Category Archives: Animation Studios

Spy x Family CODE: White REVIEW | Family Sticks Together

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After months of anticipation, Spy x Family CODE: White debuts in theaters worldwide! Preceding its release, Crunchyroll hosted a red-carpet event to commemorate the English dub premiere of the series’ first film. On April 11, fans and celebrities gathered at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles to witness the beloved Forger family on the big screen, joined by voice talent: Alex Organ (Loid), Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor), Tyler Walker (Bond), Anthony Bowling (Franky), Tyson Rinehart (Luca), Phil Parson (Domitri), and Lindsay Seidel (Nightfall), with additional attendance by actors Dara Reneé, Emery Kelly, Max Ehrich and Zeno Robinson; rapper 24kGoldn; musician Kim Dracula; model, singer, actor and producer Skye Aurelia; and content creators Billy Yue, Jacki Jing, Nicewigg, Neekolul, Izzy Kento, Magdaline Janet and Stella Chu.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Tyson Rinehart, Anthony Bowling, Tyler Walker, Phil Parsons, Megan Shipman, Alex Organ, Natalie Van Sistine, Cris George, and Lindsay Seidel attend World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)

We had the thrilling opportunity to attend and view the film firsthand, and we are eager to share the excitement surrounding it!

Spy x Family CODE: White

When Loid faces a critical directive: his role in Operation Strix is slated for replacement and with it entire Forger family. Determined to maintain his position, he embarks on a mission to assist Anya in winning a cooking competition at her school to win a Stella Star and earn him one step closer to his objective; Donovan Desmond. Under the guise of a family vacation, the Forgers embark on a journey to seek the principal’s favorite dessert. However, their seemingly harmless quest sets off a series of events that threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of peace and ignite a full-blown conflict between the two nations.

The Forgers In Action On The Big Screen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: A general view of atmosphere at World Premiere Of The English Dub Version Of “SPY x FAMILY CODE: White” at DGA Theater Complex on April 11, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Crunchyroll)

Spy x Family is a series I enjoy a lot with its unique concept, storytelling, and loveable characters. Watching the film on the big screen in theaters felt different. The animation is what I would expect from the likes of Wit Studio and Cloverworks; clean and detailed. Its production showcases the high-quality animation that WitStudios and Cloverworks are known for. Fans can look forward to the film knowing it got the seal of approval by having Tatsuya Endo serve as the production supervisor, ensuring the film stayed true to the Spy x Family series.

The action scenes for Loid and especially for Yor’s fighting scenes, were animated with high attention to detail, allowing the audience to enjoy the thrill of the fight. In contrast, there were a lots of heartwarming moments between the Forgers as they enjoyed their little family “vacation”.

While the series balanced action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, the movie felt like it leaned towards the comedic aspect of the Spy x Family series. There wasn’t a time within the movie when the audience was not bursting with laughter. The family’s secrecy about each other’s identity and intentions often led to hilarious misunderstandings between Loid and Yorn. We also can’t forget about the mischievous Anya, who basically launched the film’s storyline through her innocent but troublesome methods.

Family Stays Together

I’ve always been excited to see how the Forgers grow not just as individuals but also as a family with every season. It’s one of the things I enjoy watching in Spy x Family. The movie also focuses on that theme and emphasizes it a lot throughout. It was quite prominent compared to what I saw during the series. Each character played a certain role that led to them being one step closer to learning what a family is. 

Loid, who never had a family and created the Forgers specifically for the mission, is still learning what family is and what it means to be one. We could see Loid express his confusion about the meaning of family and why he desires to protect the family even though it’s fake. Yor, who has her little brother, Yuri, became sort of like a guide for Loid, guiding him on what a family means based on her experience. Anya, who wanted a family of her own, kept the family together in her Anya-like way and was the reason that Loid was acting more like a father of the family and learning what it means to be one.

First Time Watching In English Dub

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 11: (L-R) Megan Shipman (Anya), Natalie Van Sistine (Yor) and Alex Organ (Loid) | (Photo by Krystal Kitsune/TKN)

This was my first time watching Spy x Family in English, and it was an interesting experience. I am more of a Japanese dub fan and watch most of my anime series in English sub, including Spy x Family. Listening to the English dub cast was different from watching the English sub, perhaps because I can understand the Japanese version and am already used to their voice actors. 

