Building on the success of the Internet-breaking, hit animated series “Free!,” Funimation Films in association with Asahi Broadcasting Company is bringing anime’s favorite swimmers to U.S. theaters as they face their future and the graduation of teammates in the new film “Free! Take Your Marks” from creators Kyoto Animation and Animation Do.
The movie’s storyline follows the events of Season 2 (“Free! Eternal Summer”) and leads up to Season 3 of the series, which will premiere this summer. “Free! Take Your Marks” will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles in select theaters nationwide on Wednesday, March 14, as a one-night-only event-style release with a special pre-show.
The pre-show will include an exclusive animated greeting and introduction to the film by the “Free!” characters that was previously only available in Japanese theaters, as a well as a movie photo session offering fans the opportunity to take and post pictures and become part of the event itself.
Advance tickets for film are available on the movie’s official website, http://funimationfilms.com/free.
“‘Free!’ has been an immensely popular franchise since Day 1 and encompasses a broad cross-section of our fans, all of whom have been anxious to see more,” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. “Our event-style release of ‘Free! Take Your Marks’ provides fans not only a unique opportunity to experience ‘Free!’ for the first time ever on the big screen but also a chance to quench their thirst for the show ahead of this summer’s premiere of Season 3. I encourage ‘Free!’ fans to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee they don’t miss out on this special one-night-only event on March 14.”
“Free! Take Your Marks” is the third in a trilogy of films that includes the “Free! Timeless Medley” compilation movies, which retell Seasons 1 and 2 of the television series and feature brand new characters and content. Along with the theatrical rights for “Free! Take Your Marks,” Funimation has also acquired the home video distribution rights for the complete trilogy as well as the long-awaited prequel film “High Speed! — Free! Starting Days” from Asahi Broadcasting Company. Home video release dates for the four titles will be announced in the future.
Synopsis
Haru and Makoto are prepping to move to Tokyo, which means finding a place to live. While they’re off searching, Nagisa, Rei, and Gou are left coming up with something big to enlist new Iwatobi club members. But can they fill the pool or is the club’s future sinking fast?
Then, the boys of Samezuka are having their own time getting ready for the future. While Rin prepares for his move to Australia and Sousuke moves out of the dorm, Nitori and Momo want to do something big to thank their senpais. A visit to the hot springs should do the trick, but a misunderstanding about Gou could leave Rin unsettled and only a challenge in the water can set his mind at ease.
California theaters showing “Free! Take Your Marks” (by city):
Alhambra — Renaissance Stadium 14
Anaheim —?Cinema City 12
Bakersfield —?Bakersfield Stadium 14 Cinemas
Beverly Hills —?Music Hall
Corona —?Dos Lagos Stadium 15
Cerritos —?Harkins Cerritos 16
Chino Hills — Chino Hills 18
Irvine —?Irvine Spectrum 21 Megaplex Cinemas
Fresno — Fresno Stadium 22 Cinemas
Mountain View — Century Cinema 16
Moreno Valley —?Moreno Valley 16
Murrieta —?California Oaks 17
North Hollywood — Laemmle NoHo 7
Oxnard —?Century River Park 16
Redlands — Harkins Mountain Grove 16
Sacramento —?Century 16 Greenback Lane, Tower Theatre
San Diego —?Angelika Film Center
San Diego —?Mira Mesa Stadium 18
San Francisco — Century Centre 9
Whittier — Whittier Village Cinemas