Flower Mound, Texas (December 22, 2008) -- FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Navarre Corporation, todayannounced the test launch of its online video service, www.funimation.com/video, offering viewers the largest selection of streaming, on-demand, premium anime programming for free. FUNimation will legally offer hundreds of high-quality, full-length episodes, including many full series, of current and catalogue programming from its library. Among the many titles of the video player launch are episodes of Darker Than Black, Guyver, Black Blood Brothers, Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino, Jyu-Oh-Sei, Negima 2, Ouran High School Host Club, Romeo X Juliet, Shigurui: Death Frenzy, STRAIN: Strategic Armored Infantry  and many other top titles that are not available anywhere else. Each week, FUNimation will be rolling out new episodes of the newest and best anime from Japanese producers -- including those currently airing in Japan -- as well other select video such as trailers, exclusive interviews, podcasts and other FUNimation original productions.   Features of the site include:   ●    Higher-quality video player   ●    Both subtitled and English-dubbed episodes    ●    Flash video streaming, ensuring ease of use and cross-platform compatibility   ●      Same-screen video playback, without a separate pop-up window    ●    Expandable video player    ●      Lower lights feature   ●      Ability to share video "The site was created to bring together the largest selection of the best anime and offer it in the highest-quality video available – for free,” saidBrandon White, Interactive Manager at FUNimation Entertainment. “We designed it with the anime fan in mind. They can watch...

Culver City, CA (December 22, 2008) – The Story of David, an inspirational saga of the famed Biblical ruler of Israel and his journey to redemption, will be released for the first time on DVD March 3 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  Originally aired in two parts on ABC-TV, the film stars Timothy Bottoms (Johnny Got His Gun) as King David; and Academy Award® nominee Anthony Quayle (1969, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Anne of the Thousand Days) with Keith Michell (TV’s “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”) and Jane Seymour (TV’s “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) as Bathsheba.  The Story of David will be available for $14.94 SRP.     Emmy Award® winners Alex Segal (1966, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama, TV’s “Death of a Salesman”) and David Lowell Rich (1978, Outstanding Directing in a Special Program – Drama or Comedy, TV’s “The Defection of Simas Kudirka”) direct the script written by Emmy Award® winner Ernest Kinoy (1977, Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, TV’s “Roots”).   Filmed on location in Israel and Spain, this legendary saga of passion and forbidden love begins with the teenage David’s (Bottoms) famous battle against the giant Goliath and ends with the King’s (Michell) romance with Bathsheba (Seymour) and his struggles to preserve his kingdom.   DVD...

Culver City, CA (December 22, 2008) – The CBS television movie adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the classic story of unrequited love, illicit passion and injustice, will be released for the first time on DVD March 3 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  The film stars Academy Award® winner Sir Anthony Hopkins (1991, Best Actor in a Leading Role, The Silence of the Lambs), with Derek Jacobi (The Golden Compass), Academy Award® winner Sir John Gielgud (1981, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Arthur), Robert Powell (BBC’s “Holby City”) and Lesley-Anne Down (TV’s “The Bold and the Beautiful”).  Based on Victor Hugo’s famous novel Notre-Dame de Paris, The Hunchback of Notre Dame DVD will be available for $14.94 SRP.   The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered February 4, 1982, on CBS.  Sir Anthony Hopkins’ heart-wrenching portrayal of Quasimodo was directed by Michael Tuchner (TV’s “Amos”), with the television adaptation penned by John Gay.   Synopsis This classic gothic romance, set in 1450 against the background of the famed Paris cathedral, is a tragic tale about a deformed hunchback, Quasimodo (Hopkins), who is hated and feared by all. He falls in love with a beautiful gypsy, Esmerelda (Down), after she shows him the only human kindness he has ever known, although she is only interested in the soldier Phoebus (Powell)....

