Richard Armitage and Michelle Forbes Announced for Epix's "Berlin Station"

Epix Announces Richard Armitage for Lead and Michelle Forbes as Newest Additions to the Cast of Berlin Station – the Network’s Original Spy Series

A Modern-day Thriller Produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content – Debuts Fall 2016

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Premium TV network EPIX® announced today that Richard Armitage (The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, “Hannibal”) has been cast as the lead in Berlin Station, the 10-part contemporary spy series produced by Paramount TV and Anonymous Content. Armitage will portray Daniel Meyer, the cerebral, newly-anointed CIA case officer who goes from being an analyst at Langley to an undercover agent in Berlin tasked with finding an informant. Also joining the ensemble cast is Emmy® Award nominee Michelle Forbes (“The Killing,” “True Blood,” The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2) in the role of Valerie Edwards, the no-nonsense administrator who serves as a Berlin Station Section Head.

    “We are honored to have them join this stellar cast and that they will be taking on these intricate roles.”

Previously announced castings include: Academy Award® nominee Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) as Steven Frost, a veteran of the Cold War who serves as the CIA’s Chief of the Berlin Station; and BAFTA Award-winner Rhys Ifans (The Amazing Spider-Man, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 1, “Elementary,” Notting Hill) as Case Officer Hector DeJean, the darkly charming, tenacious agent who mentors Meyer.

Michaël Roskam (Bullhead, The Drop) will executive produce the straight-to-series order and direct the first two episodes. New York Times best-selling spy novelist Olen Steinhauer (The Tourist, All The Old Knives, The Cairo Affair), who wrote the first episode, will write and executive produce the series. Brad Winters (“Dig,” “The Americans,” “Boss,” “Oz") is serving as the showrunner and will executive produce. Other executive producers for the series include Academy Award® winner Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Insider, Munich, “House of Cards”), and Steve Golin, Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, Keith Redmon and Luke Rivett from Anonymous Content (“True Detective,” “The Knick,” “Mr. Robot”).

“We are very happy to have found our ‘Daniel’ to join this incredible ensemble cast,” said Mark S. Greenberg, President and CEO of EPIX. “Richard is a singular talent who has the presence and attitude to bring this character and story to life. We are also honored that Michelle has joined Berlin Station. She is a gifted actor who embodies the richness of character pivotal to the show. This venture is an exciting step in the network’s continued commitment to bringing our viewers smart, sophisticated offerings that have a broad appeal.”

"Both Richard and Michelle are enormously talented actors who exhibit an on-screen intensity and passion that viewers respond to because of their intellect and ability to let transformation overcome their characters," said Amy Powell, President, Paramount TV. "We are honored to have them join this stellar cast and that they will be taking on these intricate roles."

Production on the series is scheduled to begin this Fall and premiere on EPIX in Fall 2016.

Berlin Station follows Daniel Meyer, who has just arrived at the CIA foreign station in Berlin, Germany. Meyer has a clandestine mission: to uncover the source of a leak who has supplied information to a now-famous whistleblower named “Thomas Shaw." Guided by jaded veteran Hector DeJean, Daniel learns to contend with the rough-and-tumble world of the field agent—agent-running, deception, the dangers and moral compromises. As he dives deeper into the German capital's hall of mirrors and uncovers the threads of a conspiracy that leads back to Washington, Daniel wonders: Can anyone ever be the same after a posting to Berlin?

Richard Armitage boasts a diverse resume in film, television and the stage, gaining momentum on UK shows including “MI-5”’ and “Robin Hood.” He achieved international recognition with his performance in the 2011 box office smash ‘Captain America: The First Avenger opposite Chris Evans and Hugo Weaving before following it up with his iconic performance as ‘Thorin’ in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy, which has grossed over $1 billion to date.

Armitage’s other recent leading roles include John Swetnam’s Into the Storm for New Line, alongside Sarah Wayne Callie and Jeremy Sumpter, as well as Elliot Lester’s independent feature, Sleepwalker, opposite Ahna O’Reilly. This spring, Richard was seen in a recurring role on NBC’s “Hannibal” and just wrapped shooting in Ireland and Belgium for Pilgrimage opposite Tom Holland.

