Robert's Anime Corner Blog

Funimation / Media Blasters Date Changes & Cancelations

2012-01-31T19:22:00.000-05:00

Funimation's April 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2012-01-30T21:05:00.000-05:00

Funimation has sent over their April 2012 release schedule, and we now have it all up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Black Butler Season 1 Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-24) - Apr 3
Black Butler Season 2 Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #25-42) - Apr 3
Okami-san and Her Seven Companions DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited) - Apr 3
Oh! Edo Rocket Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-26) - Apr 10
Sekirei Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) - Apr 10
Legend of the Legendary Heroes Part #1 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-13) (Limited) - Apr 17
Legend of the Legendary Heroes Part #2 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #14-25) - Apr 17
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE OVA Collection DVD (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Apr 17
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE OVA Collection BLURAY (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Apr 17
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Collection #1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-33) - Apr 24
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Collection #1 BLURAY Boxed Set (Eps #1-33) - Apr 24
Fullmetal Alchemist: the Sacred Star of Milos DVD - Apr 24
Fullmetal Alchemist: the Sacred Star of Milos BLURAY - Apr 24
Jyu-Oh-Sei (Planet of the Beast King) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Apr 24

Just Hanging Out

2012-01-23T10:45:00.000-05:00

A little something fun to help you start your day today:

HEH. :-) Hat tip to Sean for sending.

Section 23 April 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2012-01-16T11:40:00.000-05:00

Section 23 has sent over their April 2012 release schedule this week, and we now have it all up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Motto To Love Ru (Season 2) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) - Apr 3
Polyphonica Crimson S (Season 2) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) - Apr 3
Infinite Stratos Complete Collection DVD (Eps #-1-13) - Apr 10
Infinite Stratos Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #-1-13) - Apr 10
Someday's Dreamers Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Apr 17
Golgo 13 TV Series Collection #3 DVD Box (Eps #25-36) - Apr 24

NIS Announces Kimi Ni Todoke Premium Edition #2 + 6 Standard Editions

2012-01-06T02:58:00.000-05:00

NIS announced the 2nd season Kimi Ni Todoke premium edition today for April 10th:

Kimi ni Todoke Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Collection #2 (Eps #13-24)

They also announced six new standard edition releases, all scheduled to street in less than three weeks on Jan 24th:

Persona ~ Trinity Soul ~ Collection #1 Standard Edition DVD (Eps #1-13)
Persona ~ Trinity Soul ~ Collection #2 Standard Edition DVD (Eps #14-26)
Pandora Hearts Standard Edition DVD Set #1 (Eps #1-12)
Pandora Hearts Standard Edition DVD Set #2 (Eps #13-24)
Our Home's Fox Deity (Wagaya no Oinarisama) Standard Edition DVD Set #1 (Eps #1-12)
Our Home's Fox Deity (Wagaya no Oinarisama) Standard Edition DVD Set #2 (Eps #13-24)

Bandai Adds Last Minute K-On (S1) Boxed Set

2012-01-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

In a surprise announcement tonight, Bandai added a K-On Season 1 Anime Legends set to their final February release schedule:

K-On! (Season 1) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-14)

Clearly they are looking around trying to figure out what to do with all the unsold singles the majors have recently returned to them, and February will be their last opportunity to release any series repackaged as sets. It's just too bad it's going to be DVD only. And what better than a last minute $40 legends pack to make all the folks that paid 3x as much for the singles last year feel better about themselves. ~Oy~

The End of an Era - Bandai Finally Calls it Quits

2012-01-03T00:50:00.002-05:00

The folks at Bandai apparently have made their 2012 new years resolution never to publish anymore Anime. I think they waited to make this announcement until today thinking we'd all probably be too hung over to notice.

Hot off the wire:

Bandai Entertainment, the subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) that handles anime and manga in North America, will stop offering new DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and manga releases next month. It will continue to distribute in its existing catalog lineup, but it will no longer produce and distribute new releases as of this February.

Instead, Bandai Entertainment will focus on licensing rights to other companies, particularly in digital distribution, broadcast, and merchandising. The company will be restructured as a result, and most of its contractors and three of its five fulltime staff members will be laid off.

The following releases have been cancelled:

Anime DVD/Blu-ray Disc

Gosick
Nichijō
Turn A Gundam

Manga

Code Geass: Renya (Code Geass: Shikkoku no Renya)
Gurren Lagann volume 7
Kannagi volumes 4-6
Lucky Star Boo Boo Kagaboo (spinoff by Eretto)
Mobile Suit Gundam 00I
Tales of the Abyss: Jade's Secret Memories volumes 1 and 2

Releases in Bandai Entertainment's current catalog will still be available after February, and Bandai Entertainment plans to produce new stock on these existing releases, if needed, until their respective licenses expire.

Bandai Entertainment closed its own online store in December, but other retailers can still order and carry Bandai Entertainment's current releases as before.

Star Driver, Tales of the Abyss, The Girl Who Leapt Through Space and Mobile Suit Gundam (the new release of 0079 with Japanese audio) will all be completed thanks to the timing of the closures. I was just saying in the last newsletter that the best we could probably hope for in 2012 was for Bandai to continue to hang on long enough to get the second season of K-On out. Oh well, so much for that. Hopefully Sentai or Funi will end up with it eventually. Gundam Unicorn won't be completed either. This also means that Turn A Gundam, My Ordinary Life (Nichijo) and Gosick, will not be released.

All I can say is that it's no surprise, and it's been a long time coming. ~sigh~

UPDATE: Ken Iyadomi's sobering explaination here.

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

2011-12-30T00:43:00.000-05:00

Funimation has sent us over their March 2012 sales book (actually about 2 weeks ago), and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what they are bringing out in March:

Hetalia Axis Powers Complete Series (Season 1 & 2) DVD Boxed Set - Mar 6
Sands of Destruction Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (S.A.V.E.) - Mar 6
One Piece Collection #5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #105-130) (Uncut) - Mar 13
Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 7 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #78-89) - Mar 20
Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 7 Boxed Set (BLURAY) (Eps #78-89) - Mar 20
Dragon Ball Z Level 2.1 (Eps #35-51) (BLURAY) - Mar 27
Dragon Ball Z Level 2.2 (Eps #52-68) (BLURAY) - Mar 27

Bandai February 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-12-29T16:34:00.000-05:00

Bandai has sent us over their February 2012 release schedule, and we finally have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Akira DVD (Re-Release) - Feb 7
Mobile Suit Gundam Complete Collection 2 DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends) - Feb 7
Gundam Unicorn , Part #2 DVD (Eps #3-4) - Feb 7
Tales of the Abyss , Part #3 DVD (Eps #13-18) - Feb 7
Tales of the Abyss , Part #4 DVD (Eps #19-24) - Feb 7
Gundam 00 Season 1 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Anime Legends) - Feb 7
Gundam 00 Season 2 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-25) (Anime Legends) - Feb 7
Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-25) (Anime Legends) - Feb 7

So we are finally getting the R2 box that everyone has been waiting for - like forever - and also the 2nd half of Mobile Suit, plus boxed sets for 00. The next two installments of Unicorn will be coming on DVD only. Tales vol #3 and #4 are coming too, but Bandai seems to have bailed on the LE versions. And the Akira re-release? Really, has ANYONE not seen/bought that by now? Some Anime just never dies in print... :-)

mrry chrstms & hppy nw yr!

2011-12-25T12:31:00.000-05:00

'Hobbit' Trailer #1 Released

2011-12-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

Just in case you haven't already seen it:

Section 23 March 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-12-16T01:28:00.000-05:00

Section 23 has sent over their March 2012 release schedule this week, and we now have it all up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Grave of the Fireflies DVD (Remastered) - Mar 6
Kimikiss Pure Rouge DVD Complete Collection (Eps #1-26) - Mar 6
Mardock Scramble: The First Compression DVD (Directors Cut) - Mar 13
Mardock Scramble: The First Compression BLURAY (Directors Cut) - Mar 13
ef ~ A Tale of Melodies Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-12) - Mar 20
ef ~ A Tale of Melodies Complete Collection BLURAY Set (Eps #1-12) - Mar 20
Dream Eater Merry Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - Mar 27
Dream Eater Merry Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-13) - Mar 27

Bandai Announces January 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-12-09T03:28:00.000-05:00

Bandai has sent us over their January 2012 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part #4 DVD (Eps #22-26) - Jan 17
Star Driver Collection #2 DVD (Eps #14-25) - Jan 17
Star Driver Collection #2 BLURAY (Eps #14-25) - Jan 17

They also bumped Tales of the Abyss Part #2 from December 6th to January 3rd:

Tales of the Abyss , Part #2 DVD (Eps #7-12)
Tales of the Abyss , Part #2 Limited Edition DVD (Eps #7-12)

NIS Announces the House of Five Leaves Premium Edition DVD Boxed Set

2011-12-09T02:43:00.000-05:00

NIS has announced the upcoming House of Five Leaves complete premium boxed set, and we now have it up for pre-order on the store:

House of Five Leaves Premium Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)

The set will be released on March 6th, 2012.

The Premium Edition includes a full-color, 30-page hardcover artbook featuring character information, episode guides, artwork, behind-the-scenes storyboards, draft designs, concept art, and a glossary of terms for insight into the culture of feudal Japan.

Synopsis: Ronin Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled swordsman, but his personality often causes him to be let go from his job. With desperation closing in, Akitsu accepts an offer to work as a bodyguard for Yaichi, the charismatic leader of a mysterious gang: the Five Leaves. Though the meek swordsman finds the gang's actions disturbing, Akitsu grows more fascinated by the outlaws every day.

SPEND $100 or MORE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT RACS & SAVE an EXTRA 10%!

2011-12-02T01:09:00.000-05:00

Spend $100 or more on your holiday shopping this week at RACS and 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).
To save an additional 10% off ANY in stock order over $100, just use the following coupon code during checkout:

HOLIDAYSAVINGS

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 over $100 of IN STOCK items only (no pre-orders please).
Offer expires at midnight EST on December 8th, so don't wait!!

CYBER MONDAY FIGURE SALE - SAVE 20-70% ON OVER 500 ANIME FIGURINES!

2011-11-28T09:01:00.008-05:00

We're offering our best holiday deal ever on over 500 in stock Anime figurines from RACS!

We've discounted almost our entire selection of in stock FIGURINES for the holidays by up to 20-70% off the regular price, and you can use our Super Saver or flat rate FedEx Ground shipping options to save even more!

These prices are already marked down on the store site, so you can even combine them with our current coupon sale for the ultimate in figurine savings! Good grief, what is Robert thinking!

But don't wait, at these prices our selection won't last long - so grab what you want before it's too late - or before Robert changes his mind...!

All figure sale items are strictly first come, first served. Be sure to place your order soon!

Wanna Know What Black Friday Looks Like from Our Side?

2011-11-27T23:00:00.000-05:00

It looks like this:

Daily total number of RACS orders filled by day for last 30 days.

We've been working ALL weekend folks...

Forget The Store - Shop Online at RACS This Weekend!

2011-11-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

This is why shopping online at RACS this weekend is so much better than at the store:

(Note: From a Walmart Black Friday morning. Just say no to crack!)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2011-11-24T01:38:00.000-05:00

We'll be closed on Thursday for the holiday, but will be back at it on Friday, so keep those orders coming! Until then, we wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Anime friends!

(Hey, you can look at a picture of a turkey anywhere...)

