Friday, April 1, 2016

April Fool's Negromancer

Here's April 2016! Welcome to Negromancer 2.0.  This is the rebirth of Negromancer, the former movie review website as a new movie review and movie news site.

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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Fukushima to Present Anime Documentary Films About the Great East Japan Earthquake


Fukushima to Present Documentary Animation Film of "Five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake"

"Letters to the Future -On Our Way There-“ - Special Website: http://miraitegami.jp/en/

Dispelling Harmful Rumors and Showing Current Reality of Disaster-Stricken Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Fukushima prefectural government released a series of documentary animations entitled "Letters to the Future -On Our Way There-" on February 15, 2016. Presented as an anthology based on true stories, the animations depict events that occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the various emotions experienced by people living in the prefecture. The animation films are available at a specially set up website: http://miraitegami.jp/en/

    “Letters to the Future -On Our Way There”

Five years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck Fukushima on March 11, 2011. Although reconstruction has progressed with the rebuilding of devastated buildings and such, the area is still burdened with a number of problems including harmful rumors that have damaged the reputation of the area's agricultural and marine products. In order to eliminate these problems, the prefecture has decided to introduce the world to the "light" and "shadow" of today's Fukushima through Japan's world-renowned culture of animation.

Production of the released animation was handled by “Fukushima GAINAX CO., Ltd.,” a new company established on January 16, 2015 by “GAINAX CO., Ltd.,” the studio behind Japan's popular anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” The animation consists of 10 stories based on real-life episodes.

For instance, “Atashi no Sensei (My Teacher)” is modeled after a high school teacher who grows his hair out after the disaster in a promise with his students to never forget feelings towards home, nor painful memories.

Another episode, “Odaka no hirugohan (Lunch at Odaka)” is modeled after a diner restaurant that provides meals to residents temporarily returning from decontamination or other such work in the evacuated area.

Each episode begins with a storyteller voiced by a popular actor Dean Fujioka. The support of such famous actors has helped the animations capture widespread interest across Japan.

March 11 of this year marked the fifth year since the disaster, and on this occasion the animations toured Japan's six major cities in nationwide screenings intended to dispel reputational damage from harmful rumors.


About the Great East Japan Earthquake
On March 11, 2011 at approximately 14:46 JST, the largest earthquake in recorded history in Japan occurred offshore of Sanriku in the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0, killing 15,894 people in Japan and leaving an additional 2562 people unaccounted for. Fukushima prefecture was subjected to severe devastation due to the tsunami triggered by the earthquake, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, and other events.

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VIZ Media to Publish "Sushi: Jiro Gastronomy" Fall 2016

VIZ MEDIA ACQUIRES THE NORTH AMERICAN PUBLISHING RIGHTS FOR SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY

Concise And Comprehensive Guidebook By Japan’s Most Famous Sushi Chef Will Debut This Fall

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces plans to publish a unique new culinary guidebook this Fall with the release of SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY.

Succinct yet comprehensive, SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY is scheduled for print release in October 2016 from the VIZ Media imprint and takes readers on a vivid journey through the delectable seasonal offerings at Japan’s most famous sushi restaurant, Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro.

Jiro Ono is the master chef and owner of the world renowned, Michelin-rated three-star restaurant located in the Ginza district of Tokyo. The guidebook features descriptions of each type of sushi served in their omakase tasting menu, with commentary from Jiro Ono, and are accompanied by mouth-watering full-page photos. Readers will also learn the seasons in which the sushi is best served, the correct methods of eating it with either fingers or chopsticks, and how and when to use condiments. Small, portable, and stylish, SUSHI: JIRO GASTRONOMY is the distillation of a lifetime’s worth of knowledge and a great gift for sushi lovers.

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture on the coast of Japan, master chef Jiro Ono began apprenticing at a young age. In 1965 he opened Sushi Sukiyabashi Jiro, widely considered to be one of the best sushi restaurants in the world, and in 2011 he was the subject of the award-winning documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

For more information on other titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premiere company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from March 27th to 31st, 2016 - Update #24

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Disney is developing a live-action film based on Snow White's sister, "Rose Red."

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POLITICS - From YahooPolitics:  Matt Bai asks, "Are we getting the leaders we deserve?"  I'm scared to answer that question.

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MOVIES - From TheTrackingBoard:  Is Hollywood on the brink of a civil war over Sean Parker's "Screening Room."

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MOVIES - From EcoWatch:  Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio speaks on saving the Leuser Ecosystem.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Jonah Hill preps his directorial debut.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart are in talks to star in a remake of the 2011 French film, "The Intouchables."

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MOVIES - From TheTrackingBoard:  Oscar Isaac is reunited with director Alex Garland for the film, "Annihilation."  Garland directed Isaac in "Ex Machina."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Oscar-winning screenwriter, Sofia Coppola, to write and direct a remake of "The Beguiled," a 1971 drama that starred Clint Eastwood.

