VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT ANIME ON DVD & BLU-RAY

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT ANIME SERIES ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

Complete Anime Fantasy Action Adventure From Production I.G. To Be Released On DVD And Blu-ray

San Francisco, CA, August 21, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, delivers the riveting anime action fantasy series about a wandering warrior and a fallen prince to fans with the home media release of MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT on August 26^th.

The 26-episode series, based on a bestselling collection of Japanese fantasy novels by author Nahoko Uehashi, is rated ‘TV-14’ and will be offered on 4 discs available on DVD and Blu-ray formats. The series will carry a DVD MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $43.24 CAN; Blu-ray MSRP will be $54.97 U.S. / $66.15 CAN.  The series will also be available for digital download from a range of top media content providers including Apple iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon Instant Video, PlayStation Network and the Xbox Marketplace on August 26^th (English dubbed version) and on September 2^nd (Japanese with English subtitles).     

The Blu-ray release features episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition 16x9 video, along with dubbed English and Japanese 2.0 dialogue as well as English subtitle options. The DVD edition features 16x9 Standard Definition video and available English and Japanese 2.0 audio and English subtitle options. Special bonus features for both sets include series trailers, a MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT promotional film, a “Pilot” production film, the series’ official press conference and discussion panels, as well as clean opening and closing segments.

Young Prince Chagum has been suspected of demonic possession by court advisors who see only one solution: death. But his salvation may lie in the hands of Balsa, the spear-wielding bodyguard from Kanbal, the kingdom across the mountains. Her vow to save eight worthy souls has led her to the imperiled Chagum and into the mystery of the water spirit, a mystical entity that may hold the key to saving millions of lives from drought. Her skill and tenacity are legendary, but can she fend off an entire empire?

“MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT is a thrilling anime series with some beautifully rendered artwork and a well developed plot from Production IG that North American action and fantasy fans will not want to miss,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “The stage is set for lots of drama and action as Prince Chagum and his bodyguard journey through dangerous realm to uncover the Prince’s mysterious connection to a legendary water spirit.  We look forward to fans making this new release a riveting addition to their personal anime collections.”

For more information on MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT or other anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit: www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.

VIZ MEDIA DEBUT MANGA SERIES FOOD WARS!

A Talented Young Chef Enrolls At An Exclusive Culinary School Known For Its Brutally Low Graduation Rate

 VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites readers and aspiring gourmands to savor the delicious new manga (graphic novel) series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, now available.

 The action-packed, saucy comedy about a boy’s determination to become a top chef features a story by Yuto Tsukuda with artwork by Shun Saeki and is published under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint. FOOD WARS! is rated “T+” for Older Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The ongoing series will see new volumes released on a bimonthly basis.

 Digital versions of FOOD WARS Vols. 1 and 2 are already available for $6.99 each (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com, through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^®, iPod^® touch, and Android-powered smart phones, and through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

 In FOOD WARS!, Soma Yukihira’s old man runs a small family restaurant in the less savory end of town. Aiming to one day surpass his father’s culinary prowess, Soma hones his skills day in and day out until one day, out of the blue, his father decides to enroll Soma in a classy culinary school! Can Soma really cut it in a place that prides itself on a 10 percent graduation rate? And can he convince the beautiful, domineering heiress of the school that he belongs there at all?!

 “FOOD WARS! is a titillating and tasty new manga release that ranks as one of the most popular titles currently featured in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump. We are looking forward to North American fans discovering this funny and appetite-inducing series,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor. “There is great attention to detail in the food preparation depicted in both the writing and art of this series, and each volume also includes special recipes that readers can try at home. See a different sort of hell’s kitchen unfold as young Soma faces a seemingly insurmountable array of challenges in his quest to become one of the world’s greatest chefs.”

 Yuto Tsukuda won the 34^th Jump Juniketsu Newcomers' Manga Award for his one-shot story Kiba ni Naru. He made his Weekly Shonen Jump debut in 2010 with the series Shonen Shikku. His follow-up series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, is his first title to be translated into English and released in North America.

  Manga artist Shun Saeki made his Jump NEXT! debut in 2011 with the one-shot story Kimi to Watashi no Renai Soudan. FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA is his first Shonen Jump series.

 For more information on FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, or other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.