Armitage also returned to the stage this year, delivering a critically acclaimed performance as the lead of Arthur Miller’s modern drama, The Crucible, at the Old Vic Theatre.

Armitage is represented by WME, the law firm Sloane, Offer, Webber and Dern, LLP and Management 360.

Michelle Forbes’ recent portrayal of a grief-stricken mother in the AMC series “The Killing” earned her an Emmy® nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Prior to that, Forbes starred in the groundbreaking Alan Ball series “True Blood” for HBO. Additionally, she starred as Kate Weston in the HBO series “In Treatment,” opposite Gabriel Byrne and Dianne Wiest.

Forbes can next be seen in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 for Lionsgate and just completed a one-season role in the A&E drama series “The Returned” (based on the hugely popular French series “Les Revenants”) from executive producers Carlton Cuse and Raelle Tucker.

Forbes also recurs in the acclaimed BBC series “Orphan Black” opposite Tatiana Maslany.

Forbes is represented by UTA.


About EPIX
EPIX® is a premium movie and original programming entertainment service delivering the latest movie releases, classic film franchises, original documentaries, comedy and music events on TV, on demand, online and on devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX has pioneered the development and proliferation of “TV Everywhere.” It was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access online at EPIX.com and was the first premium network to launch on XBox 360, PlayStation® 3 and 4, Android phones and tablets, Windows 8.1 and Roku® players. EPIX is available to authenticated subscribers on hundreds of devices including Chromecast and Apple® iPads® and iPhones® and is the only premium service providing all its programming on all platforms, delivering more movies than any other premium network, with thousands of titles available for streaming.

EPIX is a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ:VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Through relationships with cable, satellite and telco partners, EPIX is available to over 50 million homes nationwide. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter and Periscope @EpixHD (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX), Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+EPIX), Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/EPIX) and Vine (https://vine.co/EPIX).

About Paramount Television
Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms. Paramount Television is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a subsidiary of Viacom (NASDAQ:VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

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Paramount Pictures Announces One-Night-Only Event for "Captive"

BE THE FIRST TO SEE “CAPTIVE” AT ONE-NIGHT-ONLY “CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” EVENTS AT THEATERS ACROSS THE U.S. ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

EXPERIENCE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AND CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FILM’S CAST AND FILMMAKERS

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures is giving moviegoers an opportunity to experience the upcoming film “CAPTIVE” before its theatrical release with special “CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” events. These one-night-only events tell the inspiring real-life story of Ashley Smith and convicted criminal Brian Nichols and will take place on Thursday, September 17th, 2015 starting at 7:00 p.m. at participating theaters across the U.S.

“CAPTIVE: NIGHT OF PURPOSE” will feature advance screenings of the film, followed by exclusive content and conversations moderated by Gayle King with the film’s stars David Oyelowo and Kate Mara, producer Terry Botwick and Brian Nichols’ mother, Claritha Nichols.

For more information, to purchase tickets, and for a list of participating theaters, visit http://captivemovieresources.com/nightofpurpose

“CAPTIVE,” based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols.  After being taken hostage by Brian in her own apartment, Ashley turns to Rick Warren’s inspirational book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” for guidance. In reading from the book, Ashley not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Brian find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

The film stars David Oyelowo, Kate Mara, Leonor Varela, Jessica Oyelowo, with Mimi Rogers and Michael K. Williams.

Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, “CAPTIVE” is based on the book “Unlikely Angel” by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly. The film’s screenplay is by Brian Bird. Produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson, Lucas Akoskin, Alex Garcia, Katrina Wolfe, David Oyelowo and Ken Wales. The executive producers are Santiago Garcia Galván, Jonathan Gray, Brian Bird, Elliott Lester and Ralph Winter.

“CAPTIVE” opens in theaters on September 18th, 2015.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

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Actress Ming-Na Wen to Appear at 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con Welcomes Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Ming-Na Wen

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come to the Baltimore Comic-Con at the Baltimore Convention Center this September 25-27, 2015. The three-day extravaganza just keeps getting better and better -- have you purchased your tickets? Now's the perfect time, because the Baltimore Comic-Con is overjoyed to announce our latest guest addition, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. star Ming-Na Wen!

