Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year to All!

That's it, we're gone for the weekend. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year's celebration. We'll be back next year (on Monday) - but until then...

Happy New Year Everyone! :-)


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Ponyo Japanese BluRay Release - Now In Stock and Available!

Attention collectors, we have something special for you today!

We've just received a batch of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea BLURAY DVD's from Tokyo. This is the authentic Japanese BD release of Ponyo, and we have the first pressing of both the standard and limited edition versions available. The first pressing of these releases are completely sold out in Japan and come with a special Ponyo sticker book (see image below).

These BD's are Region Free and come complete with available English subtitles. We only have a few copies of each, so don't miss your chance!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

System Outage - We're Back Up!

The stores platform had a system wide outage that took us down last night, between around 6pm and 10:30pm (EST) last night. We had to drop our planned updates last night in order to work to get everything back up and running.

If you hit us up last night to do a little Anime shopping and could not get on the site, I'm sorry about that. Everything is back up and running now 100%. :-)

UPDATE: The service interruption was caused by a sophisticated DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack against a small number of merchants hosted on the Merchant Solutions platform. Upon recognition of the attack, we took immediate action to prevent continued impact to a broader population of Merchant Solutions accounts.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Finally got on Santa's nice list this year!

I hope Santa brought all of you everything you wanted this year. As many of you know, I have two main hobbies, Anime, and the 'other one'. So this year Jamie, santa's excellent helper, brought me exactly what I wanted. Can't wait to get out into the cold air and try it out! :-)

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Last Call and a Merry Christmas to All!

Well, this is it folks, we're breaking for the Christmas holiday at 5pm today (about 2 1/2 hours from now), so any orders that are still needed for Christmas have to be placed in the next hour or so and have to be shipping via FedEx Overnight.

I want to thank everyone who supported us during the holidays this year, and I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Christmas holiday. We'll be back on Monday to do your bidding as usual - until then...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone! :-)

More February and March 2010 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

We now have Section 23 and Media Blaster's February and March 2010 schedules posted to the site (plus a few others)! Here's what's now available for pre-order:

Section 23 February

Maria-Holic Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)
Skull Man Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13)
To Love Ru Collection #2 DVD (Eps #14-26)

Section 23 March

Neo Angelique Abyss Season 2 Second Age Collection (Eps #1-12)
Tayutama: Kiss on My Diety Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)
You're Under Arrest Full Throttle Collection #1 (Eps #1-12)
Yozakura Quartet Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)

Media Blasters February

Dairugger DVD Collection 1 (Eps #1-19)
Gao-Gai-Gar Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set #1 (Eps #1-25) (Lite Box)
Girls High Teen Spirit Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Lite Box)
Ramen Fighter Miki Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-19) (Lite Box)

Media Blasters March

Gao-Gai-Gar Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set #2 (Eps #26-49) (Lite Box)
Genshiken 2 - The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set + T-shirt
Genshiken 2 - The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture Designer Box (Artbox Only)
Huntik, Vol #4 DVD (Eps #21-26)
Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny, Vol #3, Sousou's Ambition (Eps #9-12)
Otogi Zoshi DVD Collection of Ages Complete DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26)
Phoenix (Hinotori) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Lite Box)
Queen's Blade: Wandering Warrior, Vol #1, A Single Step DVD (Eps #1-4)

Nozomi March

Aria The Origination (Season 3) + Arietta OVA DVD Collection

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Funimation's March 2010 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Funimation has sent out their March 2010 schedule and we've got it posted to the site! Here's what's now available for pre-order:

