Happy New Year Everyone!

Funimation Adds Heaven's Lost Property: Angeloid of Clockwork Movie

Funimation sent over a note yesterday (and I can't believe anyone is actually working down there this week) that they have decided to add the Angeloid of Clockwork movie to the February schedule.

Heaven's Lost Property (Sora no Otoshimono) Movie: Angeloid of Clockwork DVD/BD Set

Now they have 4 releases scheduled for February - woohoo! MSRP will be $34.98 and we'll be offering it for $10 less. And don't be surprised if it gets delayed folks - these surprise late December announcements for Feb releases from Funi usually do. But until we hear different, it's setup for Feb 26th.

We still have a few HLP magnetic clings laying around here somewhere, and if you've been a regular RACS customer we'd be happy to toss one in with your pre-order - but only if you ask nicely. -_^

Post Holiday Order Shipping and Bad Weather Notice

We're back folks! After the 4 day weekend we've got a huge stack of accumulated orders to work through - thanks!

The Snow Storm west of the DC area is going to hamper our operations today. The crew has been trickling in all morning getting here as best they can over the really bad roads, and as the conditions deteriorate throughout the day I'm not sure how long we will be able to stay before things get bad enough that I have to start letting folks go to head home. I'm sure outbound shipments will be impacted as well.

Anyway we're doing our best, so just try to be patient with us regarding getting your orders shipped and your e-mails answered over the next couple of days. Remember, asking us more than once about the status of your order won't help us to get it processed any faster.

We shouldn't have any problem getting all caught up by Friday before we break for the new years holiday, so keep those orders coming!

What They Said...

Let Me Brush It [Nisemonogatari]

For those of you who thought you were already familiar enough with Karen's mouth:



Brushing your teeth will never feel the same again...  From Nisemonogatari, the sequel to Bakemonogatari.

Just in case the world does end tomorrow...

...I’ll miss you guys. After all, I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. -_^

Great Last Minute Gift Ideas from RACS!

We'll, we're down to the wire for Christmas shipping, but it's still not too late to get something for that special Otaku!

RACS store orders (shipping within the US) can still be there by Dec 24th if you use our flat rate 2nd day air shipping option as long as your order is placed before 4pm EST on Thursday afternoon.

Don't forget, RACS e-newsletter subscribers can get FREE 2nd Day Air shipping thru 4pm tomorrow on any order over $200 by using our SHIPFAST coupon at checkout.

After that, Dec 24th delivery is still possible if you select our FedEx Next Day Air option and place your order no later than 3PM EST on Friday afternoon.

If you are still pondering that last minute gift, and just can't figure out what the right thing would be, here are some RACS staff recommendations you really can't go wrong with:

Bunny Drop Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Premium Edition)
Natsume's Book of Friends Seasons 1&2 DVD Collection (Premium Edition)
Serial Experiments Lain Complete Series DVD/BD Combo Set
Children Who Chase Lost Voices DVD
Haibane Renmei Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set
The Book of Bantorra Collection DVD
A Certain Magical Index (Toaru Majutsu no Index) DVD
Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere DVD
Hakuoki: Dream of the Fleeting Blossom Season 1 Collection DVD
Ai Yori Aoshi / Ai Yori Aoshi Enishi, Complete Collection DVD

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind , Graphic Novel Box Set (Vol #1-7) (Hardcover)
Ouran High School Host Club Graphic Novel Box Set (Vol #1-18)
Legend of Zelda Graphic Novel Boxed Set (Vol #1-10)
Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl Adventure, Graphic Novel Box Set (Vol #1-8)
Vampire Knight Graphic Novel Collectors Boxed Set (Vol #1-10)

xxxHolic 16" Mokona Back Pillow
Sonic The Hedgehog: 20" Plush Bag / Bakpack - Sonic