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (January 5, 2009) – Barney Miller: The Complete Third Season makes its DVD debut March 17 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  The Emmy Award® winning classic ABC comedy series stars Hal Linden (TV’s “Search for Tomorrow,” The Other Woman) as everyone’s favorite cop, along with a top-notch ensemble featuring Abe Vigoda (The Godfather), Emmy Award® nominee Max Gail (TV’s “Sons & Daughters”), Emmy Award® nominee Ron Glass (TV’s “Firefly”), Jack Soo (Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Green Berets), James Gregory (The Manchurian Candidate), Ron Carey (History of the World: Part I) and Emmy Award® nominee Steve Landesberg (TV’s “Head Case”).  Watch all 22 memorable episodes on your own schedule, in a three disc set available for $29.95 SRP.   Barney Miller premiered January 23, 1975 on ABC.  During its eight successful seasons, Barney Miller was nominated for 32 Emmy Awards®, winning three -- Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing in a Comedy or Comedy-Variety or Music Series.   SYNOPSIS This season, the trials and tribulations continue at New York City’s 12th Precinct in Greenwich Village.  The detectives are quarantined at the police station with a hooker, a man thinks he’s a werewolf and wreaks havoc in a park, Fish (Vigoda) goes undercover, and everyone on the squad...

CULVER CITY, CALIF. (January 5, 2009) – Married…With Children, the show that puts the “fun” in dysfunctional, is back on DVD with The Complete Tenth Season March 17 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  The three-disc set features all 26 episodes of the top-rated iconic comedy series’ next-to-last season, starring the always irreverent and politically incorrect Bundys -- Ed O’Neill (TV’s “John from Cincinnati”), Katey Sagal (TV’s “8 Simple Rules”), Christina Applegate (TV’s “Samantha Who?”), and David Faustino (National Lampoon’s Pucked).  The DVD will be available for $39.95 SRP.   Guest stars this season include Emmy Award® winner Tim Conway (TV’s “Carol Burnett & Company”), Golden Globe® nominee Alan Thicke (TV’s “Growing Pains”), sports star Terry Bradshaw, Academy Award® nominee Pat Morita (1984, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, The Karate Kid), Emmy Award® nominee Don Novello (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers), Shannon Tweed (TV’s “Gene Simmons: Family Jewels”), Nicole Eggert (TV’s “Baywatch Hawaii”) and David Garrison (TV’s “It’s your Move”).    Married … with Children premiered on FOX April 5, 1987, and lasted for 267 episodes over 11 seasons.  The series was nominated for a total of seven Golden Globes® and seven Emmy Awards®, including Best Actor and Best Actress nominations for Ed O’Neill and Katey Sagal.   SYNOPSIS This season,...

Culver City, CA (December 22, 2008) – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is honored to announce the DVD release ofAshes of Time Redux on March 3, 2009.  This definitive version of Wong Kar Wai’s epic film has been restored, re-edited, digitally colorized and re-scored, with solos by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Ashes of Time Redux will be available for an SLP of $28.96. The DVD release will include a making-of featurette and a Q & A with Wong Kar Wai.    Ashes of Time, originally completed in 1994, was the first film from director Wong Kar Wai’s Jet Tone production company.  The film received only a limited release and, in the years since, the existing prints and negatives had become damaged or destroyed.  “To rectify this situation,” Wong Kar Wai states, “we decided to revisit this project and to create the definitive version.”  He and his colleagues began the process by gathering as much existing material as could be found and restoring those elements, using advanced technology that had not existed in the early ‘90’s. He also collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma to create a new soundtrack, rearranging some of the original compositions by Freddie Chan and adding some original ones.   Ashes of Time Redux is the result.  Synopsis From Director Wong Kar...

Did you think Grandma’s house was the only travel destination on your itinerary this holiday season? Think again. Thanks to the Wii™ Shop Channel, you’ve got some extraordinary places to see, from tropical islands and exotic golf courses to a faraway planet in need of triumphant heroes. Whether you play solo or with family and friends, these awesome new offerings are sure to deliver an extra dose of holiday cheer. Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new games are: WiiWare™ Tiki Towers™ (RealArcade, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Tiki Towers is a game of construction, destruction, problem-solving and monkeys. Reclaim the islands of your tribe by defeating a series of evil enemy chiefs. Work with your monkey friends to build towers out of bamboo poles, coconuts and vines. Match wits against the enemy chiefs bent on destroying your towers and driving you from the islands. Navigate levels filled with crazy building challenges, and deal with unfriendly wildlife and other environmental...