Aquarion Season 1 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Viridian Collection)
Case Closed Season #3 DVD Box Set (Eps #53-78) (Uncut & Unedited) (Viridian Collection)
Case Closed Season #4 DVD Box Set (Eps #79-104) (Uncut & Unedited) (Viridian Collection)
Case Closed Season #5 DVD Box Set (Eps #105-128) (Uncut & Unedited) (Viridian Collection)
Darker Than Black Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps # 1-26)
D.Gray-man Season #1 Part #2 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #14-26) (BLURAY)
Familiar of Zero DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (S.A.V.E Edition)
Gunslinger Girl Season 2 Il Teatrino DVD Boxed Set (BLURAY)
Kanon Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (S.A.V.E. Edition)
Karin (Chibi Vampire) Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Viridian Collection)
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple Season #2 Part #1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #27-39)
Nabari no Ou DVD Season 1 Part 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) (BLURAY)
Negima Season 2 Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26)
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1.11 You Are [Not] Alone Movie DVD (Special Edition)
Neon Genesis Evangelion 1.11 You Are [Not] Alone Movie DVD (BLURAY)
Ouran High School Host Club Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Esp #1-26)
Ouran High School Host Club Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Esp #1-26) (BLURAY)
Sgt Frog (Keroro Gunso) Season 2 Part 2 DVD Boxed Set
Slayers Revolution (TV Season 4) DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13)
Soul Eater Collection, Part 2 DVD Box (Eps #14-26)
Strike Witches TV Series Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)

In addition to that, we've got three more price reductions on upcoming releases:

Case Closed Season #3 DVD Box Set (Eps #53-78) (Uncut & Unedited) (Viridian Collection)
$39.98 to $29.98 MSRP, Our Price $21.98!

Familiar of Zero DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (S.A.V.E Edition)
$39.98 to $14.98 MSRP, Our Price $10.98!
Gunslinger Girl Season 1 DVD Boxed Set (BLURAY)
$59.98 to $49.98 MSRP, Our Price $34.98!

Prices will automatically be adjusted for everyone who has already pre-ordered these titles.

UPDATE: Fixed the links. Sorry about that!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Snowing...

It started snowing here in Charles Town (WV) about 11pm and we've already got a good two inches. Forecasts have been upped all day and now they say if the storm swings right we'll be looking at something like 2+ feet of snow before it's all over on Sunday. I staked our driveway boundary with 3' poles when I got home, and I've been down in the garage juicing up the snow blower for it's workout tomorrow.

Looks like we're going to get slammed. Stay tuned... :-)

UPDATE: 12/19 5:28PM - 21 inches so far according to my ruler out on the deck, still snowing!

UPDATE: 12/20 8:12PM - we ended up getting around 2 feet. Spent most of the day digging out here, and even ventured out in the truck for a bit this afternoon. Main roads are being worked on and were OK as long as you have a 4x4. Side streets haven't been touched, but up here in WV everyone has a blade or a snow blower so we take care of those ourselves rather than waiting for the state to come in a clear them. They should be in good shape by morning so we should not have any problem opening the warehouse on time. We've accumulated quite a few orders this weekend, more than I expected, so we'll need to get in tomorrow and get them shipped out. For now I'm going to take some Advil and hit the hay... :-)

Friday, December 18, 2009

Bootleg Naruto, Bleach, and Death Note Merchandise Notice

You guys already know we only carry licensed merchandise, which is why I'm always explaining why we don't have so many things many other stores seem to carry. Here is an important notice from Great Eastern that come over last night regarding bootleg Naruto, Bleach, and Death Note merchandise:
December 17, 2009

RE: GREAT EASTERN'S NARUTO, NARUTO SHIPPUDUN, BLEACH AND DEATH NOTE ACCESSORIES

VIZ Media, LLC and/or its affiliated entities (collectively, "VIZ MEDIA") are the exclusive licensees of consumer products distributed in North America for the animated television properties NARUTO, NARUTO SHIPPUDUN, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE.

This letter is to inform you that GREAT EASTERN Entertainment Co. ("GREAT EASTERN") is an authorized U.S. licensee of VIZ MEDIA of accessory products using characters and trademarks of the animated television properties NARUTO,NARUTO SHIPPUDUN, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE. These accessory products include the categories identified in the attached EXHIBIT A

On November 25, 2009, the Consumer Products Safety Commision issued a recall notice citing unauthorized infringing pendants featuring symbols from NARUTO, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE ("Product Recall"). A copy of the Product Recall is available online at
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10049.html.