I Don't Have Many Friends: Yozora Mikaduki ~ Monster Hunter Version ~ 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Tekken TT2: Asuka Kazama Bishoujo Statue
DC Bishoujo Wonder Woman Statue
Cowboy Bebop Spike Spiegel Play Arts Kai Action Figure
Guilty Crown: Inori Yuzuriha 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Last Exile: Alvis & Lavie 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Mayo Chiki! Nakuru Narumi 1/4.5 Polyresin Figure
Linkin Park Nendoroid Petite Action Figure Set
Working!! Aoi Yamada Nendoroid Action Figure
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Sakura Kyoko Nendoroid Action Figure
One Piece: Jewelry Bonney Portrait of Pirates NEO-DX 1/8 Scale PVC Figure
Queens Blade Rebellion Annelotte Blue Knight Princess ExModel Core PVC Figure

All of the above items are currently in stock at our Winchester, VA fulfillment center. Don't forget, our big figurine sale ends Dec 21st, so there are only two days left to save big on hundreds of different Anime figures and toys. Don't miss out!

We also have some great exclusive deals going on at our Amazon store, and if you are a prime member you can get free 2nd day shipping there. Checkout some of these great deals, all under $25:



Our inventory for all of the above items are already in stock at Amazon's warehouse and ready to ship directly to you!

We'll be breaking for the long holiday weekend at the close of business on Friday, so 3pm EST on Dec 21st is going to be our drop dead for any orders to ship out prior to Christmas. After that, consider giving an RACS e-Gift certificate. They come in domination's as little as $25 and will be available for delivery via e-mail including your personal gift message right up through Christmas eve on the 24th.

Time for me to get back to work. Happy holidays everyone! :-)

Funimation's March 2013 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Funimation has sent over their March 2013 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Dragonball Z Kai Season 4 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #78-98) - Mar 12
Dragonball Z Kai Season 4 BLURAY Boxed Set (Eps #78-98) - Mar 12
Trigun Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Classic Edition) - Mar 12
One Piece Season 4 Part 4 DVD Boxed Set (Uncut) - Mar 19
Toriko Collection Part #3 DVD (Eps #27-39) - Mar 19
Corpse Princess Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-26) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Mar 26
Shana Season 3 Part 1 Complete DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Limited Edition) - Mar 26
Shana Season 3 Part 2 Complete DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set - Mar 26

Also, they have bumped the dates on a couple of January releases:

Blood C Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Jan 8 to Jan 22
Blood C Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Standard Edition) - Jan 8 to Jan 22
Toriko Collection Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-13) - Jan 8 to Jan 22

Section 23's March 2013 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Section 23 has sent over their March 2013 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Bodacious Space Pirates Collection 2 DVD - Mar 5
Bodacious Space Pirates Collection 2 BLURAY - Mar 5
Rurouni Kenshin the New Kyoto Arc DVD - Mar 5
Rurouni Kenshin the New Kyoto Arc BLURAY - Mar 5
Penguin Drum Collection 2 DVD - Mar 12
Penguin Drum Collection 2 BLURAY - Mar 12
Vampire Princess Miyu TV Series Complete Collection DVD - Mar 12
Fate/Stay Night Collection 2 BLURAY - Mar 19
Fate/Stay Night Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-24) - Mar 19
Amagami SS Plus Complete Collection DVD - Mar 26
Phi-Brain ~ The Puzzle of God Season 1 Collection 1 DVD - Mar 26
Phi-Brain ~ The Puzzle of God Season 1 Collection 1 BLURAY - Mar 26

As a side note, this marks my 1,000th post to the RACS side blog. Only took 6 years. Hurrahhhhh! :-)

Amazing Odaiba Gundam HDR Time Lapse Video

Amazing HDR time lapse video of the full size Gundam on Tokyo's Odaiba island:


I'm sorry, but this is totally badass! More info here.

NIS Announces Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 Premium for March!

NIS has sent over the paperwork for their Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 premium release, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order:

Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3 DVD/BD Combo Collection (Premium Edition)

Each collection includes a hardcover art book, “Natsume’s Book of Friends,” (full color, 32 pages) which provides a deeper viewing experience with detailed character info, an episode guide, rough sketches, and Japanese DVD package illustrations. The set will street on March 5th and carry an MSRP of $69.98, but of course you can pre-order it from RACS for 30% off that price.

And yes, we are aware this the S3 set will be getting BD treatment as a BD/DVD combo set where the first set was DVD only. I've asked NISA to comment on that.

