The consolidation of US anime distributors is continuing. On July 1, Bandai Namco Holdings will combine Bandai Entertainment and Bandai Visual USA. The latter will be liquidated by the end of September.

Bandai Visual USA has been shrinking. As of April, they had only two employees. The company head, Tatsunori Konno, moved back to Japan earlier this month.

Bandai Visual USA was established to primarily present collectors’ editions of Bandai Visual titles from Japan. The price structure was similar to their Japanese counterparts and was not warmly received by North American consumers. Last year, the company had over $1.15 million in sales, but had a loss of $595,000.

On a related note, parent company, Bandai Namco Holdings announced their financial numbers on May 8 for last fiscal year which ended in March. The news was not bad, but it also was not good. According to Anime! Anime!, the consolidated income was 460,473 million yen (about $4.4 billion US). This was only a 0.3% increase from last year, and did not meet the projected amount of 480,000 million yen (about $4.6 billion US). Other numbers:

• operating income was 33,411 million yen (about $319 million US)
• recurring income was 36,198 million yen (about $345 million US)
• net income was 32,679 million yen (about $312 million US)

ANN Story:
Bandai Visual USA to be Liquidated by September

Press Releases:
Bandai Namco
Bandai Entertainment
Bandai Visual USA

Anime! Anime! Story (translated by KatanaXtreme):
Namco Bandai’s financial result reveals the hard fight of AM, and visual and music content businesses

__________

In other Bandai news, Bandai Entertainment announced that the Gainax series, Gurren Lagann, will air on the US’s Sci Fi Channel. It will air as part of Sci Fi’s Ani-Monday block beginning July 28. Two episodes will be presented every week through October. The announcement was made earlier this month at the Talks on Gurren Lagann panel discussion which was part of FanimeCon (San Jose, California).

Image © Gainax/Aniplex, KDE-J, TV Tokyo, Dentsu

ANN Story:
Bandai Entertainment Confirms Gurren Lagann on Sci Fi Channel (Updated)

__________

Director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell) recently supervised the opening and ending animations for NHK’s new documentary mini-series, Futto Toshi (Effervescent Cities…ANN’s translation of the title is Cities in Tumultuous Change). Production I.G animated the title sequence and Kenji Kawai (Ghost in the Shell movies) composed the music.

The 8-part series premiered on May 18 and focuses on cities which are “becoming new international players with the advance of globalization“. On the NHK website, Shinichi Terazono, Senior Producer (Special Programs Division in charge Futto Toshi) comments about the series:

“This is said to be the year when the world’s urban population is overtaking the world’s rural population. Globalization is also shifting power away from the United States to other growing economic powers. I believe we can present a new type of documentary. The title sequence images have been created by Mamoru Oshii, whose work is popular among young Japanese people, and the pace of the program will be faster than in our conventional documentaries. Dubai is the first rising city of the series, followed by London, Dacca, and Istanbul.“

Image captures taken from a promotional video of the first two episodes of Futto Toshi:
Copyright NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.

ANN Story:
Oshii Oversees Opening, Ending for NHK Documentaries

NHK Reference:
On two new NHK Specials, Futto Toshi (Effervescent Cities), and The Arctic Circle – The Future of the Globe
__________

ADV Films and San Francisco based video sharing site Crunchyroll have teamed up with a digital promotion campaign. The first 12 episodes of the 24 episode series, Welcome to the NHK will be available on Crunchyroll’s website. Currently, episodes 1 – 4 are available (as of May 29). Over the next four weeks, the remaining episodes will be posted, two episodes every Thursday. As a cross-promotion, ADV is also offering Volumes 1 – 3 of Welcome to the NHK DVDs at 50% off the suggested retail price at select retailers.

Crunchyroll has its own promotional tie-in. They are running a contest to find the “Top Otaku”. The contest is open to community members, who have to post photos of their otaku room showing off all their fan stuff. The winners will get Volumes 1 – 4 of Welcome to the NHK DVDs. For full rules, check the Crunchyroll website.

