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Discotek Licenses Star Ocean EX, Tokyo Underground, 'Like the Clouds, Like the Wind' Anime

Discotek Media announced on Friday that it has licensed the Like the Clouds, Like the Wind anime special and the Star Ocean EX and Tokyo Underground television anime series. All three titles are slated for May 29 along with the English-language Blu-ray Disc release for Lupin III: Part IV.

In addition Discotek announced that it will release Monster Rancher and the Fist of the North Star film on Blu-ray Disc on the same day. Monster Rancher is slated for release on a standard definition Blu-ray Disc set that will include all 73 English-dubbed episodes. The Fist of the North Star film will get a release on HD Blu-ray Disc, with an alternate ending in standard definition.

Like the Clouds, Like the Wind is slated for release on Blu-ray Disc with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Discotek describes the story:

The country of Sokan is in turmoil. Following the death of the Emperor, a power struggle over the line of succession ensues. To cement the crown prince's rule, he must find a suitable bride. And so, the hunt for a new empress begins! Ginga is a straightforward, lively country girl who joins the competition for the emperor's hand. Her earnest innocence shocks and reinvigorates the denizens of the palace. But can one girl's optimistic spirit help to save a kingdom facing threats both from within and from without?

The 1990 television special adapts Kenichi Sakemi's fantasy novel. Hisayuki Toriumi (Gatchaman) directed the film and Katsuya Kondo (Ponyo, From Up On Poppy Hill) designed the characters.

Star Ocean EX is slated for release on standard definition Blu-ray Disc with both English and Japanese audio. Discotek describes the series:

Claude and his father are on a mission to investigate the unexplored planet, Mirokinia. When they arrive, Claude is mysteriously transported to a different Planet With swords and magic called Expel.

While wondering around the woods he saves a girl named Rena from a monster with his phase gun. After she is rescued, she tells him he is the Legendary Warrior of Light whom she has been looking for. In search of the Sorcery Globe which is believed to be the source of evils, they set off on a journey that will determine the world's fate!

The 26-episode series adapts the Star Ocean: The Second Story manga, which is itself based on the PlayStation role-playing game of the same name. The anime premiered in 2001, and Geneon Entertainment released the series in North America with an English dub in 2005.

Tokyo Underground is slated for release on standard definition Blu-ray Disc with both English and Japanese audio. Discotek describes the series:

Deep under the ground of the capital city of Tokyo exists a forgotten sunless world called “Tokyo Underground.” From this world, two mysterious figures, Chelsea Rorec and Ruri Sarasa escape and find a temporary safe haven in the home of Rumina Asagi. Ruri is called the “Maiden of Life” and an important personage in the underground world. Chelsea is Ruri's bodyguard and she helps her escape. Villains chasing them appear on Rumina's doorstep and the fierce fight continues. Ruri's miraculous power wakens Rumina's latent Wind Powers. Ruminia resolves to protect Ruri from the evil forces using his new-found strength and sets off on his long journey.

The 26-episode series adapts Akinobu Uraku's manga of the same name. The anime premiered in 2002, and Geneon Entertainment released the series in North America with an English dub in 2005.

[Via WTK]