Geek of Oz

Screening as a double bill with Ghost in the Shell: Arise is Makoto Shinkai's utterly delightful The Garden of Words. Weighing in at a very lean 46 minutes, The Garden of Words packs a real punch in a tiny package. One day when on his way to school budding shoe designer, 15 year old Takao Akizuki, makes an executive decision. He decides to skip school each and every rainy day to sketch designs and soak in the scenery of one of Tokyo's most beautiful parks, Shinjuku Gyoen. During his first visits he encounters Yukari Yukino, a beautiful business woman who sits, wordless, drinking beer and eating chocolate. The Garden of Words is their story.

This has got to be the biggest give away that we have ever had! Thanks to those awesome ninja masters at Madman, we have the following swag to give away! Before looking, take a deep breath and pop in some eye drops. Trust us, you'll need it. Okay, before we get into this, we should start off by checking that you're sitting down. Now, move any sharp objects that just in case you faint. Now make sure that you're somewhere that won't suffer when your head explodes from all of the awesome. Ok, ready?  - Soul Eater Complete Collection (Blu Ray) - Children Who Chase Lost Voices (Blu Ray) - Spice and Wolf Complete Collection (Blu Ray) - Bleach The Movie: The Diamond Dust Rebellion (Blu Ray) - Bleach The Movie: Memories of Nobody (Blu Ray) - Bleach The Movie: Hell Verse (Blu Ray) - Hellsing Ultimate Volumes V-VIII (Blu Ray) - Battle of the Planets Complete Collection (DVD) - Nichijou My Ordinary Life Collection 1 (DVD) - Infinite Stratos Series Col...

While we lucky Aussies have managed to catch Reel Anime 2012 (we all did, right?), our friends across the ditch are yet to revel in the glory! Well, in just under a month anime fans in New Zealand get their chance. Check out all the details after the jump and check out our reviews by clicking on the films title!

Reel Anime is a nation-wide anime specific film festival which is organised by  Australia's foremost anime distributor, Madman . In previous years crowds have been floored by films such as Summer Wars , Redline and Evangelion 2.0  and while these are certainly some impressive titles, Reel Anime 2012 is set to blow the roof off. This years line up includes  Berserk: The Egg of the King , Wolf Children , Studio Ghibli's latest From Up on Poppy Hill and the newest offering from Makoto Shinkai Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Reel Anime is running in all capital cities (except NT) between the 13th and the 26th of September 2012 so there's plenty of time to catch each session, especially the wonderful Children Who Chase Lost Voices. Be forewarned, although this film looks like a great family film, it contains a fair amount of violence and deals with some rather emotional themes.

REEL ANIME is a film festival unlike any other. While showcasing some of the biggest and best new release anime films, it isn't just for us geeks! Sure, me and my geeky kinfolk are guaranteed to squee but this years line up has something for everyone.  In previous years we have seen smash hits REDLINE and Evangelion 2.0 but this years line up is even better. Check out the full press release after the jump!

After Madman's anime panel at Sydney Supanova on Sunday, we reported on plans for the return of Reel Anime. Now, many people out there wouldn't believe me, and rightfully so. After all, I was the guy who said that Green Lantern was going to be AWESOME!  However, in this case, I was on the money! REEL ANIME is back in 2012 and it looks better than ever! The great thing about REEL ANIME, particularly this years line up, is that it has the potential to introduce an all new audience to anime which breaks those vicious stereotypes that claim that Japanese animation is full of giant robots, yellow electric rats and all things perverse. This year will show that anime can be something beautiful, both visually and in terms of substance.  Check out the official press release after the jump!

As one of Supanova's major sponsors, Madman always turns up with the goods and a handful of announcements but this year they turned it up to 11. Sure, they had their obligatory announcements but they also announced the films that we can expect to see at this years Reel Anime and let me give you a hot tip, this years will be even bigger, and better, than 2010! Check out all of the details after the jump!