What makes this partnership a little unusual is that Crunchyroll is known for pushing (and often stepping over) the boundaries of copyright law. The site has been popular and, in 2007, Viacom nearly bought Crunchyroll for $10 million. Probably someone in the company realized that the purchase of a company known for posting copyright infringing content would hurt their lawsuit with Google (YouTube) and the deal was dropped. Still, Crunchyroll was able to secure over $4 million of funding earlier this February from venture capital firm Venrock.

ANN Story:
Crunchyroll to Stream ADV’s Welcome to the NHK

Crunchyroll References:
Crunchyroll Pushes the Envelope On Video Copyright
VC’s Back Crunchyroll: Guts? Brains? Or Sheer Stupidity?

__________

Speaking of copyright infringement, the Belarusian baked goods and confectionery company, MINSKHLEBPROM, seems to be pushing the envelope with a mascot character shown on the packaging of their chocolate waffle. The character looks suspiciously like Haruhi Suzumiya, the title charater of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (light novels, manga, and anime). Several online sites in Japan have nicknamed the Belarusian character “Haruhinov,” “Haruhichov,” “Haruhikov Dekovitch,” and “Haruhinikov Uchujinsky”.

Haruhi Image © 2006Nagaru Tanigawa /Noizi Ito / member of SOS

ANN Story:
Haruhi Lookalike Appears on Belarusian Waffle Packaging (Updated)

Japanese Source:
newAkiba.com

__________

Japan’s Ministry of Tourism is hoping that kawaii will bring in more visitors from China. Earlier this month, the Ministry appointed Hello Kitty as the tourism ambassador to China and Hong Kong. She is very popular among children and young women there and ministry officials are hoping this popularity translates to helping with their “Visit Japan” campaign’s goal of attracting 10 million overseas visitors every year. Last year, there were 8.35 million overseas visitors to Japan, a record high.

It doesn’t hurt that Hello Kitty’s Dream Light Fantasy, a multi-million dollar musical, opened earlier this year in Beijing. The musical is currently touring China and will later visit Malaysia, Singapore, and the U.S. as part of a three year run.

Hello Kitty will be the first fictional character to be used as a tourism ambassador. Past ambassadors include J-pop duo Puffy AmiYumi, Korean singer Younha, and Japanese actress Yoshino Kimura. On a side note, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tapped robot cat Doraemon as Japan’s anime ambassador in March.

Picture of Hello Kitty with Japan’s Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Tetsuzo Fuyushiba: AP Photo/Koji Sasahara

Associated Press Story:
Hello Kitty is named Japan tourism ambassador

ADVFilms.com

February 5, 2008

• Devil may Cry Vol. #1 – 100 min
• Magikano Vol. #2 (also w/box) – 100 min

February 12, 2008

• Kanon Vol. #2 (also w/box) – 100 min
• Kurau: Phantom Memory Vol. #6 – 100 min
• Project Blue Earth SOS Vol. #1 – 90 min

February 19, 2008

• Moonlight Mile Vol. #1 – 100 min
• Tokyo Majin Vol. #2 (also w/box) – 100 min
• Welcome to the NHK Vol. #3 – 100 min

February 26, 2008

• Gurren Lagann Vol. #1 – 100 min
• Michel Complete Collection – 650 min
• Pumpkin Scissors Vol. #3 – 100 min
• Wallflower Vol. #2 (also w/box) – 100 min

AN Entertainment

• No releases this month

Bandai Entertainment

Bandai-Ent.com

February 5, 2008

• .hack//Roots Vol. #6 (also w/Special Edition/CD) – 100 min
• Clockwork Fighters Vol. #3 – 200 min
• Cowboy Bebop Remix Complete Collection – 650 min

February 19, 2008

• Zegapain Vol. #3 (of 6) – 100 min

Bandai Visual

BandaiVisual.co.jp

February 22, 2008

• Mobile Suit Gundam F91 – Blu-Ray (Japan only)
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack – Blu-Ray (Japan only)

Bandai Visual USA, Inc.

BandaiVisual.us

Bandai Visual USA was a casualty of Geneon’s and ADV’s decision not to go through with their sales and distribution agreement. Geneon had been distributing Bandai’s titles. Unfortunately, this means that currently their titles are not available through normal retail channels (brick and mortar stores and online stores). As a stopgap, Bandai is selling their releases through their own online service (dot-anime.us website) until they can arrange an alternate distribution scheme.

