GDH to Offer Worldwide Online Release Synchronised with Japan Broadcast for New GONZO Titles

GDH is expanding distribution channels and offering international anime fans
unprecedented access to new content
2008.03.21
GDH K.K. (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Shinichirō Ishikawa, Securities Code: TSE Mothers 3755, hereinafter GDH) has announced that The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk- and BLASSREITER, two new animated series produced by its main production subsidiary GONZO K.K. (Head Office: Nerima-ku, Tokyo, Managing Director: Junji Fujita, hereinafter GONZO), will be made available online for viewers overseas on the same day of TV broadcast in Japan.

The series will be provided with English subtitles on three websites - YouTube; Crunchyroll and BOST TV. The technical and commercial specifics of the video distribution will vary between these websites, from free streaming to fee-based download of high-resolution movie files, so as to cater to the different needs of users in the diverse digital climates*.

Previously fans outside of Japan did not have access to Japanese animation titles until each property was licensed and localized for TV or videogram release in each respective territory. Partially as a result of this gap in availability, a substantial amount of fansubbed pirated footage has traditionally proliferated the Internet via file sharing communities immediately following the first broadcast on terrestrial TV in Japan. GDH's decision to provide its content globally in parallel with Japanese broadcast is an effort to offer equal accessibility and new viewing opportunities to fans around the world, while at the same time showcasing a legal online alternative to illegal file-sharing and downloading. The web VoD services in this venture will also explore new business models that both maximize revenues from content exploitation and savings on distribution costs.

*The technical and commercial specifics of the video distribution will be announced on respective websites in due course. The above distribution service is for viewing from outside Japan only.

[About The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk-]
Drawing its inspiration from the hugely popular 1980s arcade games of the same name, The Tower of DRUAGA is a fantasy epic that seldom takes itself too seriously! A cast of oddball characters set out on an epic quest in a finely tuned parody of videogame cliches that's guaranteed to put a grin on any gamer's face.
For additional information, visit the following The Tower of DRUAGA websites.
TV animation series website: http://www.Druaga-anime.com/
TV animation series website (English): http://www.Druaga-anime.com/english/
Online game website: http://Druaga-mmo.com/

[About BLASSREITER]
Only one man stands against the tide of destruction that is unleashed when there is an outbreak of 'demonic blood, which transforms humans into demons bent on violence and destruction. Joseph Jobson is able to control his cursed demonic form and he must hunt down the man who cursed him and save the world from apocalypse. With stunning visuals, epic battles and a dark, mature storyline, BLASSREITER sets the standard for the next generation of animation.
Website: http://www.Blassreiter.com/
Website (English): http://www.gonzo.co.jp/works/0803e.html

[About YouTube]
Founded in February 2005 as the leader in online video distribution, YouTube is the premier destination for anyone to watch and share original videos worldwide. Users can see first-hand accounts of current events, find videos about their hobbies and interests, and discover the quirky and unusual. As more people capture special moments on video, YouTube is empowering them to become the broadcasters of tomorrow. YouTube has struck partnership deals with content providers such as CBS, BBC, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, the NBA, The Sundance Channel and many more.
Website: http://www.YouTube.com

[About Crunchyroll]
Crunchyroll is the largest online community and destination focused on Asian anime, drama, manga, music, gaming, and car content. Crunchyroll's distribution channel and partnership program helps content providers monetize and deliver content to over 3.9 million passionate fans worldwide. Founded in September 2006, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and backed by Venrock. Check it out at http://www.Crunchyroll.com.

[About BOST TV]
BOST TV is an online video service created to deliver premium Japanese Animation (anime) content to international audiences when and where they want it - direct from Japan. In addition to its anime content, BOST TV also aims to bring fans and enthusiasts closer to the culture of anime by offering other exciting, exclusive content from the people behind the scenes who created the wonderful art of anime.
Website: http://www.bosttv.com

[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.