SCI FI Beefs Up Ani-Monday

SCI FI Channel this month debuts new series and movies in its weekly Ani-Monday anime programming block. Airing Monday nights from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., the lineup will feature a collection of movies, TV series and shorts from Starz Media’s anime distribution arm, Manga Ent. Highlights will include the exclusive U.S. premieres of a number of highly anticipated titles including the series Gurren Lagann and Gundam 00 (licensed by Bandai Ent.), as well as the movie Strait Jacket. The block will also offer the TV premieres of the classic anime series Now and then, Here and There and Descendents of Darkness. Other shows set to air include Black Jack, Blood: The Last Vampire, Dead Leaves, Ghost in the Shell, Go Shogun, Kai Doh Maru, Macross Plus, MD Geist, Negadon: The Monster from Mars, Ninja Scroll and Street Fighter Alpha Generations.

‘Our viewers have been enthusiastic about the Ani-Monday block from Manga Ent. since the programming first aired just over a year ago,’ comments Thomas Vitale, SCI FI Channel’s senior VP of 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,’ adds Marc DeBevoise, Starz Media’s senior VP of 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 issues from Manga’s new partnerships and distribution agreements with Bandai Ent. and Central Park Media Corp. 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.

Schedule:

July

Ghost in the Shell: The Movie

Now and Then, Here and There

August/September

Gurren Lagann

Dead Leaves

October

Gurren Lagann

Descendents of Darkness

November/December

Gundam 00

Descendents of Darkness