February 12, 2008

• Super Robot Wars: OG – Divine Wars Vol. #3 – 72 min

February 26, 2008

• Freedom Vol. #4 – HD-DVD – 30 min

BuenaVista Home Entertainment Japan

Movies.co.jp
No releases this month

Discotek

www.discotekmedia.com
No releases this month

FUNimation Entertainment, Ltd.

FUNimation.com

February 5, 2008

• Fullmetal Alchemist Box Set 3 – 400 min
• Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. #09 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. #10 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Negima Box Set – 650 min
• Negima Vol. #1 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Negima Vol. #2 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• School Rumble Vol. #5 – 100 min

February 12, 2008

• Black Blood Brothers Vol. #1 (also w/box)
• Dragon Ball Movies Box Set (Movies 2-4) – 185 min
• Glass Fleet Vol. #4 – 100 min
• Speed Grapher Vol. #1 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Speed Grapher Vol. #2 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min

February 19, 2008

• Dragon Ball Z Season 4 – 730 min
• One Piece Movie 08: Episode of Alabaster

February 26, 2008

• Galaxy Railways Complete Box Set (Viridian Collection) – 650 min
• Hell Girl Vol. #4 – 100 min
• Mushishi Vol. #6 – 100 min
• Shuffle Vol. #1

GDH K.K.

GDH K.K.

February 20, 2008

• Afro Samurai – HD-DVD (Japan only) – 112 min
• Afro Samurai – Blu-Ray (Japan only) – 112 min

Geneon Entertainment (USA), Inc.

GeneonAnimation.com

Until further notice there will be no more releases from Geneon USA. However, there is one release from the parent company:

Geneon Entertainment (Japan)

February 22, 2008

• Perfect Blue (also w/Limited Edition) – Blu-Ray (Japan only)

Illumitoon.com

Illumitoon.com

Until further notice there will be no more releases from Illumitoon.

ImaginAsian (distributed by Right Stuf!)

No releases this month

Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

No releases this month

Manga Entertainment

Manga.com

No releases this month

Media Blasters

Media-Blasters.com

February 5, 2008

• Phoenix Vol. #3 – 100 min

February 19, 2008

• Girls High Collection – 300 min

February 26, 2008

• Simoun Vol. #2 – 125 min

Right Stuf International, Inc.

RightStuf.com

February 26, 2008

• Boys Be.. Box Set (Thinpak) – 325 min

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

SonyPictures.com

• No releases this month

Viz Media

Viz.com

February 12, 2008

• Naruto Box Set 06 (also w/special edition) – 325 min
• Pokemon Season 1 Box Set 3

“I could also read American comics, but I prefer the Japanese ones because they’re less clumsy.”

According to Tokyopop Germany managing director, Joachim Kaps, manga accounts for 70% of all comics sales in Germany. It has become so popular, that they (as well as another publisher, Carlsen Manga) are producing and exporting manga from Germany. One example is Gothic Sports by Anike Hage (Vol. 3’s cover is shown in this month’s manga releases article).

From a units sold standpoint, manga is even more popular in France. Readers there say they prefer the graphics of manga over western comics. They also believe that the stories told in manga address more relevant issues for teens.

Perhaps in reaction to the rising popularity of manga, French illustrator and author Albert Uderzo, best known for his Asterix series, published Asterix and the Falling Sky in 2005. This volume, while still set in 1st century B.C. Gaul (France), departs from the previous 32 volumes by introducing two sets of aliens from outer space. One is the evil Nagma (anagram of manga) who want to steal the Gaul’s druid potion so that they can conquer more planets. The comic also pokes fun at Americans. The other alien group is called the Tadsilweny (anagram for Walt Disney) and they want to confiscate the potion since they consider it a dangerous weapon.

The brief British reference said that Tokyopop UK had it sales double from $4 million in 2006 to $8 million in 2007. There was also mention of British experiments with publishing their own manga with adaptations of Shakespeare and the Bible.

