Animax Asia Makes History with World's First Same-Time Anime Simulcast (Updated)
Update: Animax Asia has updated the image included with this press release.
Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood to debut across Asia on Animax on same-time and same-week broadcast respectively
Animax Asia in historical broadcast deal to offer world's first same-time simulcast of an anime TV series with Tears to Tiara, premiering 06 Apr 09, airing Mondays 12.35am (SEA/PH/HK/TW) on Animax, simultaneous to the series' 1.35am (Tokyo) debut in Japan
2009's most-anticipated blockbuster anime series Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood to debut on Animax Asia in a same-week broadcast deal, premiering 10 Apr 09, airing Fridays 8.30pm (SEA/PH/TW/SA), with each new episode airing within six days of its premiere in Japan
20 March 2009, Singapore – Come 6 April 2009, Animax Asia will write itself firmly into the annals of international TV history as the WORLD'S FIRST BROADCASTER to offer a new anime series outside Japan on a same-time simulcast! Clinching the groundbreaking deal, Animax Asia proudly presents the world premiere of Tears to Tiara across Asia, completely simultaneous with the anime series' debut in Japan on Chiba TV.
And with just four days to catch their breath from the record-setting same-time anime simulcast, Animax viewers will enjoy the spectacular premiere of blockbuster anime series Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood in Animax Asia's first same-week broadcast deal on 10 April 2009! Under this agreement, fans across Asia will catch exclusively on Animax, the long-awaited new series that follows the top-rated Fullmetal Alchemist series, within just six days that each new episode premieres in Japan.
A first for ANY broadcaster outside Japan, the elusive and unprecedented same-day-and-time premiere of Tears to Tiara marks a new standard in international anime broadcast pioneered by Animax Asia. With the fastest TV broadcast of an anime series outside Japan being same-day prior to the deal, Animax Asia breaks all records with Tears to Tiara's 6 April 2009, 12.35am (SEA/PH/HK/TW) early Monday morning premiere that is fully synchronized with Japan's 1.35am (Tokyo) broadcast.
“The inaugural deal to bring Tears to Tiara to Animax viewers across Asia simultaneous with viewers in Japan is a milestone not only for Animax Asia, but also for the anime business as the speed of international broadcast is brought to its pinnacle. We are very proud to provide viewers with what was previously seemingly impossible,” said Gregory Ho, Vice President & General Manager, Animax Asia.
Promising enthralling characters, beautiful artwork, and an exciting storyline complete with spellbinding powers and epic battles, Tears to Tiara draws its inspiration from the gaming arena where it originates as a captivating fantasy role-playing game on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 platforms. Published by Aquaplus, the Japanese games publisher behind titles like ‘To Heart’ and ‘Utawarerumono’, the ‘Tears to Tiara’ game proved so popular that it sold out across Asia at Sony as of March 2009.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST – BROTHERHOOD WIELDS ITS MAGIC ON ANIMAX
Following the exhilaration of Tears to Tiara, Animax viewers will then be among the first in the world outside Japan to enjoy the highly-anticipated Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood when it debuts 10 April 2009, airing Fridays, 8.30pm (SEA/PH/TW/SA) across Asia on Animax!
Definitely THE biggest anime series of the year and in the same league of household anime titles including Slam Dunk, Dragonball, Gundam and Naruto that have taken the world by storm, Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood will see all 51 episodes come to Animax in the same week of its Japan premiere via Animax Asia's same-week broadcast deal.
Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is the third and latest on-screen rendition of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise based on the best-selling manga (comics) series by Hiromu Arakawa. Production for Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is undertaken by anime studio BONES which made the previous Fullmetal Alchemist series, and is directed by Yasuhiro Irie who also helmed Kurau: Phantom Memory, Soul Eater, episodes of Alien Nine and RahXephon, as well as animation sequences in the first Fullmetal Alchemist series.
