News from Sakura-Con 2011!

FUNimation Entertainment Acquires the Fantasy Action Adventure Series Fairy Tail

Flower Mound, TX (April x, 2011) – FUNimation(R) Entertainment today announced that it has acquired home entertainment, broadcast, digital, mobile and merchandise rights for the first 48 episodes of the magical anime series  “Fairy Tail” from KODANSHA LTD.

Based on the manga of the same name by Hiro Mashima originally serialized in the weekly Shonen Magazine published by KODANSHA LTD., the ongoing series is produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight and directed by Shinji Ishihara.

The series follows the adventures of Lucy Heartfilia, a young girl who wants desperately to be a full-fledged mage. She runs away from home and towards the land of Fiore to join the most prestigious of all mage guilds in the world: the Fairy Tail Guild.  Along the way, she meets Natsu Dragneel, a quirky teenage boy and practicitioner of the ancient Dragon Slayer magic. With his best friend, Happy the cat, beside him, Natsu is looking for his foster parent, a dragon named Igneel. They become a team and take on odd jobs for fame and profit. Epic adventures await!

FUNimation has begun production on the U.S. release and its English dub featuring actor Todd Haberkorn as Natsu. Tyler Walker is ADR Director.

The anime studio will release the complete series on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

For more information about the series, please visit http://beta.funimation.com/aria-the-scarlet-ammo.

FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES THE TREASURE HUNTER

Flower Mound, Texas (April 22,  2010) – FUNimation® Entertainment today announced it has acquired home entertainment, digital and merchandising rights to the live action film THE TREASURE HUNTER from Eleven Arts Entertainment.

Starring Jay Chou  (GREEN HORNET) and supermodel Lin Chi-ling, THE TREASURE HUNTER (also known as CI LING) is directed by Kevin Chu (KUNG FU DUNK).  The chinese blockbuster opened in Asia in late 2009 and set box office records its first week of release.

In the northwest desert, there is rumour of a buried treasure of unbelievable riches. A group of mysterious guardians have kept the map to the location of the treasure safe, until a fierce rivalry erupts. A notorious international crime group is after the map but before they manage to take it the keeper passes the map to a young man: Ciao Fei (Jay Chou). Ciao Fei is forced to give up the map to save the live of his mentor’s daughter Lan Ting (Lin Chi Ling). Teaming up with a famous archaeologist, they all embark on a dangerous journey to recover the map and fight to protect the ancient treasure.

The dusty landscape of THE TREASURE HUNTER is captured by renowned cinematographer Xiao-Ding Zhao (HERO, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS).

FUNimation Entertainment will release the film on DVD and Blu-ray in the fall of this year.

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73 Responses to “News from Sakura-Con 2011!”

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  • 51
    Matt on April 25th, 2011 at 3:49 pm says:

    @dramanerd08

    Already discussed. So really you didn’t read and understand the discussion we had, because if you did, you wouldn’t of made such a statement.

    Is stating the obvious the only thing you’re good at?

    I’ll break it down for you

    @Why can’t people just be happy

    No one on here is *Unhappy* so where did this come from?

    @that they have been working on it

    No shit Captain obvious.

    @and its coming out this fall

    Again, you are such a wealth of information everyone already knows.

    Well done.


  • 52
    Dragon0 on April 25th, 2011 at 4:12 pm says:

    Yes people are happy, estatic even that funi has Fariy Tail. That its coming out this fall, Fantastic news.
    Now that last part is where some people seem to be “unhappy” as its being called. It not so much unhappy just that we have some consern as to why is it comming out so quick? What happened to some of the other series funi has licenced a year or so ago that are still sitting on the bench? We have question regarding such matters, I think this is were some are thinking that others are “unhappy”. We’re not “unhappy” persay, just conserned abou tother things we have been wanting to know.

    Can we please drop this foolish argument about-
    hey your not reading.
    no I am your not listening etc…


  • 53
    dramanerd08 on April 25th, 2011 at 4:16 pm says:

    Since it was already “discussed” someone else can’t talk about? Next time I make reference to a earlier comment. I will make sure to ask if its okay with you. Because we know this blog is so “strict” about that. I have better things to do then sit on the computer all weekend to wait for my chance to chime in.


  • 54
    Matt on April 25th, 2011 at 4:56 pm says:

    @dramanerd08

    I didn’t mean to upset you, and clearly by your last comment I struck a nerve.

    The thing is, you can’t just go onto a forum or a discussion website and select earlier comments when we are debating points, talking about issues, and talking about general Funimation stuff in general to try and make a point because it makes you seem ignorant.

    I have no problem with you, just by your statement you clearly were showing ignorance by saying we, or someone on here was unhappy. I’m guessing you don’t use forums much.


  • 55
    Matt on April 25th, 2011 at 5:03 pm says:

    @Dragon0

    Speaking of a fast turnaround in the dub area, do you think Funimation has a TV deal for Fairy Tail, it would make sense.

    I can’t imagine the show being successful if they don’t.