The article mentioned one interesting point. Europe is “the largest consumer of manga outside Japan“. They referred to a report by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) which said that the combined manga sales in Germany and France “totaled $212.6 million last year” (which probably means 2006). The article did not have a link to the report, but a similar report is mentioned in a ComiPress article. That article states that Germany and France combined for a range of 20.6 billion yen ($188.6 million) to 23.6 billion yen ($216.1 million) while the US that year (2005) had sales of 20 billion yen ($183 million).

On a related note, according to an ANN article, the Japanese government has allocated 147 million yen (about $1.34 million) “to spread anime, manga, and other elements of Japanese popular culture in Eastern Europe“. The money will be used to pay for 30 teachers to go to Hungary and three other countries to teach Japanese and Japanese popular culture.

Business Week Article (via ANN): Europe’s Manga Mania

ComiPress Article: New Report from JETRO on the Manga Market in Germany
JETRO Report (Japanese) and pdf link

ANN Article: Japan Plans 147M Yen to Spread Anime, Manga in Europe

ANN Japanese Sources: Nikkan Sports, Asahi Shimbun

“The main character of the manga, a young man called Shizuku Kanzaki, discovers the beauty of wine after his father, a famous wine critic, dies and leaves an unusual will: a description of 12 wines he considers to be the best in the world, comparing them to Jesus Christ’s disciples.

The first person to find these “disciples” will inherit the father’s wine collection, a contest that pits Shizuku against his adoptive brother, Issey Tomine, who works as a sommelier.”

As wines have been introduced in the manga, readers have been going out to purchase them. According to Reuters, winemakers have noticed the Kami no Shizuku effect:

“The minute it was translated into Korean, we had calls from three importers,” said Basaline Granger Despagne, whose family has grown wine near France’s Dordogne river for 250 years. Their Chateau Mont Perat 2001 Bordeaux appears early on in the manga.

“When it was translated into Chinese, people called us from Taiwan saying, ‘I bought some Mont Perat and sold 50 cases in two days because of the manga’,” she said in a phone interview.

Umberto Cosmo, whose family produces Colli di Conegliano Rosso Contrada di Concenigo, was pleased to hear that his wine appeared in the manga. In a phone interview with Reuters, he said that sales jumped by 30% after the manga came out.

The Decanter.com article also comments about how the manga describes wine:

“The books are notable for their unconventional descriptions of the wines featured. For instance, Mont Perat is likened to a concert given by the rock group Queen, with the wine’s acidity taking the place of Freddie Mercury’s vocals.”

Mangaka Yuko Kibayashi, under a nom de plume, and with the help of her brother Shin plan to continue the series for another four to five years revealing the identity of the 12 “disciple” wines during the course of the series.

Kami no Shizuku is currently published in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Not surprisingly, a French version is scheduled to be published in 2008 with the possibility of an Italian version to follow. Also, there are rumors of a live-action adaptation.

Image of Kami no Shizuku, Vol. 1 from beNippon.com
Image of Château Mont-Pérat (2001) from snooth.com

Decanter.com article (via ANN): Manga comics ignite interest in wine

Reuters Story: FEATURE-Taste of heaven: Manga spreads ‘Drops of God’ in Asia

Pizza Hut has recently been using anime as one way to promote their pizzas. They had product placement within the series Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and Darker than Black. They had a promotional campaign tied to the theatrical release of the Evangelion: 1.0 You Are [Not] Alone movie. Now, they have a similar campaign under way tied to the shōjo series Maria-sama ga Miteru. According to the series official website…hopefully, I have interpreted the Japanese translation (Babelfish) correctly…customers who buy a medium pizza will get a limited edition Maria-sama ga Miteru design pizza box, while supplies last. Additionally, Pizza Hut Club members will have access to a special computer wallpaper and mobile phone graphic. The campaign will run from January 7 thru February 13. All orders made online will be entered in a drawing where the prizes are a stamp sheet signed by the main cast (1), a script signed by the “Red Rose” cast (3), a script signed by the “Yellow Rose” cast (3), a script signed by the “White Rose” cast (3), and the Season 3 OVA fan disc – Vol. 1 (20). Entry to the drawing can also be made by mail. The entry deadline is February 19. Note: This campaign is for Japan only.