Section 23 & Funimation February 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-11-17T07:53:00.001-05:00

Section 23 and Funimation both sent over their February 2012 release schedules this week, and we now have it all up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Section 23 February 2012 releases:

Xam'd (Lost Memories) Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-24) - Feb 7
Xam'd (Lost Memories) Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-24) - Feb 7
Hell Girl Three Vessels (Season 3) Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-26) - Feb 14
Broken Blade Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-6) - Feb 21
Broken Blade Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-6) - Feb 21
A-Channel Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Feb 28

Funimation February 2012 releases:

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-13) - Feb 7
Sengoku Basara 2: Samurai Kings DVD/BD Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Feb 7
.Hack//Quantum OVA Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-3) - Feb 14
Chrome Shelled Regios Complete Collection DVD Set (Eps #1-24) - Feb 14
Vexille 2077 Nippon Sakoku Movie DVD (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Feb 14
Vexille 2077 Nippon Sakoku Movie BLURAY (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Feb 14
Fairy Tail Collection #4 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #37-48) - Feb 28
Princess Jellyfish Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-11) - Feb 28

In addition to the above upcoming titles, Funi also bumped the release date of two January titles up a week:

Fairy Tail Collection #3 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #25-36) - Jan 24 to Jan 31
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom DVD/BD Combo DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Jan 24 to Jan 31

That's it - pre-order away!

Bandai Announces December 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-11-10T22:39:00.000-05:00

Bandai has sent us over their December 2011 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Tales of the Abyss , Part #2 DVD (Eps #7-12) - Dec 6
Tales of the Abyss , Part #2 Limited Edition DVD (Eps #7-12) - Dec 6

In addition to this blow out holiday schedule, they bumped two upcoming titles by one week:

K-On! Vol #4 BD & DVD - Nov 22 to Nov 29
Star Driver Collection #1 BD & DVD (Eps #1-13) - Nov 22 to Nov 29

Just a note: The retailer pre-order date for Tales #2 is listed in the mailer as October 7th. They sent out the mailer to everyone on November 10th... [rolls eyes]

Sentai Picks Up A Channel and Un-Go

2011-11-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

Sentai Filmworks announced over the weekend that they have licensed two new anime series - A Channel and Un-Go. Both series are currently being shown on various evil greedy streaming services, and Sentai did not say when these might be out on home video.

A Channel: Series about four friends; Tooru who has just entered the same high school as her best best and childhood friend Run, who is now a second year, and Run's friends Yuuko & Nagi in their daily lives. Toeru takes a test so she can enter the same high school as Run, the girl she likes. She passes, but when she goes to tell Run, she finds her hugging a girl she's never seen before.

Un-Go: With the help of his strange assistant Inga, "failed detective" Shinjuro Yuki solves crimes in a near future Japan still suffering from the ravages of war. Problem is, the credit always ends up going to super detective Rinroku Kaisho. Yuki Shinjuro is known as "The Defeated Detective". He is searching for something, either individual or an object, and he is always accompanied by Inga, a mysterious entity that he coerced by tempting him/her that he will show him/her truth of humans. Although, his deductions are always correct, it is often cast into the darkness by Kaisho Rinroku and conspiracy of the current government.

NIS Announces the Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge Premium Edition

2011-11-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

NIS has announced the upcoming Arakawa Season 2 (Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge) premium boxed set, and we now have it up for pre-order on the store:

Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge (Season 2) Complete Collection Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #14-26)

The set will be released February 7th, 2012.

Just a little trivia: The title of season 2 is pronounced "Arakawa Under the Bridge Bridge". Don't mess up and include the 'x' when you are talking to other Otaku about it. :-)

The Premium Edition will come with a hardcover art book (full-color, 30+ pages), featuring character information, episode guides, artwork, and interviews with cast and production staff. Bonus tracks include commentary from various voice actresses/actors and even the original author, Hikaru Nakamura. These tracks will let you take a peek behind the scenes - it’s a very intimate way to learn how the cast thinks and feels about the characters and events! Also, TV spots and an End Card gallery are included.

Synopsis: Just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder by the banks of the mighty Arakawa, they go ahead and get weirder by a whole lot. Rec, Nino, and the rest of the riverside residents return, and with the addition of another batch of nutty citizens the insanity gets turns up to eleven...thousand. Now Rec has to deal with a sci-fi loving comic nerd who's convinced he's a captain in the Earth Defense Force, and the less said about the Amazon woman living upstream with her demonic "female" Amazon followers, the better. On top of that, Rec struggles with the pressing issues of romantic expression, media obsession, weight loss, weight gain, beach parties, haunted houses, interplanetary travel, and the ever-present threat of global thermonuclear war!

#OccupyDockingBay94

2011-11-06T00:15:00.000-04:00

Seems even the Storm Troopers are fed up:

HEH.

Funimation Finally Licenses a Few More One Piece Episodes

2011-11-01T09:58:00.000-04:00

After what has seem an interminable amount of time, the folks at Funimation have FINALLY announced that they have picked up the next block of One Piece episodes. They have picked up where they left off at episodes 206, and have licensed 57 more episodes up to 263. They do not expect to release these episodes until at least Summer of 2012.

These new episodes will will be presented in high-definition and in 16 by 9 aspect ratio in anticipation of a possible Blu-ray/DVD combo release. Funimation also said they will try to keep as much consistency as possible with regard to the voice acting, but that they may not be able to get all the same voice acting cast as the first 206 episodes for the dubbing of the new eps.

I guess they should not have waited so long to continue the series. At 530 total eps so far, they still have a long way to go with One Piece. As with Detective Conan, I think they may be biting off more than they can chew with some of these big shows.

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T11:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from the entire Anime Corner crew!

Arrietty Anime Film's U.S. Dub Trailer Posted

2011-10-28T00:02:00.002-04:00

Disney has posted the official trailer for their upcoming North American theatrical release of Arrietty, which will begin on February 17:

Sentai Licenses Mashiro-Iro Symphony

2011-10-27T23:51:00.000-04:00

The folks at Sentai confirmed earlier this week that they have licensed the Eroge Anime Mashiro-Iro Symphony: The color of lovers. They plan to release the series subtitled on DVD later in 2012.

The anime premiered in Japan on October 4, and that evil greedy streaming company is currently simulcasting the series in North America.

Mashiro-Iro Symphony: The traditional girls-only Yuihime Private Academy is considering the possibility of starting to accept both genders and has thus made an agreement with a neighboring school to receive some of its students as an experiment to see the reaction to this adaptation. Shingo Iryu is one of the many students transferred for a ten month experimental phase at Yuihime Academy. He, his sister, and his fellow relocated colleagues are impressed by the sophisticated campus, but even more by the resistance of many students who don't want the boys over there.

Funimation Resurrects Fafner, Picks Up Oblivion Island Film

2011-10-27T23:30:00.000-04:00

Here's one I've been meaning to post on for a few days now. The Funimation folks announced at their New York Comic Con panel that they have licensed the Fafner TV series and film (Sokyu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor: Heaven and Earth), and also the Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror Anime movie.

The Fafner series is old news and was originally published by Geneon in 2005. Geneon went under in 2008, but the old Fafner DVD's have pretty much remained. Ditan had tens of thousands of unsold copies left in their warehouse when Geneon bit it, so the series hasn't ever really been scarce, even after all this time. The film, on the other hand, only came out a year ago and a US release is most welcome. It's quite good.

The Oblivion Island film came out in Japan a couple years ago and is 100% 3D CGI. It won a bunch of awards, and is really excellent. It comes HIGHLY recommended by me, which as you know, I hardly ever do. It's just too bad Funi still has A HUGE lag time between announce and publish, and probably won't get it out on the street until around this time next year.

Fafner TV Series: Tatsumiyajima is the central island in the middle of a small cluster of islands, in a sleepy backwater of the Japanese isles. Not much happens there, and the island's young people go to school knowing that their lives are likely to remain peaceful and undisturbed. Or so they have been taught... but the truth is different. The fate of mankind is on the line, and Tatsumiyajima is the last line of defense against a hostile and incomprehensible enemy. At the center of it all, fighting for Humanity's continued existence, is the giant robot Fafner, the dragon that guards this final treasure of mankind.

Sokyu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor, Heaven and Earth: Two years after the end of the original Soukyuu no Fafner TV series, Tatsumiya Island and its surviving residents have returned to some semblance of recovery. However, things have become desperate for our hero, Kazuki; nearly blind now, and partially crippled from his battles with the Festum two years earlier, he clings to the promise his fallen friend Soushi made to him to return to the island and set things right again. Kazuki's hopes flare when a lifeform is detected within an unmanned submarine that comes floating into Tatsumiya Bay one night, but the person aboard isn't Soushi; it is a mysterious "boy" named Misao Kurusu who may not be entirely human, and who claims to have been sent by Soushi. With Misao's arrival, hostilities break out anew between the Human Army and the Festum, and the Fafner pilots are thrown into the most desperate battle of their lives--this time, with the fate of TWO races riding on their shoulders.

Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror Film: Haruka is a single daughter who lost her mother at a young age because of terminal illness. She continued to live with her father after that but time and the fact that her father is always busy with his work has created an emotional distance between them. When her mother was still alive, she received a hand mirror from her as a present and she treasured it a lot. After her mother's death, she started to forget about the mirror until she eventually lost it. One day, she decides to go to a local shrine and pray for the return of her lost mirror. It is there that she accidentally encounters a small masked creature which she secretly follows to the land of forgotten items.

Section 23 January 2012 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-10-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has sent over their January 2012 release schedule and we've got it all posted to the store site for pre-order. Here's what coming:

And Yet the Town Moves (Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru) Complete Collection DVD - Jan 3
Akikan! Complete Collection DVD - Jan 10
Princess Resurrection Complete Collection DVD Box (Eps #1-26) (Bilingual Edition) - Jan 17
The World that God Only Knows Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Jan 24
The World that God Only Knows Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-12) - Jan 24
EF: A Tale of Memories Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Jan 31
EF: A Tale of Memories Complete Collection BLURAY (Eps #1-12) - Jan 31

My thoughts? Once again Section 23 comes through with a fantastic list of nearly all new material. They are even giving us a dubbed version of Princess Resurrection, and no messy re-releases to deal with. I swear if it wasn't for them, we'd hardly have any new Anime releases in the pipeline at all. While the other studios are sitting around wringing their hands about digital this and live action that trying to figure out which direction to go in, Section 23 is getting it done for the rest of us. Kudos!

Customer Comment from Myeisha

2011-10-17T19:39:00.011-04:00

Myeisha wrote it today and said this:

"Hello,

I just received my package and I must say that I am totally, completely, utterly, satisfied! I was actually very surprised to see my stuff so neatly wrapped in bubblewrap. It made me feel like my items were given a personal touch. I'm not a frequent shopper here, but after my recent experience, I was reminded that I need to shop here more often! You guys even had a manga that my usual retailer sold out of!

A+++++++ for awesomness!

P.S I'm glad you guys started the free shipping for orders $49 and up as well! ^-^

M-chan ^-^"

WOW! Sometimes when we hear general comments from someone it's because they are "totally, completely, and utterly" incensed by something I said on some Anime forum 2 or 3 years ago, so it's really nice when it's the other way around. Though I'm really not surprised when people are happy with our order packaging - we do give it a lot of consideration, but considering how some of the other guys box up your orders, we could hardly do worse. -_^

Thanks Myeisha! We appreciate it very much! :-)

15 Geek Convention Stereotypes that are All True

2011-10-17T16:24:00.001-04:00

It's funny because it's true!

