronger than the path of hate? In the battle-torn Hidden Leaf Village, the Third Hokage and the Leaf Ninja make their final stand against Orochimaru and his minions.

NARUTO Volume 21: EYE TO EYE
Rated “T” for Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available March 4, 2008
In the aftermath of Orochimaru’s attack, the Hidden Leaf Village mourns, but the life of a shinobi goes on! An eager Naruto departs on a training mission with Jiraiya to find a legendary kunoichi, while a troubled Sasuke reflects on the past. But who are the mysterious strangers that have slipped into town? And why are they looking for Naruto?

NARUTO Volume 22: THE LAST OF THE CLAN
Rated “T” for Teens· 4 Episodes · MSRP: $19.98 · Available March 25, 2008
Sasuke faces the brother he has longed vowed vengeance against, but finds that he is still no match for Itachi. Jiraiya steps in, but Sasuke has fallen into a deep coma, and the only one who can save him is the woman Jiraiya and Naruto seek – the legendary medical ninja, Tsunade. Their search takes them to a town festival, where after a little rest and relaxation, Jiraiya teaches Naruto a new, powerful jutsu – using water balloons and rubber balls!

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET SPECIAL EDITION Volume 6
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 3 DVDs, 14 Episodes · MSRP: $69.98 · Available February 12, 2008
This special set includes a limited edition; hand sculpted and painted collectible figure of Pakkun as well as an illustrated storyboard booklet.

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET STANDARD EDITION Volume 6
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 3 DVDs, 14 Episodes · MSRP: $49.98 · Available February 12, 2008
Sasuke returns at last to face Gaara in the final round of the Chunin Exam with his powerful new jutsu, Chidori. But the match is interrupted when Orochimaru’s scheme to bring down the Hidden Leaf Village is put into motion. While the Third Hokage faces his former protégé Orochimaru and his dreadful forbidden jutsu, Sasuke takes off after Gaara and the Sand Ninja, and Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru take off after Sasuke. Will the ninja of Hidden Leaf survive the evil that has befallen them? (DVD-only collection of episodes from the hit series.)

DEATH NOTE

DEATH NOTE Volume 3 With Limited Edition Collector’s Figure
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 · Available February 19, 2008
For genius detective L, Light’s behavior is too perfect to be true, and to get closer to him, he enrolls at the same university and even invites Light into the investigation. The murders continue, but with a new twist – there appears to be a second Kira at work! L has Light pose as the original Kira in order to lure out the copycat, and Light agrees, hoping to divert suspicion from him. But he’s surprised to discover that this new Kira has an ability that even Light lacks. This set is available both as a standard, single disc edition, and also as a limited edition with a collectible figurine of L.

DEATH NOTE Volume 3 Standard Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 4 Episodes · MSRP: $24.98 · Available February 19, 2008
DVD-only collection of episodes from the hit series, no figure included.

PRINCE OF TENNIS

PRINCE OF TENNIS DVD BOX SET Volume 4
Rated “A” for All Ages · 3 DVDs, 13 Episodes · MSRP: $39.98 · Available Now!
The second half of the Metropolitan Matches begins! Kikumaru and Oishi start their doubles match against Yamabuki Junior High’s Higashikata and Minami. Oishi confronts the same pair that he was unable to beat in last year’s match. Sengoku counters Momoshiro’s signature dunk smash and the match slowly shift in his favor. Finally, Ryoma’s match with Akutsu from Yamabuki Junior High begins. With all the trouble Ryoma encountered with Akutsu a few days ago, everyone is worried for his safety.

RANMA ½

RANMA ½ SEASON 5: MARTIAL MAYHEM
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 5 DVDs · MSRP: $49.98 · Available Now!

RANMA ½ SEASON 6: RANDOM RHAPSODY
Rated “T+” for Older Teens · 5 DVDs · MSRP: $49.98 · Available March 25, 2008
It’s not easy being teenage martial artist Ranma Saotome, but it’s even worse when your martial artist father takes you from home at an early age to go on a decade-long training mission. He doesn’t speak a word if Chinese, and yet he insists upon bringing you to a cursed training ground known as Jusenkyo, where falling into one of the many springs there instantly turns you into whoever, or whatever, drowned there last. And then, the two of you have this little accident… From now on a splash of cold water turns Ranma’s father into a giant panda, while the son turns into a red-haired (and problematically well-built) female version. Hot water reverses the effects, but only until the next time. What’s a half-guy, half-girl to do? Find out in the exciting fifth season of the timeless anime classic.

