Crunchyroll Licenses Multiple Gonzo Anime Titles
Online Media Distribution Leader to Stream and Provide Download-To-Own Option
San Francisco, CA (August 9, 2008) — Seeking to “Feed the Need”? Online media distribution leader, Crunchyroll, has acquired the digital-only-rights to distribute multiple GDH K.K. titles including KALEIDO STAR, PEACEMAKER, and other GDH titles beginning at the end of August 2008 via online streaming with a download-to-own option. More information can be found at www.Crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com> .
Shin Ishikawa, CEO of GDH K.K. states “GDH is very excited to make its properties available digitally on Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll has the largest anime community and is an excellent way for GDH to reach its fans directly.”
Kun Gao, CEO of Crunchyroll adds, “Working with GDH in providing many hours of anime content is definitely a pleasure and will benefit all fans of online anime. These are definitely exciting times for the anime industry.”
Crunchyroll will provide free online streaming of GDH K.K. titles and provide download-to-own for a small fee ($2-$3.00 U.S. depending upon platform).
Title Synopses:
KALEIDO STAR
Sora Naegino is an ordinary girl in every way except that she has a big
dream. She loves the Kaleido Stage - an extravagant circus show that's
comparable to lavish Broadway entertainment. Her dream is to become the top
star of the Kaleido Stage known as the Kaleido Star. Sora's life takes a
dramatic turn when the owner of Kaleido Stage recognizes her potential and
lets her join the troupe full of beautiful and unique performers.
Brace yourself as Sora plunges into the dazzling world of Show Biz. Sora's single-minded pursuit of her dream comes alive not only with acrobatic stunts and showy costumes but also with romance, rivalry and friendship.
PEACEMAKER KUROGANE
Welcome to the days of ancient Edo-period Japan – a time of social chaos and
constant sword battle. PEACEMAKER KUROGANE follows the life of a young kid
named 'TETSU,' as he is driven to join the SHINSENGUMI – a sort of samurai
S.W.A.T. force – in search of power to avenge his father's murder. TETSU
dreams of learning their renowned fighting prowess in order to be strong
enough one day to face the shadowy figure who cut down his father. But along
the way, he faces the complexities of the SHINSENGUMI; he rarely obeys the
protective advice of his older brother 'TATSU,' and learns that perhaps his
destiny is as his father once told him: to be the PEACEMAKER!
It's a world of war that desperately needs peace. And to achieve peace, a Peace Maker is needed...
About GDH K.K. GDH is a globally-focused Japanese media company founded in February 2000. The group produces cutting edge entertainment for teens and young adults through its GONZO animation brand. Kids and family product is distributed through the GONZO FILMS and GONZINO brands. GDH is a world leader in content development targeting both domestic and international audiences with Japan's trend-setting animation culture and, usually, GDH controls licensing management and international distribution for the content it produces. For additional information, visit www.gdh.co.jp/english (for GDH) and <www.gonzo.co.jp> (for GONZO - Japanese only). GDH group companies include GONZO Rosso K.K., GONZO K.K., Future Vision Music K.K., GONZINO K.K., GDH Capital K.K. and GK Entertainment K.K.
About Crunchyroll
Headquartered in San Francisco, California – Crunchyroll is hailed as a
leading online entertainment brand with the largest international online
community and destination focused on Asian entertainment including anime,
drama, music in addition to electronic entertainment and auto content.
Crunchyroll's distribution channel and partnership program delivers content
to over four million passionate fans worldwide. Crunchyroll is funded by the
premiere group Venrock. More information can be found at its website
http://www.Crunchyroll.com.
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Crunchyroll.com's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
