Anime Fantasy

Fireworks Released Today

An earlier version of this story omitted the release of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation - apologies for the oversight.

On Monday November 26, Anime Limited will release the anime feature film Fireworks as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, as well as a Blu-ray and a DVD. The combo pack includes art cards, an A3 poster and a 32-page booklet.

The anime adapts director Shunji Iwai's 1993 live-action drama of the same name, but adds modern elements. GKIDS has previously describes the story:

Producer Genki Kawamura follows up his mega-hit your name.with another tale of star-crossed teenage lovers with a sci-fi fantasy twist. Shy Norimichi and fast-talking Yusuke, are goo-goo-eyed over the same elusive classmate, Nazuna. But Nazuna, unhappy over her mother's decision to remarry and leave their countryside town, plans to run away and has secretly chosen Norimichi to accompany her. When things don't go as planned, Norimichi discovers that a glowing multi-color ball found in the sea has the power to reset the clock and give them a second chance to be together. But each reset adds new complications and takes them farther and farther away from the real world - until they risk losing sight of reality altogether.

Hitoshi Ōne (live-action Bakuman., Moteki) worked with Iwai to write the film's script and Nobuyuki Takeuchi (key animator on Spirited Away, Penguindrum, Bakemonogatari) directed the film at studio SHAFT. Akiyuki Simbo(Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Nisekoi) served as chief director. Akio Watanabe (Nisemonogatari, Bakemonogatari) designed the characters, and Satoru Kousaki (Lucky Star, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Wandering Son) composed the music. Iwai is credited with the original work.

Anime Limited will also release a Blu-ray edition of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion I – Initiation (Code Geass - Hangyaku no Lelouch - Kōdō). This is exclusively available to the AlltheAnime.com and Zavvi.com websites. It includes art cards and an A3 poster.

The film is the first of a cinema trilogy that compiles the original Code Geass and Code Geass R2 series, with some new footage. Anime Limited describes the story:

In a world dominated by the Holy Empire of Britannia, most of the globe has been conquered and forced into submission by this behemoth of a superpower. Japan, now renamed Area 11 after its defeat at the hands of the Empire, continues to harbour pockets of seemingly futile resistance that seems powerless in the face of the might before them. Enter Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled Britannian prince hidden away under a false name in Area 11 – harbouring a deep hatred for the empire which has forsaken him, he grabs the chance to fight back when a mysterious power known as “Geass” is bestowed upon him, and begins working from the shadows to bring Britannia to its knees as the faceless leader of Area 11's resistance.

Anime Limited will also release a Blu-ray edition of Shomin Sample. The television anime is based on Takafumi Nanatsuki's Ore ga Ojō-sama Gakkō ni "Shomin Sample" Toshite Rachirareta Ken light novel series. Funimation describes the show:

Kimito Kagurazaka is a extraordinarily average. Average grades, average abilities, average looks, average love life (nonexistent). That is, until one day he's abducted by a mysterious organization and forced to enroll a super secret, super elite academy for the richest, classiest, elitest of the elite young ladies. Turns out Kimito has been chosen as a “commoner sample” to better help the isolated and naïve girls cope with entering into normal society. But there's a catch—Kimito isn't allowed to show any romantic or sexual interest in the girls, lest he face gruesome repercussions. Can this commoner enter the secret world of high society?

Masato Jinbo (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei!, Nozo × Kimi) directedthe anime at the Studio Silver: Link.

Manga Entertainment will release Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai, the second season (24 parts) of When They Cry (Higurashi).

Anime Entertainment will also release the second half of March comes in like a lion Season 1 on Blu-ray, carrying episodes 12 to 22 of the series. It also includes a 40-page                                                        booklet.

Anime Limited is also releasing a standard Blu-ray edition of Love Live! Sunshine!!