POKéMON

POKéMON SEASON ONE BOX SET, Volume 3
Rated “A” for All Ages · 3 DVDs · MSRP: $39.98 · Available February 12, 2008
Join Ash, Brock and Misty on their continuing quest to collect Pokémon, make friends, and battle their way to the Indigo League!

Burbank, CA, February 6, 2008 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has announced the exciting finale of the first season of AnimeTV™ with the availability of Episode 12, which will stream for free with never-before-seen content beginning February 8 at http://goanimetv.com/. A special review segment from the episode is now streaming on IGN’s dedicated anime website.

The new episode has been eagerly awaited and features an array of compelling segments sure to delight fans. Of special note is a rare sit-down interview with the three lead Japanese voice actresses from the critically acclaimed anime series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Aya Hirano, who plays the lead of Haruhi, is joined by Yuko Goto and Minori Chihara (who play Mikuru Asahina and Yuki Nagato respectively) for an insightful chat in their hotel room during the 2007 Anime Expo. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya follows a high-school freshman as she forms a quirky middle school club called the SOS Brigade which sole purpose is to find and have fun with aliens, time travelers and espers, resulting in all manner of hilarious escapades. The series, which is distributed by Bandai Entertainment, has become very popular in North America.

Also included is a special segment of AnimeTV LIVE, taped live from the Comcast Stage on the main show floor at the 2007 Anime Expo. Show host Johnny Yong Bosch joins the entire AnimeTV cast as they answer questions from an enthusiastic packed audience. Fans might especially enjoy an over-the-top surprise appearance of anime internet uber-geek Otaku Otoko as he attempts to crash the stage. A review of Funmation’s School Rumble anime series and cos-play fun with The Girls From Haruhi – The SOS Brigade, shot on-stage doing the Haruhi Dance at the 2007 Anime Expo, round out the conclusion to the first season.

“The first season finale of AnimeTV is packed with fun new segments and fans should especially enjoy the exclusive interview with the original Japanese voice actresses of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya as well as some comical moments with AnimeTV LIVE shot at last year’s Anime Expo,” says Eric P. Sherman, President and CEO of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “As fans begin to prepare for this year’s convention season, the special episode is a wonderful way to revisit all the fun from last year’s Expo, which is now the largest anime gathering outside Japan. I am happy to also report that a second season of AnimeTV is in development and we anticipate producing new episodes in the coming months. In the meantime we look forward to fans going to goanimetv.com to check things out and get involved in reviewing anime!”

ABOUT AnimeTV™
AnimeTV™ is a free fifteen (15) minute online video program produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment and appears on www.goanimetv.com and a host of other media outlets including iTunes and YouTube. More information can be found on the show’s official web site at www.goanimetv.com.

ABOUT BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading full-service audio post production studio for feature films, television, interactive gaming, anime and direct to home entertainment content. Founded in 1993, the company offers a range of specialized services including a critically acclaimed staff of recognized voice talent, ADR,/Foley recording, sound design, and 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II mixing and encoding. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is also committed to developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. For more information, visit www.bangzoomentertainment.com

San Francisco, CA, January 22, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has provided details on an array of hot animated properties it plans to showcase at the 2008 National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) Conference and Exhibition, taking place January 28-31 in Las Vegas, NV. VIZ Media will operate from Suites 7904 and 7906 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, where the conference will be held.

The company will offer several new properties available for license, including NANA, BUSO RENKIN, HUNTER X HUNTER, NAOKI URUSAWA’s MONSTER, HONEY AND CLOVER, BLUE DRAGON as well as series such as DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, BLEACH, and DEKO BOKO FRIENDS, which have already established strong domestic followings.

NATPE is a global, non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, development and distribution of televised programming in all forms across all mature as well as emerging media platforms. The NATPE conference develops and nurtures opportunities, both commercial and educational, for the buying, selling and sharing of content and ideas.