These recalled products were NOT from GREAT EASTERN but from an infringing company called TEAM WORK TRADING based in Los Angeles, California. GREAT EASTERN is in no way related to TEAM WORK TRADINGING or to the Product Recall, and TEAM WORK TRADING is not an authorized licensee of VIZ MEDIA.

For more information regarding the authorized GREAT EASTERN Products listed in EXHIBIT A, please contact Dina Abd El Alim at (310)-638-5058, ext. 259 or
support@geanimation.com.
A scan of the original Press Release can be found HERE. This sort of stuff has been showing up all over the place recently, and a lot of merchants probably don't even know it's bootleged (but rest assured, many do). Caveat Imperator. :-)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Reminder - Time is Running Out for Ground Shipping...

Just a reminder that today is the last day for us to ship items by Ground to our most outlying delivery areas (far West Coast) and still get them to you before Christmas.

Now each day the ground delivery zones start to creep inward from California east towards our warehouse in Virgina. Same thing applies to Priority Mail - forget the '2 to 3 day' delivery commitment this time of year, it will be more like 3-6 days. Just a reminder to be mindful of where you are in proximity to our warehouse when ordering holiday gifts.

Be sure to check our holiday delivery schedule for cutoffs on certain types of shipping, and if in doubt, just choose our FedEx 2nd day air option - it's a lot of piece of mind for just $16.98!

Bandai's March 2010 Releases Posted + More Funi Price Reductions!

Bandai's March 2010 releases are now up on the store site and available for pre-order! Plus, we've got a whole basket of price reductions from Funimation.

First, here's what coming from Bandai in March:

Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #4 (Eps #20-25)
Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 DVD Bundle #4 (Eps #20-25) (Limited Edition)
Gundam 00 Season 2, Vol #1 DVD (Eps #1-7)
Gundam 00 Season 2, Vol #1 DVD Special Edition (Eps #1-7)



And - Funimation has reduced the MSRP on the following catalog items and upcoming releases:

D.Gray-man Season #1 Part #1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (BLURAY) -Now $59.98 MSRP (Our Price $39.98)
Claymore Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY) -Now $69.98 MSRP (Our Price $47.98)
Heroic Age Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY) -Now $59.98 MSRP (Our Price $39.98)
Trinity Blood Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (BLURAY) -Now $69.98 MSRP (Our Price $47.98)

Dragon Ball Z Season 1 Dragonbox DVD Set -Now $59.98 MSRP (Our Price $39.98)
DragonBall Z Season 7 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #195-219) (Re-Mastered) -Now $34.98 MSRP (Our Price $24.98)
Afro Samurai Special Edition DVD (Uncut) (BLURAY) - Now $19.98 MSRP (Our Price $14.98)
Afro Samurai Resurrection DVD (Uncut) (BLURAY) -Now $29.98 MSRP (Our Price $19.98)

Prices will automatically be adjusted for everyone who has already pre-ordered these titles.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Massive New Figure Shipment Has Arrived!

We'll, we finally got that big figure November shipment that was held up in customs for 3 weeks. It's a little late in the game as far as Christmas is concerned, but still not too late for some last minute shopping! :-) Here's what we've got in:

Burst Angel : Sei Swimsuit Version 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 16 Available!
Candy Boy: Yukino Sakurai 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 4 Available!
Candy Boy: Kanade Sakurai 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 4 Available!
Evangelion: Rei Ayanami RAH 12" Real Action Heroes Action Figure - Only 3 Available!
Fate/Stay: Night Saber Casual Wear Figma Action Figure - Only 6 Available!
Fate/Stay Night Shiro Emiya Casual Wear Figma Action Figure - Only 6 Available!
Fate/Stay Night: Saber Purikon Soft Vinyl Figure - Only 4 Available!
Fist of the North Star: Falco Revolution Series Revoltech Action Figure - Only 3 Available!
Fist of the North Star: Juza Revolution Series Revoltech Action Figure - Only 3 Available!
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Play Arts Kai Action Figure - Edward Elric - Only 4 Available!
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Play Arts Kai Action Figure - Roy Mustang - Only 4 Available!
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Play Arts Kai Action Figure - Alphonse Elric - Only 4 Available!
Gang King: Jimmy 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 4 Available!
Ghost in the Shell S.A.C. Toko-Toko (Walking) Tachikoma - Only 12 Available!
Gurren Lagann: Yomako Teacher Version 1/8 Scale PVC Figure [DreamTech] - Only 3 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Haruhi Cheerleader Version Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Haruhi School Uniform Version Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Haruhi Summer Clothes Version Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Mikuru Asahina Cheerleader Version Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Mikuru Asahina Fighting Waitress Version Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Mikuru Asahina School Uniform Figma Action Figure - Only 6 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Tsuruya-san Culture Festival Maid Figma Action Figure - Only 4 Available!
Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi: Yuki Nagato School Uniform Figma Action Figure - Only 10 Available!
Hyakka Ryoran Samurai Girls: Yagyu Jubei 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 6 Available!
Ikki Tousen: Kanu Unchou Nekomimi Pastel Blue Uniform 1/7 Scale PVC Figure - Only 3 Available!
Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny: Sonsaku Hakufu School Swimsuit 1/6 Scale PVC Figure (Clear Version) - Only 8 Available!
Jiburiru the Devil Angel: Black Aries 1/8 Scale PVC Statue - Only 4 Available!
K-On! Yui Hirasawa Mobip Action Figure - Only 12 Available!
K-On! Tsumugi Kotobuki Mobip Action Figure - Only 12 Available!
Kanokon: Chizuru Minamoto 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 12 Available!
Kanokon: Nozomu Ezomori 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 12 Available!
Kanokon: Chizuru Minamoto Uniform 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 12 Available!
Kodomo no Jikan: Mimi Usa Gym Uniform Version 1/4 Scale PVC Figure - Only 6 Available!
Lucky Star: Hiiragi Kagami Summer Uniform Figma Figure - Only 12 Available!
Lucky Star: Miyuki Takara Winter School Uniform Figma Figure - Only 8 Available!
Lucky Star: Takara Miyuki Gym Uniform Version 1/4 Scale PVC Figure - Only 5 Available!
One Piece: Brook NEO POP Portrait of Pirates 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 2 Available!
One Piece: Portgas D. Ace NEO POP Portrait of Pirates 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 3 Available!
Persona 3: Aeigs (Aigis) Figma Action Figure - Only 12 Available!
Persona 4: Rise Kujikawa 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 16 Available!
Queen's Blade Combat Instructor Alleane 1/7 Scale PVC Figure - Only 8 Available!
Queen's Blade Ancient Princess Menace 1/7 Scale PVC Figure - Only 15 Available!
Queen's Blade: Elina Captain of the Royal Guard Non-Scaled Figure (Cast Off) - Only 12 Available!
Queen's Blade: Reina Exiled Warrior DX Variant Non-Scaled Figure (Cast Off) - Only 12 Available!
Red Stone: Lancer 1/7 Scale PVC Figure - Only 8 Available!
Tears to Tiara: Riannon Nendoroid Figure - Only 4 Available!
To Heart 2: Silfa 1/8 Scale PVC Figure - Only 6 Available!
To Heart 2: Tamaki Kousaka DVD Jacket [Adult] Version PVC Figure - Only 4 Available!
To Heart 2: Tamaki Kousaka DVD Jacket [Child] Version PVC Figure - Only 4 Available!
Wagaya no Oinari-sama: Kugen Tenko 1/7 Scale PVC Figure - Only 6 Available!

