Naruto Shippuden Updates From Viz

During Anime Expo in California, representatives of Viz announced the latest news regarding Naruto: Shippuden, the ongoing sequel to the hit manga and anime, Naruto.
With Cartoon Network recently making changes to their programming by no longer licensing content and looking to develop new shows internally, they will not be airing Naruto: Shippuden on television in America. However, the series will begin to sell in America on DVD by September 29, 2009, the first disc with episodes 1 - 4 and the second coming out on October 27, 2009 with episodes 5 - 8. Currently there is no plan for the uncut box sets, as seen for Naruto.
To counteract the news that could upset those fans who are only able to watch Naruto via television, Viz announced that the first feature film of the sequel series, Naruto: Shippuden The Movie, will be released on DVD in America this coming November and that it has apparently, already been dubbed in preparation. Naruto: Shippuden The Movie is about Naruto protecting Shion, a priestess from the Land of Demons who has two abilities, sealing demons and predicting one’s death.
In regards to the 10th anniversary of Naruto, a sixth feature film will be released in Japan on August 1, 2009, called, Naruto Shippuden 3: Inheritors of the Will of Fire. A teaser trailer of the film is available at www.naruto10th.com, featuring such beloved characters as Kakashi, Lee, Neji, Kiba, and Naruto, of course.
There is no release date set for this film in America, nor is there for the second Shippuden film, Naruto Shippuden 2: Bonds, where in order to stop ninjas from Sky Country attacking Konoha, Naruto and Sasuke must team up once again. The previous Naruto films, Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow, Legend of Stone Gelel and Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, have all been released in America.
Naruto, about said character, is a young ninja in training with mysterious secrets surrounding his origin. Naruto must learn teamwork and strength, from his instructors and fellow students, and find the bravery to take every mission in order to protect his home village, even if he must stand against all odds and face death on a regular basis.
The series has had tremendous success in both Japan and America, with its ongoing manga and anime, soundtracks, four OVAs (original video animations), six feature films, two novels, several video games for various platforms, trading card games, endless amounts of action figures, and collectable art books.