Although there were a couple of times when I cringed at some of the lines they said in the English dub, the English voice cast did a fantastic job voicing their characters, very fitting. Being able to understand them even made the whole movie much funnier than I anticipated. 

Conclusion

Packed with action, thrills, and comedy, Spy x Family CODE: White is what you would expect to see in a Spy x Family movie. I love seeing how the Forgers grow as a family as they navigate their way on what it means to be one. The movie might have even given us a glimpse or even an idea that we might see in the series in the future. We won’t know this for sure since the series only has two seasons so far. If you’re a manga reader, then you might have already gotten some foresight into how the Forgers act as a family. As for those of us who only watch anime, it will be a while before you get to see some family development in possible future seasons. Until then, the movie is great for anyone who wants to see more of the Forgers and scratch that itch until a new season is announced.

Spy x Family CODE: White is now in theaters, get your tickets now! Can’t get enough? Check out our YouTube Channel, and watch my interviews with the English dub cast of Spy x Family at the red-carpet premiere!

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Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Wins Best Animated Feature | SECOND WIN FOR MIYAZAKI & STUDIO GHIBLI

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GKIDS, known for bringing beloved animated films to North American audiences, is thrilled to share the exciting news: Studio Ghibli’s latest masterpiece, “THE BOY AND THE HERON,” has clinched the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. This victory marks a significant achievement for the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, who adds yet another Oscar to his collection after his groundbreaking “Spirited Away” triumph in 2003. Miyazaki, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, received well-deserved recognition at the 2014 Governors Awards for their exceptional contributions to cinema.

“Spirited Away” and “THE BOY AND THE HERON” are the only hand-drawn films to secure this honor since the category’s inception in 2002. This win also signifies the first Oscar triumph for producer Toshio Suzuki, adding to Studio Ghibli’s impressive track record, which boasts seven nominations and two wins.

For GKIDS, this win is particularly sweet, marking their first victory after an impressive 13 nominations in the Best Animated Feature category. Their journey began in 2010 with “The Secret of Kells” and includes notable titles like “Ernest & Celestine,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “Wolfwalkers.”

“THE BOY AND THE HERON” has not only broken records as GKIDS’ highest-grossing release but is also Studio Ghibli’s top-earning film in North America, with over $46 million at the box office and the highest-grossing original Japanese animated film domestically. To celebrate, GKIDS plans a re-release across North American theaters later this month.

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, presenting from the Dolby Theater, graciously accepted the award on behalf of Miyazaki and Suzuki, who remained in Japan. Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima conveyed producer Toshio Suzuki’s heartfelt appreciation backstage in Los Angeles,

“As producer of The Boy and the Heron, I am extremely honored to receive the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Academy. I would also like to give my thanks to those who were involved in the production of this film, and to all those who worked to distribute the film worldwide. This film began with director Hayao Miyazaki retracting his retirement statement. Following that, we spent seven years in the production of this work. It has been ten years since Hayao Miyazaki’s previous film, The Wind Rises, during which time there have been dramatic changes in the environment surrounding films. This film was truly difficult to bring to completion. I am very appreciative that the work that was created after overcoming these difficulties has been seen by so many people around the world, and that it has received this recognition. Both Hayao Miyazaki and I have aged a considerable amount. I am grateful to receive such an honor at my age, and taking this as a message to continue our work, I will devote myself to work harder in the future. Thank you very much.”

– Toshio Suzuki via Executive Producer Kiyofumi Nakajima

In response to this landmark win, GKIDS CEO Eric Beckman and President David Jesteadt expressed gratitude to the Academy and Studio Ghibli, reflecting on their longstanding partnership and dedication to bringing masterful animation to worldwide audiences.

With the passing of founder Isao Takahata in 2018, Miyazaki and Suzuki remain the driving forces behind Studio Ghibli’s legacy. Their combined efforts have garnered numerous Oscar nominations, solidifying their place in animation history.

GKIDS’ impact on cinema extends beyond Studio Ghibli, introducing audiences to a diverse array of master filmmakers from around the world. From Mamoru Hosoda to Makoto Shinkai, their catalog showcases the artistry and storytelling prowess of animation.

“THE BOY AND THE HERON” made waves internationally, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival to sold-out screenings and rave reviews. It has since garnered accolades from BAFTA, Golden Globe, and various critics’ associations. Adding to the excitement, the film’s IMAX debut and its star-studded English-language version continue to captivate audiences worldwide, proving once again the timeless appeal and artistic excellence of Miyazaki’s storytelling.

