SCI FI Channel will treat anime fans to new series and movies in its weekly Ani-Monday programming block, Monday nights from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. beginning in July. Ani-Monday will feature a collection of movies, series and shorts from Starz Media's anime distribution arm, Manga Entertainment.
SCI FI's Ani-Monday will feature the exclusive U.S. premieres of a number of highly anticipated series and movies including series “Gurren Lagann” and “Gundam 00” (licensed by Bandai Entertainment Inc.); as well as the movie Strait Jacket. The block will also include the TV premiers of classic anime series “Now And Then, Here and There” and “Descendents of Darkness.” Other fan favorites set to air in the block include: Black Jack, Blood: The Last Vampire, Dead Leaves, Ghost in the Shell, Go Shogun, Kai Doh Maru, “Macross Plus,” MD Geist, Negadon: The Monsters From Mars, Ninja Scroll and Street Fighter Alpha Generations.
“Our viewers have been enthusiastic about the Ani-Monday block from Manga Entertainment since the programming first aired just over a year ago,” said Thomas Vitale, SCI FI Channel’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Original Movies. “We believe viewers will be even more excited about this incredible new line-up of top anime Manga is delivering.”
“SCI FI Channel has been a terrific partner, introducing our quality anime to the channel’s large, diverse community,” added Marc DeBevoise, Starz Media senior vice president, digital media and business development. “The audience for anime is growing, and so we’re very happy to have this ideal platform to bring the best Japanese animation to viewers in this country.”
Much of the programming for the Ani-Monday block is coming via Manga’s new partnerships and distribution agreements with Bandai Entertainment, Inc. and Central Park Media Corporation.
Many of the programs in the block will be made available for download on digital platforms after their airings on SCI FI, with clips and additional information available at www.manga.com.