Funimation's February 2010 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

See, I told you we would finally get Funi's February schedule posted to the site! Here's what's coming:

Case Closed Movie #6 The Phantom of Baker Street DVD
Claymore Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY)
Dragon Ball Season 3 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #63-92) (Uncut)
Dragon Ball Z Dragonbox DVD Set #2 (Eps #43-83)
Soul Eater Collection, Part 1 DVD Box (Eps #1-13)
The Tower of Druaga Part #2, the Sword of URUK DVD Boxed Set (Eps #13-24)
Trinity Blood Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (BLURAY)

Quite a few BD re-releases in there along with the first box of Soul Eater which I know everyone is waiting for. Also, Funi has reduced the retail price on the 2nd Dragon Box set and our pre-order price reflects that change. Finally the Heroic Age Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY) is on the February schedule too, but it was rescheduled in there from it's original January release date.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Holiday Season Deal (12/11) - Save 45% on the Monster (Naoki Urasawa) Box

RACS Holiday Season Deal of the Weekend - Friday, December 11th
Save 45% off the MSRP on the Monster (Naoki Urasawa) DVD Box Set #1 (Eps #1-15)


We're counting down to Christmas with some great specials! This Weekend Only - you can save 45% off the MSRP on the Monster (Naoki Urasawa) DVD Box Set #1 (Eps #1-15) (Item #DMON-01)

From now until noon (EST) on Monday, December 14th you can purchase this DVD boxed set for a net price of only $32.99 - an additional $12 off our already discounted price (that's 45% off the MSRP of $59.98!) Just add it to your shopping cart - no coupon code necessary!

Coupon Code: NO COUPON CODE NEEDED

Note: Price valid for new orders only. Limit 3 sets per customer order at this price. Item may be purchased along with any other items on store site. Discounted price is already reflected on the store site - no coupon code necessary!

Each day during the holiday season we'll be running a 'deal of the day' promotion with one new Anime item priced at least 40% off the regular MSRP. To be one of the first to be notified, just follow us on our Twitter account here!

Cullman Liquidation

Robert Lee doesn't care of you buy one from him or not:


I laughed for 20 minutes after I saw this! Thanks to Jason for sending it over. :-)

A short video on the making of this commercial can be found here.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Black Rock Shooter Figure Postponed Until Q1 2010

A lot of people have been e-mailing in asking, so I just wanted to post a heads up that the Black Rock Shooter figure originally scheduled for November has been postponed until Q1 2010 due to production delays in Japan. Just got the word this morning.

She is already completely sold out in pre-order, so this notice only applies to the folks that already have her booked.

She is now scheduled to arrive around Late February or March of 2010.

UPDATE: Just got an e-mail from the importer letting us know that she should actually be arriving here in the states in 3 or 4 weeks, so we might have her in stock mid-January. This is fun isn't it!?

Monday, December 07, 2009

Where's The Deal?

Yeah I know, no deal of the day today... sorry about that.

We're totally buried in orders coming off the weekend, in fact we filled 2 1/2 times our normal Monday volume today. The postal folks had to send two trucks to cover our pickup, which is the last time we'll ever get two for the price of one of anything from the post office. HEH. It's 8:25pm and we're all still here. Probably be wrapping up tonight around 11ish, and back in at 7am.



I'll have a new deal for you folks tomorrow... :-)

Friday, December 04, 2009

Holiday Season Deal (12/4) - Save 50% on the My-Otome Complete DVD Box

RACS Holiday Season Deal of the Weekend - Friday, December 4th
Save 50% off the MSRP on the My-Otome Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Anime Legends)


We're counting down to Christmas with some great specials! This weekend only - you can save 50% off the MSRP on the My-Otome Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Anime Legends) Item # 20757

From now until noon (EST) on Monday, December 7th you can purchase this DVD boxed set for a net price of only $24.99 - an additional $11.99 off our already discounted price (that's 50% off the MSRP of $49.98!) Just add it to your shopping cart and use the following coupon code to take the additional savings!

Coupon Code: HS91204MO

Note: Limit 1 item per order eligible for discount. Valid for new orders only. Item may be purchased along with any other items on store site. Coupon expires at noon EST on December 7th, so get your orders in today!

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

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Genshiken II Vol #3 w/ Art Box Has Been Canceled

Media Blasters informed us a few days ago that the Genshiken 2 - The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, Vol #3 + ART BOX that was scheduled to street on January 19th has now been officially canceled.

Sorry folks, no art box for this one.