“Set to emulate the overwhelming success of the first series and sequel movie, Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood offers a touching story, exciting action and fantastic artwork that have become hallmarks of the world-renowned Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Definitely the biggest and most keenly anticipated mega anime title this year, Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood comes to Animax amidst stiff competition for the show worldwide, and that is made all the more satisfying for our viewers with the highly-coveted same-week broadcast,” added Gregory Ho.
Airing in original Japanese audio, premiering episodes of Tears to Tiara will be accompanied by local language subtitles, while Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood will include English and Chinese subtitles for a start. To ensure fans do not miss out on the latest action, Animax will offer primetime repeat broadcasts of Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood, as well as a recap marathon of the month's new episodes on the last Saturday and Sunday of each month starting from 25 and 26 April respectively.
“Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood are top draw titles and we are very pleased to present this unique opportunity for Animax viewers to join fellow fans in Japan to catch up on the action. With a significant amount of resources invested and efforts to overcome the multitude of logistical challenges, the two shows represent Animax Asia's commitment to bring the very latest and best anime content within the shortest possible time,” added Ho.
Finally, from 26 March 2009, viewers can pledge to be part of history at www.ipledgeAnimax.com and join in the online countdown to the historical Tears to Tiara broadcast and debut of 2009's biggest title Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood this April on Animax.
###
Tears to Tiara premieres 6 Apr 2009, airing Mondays 12.35am in the world's first same-time simulcast with Japan on Animax
Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood premieres 10 April 2009, airing Fridays 8.30pm in Animax Asia's first same-week anime broadcast
About Animax Asia
Animax Asia is 100% owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Launched on 1 January 2004, Animax is Asia's first youth anime brand specializing in the fastest growing youth entertainment genre - Japanese animation. Animax Asia's programming strategy is to not only offer a dynamic line up of the highest-rated, most popular anime programs as well as shows never before seen outside of Japan, but also original productions, music and technology-lifestyle programs, that are exclusive to Animax Asia.
It is the channel of choice for Asia's trendsetters, image-conscious, tech-savvy youth & young adults, and individuals seeking a unique entertainment experience. The channel now reaches over 22 million households across Asia, and is set to become a leading iconic brand synonymous with popular youth culture. More information about Animax Asia can be found at www.animax-asia.com, www.animax-taiwan.com, www.animax-hk.com, www.animaxindia.com and www.animaxtv.co.kr.
SYNOPSES
TEARS TO TIARA
Set in a magical and fantasy medieval world, Tears to Tiara unfolds with the Divine Empire's rise to power as it conquers lands far and wide. On the island of Erin still ruled by the Ancient Kingdom, the Goidelic people are attempting to sacrifice priestess Riannon to revive protagonist and demon king Arawn to lead the resistance against the Empire. Although the ritual fails and Riannon survives, Arawn's seal is broken and resurrected. Armed with mysterious and devastating powers as well as a human's demeanour, Arawn joins Riannon, her brother and battalion commander Arthur, along with their team of fighters comprising a swordsman, an archer and a quintet of pixies, in an epic struggle against the Divine Empire.
Promising enthralling characters, beautiful artwork, and an exciting storyline complete with spellbinding powers and epic battles, Tears to Tiara draws its inspiration from the gaming arena where it originates as a captivating fantasy role-playing game on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 platforms. Published by Aquaplus, the Japanese games publisher behind titles like ‘To Heart’ and ‘Utawarerumono’, the ‘Tears to Tiara’ game proved so popular that it sold out across Asia at Sony as of March 2009.
