Flower Mound, TX –  May 16, 2008 – FUNimation® Entertainment today officially announces that it has acquired DVD, digital and broadcast rights to the 12 -episode  Edo period drama anime series Shigurui: Death Frenzy from Mad House Inc.

The storyline is adapted from the manga "Shigurui" created by Takayuki Yamaguchi based on the novel “Suruga-jou Gozen Jiai” by Norio Nanjo. The anime was directed by Hirotsugu Hamazaki and produced by Mad House Studios (Gunslinger Girl, Claymore).  

About Shigurui: Death Frenzy

The bloody tale Shigurui: Death Frenzy is based upon actual events of 17th century feudal Japan.

The story begins at the moment just before the end: Two disfigured opponents face off in a hidden tournament under the eyes of a deranged Shogun. Destined to fight to the death; the end result of the dark history which they have shared.

Only seven years before, these two students met within the walls of a renowned dojo. Learning the secret sword techniques of their master, they became warriors of the blade and competitors for the hand of their teacher’s daughter… the very future of the dojo a prize to be claimed. Within a nation at peace, violence erupts around two rivals fated for one final duel.

FUNimation Entertainment will release all 12 episodes of Shigurui: Death Frenzy in 2009. 

Please visit www.funimation.com/shigurui to see video from the series.