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CODE GEASS Returns May 2024 | OP Theme By MYAVI

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The legacy of Code Geass continues to captivate fans as a thrilling new chapter unfolds! Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, the brand new anime film set to release May 2024. This latest addition, first announced in December 2020, promises to reignite the fervor surrounding the beloved franchise.

©SUNRISE/PROJECT G-ROZE
Character Design ©2006-2024 CLAMP・ST

Scheduled for a theatrical release in four parts starting from May 2024, the anime project unveiled exciting details, including the cast lineup and theme song. Cast members include, Kohei Amasaki takes on the role of Rozé, with Makoto Furukawa as Ashe.

Adding to the excitement, MIYAVI, the globally recognized guitarist known for his unique “slap guitar” style, is gearing up to release his latest song, “Running In My Head,” on May 8, 2024. The track will serve as the theme song for the eagerly anticipated anime film Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, and promises to be a treat for fans of both MIYAVI’s music and those eagerly awaiting the return of the Code Geass series.

Having already performed the song live, MIYAVI’s “Running In My Head” boasts an electrifying up-tempo rock vibe, characterized by his signature powerful guitar riffs. Fans can also look forward to a specially drawn anime CD jacket accompanying the single release, the illustration is yet to be released by Mood Records

Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, the latest installment in the beloved Code Geass franchise, is set for a four-part release starting in May 2024. The most recent teaser trailer for the film features a snippet of “Running In My Head,”.

In addition to his involvement with the anime film, MIYAVI has also announced his upcoming studio album, “Lost In Love, Found In Pain.” and his digital single “Broken Fantasy / Tragedy Of Us” is now available, featuring two captivating tracks to tide fans over until the release of “Running In My Head.”

Set in the visually captivating world crafted by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi, this new installment is directed by Yoshimitsu Ohashi at studio Sunrise with scriptwriting by Noboru Kimura, while new character designs by CLAMP. Animation by Takahiro Kimura and Hidekazu Shimamura.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses! For more information visit the Code Geass website.

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Hayao Miyazaki’s THE BOY AND THE HERON First Feature in 10 Years | Nominated For Best Animated Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards

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GKIDS the renowned producer and distributor celebrated for bringing captivating animation from diverse corners of the world to audiences, has unveiled a teaser featuring insights from Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. In this interview, Suzuki delves into the visionary mind of Hayao Miyazaki, shedding light on Miyazaki’s latest creation, “The Boy and the Heron,” and offering glimpses into the future landscape of animation.

Video content created by GKIDS

“The Boy and the Heron” recently won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, adding to its accolades with a nomination for Best Original Score. The film has garnered further acclaim with nominations at the British Academy Film and Television Awards and the Critic’s Choice Awards, while also vying for recognition in multiple categories at the Producers Guild Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, Cinema Audio Society Awards, and the ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Awards.

The international debut of “The Boy and the Heron” was a landmark event, serving as the Opening Night Gala of the 48th Toronto International Film Festival. The demand for tickets was unprecedented, with all five screenings at TIFF selling out rapidly. Following its success in Toronto, the film continued to captivate audiences worldwide, with premieres in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. These screenings, held at esteemed venues such as the New York Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival, further solidified its global appeal.

The film has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, winning Best Animated Feature at numerous prestigious award events, including those presented by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, New York Film Critics Circle, Chicago Film Critics Association, and many others across various regions such as San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia, Dallas Ft. Worth, Florida, New Mexico, and Greater Western New York.

This hand-drawn animated masterpiece marks Miyazaki’s return to the director’s chair after a decade, featuring an original story crafted and directed by the master himself. Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki led the production serving as the film’s producer. The musical score was created by Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, who worked on Studio Ghibli titles such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, to mention a few. Furthermore, the captivating theme song “Spinning Globe” is performed by the acclaimed J-pop sensation Kenshi Yonezu, adding another layer of allure to this cinematic experience.