  • 56
    Dragon0 on April 25th, 2011 at 5:25 pm says:

    I don;t know. It would be nice. If they did I’m sure FT would skyrocket in popularity. alot of people already know about it, so its popularity is already strong. But I’m looking fo rsomething to relpace the over used DBZ and Fairy Tail has that potential I think.


  • 57
    Matt on April 25th, 2011 at 5:56 pm says:

    @Dragon0

    I agree, it’d be something to take on Naruto in popularity, though the first dozen episodes are really boring to a lot of people, to a younger audience they’d be gold I’d imagine.

    Just obviously, if done right, Fairy Tail could be a huge money maker for Funi..

    I mean just look at the Death Note sales, I believe they were 6 figure amounts in terms of units sold.


  • 58
    KD90 on April 26th, 2011 at 12:49 am says:

    Wow..we got a pretty heated debate going on here…that i don’t plan to touch with a ten foot pole…
    But anyways it makes sense that they waited for a semi-large convention to announce this license.. Fairy Tail deserves the best. Whether we knew about the licensing of it now or a year ago the amount of time until our release would remain the same, try not to sweat the tiny details. And I wouldn’t worry too much about the fact that Fairy Tail was fast in production in comparison to some other titles that Funimation has gained. Fairy Tail has a pretty high fan base so its natural that they will want to give higher priority to distribute something that can be a good and easy money maker.
    About the other titles we are all waiting for we will just have to be patient. Nothing else we can do~.


  • 59
    mudduck454 on April 26th, 2011 at 10:34 am says:

    @KD90

    so like stirring up the pot do you??????

    sure it has a high fan base, but so does rosario vampire, railgun and index, as well as shana, the only difference is, they are all done airing in japan.we all saw how sekerie’s first run sold out fast, so we know rosario vampire should do as good, since eechi sells.

    so saying fairy tail would be a good and easy money maker could in fact be true, but then again funi thought the big windup would sell very good as well.

    I for one like how sentai films, for most of their licenses, wait until about a couple months before release to announce the title, where funi just throws out a title a year or more before they release it, giving people a chance to forget about it, or just get tired of no updates for a show…


  • 60
    Onlera on April 26th, 2011 at 12:32 pm says:

    as to the issue of it coming out so soon:
    there’s lots of possibilities. maybe there was a legal issue that meant they couldn’t announce it till now, when they’re already finishing the work on it. maybe, because they know that this is a series with a big fanbase, they waited until closer to the release date to announce it, like they did with Ouran.

    or maybe they waited until they were almost ready to release it BECAUSE of the other series you guys are mentioning. since lots of fans have been worrying about things being announced so long before they’re available, that may have made them decide to push back the announcement on this. that way, they wouldn’t have another situation of “this was announced ages ago, why don’t we have a release date yet?”


  • 61
    Dragon0 on April 26th, 2011 at 1:26 pm says:

    One of the thigs I heard was just that there was some material problems from the japanese company. Other than that I haven’t heard much on any other issues.

    There are alot fine people in funi. Surely one of them could spare a moment to give some info on the older titles waiting to be released. Its not like we’re screaming “We want it now”. Just some info on its current status. Thats all I’d like at least. Just give us a bone to chew on so we know something is being done.


  • 62
    Matt on April 26th, 2011 at 1:39 pm says:

    A big fanbase doesn’t really mean anything though, look at D.Gray-man, has lots of fans, but barely anyone bought it.

    Funimation like any other anime company has to think about the non paying fans too, why license something popular if no one actually wants to place money on it?

    Look at Eva 2.22, sold fairly well, but I would imagine just as many, if not double or even 4-10 times as many people that bought, watched illegally online.

    @KD90

    Who are you again? And heated debate? Where? If you mean that ignorant person taking one extract of something I’ve said and trying to make a big deal of it, than no. Good thing you left that subject alone, as it’s not really your place.


  • 63
    Dragon0 on April 26th, 2011 at 4:39 pm says:

    Wait I thought D.Grey-man did sell well? Thought the only thing holding up the potential licencing was something from the creators end?


  • 64
    Matt on April 26th, 2011 at 4:53 pm says:

    @Dragon0

    I dunno, I rarely saw it rank high on Amazon.com, looks like it’s doing abysmally on Amazon UK. I thought this show was universally ignored? It barely was touched on Blu Ray and Funimation basically all but forgot it existed.

    This potential *issue* is probably the Japanese over valueing the show, as in putting too high of a price tag, which judging by the sales Funi won’t meet.

    Funis problem with this was likely down to D.gray-man being a teen show, and their target audience probably couldn’t afford it. It was kinda expensive when it first came out compared to the Naruto and Bleach boxsets.


  • 65
    Onlera on April 26th, 2011 at 6:55 pm says:

    @Dragon0 – there may be reasons they’re not talking about them. maybe they’ve already scheduled when they’re announcing the release dates. maybe the problems are more serious than we think, and they don’t want to say anything until they’re cleared up, for fear of losing the licenses altogether.

    there’s so much legal stuff that FUNimation does behind the scenes to bring these shows to us. maybe we should put a little trust in them, and have faith that they’re doing what they can and what’s best.