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TELEVISION - From Mashable:  Leonardo DiCaprio texted Jennifer Lopez during the latest "Carpool Karaoke," with James Corden.

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SPORTS - From WashPost:  The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a secret video scandal that is connected to Iggy Azalea.

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend:  Fans start petition to remove Zack Snyder from the Warner Bros. DC Comics films - a waste of time for sure.

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MUSIC - From TMZ:  Elton John sued for sexual harrassment, and it sound ridiculous.

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OBITS - From Variety:  The actress Patty Duke has died at the age of 69; Tuesday, March 29, 2016.  Duke won a supporting actress Oscar for playing "Helen Keller" in "The Miracle Worker."   She also starred in the 1960s sitcom, "The Patty Duke Show."

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Woody Allen's new film, "Cafe Society" to open the 69th Cannes Film Festival.

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COMICS - From ScreenDaily: Disney to screen "Captain America: Civil War" on April 13 at Cinemacon in Las Vegas.

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OBITS - From TVLine:  The actor James Noble has died at the age of 94, Monday, March 28, 2016.  Noble was best known for playing the role of "Governor Eugene Gatling" on the ABC television series, "Benson" (1979 to 1986).

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POLITICS - From RSN:  Obama failed on his clemency promises.

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BOX OFFICE - From Variety:  With the actual numbers in for the 3/25 to 3/27/2016 box office weekend, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" wins with a haul of $166.1 million.

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TELEVISION - From Variety:  Viacome is "re-imagining" MTV.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Jason Blum of "Paranormal Activity" and "The Purge" talks the future of horror films.

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TELEVISION - From TVLine:  Norman Reedus teases about "The Walking Dead" Season 6 finale.

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TELEVISION - From SlashFilm:  "Thunderbirds Are Go" goes to WonderCon.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  Early estimates place "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" as the winner of the Easter 2016 weekend box office.

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COMICS - From SlashFilm:  James Wan, director of "The Conjuring" films, talks about directing Warner's "Aquaman" film.

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COMICS - From CBR:  DC Entertainment reveals creator line-ups for its "Rebirth" relaunch.

COMICS - From CBR:  DC Entertainment launches talent development workshops for new writers and artists.

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend:  Tyrese Gibson believes that he has made headway with Warner Bros. in convincing them that he is there new Green Lantern.




"Batman v Superman" Dawn of of $500 Billion

“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” Flies Past Half a Billion Dollars

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Super Hero Battle Hits the $500 Million Mark at the Global Box Office in Only Its Fifth Day of Release

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” continues to win at the worldwide box office. Soaring past $500 million after only five days in theaters with a total of $501.9 million and counting, the film joins a very rare group of movies that cross half a billion dollars in their first week of release. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “These incredible numbers are building momentum for not only this movie, but for the upcoming slate of DC Super Hero films.”

“We’re so proud that ‘Batman v Superman’ has become the must-see event film of the season for fans the world over,” Veronika Kwan Vandenberg stated. “These incredible numbers are building momentum for not only this movie, but for the upcoming slate of DC Super Hero films.”

The domestic box office total now stands at more than $193.3 million, and the international figure is $308.6 million.

From director Zack Snyder comes “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters’ first big-screen pairing.

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the film also stars Oscar nominees Amy Adams (“American Hustle”) as Lois Lane, Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”) as Lex Luthor, Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”) as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”) as Perry White; Oscar winners Jeremy Irons (“Reversal of Fortune”) as Alfred, and Holly Hunter (“The Piano”) as Senator Finch; and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.

Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film was produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers.

Snyder’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Larry Fong (“300,” “Watchmen”) and production designer Patrick Tatopoulos (“300: Rise of an Empire”), and from his “Man of Steel” team, editor David Brenner, costume designer Michael Wilkinson, visual effects supervisor John “DJ” DesJardin, and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (“The Lion King”) working in conjunction with composer Junkie XL (“Mad Max: Fury Road”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The film can be seen in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, 3D and in 2D, and is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

batmanvsupermandawnofjustice.com

batmanvsupermandawnofjustice.net

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VIZ Media Makes Announcements at 2016 Anime Boston

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW PUBLISHING ACQUISITIONS AT 2016 ANIME BOSTON

Leading Manga Publisher Expands Roster With A New ONE PIECE Box Set, Deluxe Release Of Junji Ito’s TOMIE, And The Launch Of PLATINUM END And JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 – STARDUST CRUSADERS

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, thrilled a packed audience of fans during its panel held this Saturday at the 2016 Anime Boston convention as it detailed exciting new manga (graphic novel) publishing acquisitions.

VIZ Media previewed each of the new titles, which include the latest box set release of the epic high seas pirate adventure, ONE PIECE, as well as the print launch of PLATINUM END, the new dark fantasy series by the creators of DEATH NOTE. Additional manga releases joining the VIZ Media catalog include a hardcover deluxe edition of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 – STARDUST CRUSADERS and the return of horror master Junji Ito’s long-awaited debut series, TOMIE, which will be published in a special, deluxe omnibus hardcover edition after being out of print for many years.