Ming-Na first won attention with her touching and critically acclaimed performance as June in the feature film The Joy Luck Club. But she is most noted for her portrayal of Dr. Jing-Mei Chen on the hit show "ER." Other series have included SGU Stargate Universe and Eureka.

Ming-Na received the first contract role for an Asian-American actor in a daytime drama when she won the part of Lien Hughes on As the World Turns. Other television credits include Law and Order SVU, Boston Legal, The George Lopez Show, Private Practice, and Two and a Half Men.

The diverse actress proved she was able to play more than the gentle wallflower June in The Joy Luck Club, when she tackled the roles of Chun-Li, the butt-kicking female lead in Streetfighter; and as the sex-hungry wife Mimi in director Mike Figgis' film One Night Stand.

Ming-Na is proud to be the title voice of Mulan, Disney's animated feature (for which she won an Annie Award) as well as the lead voice of Aki Ross in the stunning CGI animated film Final Fantasy. The talented actress has also has lent her voice for the shows Phineus and Ferb and Ni Hao Kai Lan, as well as documentaries and children's books.

Ming can currently be seen as Agent Melinda "The Cavalry" May, one of the leads of  "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC. She will also be seen in the upcoming Blumhouse feature film 6 Miranda Drive opposite Kevin Bacon.

Ming-Na has been included in People magazine's list of the 50 most beautiful people; was named one of the 100 most influential Asian Americans of the past decade by A. Magazine; and was inducted into the Committee of 100.

"We've been working to get Ming-Na as a guest this year for a while," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "The planets finally aligned, and we are ecstatic to be able to announce her attendance in September. She has done such fantastic work, from dramatic roles to action adventure, and we love Agent May! We know her fans will be lining up to get to meet her in a few short weeks!"

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS CANCELLATION
Unfortunately, Edward James Olmos has had to cancel his upcoming appearance at the Baltimore Comic-Con due to a work conflict. We look forward to welcoming him back to a future show.

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
While they are available, be sure to take advantage of discount rate arrangements we have made with hotels near the Baltimore Convention Center. For all the details, see: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/hotels/

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant's graphic novel 2 Guns was released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!'s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' Peanuts; Jim Davis' Garfield; Cartoon Network's Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel's Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cow Boy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, and Jim Henson's Tale of Sand. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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Spike Lee Among Recipients of 2015 Governors Awards

Spike Lee, Debbie Reynolds And Gena Rowlands To Receive Academy’s 2015 Governors Awards

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted Tuesday night (August 25, 2015) to present Honorary Awards to Spike Lee and Gena Rowlands, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award to Debbie Reynolds.  All three awards will be presented at the Academy’s 7th Annual Governors Awards on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland Center®.

“The Board is proud to recognize our honorees’ remarkable contributions at this year’s Governors Awards,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs.  “We’ll be celebrating their achievements with the knowledge that the work they have accomplished – with passion, dedication and a desire to make a positive difference – will also enrich future generations.”

Spike Lee, a champion of independent film and an inspiration to young filmmakers, made an auspicious debut with his NYU thesis film, “Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads,” which won a Student Academy Award® in 1983.  He proceeded to blaze a distinctive trail with such features as “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” and “Do the Right Thing,” which earned him a 1989 Oscar® nomination for Original Screenplay.  His work as a director ranges from the Oscar-nominated documentary feature “4 Little Girls” to such mainstream successes as “Malcolm X” and “Inside Man.”  Lee’s other feature credits include “Mo’ Better Blues,” “Jungle Fever,” “Crooklyn,” “He Got Game,” “25th Hour,” “Miracle at St. Anna” and “Red Hook Summer.”  He currently serves as the artistic director of the graduate film program at NYU.

