August Releases From Bandai / ADV Now Available for Pre-Order!

Bandai sent over their revised August release schedule to us today, and we now have the following releases available on the store site for pre-order:

Gundam 00 , Vol #2 DVD (Eps #10-17)
Gundam 00 , Vol #2 DVD Special Edition (Eps #10-17)
.Hack//GU Trilogy DVD
Lucky Star OVA DVD
Sola Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13 + 2 OVA's) (Anime Legends)

And as announced previously Bandai has also re-scheduled the following July releases into August:

Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #1 (DVD #1-2)
Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #1 (Limited Edition)
Ghost Slayers Part #3 DVD Bundle (Eps #21-30)

I'm very happy to see Sola finally get onto the lineup (even after a year, it should be worth the wait!), as well as getting a firm date for the Lucky Star OVA. And we're also getting the .Hack//GU movie, which was unexpected! Don't get your hopes up about the 2nd volumes of Gundam 00. The scheduling doesn't feel right, and I suspect the listed dates are mistakes and it will end up being shifted back into September. I've inquired on that to see if we can firm that up a bit.

We also have the following August titles from ADV Films:

Daphne in the Brilliant Blue Collection #1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (Re-Release)
Dokkoida Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Re-Release)
Kannazuki No Miko (Destiny of the Shrine Maiden) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Re-Release)
Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden 'Full Metal Maid' Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-27 + Summer Special)
Orphen Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Orphen & Orphen II!) (Re-Release)
Sakura Wars TV Series Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Re-Re-Release)
Saiyuki Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Re-Re-Issue) (Eps #1-50)

ALL re-releases. Well, what can I say. I'm so disappointed (and not because it will be available cheaper) to see a Mahoromatic complete box announced not two months after the release of the two half season boxes. That strategy may work for new material, but ADV should really re-think it for their re-issue of these older titles. After all, they pretty much just stiffed everyone who recently bought the two previous boxes for twice the price. It goes to show how unimaginative their thinking has become. And yes I know, I should not make light of their little 'errors' in judgement, but it certainly is the low hanging fruit of the industry these days. As promised Daphne, Dokkoida, and Kannazuki No Miko (retitled in it's English name 'Destiny of the Shrine Maiden') will be released in August. A third iteration of the Saiyuki two season box will be coming, though we still have two previous versions in stock, at least the new price will be more palatable to fans on a budget. The only really exciting thing is the re-release of an Orphen two season box. While the second season has been available for some time, the first season has been out of print for several years, so this will finally give folks the chance to acquire both seasons together in one package. I'm glad it will be available again.

Finally, we have a welcome September release coming up from Sony:

Ghost in the Shell, Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends)

It's not the second season of Blood Plus, but at least we know those guys over there at Sony still have a pulse. :-)