Please note that all pre-orders for Vol #3 with the Art Box will automatically be converted to the Genshiken II regular edition Vol #3 DVD which is streeting later this month on December 29th.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Anime Workers in Japan Struggling to Stay Afloat in a Declining Industry

Yuka Hayashi at the Wall Street Journal is reporting about "Anime Workers" in Japan that are Struggling to Stay Afloat in a Declining Industry. We could have some fun with that headline by inserting 'R1 Anime Retailers in America' in place of 'Anime Workers in Japan'. -_^ Hey, we've been toughing out this recession now for going on 2 years while the whole biz in North America has been busy resetting itself to the place it was maybe 7 or 8 years ago (i.e. - a LOT smaller) - and if we want to stay, there is nothing that we can do except ride the wave. Kowabunga.

Many of us who have been around in the scene for longer than 3 or 4 years can't help but notice the decline in the quality of Anime productions in recent years. I probably don't need to say more. While there are still good shows coming out of Japan, the creative well seems to be running dry more often than not. In the WSJ article Koji Takeuchi, who is the president of Telecom Animation, says about the state of the anime world:

"The industry has become decadent and fatigued - so many pieces are dark
and oppressive, and the message of hope and fun is no longer there."
Indeed, the magic is certainly harder to find in the newer material. Maybe I'm just getting older. I'll be 40 in January, and I find myself becoming more and more reflective these days, especially as the holidays approach. I look ahead, and I'm having a harder time seeing where the future will be in this, what form it will take, and what our role will/should be. But we'll figure it out, one way or another. :-)

And you know, this is second Anime article I've seen in the WSJ this month -the first being the one by Sarah Needlemen on Nov 3rd who interviewed Adam Sheehan (who is an events manager and producer for Funimation). Hey Adam, why are we ALL losing our hair!?? I think when someone at the Journal starts paying attention to the Anime biz, it's a sign we've probably come full circle...

Posted by a very tired Robert signing off at the end of a 19 hour Cyber Monday...

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Funimation Gets Both Sekirei and Tetsuwan Birdy Decode

Funimation has announced the acquisition of the rights to the 12-episode Sekirei series and the 26-episode Tetsuwan Birdy Decode series from Aniplex.

In addition Funimation has also acquired to the original Full Metal Panic series and the 12-episode Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu from Kadokawa Pictures, which were both previously published in North America by ADV Films.

Series Info

Sekirei
Sekirei is a science fiction series about a hapless hero who has failed his college entrance exams twice. After he meets a beautiful buxom girl who literally falls from the sky, he learns he can be an Ashikabi and bond with the girl who is a Sekirei, one of the 108 humanoid creatures manufactured by the mysterious MBI corporation in order to stage gladiatorial-type conflicts. A second season of the Sekirei anime series is slated to air in Japan in the winter of 2010.



Tetsuwan Birdy Decode
The sexy heroine of the series is Birdy Cephon Altera, a cosmic police officer who heads to earth to apprehend alien criminals. On one of her forays she accidentally kills an innocent earth boy and has to fuse with him in order to allow him to keep living until his body is rebuilt. When trouble happens however she has to revert to her shapely crime-fighting form.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Two #@$%$ing Figure Cancelations from Amiami

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

Strike Witches: Yoshika Miyafuji <br>1/8 Scale PVC Figure <br>[PRE ORDER] Gurren Lagann: Yoko <br>Swimsuit Version <br>1/7 Scale PVC Figure <br>[PRE ORDER]

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

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Funi Reduces MSRP on LineBarrels of Iron by 16%!

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

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

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

Veterans Day - Remember

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

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


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

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

UPS vs. FedEx

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

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

Bandai February 2010 Releases Now Available for Pre-Order:

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

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


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

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

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

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

Friday, November 06, 2009

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

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

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



Outstanding!

Monday, November 02, 2009

Funimation Now Pretty Much Owns the R1 Anime Market

From ICV2:

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

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


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

Saturday, October 31, 2009

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

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

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

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

New Series Synopsis:

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

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

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

Thursday, October 29, 2009

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 09, 2009

RACS - Columbus Day Holiday Hours

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

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

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