I especially like the 'creepy weird guy that hangs around your booth for 8 hours'. Anyone who's ever worked the dealer room at an Anime con knows that one is right on target! "Dude, get outta here already, isn't there a screening room or workshop you should be sitting in??!!"

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

2011-10-14T01:02:00.000-04:00

Funimation has sent us over their January 2012 sales book, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order.

Actually, they had made a couple of last minute changes, so we held off posting this update for a couple of days until all the correct info was in our hands. Here's what's coming:

Dragonball Z Movie Pack #3 (Movies #10-13) DVD - Jan 3
Gun X Sword Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Jan 3
My Bride is a Mermaid Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Jan 3
Sekirei 2: Pure Engagement Complete DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Eps #13-24) - Jan 3
X TV Series Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #0-24) - Jan 3
Hetalia (World Series 1) Season 3 DVD Set - Jan 17
Kaze no Stigma Season #1 Complete DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Jan 17
Nabari no Ou DVD Season 1 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Jan 17
Fairy Tail Collection #3 DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #25-36) - Jan 24
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom DVD/BD Combo DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Jan 24
Tenchi Muyo GXP Complete DVD Boxed Set (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Jan 24
B Gata H Kei – Yamada’s First Time Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Boxed Set (Limited Edition) - Jan 31
One Piece Collection #4 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #79-104) (Uncut) - Jan 31

Customer Comment

2011-10-12T12:13:00.001-04:00

Being in any sort of retail is probably one of the most thankless jobs that exists.

This is especially true online, where (for example) people that you have never met can lay the blame that they waited to long to use the last coupon squarely at your own mothers door and in the most colorful language without the slightest fear you will come over the counter and introduce their face to your fist.

This also applies to Anime forum trolls, but I digress...

The reality of customer service work is that you rarely hear from customers unless there is some sort of issue you need to resolve, so this note that Mel send over today was really a breath of fresh air:

"Dear RACS,

As I sat in my room pondering what should be my next anime purchase; RACS popped into my mind. I then remembered how before I discovered RACS I only knew of the anime that came on Toonami (just made myself feel so old), Adult Swim, and 4Kids. My first anime purchase that did not come from any of those networks was Princess TuTu and Galaxy Railways, that I purchased from RACS. Ever since I discovered this wonderful store I feel as if my anime world expanded. At the end of the week I always make sure to read the newsletter, the newsletter helps me with decisions of purchasing certain items, and so far it hasn't lead me astray. The BEST thing I love about RACS is that the staff there is so wonderful, and I truly appreciate all the hard work the staff of RACS does for everyone.

P.S. I emailed the staff of RACS some cookies! They have macadamia nuts in them so if you have peanut alergies please don't eat them. xD

Sincerely,
Mel"

Thanks so much Mel! We appreciate it very much - and the cookies were delicious! :-)

Sentai Picks Up Broken Blade (Break Blade)

2011-10-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

Sentai has announced that they have licensed the six-part anime film series Broken Blade (Break Blade). The series is based on Yunosuke Yoshinaga's alternate-world robot manga, the first 3 volumes of whic were published by CMX Manga before they shut down last year.

Sentai plans to release the series on DVD and BD in 2012.

Have you noticed there have been a lot of announcements for new Anime coming out of Sentai lately, while at most other studios you can hear the crickets chirping? To drive that point home, we got a big new shipment from Funimation today, and the entire thing was S.A.V.E. editions, like 5 or 6 different ones. Not sure what's going on with that...

Synopsis: The inhabitants of the continent of Cruzon are born with the ability to freely control quartz. Technology based on this power allows them to perform a great multitude of tasks such as shoot projectiles and pilot mobile suits (called Golems in this society). Rygart Arrow is an un-sorcerer, a rare individual who is unable to levitate even the smallest crystal. Living with his brother on a farm, he receives a letter from an old friend, Hodr, the current king. Close companion of the king and queen when they were students at Assam Military School, Arrow is informed that a war is about to occur. Hodr called him because an ancient type of Golem has been found in a mining shaft. No one has been able to move it and Queen Sigyn, an expert engineer, suspects that maybe an un-sorcerer might be the key to activate it.

Funimation Delays YuYu Hahuksho OVA/Eizou and Lowers a Few Prices

2011-10-06T18:36:00.000-04:00

Funimation has announced a short delay in the release of the upcoming Yu Yu Hakusho OVA (Eizou Hakusho) DVD Set. It's been pushed back 2 weeks from Nov 29th to Dec 13th.

Yu Yu Hakusho OVA (Eizou Hakusho) DVD Set - Nov 29 to Dec 13

They also continue to participate in the current 'race to the bottom' business strategy seemingly favoured by so many Anime companies these days with re-prices of several existing items, including:

Dragon Ball Season 5 DVD Boxed Set (Uncut) - $49.98 to $34.98 MSRP
Kamui Gaiden DVD (Live Action) - $24.98 to $19.98 MSRP
Kamui Gaiden BLURAY (Live Action) - $29.98 to $19.98 MSRP
Daytime Drinking DVD (Live Action) - $14.98 to $9.98 MSRP

They also repriced an older release of Afro Samurai Resurrection, but we no longer carry that version. We've lowered our regular price on the DB #5 Box to $24.98. Both formats of Kamui can now be had here at $13.98, and Daytime Drinking is now only $7.98. Any cheaper than that folks, and they'd be free. -_^

The Passing of a Great American

2011-10-06T16:15:00.001-04:00

As I'm sure you already know, Steve Jobs passed away yesterday.

What a piece of work is a man!
How noble in Reason!
how infinite in faculties!
in form and moving how express and admirable!
In action how like an Angel!
in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world!
the paragon of animals!
and yet to me, what is this quintessence of dust?

- Hamlet, Act II, Scene II

Jobs was probably one of the most brilliant creators and marketers of products in history. He also was born into and worked in a country, and at a time, that allowed him and his inventions to flourish, making himself rich in the process. Thinking about it, I sit here and wonder if Steve Jobs could start 'Apple' in his garage today and still get it off the ground floor.

With all the misplaced anger we see today directed at successful people, all the talk of corporate greed, and all the finger pointing by people blaming someone else for their lot in life, it makes me wonder if Steve Jobs will be the last true capitalist that political correctness will permit us to admire?

But really, who cares what's "permitted?". For myself, Steve Jobs was an inspirational figure, and I for one plan to keep on misbehaving - just like he did.

God Speed Steve.

Sentai Gets Towa no Quon, Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai, Akikan!, & And yet The Town Moves

2011-10-03T16:02:00.000-04:00

Sentai announced at its Anime Weekend Atlanta panel that it has licensed four new series: Towa no Quon film, The World God Only Knows (Season 1), Akikan! , and And yet The Town Moves.

The 6-part film series Towa no Quon follows the story of a boy named Quon who wakes up with supernatural powers. He must protect himself and those like him from Kestos, the secret organization hunting them.

In the World God Only Knows (Kami Nomi zo Shiru Sekai) Keima Katsuragi is a high school boy who is known as the "Capturing God" for his success at romance simulation games. However, thanks to a contract with a devil, he now has to capture the hearts of real girls to catch the runaway spirits hidden in those hearts.

The 12 ep series Akikan! revolves around a typical high school boy named Kakeru Daichi and the can of melon juice soda that he bought from a vending machine. The can suddenly transforms into a beautiful but standoffish girl that Kakeru nicknames "Melon," and more "Akikan!" ("empty can") girls appear. However, Akikan girls need to be (of course) infused with carbon dioxide from kissing to survive.

The comedy series And yet The Town Moves is an adaptation of the Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru manga series. The story centers around Seaside, a slightly odd maid tea shop (kissa) in an otherwise ordinary shopping district of a mundane neighborhood in Tokyo. Hotori works at Seaside and daydreams about being a high school girl detective.

Funimation Picks Up Guilty Crown & the .Hack//Quantum OVA

2011-10-03T15:49:00.001-04:00

Funimation announced over the weekend at their Anime Weekend Atlanta panel that they have picked up both the .Hack//Quantum OVA and Guilty Crown anime shows. Funi plans to release the .Hack//Quantum OVA on DVD in early 2012. Guilty Crown will be streamed for now, and FUni did not say when they might be releasing the title on home video.

.hack//Quantum OVA is set in The World R:X setting of last year's .hack//Link game for the Sony PSP. In the story, the player characters Tobias, Mary, and Sakuya form a party in The World R:X for adventure but encounter a mysterious entity named Hermit. The encounter draws them into the all-consuming darkness taking over The World R:X.

Guilty Crown is set in Japan in 2039, 10 years after the "Apocalypse Virus" devastated the land in an incident known as "Lost Christmas." A multinational organization known as GHQ brings the lawless country under control, but at the price of Japan's sovereignty. One day, an unsociable 17-year-old second-year high school student named Shū Ouma encounters Inori Yuzuriha, a female singer who is part of the resistance to liberate Japan. Together with Gai Tsutsugami (Shu's 17-year-old rival who is a young "Jiikundo" pilot in the resistance), Shu and Inori fight with mysterious innate abilities known as "imperial powers."

Sentai Picks Up Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere

2011-09-29T13:34:00.000-04:00

Sentai Filmworks announced this morning that they have picked up the license for the Horizon in the Middle of Nowhere Anime (Kyōkai Senjō no Horizon). They plan to release the series susbtitled on DVD in 2012.

Synopsis: 'History' is coming to an end. When humans came down from the sky they brought with them the Testament, the guide to the path they must follow if they wish to return to the skies again. Now, in a strange world where only the islands of Japan are inhabitable, the nations of the world vie for power and protect the portions of Japan that they have claimed, each armed with its own ultimate weapon: a Roysmoi Opro, the Armor of Deadly Sins. But there may be a far greater threat to mankind than the Roysomi Opro, for the Testament ends abruptly, and it is now the last year. Is this the end of humanity, or can Tori Aoi and his fellow students from the aerial metropolitan ship Musashi somehow affect the course of destiny? Who and what is the HORIZON IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE?

Sentai Picks Up Persona 4 & Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai

2011-09-29T13:11:00.000-04:00

Sentai Filmworks has announced that they have licensed the Persona 4 The Animation television anime series, and plan to release the show on both DVD and BD in 2012. The anime has not yet started it's showing in Japan, but will premiere on Japan's MBS station on October 6.

Sentai has also licensed the Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai!! television anime series, and will publish it under the name "Majikoi - Oh! Samurai Girls!". They plan to release the 12 episode series on DVD in 2012 also.

Majikoi - Oh! Samurai Girls: Kawakami City is famous for its strong dedication to its samurai ancestors. A healthy fighting spirit is always valued and it's even an important factor for success at school. Yamato, a second year student from Kawakami Highchool is always with his close friends (4 boys and 3 girls). They have all known each other since they were young and have done many things together. While they have many other friends, this group of seven is a close-knit, inseparable group. They even have a secret base where they meet. With the new semester, they welcome two girls into their group and shortly after things begin to change...

Funimation Delays Release of Darker than Black Season 2

2011-09-28T16:40:00.000-04:00

Funimation just sent over a note letting us know that the release of Season 2 of Darker Than Black, originally scheduled for Oct 18th, is going to be delayed due to the holiday backlog at their presser. The new release date is now set for Nov 8th.

