HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 9 -- Bandai Entertainment will launch "Escaflowne" into theatrical release on Friday, January 25, 2002 within top U.S. and Canadian markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Vancouver, opening the eagerly anticipated anime film prior to a February, 2002 national roll-out.

A motion picture production based on one of the most popular anime titles, "Escaflowne" is celebrated animator Shoji Kawamori's cutting-edge vision of a world where good and evil hinge on a girl's ability to find meaning for her own life.

Taking anime to new levels as an entertainment form for adults, "Escaflowne" blends romance and fantasy to tell the story of Hitomi Kanzaki, an ordinary high school student whose life has lost all meaning. Feeling at her most desperate, she wishes that she could just disappear into thin air -- a wish that is immediately granted when a mysterious man suddenly materializes and catapults her away from Earth. Hitomi is instantly thrust into Gaia, a strange new world ruled by sword and sorcery, where a fierce battle rages between a rebel group and the ruling Black Dragon Clan for power over the legendary dragon armor called Escaflowne. For the first time in her teenage life, Hitomi realizes she can make a difference -- this time the fate of a world is in her hands.

The term used for Japanese animation, 'Anime' offers lifelike characters, rich environments, compelling personalities that range from comical to dangerous and engrossing worlds that appeal to audiences across the globe. Outside of Japan, anime has generated devoted fans worldwide for its unique style that represents a significant departure from the traditional U.S.-produced animated cartoons.

"Escaflowne" has its roots in the acclaimed anime television series "The Vision of Escaflowne," which aired in the U.S. on the Fox Kids Network and YTV in Canada. Since the series' successful telecast, fans nationwide have embraced the story of Hitomi, Van Fanel -- prince of the ravaged kingdom -- and the legendary god of protection, Escaflowne.

Said Ken Iyadomi, Executive Vice President, Bandai Entertainment: "'Escaflowne' epitomizes Japanese anime, providing a compelling film that breaks down the barrier of animation as an entertainment genre for children only. For fans of anime, as well as for all moviegoers, 'Escaflowne' is a visual feast, and an exciting story brilliantly told with battle scenes and breathtaking displays of supernatural power that unfolds on the screen."

The Director of "Escaflowne" is Kazuki Akane, who also directed "The Vision of Escaflowne" television series; Cast includes Kelly Sheridan, Kirby Morrow, Paul Dobson, Andrew Francis, Brian Drummond and Venus Terzo. Producers are Masuo Ueda, Minoru Takanashi, Masahiko Minami and Toyoyuki Yokohama; Screenwriter is Ryota Yamaguchi and Kazuki Sekine; Animators are Hajime Yatate and Shoji Kawamori; Music is composed by Yoko Kanno and Hajime Mizoguchi.

Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation home video in North America. Launching under its online brand -- AnimeVillage.com in 1998, Bandai is committed to the mainstream success of Japanese animation in the United States for the new millennium. In little less than two years and with over 40 home video releases -- Bandai has quickly become the leader in the Japanese animation. The company has distributed notable titles like "Mobile Suit Gundam series," "The Vision of Escaflowne" and "Cowboy Bebop." Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Inc., who makes the toys for the FOX hit television series, "Power Rangers" and "Digimon." Bandai Entertainment Inc. focuses on home video distribution and licensing. 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.