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The Licensing Machine, a division of Panini UK engaged in TV, Home Video, Promotional, Merchandise, Marketing and Licensing Services, and publisher Hachette Fascicoli, the Italian subsidiary of Hachette Livre (Lagardere Group), announce their agreement for a DVD partwork collection based on character NARUTO. The NARUTO anime series – born and turned hugely popular in Japan thanks to the manga that has sold over 80 million copies at global level – has become a cult series airing in over 60 nations, with a comprehensive merchandising programme in over 90 countries worldwide. The agreement includes episodes 1-220 for both Italian and Spanish markets. Italian release is planned for the second quarter 2009, whereas Spanish launch is expected January 2010. THE STORY -Naruto, a hyperactive, troublemaking class clown, has the worst grade of anyone at the prestigious Ninja Academy, but he’s determined to someday be a respected warrior and leader of his village. Against all odds, Naruto manages to graduate from the academy, and he begins his practical training in the ninja arts alongside assigned team-mates Sasuke, heir to an elite ninja family, and Sakura, a witty, sexy, independent spirit. During their adventures, the young ninjas learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs wrong. Naruto is unaware of a vital secret about himself – years ago, a demonic fox-shaped monster with 9 tails devastated his country. The then head of the ninja clan sacrificed himself to defeat the creature and sealed the monster’s spirit in the belly of a baby, thus saving the country. The baby grew up to be Naruto. The villagers believed him to be cursed and treated him as a pariah. They all live in a world divided by 5 powerful countries: Fire, Water, Thunder, Wind and Earth. There is a subtle balance of power between them with their main assets being their highly trained ninja warriors. In hidden villagers youngsters train both mentally and physically to become real ninjas – perhaps even the top guy – the Kage. Can Naruto become a real Ninja, overcoming his cursed fate? |
