All four feature films based on the "Bleach" series were directed by Noriyuki Abe, director of the "Bleach" anime series. Each movie features an original plotline along with original characters designed by Tite Kubo, which is contrary to the normal practice for anime-based films, as the original author usually has little creative involvement. ', was released in Japan on December 16, 2006 and had a limited release in American theaters in June 2008. The second film, ', was released to Japanese theaters on December 22, 2007. The third film, ', was released in Japan on December 13, 2008. The fourth movie, ', was released in Japan on December 4, 2010.