Synopsis: Takashi Natsume has always been shunned by those around him because of his mysterious ability to see yokai. Eventually, he came into possession of his grandmother Reiko’s “Book of Friends,” and together with his bodyguard Nyanko-sensei he set out to return the names of the yokai contained within it. Since then, he’s found a home with the Fujiwaras and surrounded himself with friends at school. Little does he know he's about to be dragged unwittingly into further trouble...

UPDATE: NISA gives us the official word on why the 1st Natsume set (S1-2) was DVD only:

"We originally planned to put seasons 1 and 2 together in the same Premium Edition because both seasons were released in Japan quite a while ago, and we felt that in order to be able to release seasons 3 and 4 in a timely manner, placing the first two seasons together was the best route for us. We are aware that seasons 1 and 2 became available in Blu-ray format earlier this year in Japan; however, in order to make the Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition affordable for our customers, we opted to release it on DVD instead of a Blu-ray combo. Timing was also a key factor; had we opted to go with Blu-ray, the original release of Season 1 & 2 Premium Edition would have been delayed as well."

Otaku's Room - Cool!

Here's how one Otaku lives the life:


As a side note, I love his collection, but I can't help to notice that his figures are suffocating in their original boxes - probably because he read on a forum somewhere that 'true collectors' never take their figures out of the window boxes. Nothing could be further from the truth, and I have felt for a long time that there is this really fine line in some circles between hoarders and collectors. If your figure collection is sitting in the original boxes stacked up in the back of a closet somewhere, you might want to rethink your reasons for collecting in the first place. I mean, this good man doesn't keep his posters in the original mailing tubes, does he? He puts them out for display so he and all around him can enjoy them in all their glory. So I would just like to debunk this 'window box' myth by saying that REAL collectors aren't afraid to touch the shiny parts, and shouldn't care about the potential 'resale' value of their figurines because we will NEVER want to sell them anyway. I have over 800 figurines in my personal collection (they occupy a whole room in my house), and don't have a single window box cluttering up my space. We should collect them to enjoy them. If you prefer to keep them in their boxes, that's fine, but don't be afraid to get rid of them and display your figures openly either - you'll be glad you did. :-)

Holiday Stocking List - Top 50 Manga Releases of 2012 at RACS

In the spirit of our best selling Anime releases of 2012, here is our list of our top 50 selling Manga volumes so far for this year - again sorted simply by the number of units that RACS has shipped to customers.

Without a doubt Rosario + Vampire has been our most shipped Manga series, and pretty much has been since it debuted in 2008. While Sailor Moon has been one of the shining stars of Manga in the book trades this year, none of the recent volumes makes our top 50 list. This is purely a reflection of our niche audience vs. book store shoppers.

Note that three 'H' titles made the list - unlike traditional manga releases, those tend to be long tail items for us that we ship fairly consistently for long periods of time.