Images © Oyuki Konno/Shueisha, Yamayurikai 02

Maria-sama ga Miteru official website

ANN Article: MariMite Pizza Hut Japan Campaign, Fan Disk Announced
Japanese Source: Moon Phase

In 2006, Nissin Foods celebrated the 35th anniversary of the introduction of one of their most famous products, Cup Noodles, with a campaign called the Freedom Project. It included the usual print and TV ads as well as special 35th anniversary designs for their Cup Noodles. What made this campaign different is that Nissin commissioned the creation of a 6 part OVA called Freedom as its centerpiece. It was created by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira), who also was the character and mecha designer. Of course, there was plenty of product placement throughout the series.

Last month, Nissin started airing two commercials for another of its products, Donbei Instant Noodles. For this campaign, they have characters from Mobile Suit Gundam sing the praises of Donbei. The “Mieru” commercial shows Amuro Ray delirious from hunger after a long battle and crying for joy when he sees floating bowls of Donbei Udon and Soba.

The other commercial features Zeon leader Gihren Zabi giving his “Sieg Zeon” speech, except he says “Juicy Udon” instead of “Sieg Zeon”.

Tohru Furuya and Banjou Ginga, the seiyū for Amuro and Gihren, reprised their Mobile Suit Gundam roles for the spots.

Nissin has posted both the “Mieru” commericial (in low, middle, or high quality) and the “Eat up, my countrymen” commercial (in low, middle, or high quality). You will need Windows Media Player for playback.

Freedom, Noodle and Gundam Images ©Nissin, Sunrise, Sotsu Agency, and Bandai Visual

ANN Article: Gundam Characters Hawk Instant Noodles in Japan
Japanese Source: Nikkei Trendy Net

Last November, Anime Anime (via ANN) reported that Japanese retailer kamikau.com was offering 20 different styles of tissue boxes with designs from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Each style costs 525 yen (about $4.79 US) and includes 100 2-ply white tissues. Each features artwork from the series on 5 sides. The set of 20 is offered at 10,500 yen (about $95.82 US)…so no discount. To protect the tissue box, kamikau sells a clear acrylic cover for 2100 yen (about $19.16 US). They also offer a customization service, so people can create their own style (using the images found in the 20 pre-made styles) for no extra charge.

Images © 2006 Nagaru Tanigawa/Noizi Ito/member of SOS and © 2006 Morizane – Shoji Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Anime Anime Article (Japanese): 涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱」のボックスティッシュ インターネットで限定販売

ANN Article: Not-So-Daily Link of the Day: Haruhi Tissue Boxes

In the past anime and manga have been used to promote beauty and personal hygiene products for women (The Rose of Versailles bath powder sets) and children (Shin-chan Eau de Toilette, Body Fresh Spray, and Cologne). Now, the hair product division of German-based company Schwarzkopf & Henkel (home care, personal care, and adhesives) will be introducing a new line of hair coloring products for men.

Pictured above and below are the current line of bleaching and darkening products.

According to ANN, “the new lineup will include more unusual colors: beige, ash, gray, blonde, khaki (greenish tint), and blood (reddish tint)”. The projected price for each color is 700 yen (about $6.43 US). The launch date is February 4, 2008.

The characters used for the 2007 line and those that will appear on the 2008 line come from the high school fighting manga Crows and its sequel Worst by Hiroshi Takahashi. Here is a synopsis of Worst from DMP:

“Worst is a high impact gang-related title that deals with teenage boys fighting their way through high school on order to gain respect. There is no room for deceit and underhanded tricks at the notorious High School ‘Suzuran.’ These young men follow a strict honor code when it comes to brawling, very reminiscent of the mafia in the early days. Traditionally called a ‘Yankee Manga’ (’Yankee’ having a different meaning and pronunciation than in English) typically involves delinquent young men and thugs like ‘Hana Tsukishima’ who is making his way through the ranks to rule over the rest at school.”

You will notice that the main character, Hana Tsukishima, doesn’t appear to have much hair and that he isn’t on any of the products above. Not to worry, Schwarzkopf & Henkel is using his image to sell their line of facial tissues.

On a related note, last October, a live-action prequel called Crows Zero directed by Takashi Miike opened in theaters around Japan and Korea. Schwarzkopf & Henkel used this as an opportunity for cross promotion. They gave away posters signed by Takahashi-san and the film’s star Shun Oguri (Hana Yori Dango).