Darker Than Black Season 2 Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps # 27-52 + OVA's) (Limited First Pressing) - Oct 18 to Nov 8

Damnit. -_^

As always, if you have an existing order holding for this title and want to make a change, just drop us a line and we'll take care of it for you.

Bandai Announces November 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-09-28T13:24:00.000-04:00

Bandai has sent us over their November 2011 release schedule, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

K-On! Vol #4 DVD - Nov 22
K-On! Vol #4 (BLURAY) - Nov 22
Star Driver Collection #1 DVD (Eps #1-13) - Nov 22
Star Driver Collection #1 BLURAY (Eps #1-13) - Nov 22
TEKKEN Blood Vengeance DVD - Nov 22

Couple Notes:
1) Star Driver will be sub only.
2) No Tekken Blood Vengeance BD - for now.
3) NO DATE CHANGES in this mailer! Yippie!!!

Star Driver: On the southern edge of Japan, the inhabitants of Southern Cross Island lead seemingly normal lives but far beneath the surface of this quiet island lies an ancient secret that lays dormant until Takuto Tsunashi washes ashore one night. Upon enrolling in Southern Cross Island High School, Takuto and his friends become embroiled in a conflict with a clandestine society to control giant machines, called Cybodies, sealed under the island and whose powers are bound by special shrine maidens. What secrets will Takuto dig up and how will he deal with the obstacles that lie ahead of him as this struggle will threaten to tear apart the entire island?!

TEKKEN: Blood Vengeance: The stage for a final showdown is prepared as Anna Williams and the G Corporation set a trap for her sister Nina who works for Jin Kazama, head of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Both Jin and his father, Kazuya Mishima of the G Corporation, seek to possess and control the M Cell that will unlock the destructive supernatural powers buried within the Mishima bloodline. Kazuya dispatches Ling Xiaoyu to a prestigious international school to spy on Shin Kamiya, a victim of secret genetic experiments and may hold the key to the M Cell. While investigating Shin, Xiaoyu befriends Alisa Bosconovitch who also shows an interest in Shin. Their new friendship is put to the test as they are caught in the middle of the Mishima family feud. The final battle explodes in a three way battle between father, son and even grandfather, Heihachi Mishma, the mastermind behind the M Cell conspiracy. Who will claim the M Cell and unlock the full power of the Devil Gene?!

Last Exile -Fam, The Silver Wing- Trailer

2011-09-26T20:46:00.000-04:00

The new Last Exile show from Gonzo, Last Exile -Fam, The Silver Wing- will begin it's TV run in Japan at 2am on October 15th. This is one in particular that I've been looking forward to for some time. Funimation has licensed it for North America, but I imagine it will be at least a year before it shows up on our shores.

Until then, enjoy the trailer! :-)

The Worlds Most Generic News Report

2011-09-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

Brilliant!

Crunchyroll - Pot Sues Kettle

2011-09-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

You know, after reading some fan comments over the past few weeks it's clear that over the last few months I've been way too quiet about the little hypocrisies in our industry. Time to change that.

So I was perusing the news blurbs over on the Anime ecomatrix this morning, when I saw this:

"Crunchyroll and TV Tokyo have issued a lawsuit against 13 YouTube uploaders for allegedly illegal distribution of anime episodes, according to a copyright infringement complaint filed on May 11 and served between July and September. Crunchyroll and TV Tokyo are seeking reparation for "great and irreparable injury that cannot fully be compensated or measured in money" because of the defendants' allegedly unauthorized copying, uploading, and distributing via YouTube of multiple Naruto, Naruto Shippūden, and Bleach episodes.

Based on their YouTube subscriber information, the defendants reside in the United States, Japan, Canada, Denmark, and Hungary. Crunchyroll maintains its main offices in California (as does YouTube), so the suit was filed as a U.S. copyright violation in the Northern District Court of California. For the purposes of the lawsuit, TV Tokyo is giving Crunchyroll legal permission to act on its behalf in order to "permanently remove the illegal uploads of infringing parties from file-sharing services and to obtain legal relief against infringers."

I just find it a bit entertaining as, before they went legit, Crunchyroll got it's start and built it's audience streaming unlicensed fansubs captured from torrents. A little history:

"Launched in the summer of 2006, Crunchyroll is a video-streaming site run by Crunchyroll, Inc. that originally grew by serving illegal (unlicensed) content, namely Japanese Animation (anime). The site generated revenue by soliciting donations and through advertising. After failing to be bought out by Viacom in 2007, Crunchyroll secured venture capital funding to the tune of $4 million through Venrock."

Of course, as soon as they got the angel funding from Venrock (and started working up SEC filings so they could privately sell more shares) they had to go legit, but they built their original audience and 'brand' on unlicensed content. So let's not forget that Kun Gao, Vu Nguyen, Sanha Han, Brandon Ooi, James Lin and many others have gotten rich off an enterprise that started deep in the shylocks.

Just something to think about the next time you are watching Anime there. I'm sure there will be outrage from the fan community over their persecution of YouTube users, and if not, I hope the irony does not escape you. :-)

Section 23 December 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-09-21T00:23:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has sent over their December 2011 release schedule and we've got it all posted to the store site for pre-order. Here's what coming:

Rozen Maiden + Traumend Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) - Dec 6
Rozen Maiden Ouverture Collection DVD (Eps #1-2) - Dec 6
Kino's Journey Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set - Dec 13
Elfen Lied Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) - Dec 20
Modern Magic Made Simple (Yoku Wakaru Gendai Maho) Complete DVD (Eps #1-12) - Dec 20
Himawari, Too! (Season 2) Collection DVD (Eps #14-26) - Dec 27

Modern Magic Made Simple: Life hasn't been fair to Koyomi Morishita. Even though she's in high school, she's so short that everyone assumes she's still in grade school. The boys and girls in her school tease her mercilessly, and she's not exactly graceful either. On the other hand, she's still better off than Yumiko, who has a magician trying to kill her. Or at least Koyomi WAS until their paths crossed! Fortunately, salvation arrives in the form of master mage and graduate student Misa Anehara, who agrees to take Koyomi under her wing in learning the new style of magic, which breaks enchantment down into sequences of code. That'll be quite a task, given that so far Koyomi's talent seems to consist of making washbasins randomly fall out of the sky. But if it was easy, it wouldn't be magic, would it?

Funimation's December Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-09-16T06:04:00.001-04:00

NIS Changes Kimi ni Todoke to DVD/BD Combo Set, Delays Release to January

2011-09-14T12:34:00.003-04:00

NIS sent over an update package this morning to let us know that they have decided (in a rather last minute decision) to change the upcoming premium edition release of Kimi Ni Todoke from a DVD set to a DVD/BD combo set. This is great news! We also have new box art - see below.

The bad news is that this means the release of this set is being pushed back from Oct 25th, 2011 to Jan 10th, 2012. The other bad news is that NIS is increasing the MSRP on the set from $59.98 to $69.98. This means we had to raise our pre-order price to $48.98, which leaves us in a bit of a pickle - the $10 increase puts our new cost slightly over the old street price we were selling it for.

I have e-mailed NIS to see if they would offer us price protection against the pre-orders we've already booked. This would allow us to honor the old $44.98 price for existing pre-orders that have already been placed. If they do not, we'll have to either get approval for the price increase from everyone who has already pre-ordered or cancel those orders. Once I hear back from NIS I'll post back here regarding what we are going to do.

PRE-ORDER UPDATE: The folks at NIS have been kind enough to put a deal together for us that will allow us to share the cost of the price increase and thus keep everyone's existing pre-order for Kimi Ni Todoke booked at the original price of $44.98. So all 'existing' pre-orders for this release will automatically be upgraded to the new DVD/BD combo set at no additional cost. Thanks Mitsu! :-) New pre-orders will be offered at the slightly higher price of $48.98 based on the new higher MSRP.

9/11 Remembrance

2011-09-11T08:01:00.001-04:00

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the 9-11-2001 attacks. I have nothing profound or relevant to say, except that I will always remember that day as one of the saddest of my life. We have not forgotten the 3,000 lives lost in the attacks. Please remember the families of the victims in your prayers today.

Funimation To Release Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu Next Spring

2011-09-07T00:33:00.000-04:00

The folks at Funimation confirmed at AnimeFest that they are planning to release the The Legend of the Legendary Heroes (Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu) anime series as a DVD/BD combo set sometime next spring (2012). The release will be both English dubbed and subtitled.

Synopsis: Raina Lute is a lazy student of Roland Empire Royal Magician's school. One day, Roland Empire goes to war against a neighboring country Estaboole, and he lost his classmates in the battle. After the war, Lute sets out for a journey to search the relics of a "Legendary Hero" at Emperor Zion Astar's command. And he finds out a deadly curse spreading the continent.

Sentai Picks Up Rozen Maiden, Traumend, and Ouverture!

2011-09-07T00:25:00.000-04:00

The folks at Sentai Filmworks (Section 23) have announced that they have licensed the Rozen Maiden anime series (12 eps), the sequel Rozen Maiden - Träumend (also 12 eps), and the 2 episode OVA Rozen Maiden: Ouvertüre.

Some of you will remember that Geneon previously licensed the original series and Traumend in 2007, but the release got botched up when Geneon went under in 2008. Funimation then signed on the distribute the series for awhile, and did, but has since dropped the license too.

Everyone in the industry seems to get a shot at these licenses eventually, don't they? So this will be third time around for Rozen Maiden, though the OVA eps have never been released before. Sentai is planning a complete set DVD release of the series (both seasons + the OVA) during the holiday season this year, probably in December. They are also planning to release the OVA separately in case you already own the first two seasons. The OVA will be carrying a brand new dub from BangZoom.

3rd Evangelion Film Announced for Fall of 2012!

2011-08-26T11:58:00.000-04:00

At last! We finally have a date on the 3rd Evangelion film!

Khara has confirmed that Evangelion Shin Gekijō-ban Q Quickening, the third film in Hideaki Anno and Khara's four-part remake of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series, will open in Japan in Fall of 2012. The announcement was made during a new preview of the film that aired after the television premiere of the second film.

That would put it's release here in North America somewhere around late 2013, or about 2 years from now. It's a long time to wait, but now at least we know. :-)

Bandai Announces October 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-08-26T03:25:00.000-04:00

Bandai has sent us over their October 2011 release schedule. The Sept release of Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part #3 has now been pushed into October. So with that said, here's what's coming:

Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-6) - Oct 11
Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 Limited Edition DVD (Eps #1-6) - Oct 11
Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part #3 DVD - Sep 13 to Oct 18

And yes, I am aware that their entire October release slate is made up of previously announced titles that they re-scheduled into October. Times are tough, what can I say...

Irene is Coming

2011-08-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

I've been holding off posting about Irene until we got close enough to get a better view of where it's headed. Even though those of us here at RACS HQ live and work a couple hours inland on the East Coast, it still looks like we're going have some sort of major effect from Irene as it passes up the east coast, so now we are making plans to batten down the warehouse Friday afternoon and head home to ride out whatever effects we get from the storm.

Our building here is designed for 85mph sustained winds, and we are far enoguh inland that I don't think we will be seeing anything like that here. Still, we're going to take a few precautions just in case - like bringing the picnic table inside and chalking the wheels on our travel trailer. And we already have cut plywood panels here in house if we feel like we need to cover the windows, as crazy as that might sound considering where we are. When Isabel came through in 2003, we had 65-70 mph winds here and some flooding. That was before our current building was built.

