Crunchyroll and Gonzo to Simulcast Linebarrels of Iron
Online Media Distribution Leader to Simulcast Highly Anticipated Mecha-Action Title With Japan Premiere Schedule
San Francisco, CA and Tokyo, Japan (October 3, 2008) – Online media distribution leader Crunchyroll, and GDH will provide anime mecha fans a rare treat as the visually spectacular LINEBARRELS OF IRON (鉄のラインバレ ル) will be streamed and available for download-to-own simultaneously as each episode is launched on Japanese television weekly starting with episode one (1) on October 3, 2008 at 12:45 pm PST. More information can be found at www.Crunchyroll.com <http://www.crunchyroll.com> .
Kun Gao, CEO of Crunchyroll states, “Crunchyroll has such a huge community of anime mecha fans that we anticipate a huge reception from our members for this visually spectacular title. Additional benefits of a simulcast of the title include increasing the attention of the brand on an international level as well as curbing illegal piracy activities.”
“The story within the original comic of LINEBARRELS OF IRON consists of exciting battle scenes and fascinating stories of each character. I have put special value on that point when creating the animation of LINEBARRELS OF IRON. I am always trying to find out how I can show cool & coquettish mecha-battle scenes by showing sharp sense of speed & presence, and by including ponder-able action scenes into the animation. I just hope this anime will be a fun entertainment for fans to watch. I am aiming high for beautiful, cool, but cute mecha-animation! I just hope people will enjoy it!”, exclaims 2008 Anime Expo® Guest of Honor and LINEBARRELS OF IRON director Masamitsu Hidaka.
Streaming: Free. Download-to-own: $1.99/episode only for PC; $2.99/episode for PC, iPod, PSP
Title Synopsis:
Fourteen-year-old Kouichi Hayase's life has always been a mediocre one, if
not dismal. However, those days of being bullied by classmates and escaping
to a fantasy of being a hero are put to an end when a certain “accident”
bestows on him a girl and a gigantic humanoid robot called “LINEBARREL.” The
extraordinary power that Kouichi obtains puts him and everything around him
on a sudden rollercoaster ride of battles, intrigues and friendship! During
the course of his adventure, the boy starts to learn what life has to offer;
he meets new friends, bids farewell to the old ones, but most of all he now
has considerable responsibilities and is forced to confront the world around
him.
Cast and Staff
Character Talent
Kouichi Hayase Tetsuya Kakihara
Emi Kizaki Mamiko Noto
Hisataka Katou Jun Fukuyama
Reiji Moritsugu Yūichi Nakamura
Satoru Yamashita Miyuki Sawashiro
Shizuna Endou Kana Ueda
Izuna Endou Rie Kugimiya
Risako Niiyama Noriko Shitaya
Yui Ogawa Sayaka Ōhara
Kunio Ishigami Johji Nakata
Creative Producer Goro Taniguchi
Writer Kiyoko
Yoshimura
Scripts & Special Settings Shigeru Morita
Character Designs Hisashi Hirai
SFX Director Ichirō Itano
Mecha Designs Tsutomu Suzuki
Sound Director Masafumi Mima
Director Masamitsu Hidaka
Animation Production GONZO
About GDH K.K.
GDH is a globally-focused Japanese media company founded in February 2000.
The group produces cutting edge entertainment for teens and young adults
through its GONZO animation brand. Kids and family product is distributed
through the GONZO FILMS and GONZINO brands.
GDH is a world leader in content development targeting both domestic and
international audiences with Japan's trend-setting animation culture and,
usually, GDH controls licensing management and international distribution
for the content it produces.
For additional information, visit <www.gdh.co.jp/english> (for GDH) and <www.gonzo.co.jp> (for GONZO - Japanese only). GDH group companies include GONZO Rosso K.K., GONZO K.K., Future Vision Music K.K., GONZINO K.K., GDH Capital K.K. and GK Entertainment K.K.
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.
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Crunchyroll.com's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