Photo by Kazuhei Kimura

The English dubbed version of the film, features the voices of renowned star-studded English language cast, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. It’s worth noting that the English language dub was created in compliance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

The film is currently in select theaters in English dubbed and subbed, for location and ticketing information visit, https://gkids.com/films/the-boy-and-the-heron/tickets/

GKIDS takes charge of distributing Studio Ghibli’s renowned collection across North America, ensuring these beloved classics reach audiences through theaters, home video, digital, and streaming platforms. GKIDS also promotes recent releases like “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya” and “When Marnie Was There,” alongside beloved favorites such as “From Up on Poppy Hill.”

Since 2017, GKIDS has organized Ghibli Fest annually, a nationwide celebration showcasing Studio Ghibli films in over 800 theaters. This year’s festival highlights the unmatched cinematic legacy of Hayao Miyazaki, inviting audiences to delve into the timeless wonders of his storytelling prowess.

Additionally, GKIDS is the founder and host of ANIMATION IS FILM, the annual LA-based film festival which embraces animation as a cinematic art form, and is a vocal advocate for filmmakers who push the boundaries of the medium to its fullest range of artistic expressions.

For more information on The Boy and Heron, visit GKIDS.com | Subscribe to our articles, and don’t miss upcoming, exclusive content!

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HAZBIN HOTEL | Time to Check-In: Your Room is Ready

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Hazbin Hotel, the eagerly awaited series by Vivienne Medrano (VivziePop), has finally arrived, bringing joy to long-time fans. Collaborating with colleagues from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Vivienne dedicated almost two years (2017-2019) to bringing the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode to life. Prior to the Hazbin Hotel Pilot Episode, Vivienne gained recognition through the animated music video “Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video,” featuring Ke$ha’s song. This newfound recognition helped Vivienne with her early career and later assisted in the success of Hazbin Hotel.

Screenshot of Die Young – Fan Animated Music Video

Released on October 13, 2019, the pilot episode received acclaim for its originality in story and artistic direction, quickly going viral. This success led to the spin-off series “Helluva Boss,” premiering on November 25, 2019.

In 2020, film production companies A24, SpindleHorse Toons, and Bento Box Entertainment took over the production of Hazbin Hotel. However, some changes occurred, including a new cast and redesigned main characters. The series was initially set for a summer 2023 release but faced a delay due to the 2023 strike. A new release date was announced in late September 2023, revealing an Amazon Prime Video premiere, and it was revealed that the now 4-year-old pilot episode would be canon to the series.

The highly anticipated series had its Los Angeles premiere in Culver City on Wednesday, January 17th. Cast members, including Vivienne Medrano, Stephanie Beatriz, Erika Henningsen, and Amir Talai, attended the event, marking a significant moment for the Hazbin Hotel fandom. A Q&A, moderated by Joseph Deckelmeier, was held after screening the first three episodes with the aforementioned cast members and series creator Vivienne Medrano.

Given the success of both “Helluva Boss” and “Hazbin Hotel,” what lies ahead for Vivienne? Could an animated theatrical film be in the works? While that remains uncertain, one thing is clear – we’re all in for one HELL of a ride!

The following are highlights from the Q&A

Joseph Deckelmeier: How does it feel coming into a show that already has such a fan base that’s
so strong and hardcore? Is that a little intimidating to step into?

Admir (Alastor VA): It’s funny. I had absolutely no idea until I was well into recording it. [. . .] I auditioned, thinking it would be fun. When I saw the scripts, I thought, “Yes, this is great.” It wasn’t until later, with the new voice actors announcement, that I realized it might be a big deal. Like being the new Batman, it’s definitely intimidating but exciting.

Joseph Deckelmeier: What were your first thoughts when you saw your characters rendered?

Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): We haven’t discussed this, but I love the throwback-y sailor Moon-y coquette bow, the skirt, and the stockings- I mean, some of my earliest queer awakenings were watching Sailor Moon at, like, 05:00 a.m. I remember watching it being like, some of these girls are gay, so I just love that it’s there, that’s like a little touchstone of it. I just absolutely adore it.

Joseph Deckelmeier: One thing that really stuck out to me was the chemistry that everybody had. It is incredible the way it seems like they play off each other, but they didn’t record together, so what was it that you found in the post-production process to kind of cultivate and create that chemistry amongst the cast?

Vivienne Medrano (series creator): I know what it was, the voice director. Richard Horvitz, and I have been working together for a while. He understands my taste and knows what I want, almost reading my mind for an amazing direction. During the pandemic recordings, he would read with everybody, retaining the essence of each performance. This makes a significant difference, and I’ve witnessed many actors express how much it helps them emotionally connect with the scenes.