Gena Rowlands, an original talent whose devotion to her craft has earned her worldwide recognition as an independent film icon, received Academy Award nominations for her lead performances in “A Woman under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980), both directed by her husband and frequent collaborator, John Cassavetes.  She got her start on the New York stage and in live television in the 1950s and has appeared in 40 feature films to date, from “The High Cost of Loving” in 1958 to “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” which she starred in earlier this year.  Her other notable films include “Lonely Are the Brave,” “Faces,” “Minnie and Moskowitz,” “Opening Night,” “Another Woman,” “Unhook the Stars,” “Hope Floats,” “Playing by Heart,” “The Notebook” and “Broken English.” 

Debbie Reynolds, a Hollywood icon since she won hearts with her buoyant performance in “Singin’ in the Rain,” embarked on the role of a lifetime as a founding member of the Thalians, a charitable organization conceived and sustained by entertainers to promote awareness and treatment of mental health issues.  She served as the group’s president almost continuously from 1957 to 2011, adding numerous terms as board chair and frequently presiding over its annual fundraising gala.  Her tireless efforts have enabled the Thalians to contribute millions to the Mental Health Center at Cedars-Sinai and to UCLA’s Operation Mend, which helps military veterans recover from the physical and psychological wounds of war.  Reynolds has appeared in more than 40 feature films, including “The Tender Trap,” “A Catered Affair” and “Mother,” and received a 1964 Oscar nomination for her lead performance in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.”

The Honorary Award, an Oscar statuette, is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, also an Oscar statuette, is given “to an individual in the motion picture arts and sciences whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.”

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Review: "Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery" Rocks

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery (2015) – Video
Running time:  79 minutes (1 hour, 19 minutes)
PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS:  Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone
WRITERS: Kevin Shinick; from a story by James Krieg and Kevin Shinick
EDITOR:  Bruce A. King
COMPOSERS:  Greg Collins and Jared Faber
ANIMATION STUDIO: Digital eMation, Inc.

ANIMATION/FANTASY/FAMILY and ACTION/COMEDY/MYSTERY

Starring:  (voices) Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey DeLisle, Mindy Cohn, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Don McGhee, Darius Rucker, and Jason Mewes, and Kevin Smith

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a 2015 straight-to-video, animated, comic mystery film.  It is also the 24th animated movie in the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video series from Warner Bros. Animation, which began in 1998 with Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island.  In Rock and Roll Mystery, Mystery Inc. joins the legendary rock band, KISS, in an attempt to save an amusement park from a marauding witch.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery introduces KISS World, an amusement park where fans can enjoy and celebrate all things related to the legendary rock band, Kiss (stylized as KISS).  The celebrated members of Kiss:  The Demon (Gene Simmons), The Starchild (Paul Stanley), The Catman (Eric Singer), and The Spaceman (Tommy Thayer) are preparing for a big Halloween concert.  However, the scary “Crimson Witch” is haunting KISS World, screaming “Give Me Rock!” and is scaring all the visitors away.

Meanwhile, Mystery Inc. (a.k.a. “the Scooby gang”): Fred Jones (Frank Welker), Daphne Blake (Grey DeLisle), Velma Dinkley (Mindy Cohn), Shaggy Rogers (Matthew Lillard), and Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker) have traveled to KISS World to see the band, mostly because Daphne has a crush on Starchild.  When the gang discovers that there is a mystery, they insist on helping.  However, the mystery of Crimson Witch spans worlds and dimensions, so how will Scooby and his friends handle their most mind-bending case yet?

As a child, I was a fan of Kiss, although I was not particularly enamored with the band's music.  I did like the stage personas of the band's members, and I liked to imagine the band as a different kind of superhero team.  That is how this most recent Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movie, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery, plays the band:  as a far-out, cosmic band of superheroes who use music and mystical powers to fight evil.

Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is one of the better recent Scooby-Doo movies, specifically because of the inclusion of Kiss.  I am surprised how well Scooby and friends mesh with Kiss.  In fact, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery reminds me of “The New Scooby-Doo Movies” (1972-1974), the Saturday morning animated series that featured Mystery Inc. teaming up with real-life celebrities and well-known animated characters to solve bigger-than-usual mysteries.  I loved that series as a child, which may be part of the appeal of this movie for me.