While the main track looks like it's going to skirt us and head straight up for New York, there is one westerly track (it's the blue line in the graphic above) that brings the storm in right on top of us, so we're taking this very seriously. If it moves significantly westerly overnight, we will probably cut out early tomorrow so everyone has time to go home and get their houses ready for the storm.

While we were talking about it today, it made me think of this:

'Fuckin Irene'. Yeah.

Chaos Head Coming November 29th - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-08-24T19:38:00.000-04:00

We'll, someone at Funimation was listening to me when I criticized their lack of new material for November. They announced today that they have added the DVD/BD combo release of Chaos Head and have set a street date of November 29th. We have it up for pre-order now:

Chaos Head Complete Collection DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #1-12) (Limited Edition)

We're offering the Limited Edition set in pre-order for a regular price of 36% off MSRP, so be sure to get your order in today!

Earthquake

2011-08-23T14:09:00.004-04:00

Yes, we just had an small earthquake here about 10 minutes ago. Apparently, it's a pretty decent sized one but 80 or 90 miles to our south. Apparently they are evacuating some buildings in D.C. I'm moving my folks here at our facility outside for a few minutes.

More later.

UPDATE: Looks like everything is OK, just the one tremor. Shook the office and warehouse here pretty good though. Very unusual for this area. We're back at it as we have quite a few orders to finish processing.

UPDATE 2: Devastation:

Titancon - Belfast Ireland - Sept 24th - Be There

2011-08-22T23:54:00.000-04:00

Loving this...

Even if the fifth book didn't go anywhere... HEH.

(Note: I don't know how many of you out there might be Game of Thrones fans, but if you are you know that everyone bitched like hell that it took like 10 years to get a decidedly mediocre fifth installment. But really? That ain't nothin people. Anime fans can do ten years standing on our heads!)

Media Blasters December 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-08-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Media Blasters has sent over their December 2011 release schedule, and we now have them up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

MazinKaiser SKL (BLURAY) - Dec 6
Twelve Kingdoms Part 3 : A Great Distance in the Wind, the Sky at Dawn BLURAY (Eps #34-45) - Dec 13

Just a heads up, MB has not been too reliable on their release dates as of late, especially their BD release dates. While I hope they do, don't expect any of these to ship on time - especially if you are thinking of giving one as a holiday gift.

Funimation Confirms Retirement of More Geneon Licenses

2011-08-17T21:56:00.000-04:00

I know this is probably old news, but here we go anyway. Sophie McNutt, an online community lead for Funimation, confirmed yesterday that Funimation has, or will soon, let their license on the following Geneon titles expire:

Familiar of Zero
Kamichu
Kyo Kara Maoh
Paradise Kiss
The Story of Saiunkoku
The Law of Ueki
When They Cry

All of these have been out of print basically since last fall anyway, but now at least it's official. They are already commanding ridiculously high prices in the secondary market, but I suspect that's because these editions will be the last DVD pressings that we'll ever see of these titles released in R1. I don't suppose anyone has tried to pickup one of those Cardcaptor Sakura DVD bricks lately? Ouch! Sophie also said:

"As far as I know, there are no plans to re-acquire these titles." Well, no kidding.

My question? What the heck does an 'online community lead' do? Is that an actual job? If so, I'm guessing that is one of those 'gateway gigs' for that fresh outta college, newly framed business degree guy or gal (you know, the one with the minor in advertising) that you hire by pitching them that the position is some sort of fantastic entry level marketing opportunity but just ends up vampiring their professional (and probably personal) life away working your facebook, twitter, blog, and forum accounts?

Yeeesh, I wouldn't want that job...

...oh yeah, I forgot.

Media Blasters Delays Ikki Tousen Great Guardians into 2012

2011-08-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

Yes my fellow programs, the rumors are true, Media Blasters has announced that the release of Ikki Tousen Great Guardians is going to be delayed until March 2012.

The previously solicited 2 part Great Guardians DVD release that was originally scheduled to street August 31st (part 1) and Oct 25th (part 2) has been canceled. Media Blasters now plans to release all 12 episodes as a complete collection on March 31st, 2012 with an MSRP of $59.98.

So, I already know your next question? If the two DVD's were just about ready to street anyway, and the new collected version contains the same disks at the same MSRP as the old two DVD's together, why not just repackage them and get it out on street this fall? Is there some other reason behind the really long delay? Could it be the current economy? Why yes, in fact, that's an entirely plausible explanation... -_^

We will automatically be canceling all existing pre-orders for the previous 2 part version, and any of you that would like to replace a pre-order for the complete collection can do so here on our updated Great Guardians page.

Sorry folks, again, I'm just the messenger. Please stop pelting me with rotten vegetables.

Section 23 November 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-08-17T00:54:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has sent over their November 2011 release schedule and we've got it all posted to the store site for pre-order. Here's what coming:

Amagami SS Collection #2 DVD (Eps #13-24) - Nov 1
Clannad TV Series Complete Collection Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (BLURAY) - Nov 8
ICE Complete Collection (OVA) DVD - Nov 15
Coicent (Koisento) / Five Numbers (Norageki!) DVD - Nov 22
Coicent (Koisento) / Five Numbers (Norageki!) (BLURAY) - Nov 22
Loups = Garous DVD - Nov 29
Loups = Garous (BLURAY) - Nov 29

My thoughts? Another great release line up from Section 23. Seriously, I'm not sure what we would do without them and Sentai. They are giving us more than a different company 5x times their size. They are giving us dubs, they are giving us BD's, and they are giving us lineups that still give us something to look forward to every week...

Sentai Picks Up Coicent & Five Numbers

2011-08-11T23:51:00.000-04:00

Sentai Filmworks (Section 23) announced today that it has licensed the two science fiction anime "mini features" Coicent (Koisento) and Five Numbers (Norageki). The two titles will be available together on DVD and BD 'later this year', and Sentai does currently plan to dub both features.

Propoganda from Sentai's Press Release: Get ready for a double dose of amazing science fiction as two astounding tales come together in one incredible collection of state of the art animation! First, it’s a quick time jump to the 26th century where a school trip to a rebuilt 21st century city turns into a wild adventure for teenage Shinichi. While chasing a talking deer that steals his bag, he runs into a strange girl trying to elude even stranger pursuers, and then things get wild. It’s a mad dash through a city of the past as two young people discover a chance at a new future in COICENT. Then, four people awake to find themselves in the ultimate prison: an ex-soldier, a beautiful woman, an average Joe and a young computer hacker. Why are they there? What connection links them together? And how can they escape? The answer seems to lie with the fifth prisoner, an old man who knows far more than he is telling. And then there’s the cat. It’s the ultimate locked room mystery and all their lives hinge on solving it in FIVE NUMBERS.

Funimation's November Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-08-10T22:05:00.001-04:00

Funimation has sent us over their November sales book a little early this month, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Dragonball Z Movie Pack #1 (Movies #1-5) DVD - Nov 8
Dragon Ball Z Level 1.1 (BLURAY) - Nov 8
Initial D Second & Third Stage Season 2 + Movie DVD Boxed Set (Eps #27-39 + OVA + Movie) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Nov 8
Mushishi Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Nov 8
Romeo X Juliet Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Nov 8
Blassreiter Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Nov 15
Love Hina Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-25) (Classic Collection) - Nov 15
Shuffle Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Nov 15
Fairy Tail Collection #1 DVD/BD Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Nov 22
Hetalia (Axis Powers) Paint It, White the Movie DVD (Limited Edition) - Nov 22
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection) - Nov 29
One Piece Collection #3 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-78) (Uncut) - Nov 29
Yu Yu Hakusho Season 4 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #85-112) (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - Nov 29
Yu Yu Hakusho OVA (Eizou Hakusho) DVD Set - Nov 29

My thoughts? Well, I thought their Nov schedule would be a little better (it will be the holiday season after all), but it's mostly another slate of S.A.V.E. and Classic Collection re-releases. I'm sorry to say but it's pretty clear that, ex Navarre, we are dealing with a company diminished. Anime is a tough business folks. Still, we are going to get the first half of Fairy Tail and the Hetalia Movie (though Paint it White is not being offered on BD at this time). We are also finally going to start getting original DBZ episodes on BluRay, though frankly after Kai I have to wonder how many fans will be ready to spend money on yet another release of DBZ - especially one that's only 17 eps at a time. Around here we think the next logical step would have been to publish the mythical 'Deluxe Limited Edition FULL DBZ Boxed Set' that everyone has been waiting more than 10 years for - you know, the entire 291 eps all in one Super Deluxe package. Then Funi could FINALLY, and I mean FINALLY, put DBZ in the rear view mirror. I guess we'll never see that in my lifetime though. ~sigh~ The re-release of BGC 2040 was a bit of a surprise, and a welcome one as those episodes have been off the market since ADV went under in 2009. One final note: we'll only be offering the limited edition version of the Hetalia movie up front, but we're going to price it at what the reg edition would sell for anyway. I think the LE is the one most of you will want, so that's the one we are going to offer in pre-order.

Kanokon TV Series DVD - Back In Stock at Last!

2011-08-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

Just an FYI to everyone today - both the Kanokon TV Series DVD and the Kanokon OVA DVD are now back in stock. The OVA was only out of stock for a couple of weeks, but the TV series DVD (in typical Media Blasters fashion) has been on hiatus and out of stock since May.

Just a hat tip to everyone who has been waiting several weeks for being so patient. Thanks! All backorders are in the process of shipping now and will be completed tomorrow, so if you have been waiting your copy should be in your mailbox in a few days.

Sentai Picks Up No. 6 Anime

2011-08-05T11:59:00.000-04:00

Sentai Filmworks has announced in a press release that they have licensed the ongoing No. 6 anime series (not to be confused with Blue Submarine No. 6).

According to the press release, Sentai plans to release the anime on home video here in North America next year.

The story is set in "No. 6," a future model city in 2013. Raised as a top-ranking elite since the age of 2, a boy named Shion lives in an exclusive area in No. 6. On the night of his 12th birthday, he rescues a boy who calls himself "Nezumi" ("Rat"). Nezumi ran away from the city's Special Security Area. From that moment on, Shion's life is changed forever...

Synopsis: Sion is a bright teenager living a comfortable and promising life inside No. 6, one of this six remaining city-states created by The Babylon Treaty after the last great war devastated the world. On the rainy evening of his twelfth birthday, he meets a savvy adolescent who calls himself "Nezumi" (Rat) and is desperately trying to runaway from the authorities. For helping a fugitive of the state, Sion is stripped of all his privileges. Four years later, they meet once again. For better or for worse, Sion is about to unravel the secrets guarded deep inside No. 6.

Bandai Picks Up Nichijou (My Ordinary Life) and Gosick

2011-08-01T21:06:00.000-04:00

Bandai announced at Otakon over the weekend that they have licensed both the Nichijou (My Ordinary Life) anime (26 eps) and the Gosick anime (24 eps) - which is awesome by the way!

While they were at it they also announced that they have picked up the Nichijou and Code Geass: Shikkoku no Renya (Code Geass: Renya of the Darkness) manga.