Joseph Deckelmeier: The heart of this show is really Charlie and Maggie’s relationship. Can you guys talk about how we see that relationship explored throughout the course of season one? ‘

Stephanie Beatriz (Vaggie VA): One beautiful aspect of this series is its exploration of redemption, questioning if it’s possible to redeem a soul from hell to heaven and whether change is achievable. Sometimes, when you fall in love, you don’t really understand that you’re deserving of that love. You don’t really believe that you are the kind of person that somebody else could be in love with. When considering their (Charlie & Vaggie) relationship, they reflect the uncertainty of feeling deserving of love. Falling in love can reveal one’s true self, and in their case, they don’t seek to change each other, embracing each other’s baggage. Vaggie’s goal is to support her partner’s dreams, raising questions about love, redemption, and self-worth.

Watch HAZBIN HOTEL on Prime Video here!

Our HAZBIN HOTEL INTERVIEWS

Before releasing the Hazbin Hotel pilot episode, we had the opportunity to interview Vivenne during Anime Expo 2019, before we knew what the future held for The Hazbin Hotel!

More recently, we had the opportunity to interview Edward Bosco, the original voice of The Radio Demon, Alastor. Discover what has happened since the pilot episode, why Edward is not returning for the series, and more in our exclusive audio interview! (Giveaway opportunity towards the end!)

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Dangers in My Heart: “Twi-Yaba” Short Manga Anime Adaptation and Season 2 Release Dates Revealed

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During the FAN FEST 2023 event held at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, TV Asahi made an exciting announcement about the upcoming release of “Twi-Yaba,” a short manga spin-off based on Norio Sakurai’s “The Dangers in My Heart.” Published initially on X (formerly Twitter), the manga will debut in Japan on December 10, with international release dates to be unveiled later.

©Norio Sakurai(AKITASHOTEN)/The Dangers in My Heart Committee

The spinoff is set to be released as multiple short episodes combined into a single 21-minute episode, perfectly complementing the highly anticipated sequel of “The Dangers in My Heart.” “The Dangers in My Heart “Twi-Yaba” will be accessible worldwide, available on HIDIVE in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as on Peppermint anime & Amazon in Germany. Moreover, it will be broadcast on ANIPLUS in Korea, ANIPLUS Asia in Southeast Asia, and Ani-One in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao.

The eagerly awaited second season of “The Dangers in My Heart” is set to premiere on January 7, 2024. Exciting news for fans, as the PV trailer has just been released! You can catch a glimpse of the upcoming season below and even get a sneak peek at the new opening (OP) and ending (ED) theme songs. The first season, which aired on April 1, 2023, received high praise and gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Get ready for more thrilling adventures in a classic tale of boy meets girl!

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Delicious in Dungeon: Anime NYC Premiere and Exclusive Interview with Voice Actors

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KADOKAWA Corporation has recently announced exciting news regarding the upcoming anime series “Delicious in Dungeon.” During the upcoming Anime NYC event at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, attendees will have the chance to visit a dedicated photo spot at the KADOKAWA WORLD ENTERTAINMENT booth (#1706). Additionally, on November 17th from 3:00 to 4:00 pm ET at Panel Room 2, there will be a premiere screening of the first and second episodes.

©Ryoko Kui,KADOKAWA/Delicious in Dungeon PARTNERS

Fans will have the opportunity to be among the first to watch the anime before its official release in January 2024. As a bonus, visitors can also grab a special free manga sampler. Make sure to stop by and make the most of this exclusive experience! Watch the trailer below!

The series is based on Ryoko Kui’s manga of the same name. The manga was published in Enterbrain’s Harta magazine from February 2014 to September 2023. By August 2017, the first 4 volumes had sold over 2 million copies.

“Delicious in Dungeon” stars:

  • Kentaro Kumagai as Laios
  • Sayaka Sembongi as Marcille
  • Asuna Tomari as Chilchuck
  • Hiroshi Naka as Senshi
  • Saori Hayami as Falin
  • Akira Miki as Namari
  • Shinji Kawada as Shuro

The series is produced by acclaimed anime production studio, Studio Trigger with Yoshihiro Miyajima as the series’ director. Music for the series is composed by Yasunori Mitsuda. The opening theme, titled “Sleep Walking Orchestra”, is performed by BUMP OF CHICKEN. The series is set to be released on Netflix in January 2024. You can watch it here.

