VIZ Pictures Announces DVD Release Of Live-Action Film NANA

Manga-Inspired Film Offers Realistic Portrayal Of Two Modern Women Searching For Love, Careers and A Sense of Purpose

San Francisco, CA, April 7, 2008 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the release of the manga-inspired live-action film NANA on DVD set for tomorrow, April 8. The film, which features English subtitles, will have an estimated retail price of $24.98. The release follows a special week-run theatrical screening that began on Friday, April 4 in New York’s IMAGINASIAN THEATRE.

NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they share the same name, they couldn't be more different. Nana "Hachi" Komatsu (played by Miyazaki Aoi) follows her boyfriend to Tokyo and hopes to make a new start, while Nana Osaki (played by Nakashima Mika), who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty who has the ambition to make it big in the world of rock and roll. Although these two young women come from vastly different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. What sets them apart, however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes from a small town, following her friends and boyfriend but ultimately looking for her own goal to obtain, while the other Nana has a single-minded aim to make her dream and band, the Black Stones, among the best in Japan.

NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006, grossing more than 4 billion yen and remaining in the Top 10 for several weeks. The main theme song from the film, "Glamorous Sky," took the number 1 spot on Japan's Oricon charts in its first two weeks of sales and quickly sold over 450,000 copies. Another song from the film, "Endless Story," took the number 2 spot on the same chart in its first week of release and sold over 300,000 copies.

NANA was inspired by a wildly successful shojo manga (graphic novel) series of the same name by Ai Yazawa, which has sold over 22 million copies in Japan. The English version of the manga, rated 'M' (for mature) is published domestically by VIZ Media.

"NANA is a stylish film with a rollicking soundtrack that depicts the romantic and personal dramas of two women coming of age in Tokyo," says Manami Iiboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. "While it remains true to the original story presented in Ai Yazawa's manga series, the film presents a fresh and edgy interpretation with strong on-screen synergy between the two main actors. Music fans will especially delight in seeing J-Pop star Nakashima Mika's performance as the punk rock Nana Osaki and witnessing the intense performances her band, the Black Stones. We invite fans of all stripes to check out this newest film from VIZ Pictures!"

For more information on NANA and other VIZ Media films please visit
www.viz-pictures.com.

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. For more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com. © 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.