They did not give us any release details or any street time frame for either Nichijou and Gosick, but as we know all too well by now, it wouldn't have mattered if they did anyway. When it comes to Bandai, all plans are soft until 30 minutes prior... -_^

Nichijou (My Ordinary Life): While the title suggests a story of simple, everyday school life, the contents are more the opposite. The setting is a strange school where you may see the principal wrestle a deer or a robot's arm hide a rollcake. However there are still normal stories, like making a card castle or taking a test you didn't study for.

Gosick: GOSICK takes place in 1924 in a small, made-up European country of Sauville. The story centers on Kazuya Kujo, the third son of a Japanese Imperial soldier, who is a transfer student to St. Marguerite Academy, where urban legends and horror stories are all the rage. There he meets Victorique, a mysterious yet beautiful and brilliant girl who never comes to class and spends her days reading the entire content of the library or solving mysteries that even detectives can't solve.

Funimation Picks Up the Heaven’s Lost Property: The Angeloid of Clockwork

2011-08-01T20:49:00.001-04:00

The Funimation folks announced at their Otakon panel over the weekend that they have licensed the Sora no Otoshimono: Tokei-jikake no Angeloid (Heaven’s Lost Property the Movie: The Angeloid of Clockwork) film.

The movie is a continuation of the two Sora no Otoshimono (Heaven's Lost Property) anime series, which Funi has already licensed. They plan to release the movie somewhere around mid-2012.

I'm With Her....

2011-07-31T20:05:00.000-04:00

And a few Anime DVD's would be nice too...

Bandai Announces September 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Bandai has sent us over their September 2011 release schedule, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

K-On! Vol #3 DVD - Sep 13
K-On! Vol #3 (BLURAY) - Sep 13
Mobile Suit Gundam Complete Collection 1 DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends) - Sep 13
Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part #3 DVD - Sep 13
Melancholy of Haruhi: Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie DVD/BD Combo Pack - Sep 20
Melancholy of Haruhi: Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie DVD - Sep 20

Couple notes: It's nice to see original Gundam FINALLY get a Legends Release - this one is way overdue! Keep in mind that Bandai is releasing this schedule to retailers only about 6 weeks before the first releases are supposed to street, so there is a good chance some of these will be delayed later on. We've priced the Haruhi Movie BD/DVD combo version very low to encourage folks to order that version rather than the standard DVD release as we would rather not stock a lot of that version.

Media Blasters October 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-27T01:10:00.000-04:00

Media Blasters has sent over their October 2011 release schedule, and we now have them up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Twelve Kingdoms Part 2 : Sea of the Wind, Shore of the Maze BLURAY (Ep #15-33) - Oct 11
Ikki Tousen Great Guardians , Vol #2 DVD (Eps #7-12) - Oct 25

Just a heads up, the Great Guardians DVD's include the OVA episodes as extras. Vol #1 contains OVA ep #1-3 and Vol #2 contains ep #4-6.

Pre-Order Eden of the East: Paradise Lost and get a free Vinyl Decal!

2011-07-21T21:16:00.001-04:00

I've been meaning to make a post about this for a couple of weeks and just haven't been able to get around to it until now. While supplies last, all pre-orders of the Eden of the East Movie 2: Paradise Lost DVD / BLURAY Combo Set (FN-08839) from RACS will include an exclusive Vinyl Decal courtesy of the fine folks at Funimation:

The decal is about 5 1/2" x 3 1/2" in size. We have them in our hands, and will take down the offer from the store once they are all spoken for. Get em while they last! :-)

Sentai Picks Up Ikoku Meiro no Croisee

2011-07-21T20:49:00.000-04:00

Sentai has announced that it has licensed the television anime adaptation of Ikoku Meiro no Croisee to be released under the name Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth ~ The Animation.

The anime premiered in Japan on July 3rd and is currently running there. Sentai plans to release the series on DVD in North America sometime during 2012.

Synopsis: The story takes place in the second half of the 19th century, as Japanese culture gains popularity in the West. A young Japanese girl, Yune, accompanies a French traveller, Oscar, on his journey back to France, and offers to help at the family's ironwork shop in Paris. Oscar's nephew and shopowner Claude reluctantly accepts to take care of Yune, and we learn how those two, who have so little in common, get to understand each other and live together in the Paris of the 1800s.

Media Blasters November 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

We got a sneak peek at Media Blasters November 2011 releases today, and have gone ahead and put them up on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Squid Girl (Shinryaku! Ika Musume) Collection #2 DVD (Eps #7-12) - Nov 15
Bakuman DVD Collection #1 (Eps #1-7) - Nov 29

Bakuman Synopsis: Moritaka Mashiro, a junior high school student, content to live out a relatively normal life as any other does, is persuaded by his classmate, Akito Takagi, to become an aspiring mangaka when the latter realizes his natural talent as an artist. However, Moritaka is reluctant to pursue his dream as his uncle, once a mangaka with his own serializations, died from overwork trying to regain his lost status. With Akito's help, Takagi gets another classmate and his school crush, Azuki Miho, who is an aspiring voice actress, to voice in the anime adaptation of their future manga once it is completed. However, Mashiro also proposes to Azuki, who surprisingly accepts only on the condition she will marry him when both of them have achieved their dreams. With a goal set before him, Mashiro begins a long and struggling path to become a famous mangaka.

Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds DVD & BD - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

Warner finally sent over the retailer sell sheets for the upcoming Naruto Shippuden: Bonds movie, and we now have it available for pre-order:

Naruto: Shippuden Bonds the Movie DVD - Oct 25
Naruto: Shippuden Bonds the Movie (BLURAY) - Oct 25

The 90 minute movie will street on both DVD and BD formats on October 25th, and will be the first Naruto release on BD in North America!

Synopsis: A group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village...

Queen's Blade II The Evil Eye Series, Collection #2 - On the Way!

2011-07-20T15:38:00.000-04:00

We all know by now that when it comes to new releases from Media Blasters, street dates are optional. The thing is, some are estimated better than others.

The Queen's Blade II (Evil Eye Series) Collection #2 DVD was supposed to street yesterday. Even though it didn't release 'on schedule', we did get a shipping confirmation today from Media Blasters so our copies are now in route to our warehouse and will arrive early next week.

Just giving you folks a head up that are waiting for it that it won't be delayed by 4 or 6 weeks like happens with some of these. This one will only be about a week late. We'll start shipping your pre-orders as soon our copies arrive.

Section 23 October 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-20T14:25:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has sent over their October 2011 release schedule and we've now got them posted to the store site for pre-order. Here's what coming:

Glass Maiden Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - Oct 4
La Corda d'Oro ~ Primo Passo DVD Complete Collection (Eps #1-26) - Oct 4
Kobato Collection #2 DVD (Eps #13-24) - Oct 11
Princess Tutu Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Oct 11
Hell Girl Two Mirrors (Season 2) Complete Collection (Eps #1-26) - Oct 18
Ray Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - Oct 18
Himawari! Season 1 Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - Oct 25

Funimation's October Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-15T12:15:00.001-04:00

Funimation has sent us their October sales book this morning, and we now have it up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Negima Season 2 DVD Boxed Set (S.A.V.E Edition) - Oct 4
Dragon Ball Z Dragonbox DVD Set #7 - Oct 11
Initial D First Stage Season 1 Set (Eps #1-26) (S.A.V.E.) - Oct 11
Bamboo Blade TV DVD Boxed Set (Eps # 1-24) (S.A.V.E.) - Oct 18
Darker Than Black Season 2 Complete DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps # 27-38 + OVA's) (Limited First Pressing) - Oct 18
Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Oct 18
Full Metal Panic the Second Raid Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection) - Oct 18
Full Metal Panic the Second Raid Complete Collection Boxed Set (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - Oct 18
Witchblade Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24 ) (Classic Collection) - Oct 25
Witchblade Complete Collection oxed Set (Eps #1-24 ) (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - Oct 25

Frankly, this is a little disappointing. Clearly October will be more about lowering the price of stuff Funi had already published than getting much new material on the street. Other than the 2nd season of Darker than Black, there is really not much to show here. Not a great way to kick off the 4th quarter if you ask me. Hopefully November will be better.

New Episodes of Hellsing Ultimate Streeting in Japan July 27th

2011-07-14T13:24:00.000-04:00

Word on the street is that the LONG AWAITED next volume of Hellsing Ultimate (remember that show?!) will finally ship in Japan (BD and DVD) on July 27. It had previously been scheduled for June 22, but was delayed by the effects of the earthquake disaster in March.

This 8th volume of Hellsing Ultimate is the beginning of the third and final season, which will be 3 volumes in total. This final season is being animated by studios Graphinica and Kelmadick. Satelight and MADHOUSE animated the previous ones. Geneon had previously released the original Hellsing series done by Gonzo back in 2001.

The Hellsing Ultimate project has been in and out of production in Japan since 2006, so these new eps have been a long time coming. Funimation has the license to Hellsing Ultimate in the US, so any R1 release of these episodes probably won't happen until at least well into 2012, but at least we know they are finally coming! :-)

Bandai Delays Tales of the Abyss to October

2011-07-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

Bandai just sent over a note letting us know that they have delayed the release of Tales of the Abyss to October 11th.

The first volume was originally scheduled to street July 7th.

Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-6) - Jul 7 to Oct 11
Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 Limited Edition DVD (Eps #1-6) - Jul 7 to Oct 11

Anyone that has an order holding for this title and wants to make a change, just drop us a quick note and we'll take care of it for you.

Section 23 / Maiden Japan Picks Up Ray Anime

2011-07-11T16:51:00.000-04:00

Section 23 announced today that it has licensed the 13 eps anime series Ray to be marketed under their 'Maiden Japan' label. Section 23 plans to release the series English subtitled only on DVD later this year.

Synopsis: After a terrible past Rei (Ray) Kasugano has dedicated herself to saving others lives for no money. She works as a doctor and due to special abilities she can see inside a person, making her very good at her job. As she works at the office a friend of hers and co-worker, Shinoyama works at home to create quick ways to save lifes along with her. Ray, Shinoyama and her female co-workers face many obsticles to save these lives but work together to do it.

The Mountain - Amazing Time Lapse Video of the Milky Way

2011-07-11T16:44:00.000-04:00

Nothing much happening in the Anime world today (it's summer after all), so here is a little something off topic.

I have a little photography hobby on the side (which I pretty much suck at) which causes me to follow a few photography blogs. Check this out. Terje Sorgjerd has captured the Milky Way in time lapse over El Teide, which is Spain's highest mountain. Filmed between April 4 and April 11, 2011, the individual frames were shot using a Canon 5D Mark II with a Canon 17mm TSE, Canon 16-35mm II, Canon 24/1.4II, and Sigma 12-24mm.

As you watch the video to get to catch a glimpse of how the earth feels as it falls through space. Just sit back and enjoy. It's amazing:

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.
Music is by Ludovico Einaudi, the song is called "Nuvole bianche"

He has also previous done a shorter video called 'The Aurora' which he shot in and around Kirkenes and Pas National Park bordering Russia in temps around -10 to -15 degrees below zero:

The Aurora from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

Music is sung by Lisa Gerrard from the Gladiator Movie Soundtrack.

NIS America September / October 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-07T20:34:00.001-04:00

NIS America has sent us over their September and October 2011 releases, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Katanagatari Box Set 2 Premium Edition DVD/BD Combo Set (Eps #7-12) - Sep 20
Kimi ni Todoke Premium Edition DVD Collection #1 (Eps #1-12) - Oct 25

Both of these are premium editions, however, Kimi ni Todoke will be like previous NIS sets and be a DVD only release for now, unlike Katanagatari which is a DVD/BD combo set.

