Press Release

Manga Entertainment and Bandai Entertainment to jointly release “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” on UMD

Season 1, Volume 1 starts on November 22, 2005
 

Chicago, IL – Manga Entertainment and Bandai Entertainment to release one of the most influential Japanese animated TV series “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” on UMD format for viewing on the Portable Sony Play Station player. Volume One will be released on November 22, 2005 and distributed to all retail outlets nationwide by Anchor Bay Entertainment.

“Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex,” originates from the wildly popular manga by Shirow Masamune, combining action, adventure, political intrigue and ethics into a masterfully told sci-fi futuristic anime series.

Produced by such anime powerhouses as Production I.G. (Kill Bill) and Director Kenji Kamiyama (Blood: The Last Vampire, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade), the series follows female cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi and her fellow police officers of Section 9 as they hunt down a host of criminals in both the real and online worlds.

In the first four episodes Kusanagi and Section 9 must resolve a hostage crisis, hunt down a runaway state-of-the-art killing machine, solve a mystery behind recent android suicides and investigate a high level conspiracy involving a mysterious computer hacker. Set in the not too distant future where technology plays a key role in everyday life, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex utilizes the latest in full CG animation presenting illustrious characters and meticulous design along with dramatic animated action.

“It’s a great time to be a Ghost in the Shell fan.” Car Audio & Electronics Magazine

“Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” made its debut on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim November 2004. The second season, 2nd Gig begins airing in November 2005.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – Season 1, Volume 1

UMD: Pre-Book Date: October 25, 2005 Street Date: November 22, 2005

SRP: $19.98 SKU #: 21104 Running Time: 100 minutes Rated: PG 13.

The UMD includes:

Episodes 1- 4, Widescreen, English and Japanese Languages, English Subtitles.

Visit www.ghostintheshell.tv for previews, trailer, contests, information and more.

Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on DVD home video in North America. The company has distributed notable titles like Superior Defender Gundam Force,hack//SIGN, Cowboy Bebop, and Witch Hunter Robin. Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Inc., who makes the toys for the hit television series, Power Rangers, Digimon, and Mobile Suit Gundam. All U.S. operations are headquartered in a large, ultra-modern facility in Cypress, Calif. Bandai Co., Ltd is the third largest toy company in the world comprising 53 subsidiaries in 18 countries. In addition to toys and children's entertainment, Bandai Co.'s global interests include video game software, multimedia, music and full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies, and licensed apparel. Bandai Entertainment is headquartered in Cypress, California and additional company and product information is available through our website at www.bandai-ent.com.

Manga Entertainment Inc. specializes in the production and distribution of Japanese animation for theatrical, DVD and home video release worldwide. Manga's cutting-edge film collection also features Asian live-action, cult, pop-culture and international animation. The Manga film library is marketed and distributed in the U.S. through Anchor Bay Entertainment. Manga is headquartered in Chicago and has offices in London and Tokyo. www.manga.com

Manga Entertainment is an Anchor Bay Entertainment Company. Anchor Bay Entertainment is an established leader in the field of home entertainment. The company offers an expansive selection of award-winning, notable theatrical films including “Time Bandits” and “Halloween,” classic television programming such as “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Three’s Company,” “Highlander” and much of the Stephen J. Cannell library, traditional children’s fare featuring the ever-popular Thomas & Friends collection and Mister Rogers Neighborhood, the impressive Manga anime line and chart-topping fitness titles including the "Crunch" and "For Dummies" series. Anchor Bay Entertainment is aggressively developing a wide range of original programs and concepts in addition to licensing existing brands and films.

Manga Entertainment is a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment. IDT Entertainment is a vertically integrated entertainment company that develops, produces, and distributes proprietary and licensed entertainment content. IDT Entertainment is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE:IDT, IDT.C), an international telecom, entertainment, and technology company. Manga Entertainment, Anchor Bay Entertainment, IDT Entertainment and IDT Corporation can be accessed via the web by visiting www.manga.com, www.anchorbayentertainment.com, www.idtentertainment.com, and www.IDT.net.