Fireworks International Brings Classic Tatsunoko Productions Anime to Global Online Media Distribution Giant Source: BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions Press Release From the press release...

GATCHAMAN, the 90`s Original Video Animation, will officially stream from July 2008 on the online airwaves of media distribution platform, Crunchyroll to audiences in both the U.S. and Canada, after a licensing deal with Fireworks International, a ContentFilm company, for this classic Harmony Gold mini-series. More information can be found at www.crunchyroll.com. “We are excited and proud to work with Fireworks International and Harmony Gold on this project. Not only do we bring all three (3) episodes of this legendary anime to the public, but we will also be providing an additional gift of free virtual ‘badges’ for people who purchase the download” states Kun Gao, CEO and President of Crunchyroll. Gao continues with “we are very pleased to bring another amazing anime series from one of the main pioneers of the anime industry-Tatsunoko Productions.” Fireworks International Senior Vice-President of Digital Acquisitions and Distribution Jonathan Ford commented, “Crunchyroll is an ideal platform for the re-launch of the classic GATCHAMAN title in July. We are excited to bring this title to the Crunchyroll community where the viewers can watch and enjoy this title online in outstanding quality.” The three (3) episodes are entitled "The Dragon King", "The Red Specter" and "The Final Countdown". Fans are encouraged to go online and join the 5 brave young teens (Ken, Joe, Jun, Jinpei and Ryu) as they attempt to foil evil and save the Earth. GATCHAMAN (1994; 144 minutes; Three (3) 48 min. episodes, unrated) is directed by Hiroyuki Fukushima, written by Akihiko Nishiyama, character designed by Yasuomi Umezu and produced by Tatsunoko Productions.

Synopsis: It`s five against thousands in a fierce, fast-action battle to save the Planet. Piloting their prized ship, the GodPhoenix, the Science Ninja Team launch their counterattack against Gallacter`s entire army of assassins. The Gatchaman are back, big time! Revamped, stylish and more dynamic than ever, the new GATCHAMAN manages to modernize the characters, without compromising the design of the original series. Here are all your favorties - Ken, Joe, June, Rock and Jimmy - with a great new look and killer attitude. This new Original Video Animation (OVA) is sexier, more action packed and completely surpasses the animation in the original 70`s series. About Fireworks International Fireworks International is ContentFilm’s international television distribution division with over 3,000 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, factual entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include hit crime drama series THE BORDER and heartwarming family drama series, HEARTLAND; BLOOD TIES, twenty-two hours of mystery drama with more than a touch of the supernatural; brand new U.S. tween comedy THE ASSISTANTS; Mondo Media’s MONDO MINI SHOWS catalogue featuring a raft of offbeat comedy programming; children`s programmes YOUNG DRACULA, ROBOTECH and DESPERADOS; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the Annual U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS shows. This new product is combined with the large and valuable Fireworks library catalogue which iscomplemented by a raft of formidable television shows including Gene Roddenberry`s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X and RELIC HUNTER. About Crunchyroll Headquartered in San Francisco, California – Crunchyroll is hailed as a leading online entertainment brand with the largest international online community and destination focused on Asian entertainment including anime, drama, music in addition to electronic entertainment and auto content. Crunchyroll’s distribution channel and partnership program delivers content to over four million passionate fans worldwide. Crunchyroll is funded by the premiere group Venrock. More information can be found at its website www.crunchyroll.com.