One Of The Most Anticipated Anime Movies Finally Getting An American Release
Anime enthusiasts across North America can barely contain their excitement, and for a good reason. Crunchyroll, recognized as the premier global destination for anime content, has successfully secured the North American distribution rights for the highly anticipated animated feature film, The Concierge, as revealed by The Hollywood Reporter. As a testament to their commitment to anime fans, Crunchyroll, a subsidiary of Sony, is actively preparing to release this captivating Japanese creation in theaters across North America in the early part of next year.
The Concierge is no ordinary animated feature; it’s an adaptation of Tsuchika Nishimura’s treasured manga series, The Concierge at Hokkyoku Department Store. This fascinating narrative chronicles the experiences of Akino, a budding concierge at an exceptional department store that caters exclusively to animals. Intriguingly, the most esteemed patrons of this store are species that have long been extinct.
The Concierge chronicles the experiences of Akino, a budding concierge at an exceptional department store that caters exclusively to animals.
Notably, The Concierge boasts a team of exceptional talents behind its creation. Directed by the accomplished Yoshimi Itazu and produced by the legendary Production I.G, known for anime masterpieces like Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, and Haikyuu!, the film has already received widespread acclaim.
It made its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it garnered glowing reviews, and later graced the screens at the Fantasia International Film Festival for its North American premiere.
For director Yoshimi Itazu, The Concierge represents a significant milestone as it marks his debut in feature filmmaking. Building on his previous success with the anime series Welcome to the Ballroom, Itazu once again demonstrates his storytelling prowess.
The film also features a stellar voice cast, with Natsumi Kawaida voicing the protagonist Akino, Takeo Otsuka bringing life to Elulu, and Kenjiro Tsuda as Woolly, further elevating the anticipation of fans in North America eagerly awaiting the movie’s release.
Directed by the accomplished Yoshimi Itazu and produced by the legendary Production I.G, known for anime masterpieces like Ghost in the Shell, Psycho-Pass, and Haikyuu!, the film has already received widespread acclaim.
Crunchyroll’s acquisition of The Concierge aligns perfectly with the current global anime wave. The company has been progressively amplifying its release frequency of Japanese titles in U.S. theaters, catering to the growing appetite for anime. Their recent releases, such as Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume, which raked in $11 million in North America, and the blockbuster One Piece Film: Red, earning $13 million domestically, underscore the expansive market and fandom.
Crunchyroll, however, transcends mere distribution; it represents a comprehensive anime ecosystem. As a collaborative endeavor between Sony Pictures Entertainment in the U.S. and Tokyo’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, Crunchyroll offers more than just film distribution. It provides a sought-after anime streaming service, engages in merchandising ventures, and offers an anime music platform, making it the ultimate destination for anime aficionados.
When Does The Concierge Land On Crunchyroll?
With Crunchyroll’s recent acquisition of The Concierge, anime fans in North America have much to look forward to in the coming months. The film, boasting a deeply engrossing and one-of-a-kind storyline, is further elevated by its outstanding production team and an illustrious voice cast that guarantees to immerse fans in a cinematic journey like no other. Mark your calendars, as The Concierge is slated to dazzle North American audiences in the early part of 2024.
