Oh, am I giddy this morning. First, I've got this bit about Criterion's Eclipse label putting together a collection of Nikkatsu films from the 50s and 60s, when Japan's oldest studio was trying to draw in the younger crowd by creating these "potboiler action" titles, which were much more violent, humorous, and lowbrow.

What was great about them, though, is they allowed directors to have near unlimited freedom, and put relative unknowns behind the camera, giving them a chance to create something wild and fantastic. That's how Suzuki Seijun got his way into filmmaking.

This collection, coming out at the end of the month, contains the following films: I Am Waiting, directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara; Rusty Knife, directed by Toshio Masuda; Take Aim at the Police Van, directed by Seijun Suzuki; Cruel Gun Story, directed by Takumi Furukawa; and A Colt Is My Passport, directed by Takashi Nomura.

The other bit of news comes from Rob's Anime Corner Store, who was recently on the horn with FUNimation and got word that not only will they be releasing the Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino OVA, but they're going to be bringing out the original Gunslinger Girl series out on Blu-ray as well. Excuse me for a moment while I run around the house.

OK. I'm back. So yes, awesome stuff will be coming out on DVD and Blu-ray soon. Be sure to buy all of this, because it will be awesome.