Rosario+Vampire Series II , Vol #8, Graphic Novel	9781421540504
Rosario+Vampire Series II , Vol #7, Graphic Novel	9781421540269
Rosario+Vampire Series II , Vol #9, Graphic Novel	9781421542096
Omamori Himari , Vol #6, Graphic Novel	9780316195737
Dance in the Vampire Bund , Vol #11, Graphic Novel	9781935934042
High School of the Dead , Vol #5, Graphic Novel	9780316132466
Omamori Himari , Vol #8, Graphic Novel	9780316209427
High School of the Dead , Vol #6, Graphic Novel	9780316209434
Negima, Vol #33, Graphic Novel	9781612621159
High School of the Dead , Vol #7, Graphic Novel	9780316209441
Omamori Himari , Vol #7, Graphic Novel	9780316195744
Negima, Vol #34, Graphic Novel	9781612621166
A Strange Kind of Woman Graphic Novel (Adult)	9781606995143
Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol #19, Graphic Novel	9781421533483
Negima, Vol #35, Graphic Novel	9781612621203
Rosario+Vampire Series II , Vol #10, Graphic Novel	9781421548791
Neon Genesis Evanglion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project , Vol #10, Graphic Novel	9781595828798
Oh My Goddess!, Vol #41, Graphic Novel	9781595828910
Dance in the Vampire Bund , Vol #12, Graphic Novel	9781935934721
Oh My Goddess!, Vol #40, Graphic Novel	9781595828705
Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You) , Vol #13, Graphic Novel	9781421541204
Negima, Vol #36, Graphic Novel	9781612622392
Toradora! , Vol #4, Graphic Novel	9781935934172
Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol #20, Graphic Novel	9781421533490
Oreimo , Vol #1, Graphic Novel	9781595829566
A Certain Scientific Railgun , Vol #3, Graphic Novel	9781935934127
Dance in the Vampire Bund , Vol #13, Graphic Novel	9781937867027
Yotsuba&!, Vol #11, Graphic Novel	9780316225397
Neon Genesis Evanglion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project , Vol #11, Graphic Novel	9781595829320
Berserk, Vol #36, Graphic Novel	9781595829429
Shocking Pink! Graphic Novel (Adult)	9781934129500
Embrace and Bloom Graphic Novel (Adult)	9781934129524
A Certain Scientific Railgun , Vol #5, Graphic Novel	9781935934783
Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You) , Vol #12, Graphic Novel	9781421540238
A Certain Scientific Railgun , Vol #4, Graphic Novel	9781935934189
High School of the Dead , Color Omnibus Edition (Vol #1-4), Graphic Novel	9780316201049
Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol #13, Graphic Novel (2nd Edition)	9781421552910
Sumomomo Momomo , Vol #11, Graphic Novel	9780316204699
Omamori Himari , Vol #0, Graphic Novel	9780316209410
Spice and Wolf , Vol #6, Graphic Novel	9780316210324
Omamori Himari , Vol #9, Graphic Novel	9780316229159
Excel Saga, Vol #23, Graphic Novel	9781421536415
Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You) , Vol #14, Graphic Novel	9781421542669
Ninja Girls , Vol #9, Graphic Novel	9781612620701
Toradora! , Vol #5, Graphic Novel	9781935934790
Bamboo Blade , Vol #12, Graphic Novel	9780316189439
Bunny Drop , Vol #5, Graphic Novel	9780316210331
Is This A Zombie? , Vol #1, Graphic Novel	9780316210362
Claymore, Vol #20, Graphic Novel	9781421542119
Bamboo Blade , Vol #14, Graphic Novel	9780316189583

Holiday Stocking List - Top 50 Anime Releases of 2012 at RACS

If you've been scratching your head wondering what to fill up the stocking of that special Otaku with, or just wondering what would be a good Anime to pickup for yourself next, here is a list of our Top Selling 50 Anime releases so far this year sorted by the number of units that RACS has shipped to customers. Actually, it's the top 47 because three of the titles that popped up on the list are OOP and no longer available.

For reference, the Okami-san and Her Seven Companions DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition) is the number 1 purchased Anime so far this year at RACS, and we have shipped about 3x the number of units of it than of the Majikoi ~ Oh! Samurai Girl Complete Collection DVD at the bottom of the list.

Note that Hellsing Ultimate Vol #5-8 DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set is ranking #11 even though it's only been shipping for around 3 weeks. I would bet $1 that, given another month, it will end up being our #1 selling Anime release this year.

