Film previously released on DVD in N. America in 2003

North American distributor Funimation announced at its A-Kon panel on Saturday that it has licensed the Sakura Wars: The Movie anime film and will release it on Blu-ray Disc.

The film premiered in theaters in Japan in 2001. The story follows the Imperial Fighting Troupe as they attempt to defend Tokyo against an invasion of demons. The Flower Division finds themselves at standstill against impending danger as members of the force disappear one by one.

The film was directed by Mitsuru Hongo ( Shamanic Princess, Outlaw Star, Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva ) at Production I.G with character designs by Hidenori Matsubara ( Ah! My Goddess, Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Princess and the Pilot ).

Geneon Entertainment (then known as Pioneer Entertainment) released the film on DVD in North America in 2003, and again on UMD in 2006.

Update: Fuinmation added, "While it will contain the original Geneon English dub, Funimation's release of the movie will include brand new video extras, including interviews with Japanese Sakura Wars the Movie staff."