“Japanese animation fulfills a variety of critical programming needs and VIZ Media continues to be a major force in licensing compelling content designed for every viewer demographic,” says William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This year’s NATPE Conference will present the opportunity to showcase new action properties aimed at tweens, adolescents and young adults with properties such as BUSO RENKIN, HUNTER X HUNTER, BLUE DRAGON, and NAOKI URUSAWA’s MONSTER, and will also feature also more romantically-themed titles like NANA and HONEY AND CLOVER, which will extend the popularity of shojo manga, or comics for girls, to the broadcast arena. The interest in Japanese animation continues to be strong from broadcasters both domestically and abroad, as witnessed by the popularity of shows like NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH, and we look forward to welcoming a global audience of key buyers and executives at this year’s conference.”

NANA
Author: Ai Yazawa
Broadcast runtime: 30min – 50 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Twenty-year-old Nana Komatsu has endured an unending string of boyfriend problems. Moving to Tokyo, she’s hoping to take control of her life and put her capricious love life behind her. Singer Nana Osaki arrives in Tokyo at the same time, with plans to kick down the doors to Tokyo’s rock ’n’ roll scene. Though from completely different backgrounds, the two Nanas meet and become best friends in a whirlwind world of love, music, fashion, gossip, and all-night parties!
(Not available in Europe)

BUSO RENKIN
Author: Nobuhiro Watsuki
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 26 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Alchemist Warrior Tokiko Tsumura comes to Ginsei City and uses herself as bait for the homunculi, artificial life forms that lurk in the darkness to devour unsuspecting humans. Unaware of Tokiko’s intentions, high school student Kazuki Muto tries to save her and is killed in the process. Tokiko restores Kazuki’s life with an alchemic talisman called a “kakugane,” and now he fights at Tokiko’s side to save his friends.

HUNTER X HUNTER
Author: Yoshihiro Togashi
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 62 Episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Being a “Hunter” is a profession. A person who tracks down people, searches for treasure and explores lands of mystery. A person that protects the order of mankind and nature is called a “hunter.” HUNTER X HUNTER depicts the fantastic adventures of Gon, the son of a famous Hunter. Wanting to follow in his father’s footsteps, young Gon works hard to learn how to seek treasure and master Nen, a mysterious power. But in order to truly become like his father and a licensed Hunter, Gon must pass the arduous and dangerous Hunter Exam. It is said that only one in hundreds of thousands can pass the test. Now Gon sets out on a dangerous and exciting adventure to become a great Hunter like his father. HUNTER X HUNTER is based on a popular manga comic, (rated T+ for Older Teens) by Yoshihiro Togashi, which is also published domestically by VIZ Media. The HUNTER X HUNTER series has developed a fanatical following in Japan, selling more than 44 million copies, and spawned several original video features and an array of video games and trading cards in addition to the animated series.

NAOKI URUSAWA’S MONSTER
Author: Naoki Urasawa
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 75 episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Brilliant doctor Kenzo Tenma risks his reputation and promising career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy instead of a politician’s. Nine years later, the child has grown into a serial killer… Can Kenzo stop him? Or will he make another fatal decision?

Conspiracies, serial murders, and a scathing depiction of the underbelly of hospital politics are all masterfully woven together in this compelling thriller!

HONEY AND CLOVER
Author: Chica Umino
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 38 episodes
Rating: TV 14 (Anticipated)

Based on the bestselling shôjo manga comic by Chica Umino, HONEY AND CLOVER is a romantic comedy that focuses on five college students and the art school they attend. When talented painter Hagumi Hanamoto enrolls in the program, her presence and unique approach to art affects the entire school and her new friends.

The plot thickens as Hagumi becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle as she struggles to find her artistic voice. HONEY AND CLOVER showcases the journey that everyone must take to transform from adolescence into adulthood and the long and challenging road these five young people must navigate to balance the demands of school, work, and love. The English version of the HONEY AND CLOVER manga graphic novel is currently serialized in VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT magazine. VIZ Media is also set to publish the title as a self-contained comic in March 2008.