Product Images: ©2007 Schwarzkopf & Henkel K.K. All Right Reserved
Character Images: © Hiroshi Takahashi (Monthly Shonen Champion) 2002-2007

ANN Story: Manga Used to Sell Hair Coloring Products…for Men

Japanese Source (which also shows a photo of the upcoming product line): Sankei Shimbun

Finally, one more piece about products for men. It seems the juggernaut of kawaii, Hello Kitty, has decided to enter the arena. Sanrio Co. will be rolling out a line of products aimed at young men including bags, watches, and T-shirts. The products will go on sale in Japan this month with later releases planned in other Asian nations as well as the US.

There will be some minor modifications to the look of Hello Kitty for men. According to Sanrio (via the Associated Press), the shape of the head will feature:

“…a more rugged, cool look to appeal to men in their teens and 20s. For example, a picture of the cat on a $36 black T-shirt has the words, ‘hello kitty,’ instead of the usual dots for the eyes and nose.”

While this will be the first time Sanrio has developed Hello Kitty items specifically for men, they did have a trial run of sorts last fall. They collaborated on a “limited edition” of men’s clothing with designers in Tokyo’s Harajuku section. This was noted in the Hello Kitty World blog.

As to why Sanrio decided to enter the men’s fashion market, spokesperson Kazuo Tohmatsu said:

“We think Hello Kitty is accepted by young men as a design statement in fashion.” He added, “Young men these days grew up with character goods. That generation feels no embarrassment about wearing Hello Kitty.”

Photos of Products: © Associated Press/AP Photo/Koji Sasahara
Images of Hello Kitty: © 1976-2008 Sanrio Co., Ltd.

Associated Press Story (via The Miami Herald): Hello Kitty targets hip young (tom)cats

ANN Story: Hello Kitty Takes on Men for Next Conquest

Viz Discontinues MAR Anime Series

MRA Troubles

Viz Media has discontinued DVD releases for the MAR anime series after volume 4. This was originally reported by AnimeOnDVD and later picked up by ANN. When ANN questioned Viz Media, their public relations department gave them the following answer:

“As in the case with all entertainment companies, we are constantly evaluating the titles we release and how they are released, and at this present time these titles are under evaluation. We do however still have the license to produce these titles, and they are still available for viewing on Toonami Jetstream.”

However, only half the episodes have been dubbed and it is uncertain if Viz will have the remainder dubbed.

The other title referred to in the reply is the strategy game series Hikaru no Go. ANN has reported that some retailers have said that the series would no longer be released on single DVDs, which means there is still a chance that Hikaru no Go will be released exclusively in a boxed set. Viz has released some titles in this manner including The Prince of Tennis and Buso Renkin.

ANN Story: Viz Responds to Questions about MAR, Hikaru no Go DVDs

Here are a couple more pieces of bad news, but at least they have a silver lining:

Bandai Makes Up For Defective Disks

Earlier this month retailers Right Stuf and Robert’s Anime Corner Store reported issues with some releases from Bandai Entertainment. The affected titles are Gundam Seed Destiny Vol. 12 regular and special editions, Eureka Seven Vol. 11, Flag Vol. 2, and My-Otome Vol. 4. On January 9, Bandai Entertainment issued a press release which confirmed the defective discs. It described the problem as “a result of a duplicator’s error which created playability issues on some DVD consoles and personal computers“. The titles have been recalled from stores and replacements will be shipped when they become available. For customers who already purchased defective discs, the press release states:

“A special link on the www.bandai-ent.com site will be active beginning 1/17/08. Customers who purchased the above mentioned titles and are experiencing difficulties should click on the link and follow instructions for the replacement program. This link is only for replacement discs of the above listed titles.”

ANN Story: Bandai Entertainments Confirms Recall on 4 DVDs

Image of the January 2008 issue of Newtype USA is from the Newtype USA site.

Newtype USA Ceases Publication; PiQ To Take It’s Place (!)