The 2nd Katanagatari DVD/BD premium edition includes a full color 32 page hardcover art book, featuring vivid, unique art work that conveys a story by itself, quest guides including character information, and song lyrics from quests 7 through 12. A detailed glossary was added to the art book in order to provide a deeper understanding of Japanese history and the traditional terminology used throughout the show. Go deeper into the minds of those who hold the Klesha Bringers and learn more about the inner-workings of Shikizaki Kiki and Katanagatari with the beautiful full-color artbook that comes with the Premium Edition of Katanagatari volume 2!

The Kimi ni Todoke DVD premium edition includes a full color 28 page hardcover artbook, featuring character information and Sawako’s most cherished memories. Get inside her head and experience the story of Volume 1 through Sawako’s memories!

Media Blasters September 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-07T20:06:00.000-04:00

Media Blasters has sent over their September 2011 release schedule, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye Series Complete Collection (Eps #1-12) (BLURAY) - Sep 13
Squid Girl (Shinryaku! Ika Musume) Collection #1 DVD (Eps #1-6) - Sep 27

Media Blasters product setup indicates the Queens Blade 2 BD as Region 'A'. Squid Girl will be bilingual so it will include an English dub.

Synopsis: Squid Girl has come to the land from the depths of the sea to conquer humanity for its pollution of the ocean. Unfortunately she ruins the first house she uses as an invasion base and has to work to pay for repairs. Of course, she can't overcome the Aizawa sisters who manage the house, so who knows whether she can subjugate humankind.

Bandai Announces August 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-07-07T19:55:00.000-04:00

Bandai has finally sent us over their August 2011 release schedule, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya Nyoron! Churuya-san! Part 2 DVD Aug 2
Mobile Suit Gundam 00 The Movie (A Wakening of the Trailblazer) DVD/BD Combo Pack Aug 9

Now, this is just my professional opinion, but since Bandai got this mailer out to retailers about a month late (we should be getting their Sept schedule about now), I really don't see how it's possible for them to meet either one of these street dates given that they are taking orders from retailers so close to the first street date. You just can't make and deliver these things that quickly. I imagine both of these will eventually get delayed back into September. If they do come on time, great, but I doubt it.

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

2011-07-04T22:12:00.001-04:00

Have a happy and safe Independence Day everyone!

Other License Announcements Round-Up from AX

2011-07-04T19:48:00.001-04:00

In addition to the major announcements from Funi, Sentai, and NIS at AX, several other companies made various new license announcements over the weekend. Here's the roundup:

Viz Media announced that it will release the Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva film and the Bleach: Fade to Black - Kimi no Na o Yobu film (Bleach movie #4). The release details of the Professor Layton film will be announced later, but the Bleach movie will street on DVD & BD mid-November.

Bandai Entertainment had little to show at their panel, but did announce that they have the new Japanese series Sacred Seven and that it will be streaming at a couple of places starting next week. No word on a DVD or BD release. They also licensed two new manga series - Mobile Suit Gundam 00I and Lucky Star Boo Boo Kagaboo.

One of our favorite companies [sarcasm] for their expert pricing and distribution policies, Aniplex of America, announced at that they will release the Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Blue Exorcist television series. The details of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica release will be announced later, but the first of four DVD volumes of Blue Exorcist will ship in October, while the remaining volumes are tentatively slated to ship in January, April, and July of 2012 - so they clearly intend to release the series in North America across at least 7 single DVD's. They are like Bandai Visual reborn. Uggg.

Game company JAST USA said at their Anime Expo panel that they are "looking into the process of licensing" the Starry Sky project - honeybee's popular planetarium drama CD and game series. This otome game (games for female players) with bishonen inspired an anime. They have already announced seven new game titles on their blog today including: Saya no Uta - Song of Saya, Kikokugai: The Cyber Slayer, Hanachirasu, Sumaga (Star Mine Girl), Outlaw Django ~Zoku: Satsuriku no Django, Seinarukana: The Spirit of Eternity Sword II, and Starless.

And finally, that company out in Iowa (who's name escapes me) dug through someone else's licensing dust bin (I'm just glad they are keeping busy) to bring back from the dead the very old Original Dirty Pair OAVs & Movie + Dirty Pair Flash, slated for release in 2012. They are also bringing back the Martian Successor Nadesico TV series, movie & the Nadesico Gekiganger III OVA - all three to be released together in an Anime value pack. They have also licensed the old Gasaraki TV series, formerly released by ADV. Gasaraki is also planned for a 2012 release as a value-priced DVD set. As one of the worst Anime series released this decade, I hope it's REALLY cheap. Over here at RACS the old ADV Gasaraki box remains one of the most traded in DVD boxed sets of all time.

Bleach: Fade to Black - Kimi no Na o Yobu (Movie)
Synopsis: A mysterious reiatsu (spiritual particle) explosion occurs in the center of Seireitei in Soul Society, causing it to be destroyed. At the exact same time, a major change overwhelms Kuchiki Rukia, which leaves her losing something important inside. Urahara Kisuke sends Kurosaki Ichigo to Soul Society to investigate the disturbance. Upon reaching Seireitei, Ichigo is set upon and attacked by shinigamis, once allies, who have no memory of him and Rukia. Now alone and on the run, Ichigo must find the missing Rukia and uncover the cause of the mysterious incident before it's too late.

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva (Movie)
Synopsis: Puzzle expert Professor Hershel Layton and his apprentice Luke are invited to an opera by one of his former students, only to learn that most of the audience in attendance have come seeking eternal life, which has been promised to be given to a single person who successfully comes out on top after a series of puzzles. Along with the claim that a young woman who died has been reborn as a child and the search for a long lost civilisation, the mysteries run deep as Layton seeks the truth behind all the riddles.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: After experiencing a bizarre dream, Madoka Kaname, a kind 14-year old girl, encounters a magical creature named Kyube. Madoka and her friend Sayaka Miki are offered the opportunity of gaining magical powers if they agree to make a contract with the strange little being. He will also grant them one wish, but in exchange they shall risk their lives by accepting the responsibility of fighting witches. Invisible to human eyes, witches are catalysts of despair in the areas they inhabit. An ally of Kyube, a magical girl named Mami Tomoe, befriends and encourages the two girls to accept the contract. For an unknown reason, another magical girl named Homura Akemi is determined to prevent Madoka from accepting the deal.

Blue Exorcist (24 Episodes)
Synopsis: Humans live in the world of Assiah, demons in Gehenna. The two dimensions are not meant to interfere with each other, but demons still possess creatures in Assiah in spite of this. The humans who can fight these demons are known as exorcists. Rin Okumura is a boy who bears the curse of being Satan's illegitimate son. His foster father sacrificed himself to save him from demons. To avenge his foster father's death as well as to prove himself, Rin decides to follow the path of an exorcist.

NIS America Picks Up Kimi ni Todoke & Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera

2011-07-04T15:57:00.001-04:00

NIS America announced at its Anime Expo panel over the weekend that it acquired the rights to the first season of the slice of life Anime Kimi ni Todoke and also to this year's Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera television anime series.

Kimi ni Todoke will be released in two 13-episode half season boxes, the first half coming in October, and the second part "later". The first release will be a premium editon and include My Memories, an art book featuring a look back at the first half of the series from Sawako's point of view. I imagine that's going to also be DVD/BD combo packaging, but I'll confirm that with them tomorrow. They did not have release details for Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera yet, but the said they hope to have more information by next year's Anime Expo - so it's clear the Dororon release is still more than a year away.

Kimi ni Todoke (25 Epsiodes)
Synopsis: Kuronuma Sawako is nicknamed Sadako due to her resemblance to the girl from the Japanese horror movies "The Ring". Shunned by her classmates, her life starts to change after she befriends Shōta Kazehaya, a very popular boy in her class. Kuronuma Sawako’s one wish in life is to make friends. That’s a difficult proposition when everyone who meets her cowers in terror. She admires her classmate, Kazehaya-kun, a popular, easygoing and 100% refreshing guy who is nice with everyone, even with her.

Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: It's Tokyo in the 1970s, and evil yōkai (evil spirits) are attacking the human world. The Yōkai Patrol—Enma, Yukiko-hime, Kapperu, and Chapeauji—are sent from hell to exterminate them.

Funimation's AX License Announcements

2011-07-04T15:38:00.000-04:00

Funimation announced at its AX panel over the weekend that it has acquired the anime titles Deadman Wonderland, Steins Gate, Baka to Test to Shōkanjū Ni! (Baka and Test: Summon the Beasts 2), B Gata H Kei (Yamada's First Time ), and the Asobi ni Iku yo! TV series (Cat Planet Cuties). It also picked up additional rights for the anime action/fantasy series C (The Money of Soul and Possibility - Control). Funi said that all of these titles are slated for 2012 release with DVD/BD combo sets planned for at least B Gata H Kei and Asobi ni Iku yo, though I imagine they will probably all be in that format.

Deadman Wonderland (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: Ganta Igarashi has been convicted of a crime that he hasn't committed, and sent to a new, privately owned and operated prison, where the inmates are the main attraction in a modern day twist to the gladiatorial coliseums of ancient times. Throw in a healthy dose of weird little girl, some new-found super powers, and a little conspiracy theory, and you have Deadman Wonderland.

Steins Gate (24 Episodes)
Synopsis: Steins Gate is about a group of friends who have customized their microwave into a device that can send text messages to the past. As they perform different experiments, an organization named SERN who has been doing their own research on time travel tracks them down and now the characters have to find a way to avoid being captured by them.

B Gata H Kei (Yamada's First Time) (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: Yamada is a high school student, and a virgin, who aspires to have 100 casual sex partners. Despite this, she soon finds herself targeting and pursuing only one boy.

C (The Money of Soul and Possibility - Control)
Synopsis: The Japanese government was rescued from the brink of financial collapse by the Sovereign Wealth Fund. For its citizens, however, life has not improved, and unemployment, crime, suicide, and despair are rampant. Kimimaro is a scholarship student whose only dream is to avoid all this and live a stable life as a civil servant. One day, however, he meets a man who offers him the chance to make money fast. From then on Kimimaro is drawn into a mysterious realm known as "The Financial District," where people engage in supernatural battles for the possibility of money.

Sentai Filmworks AX License Announcements

2011-07-04T15:14:00.000-04:00

Lots of announcements coming out of AX this weekend for me to sift through, so I'm going to start with Sentai Filmworks (Section 23) which announced that it has licensed the lolicon sports Anime Ro-Kyu-Bu! , the Sci-Fi movie Loups-Garous, the supernatural drama ef: a tale of memories (ef-memo), and it's sequel ef: a tale of melodies (ef-melo).

They also (per David Williams) licensed three new "Saiyuki: Requiem OVAs." Sentai Filmworks will release the OVAs with the original ADV Films Saiyuki dub cast. Sentai also said it will release the first season of Clannad on Blu-ray in November, as well as more of the Golgo 13 anime - which will satisfy a lot of the folks that have been wondering.

Ro-Kyu-Bu! (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: Subaru Hasegawa is a high school freshman, he joins the basketball team but soon finds out the team is inactive because the captain is being suspected as a lolicon. He miraculously is entangled with the job of being the coach of an elementary school's basketball team. With these girls and their love for basketball Subaru will have a hard time getting acknowledged by each of them.