Okami-san and Her Seven Companions DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition)	FN-06965	44.98
Heaven's Lost Property Season 2 Complete Collection DVD Box (Limited Edition)	FN-05886	44.98
Strike Witches TV Series (Season 2) Complete DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Limited Edition)	FN-01193	44.98
Rosario+Vampire Capu2 (Season 2) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #14-26)	FN-09682	44.98
Freezing Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Eps #1-12 + OVA #1-6)	FN-09515	48.98
Sekirei 2: Pure Engagement Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Limited Edition)	FN-05841	58.98
AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day Complete DVD/BD Combo Set (Premium Edition)	NIS011967	68.98
Infinite Stratos Complete Collection DVD (Eps #-1-12 + OVA + Bonus CD)	SFIFS100	39.98
Bunny Drop Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Premium Edition)	NIS012131	58.98
Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends)	80338	68.98
Hellsing Ultimate Vol #5-8 DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set	FN-09102	48.98
Kimi ni Todoke Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Collection #1 (Eps #1-12)	NIS011462	48.98
K-On! (Season 1) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-14)	20030	28.98
Kimi ni Todoke Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Collection #2 (Eps #13-24)	NIS011479	48.98
Mayo Chiki Complete Collection DVD	SF-MC100	34.98
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Complete Collection DVD Set (Limited Edition)	FN-09071	44.98
Motto To Love Ru (Season 2) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)	SFMLR100	34.98
Infinite Stratos Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #-1-12 + OVA + Bonus CD)	SFBIFS100	44.98
Fairy Tail Collection #4 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #37-48)	FN-08766	36.98
B Gata H Kei – Yamada’s First Time Complete DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Limited Edition)	FN-08940	48.98
Aria the Scarlet Ammo Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition)	FN-09120	44.98
Kimi ni Todoke Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Collection #3 (Eps #25-37)	NIS011974	48.98
Rosario+Vampire Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (Limited First Pressing)	FN-09681	48.98
Fairy Tail Collection #2 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #13-24)	FN-08764	36.98
Fairy Tail Collection #3 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #25-36)	FN-08765	36.98
Deadman Wonderland Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12)	FN-07580	44.98
Rosario+Vampire Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (Standard Edition)	FN09681alt	44.98
The Book of Bantorra Collection 1 DVD (Eps #1-13)	SFBOB100	39.98
Dream Eater Merry Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-13)	SFDEM100	39.98
K-On!! (Season 2) Collection #1 Boxed Set BLURAY (Eps #1-13)	SFBKON201	48.98
Majikoi ~ Oh! Samurai Girl Complete Collection BLURAY	SFBMSG100	48.98
Shangri-La Part 1 DVD Collection (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition)	FN-01521	44.98
Legend of the Legendary Heroes Part #2 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #14-25)	FN-08951	44.98
Tales of Vesperia the Motion Picture DVD/BD Combo Set	FN-09081	26.98
Occult Academy Complete Collection BLURAY Set (Premium Edition)	NIS-011943	88.98
Black Butler Season 2 Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #25-42)	FN-05935	44.98
The Book of Bantorra Collection 2 DVD (Eps #14-26)	SF-BOB200	39.98
Princess Resurrection Complete Collection DVD Box (Eps #1-26) (Bilingual Edition)	SF-PR400	48.98
SteinsGate Collection Part #1 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12)	FN-01540	48.98
Shangri-La Part 2 DVD Collection (Eps #13-24)	FN-01522	39.98
Natsume's Book of Friends Seasons 1&2 DVD Collection (Premium Edition)	NIS-012513	58.98
Legend of the Legendary Heroes Part #1 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-13) (Limited Edition)	FN-08950	44.98
Fractale Complete Collection DVD/BD Boxed Set (Limited Edition)	FN-09031	48.98
Shiki Collection Part 1 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition)	FN-08970	48.98
K-On!! (Season 2) Collection #2 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #14-26)	SF-KON202	39.98
Majikoi ~ Oh! Samurai Girl Complete Collection DVD	SF-MSG100	39.98
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Complete DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends)	80337	68.98

Funimation Announces Baka & Test OVA

The folks at Funimation let us know today that, not satisfied with only two new releases in February, they have decided to add another one.

Now scheduled for February:

Baka and Test OVA DVD/BLURAY Combo Set

The set will street on Feb 19th and carry an MSRP of $34.98.

Media Blasters Changes / Cancelations

Well, we've gotten yet another update from Media Blasters and I wanted to pass it on to everyone. Looks like some of those titles that have been bumping now for several cycles are finally being canceled outright:

Gao-Gai-Gar Complete DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-49) - CANCELED
Fushigi Yugi, the Mysterious Play OVA DVD Boxed Set - CANCELED
Kite BLURAY (Remastered) - CANCELED
Squid Girl Season 2 Collection #1 DVD - CANCELED

The following titles have had their dates changed:

Queen's Blade/Queens Blade 2 Complete DVD Boxed Set - Nov 13 to Mar 22
Ai no Kusabi (OVA) DVD - Mar 12 to Apr 23

Along with these Anime titles they also canceled 8 previously announced live action releases and postponed 5 others way out into March and April. About 3 weeks ago, along with several previous date changes, we got a confirmation from Media Blasters letting us know that Ah My Buddha, Queens Blade, and Gao-Gai-Gar were 'in replication' and we should expect them by the end of November. So based on that I've been telling everyone these three are just about ready and will be arriving shortly - well, not so much I guess. We did get a shipping confirmation on Ah My Buddha today, but it looks like that's the last new release we'll be getting from them until at least January.

