VIZ Media, one of North America's biggest licensors and distributors of Japanese anime and manga, has announced the scheduled release dates for several anime and Japanese live action DVDs in both May and June 2010. Included in the releases are the last box sets and episodic DVDs of the popular anime series Bleach and Naruto, as well as three live action films: Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Plyground, 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption and Kasura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze through their VIZ Pictures line.
The April 2010 anime DVD releases have been previously announced.
Bleach Uncut Box Set 5
The Bounts have infiltrated the Soul Societ in order to seek revenge. They seem to be invincible, and Ichigo and the Soul Reaper captains are having a hard time fighting them. Jin Kariya, the leader of the Bounts, is after the Crest called Jokaisho in the Department of Research and Development. Jokaisho has the power to blow up the entire Seireitei, and only Ichgo and Chad are left to stop him!
- Episodes 92-100 (Uncut)
- Rated 'T' for Teens
- MSRP $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN
- Available June 8
Bleach Volume 28
Captain Hitsugaya, Lieutenant Matsumoto and other Soul Reapers have come to Karakura town to protect the humans from the dangerous Arrancars. Led by Grimmjow, Arrancars have entered the living world in order to kill any human with spiritual pressure. Instead, they find a fight with the Soul Reapers, along with Ichigo, Chad and the others.
- Episodes 114-117
- Rated 'T' for Teens
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available May 25
Bleach Volume 29
Karakura Town has become a battlefield for the Soul Reapers and Arrancars. Ikkaku is forced to release his Bankai, which he has kept a secret, as he fights against the Arrancar Edrad. Meanwhile, Captain Hitsugaya has a hard fight against Shawlong, who reveals the existence of the Espada, Arrancar who are much more powerful.
- Episodes 118-121
- Rated 'T' for Teens
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available June 22
Naruto Uncut Season 3 Box Set Volume 1
Naruto is eager to see Sasuke now that he's completed his training journey with Jiraiya, but Sasuke's only concern is getting revenge against his older brother Itachi. Sasuke is soon lured from the Leaf Village by the Sound Four, minions of the ninja Orochimaru. Getting him back is top priority for Shikamaru and Naruto, as they put together a team of genin to chase after their comrade.
- Episodes 107-135
- Rated 'T+' for Older Teens
- MSRP $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN
- Available June 29
Naruto Shippuden Volume 9
There isn't a thing Naruto likes about Team Kakashi's newest member, Sai, and it becomes Sakura and Yamato's problem as they try to keep them apart. But despite his feelings Naruto will do anything to complete his mission and bring Sasuke back. Sai can't understand Naruto's feelings at all, but it's probably because he's a human without any feelings!
- Episodes 35-39
- Rated 'T+' for Older Teens
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available May 18
Naruto Shippuden Volume 10
While in the middle of their spy mission, Team Kakashi is confronted by their enemy Orochimaru! Naruto challenges him to a fight, but his rage brings out the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox. This helps Naruto in his fight, but causes him to lose control of himself, posing a danger to everyone around him.
- Episodes 40-43
- Rated 'T+' for Older Teens
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available June 1
Both the Naruto and Bleach anime series can also be viewed on VIZ Media's website for streaming anime, VIZ Anime.
Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground, New People Artist Series Volume 5
The fifth volume in VIZ Pictures' documentary series, the New People Artist Series, follows Makoto Aida, a controversial artist who works in various media. He shares his work and private life, while he creates his "Human Project" and "Shinjuku Castle."
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available May 4
20th Century Boys 3: Redemtion
VIZ Pictures releases the third and final chapter in the film series based off the manga by Naoki Urasawa. The movie received direction from Yukihiko Tsutsui and has a returning cast of Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa, Teruyuki Kagawa, Airi Taira and others.
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available June 1
Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze, New People Artist Series Volume 6
The 6th volume in this series follows Katura Funakoshi, a sculptor who "breathes life" into his medium, camphor wood. "His human-like sculptures are known for their distant gaze as if pondering philosophical thoughts and projecting subtle yet bold emotions."
- MSRP $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN
- Available June 15
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