March 23, 2006
News for Anime Expo 2006:
Anime Expo and AsiaVision unite
Live-Action Film Label of Urban Vision Sponsors an AZUMI Costume Category for MasqueradeLos Angeles, California and Anaheim, California (March 23, 2006)--In anticipation of its U.S. debut theatrical release of 2006, AsiaVision - the Asian live-action film label of Urban Vision Entertainment, will be teaming up with Anime Expo® 2006 (AX2006) to sponsor an AZUMI costume category in the enormously popular Cos-play (costume play) Masquerade Event during the 4th of July weekend (July 1-4, 2006) Convention (register now at www.anime-expo.org) at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
The AZUMI costume contest gives male and female fans an opportunity to dress up as their favorite character from the film. One male and one female contestant will each win a grand prize from Urban Vision Entertainment consisting of:
- A region free DVD player
- A complete Urban Vision Entertainment DVD library
- An exclusive "AZUMI" movie keepsake
Costume ideas can be found at the official AsiaVision website, www.asiavisionfilms.com.
"Despite this being AZUMI's first official release in North America, it already has such a following that we wanted to take that enthusiasm to another level and create a way for fans to interact with the film," states Urban Vision Executive Vice President Sandee Yamamoto.
AsiaVision plans to release AZUMI to a limited theatrical run in major cities across the United States in the third or fourth quarter of 2006. AZUMI was a blockbuster release in Japan based on the comics of Yu Koyama, which have sold more than 8 million copies. The film grossed approximately $7.5 million USD and inspired a sequel, AZUMI 2: DEATH OR LOVE (also scheduled to be released by AsiaVision). A DVD release of AZUMI will follow the theatrical release.
Urban Vision Entertainment is best known as a distributor of Japanese animation hits like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust and Ninja Scroll: The Series. The AsiaVision label launched in early March 2006 to take advantage of Urban Vision's established connections in Asia. AZUMI was produced by Urban Vision founder Mataichiro Yamamoto and directed by Ryuhei Kitamura, who has received recognition in North America for directing the films Versus and Godzilla: Final Wars.
Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, North America's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 - 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its official website (www.anime-expo.org).
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property - Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org).
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