Geneon Announces Gankutsuou Release Plans

(I-Newswire) September 9, 2005 - Revenge is a dish best served cold in Geneon Entertainment's lush and thrilling Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo – Chapter One, debuting on DVD October 25, 2005. This vibrant and luxuriant retelling of Alexandre Dumas' unforgettable saga of betrayal and retribution is primed to be one of the biggest anime imports for 2005, ranked by Anime Insider magazine as one of the top three most eagerly anticipated titles for the year. Lavish animation, breath-taking visual style and a unique take on the beloved adventure tale have already brought the series resounding acclaim overseas, including the award for Best TV Series at the 2005 Tokyo International Anime Fair.

Set in a world of timeless beauty and exquisite splendor that could only be brought to life with the rich colors and sweeping lines of expert animation, the intensely dramatic and sweepingly visual adaptation of the classic novel is helmed by internationally-acclaimed director Mahiro Maeda (The Animatrix, Kill Bil Vol. 1 key animator), and features elaborate costume design by world-renowned fashionista Anna Sui, as well as music by Jean-Jacques Burnel (The Stranglers). Maintaining the lush visual style is character design by Hidenori Matsubara, who created the stunning world of Ah! My Goddess The Movie.

Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo – Chapter One is available as a single disc with the first four episodes for a suggested retail price of $29.98, as well as in a collector's box set with room for all six volumes for a suggested retail price of $39.98. Debuting day and date with the DVD is Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo – Volume One on the new UMD format for PlayStation Portable for a suggested retail price of $14.98. Prebook is
September 20, 2005.

Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo – Chapter One
Born into an aristocratic family in Paris, Albert sets out on a journey with his best friend, Franz, to escape his privileged yet dull life. They travel to Luna, which is on the surface of the moon, and meet a very wealthy man named The Count of Monte Cristo. Becoming completely fascinated with The Count's mysterious charm, Albert welcomes him into Paris high society. But soon Albert will discover the Count's true motive - revenge...

DVD Features

The DVD is presented in both English and Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0, with optional English subtitles. Extras include an Act I Storyboard and interview with director Mahiro Maeda, as well as comments by voice talent. Also featured are textless versions of the opening and closing animation sequences, a promotional trailer and Geneon previews.

About Geneon Entertainment

A leading supplier of Japanese animation in North America, GENEON ENTERTAINMENT (USA) INC. (www.geneonanimation.com) is a full-service producer and distributor of entertainment content including film, music, animation and television shows on DVD and CD. Continually introducing new and classic anime and live-action programming, as well as anime CD soundtracks, the company also serves as a creative partner to many of Japan's top anime production companies. Additionally, Geneon Entertainment distributes critically acclaimed musical performances on DVD and CD from renowned artists. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Geneon Entertainment's parent company is Tokyo-based advertising giant Dentsu, Inc.

Dentsu Inc., founded in 1901, is the largest advertising agency brand and the fifth largest marketing and communications organization in the world. Based in Tokyo, Dentsu offers national, multinational and global clients the most comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services through its unique "Total Communications Services" approach. Dentsu has pioneered and set global standards for integrated communications, which in latter years have been adopted by a number of major international networks. Dentsu's consolidated revenues for fiscal term 03/04 were recorded at $16.1 billion. Dentsu is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Company Contact Information