FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIZ PICTURES RELEASES LOVE*COM THE MOVIE ON DVD

Romantic High School Comedy Inspired By Award Winning Shojo Manga

San Francisco, CA, February 1, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release of the romantic live-action comedy, LOVE*COM THE MOVIE, on February 19, 2008. The release features English subtitles and will be distributed by VIZ Media with an anticipated retail price of $24.98. A dedicated web site, with a trailer, plot summary and other information is viewable at www.lovecomthemovie.com.

Based on the bestselling manga (graphic novel) by Aya Nakahara, LOVE*COM THE MOVIE (short for Lovely Complex) centers on two high school students. Risa Koizumi is the tallest girl in class, and the last thing she wants is the humiliation of standing next to Atsushi Ôtani, the shortest guy. But fate and the whole school have other ideas, and the two find themselves cast as the unwilling stars of a bizarre romantic comedy duo. As their friendship blossoms, so do Risa's feelings toward Ôtani. LOVE*COM examines the often-complicated feelings and comedic moments of the experience of dating people of different heights. A girl, because of his short stature, previously rejected Ôtani and he thinks he looks peculiar with a taller girlfriend. Risa has the opposite problem, already tall and never finding a guy who is taller. These height complexes, and the romance that eventually ensues [ENSUES, not ensures] in spite of them, develop the Lovely Complex that this film is ultimately about
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LOVE*COM THE MOVIE features several interesting bonus features including a director and cast profile, interviews with lead actors Ema Fujisawa and Teppei Koike, who play Risa and Ôtani, a short film parody called “Hello, Girlfriend,” the original Japanese theatrical trailers, and a rollicking pop music video by Umi Bouzu.

The original LOVE*COM manga series was awarded the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award in 2004, sold over 10 million copies in Japan, and has also inspired a popular animated series and video game. The English version of the manga series is now available domestically under VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT imprint.

“LOVE*COM THE MOVIE aptly shows how comic-inspired stories can make the leap from manga to the big screen and in a romantic light comedy that is not the usual fantasy action or science fiction fare,” states Manami Iiboshi, Director of Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “The film was warmly received at a premiere screening at the recent New York Anime Festival and is actually the first of four new VIZ Pictures releases inspired by popular shojo manga series. Audiences will enjoy the zany situations and heartwarming romance that develops between these two initially mismatched characters.”

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073
; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.