Viz Media Announces New DVD Releases for December 2009

Friday, November 27, 2009

Viz Media, LLC (Viz Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in December 2009. This includes the first box set of NAOKI URASAWA'S MONSTER, the next box set installments of HUNTER X HUNTER and HONEY AND CLOVER, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and Naruto Shippūden series. Also releasing is the live action feature film – 20th Century Boys: BEGINNING OF THE END from VIZ Pictures. Viz Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

NAOKI URASAWA'S MONSTER Box Set 1 · Rated 'M' for Mature · MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN · Available December 8

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a Monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run to uncover the story of Johan and stop the Monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the former East Germany are masterfully woven together in this compelling psychological thriller. (Episodes 1-15)

HONEY AND CLOVER Box Set 2 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN · Available December 15

Can life's answers be found where the road ends? Shinobu has disappeared to America, leaving both Yuta and Hagumi with very mixed feelings. But talk about mixed up! If Takumi's feelings are so tied up with Rika, why is he tied up in knots over his coworker Nomiya's romantic pursuit of Ayumi? Plus, senior projects are getting everyone down, but none more than Yuta, who in a sudden burst of reckless abandon takes off on his bicycle on an epic journey of self-discovery...Ah, the enthusiasm of youth! (Episodes 13-24 – includes Bonus Episode F)

SHONEN JUMP releases include:
Naruto Shippūden Volume 4 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available December 8

Two powerful jonin of the Leaf, Kakashi and Guy, have taken on their Akatsuki rivals Itachi and Kisame. While Guy battles to save his team from a water prison, Kakashi exhibits his genius ninja prowess by seeing through Itachi's most subtle tactics. Turns out the battle wasn't quite what it seemed, and Kakashi and Granny Chiyo are fearful of the implications. Naruto and the team are forced to face the bitter truth--they might already be too late! (Episodes 14-17)

BLEACH Volume 23 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available December 15

Kariya and the Bounts arrive in the Soul Society and find themselves battling two Soul Reaper lieutenants, but the abundance of reishi in the Soul Society gives the Bounts a ready source of power, rendering them formidable opponents. Ichigo and friends arrive in the Soul Society, and when Rukia is injured in a fight, Ichigo follows her to the Kuchiki house, where he asks Byakuya to fight alongside him against the Bounts. Byakuya refuses and insists they leave it up to the 13 Court Guard Squads, but soon enough Byakuya finds himself in a one-on-one battle with Kariya. (Episodes 92-95)

HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set 4 · Rated 'T+' for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available December 1

Mito gives Gon an iron box that Gon's father, Ging, left to him. But instead of providing clues to his father's whereabouts, what's inside only leads to more mysteries. While Gon and Killua head to Yorknew City, Kurapika gets a job with the mafia that soon brings him into conflict with the powerful Phantom Troupe at the underground auction. When Gon and Killua witness the members' overwhelming strength, they decide to shadow them to find out more, but the Phantom Troupe is one step ahead. (Episodes 47-62)

From VIZ Pictures: (Live Action Feature Films)
20TH CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available December 15

It all begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write "The Book of Prophecy" in which they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to takeover the world and bring about doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being lead by a man only known as "Friend" emerges and begins to gain strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji and the greatest fear is the climax of "The Book" becoming a reality; December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about "The Book" are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is "Friend"? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?