Naruto Shippuden Arrives on Crunchyroll

Online Anime Distribution Leader Makes History With Launch of One of the Most Popular Anime Titles of All Time

San Francisco, California and Tokyo, Japan (January 2, 2009) – Crunchyroll, the world's largest anime-focused content and social networking service, takes a huge and bold step in making a decisive transition from a platform for user-uploaded content to a platform of professionally-produced content with the historic launch of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN. The first eight episodes of the beginning of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN can be accessed immediately, with eight more catalog episodes added every week Friday. In addition, simulcast of the most recent episode one hour after Japan broadcast will be available starting January 8, 2009. More information can be found at www.Crunchyroll.com/naruto.

Crunchyroll will be offering episodes of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series, as well as a lineup of other blockbuster anime titles, as a “simulcast” for the first time immediately following their broadcast in Japan. Crunchyroll's online community of over five (5) million users will be able to access the content in both free advertising-supported services and the Crunchyroll Anime Membership subscription program.

Crunchyroll Anime Member benefits include higher quality streams of all shows (in some cases at 720p High Definition Video) with no advertisement and early access to simulcast shows such as NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, GINTAMA, SKIP BEAT, SHUGO CHARA!, WEB GHOSTS PIPOPA, NATSUME YUJINCHO, LINEBARRELS OF IRON, THE TOWER OF DRUAGA – THE SWORD OF URUK - and additional titles as early as one (1) hour after its Japan Broadcast. In addition, Crunchyroll Anime Members will be awarded a special NARUTO Headband virtual item for their avatars in the famed virtual world of Crunchyland!

About Crunchyroll
Headquartered in San Francisco, California – Crunchyroll is hailed as a leading online entertainment brand with the largest international online community and destination focused on Asian entertainment including anime, drama, music in addition to electronic entertainment and auto content. Crunchyroll's distribution channel and partnership program delivers content to over four million passionate fans worldwide. Crunchyroll is funded by the premiere group Venrock. More information can be found at its website http://www.Crunchyroll.com.

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