Also earlier this month, ADV contacted retailers to let them know that Newtype USA would be ceasing publication after the February issue. ADV had licensed Newtype USA from Kadokawa Shoten who publishes the original Japanese Newtype magazine. The first issue was the November 2002 issue (not counting the “0″ issue released at Anime Expo 2002). ADV is planning to replace Newtype USA with a new magazine called PiQ. In an email sent to subscribers who were concerned about the status of their subscriptions, ADV wrote:

“We will be launching a new magazine that will be on sale in mid-March. Titled PiQ, the magazine will cover anime, manga, video games and other aspects of pop culture of keen interests to you. All existing subscribers will have their remaining issues fulfilled at a two-to-one ratio, meaning you will get double the number of magazines delivered straight to your doorstep! We hope you stick with us and give the new magazine a shot. We’re sure you’ll love it!“

As to why they are ceasing publication of Newtype USA, the email ADV sent to retailers mentioned (according to AnimeOnDVD.com, January 10 listing) “the changes…relate to licensing needs that go back to Japan.” Additionally, AOD noted that this decision was also “likely the result of the changing landscape in the US market“. AOD pointed out, “Anyone who has a copy of the magazine can tell easily where a good chunk of their advertising came from when you notice just how much Geneon Entertainment pushed their goods there“.

ANN Stories: Newtype USA to Cease Publication; A.D. Vision to replace Newtype USA with PiQ in March

Okay, let’s move on to some better news…first up a freebie of sorts:

Sci Fi Channel Doubles Anime Programming Blocks

More Anime on Sci Fi

Good news for US audiences…the Sci Fi Channel will be doubling their anime blocks. In addition to their Ani-Monday block (11pm – 1am ET), Sci Fi will start a 2-hour block on Tuesday nights in the same time slot. Okay so that amounts to just another 2 hours per week.

Still, this is a promising development. If Sci Fi is planning to try to compete with the first two hours of Adult Swim’s weeknight block, then they will eventually strip their anime programming Monday thru Friday.

The new block…yet to be named, though Ani-Tuesday doesn’t have the same ring as Ani-Monday…will start in February.

Just Another Ani-Monday

Here is what will be shown on Ani-Monday in February:

• Feb. 4 – Ninja Scroll
• Feb. 11 – Tactics/Noein
• Feb. 18 – Tactics/Noein
• Feb. 25 – Tactics/Noein

Here is what will be shown during the Tuesday block in February:

• Feb. 5 – R.O.D. (Read or Die)
• Feb. 12 – Appleseed
• Feb. 19 – Kai Doh Maru
  
• Feb. 12 – X

It looks like Mondays will primarily be used to show series and Tuesdays will primarily be used for movies.

Starz Edge Adjusts Anime Block Schedule

In another bit of TV related news, the cable premium channel Starz Edge, is moving its Animidnight block to Mondays at midnight (i.e., Tuesday morning). Here is the upcoming schedule:

• Jan. 28 – Desert Punk, Episodes 21 & 22
• Feb. 4 – Desert Punk, Episodes 23 & 24
• Feb. 11 – Hellsing Ultimate, Episodes 1 & 2
• Feb. 18 – Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society
• Feb. 26 – Black Lagoon, Episodes 1 & 2

Two points of interest…first the parent company of Starz Edge is Starz, LLC. Starz, LLC also owns Manga Entertainment which supplies the majority of Sci Fi’s Ani-Monday offerings. With this move, Animidnight will be aired at the same time as Ani-Monday and Sci Fi’s Tuesday anime block.

Second, Starz Edge was originally going to air Hellsing Ultimate, Episodes 3 & 4 on February 18. However, Geneon USA (not dead yet) has told ANN that “episode 4 will not be ready with an English-language track next month“. Another issue was the fact that episode 4 is not scheduled to be released in Japan by Geneon Entertainment (Geneon USA’s parent company) until February 22. It will be interesting to see when and if an English dub of episode 4 will be available for broadcast…and if it will ever make it to DVD.

ANN Stories: America’s Sci Fi Channel Adds Anime on Tuesdays; Hellsing Ultimate 4 Unavailable for Starz Edge Next Month

Now on to the sales…

Big Anime Sale at Amazon.com

Amazon.com is having a sale they call the Big Anime Sale. You can save up to 50% on a select list of over 225 DVDs. No end date is listed for the sale.