Produced by Japanese anime studio White Fox, Tears to Tiara is directed by Tomoki Kobayashi, who was also responsible for directing anime series including Chobits, Rozen Maiden and the anime adaptation of Utawarerumono. Screenplay for Tears to Tiara is by Doko Machida, the writer behind screenplays for Lucky Star, Wolf's Rain and Saiyuki Reload.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST – BROTHERHOOD
Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is set in a fictional world where alchemy – the transmutation of raw materials into objects – is science and the way of life. The brand new anime series is based on Hiromu Arakawa hit manga series which follows the well-loved Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse on their perilous journey in search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone. They set forth in the hope that the magical artefact can restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment to revive their dead mother cost Edward's left leg and right arm; as well as Alphonse's entire body, leaving his soul affixed to a suit of armour.
Production for Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood was undertaken by anime studio BONES which made the original Fullmetal Alchemist series, and is directed by Yasuhiro Irie who also helmed Kurau: Phantom Memory, Soul Eater, episodes of Alien Nine and RahXephon, as well as animation sequences in the first Fullmetal Alchemist series.
Hiroshi Ohnogi (Macross Zero) leads script development while Hiroki Kanno (Yu Yu Hakusho The Movie: Poltergeist Report) takes on character design, with music by Akira Senju (Mobile Suit Victory Gundam). Producers include Ryo Oyama from production and distribution firm Aniplex; broadcaster MBS' Hiro Maruyama; Nobuyuki Kurashige from video games and publishing firm Square Enix; and BONES' Noritomo Yonai. Well-loved voice talents Paku Romi and Rie Kugimiya, winner of the ‘Best Lead Actress’ at the Third Annual Seiyū Awards for her part in Shakugan no Shana, are reprising their roles as protagonists Edward and Alphonse Elric respectively.
With a story spun off from the manga series, the previous Fullmetal Alchemist anime series was broadcast in 2003 and was voted the most popular anime of all time in Japan in two online polls by Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi. Its theatrical sequel Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa debuted 2005 to great critical acclaim including ‘Animation Of The Year’, ‘Best original story’ and ‘Best music’ awards at the 2005 Tokyo Anime Fair; the ‘2005 Animation Grand Award’ prize from the Mainichi Film Awards; as well as the ‘Best Animated Film’ honour at Canada's Fantasia International Film Festival.
Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood to debut across Asia on Animax on same-time and same-week broadcast respectively
Animax Asia in historical broadcast deal to offer world's first same-time simulcast of an anime TV series with Tears to Tiara, premiering 06 Apr 09, airing Mondays 12.35am (SEA/PH/HK/TW) on Animax, simultaneous to the series' 1.35am (Tokyo) debut in Japan
2009's most-anticipated blockbuster anime series Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood to debut on Animax Asia in a same-week broadcast deal, premiering 10 Apr 09, airing Fridays 8.30pm (SEA/PH/TW/SA), with each new episode airing within six days of its premiere in Japan
20 March 2009, Singapore – Come 6 April 2009, Animax Asia will write itself firmly into the annals of international TV history as the WORLD'S FIRST BROADCASTER to offer a new anime series outside Japan on a same-time simulcast! Clinching the groundbreaking deal, Animax Asia proudly presents the world premiere of Tears to Tiara across Asia, completely simultaneous with the anime series' debut in Japan on Chiba TV.
And with just four days to catch their breath from the record-setting same-time anime simulcast, Animax viewers will enjoy the spectacular premiere of blockbuster anime series Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood in Animax Asia's first same-week broadcast deal on 10 April 2009! Under this agreement, fans across Asia will catch exclusively on Animax, the long-awaited new series that follows the top-rated Fullmetal Alchemist series, within just six days that each new episode premieres in Japan.
A first for ANY broadcaster outside Japan, the elusive and unprecedented same-day-and-time premiere of Tears to Tiara marks a new standard in international anime broadcast pioneered by Animax Asia. With the fastest TV broadcast of an anime series outside Japan being same-day prior to the deal, Animax Asia breaks all records with Tears to Tiara's 6 April 2009, 12.35am (SEA/PH/HK/TW) early Monday morning premiere that is fully synchronized with Japan's 1.35am (Tokyo) broadcast.