I know a lot of folks have been waiting for some of these, especially Queens Blade. If you have an order in with us that has been holding for any of these and want to make a change, just let us know.

My final thought is that I really wish Sirabella would just own up to what going on there and try to publish a release schedule that reflects the reality of the condition of his company and not just the schedule he 'wishes' they could publish. Look, we know the R1 Anime market is bad and is slowly fading away. The fans know the Anime market is bad. The other studio execs know the Anime market is bad. There is no shame in admitting that and being honest about what you can and can't do. All these announcements, schedulings, changes, and then cancellations are just creating a situation were nothing you say can be relied on. Eventually people will just stop listening.

SHOP EARLY & SAVE BIG! - SAVE 10% THRU NOV 30th!

We're running our best holiday promotions up front this year, and this week if you shop early you can save an additional 10% off any IN STOCK items throughout the store!! This includes sale and out of print items - pretty much EVERYTHING on the store (except for pre-orders).
NO MINIMUM!
To save an additional 10% off ANY in stock order, just use the following coupon code during checkout:

SHOPEARLYSAVEBIG

The more you purchase the more you save, so be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to load up on some of the Anime stuff you've had your eye on! US customers can combine this offer with our super saver shipping option to save even more on your favorite in stock Anime series, Manga, Figure, or Character Items!

Valid for new orders of IN STOCK items only (no pre-orders please).
Offer expires at midnight EST on November 30th, so don't wait!!

Get Well Cards for Steven Den Beste

Anime blogger Steven Den Beste recently suffered a mild stroke and has been in the hospital, then a physical therapy center for the past few days. Today he made his first post  since it happened and thankfully indicated that his condition is improving and he might be able to go home in a week or two.

I wanted to post to let everyone interested know that since we have Steven's address and an in depth understanding of what type of mail he can and can't receive, anyone wanting to send him a get well card or small gift can feel free to forward it to us at this address:

Robert's Anime Corner
Attn: Steven Den Beste
P.O. Box 4277
Winchester, VA 22604-4277
USA

We'll collect them up and once he's home, we'll make sure they get to him.

Funimation Pushes Is This a Zombie / Index

Funimation just sent over a note to let us know that they are going to have to push Is This A Zombie and Index up a week:

Is This A Zombie? Season 1 DVD Collection (Eps #1-13) (Limited Edition) - Dec 4 to Dec 11
Certain Magical Index Season 1 Part 1 Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Dec 11 to Dec 18
Certain Magical Index Season 1 Part 2 Collection DVD (Eps #13-24) - Dec 11 to Dec 18

While we're at it, just FYI - I also wanted to remind everyone that our initial order of the new Black Lagoon Season 1 & 2 Complete DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-24) is now completely sold out. All RACS pre-order customers already have a copy on the way, but the rest of our copies that came in late last week were sold out within 72 hours. Funi is stocked out also, and told us there would probably not be anymore available until around the 1st week of December, so we've put the box back on pre-order status for now.

Animated Short - Paths of Hate

Some of you have probably already seen this, but it was recently made available in full length and is spectacular. The film was created at Poland’s Platige Image, home of Tomek Baginski, Grzegorz Jonkajtys, Michal Socha and, of course, Paths of Hate director Damian Nenow.

It features what is probably one of the best animated aerial war scenes ever made and reminds me of the kind of great stuff that Japanese producers like Production I.G. and Gonzo USED to do - you know, before M.O.E. ran everyone off the railroad tracks.

Now, to start your weekend off with something a little different:



Caution: Stop at 5:40 for the happy ending... You can download the movie in HD here.

