Sentai Filmworks licenses AKB0048

[WTK]

via PR...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SENTAI FILMWORKS LICENSES
“AKB0048”

HOUSTON, January 16, 2013 — Get ready to rock in the New Year with Sentai Filmworks’ newest acquisition: AKB0048! This epic 26 episode series is directed by Yoshimasa Hiraike (Kaleido Star, Amagami SS) and features series composition by Mari Okada (Vampire Knight, Canaan), character designs by Risa Ebata (Macross Frontier), sound director by Jin Aketagawa (Samurai Girls, Canaan) and music by Hiroshi Takaki (Tytania).

The year is 0048, and in the wake of the great wars, all forms of entertainment have been banned by the dystopian and iron-gloved rule of the anti-music DES. To combat this threat to intergalactic harmony, a group of bold young women have resurrected the legendary J-Pop band AKB48 and formed an all new Band of Sisters – AKB0048! But these rocking rebels aren’t simply singers! Trained in combat as well as choreography, these striking strike team members are equally at home in concert halls and in the trenches. Under the leadership of the mysterious Sensei Sensei, they’re ready to lay down their lives in order to make the universe a safe place for getting your groove on! And as a fresh new team of singer-soldiers join the cause and enter basic training, the batons and battle gear are about to be passed to a new generation of daring divas! Get ready to polish your dancing boots and dive into danger with the latest hard hitting hits as the new recruits take the staging ground and the veterans provide the musical soundtrack to their own action epic in AKB0048!

AKB0048 will be available soon on select digital outlets and later this year on home video.

About Sentai Filmworks:
Sentai Filmworks is one of the fastest-growing anime companies in North America, producing hit series like High School of the Dead, Towanoquon, Samurai Girls, Guin Saga, Needless and Angel Beats as well as high profile theatrical films such as Grave of the Fireflies and Appleseed. Sentai Filmworks’ programs can be found on home video distributed by Ingram Entertainment, Baker & Taylor, Section23Films, The Right Stuf and other good and fine distributors. Digital product offerings may be found at iTunes, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, Zune Marketplace, Anime Network, Playstation Network, Google Play and YouTube.

www.sentai-filmworks.com

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[Rootsofjustice]

Okay, now I'm certain the catalog title of Crunchyroll is the first season of this. Might check it out now.

[MelancholicMariya]

I honestly didn't expect this to be licensed any time soon.

[WTK]

Originally Posted by MelancholicMariya

I honestly didn't expect this to be licensed any time soon.

I was feeling toward the other way. When CR picked up Season 2, the possibility of someone (in particular Sentai Filmworks) licensing at least Season 1 went up.

[Ingraman]

I sure hope that they allow CR to stream it, otherwise I won't be seeing the sequel that CR's about to start with... <sigh>

[Buckeye]

I wasn't really expecting this to get licensed, but good for Sentai for bringing this show in.

[Damius]

This is a surprising license, but it's nice that the US fans will have access to it as well.

[WTK]

via TAN Online newsletter:

AKB0048 (Subtitled)

Schedule: Wednesdays @ 3 PM EST, Starting February 20, 2013
Note: The action will continue with AKB0048 - Next Stage, starting in April 2013.

[WTK]

And Season 1 is starting to stream on Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/akb0048).

[WTK]

Originally Posted by WTK

And Season 1 is starting to stream on Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/akb0048).

All 13 episodes of Season 1 are up now. Season 2 is starting to stream: http://www.hulu.com/akb0048-next-stage.