Konami has released a free demo of the ultimate squad, tactical shooter based on the popular Metal Gear Solid® Universe. A limited version of the Metal Gear Online game is now available exclusively on the PlayStation® Network. This demo is only playable on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment systems that do not have a previously installed and registered retail copy of Metal Gear Online.  A must for anyone who wants to experience the Metal Gear Universe, this demo showcases the multiplayer aspect of the series including specialization skills, the new Sons of Patriot (SOP) system, online play and so much more. Additionally, Metal Gear fans can now purchase Metal Gear Online - MEME Expansionand have the opportunity to win a limited edition, Metal Gear Online Happy New Year T-Shirt. MEME Expansion contains a vast amount of content including new maps, special characters, new skills, new customizable characters, funny avatar parts and more. 1,200 randomly selected players will win one of three different styled in-game shirts, which will be distributed on January 5th, 2009. Metal Gear Online is available for a SRP of $9.99 through MGOnline's in-game shop. For more information please visit: http://www.konami.com.

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Holiday shoppers visiting Toys“R”Us Times Square will find a new surprise waiting for them—a new Nintendo department offering an interactive way to have fun, while experiencing the wide range of Nintendo products available this holiday season and beyond.The Nintendo department, located on Level One of the Toys“R”Us international flagship store, is nearly 1,000 square feet and is easily visible from the store’s windows overlooking Broadway. Visitors to The World’s Greatest Toy Store™ will find an interactive Wii™ wall within the department, offering shoppers the chance to play select Wii games. Additionally, shoppers interested in sampling a portable experience can play one of eight Nintendo DS™ systems with a variety of games. The department also features a Nintendo gallery, showcasing images from Nintendo’s history of classic and current games.The Nintendo department also features specially trained Nintendo experts who can walk shoppers through the department’s experience and provide information about Nintendo products. Shoppers can easily identify these experts by their special Nintendo-branded uniforms.“What we’ve been seeing all year long is the expansion of video game fun to people of both genders, and all ages and tastes—there’s literally something for everyone,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president...

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., (December 18, 2008) - True Games Interactive, aninternational publisher of multi-player online games, revealed todaynew screen shots and key details for its highly anticipated Onlineaction MMORPG, Warrior Epic (www.warriorepic.com). Developed byAustin-based studio Possibility Space, the game has already developeda growing community and will launch in Spring 2009.  True Games and Possibility Space today revealed details on the formerlyravaged and sunken land, Aberas, where players will begin theirjourney in Warrior Epic. Aberas will offer 20 unique zones, multiplePvP areas and randomized dungeons with infinite re-playability. Formore information about Aberas and its story; from its people'sgreed-driven exile to its triumphant return and its current state ofwar, raids and alliances and more, see below.   The story of Aberas"Aberas is Risen!" the fisherman had yelled to shore. "We Are Forgiven!Maraendee be Praised!"But his joyful words, uttered four centuries past and now rememberedonly in tarnished silver letters upon a crumbling temple wall,ultimately proved hollow. For while the sunken land of Aberas hadindeed returned from the watery depths of the Great sea, the exiledSumanti Tribe, children of the sea goddess Maraendee, had not beenforgiven.Greed had been their downfall; greed and a lack of respect for thebounty Maraendee provided. The Sumanti took more from...

Culver City, Calif. (December 18, 2008) – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) releases the romantic comedy13 Going on 30 on Blu-ray Disc™ January 20, 2009 for the SRP of $28.95.  Jennifer Garner[1] (Catch & Release,“Alias”) and Mark Ruffalo (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Zodiac) star in this charming love story about a girl who wakes up on her 13th birthday to find that she’s Jenna Rink, age 30 (Garner).  The Blu-ray release of 13 Going on 30 will be part of SPHE’s “Girls’ Night In” promotion and will offer consumers the chance to enter to win fabulous prizes at www.girlsnightinfun.com. Added delights on this Blu-ray Disc include commentary with directors and producers, 18 deleted scenes, two music videos, and a featurette exclusive to Blu-ray: “The Making of a Teen Dream: Another Take.”   Jenna Rink (Allen) is a typical pre-teen – she thinks her parents are “dorky,” wants to be accepted by the “cool kids” and she bores easily.  To celebrate her 13th birthday, Jenna decides to throw a big party and invite all the popular kids from school. The party doesn’t end well and Jenna is humiliated, so she wishes she could be 30 years old and have the life she always wanted.  Jenna (Garner) wakes up the next day...

