UPDATED: MVM Films Reveals Hanasaku Iroha, Kizumonogatari Releases
Update: Note regarding potential Hanasaku Iroha: Home Sweet Home license added
MVM Entertainment will be releasing Mari Okada’s slice-of-life anime Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow on Blu-ray in the United Kingdom, the distributor confirmed via retail listings on their Anime-On-Line store today. Part 1, which contains the first half of P.A. Works’ twenty-six episode series, is currently scheduled for release on 27th June 2019. No release date for the second half has been confirm at this time, while MVM noted in a tweet that whether they license the theatrical film Hanasaku Iroha: Home Sweet Home, will be determined by sales of the TV series.
(NOTE: Embedded trailer was produced for NIS America’s North American release. MVM Films will be releasing the series as a Standard Edition only).
A personal favourite of the Anime UK News team, Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow was directed by Masahiro Ando (Snow White with the Red Hair) and written by Mari Okada (Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms) at P.A. Works (Shirobako), MVM Entertainment describe the series, as follows:
When Ohana’s mother flees with her boyfriend to avoid paying his debts, Ohana is sent off to live with her grandmother, who owns the hot spring inn, Kissuiso. Upon arriving, Ohana is put to work at the inn. Thrust into a life where the customers always come first, she struggles to find her place at the inn and fit in with her fellow coworkers.
The distributor also finally unveiled plans for their highly anticipated release of Shaft’s Kizumonogatari film trilogy, scheduling Collector’s Edition releases of Part 1 – Tekketsu and Part 2 – Nekketsu for 27th May and 24th June, respectively. MVM Films later clarified on Twitter that the third film, Reiketsu, is expected to release in July or August.
Based on the novel by Nisio Isin, the Kizumonogatari trilogy serves as a prequel to Shaft’s popular Monogatari franchise, and features the return of Bakemonogatari director Tatsuya Oishi, alongside chief director Akiyuki Shino (Puella Magi Madoka Magica). MVM Films’ official synopsis for Part 1 – Tekketsu is:
One day, Koyomi Araragi encounters the horrifying vampire, Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade A.K.A. the “King of Apparitions.” He saves the fatally wounded Kiss-shot by offering his blood at the expense of his own life as a human. Now Koyomi has to face the vampire hunters to retrieve Kiss-shot’s limbs which were taken by these hunters…
THE ORIGIN STORY OF MONOGATARI SERIES!
This highly anticipated film has brought together an all-star creative team including Director Tatsuya Oishi (Series Director of BAKEMONOGATARI), Character Designer Akio Watanabe (Monogatari Series), Chief Director Akiyuki Shimbou (Madoka Magica, Monogatari Series, NISEKOI) and Studio SHAFT (Madoka Magica, Monogatari Series, NISEKOI).
Hanasaku Iroha: Blossoms for Tomorrow was previously available for streaming on Crunchyroll, although their rights to the title expired last year. Kizumonogatari Parts 1 and 2 were previously screened at Scotland Loves Anime and Leeds Film Festival in 2016, with Part 3 being shown at Scotland Loves Anime the following year.
Have you been looking forward to either of these releases, and what other classic titles would you like to see licensed here? Leave a comment and let us know!