BLUE DRAGON
Concept based on the Xbox 360 game “BLUE DRAGON”, Character Design by Akira Toriyama
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 51 episodes
Rating: TV Y7FV (Anticipated)

BLUE DRAGON features characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The anime series is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media. The Xbox 360 video game “BLUE DRAGON” was developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) has already established itself in Japan as one of Microsoft’s hottest releases in the RPG category. The BLUE DRAGON animated series is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism. Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

DEATH NOTE
Story by Tsugumi Ohba, Art by Takeshi Obata
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 37 Episodes
Rating: TV 14

DEATH NOTE is based on the Shueisha graphic novel series of the same name (rated T+ for Older Teens and published in North America by VIZ Media) and is currently one of the hottest animated titles in Japan. The series follows the adventures of Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects but who is bored out of his mind. All of that changes when he finds the Death Note, a strange notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal – or his life?

NARUTO
Author: Masashi Kishimoto
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 220 Episodes
Rating: TV PG

The NARUTO series depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of The Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers.

But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong. Today, NARUTO is considered one of the most popular animated series in Japan and has also drawn millions of fans in North America. It continues to achieve immense international success not only as a graphic novel and TV title, but also in the realm of licensed categories such as toys, trading cards and video games.

BLEACH
Author: Tite Kubo
Broadcast runtime: 30 min – 104 Episodes
Rating: TV 14

Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary 15-year-old boy who happens to be able to see ghosts. His fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who shows up at Ichigo’s house on the trail of a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul. Drawn to Ichigo’s high level of spiritual energy, the Hollow attacks Ichigo and his family, and Rukia steps in to help but is injured and unable to fight. As a last resort, Rukia decides to transfer part of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo. Ichigo, now a full-fledged Soul Reaper, and Rukia, minus her powers, join together to face the challenges that lie ahead. BLEACH is based on a popular graphic novel comic (rated T+ for Older Teens) by Tite Kubo which is also published domestically by VIZ Media.

DEKO BOKO FRIENDS
Author: Momoko Maruyama & Ryotaro Kuwamoto
Broadcast runtime: 30 sec – 234 Episodes
Rating: TV Y

DEKO BOKO FRIENDS is positioned as an educational and fun animated series for preschoolers and consists of 30-second animated shorts that feature 12 unique characters that help teach children about diversity and tolerance. The characters and messages are heartwarming and positive and have been embraced by parents and children alike.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com .

Burbank, CA, January 2, 2008 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has announced its plans to continue to develop its popular AnimeTV™ series throughout 2008. The year has kicked off with a never-before-seen episode that began streaming for free beginning January 1 at http://goanimetv.com/.

Episode 11, which was produced in 2007 but not aired, is hosted by popular anime voice actor Johnny Yong Bosch and features a review and commentary on the popular series Eureka 7, which is airing currently on Cartoon Network, as well as a segment on Fatal Fury.

AnimeTV is the first industry-approved program devoted to the anime phenomenon sweeping North America. In addition to airing on its own web site, AnimeTV review segments are also seen on IGN Entertainment’s popular anime.ign web outlet, and 9 episodes were recently broadcast by Comcast Corporation on its Anime Selects ON DEMAND network. The series performed so well that the cable provider is currently discussing the production of a second season. Comcast Corporation is the nation’s largest producer and distributor of non-linear programming designed for Video-On-Demand. AnimeTV is the creation of Bang Zoom! Entertainment President and CEO Eric P. Sherman, an ardent anime fan and the head of one of the leading facilities providing voice talent and audio post production to the anime and video game industry.

“We are very excited to announce the availability of this all new episode of AnimeTV”, says Sherman. “The series continues to draw new viewers with professional production and we look forward to developing new content throughout 2008. Fans can look forward to plenty of surprises and announcements throughout the year. The availability of the program on Comcast’s Anime Selects ON DEMAND marked the first time an independently produced program dedicated to covering the burgeoning anime market was made available in so many major national markets. Fans everywhere can now check out Episode 11 and see what has viewers and the industry so abuzz.”

ABOUT AnimeTV™
AnimeTV™ is a free fifteen (15) minute online video program produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment and appears on www.goanimetv.com and a host of other media outlets including iTunes and YouTube. More information can be found on the show’s official web site at www.goanimetv.com.

ABOUT BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading full-service audio post production studio for feature films, television, interactive gaming, anime and direct to home entertainment content. Founded in 1993, the company offers a range of specialized services including a critically acclaimed staff of recognized voice talent, ADR,/Foley recording, sound design, and 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II mixing and encoding. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is also committed to developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. For more information, visit www.bangzoomentertainment.com.