“The inaugural deal to bring Tears to Tiara to Animax viewers across Asia simultaneous with viewers in Japan is a milestone not only for Animax Asia, but also for the anime business as the speed of international broadcast is brought to its pinnacle. We are very proud to provide viewers with what was previously seemingly impossible,” said Gregory Ho, Vice President & General Manager, Animax Asia.
Promising enthralling characters, beautiful artwork, and an exciting storyline complete with spellbinding powers and epic battles, Tears to Tiara draws its inspiration from the gaming arena where it originates as a captivating fantasy role-playing game on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 platforms. Published by Aquaplus, the Japanese games publisher behind titles like ‘To Heart’ and ‘Utawarerumono’, the ‘Tears to Tiara’ game proved so popular that it sold out across Asia at Sony as of March 2009.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST – BROTHERHOOD WIELDS ITS MAGIC ON ANIMAX
Following the exhilaration of Tears to Tiara, Animax viewers will then be among the first in the world outside Japan to enjoy the highly-anticipated Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood when it debuts 10 April 2009, airing Fridays, 8.30pm (SEA/PH/TW/SA) across Asia on Animax!
Definitely THE biggest anime series of the year and in the same league of household anime titles including Slam Dunk, Dragonball, Gundam and Naruto that have taken the world by storm, Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood will see all 51 episodes come to Animax in the same week of its Japan premiere via Animax Asia's same-week broadcast deal.
Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is the third and latest on-screen rendition of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise based on the best-selling manga (comics) series by Hiromu Arakawa. Production for Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is undertaken by anime studio BONES which made the previous Fullmetal Alchemist series, and is directed by Yasuhiro Irie who also helmed Kurau: Phantom Memory, Soul Eater, episodes of Alien Nine and RahXephon, as well as animation sequences in the first Fullmetal Alchemist series.
“Set to emulate the overwhelming success of the first series and sequel movie, Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood offers a touching story, exciting action and fantastic artwork that have become hallmarks of the world-renowned Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Definitely the biggest and most keenly anticipated mega anime title this year, Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood comes to Animax amidst stiff competition for the show worldwide, and that is made all the more satisfying for our viewers with the highly-coveted same-week broadcast,” added Gregory Ho.
Airing in original Japanese audio, premiering episodes of Tears to Tiara will be accompanied by local language subtitles, while Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood will include English and Chinese subtitles for a start. To ensure fans do not miss out on the latest action, Animax will offer primetime repeat broadcasts of Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood, as well as a recap marathon of the month's new episodes on the last Saturday and Sunday of each month starting from 25 and 26 April respectively.
“Tears to Tiara and Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood are top draw titles and we are very pleased to present this unique opportunity for Animax viewers to join fellow fans in Japan to catch up on the action. With a significant amount of resources invested and efforts to overcome the multitude of logistical challenges, the two shows represent Animax Asia's commitment to bring the very latest and best anime content within the shortest possible time,” added Ho.
Finally, from 26 March 2009, viewers can pledge to be part of history at www.ipledgeAnimax.com and join in the online countdown to the historical Tears to Tiara broadcast and debut of 2009's biggest title Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood this April on Animax.
###
Tears to Tiara premieres 6 Apr 2009, airing Mondays 12.35am in the world's first same-time simulcast with Japan on Animax
Fullmetal Alchemist - Brotherhood premieres 10 April 2009, airing Fridays 8.30pm in Animax Asia's first same-week anime broadcast
About Animax Asia
Animax Asia is 100% owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Launched on 1 January 2004, Animax is Asia's first youth anime brand specializing in the fastest growing youth entertainment genre - Japanese animation. Animax Asia's programming strategy is to not only offer a dynamic line up of the highest-rated, most popular anime programs as well as shows never before seen outside of Japan, but also original productions, music and technology-lifestyle programs, that are exclusive to Animax Asia.