For all the eager fans awaiting the release of “Delicious in Dungeon,” we have a special treat for you. We present an exclusive interview with the two main voice actors, Kentaro Kumagai (Laios) and Sayaka Sembongi (Marcille), which took place at Anime Expo 2023 in Los Angeles, brought to you by KADOKAWA. Kentaro Kumagai (voice of Laios) and Sayaka Sembongi (voice of Marcille) traveled to the event from Japan, and spoke with fans, attended panels and had their own autograph session!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE INTERVIEW!

Okamoto Kitchen Anime OVA Trailer Revealed Ahead of Upcoming Release | Thanksgiving 2023

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Okamoto Kitchen is excited to share that they will be releasing the Okamoto Kitchen original video animation (OVA) on Thanksgiving 2023 (November 23, 2023). To mark this special occasion, they have released a new trailer that introduces the English voice cast: Haru Umesaki, voiced by Cristina Vee, Chef Chizuru, voiced by Allegra Clark, Mickey, voiced by Patrick Seymour, Ling, voiced by Faye Mata, and Honey, voiced by Kimlinh Tran. Get ready to enjoy this exciting new OVA based on the real life food truck business of the same name.

The anime project was brought to life thanks to the support of 625 fans who backed the project on Kickstarter in 2019 with a total of $65,614 funds raised of its initial US$48,000. Japanese animation studio Magic Bus is responsible for the OVA’s layout and keyframes, while Studio Nine Lives handled the Paint & IB, and Industry Visual Effects took charge of Previz, CGI, and compositing with music by Layla Lane (Hidehito Ikumo & Valerie Stern).

What is Okamoto Kitchen?

Okamoto Kitchen At Anime Los Angeles 2019.

Okamoto Kitchen is a food truck business which was established by Chizuru and Gerald Abraham with the intention of introducing individuals with lesser-known, genuine Japanese delicacies such as Chicken Nanban, Cheese Mochi, and Classic Style Japanese Curry. The eatery’s lively Akiba-style atmosphere and outstanding customer service combine to create a memorable experience that you’ll be eager to share with your friends.

Hungry con-goers ordering at Anime Expo 2018

You can find Okamoto Kitchen, and their wonderful staff, catering to cosplayers and con attendees at various California conventions and local cities! To get detailed information about their schedule and appearances, please visit their website at https://okamotokitchen.com/#.

The OVA will be released for free on the official Okamoto Kitchen YouTube channel.

 Copyright © Okamoto Kitchen

Series Synopsis

The food truck industry is a brutal world! Savage races for parking spots, epic shonen food battles, and lots and lots of VIDEO GAMES! The naive Okamoto Kitchen food truck team of Haru, Chizuru, Mickey and Honey try their best to navigate their way around the unforgiving landscape of the Los Angeles food truck scene. Our heroes will have to push through the growing pains not only to figure out how to thrive in the food truck business, but to also discover who really has their best interests at heart. The culinary arts can sometimes be hard to digest.

The anime stars Cristina Vee as Haru Umesaki, Allegra Clark as Chef Chizuru, Patrick Seymour as Mickey, Faye Mata as Ling, and Kimlinh Tran as Honey

For more information on the series visit their official Website, https://okamotokitchen.com/anime/

CHECK OUT THE NEXT PAGE AS WE GO INSIDE OKAMOTO KITCHEN!

THE BOY AND THE HERON | English Trailer

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GKIDS has released the English dub trailer of Oscar-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s new feature, THE BOY AND THE HERON. The highly anticipated film features an all-star English language dub cast featuring the voices of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh.

 The new trailer features a first look at the vocal performances of the film’s all-star English language cast. The English language dub was produced in accordance with the SAG-AFTRA Foreign Dubbing Agreement.

GKIDS will release THE BOY AND THE HERON in theaters nationwide on December 8, 2023, featuring both the original Japanese and English language versions. This highly anticipated film is the latest creation from Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation house from Japan. Prior to its wide release, it will have special preview screenings in New York and Los Angeles starting from November 22.

Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this hand-drawn animated feature marks his return to filmmaking after a decade. The movie tells an original story and is produced by Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and an Academy Award nominee. The musical score is composed by Joe Hisaishi, a long-time collaborator of Miyazaki, and the theme song, titled “Spinning Globe,” is written and performed by the popular J-pop artist Kenshi Yonezu.