Looking for something to do during the holidays?  EA and Crytek are teaming up to give the gift of gaming – in the form of 10 free days of Crysis Wars, the new multiplayer suite for Crytek’s critically-acclaimed Crysis franchise and part of this fall’s Crysis Warhead.  Crysis Wars will be free to play from December 19th through December 28th, and will include the Holiday Map Pack Crytek is releasing this week for existing Crysis Wars players.    Starting today, gamers can take advantage of this great offer by registering online at www.mycrysis.com and by downloading Crysis Wars.  After registration, players will receive a unique key generated on the site that will be saved to their profile, allowing them to play on all online multiplayer servers from Friday, December 19th at 9:00 AM PT to December 28th at 11:59 PM PT.   Crysis Wars is part of Crysis Warhead, the follow up to Crysis, one of the highest rated games of last year and winner of Editor’s Choice Awards from IGN and GameSpot.  Crysis Wars includes three diverse multiplayer modes, InstantAction, TeamInstantAction and PowerStruggle, with 21 diverse maps ranging from large battlefields to smaller, more intimate battlegrounds.    The Holiday Map Pack contains two new multiplayer maps: ·         Savanna (PowerStruggle): The large savanna plains in the neighborhood of the Victoria falls provide ideal maneuvering grounds for heavy armored...

The Dwarf New Year celebration of Keg End has officially begun and the festivities in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning are in full swing! The forces of Order and Destruction are now invited to join a Realm-wide pub crawl across the Old World as the Dwarfs drain their old barrels and casks in hopes of good fortune and better brews in the New Year.   Of course, holidays in WAR are never just for celebrating, and this one is no exception. Ogres have been drawn out of hiding by the scent of beer and blood, and those who challenge them in combat may be rewarded with special Keg End loot. Snotlings have also been discovered in ale stores across the world, and the special brews they’ve snatched could prove extremely useful for Order and Destruction players alike.   Even more incredible are stories popping up about the legendary Golden Stein, a powerful relic that bestows the blessings of Grimnir himself on whoever possesses it. Rumors say that it’s been spotted on battlefields across the Old World, but only the daring and dedicated will be able to unravel its mysteries as the New Year approaches.   Light your fireworks and /toast a friend, because Keg End has begun and the WAR rages on!...

WHAT:Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) decks the virtual halls again this holiday season with in-game activities and festive themed events in many of its online video games. This December, EverQuest® andEverQuest® II players will enjoy the annual Frostfell celebration, including a special event in theLegends of Norrath™ virtual trading card game. Not to be outshone by its Norrathian counterpart,Vanguard Saga of Heroes™ is celebrating the holiday season in the online world of Telon, and in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Galaxies™ players will enjoy the spectacular experience of Wookiee Life Day.In-game events are as follows:   EverQuest® II: Frostfell, the celebration of kinship and giving, has once again arrived in Norrathspanning from Dec. 11, 2008, to Jan. 5, 2009. Players are invited to enjoy the Frostfell WonderlandVillage through the Magic Closets in Qeynos Harbor, West Freeport, Haven, Kelethin, Neriak and Gorowyn. Players can also gather presents to craft wondrous new Frostfell goodies to add to their collections. The festivities also include a daily present from everyone's favorite Frostfell Gigglegibber, Santa Glug!   For detailed information, please visit www.eq2players.com.   EverQuest®: In the Plane of Knowledge, the impending Frostfell celebrations have been ruined by a spate of thievery, and it is up to the players to save the celebration. Many families have been awakened by ruffians and monsters breaking into...

  San Francisco, CA, and Burbank, CA, December 17, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) and Warner Home Video (WHV) have reached agreement for the home entertainment distribution in the United States and Mexico of new and catalog DVD releases from VIZ Media.  The announcement was jointly made by Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media and Jeff Brown, WHV Executive Vice President and General Manager, TV, Family and Animation.  Effective April 1, 2009, WHV will be the exclusive home entertainment distributor for new and catalog DVD content based on well-known franchises such as NARUTO, BLEACH, DEATH NOTE and INUYASHA as well as the POKÉMON animated television series and catalog features.  The first new DVD releases from VIZ Media and WHV are scheduled to be NARUTO Uncut Box Set 13, NARUTO Uncut Box Set 13 Special Edition and HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set Volume 2 on April 7, 2009. VIZ Media is one of the leading purveyors of Japanese animated content (anime) and manga (graphic novel) publishing in North America. VIZ Media is one of the largest U.S. studios in the non-theatrical anime DVD segment and has played a major role in helping anime gain widespread mainstream popularity. A leader in the video distribution industry, over the...