Press Release

BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT AND MANGA ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE NEW

“GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX OFFICIAL LOG VOLUME ONE” BOOK/DVD ON OCTOBER 25, 2005
 

Chicago, IL –Manga Entertainment and Bandai Entertainment are excited to release the exclusive DVD and 148-page Official Guide to the first 19 episodes of the ground-breaking Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Television series featuring an encyclopedia of technical information as well as an in-depth analysis of the development and creation of this immensely popular TV series. This exclusive DVD and book comes only as a limited edition, a must-have for collectors and fans interested in the production of Japanese animated films.

The 90 minute DVD includes never-before-seen footage and a host of provocative interviews with creative staff including series Director Kenji Kamiyama, Japanese voice-actor Atsuko Tanako (Motoko Kusanagi), and countless other animators, producers and staff members from the Stand Alone Complex team.

Specially created by 9th Studio Digital Works to supplement this unique DVD, the Official Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Log Book features detailed reports on the innovative digital animation techniques used by Production I.G to create the distinctive look of the anime series, as well as interviews with 3D animator Eiji Inomoto, colorist Yumiko Katayama, Director of 3D animation Makoto Endo, Mechanical Animation Director Nobuhiko Genma, and Producer Yuichiro Matsuka.

In addition, the Official Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Log Book traces the historical development of the Ghost in the Shell phenomenon from its origins with Masamune Shirow’s original manga (comic book) through Mamoru Oshii’s pioneering 1995 feature film adaptation, all the way to the current Stand Alone Complex television series. Also included are detailed profiles and operational track records for each of the series’ characters, detailed story breakdowns and background notes designed to allow viewers to fully appreciate hidden elements within the individual episodes, and exclusive interviews with Producer Mr. Ishikawa and other members of the Production I.G creative staff. There is even a scientific essay exploring various aspects of the cyber-brain as it has been characterized within the various Ghost in the Shell projects.

A second DVD/Book volume, Official Log 2, featuring background, commentary and examination of Stand Alone Complex episodes 20 through 26 will be released on January 24, 2006.

Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on DVD home video in North America. The company has distributed notable titles like Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Cowboy Bebop, Wolf’s Rain, 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. 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. 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.

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 “Roseanne,” “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.

Anchor Bay 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