Still, nostalgia aside, Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a well made animated film.  The mystery is compelling and the last act features a cosmic-inspired battle that is almost too big for the movie.  This movie is also genuinely funny, with lots of jokes about Kiss merchandising, and the film also gets a lot of mileage out of Daphne's crush on Starchild and Fred's jealousy over it.

Music plays a big part in this movie.  It includes six Kiss songs:  “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Love Gun,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “I Was Made for Lovin' You,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “Modern Day Delilah.”  Plus, the members of Kiss take part in a joke song for the end credits, “Don't Touch My Ascot.”  The score by Greg Collins and Jared Faber takes its lead from 1970s and early 1980s hard rock, with some synthesizer-imbued music for the big cosmic battle in Kissteria (an alternate dimension).

I hope that Scooby-Doo and Kiss reunite.  The members of Kiss certainly seemed up for their voice-over performances.  If Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery is a one-off treat, I can accept that, but this deserves an encore.

8 of 10
A

Monday, September 7, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

VIZ Media Announces Final Ranma Home Media Release - RANMA ½ Set 7

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF RANMA ½ ANIME SERIES SET 7 LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SET

Legendary Comedy And Martial Arts Action Series Reaches Exciting Finale In The Concluding Home Media Edition Available In A Special Blu-Ray Collectable And Standard Edition DVD Set

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, prepares fans for the final home media installment of the celebrated gender-bending martial arts action comedy based on the popular manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi as it announces the release today of RANMA ½ Set 7.

VIZ Media has released the entire gender-bending martial arts action comedy in its original Japanese series order across seven Limited Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD Box Sets. RANMA ½ is rated TV-14 and is based on the popular manga series originally created by Rumiko Takahashi.

The RANMA ½ Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set 7 carries an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN. The final set of the series contains Episodes 139-161 on 3 discs, presented in full 1080p high-definition resolution with the series’ original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Blu-ray edition also contains a full color art card and a 32-page booklet with individual episode summaries.

Blu-ray bonus features include clean openings and endings as well as series trailers and the concluding installment of “We Love Ranma Part 8 - We Love Rumiko Takahasi.” The set comes in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

The RANMA ½ Standard Edition DVD Set 7 also features the final 23 episodes with the original, uncropped 4:3 aspect ratio, with bonus features that include clean openings and endings and trailers. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. The Standard Edition DVD set is available with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The madcap days of martial arts mayhem comes to a thrilling conclusion in the final set of RANMA ½! Ranma is challenged by Ryoga to fight yet again, but this time he is completely defeated by Ryoga's new technique, the "Lion's-Roar Blast." It is said that the more miserable the user, the stronger the technique becomes - does Ranma have a chance against the tragic Ryoga?! Then, Ranma must master martial arts cheerleading, but in order to win, he is going to have to cheer up Upperclassman Kuno! Finally, Ranma's mother at last comes to the Tendo Dojo, but why is Genma doing everything he can to stop Ranma from meeting her? Akane feels sorry for Ranma, who barely remembers his own mother, and forms a plan to bring them together.

RANMA ½ manga creator Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most prolific and respected manga artists and is the creator of several long running series including MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½, and INUYASHA – all published in North America by VIZ Media. The spotlight on her prolific career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and also spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another— MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGA, RUMIC THEATER, ONE-POUND GOSPEL, and RIN-NE (all also published in North America by VIZ Media).

For more information on RANMA ½ or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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Bret Blevins, Geof Isherwood Among Latest 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con Guests

Blevins, Isherwood, Jordan, St. Pierre, and Takara Coming to Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Buy your tickets now and avoid lines for the Baltimore Comic-Con on September 25-27, 2015. The annual comics pop culture event returns to the Baltimore Convention Center for the 16th annual show in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The Baltimore Comic-Con is excited to have to this year's show Bret Blevins, Geof Isherwood, Justin Jordan, Joe St. Pierre, and Marcio Takara.

