FUNimation Goes Mobile, Adds 2 Series

FUNimation is going mobile and adding the series Sankarea and Shangri-La to its slate.

The company announced at Sakuracon in Seattle the release of its first-ever mobile app, created with Phunware and available now in the iTunes App Store and Google Play for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices.

Two versions of the app are available: The first is a free app that allows users to view introductory episodes, clips and trailers, and will feature commercials and banner ads; and a pay app that costs a $9.99 one-time fee and gives users access to thousands of hours of anime including complete series.

The paid app will have commercials, but no banner ads.

Fans with an Elite Video Subscription can link their account to either app for exclusive content and no advertisements. The Elite Video Subscription is available for a monthly subscription of $7.95. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at www.funimation.com/subscribe.

More information about the app can be found at www.funimation.com/mobile.

Here’s a video walk through for the app:

The company’s deal for Sankarea and Shangri-La covers broadcast, home entertainment mobile and streaming rights. It also includes simulcast rights for Sankarea.

Here’s how the network describes both shows:

• Sankarea: Furuya’s not interested in the living, he’s got zombies on the brain!  When Furuya’s cat dies, he decides he’s going to try and bring it back to life.  In the process, he stumbles across a girl whose failed attempted suicide has turned her into a real zombie!  What’s Furuya going to do now that the thing he loves the most is right in front of his eyes?  Watch what happens in this campy romantic comedy about the undead.  The simulcast will begin on www.niconico.com/anime and www.funimation.com  during spring 2012.
• Shangri-La: A young woman fights for her life in the carbon dioxide infested jungles of a neo-futuristic Tokyo.  When she uncovers a government plot to suppress the less fortunate, a battle for humanity’s future begins.