  • 66
    Matt on April 26th, 2011 at 7:11 pm says:

    @Onlera

    Maybe if there’s another Funicon in the future, Lance could explain about the legal stuff, or write it down for Rojas/Adam/Joshman to read to anyone who’s wondering.

    I would love to hear about it.


  • 67
    Onlera on April 26th, 2011 at 7:46 pm says:

    That WOULD be interesting to hear. I’d love to get a rundown of the steps between them deciding they want a series and it being released. i think it’d be cool.


  • 68
    Dragon0 on April 26th, 2011 at 7:58 pm says:

    Yeah I know there is aaaaallllllooooooottttttt of stuff behind the scenes that we are not privy to. It be nice is they were just waiting for the right time to say “hey we got D.Grey-man seasons 3&4″. But for now as with many things you, myself, matt and others would like to know, we just have sit quietly and wait till they throw that bone.


  • 69
    KD90 on April 26th, 2011 at 8:25 pm says:

    @mudduck454: Apparently i do, although that wasn’t my intent. Sorry if offended you in some way?

    Its true that Rosario Vampire, and Index both have a large fan base (i am particularly looking forward to buying Index) but the main difference is that Fairy Tail is what you’d call a main stream anime. It possess similar qualities to One Piece and Naruto where it has a larger probable audience. The only thing that Funimation might benefit by having and releasing a mainstream title faster over an ecchi title is the fact that there is little to no viewer discretion needed meaning that it can appeal to a younger audience, but also a broader one since ecchi titles are generally directed towards males(not that women can’t enjoy them as well).

    Comparing Fairy Tail to Big Windup isn’t quite fair though. Although Funimation made a miscalculation with Big Windup , Big Windup is a sports anime. For some reason or another sports animes don’t tend to sell that well in the U.S. both Prince of Tennis and Eyeshield 21 didn’t last long either (at least dub wise).

    @Matt: I am a person. Who is on the Forums.

    And i noticed people are wondering when Rosario + Vampire comes out? Im not sure if someone has posted this some where before or not but the site listed below has both seasons announced to come out on December 20th. Its the site i go to when i want to check out release dates easily and so far hasn’t let me down.
    http://www.animecornerstore.com/newreleases.html#DVD


  • 70
    Matt on April 26th, 2011 at 9:00 pm says:

    @Onlera

    Hopefully Rojas or Joshman will see there’s a demand to hear about the boring details and will make our wish come true.

    @KD90
    Well said, speaking about Rosario, I don’t trust that date, it has already been pushed back no end of times, see on animeondvd, well its mania.com/aodvb, sign up there, great forum btw

    And about my last post
    Sorry, guess I sounded like an ass before.

    @Dragon0

    D.Gray-man Season 3&4 would be very welcome, the dub was kinda good, wouldnt you agree? If it came down to it though, il’d hate to see Funi lose money by picking the show up.

    Anyway speaking of the ecchi sale point, I think we all know why these sell, deep down every male loves boobs and ass lol. Still if these cheap shows can pull in the money for substancial licenses I have no issue supporting them. Sekirei was a good example of a quality show with fanservice, Master of Martial hearts being an awful one. All a matter of taste but anime these days has a lot of perverted elements so it’d be foolish for any company not to want to get a piece of the pie lol

    Now I want Kiddy Girl-and. With Ascoeur played by Colleen, and Q-feuille by Monica Rial, make it happen Funi please!


  • 71
    Dragon0 on April 26th, 2011 at 10:05 pm says:

    @Matt
    Personally I would love them to get D.Grey-man. Would it be a bad move. Wh who can say for sure. any show can be a gamble. I liked the dub, but have questions on how certain characters would sound later on with certain scens or moments.

    Ecchi. I can just imagine who’s ready to pounce on this topic. But anyway yes it sells. Sometimes though its over used. But for the most part I don’t really have a problem with it.

    Would liek to see kiddy girl and- but it wasn’t the best sequal to a series I have seen.


  • 72
    Paine64 on May 22nd, 2011 at 1:49 am says:

    asdgdfhjklkmdhbdvsmhdnlkan,elkgcj- OHMYGATSBY I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!! /explodes/
    I never expected them to license this!! *w* Thank you, Funimation!!!


  • 73
    Sailor Mars on October 29th, 2011 at 3:08 pm says:

    I’M SO PSYCHED AND HAPPY AT THE SAME TIME, I COULD TURN INTO A SUPER SAIYAN OR A SUPER SAIYAN 2 OR A SUPER SAIYAN 3 OR EVEN BETTAH!!I COULD EASILY TURN INTO A SUPER SAIYAN 4! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!Thanks, Funimation!:bloody: :mrgreen: :wink: :P :lol: 8) :-) xD :D :nyu:
    P.S. is there an anime called psyren?


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