Beginning his comic book career in 1981, Bret Blevins began a decade of working almost exclusively for Marvel Comics on many of their most famous characters, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, The X-Men, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Daredevil, Dr. Strange, The Fantastic Four, The New Mutants, Sheena, Ghost Rider, Conan, Solomon Kane, The Inhumans, the Punisher, Sleepwalker, Clive Barker's Nightbreed, The Bozz Chronicles, Cloak and Dagger, The Trouble with Girls, The Destroyer, Terror Inc., and various licensed properties, including graphic novel length adaptations of the films The Dark Crystal, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Krull, and The Last Starfighter. Moving primarily to DC in 1993, Bret drew Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Starman, and Vigilante, and along the way drew Star Wars, Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, and Bettie Page for Dark Horse. A 146-page graphic of novel of Brian Jacques' Redwall illustrated by Bret was published by Philomel Books in 2007. In the mid-90's, Bret began working for Warner Bros. animation and won two Emmy awards while creating storyboards for the acclaimed Batman, Superman, Batman Beyond, Justice League, Static, Batman Brave and Bold, and Ben 10 cartoons. For Disney, Blevins has drawn storyboards for Tarzan and Atlantis, and copious artwork for various other Disney projects including Pirates of the Caribbean, The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh, Tinkerbell, Toy Story, Tron, and Wreck-it-Ralph. In addition to other miscellaneous advertising and illustration work, Bret is always busy drawing and painting from life, writing instructional articles for DRAW! magazine, and occasionally teaching.

Geof Isherwood drew comics for Marvel, DC, Broadway, and Heroes Of The North starting in 1982. Major title runs include Dr. Strange, Suicide Squad, Conan the Barbarian, Conan The King, Namor, and The 'Nam. Geof has also worked on over 60 film and TV productions, including X-Men: DOFP and X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, Being Human (US), and The Fountain. Geof teaches in the Concept Art and Illustration program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario. Geof is now working for Renegade Media, drawing the final issue of the soon-to-be-released Necromatics.

Justin Jordan first came to the attention of the comic-buying pubic writing his creator-owned The Strange Talent of Luther Strode (with Tradd Moore on art) published through Image Comics. That title was followed up with two sequels, The Legend of Luther Strode and The Legacy of Luther Strode. He has also worked on DC Comics' Green Lantern: New Guardians as well as runs during the "New 52" initiative on Superboy, Deathstroke, and Team 7. At Valiant Comics, he wrote the relaunch of Shadowman, and co-created Deep State at BOOM! Studios, Spread and Dead Body Road at Image Comics, and Dark Gods at Avatar Press. In 2012, he received a Harvey Award nomination for Most Promising New Talent, and contributed to the Eisner-nominated In the Dark: A Horror Anthology from IDW.

Joe St.Pierre graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and began his professional career in 1992 as a penciller for the fledgling comic book publisher Valiant, taking on writing responsibilities in time as well. His best known work at Valiant was a 10-issue run of the title Secret Weapons, which he wrote and drew. In addition to his work in commercial art and as a storyboard artist for just over 20 years, he has worked on titles at major publishers, including DC's Aquaman, Batman, Green Lantern, Superboy, and Superman, Marvel's Fantastic Four, Wolverine, X-Men, and he has the distinction of being the artist who most probably worked the most first issues featuring Spider-Man or Spidey family characters. He is currently working on his own title, New Zodiax.

Amongst our seasoned luminaries, Marcio Takara is a relative newcoming, having worked in comics since 2006. His art has graced the pages of Marvel Comics' Marvel Adventures Super Heroes, Captain Marvel, and Armor Wars, Image Comics' Dynamo5, BOOM! Studios' The Incredibles and Incorruptible, and DC Comics' Blue Beetle, The Flash, and Smallville: Lantern. He has also launched a successful Kickstarter project with writer Bryan Q. Miller called Earthward, and provided artwork for the game League of Legends.

"It's so great to be able to announce another batch of top-tier comic talent," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "From industry veterans with long resumes to newcomers making big waves, these creators are all a big part of our little ecosystem, and we know their fans will be excited to meet them in Baltimore."

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
While they are available, be sure to take advantage of discount rate arrangements we have made with hotels near the Baltimore Convention Center. For all the details, see: http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/hotels/

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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