The biggest anime sensation since Naruto, the thrilling supernatural fantasy series BLEACH comes to DVD in November 2007 already riding a wave of critical acclaim that has seen Empire magazine calling it ‘hip, flashy, [and] funkily fragmented' and Anime News Network hailing it as ‘clearly the next big anime.'

Adapted from the best-selling manga series that has spawned two OVAs, two animated feature films, a rock musical, and numerous video games, the specially priced (£24.99) three-disc DVD release of BLEACH SERIES 1 PART 1 features a standard eight episodes, plus four bonus instalments of the 20-episode first series.

Meet Ichigo Kurosaki, an ordinary 15-year-old high school student who, for as long as he can remember, has been able to see and communicate with the spirits of the recently departed. His day-to-day life has remained largely unaffected by his uncanny ability, but his fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a female Soul Reaper and emissary of the Soul Society. A race of supernatural beings normally invisible to humans, Soul Reapers have two main tasks: firstly, to lead normal spirits, or Wholes, to the peaceful hereafter of the Soul Society; and secondly, to seek out and exorcise evil spirits known as Hollows, who feed on the souls of both the living and the dead.

When a Hollow attacks Ichigo's two sisters, Rukia is instinctively drawn to Ichigo's high level of spiritual energy and steps in to help. During the clash Rukia is injured by the Hollow and, unable to fight on, attempts to transfer a portion of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo so that he can defeat the demon on her behalf. However, having underestimated Ichigo's innate supernatural strength, she accidentally releases all her power and transforms him into a complete Soul Reaper. Now, having finally discovered his true calling, Ichigo teams up with Rukia and pledges to protect the living and the dead from evil no matter what the cost.

With its deft blend of supernatural horror, sword-swinging combat action and frequent moments of appealing teen comedy, BLEACH SERIES 1 PART 1 is destined to find a loyal audience of followers among the fans of similarly impressive anime series such as Tactics, Tokko and Naruto.

The three-disc BLEACH SERIES 1 PART 1 (cert. 15) will be released on DVD (£24.99) by Manga Entertainment on 5th November 2007. Special Features include: textless closing; production art galleries; Manga trailer; English 2.0 and Japanese 2.0 audio options; optional English subtitles.