Loups-Garous (Movie)
Synopsis: In a near future, the world's population has decreased dramatically due to a deadly virus that terrorized the whole planet. Now people eat only synthetic food and tend to avoid as much as possible any form of physical connection or "real contact" with living creatures. Real shops have disappeared from the streets, and with the exception of the community centres (what were once called schools), people communicate with each others exclusively online. But even in this tightly controlled and systematized society, there is a group of young girls who actively pursued real contact. And when a string of brutal murders emerges, their challenge to this closed world is just about to begin.

ef: a tale of memories (ef-memo) (12 Episodes)
The anime revolves around two protagonists, Hirono Hiro and Asou Renji. On Christmas Eve, Hirono Hiro meets a girl named Miyamura Miyako who was chasing a purse snatcher. Hiro later finds out that Miyako also goes to the same school as he does and they start hanging out together. This made Hiro's childhood friend, Shindou Kei, feel left out. Kei then tries to compete with Miyako for Hiro's affection and a love triangle ensues. The anime also tells the story of Asou Renji. Renji meets a girl named Shindou Chihiro at an abandoned train station. He soon learns that Chihiro suffers from a type of amnesia where her memory span only lasts for 13 hours. He also discovers Chihiro's dream of writing a novel, but she has never been able to fulfill that dream due to her condition. Renji then decides to help her fulfill that dream.

ef: a tale of melodies (ef-melo) (12 Episodes)
Synopsis: A tale of Melodies is a continuation where the tale of Memories left off. It tells the tale of two couples - Kuze and Mizuki, and Yuuko and Yuu. Alternating between the past and present, as well as two different twin-cities, it reveals the connections all of the characters share, as well as their tragic past... The anime once again tells two stories. The first story takes place in the past. Himura Yuu meets a girl, Amamiya Yuuko who seems to know him, but he doesn't know her. However, he soon remembers that she was a girl whom he knew from long ago. Yuuko then tells him something which he never knew. He was her first love since then, and her first love has not ended yet. The second story takes place in the present, just after the events of ef - A Tale of Memories. Shuuichi Kuze meets the cousin of Aso Renji, Hayama Mizuki and spends a lot of time with her. Unknown to Mizuki, Kuze had contracted a fatal illness and has little time left to live. Kuze had decided to break all romantic ties, but things go bad when Mizuki tells him that she loves him.

Hatsune Miku's New Toyota Ad Doesn't Include a Toyota

2011-06-30T16:37:00.000-04:00

Hatsune Miku's new Toyota commercial featuring the virtual idol Hatsune Miku does not actually feature any of Toyota's cars onscreen:

Maybe this is a good thing. Frankly, I still find it pretty implausible that Hatsune would drive a Corolla. I mean, seriously? I would put her in a Benz SLK, or at least a Lexus ISC!

Media Blasters Picks Up Both Seasons of Bakuman

2011-06-29T16:31:00.000-04:00

Media Blasters has announced that it has acquired BOTH seasons of the Bakuman TV anime series, and will begin releasing it under their AnimeWorks label this November. The first DVD will contain Eps #1-7 and will have an English dub.

The second season is scheduled to begin airing in Japan this fall. The new season was first announced in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine last December.

Synopsis: Moritaka Mashiro, a junior high school student, content to live out a relatively normal life as any other does, is persuaded by his classmate, Akito Takagi, to become an aspiring mangaka when the latter realizes his natural talent as an artist. However, Moritaka is reluctant to pursue his dream as his uncle, once a mangaka with his own serializations, died from overwork trying to regain his lost status. With Akito's help, Takagi gets another classmate and his school crush, Azuki Miho, who is an aspiring voice actress, to voice in the anime adaptation of their future manga once it is completed. However, Mashiro also proposes to Azuki, who surprisingly accepts only on the condition she will marry him when both of them have achieved their dreams. With a goal set before him, Mashiro begins a long and struggling path to become a famous mangaka.

Anime Cupcake Factories (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the Industry)

2011-06-27T19:56:00.001-04:00

I get questions every day via e-mail or see them posted on Facebook, Twitter, or here on the Blog regarding the prices for Anime series. How are they determined? Why are they so low/high (well, mostly high)? Who decides?

If you are not familiar with Sal Khan's excellent library of educational videos, you should check them out. Here are three of Khan's classic videos that he uses as a primer for his later discussion of the economics of inflation, deflation, and capacity utilization.

These three videos use 'cupcakes' to describe the fascinating process of the various market forces that exert both upward and downward pressure on the prices of things. These videos perfectly apply to the R1 Anime business as well, so if you've ever wondered what really drives the prices of things in markets like ours (or just about any other business), take 30 minutes out of your summer vacation and watch these:

I'm still waiting for that Robotic fulfillment center... -_^

Canadian Mail Service to Resume Tomorrow

2011-06-27T17:03:00.000-04:00

Just an FYI to all of our Canadian customers. The Canadian Postal strike has finally ended and mail service in Canada is resuming as of tomorrow.

On our end, the US Postal Service has announced:

Canadian Postal Employees Return-To- Work Tonight - USPS To Begin Accepting Mail Destined For Canada Tomorrow.

The Canadian government passed back-to-work legislation Sunday night. Canadian Postal employees will return to work beginning June 27 at 8:30 p.m. USPS will begin accepting mail for Canada starting June 28. Mail held in the USPS network since the work stoppage began is being released and transported into Canada.

Due to the large volumes of mail held by countries, customers may experience slightly longer transit times. USPS is working closely with the Canadian Postal Service to hold delays to a minimum.

This is definitely good news. Everyone should just keep in mind that the folks here at USPS have been letting Canadian mail accumulate in trailers for about 3 weeks now, so I'm sure all Canadian mail shipments will see pretty long delivery delays until Canadian post can work through that huge backlog. Everyone should just expect Canadian mail delivery times to be much longer than normal for the next few weeks.

Special thanks to Christina B. for keeping us all updated on this!

Section 23 September 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

2011-06-23T18:37:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has sent over their September 2011 release schedule and we've now got them posted to the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

To Love Ru Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) - Sep 6
MM! Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) - Sep 13
Amagami SS Collection #1 DVD (Eps #1-12) - Sep 20
Lady Death (BLURAY) - Sep 20
Mardock Scramble: The First Compression DVD - Sep 27

One note. Sentai indicated that both MM! and Amagami SS will "most likely" initially have only English subtitles, but also said that Demon King Daimao was going to be subtitled-only too until Sentai decided to give it an English dub and a BD release based on good streaming statistics. So we'll see what the final product looks like. :-)

Section 23 / Maiden Japan to Release Himawari!

2011-06-23T17:53:00.000-04:00

Section 23 has announced that they will release the Himawari! Anime under the Maiden Japan label. It will be released on DVD subtitled. No date has been set.

Synopsis: Himawari Hinata recently transfered to Shinobi Gakuen to train to become the best kunoichi she can be. She wanted to be a ninja ever since she was saved by one when she was little. On her first day, she meets Hayato Madenokoji (a new transfer teacher) who saves her life. Hayato does not possess any ninja skills or traits, he is teaching the ninjas about normal society to pay off his debt. However, Himawari notices that Hayato bears the same mark on his neck as the ninja who saved her when she was young.

Funimation Date Changes - Lots of Them

2011-06-23T17:11:00.000-04:00

Funimation just sent over a grocery list of date bumps across their July, August, and September schedule. Here's the changes:

Sgt Frog (Keroro Gunso) Season 3 Part 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #52-64) - Jul 12 to Jul 26
Noir Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection) - Jul 19 to Aug 9
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-64) - Jul 26 to Aug 2
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Part 5 DVD (Eps #53-64) (BLURAY) - Jul 26 to Aug 2
Soul Eater Collection Season 2 Complete DVD Box (Eps #27-52) - Jul 26 to Aug 9
Soul Eater Collection Season 2 Complete DVD Box (Eps #27-52) (BLURAY) - Jul 26 to Aug 9
Yu Yu Hakusho Season 2 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #29-56) (BLURAY) (Classic) - Jul 26 to Aug 9
Spice and Wolf Season 1 Collection BLURAY Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) - Aug 2 to Aug 30
Spice and Wolf Season 2 DVD / BLURAY Combo Set (Eps #14-26) (LE) - Aug 2 to Aug 30
Eden of the East Movie 2: Paradise Lost DVD / BLURAY Combo Set - Aug 2 to Aug 23
Sgt Frog (Keroro Gunso) Season 3 Part 2 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #65-77) - Aug 16 to Aug 23
Peacemaker Kurogane Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classics Collection) - Aug 30 to Sep 6
Yu Yu Hakusho Season 3 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #57-84) (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - Sep 6 to Sep 27
Dragon Ball Z Dragonbox DVD Set #7 - Sep 13 to Oct 11

I'm just the messenger folks. :-)

Funimation Gets Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam

2011-06-23T07:15:00.002-04:00

Funimation announced yesterday that they will distribute Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam (Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing), which is the upcoming new Last Exile television series from Gonzo.

The series will revolve around "the young ace vanship pilot, Fam, and her trusted navigator, Giselle, as they pilot their vanship, Vespa, through the free and peaceful skies." Gonzo announced the series back in February.

The world premier of the series will be shown at this year's Anime Expo con. Be sure to catch it if you're out there!

Section 23 Picks Up the Mardock Scramble Films

2011-06-23T01:14:00.002-04:00

The folks at Sentai Filmworks (Section 23) have announced that they have licensed the Mardock Scramble film trilogy. The first of the three films (Mardock Scramble: The First Compression) will be available dubbed and subtitled on DVD this September, with a separate BD release planned in 2012.

Synopsis: Rune Ballot is a down-and-out teen prostitute in Mardock City. One day, she's picked up by an ambitious casino manager named Shell who gives her everything she could want. Renewed by a false innocence, a false past, and now the false life Shell has given her, Ballot feels grateful. However, she can't help but be curious about why he's done so much for her, so she does some research about his past on a computer. This turns out to be a mistake which will change her life greatly. When Shell finds out what she's done, he attempts to burn her to death by blowing up her car. Due to the high crime rate in Mardock, a new law called “Scramble 09” has given police carte blanche to take extreme and otherwise illegal measures to revive crime witnesses. With this in mind, they allow a professor to bring Ballot back from the brink of death by reassembling her entire body with reinforced synthetic fiber. When she finally wakes up, her confused mental state eventually turns toward revenge as Shell is revealed as her killer.

Actually, I Always Did Mind the Little Things...

2011-06-19T21:01:00.003-04:00

I have a little rant today, which I rarely do anymore, so I hope that's OK.

So, Jamie and I ran through Vampire Bund last weekend and we are revisiting a few eps this weekend now that we finally have a little extra time. We'll, if you've watched your DVD you know it has the little Cashern promo before you get to the menu, and the first time around I just let it run and didn't think anything of it. This time, I loaded the disk and wanted to get right to the episode menu, so when the Cashern promo qued up:

1) I hit the 'menu' button on my remote. "X" Denied. S#$T.

2) So I hit the 'skip' button on the remote. "X" Denied. F@%K.

3) So I hit the 'fast forward' button on the remote. "X" Denied. G$D@&%IT!

This also applies to the Moon Phase trailer on Disk 2. Seems Funimation is quite determined that I should watch that damn trailer every time I load the DVD no matter if I want to or not. Yes, 'top menu' does allow you to skip the trailer, but disabling the other functions? Very irritating if you ask me, and bad disk authorizing too.