THE BOY AND THE HERON had its international debut as the Opening Night Gala at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. The film received tremendous support, with tickets for all five screenings selling out rapidly. Furthermore, it garnered glowing reviews and secured a spot in the top three for the TIFF People’s Choice Awards. After its successful premiere, the film went on to have its U.S. premiere at the prestigious New York Film Festival, its European premiere as the Opening Night film at the San Sebastian International Film Festival, its UK premiere at the highly regarded BFI London Film Festival, and its Los Angeles IMAX premiere as the Opening Night film at the Animation is Film Festival.

Remember to catch the world-wide release of THE BOY AND THE HERON on December 8th.

For more information on the film visit, TheBoyAndTheHeron.com

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Blue Eye Samurai Premieres at AIFF 2023 | NETFLIX

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Blue Eye Samurai Premieres at AIFF 2023 | NETFLIX

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Blue Eye Samurai, created by Micheal Green & Amber Nozumi, is a captivating story set in Edo-period Japan. The series revolves around Mizu, a skilled swordmaster of mixed race, as she navigates a life shrouded in disguise and driven by the pursuit of revenge. Voiced by Maya Erskine, Mizu’s character combines determination, grace, and a deep understanding of the art of the sword. As the plot unfolds, viewers are transported to a world filled with animated intrigue, complex relationships, and epic battles. Blue Eye Samurai offers a unique blend of historical fiction, action, and personal growth, making it a thrilling and immersive watch.

Micheal Green, known for his exceptional storytelling, has previously worked on acclaimed projects such as Logan, Blade Runner 2049, Murder on the Orient Express, and, most recently, A Haunting in Venice. With his unique ability to craft compelling narratives, Green, along with Nozumi, brings their expertise to Blue Eye Samurai, creating a world that will captivate viewers.

Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF

Jane Wu, the visionary director behind the series, is renowned for her work as a storyboard artist. Her impressive portfolio includes notable projects such as Mulan (2020), Star Trek Beyond (2016), and Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). In addition, Wu has also contributed her talents to beloved animated series such as The Men In Black, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Godzilla. With Blue Eye Samurai, Wu marks her return to animation, allowing her to showcase her exceptional skills and breathe life into this thrilling series. Together, this series is set to transport audiences to a world of adventure, mystery, intrigue, and a bloody good time.

Photo Credit, John Salangsang for AIF

The first episode of the series premiered at this year’s Animation Is Film Festival at the TLC Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Despite the grandeur of the red carpet, the absence of acting talent served as a constant reminder of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. However, the series director, Jane Wu, and the series creators, Michael Green and Amber Nozmi, were present at the event. Their presence signified their commitment to the project, even amid industry challenges.

In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of a new wave of iconic adult animation that ventures beyond the confines of the typical comedy genre. These adult animated series delve into dramatic stories and explore complex themes. While there have been many notable examples from the East, such as Satoshi Ton’s groundbreaking 1997 film Perfect Blue, let’s focus on Western adult animation.

When we think of adult animation in the Western context, the first shows that come to mind are often comedies such as Family Guy or even irreverent black comedies like Sausage Party. However, there is a growing movement within the industry to redefine and push the boundaries of what we understand as “Western adult animation”.

Enter Blue Eye Samurai, a captivating series that aims to challenge the conventions of adult animation in the West. Both the series director and creators are dedicated to redefining the genre, striving to provide a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience. By combining elements of action, drama, and nuanced storytelling, Blue Eye Samurai offers a fresh perspective on the potential of adult animation.

As adult animation continues to evolve, it is exciting to witness the birth of groundbreaking shows like Blue Eye Samurai, which challenge the traditional boundaries of the genre and push the art form to new heights. If you enjoy films such as Kill Bill and episodic storytelling such as Arcane, you’ll love Blue Eye Samurai!

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with director Jane Wu and series creators Michael Green & Amber Noizumi, discussing their work on Blue Eye Samurai. Join us on the red carpet as director Jane Wu shares her insights into the series, followed by creators Michael Green & Amber Noizumi revealing the inspiration behind BLUE EYE SAMURAI.

Add BLUE EYE SAMURAI to your queue & remember to watch on November 3rd!

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