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

New Fall & Winter 2016 VIZ Media Publishing Acquisitions

ONE PIECE BOX SET 3 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuts Fall 2016

The third ONE PIECE Manga Box Set contains the arcs Thriller Bark, Sabaody, Impel Down, Paramount War, and New World, which make up vols. 47-70 of the epic pirate series. This new set offers a significant savings over buying the volumes individually, along with an exclusive premium 48-page mini-comic and double-sided color poster.

PLATINUM END, VOL. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · Debuts Fall 2016

Digital Chapters Available Now For $0.99

Dive into the brand new series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, the legendary manga duo that created DEATH NOTE. As his classmates celebrate their middle school graduation, troubled Mirai is mired in darkness. But his battle is just beginning when he receives some salvation from above in the form of an angel. Now Mirai is pitted against 12 other chosen humans in a battle in which the winner becomes the next god of the world. Mirai has an angel in his corner, but he may need to become a devil to survive.

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 – STARDUST CRUSADERS, VOL. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Debuts Fall 2016

The legendary Shonen Jump series is now available in deluxe editions featuring color pages and newly drawn cover art! JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is a groundbreaking manga famous for its outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. As the beginning of the Stardust Crusaders Arc opens, a fiendish villain once thought to be dead has resurfaced and become even more powerful! To fight this evil, the aging Joseph Joestar enlists the help of his hot-blooded grandson, Jotaro Joestar. Together they embark on a perilous adventure that will take them around the world!

TOMIE: COMPLETE DELUXE EDITION · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Debuts Winter 2016

Horror manga master Junji Ito’s long-awaited debut series, Tomie, returns in a new, deluxe omnibus hardcover edition! Tomie Kawakami is a femme fatale with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce nearly any man, and drive them to murder as well, even though the victim is often Tomie herself. While one lover seeks to keep her for himself, another grows terrified of the immortal succubus. But soon they realize no matter how many times they kill her, the world will never be free of Tomie.

For additional information on manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premiere company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Nickelodeon Announces Release Dates for Animated "The Loud House"


10 SISTERS? NO PROBLEM! Nickelodeon’s New Original Animated Comedy Series, The Loud House, Opens Its Doors, Monday, May 2, at 5:00p.m. (ET/PT)

Nickelodeon’s New Original Animated Comedy Series, "The Loud House," Opens Its Doors, Monday, May 2, at 5:00p.m. (ET/PT)

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--10 sisters and one brother bring a whole lot of havoc in Nickelodeon’s newest animated comedy The Loud House, debuting Monday, May 2, 2016, at 5:00p.m. (ET/PT). Inspired by creator Chris Savino’s life growing up in family of 10 kids, the 26-episodes series follows Lincoln Loud and his 10 sisters as he gives an inside look at what it takes to survive the chaos of a huge family. A first-look at full-length episodes from the series will be available Friday, April 1, 2016, and Friday, April 15, 2016, on Nick.com, the Nick App, and Nick On Demand. New episodes will premiere weekdays at 5:00p.m. (ET/PT) through May on Nickelodeon. The Loud House is produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif.

The Loud House follows 11-year-old Lincoln, the only boy in a family with 10 sisters who each have unique personalities: Lori, Leni, Luna, Luan, Lynn, Lucy, Lola, Lana, Lisa, and Lily. With his best bud Clyde, Lincoln always comes up with a plan to stay one step ahead of the chaos, but whether or not it works is where the adventures begin.

In the premiere episode “Left in the Dark,” Lincoln wants to watch the finale of his favorite show, but in order to do that, he must beat each sister to the couch first. Then, in “Get the Message,” after Lincoln leaves a scathing voicemail on sister Lori’s phone, he realizes he has to erase it before she hears it.

The Loud House is based on an animated short of the same name from Nickelodeon’s annual Animated Shorts Program. It is the first series to be greenlit out of the global program which is designed to mine and cultivate a new generation of creative talent. Created and executive produced by Chris Savino (Rocko’s Modern Life, The Powerpuff Girls), The Loud House voice cast includes: Grant Palmer as Lincoln Loud; Caleel Harris as Clyde McBride; Catherine Taber as Lori; Liliana Mumy as Leni; Nika Futterman as Luna; Cristina Pucelli as Luan; Jessica DiCicco as Lynn and Lucy; Grey Griffin as Lola, Lana and Lily; and Lara Jill Miller as Lisa.

Viewers can visit the The Loud House page on Nick.com and the Nick App to learn more about the show and its characters, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the series. Beginning Monday, April 25, witness some crazy antics in the new game “Welcome to The Loud House,” where users can place Lincoln in different environments with any four of his sisters to manipulate a fun mix of hilarious and unexpected results. Episodes of The Loud House will be available on Nick.com and the Nick App, along with platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Google Play, Vudu, Playstation, and Nick On Demand.


About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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