Holiday Season Deal of the Day - Save 50% on the Gundam 00 , Vol #3 DVD Special Edition

RACS Holiday Season Deal of the Day - Tuesday, November 24th
Save 50% off the MSRP on the Gundam 00 , Vol #3 Special Edition DVD

We're counting down to Christmas with some great daily specials! Today only - you can save 50% off the MSRP on the new Gundam 00 , Vol #3 DVD Special Edition (Item # 80448)

From now until noon (EST) on Wednesday, November 25th you can purchase this DVD for only $24.99 - an additional $11.99 off our regular low price (that's 50% off the MSRP!) Just add it to your shopping cart and use the following coupon code to take the additional savings!

Coupon Code: HS91124G00

Note: Limit 1 copy per order eligible for discount. Valid for new orders only. Item may be purchased along with any other items on store site. Coupon expires at noon EST on November 25th, so get your orders in today!

Each day during the holiday season we'll be running a 'deal of the day' promotion with one new Anime item priced at least 50% off the regular MSRP. To be one of the first to be notified, just follow us on our Twitter account here!

Two #@$%$ing Figure Cancelations from Amiami

Amiami told us today that they have had to cancel the international releases of two of their figures due to licensing issues:

All pre-orders for these figures will automatically be canceled, and any refunds will be made as needed. Damn, I really wanted both of these too...

Funi Reduces MSRP on LineBarrels of Iron by 16%!

Funimation announced today that they have reduced the MSRP by 16% on the upcoming Linebarrels of Iron Collection #1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) from $59.98 to $49.98.

We have reduced our regular discounted pre-order price accordingly from $44.98 to $36.98, and all existing pre-orders will automatically be adjusted to the new lower price. Release date is still set for January 19th.

Synopsis: Kouichi dreams of being a hero, but in reality he's a punching bag for every bully on the block. His life flatlines when the mysteriously naked Emi crash lands on his pitiful existence, thrusting Kouichi into the middle of an intergalactic showdown between rival races of self-regenerating Machinas. Through his death-bed partnership with the Linebarrel mecha, Kouichi gains the strength to stand up to his tormentors and crush the alien invasion force that's determined to conquer Earth. There's just one problem: all this newfound power and special attention from nearly naked babes is turning Kouichi into a jerk. His friends can't stand him, he makes his dream girl sick, and those aliens want to kill him extra dead! Kouichi may have the mechanized muscle to save the world, but he has much to learn about being a true "Hero of Justice."

Veterans Day - Remember

Remember Them
If you are able,
save for them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.

by Major Michael O'Donnell: MIA 24 March 1970, Cambodia
Declared dead after missing: 7 February 1978
Remains repatriated: 12 April 1995
Remains identified: 20 June 2001

Remember our men and women fighting in Iraq and Afganistan today.
Give them what they need to win, so that they may come home.

UPS vs. FedEx

We've used both UPS and FedEx for years and understand the ups and down, ins and out of both pretty well. We give several thousand pieces a year to both carriers on the ground side, but we now use FedEx exclusively for domestic air express and as our premier option for international delivery. There is a good reason for this - FedEx provides a better service, over all, at a lower cost - and thus helps keep our shipping rates down - a savings that is passed on to you. FedEx is also far more responsive to our needs and business concerns than UPS, an opinion I've developed over a period of several years dealing with each company. Of course, the local FedEx office is 2 blocks away from our warehouse... but hey, I'm just sayin...

Recently, a UPS driver dropped off a letter from UPS's union asking me, as a business owner, to support unionization efforts at FedEx. The letter said it was for the benefit of FedEx's employees, but the only benefit that I saw would be for UPS, who clearly needs to try to bring FedEx's labor costs into parity with their own. If this happened, it would of course, increase our shipping rates. See, not only does FedEx offer us better rates because they have lower costs, those lower rates prevent UPS from implementing bigger rate increases on their end and forces them to be more competitive when negotiating a rate contract with a small business. Higher rates, in any form, would be bad for us, so I was a little mystified as to why he thought I would support anything that would increase our shipping costs. Anyway, here's an interesting video that I came across today that fits the narrative...

Bandai February 2010 Releases Now Available for Pre-Order:

We have received the February 2010 release schedule from Bandai, and we now have those releases posted to the store site for pre-order along with a few date changes as well:

Eureka Seven ~ Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers ~ Movie DVD
Eureka Seven ~ Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers ~ Movie DVD (BLURAY)
Kurokami The Animation Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-6)
Kurokami The Animation Part #1 DVD (BLURAY) (Eps #1-4)

I want to note about the Kurokami release that it is now different from the original solicitation that was canceled last summer. Instead of 8 episodes, the new version will have 6 eps but will also be $10 cheaper in price. Also, Bandai has decided to publish the series in BluRay as well (and at a lower MSRP to the regular DVD), but the first BD volume will only include 4 episodes instead of 6. Also, the BD release will be Dubbed only and will not include the Japanese Langauge track. It's a rich tapestry.

