Contests, Sales, and One Freebie

In the summer of 2008, ANN (Anime News Network) launched its streaming video platform. It started off with self produced editorial content under the ANNtv label. It also offered trailers from various productions.

In early December 2008, ANN started its own streaming anime service. So far, ANN has three titles in its anime library…Kite: Liberator, Girls High, and Ramen Fighter Miki. All three titles were acquired through North American licensor Media Blasters and, unfortunately, are only available to residents of the US and Canada. ANN Director of New Media Justin Sevakis said:

“With every title we license, ANN will try to acquire rights to show the anime in as many territories as possible. Unfortunately, for some shows the options are limited.” He added that, “There’s more coming.“

The current offerings are available as free ad-supported video on demand streams, with higher quality versions available to ANN subscribers. New episodes of Girls High and Ramen Fighter Miki are posted every Monday for 12 weeks (roughly through mid-March 2009).

ANN Stories: Anime News Network Streams Kite: Liberator, Anime News Network Announces Two More Streaming Anime

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There are three contests. The first two from RightStuf have fast approaching deadlines.

First, RightStuf has teamed up with Bandai Entertainment to offer 5 pairs of tickets to the theatrical screening of Sword of the Stranger. Here is a synopsis of the movie from the ANN Encyclopedia:

“Hunted by the Mings from China, young Kotaro and his dog meet a nameless samurai (”Nanashi”) who is constantly being haunted by dreams of the past which lead him to seal his sword. Among the Mings is a fiercesome Western fighter named Rarou, who desires only to find a worthy opponent. When both groups clash with a Sengoku-era feudal lord, a proud general, and monks torn between faith and survival, the reason behind the Mings’ pursuit tests the bond between Kotaro and Nanashi.“

RULES: The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada 13 years and older. To enter, just fill out the entry form before January 28, 2009. See Official Rules for details. Before you enter, you may want to check to see if there is a theater in your area that will be showing the film.

The second contest from RightStuf is another K-drama contest. RightStuf and YA Entertainment are offering a Grand Prize of the first three episodes of the historical drama The King and I, The Grand Chef, posters of each, and a bonus preview disc. Three runners up will receive the first three episodes of The King and I and the series poster

Here is a synopsis of The King and I from RightStuf:

“In the Josun dynasty of 180 B.C., politics and a strict social hierarchy govern over all of ancient Korea. When the current King is usurped, supporters and servants must flee or face certain death. Orphaned in order to protect his identity as the son of a supporter of the former king, Cheo-Seon (Oh Man-Suk, The Vineyard Man) is raised in a eunuch school. There, he befriends, So-Hwa (Goo Hye Sun, Strongest Chil Woo) the daughter of a high-ranking government official and Sung-Jung (Go Joo-Won), the grandson of the current king. But when politics and love enters their life, will the trio’s friendship survive the cutthroat world of palace life?“

RULES: The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada 13 years and older. To enter, just fill out the entry form by 11:59pm on January 29, 2009. See Official Rules for details.

The third contest is from Mania and is the most recent in their series of figure giveaways. They have partnered with AAAanime to offer a figure of Wendy Garret from Gun X Sword. Here is a description of the figure from Mania:

“Max Factory has done it again. Wiping the sweat off her forehead from the scorching sun, Wendy is featured in her signature yellow and white dress. On her back, she carries her gun that once belonged to her lost brother. With the use of very soft earth tone colors, stunning green eyes and a very unique themed base that looks like her luggage bag that she carries with her during her journey, this 1/8 scale PVC statue is definitely a one of a kind.“

Image of Wendy Garret figure: © Max Factory

RULES: To enter, you will need to have a Mania.com account and respond to the posting. The winner will be randomly selected on 02/06/09 from the list. This contest is open to residents of the continental United States only.

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This time around the number of sales are rather light:

RightStuf’s current sale is called Battle for Bargains. You can take 40% off the retail price of all DVDs and 33% off all the retail price of merchandise from and distributed by ADV Films. This includes pre-orders. The coupon code is battle and the sale ends on February 2, 2008 at 11:59 CDT.

AnimeNation is still offering their New Years Sale. You can take off up to 60% on select DVDs, books & manga, CDs, and T-shirts. No deadline has been given for the sale.