Torrance, Calif., January 15, 2008 – Bandai Visual USA announced today the release of “HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians” on DVD. The release date for the first volume is scheduled for April 22, 2008.

“HARUKA” is originally a hit Japanese romance adventure video game franchise from KOEI Co., Ltd. which has been made into a successful on-going manga in Japan. Now Director Aki Tsunaki brings an animated adaptation of the story across twenty-six episodes in nine volumes.

The manga is now being serialized in SHOJO BEAT magazine and the first volume of the graphic novel is expected to release in April. Both the manga and SHOJO BEAT magazine are published by VIZ Media.

The plot revolves around an ordinary high school girl, Akane, who is mysteriously transported to a world resembling the Heian period of ancient Japan. Akane discovers she has been pre-ordained as the Priestess of the Dragon God. However, the purpose of her transportation to the past is clouded by the involvement of Akram, the head of the Demon clan, which has sworn death and destruction on the capital. Akane is therefore appointed eight male protectors, the Eight Guardians, to stand by her side and guard her from the danger that awaits...
© Tohko Mizuno, HAKUSENSHA, KOEI Co., Ltd. / Haruka Committee All Rights Reserved.

Each DVD Volume Features:
• Dolby Digital Stereo Japanese Language Audio
• Optional English Subtitles
• 8-Page Booklet
• Exclusive Gift (tbd) for those who purchase on dot-anime.us website

For more information on Haruka DVD please visit our official website to be made online early next month: http://www.bandaivisual.us/haruka/
For more information about the Haruka manga and SHOJO BEAT please visit www.shojobeat.com.

For more information about the Haruka manga and SHOJO BEAT please visit www.shojobeat.com.

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.1
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0143
UPC#: 858604001431
Street Date: April 22, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.2
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0144
UPC#: 858604001448
Street Date: May 27, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.3
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0145
UPC#: 858604001455
Street Date: June 24, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.4
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0146
UPC#: 858604001462
Street Date: July 22, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.5
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0147
UPC#: 858604001479
Street Date: August 26, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.6
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0148
UPC#: 858604001486
Street Date: September 23, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.7
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0149
UPC#: 858604001493
Street Date: October 28, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.8
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0150
UPC#: 858604001509
Street Date: November 25, 2008
SRP: $29.99

Title: HARUKA: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians Vol.9
Format: DVD
Catalog #: BUDH0151
UPC#: 858604001516
Street Date: January 13, 2009
SRP: $29.99

BANDAI VISUAL USA INC. was established in 2005 as a wholly owned subsidiary of BANDAI VISUAL CO., LTD. with a mission to facilitate stronger, more active involvement in positioning, marketing and distribution of BANDAI VISUAL programs in North America. From its base in Torrance, California, BANDAI VISUAL USA seeks to form new alliances and reinforce existing ties in an effort to strengthen BANDAI VISUAL’s international presence as a producer and content provider in the ever expanding and diversified specialty programs market.