Funimation's February 2013 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Funimation has sent over their February 2013 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Casshern Sins Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Ed) - Feb 5
Casshern Sins Complete Collection BLURAY Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Ed) - Feb 5
Toriko Collection Part #2 DVD (Eps #14-26) - Feb 5

I have a feeling that more will be added later on.

Section 23's February 2013 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Section 23 has sent over their February 2013 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Listen to me Girls, I am Your Father! Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - Feb 5
New Fist of the North Star Complete Collection DVD (Re-Release) - Feb 12
Waiting in the Summer Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Feb 12
Kamisama Dolls Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-13) - Feb 19
Kamisama Dolls Complete Collection BLURAY Set (Eps #1-13) - Feb 19
Tegami Bachi - Letter Bee Season 1 Collection 2 DVD (Eps #14-26) - Feb 19
Battle Girls: Time Paradox Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - Feb 26
Battle Girls: Time Paradox Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-13) - Feb 26
Qwaser of Stigmata Collection 2 DVD (Eps #13-24) - Feb 26

Clearance Figures - Now Marked Down Well Below Cost!

OUR BIG ANIME FIGURE SALE JUST GOT BETTER!

Earlier this year, in order to make room in the warehouse for all the new figurines we had coming this year, we took about 700 figurines (about 2,000 total units) that had been in stock for more than a year and significantly marked them down 20-70% for our figurine clearance event.

Since then that list has been shrinking, and most of what left is down to last 1 or 2 units remaining in stock. We currently have exactly 296 units left (across just about that many SKU's) of these clearance figures and toy items left in stock, and we really want to move the rest out before the holiday rush begins.

To accomplish this we've just finished marking down the remaining items an additional 10-40% off the clearance price. Every item on that list is now well below our original cost and is about as cheap as we can afford to sell it vs. just writing off the remaining inventory.

I'm posting this here to let you know about it first before we advertise the sale a few days from now, so check the list and see if there is anything you might want - everything there is a great deal, and since quantities are so limited I wanted to make sure you had first dibs before folks start coming in from the outside and gobbling the remaining figures up. :-)

Good luck!

Umineko: When They Cry Premium Edition Box Art Posted

NIS has finally gotten their art posted for the upcoming Umineko: When They Cry Premium Edition sets.

Here's what they will look like:

Both sets are due to street on December 4th.

Youmacon 2012

Some video from the Youmacon 2012 show in Detroit this past weekend:


Our friend Sean was on the ground there and said it was a great show!

Sailor Jupiter Crossplay for Halloween

PS: Definately stay past the credits for the cool FX!

PSS: Thanks to Sean for sending over!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Getting Ready for Sandy

Sandy is coming. The Weather Channel indicates that we fall squarely in the 'you're fucked' zone...

Well, what else is new.

We'll be running a shift at the fulfillment center tomorrow but we're gonna have to play Monday afternoon and Tuesday by ear. If the power stays on and the roof doesn't come off, we should be fine, but whatever happens we'll try to make sure that any delays in the fulfillment of your orders are kept to a minimum.  If possible, I'll post any relevant updates here over the next couple of days.

And if we go offline for a short period of time, don't worry, it just means we're sitting in the dark rubbing sticks together to make fire. :-)

Good luck everyone!

UPDATE: 10/29 12:16hrs - FedEx just sent us a message to let us know that all further outgoing cargo flights in our area have been canceled today and tomorrow, so we will not be able to ship out anymore Air Orders (2nd Day or Overnight) until at least Wednesday.

UPDATE: 10/29 12:51hrs - We'll be closed tomorrow (Tuesday) all day. UPS will be calling in their drivers in early today, so we will be shutting down later this afternoon after our pickups since we won't be able to get anything else out after that anyway until Wednesday.

UPDATE: 10/29 17:22hrs - We're calling it a day and closing up the warehouse. The wind gusts are really starting to pickup and the rain is staring to come down horizontal. I'll post more updates later if I'm able.

