NEW YORK, NY (July 25, 2003) - Central Park Media speeds into fall with the launch of its Anime Test Drive Program, where fans can try outstanding select anime series at a discounted price of $7.99 per DVD and then buy the corresponding box sets at a new low price. In addition, each Anime Test Drive DVD comes with a mail-in $10.00 rebate coupon. All new releases will street on October 28, 2003 and pre-order on September 15.

Each Anime Test Drive DVD will include the first two episodes of a series, English and Japanese with English subtitles and over 45 minutes of trailers, all packaged in a clear THINpakä case. Anime Test Drive titles slated for release on October 28, 2003 are previous best-sellers that include Legend of Himiko, Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight, Now and Then, Here and There, Maze TV Series, Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series and The Ping Pong Club. A special 12-pack (2 of each title) will be available to retailers for only $95.99.

"This is another industry first for Central Park Media which is sure to generate significant sales for our accounts and plenty of excitement for their customers. The Anime Test Drive is such a unique concept and great value that the fans will want to collect all of the Anime Test Drive DVDs," said Sam Napolitano, Director of Sales, Central Park Media.

Legend of Himiko

Produced by Ouji Hiroi, creator of Sakura Wars and Virgin Fleet. In a world where the dead walk, an evil King stalks the land, transforming innocents into mindless monsters for his armies. But one hope remains. Called to this world by magic, an Earth girl named Himiko has been granted incredible powers to save this world or destroy it! "I more than recommend Legend of Himiko." - DVDAuthority.com

The Legend of Himiko 3-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• English language track in Dolby Digital 5.1
• English Language Behind-the-Scenes Video
• Japanese ads
• Production Sketches
• Textless Opening & Ending
• English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight

Five years past, a band of six adventurers defeated the conquering armies of Marmo, the dark island, and saved the accursed island, LODOSS. Since that day, the survivors have been honored as heroes, and their deeds have become legends. Now, a mad wizard threatens to raise an ancient evil, the goddess of destruction. Old heroes must heed the call to defend their homeland and new heroes are forged as the battle for LODOSS begins anew.

"Full of action, this has a complex plot, well-developed characters, and exceptional direction and music. Grade: A." - Sci Fi: The Official Magazine of the Sci Fi Channel

The Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight 4-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• Comics
• Information Booklet
• English and Japanese with English subtitles
• DVD-ROM features include: Character Sketches and Profiles, Japanese Packaging, Complete Lodoss Information Guide, Script, Artwork, and Comics

Now and Then, Here and There

From the master of Japanese anime, Akitaroh Daichi (director, Jubei-chan the Ninja Girl, Fruits Basket, Animation Runner Kuromi). Dragged through a time warp by a giant machine, Shu is thrust into a hellish future just as it explodes into war! He is caught in the carnage as a tyrant unleashes deadly force against a rebel army. But Shu is not alone. He is surrounded by courageous soldiers, a battalion of enslaved children, and enigmatic wanderers, each with their own fascinating story. Together, they face the ultimate challenge of survival in a world gone mad!

"Haunting and disturbing. One of the best anime that you probably haven't seen." - Play Magazine

The Now and Then, Here and There 4-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• Textless Closing
• English & Japanese with English Subtitles
• Bonus Disc Features: From Then to Now: Behind the Scenes, Japanese Opening, Character Sketches, Mechanical Sketches, Background Sketches, Storyboards, Trailers

Maze TV Series

From the screenwriter of The Slayers. Maze wakes up with amnesia in a zany fantasy world, only to find herself surrounded by evildoers and baby-sitting a spoiled princess. Luckily, she's developed explosive superpowers to help her cope! But the powers come with a strange side effect -- every night, Maze transforms into a flirtatious man!

"A fun fantasy romp." - AnimeonDVD.com

The Maze TV Series 4-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• Behind the Scenes Video
• Characters Information
• English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series (Volumes 1-4)

It's the not-too-distant future, and girl-next-door Noa Izumi is starting her job as a pilot for the police force's famous giant robots. Within a matter of days, she's faced with a pack of crazy crewmates and the adventure of a lifetime! Contains episodes 1-18.

Featuring some of the top talents in Japanese animation -- Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), Yutaka Izubuchi (Record of Lodoss War), Kazunori Ito (Maison Ikkoku), and Akemi Takada (Kimagure Orange Road).

"A+... outstanding." - AnimeonDVD.com

The Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series 4-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• Behind the Scenes Video
• Fan Voiceover Contest Results
• Text Interview with the Screenwriter
• English & Japanese with English Subtitles

The Ping Pong Club

Dirty jokes, girl trouble, and other dumb things -- these are the trials and tribulations of the boys' ping pong club. A sick and twisted company of losers, they fight for the rights of slackers and weirdoes everywhere, and occasionally play ping pong along the way. Follow the misadventures of the funniest animated misfits ever as they lose their minds, their hearts, and their sanity in the wacky game of life.

"Equivalent to our own home-grown South Park." - TOKYOPOP

The Ping Pong Club 5-Disc Set DVD Collection includes the following features:

• How to Play Ping Pong (A Silly Video Featurette)
• Audio Commentary by the Characters (Ep. 3)
• Textless Opening & Closing Credits
• English & Japanese with English Subtitles

Anime Test Drive 12 pack (2 of each DVD) Legend of Himiko, Maze TV Series, Now and Then, Here and There, Patlabor: The Mobile Police - The TV Series, The Ping Pong Club, and Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight.

RUNNING TIME: 100 minutes per DVD
RATING: 16 & UP
SRP PRICE: $95.99
CATALOG #: USMD 2374

Central Park Media has been a leading supplier of anime in the United States since 1990. The company currently manufactures and distributes three home entertainment lines, each offering anime product for a distinct and discriminating audience: U. S. Manga Corps, Central Park Media and Software Sculptors. In addition, Central Park Media also distributes a broad array of live action Japanese feature films under its Asia Pulp Cinema label.