It is the channel of choice for Asia's trendsetters, image-conscious, tech-savvy youth & young adults, and individuals seeking a unique entertainment experience. The channel now reaches over 22 million households across Asia, and is set to become a leading iconic brand synonymous with popular youth culture. More information about Animax Asia can be found at www.animax-asia.com, www.animax-taiwan.com, www.animax-hk.com, www.animaxindia.com and www.animaxtv.co.kr.
SYNOPSES
TEARS TO TIARA
Set in a magical and fantasy medieval world, Tears to Tiara unfolds with the Divine Empire's rise to power as it conquers lands far and wide. On the island of Erin still ruled by the Ancient Kingdom, the Goidelic people are attempting to sacrifice priestess Riannon to revive protagonist and demon king Arawn to lead the resistance against the Empire. Although the ritual fails and Riannon survives, Arawn's seal is broken and resurrected. Armed with mysterious and devastating powers as well as a human's demeanour, Arawn joins Riannon, her brother and battalion commander Arthur, along with their team of fighters comprising a swordsman, an archer and a quintet of pixies, in an epic struggle against the Divine Empire.
Promising enthralling characters, beautiful artwork, and an exciting storyline complete with spellbinding powers and epic battles, Tears to Tiara draws its inspiration from the gaming arena where it originates as a captivating fantasy role-playing game on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 platforms. Published by Aquaplus, the Japanese games publisher behind titles like ‘To Heart’ and ‘Utawarerumono’, the ‘Tears to Tiara’ game proved so popular that it sold out across Asia at Sony as of March 2009.
Produced by Japanese anime studio White Fox, Tears to Tiara is directed by Tomoki Kobayashi, who was also responsible for directing anime series including Chobits, Rozen Maiden and the anime adaptation of Utawarerumono. Screenplay for Tears to Tiara is by Doko Machida, the writer behind screenplays for Lucky Star, Wolf's Rain and Saiyuki Reload.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST – BROTHERHOOD
Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood is set in a fictional world where alchemy – the transmutation of raw materials into objects – is science and the way of life. The brand new anime series is based on Hiromu Arakawa hit manga series which follows the well-loved Elric brothers Edward and Alphonse on their perilous journey in search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone. They set forth in the hope that the magical artefact can restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment to revive their dead mother cost Edward's left leg and right arm; as well as Alphonse's entire body, leaving his soul affixed to a suit of armour.
Production for Fullmetal Alchemist – Brotherhood was undertaken by anime studio BONES which made the original Fullmetal Alchemist series, and is directed by Yasuhiro Irie who also helmed Kurau: Phantom Memory, Soul Eater, episodes of Alien Nine and RahXephon, as well as animation sequences in the first Fullmetal Alchemist series.
Hiroshi Ohnogi (Macross Zero) leads script development while Hiroki Kanno (Yu Yu Hakusho The Movie: Poltergeist Report) takes on character design, with music by Akira Senju (Mobile Suit Victory Gundam). Producers include Ryo Oyama from production and distribution firm Aniplex; broadcaster MBS' Hiro Maruyama; Nobuyuki Kurashige from video games and publishing firm Square Enix; and BONES' Noritomo Yonai. Well-loved voice talents Paku Romi and Rie Kugimiya, winner of the ‘Best Lead Actress’ at the Third Annual Seiyū Awards for her part in Shakugan no Shana, are reprising their roles as protagonists Edward and Alphonse Elric respectively.
With a story spun off from the manga series, the previous Fullmetal Alchemist anime series was broadcast in 2003 and was voted the most popular anime of all time in Japan in two online polls by Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi. Its theatrical sequel Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa debuted 2005 to great critical acclaim including ‘Animation Of The Year’, ‘Best original story’ and ‘Best music’ awards at the 2005 Tokyo Anime Fair; the ‘2005 Animation Grand Award’ prize from the Mainichi Film Awards; as well as the ‘Best Animated Film’ honour at Canada's Fantasia International Film Festival.
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