VIZ Media Joins Playstation Video Delivery Service

VIZ Media is coming to the PlayStation Network, offering three of North America’s most popular Anime series. Bleach, Death Note and Naruto are accessible for download via PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Portable (PSP) systems in the United States.

The service begins immediately with 13 episodes of Naruto, 20 of Bleach and the entire 37-segment Death Note series. The episodes are available for $1.99 each via the Network’s new VIZ Media Channel page.

Episodes will be English-dubbed in standard definition.

“Naruto, Bleach and Death Note are compelling additions to the PlayStation Network and an ideal complement to the dynamic library of content, games and applications available for the PS3 and PSP,” says Ken Sasaki, VP of strategy and business development for VIZ Media. “Together, these series have set a new standard for anime throughout the world and the ease of download, combined with portability and interoperability between many media devices, will allow fans to watch their favorite ninjas in training, Soul Reapers and Shinigami Death Gods whether at home or on the go, wherever and however they want.”

About PlayStation Network
The PlayStation Network is an entertainment network that unites people and innovative entertainment to deliver captivating experiences worldwide. In addition to offering new and original forms of entertainment, the PlayStation Network supports free and community-centric online gameplay, communication tools, and PSP and PS3 connectivity. As of May 2009, the PlayStation Network has more than 24 million registered accounts worldwide.

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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133 and on the web site at www.VIZ.com.

Tears To Tiara Simulcast

Animax Asia in historical broadcast deal to offer world’s first same-time simulcast of an anime TV series with Tears to Tiara, premiering 06 Apr 09, airing Mondays 12.35am (SEA/PH/HK/TW) on Animax (Astro Channel 715), simultaneous to the series’ 1.35am (Tokyo) debut in Japan on Chiba TV.

“The inaugural deal to bring Tears to Tiara to Animax viewers across Asia simultaneous with viewers in Japan is a milestone not only for Animax Asia, but also for the anime business as the speed of international broadcast is brought to its pinnacle. We are very proud to provide viewers with what was previously seemingly impossible,”

said Gregory Ho, Vice President & General Manager, Animax Asia.

Tears to Tiara is set in a magical and fantasy medieval world. The story unfolds with the Divine Empire’s rise to power as it conquers lands far and wide.

The island of Erin is still ruled by the Ancient Kingdom, and the Goidelic people are attempting to sacrifice priestess Riannon to revive protagonist and demon king Arawn to lead the resistance against the Empire.

Although the ritual fails and Riannon survives, Arawn’s seal is broken and resurrected.

Armed with mysterious and devastating powers as well as a human’s demeanour, Arawn joins Riannon, her brother and battalion commander Arthur, along with their team of fighters comprising a swordsman, an archer and a quintet of pixies, in an epic struggle against the Divine Empire.

Tears to Tiara draws its inspiration from the gaming arena where it originates as a captivating fantasy role-playing game on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 platforms. Published by Aquaplus, the Japanese games publisher behind titles like ‘To Heart’ and ‘Utawarerumono’, the ‘Tears to Tiara’ game proved so popular that it sold out across Asia at Sony as of March 2009.

via Animax-Asia.