We have canceled all previous pre-orders for Kurokami, so you'll need to place a new order to pre-order the new version.

In addition to the pre-releases, Bandai has also bumped the dates on the following releases (again, please don't blame me, I'm just the messenger):

Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #3 - Dec 1 to Jan 19 2010
Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #3 (Limited Edition) - Dec 1 to Jan 19 2010
Hayate the Combat Butler DVD Bundle #3 (2 Disks) (Eps #15-21) - Nov 17 to Dec 1 2009
Hayate the Combat Butler DVD Bundle #4 (2 Disks) (Eps #22-26) - Jan 5 to Feb 9 2010

Media Blasters Gets Both Queen's Blade and Ikkitousen Great Guardians

Media Blasters announced yesterday that they have acquired both Queen's Blade and Ikki Tousen: Great Guardians for North America.

Each will "get a dub," and both Queen's Blade seasons are scheduled for release before next summer.



Outstanding!

Funimation Now Pretty Much Owns the R1 Anime Market

From ICV2:

"In a conference call discussing his company's latest quarterly financial results Cary L. Deacon the CEO of Funimation parent Navarre told industry analysts that Funimation has 'a first look at all opportunities in terms of licenses. We’re seeing them all, we have an opportunity to bid on them all.'Deacon noted that currently Funimation was being “pretty selective” in choosing which anime to license, but he reiterated Navarre’s optimism regarding the future of Funimation in spite of the fact that 'the overall DVD market continues to be somewhat soft.' Navarre reported a 26% decline Q2 sales for its publishing division, which includes Funimation, thanks to the shutting down of Navarre’s BCI unit, and a softer schedule of anime titles from Funimation.

According to Deacon in spite of the soft schedule, Funimation had 'a solid quarter and met its internal sales targets.' Deacon said that he remains 'buoyant' about 'the opportunities that Funimation’s anime market dominance will provide in the future.' In response to an analyst’s question Deacon estimated Funimation's share of the U.S. anime market at about 56% to 60%."

Our DVD sales numbers corroborate those market share figures. That means that just about all the Anime now licensed for R1 that's published by any of the other companies will be something that Funi passes on. Think about that. But it's not surprising, Funi has always taken care of us (as an Anime retailer) the best of all the other R1 companies, some of which (not naming any names) have done things in the past that are actually openly hostile to their retailer partners. From where we sit, Funi has definitely earned the top spot.

Section 23 January Anime Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Section 23 announced their January new release schedule on Friday, so we've got the following now available on the store site for pre-order:

Glass Mask DVD Collection #1 (Eps #1-26)
Hidamari Sketch Season 1 DVD Collection (Eps #1-12)
Neo Angelique Abyss Season 1 Complete Collection (Eps #1-13)
Petite Princess Yucie Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Re-Re-Issue)
Special A DVD Collection #2 (Eps #13-24)
Tears to Tiara DVD Collection #2 (Eps #14-26)
You're Under Arrest TV Season 2 DVD Collection #2 (Eps #14-26)

All new material aside from a new Petite Princess re-re-re-re-release (we still have stock on that series two versions back). The playing time for Hidamari Sketch is 350 minutes, which comes out to 14 episodes, so I assume that in addition to the 12 episodes the set will probably include the two specials, however, we won't list it like that until we get confirmation. Also, as a reminder, everything Section 23 is releasing is subtitled only.

New Series Synopsis:

Glass Mask
Her father passed away very early and her mother lives and works in a crowded Chinese restaurant. Kitajima Maya, a 13-year old girl, has to carry the burden of making ends meet as she fights against her ill fate. However, she is able to overcome the trials and tribulations in her life with her passion and enthusiasm. She happens to encounter the reclusive actress Tsukikage who decides to train and mould her into the foremost actress of her generation.

Hidamari Sketch
Yuno has been accepted to her dream school: Yamabuki Arts High School. To attend the school, Yuno moves and starts to live in a small apartment building named the Hidamari Apartments located near the school. Once there, she starts making new friends like her classmate Miyako and the second year students, Hiro and Sae. Surrounded by good friends, Yuno starts moving towards her dream of being an artist.

Neo Angelique Abyss
Arcadia is plagued with evil, life-draining demons called Thanatos and a vast lack of Purifiers to exterminate them all. While attending school, Angelique attracts the eye of a man who intends to turn the tides to the people's favor. What lies within her is the key to Arcadia's survival.

Upcoming Figure Update - More New Figures Now Available for Pre-Order!

