Cypress, CA (August 19, 2003) - After years of barking from enthusiastic fans, Bandai Entertainment, the premiere distributor of Japanese animation in North America, has slated August 19 for the DVD release of the animated feature film, Junkers Come Here. An anime family classic released in 1995, the film's story has developed a diverse following from audiences who cannot seem to get enough of Junkers, a dog that speaks the human language and the companionship he provides his owner during troubled times.
"We are delighted to bring to North America one of the most compelling anime feature films produced in Japan," said Jerry Chu, Marketing Manager, Bandai Entertainment. "Junkers Come Here is a story of life, hardship and growth told through the eyes of a young girl. With the recent success of Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, Junkers Come Here is a film that we believe American audiences can appreciate and relate to."
Based on Naoto Kine's two-volume novel published in 1989, Junkers Come Here boasts an impressive assembly of anime creators, including director Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon) and animator director Kazuo Komatsubara (Miyazaki's Nausicaa: The Valley of the Wind). Junkers Come Here is a touching tale that illustrates the subtle and confused teenage emotions experienced by 11-year-old Hiromi, and her unique friendship with Junkers, a talking dog.
As their relationship develops, Hiromi struggles with a longing for adulthood as she is faced with the challenges of her parents' unexpected divorce. Will Hiromi be able to restore happiness in her life?
Junkers Come Here originally debuted during a limited theatrical release in Japan in 1995 where it received critical acclaim. To this day, independent screenings continue to be held annually throughout Japan at the request of the local communities, schools, and universities. Junkers Come Here has received the distinct honor of being officially approved by the Japanese Ministry of Education. As an advance preview to the DVD release, Bandai Entertainment will present Junkers Come Here on Friday, August 22nd in its original Japanese-language format (English subtitles) as part of the Canadian National Anime Expo in Toronto. The film will be shown at the Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor St. W / at Bathurst Subway Station). For pricing and showtime, please visit www.hobbystar.com.
ABOUT BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT
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 Fighter G Gundam, Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop, and s-CRY-ed. 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.
