ADV Films and Crunchyroll.com Bring Welcome to the N.H.K. to the Web

America’s Top Anime Distributor Teams up with World’s Largest Online Anime Community

HOUSTON, May 22, 2008— Today ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, announced a special promotion with Crunchyroll, the leading destination for Asian content on the Internet, that will bring the fan-favorite series Welcome to the N.H.K. to the web.   In a progressive campaign to leverage digital promotion, ADV has made the first two installments of the 24 episode series available for at www.crunchyroll.com.  Two additional episodes will be added each Thursday over the next five weeks.

Coming just in time for the long holiday weekend, Crunchyroll’s internet broadcast anchors a summer long campaign to bring this critically-acclaimed anime series to a mainstream audience.  To help new viewers jump onboard, ADV has arranged for select national retailers to offer volumes 1-3 of Welcome to the N.H.K. DVDs at 50% off the regular suggested retail price.  In addition, Crunchyroll is running a community contest to find the “Top Otaku,” where fans can win free Welcome to the N.H.K. DVDs. 

Welcome to the N.H.K. is an unconventional anime from Studio GONZO (Afro Samurai, Chrono Crusade) and director Yusuke Yamamoto (Sgt. Frog).  The series turns a humorous eye to the NEET generation (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).  Throw agoraphobia into the mix and you have one of the strangest anime comedies in years.  Originally a hit novel from critically-acclaimed author Tatsuhiko Takimoto, Welcome To The N.H.K. has also been adapted into a manga series of the same name (published in North America by TOKYOPOP). 

Welcome to the N.H.K. is a dark comedy filled with social satire, interesting characters, and crazy conspiracy theories that is sure to appeal to anyone with a little nerd in them.  “Whether you are a proud otaku, a fan that lives in constant fear of being perceived as a geek by your friends, or a borderline hikikomori, you will see a part of yourself in it, and have lots of fun in the meantime” (Protoculture Addicts).

Crunchyroll is airing English dubbed versions of Welcome to the N.H.K., which are accessible to Internet users across Canada and the USA. 

The first four volumes of Welcome to the N.H.K. are available on DVD in stores now.  The fifth volume in the six DVD series is scheduled to go on sale July 8.

About ADV Films:

ADV Films is the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) in North America and has the largest English-language anime library in the world.  With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Elfen Lied, Gantz, Robotech, Azumanga Daioh,, Hello Kitty and Guyver, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe.  Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas.  Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Houston.   For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.

About Crunchyroll:

Crunchyroll is the largest online community and destination focused on Asian anime, drama, music, gaming, and car content. Crunchyroll's distribution channel and partnership program helps content providers monetize and deliver content to over four million passionate fans worldwide. Founded in September 2006, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA and backed by Venrock. Check it out at www.crunchyroll.com.