Even more upcoming figures are now available for Pre-Order. Here's what we've added over the last couple of days:

Amaha Collection: Rafale The Goddess of Wind 1/6 Scale PVC Statue
Beat Blades Haruka Haruka Takamori 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Fantasy Figure Gallery: The Touch of Ice (Luis Royo) PVC Statue
Final Fantasy XIII Play Arts ~Kai~ Action Figures - Shiva Bike Set
Final Fantasy XIII Play Arts ~Kai~ Action Figure - Lighting
Final Fantasy XIII Play Arts ~Kai~ Action Figure - Snow
Final Fantasy XIII Play Arts ~Kai~ Action Figure - Vanille
K-On! Ritsu Tainaka Nendoroid Action Figure
K-On! Ritsu Tainaka Mobip Action Figure
Lyrical Nanoha Striker S: Shamal & Zafila Puppy 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Polyphonica: Corticarte Apa Lagranges 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Shion no Yakata: Christmas (Xmas) Figure Twin Pack 1/7 Scale PVC Figures
Sister Princess: Kaho 1/7 Scale Ani-Statue
Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode - Birdy Cephon Altera 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Vocaloid: Luka Megurine Nendoroid Figure
White Album: Rina Ogata 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
White Album: Yuki Morikawa 1/8 Scale PVC Figure

Where is my Ah My Buddha Vol #5??!!

Media Blasters has a history of shipping releases late during the 4th quarter, and this year is no exception. The replicator they use always bogs down during the holiday season trying to get all their studio orders filled, and thus we get a lot of late releases. It's not really their fault except in not setting their Q4 street dates a bit later in anticipation of the delays. This happens at the other studios too, for one reason or another.

Right now Ah My Buddha (Amaenaideyo!!) Vol #5, The Five Bare Aggregates DVD is about a week and a half late, and Genshiken 2 - The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, Vol #2 is now a couple of days late. The folks at MB told me earlier today that AMB 5 shipped to retailers on 10/27, so we'll probably have copies of that one in tomorrow. GEN2 2 has not yet arrived from the replicator, so expect that one to be at least maybe, another week or so before it's available to start shipping out. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit DVD #7 (Eps #21-23) streeting next Tuesday will probably be a little late also.

Just a little heads up if you've been wondering when these releases were going to ship (or possibly how we suck because you don't have these yet)... -_^

More Upcoming Figures - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Even more upcoming figures are now available for Pre-Order. Here's what we've added over the last couple of days:

Chaos Head: Orgel Seira 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Creators Collection: Collet 'Bad Santa' 1/6 Scale PVC Figure
Genso Senki Rulilura: Izulha Golden Diva Another Color Figure Excellent Model Core Figure
Hyakka Ryouran: Hanzo Abe 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Ikki Tousen: Great Guardian Ryofu Housen China Dress 1/7 Scale PVC Figure
Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny Kanu Unchou 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny: Sonsaku Hakufu School Swimsuit 1/6 Scale PVC Figure (Clear Version)
Kobato Hanato Ani Statue Figure
Rosario + Vampire: Moka 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Rosario + Vampire: Kurumu 1/8 Scale PVC Figure

Viz and Media Blasters January Anime Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Viz and Media Blasters have announced their January new release schedules, and we've got the following now available on the store site for pre-order:

Viz (January 2010)

Bleach, Vol #24 DVD
Naruto: Shippuden , Vol#5 DVD (Eps #17-20)(Uncut)
Naruto: Shippuden Collection #1 DVD Boxed Set
(Eps #1-16) (Uncut)
Naruto: Shippuden Collection #1 Special Edition DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-16) (Uncut)

Media Blasters (January 2010)

Blade of the Immortal, Vol#3 DVD (Eps #11-14)
Genshiken 2 - The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, Vol#3 + ART BOX
Huntik, Vol#3 DVD
Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny, Vol#2
Nighthead Genesis Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set(Lite Box)

Funimation Lowers MSRP on DBZ Set #6 & My Santa DVD

Funimation has announced they have reduced the MSRP by 30% on the DragonBall Z Season 6 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #166-194) (Re-Mastered) (Item # FN-02248) from $49.98 to $34.98 and also on the My Santa Special DVD (Item # FN-10535) from $14.98 to $9.98.

We have reduced our discounted price accordingly from $34.98 to $24.98 for the DBZ set and from $12.98 to $7.98 on the My Santa DVD.

Both items are in stock now and ready to ship. :-)

RACS - Columbus Day Holiday Hours

The Anime Corner Store fulfillment center and HQ will be closed on Monday October 12th for the Columbus Day holiday.

We'll be back on Tuesday the 13th to start processing the backlog, so please be a little more patient with us next week while we catch up.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone, and enjoy your Anime! :-)