UPDATE: 10/30 17:09hrs - Looks like we're finally in the clear. Rain is still falling and we've got heavy snow to the west of us, but the winds have finally died down. Last night we didn't get much sleep as the wind was gusting hard enough into the front of our house to blow some of the rain into our copula vent (right up under the louvers) in front of the house, and that water did find it's way into the attic so we do have a little drywall damage on the front wall in the foyer and in the foyer closets. Should be fairly easy to repair, so I think we got off pretty easy. Jenn went over earlier today and checked the warehouse, and I was glad for the call because she reported everything OK. No roof damage, the power is on, and no flooding. So we'll be up and running again tomorrow morning. I imagine freight and mail delays going out of the area will be fairly minimal except to those areas in the Northeast directly affected by the storm. We'll have a better handle on that tomorrow when all our carriers have reported in.

Funimation Date Changes Roundup for Nov-Jan

Funimation has made quite a few date changes to their Nov, Dec, and Jan schedules pushing several titles into next year. Here's our roundup of the changes so far:


Black Lagoon Season 1 & 2 Complete DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-24) - Nov 6 to Dec 4
Serial Experiments Lain Complete Series DVD/BD Combo Set - Nov 13 to Nov 27
Tenchi Muyo Movie Collection BD/DVD Combo Set (All 3 Movies) - Dec 4 to Dec 18
Tenchi Muyo! OVA Series Collection BD/DVD Combo Set - Dec 4 to Dec 18
Tenchi in Tokyo Complete Collection DVD Box - Nov 13 to Nov 20
Level E Complete Collection BD/DVD Combo Set (Eps #1-13) - Dec 4 to Dec 11
Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt Complete Collection BLURAY - Dec 4 to Jan 15
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) the Movie BD/DVD Combo Set - Dec 4 to Jan 22
Shana (Shakugan no Shana) OVA BD/DVD Combo Set - Dec 4 to Jan 22
Baka and Test Season 2 Complete Collection DVD/BLURAY Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Dec 11 to Jan 15
SteinsGate Collection Part #2 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #13-24) - Dec 11 to Dec 18

Obviously some of these are going to cause pre-order folks a few headaches that wanted us to hold an order for one or more of these titles. If you have any of these titles on pre-order and want to make any changes, just let us know.

My Only Political Post of the Season

Posted without commentary...

Yeah, that's about right. HEH.

Priceless

Yo girls - how'd you like to checkout my dakimakura?? Huh? Huh?

(Thanks to Sean for sending over!)

Funimation Reduces the Price for Toriko

One day after sending out their January schedule, Funimation sent over an update to let us know that they have changed the price for the first Toroki boxed set.

The original MSRP was $64.98, but the new MSRP is now $39.98. Quite a price drop. We've reduced our pre-order price accordingly to $26.98:

Toriko Collection Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-13)

Since we just got it posted to the site last night I don't think there were any pre-orders that had come in before we changed the price this morning - but if there are we will automatically change your order to the new price. Not sure what happened there, but I guess Funi just had the wrong price on it in the original retailer mailer.

Funimation's January 2013 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Funimation has sent over their January 2013 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Blood C Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Jan 8
Blood C Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Standard Edition) - Jan 8
Toriko Collection Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-13) - Jan 8
Shin-Chan (Crayon Shinchan) Season 3 DVD Collection (Eps #52-77) - Jan 29
Shorts International - Oscar Short Films Collection DVD/BD Combo Set - Jan 29

NIS Announces Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl DVD/BD Premium Edition for January!

NIS has sent over the paperwork for their Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl DVD/BD Collection and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order:

Ground Control to Psychoelectric Girl Complete DVD/BD Combo Set (Premium Edition)

This premium edition contains episodes 1-13 plus a full-color, 36-page hardcover art book full of character information, background illustrations, an episode guide, and personal interviews with the cast, director, character designer, and producer!

The set will, like all NIS releases, be subtitled only. The release date is set for January 8th.

Synopsis: Makoto Niwa just moved to the city to live with his aunt Meme after his parents have been reassigned to work overseas. He is perfectly fine with that, saying it will give him the chance to live the dream life of an adolescent boy. He keeps track of the things he does by assigning "points" to them - positive or negative - and adds them up on a regular basis to grade his adolescent life. Then he discovers Meme has a secret daughter (and self-proclaimed alien) named Erio. He finds her rolling around by the front door of Meme's house wrapped up in a futon. It is then he realizes that his dream adolescent life will not come true, and begins a life of experiences that are out of this world.