AnimeNation’s New Year’s Sale

AnimeNation’s current sale is called their New Year’s Sale and it is essentially a continuation of their Overstock Sale.

You can save up to 60% on a select list of items. There is no end date listed for the sale.

RightStuf! Savings On Viz Media Products

RightStuf! has a new sale called Take Note: Savings That Rule. You can save on products from Viz Media.

You can take 33% off the retail prices of all books and graphic novels. You can take 40% off the retail prices of all DVDs. This includes pre-orders. The coupon code is takenote and it expires on January 20 at 11:59 pm CST.

Borders Bookstores Coupon

Borders is offering a printable coupon for 20% off one item when purchased at a Borders store. Read the fine print for the exclusions. The coupon expires on January 21, 2008.

Save 20% At Borders

ADVFilms.com

January 1, 2008

• Jinki: Extend Complete Collection – 325 min
• Kanon Vol. #1 – 100 min
• Martian Successor Nadesico Perfect Collection (Thinpak) – 650 min

January 8, 2008

• Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy Vol. #5 – 100 min
• Ghost Stories Complete Collection – 550 min

January 15, 2008

• Get Backers Complete Series Collection (Thinpak) – 1225 min
• Venus Versus Virus Vol. #2 (also w/box) – 100 min
• Xenosaga Vol. #3 – 100 min

January 22, 2008

• Comic Party Revolution Box Set (Thinpak) – 325 min
• Red Garden Vol. #3 – 100 min

AN Entertainment

• No releases this month

Bandai Entertainment

Bandai-Ent.com

January 8, 2008

• Di Gi Charat Nyo! Vol. #05 – 100 min
• Eureka Seven Vol. #11 – 100 min
• Flag Vol. #2 – 75 min
• Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Collection 1 (Anime Legends Edition) – 625 min
• Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Vol. #12 (also w/special edition) – 100 min
• My-Otome Vol. #4 – 100 min

Bandai Visual

BandaiVisual.co.jp

January 25, 2008

• Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Blu-Ray (Japan only)
• Escaflowne the Movie – Blu-Ray (Japan only)
• Yukikaze Box Set – Blu-Ray (Japan only)

Bandai Visual USA, Inc.

BandaiVisual.us

Bandai Visual USA was a casualty of Geneon’s and ADV’s decision not to go through with their sales and distribution agreement. Geneon had been distributing Bandai’s titles. Unfortunately, this means that currently their titles are not available through normal retail channels (brick and mortar stores and online stores). As a stopgap, Bandai is selling their releases through their own online service (dot-anime.us website) until they can arrange an alternate distribution scheme.

January 8, 2008

• Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO Vol. #2 – 85 min
• Super Robot Wars: OG – Divine Wars Vol. #2 – 72 min

BuenaVista Home Entertainment Japan

Movies.co.jp
No releases this month

Discotek

www.discotekmedia.com
No releases this month

FUNimation Entertainment, Ltd.

FUNimation.com

January 8, 2008

• Glass Fleet Vol. #3 – 100 min
• Suzuka Vol. #6 – 100 min
• Trinity Blood Vol. #5 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Trinity Blood Vol. #6 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Tsubasa Vol. #6 – 100 min

January 15, 2008

• Fullmetal Alchemist Box Set 3 – 400 min
• Hell Girl Vol. #3 – 100 min
• Mushishi Vol. #5 – 100 min

January 22, 2008

• Basilisk Vol. #5 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Basilisk Vol. #6 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. #07 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. #08 (Viridian Collection) – 100 min
• Kiddy Grade Box Set (Viridian Collection) – 400 min

January 29, 2008

• Beck Vol. #6 – 100 min
• Ragnarok Vol. #2
• Witchblade Vol. #4 – 100 min

Geneon Entertainment (USA), Inc.

GeneonAnimation.com

Until further notice there will be no more releases from Geneon.

Illumitoon.com

Illumitoon.com

Until further notice there will be no more releases from Illumitoon.

ImaginAsian (distributed by Right Stuf!)

No releases this month

Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.

January 29, 2008

• The Third: The Girl With The Blue Eye Vol. #4 – 100 min

Manga Entertainment

Manga.com

January 22, 2008

• Noein Complete Box Set – 635 min
• Tokko Complete Box Set – 320 min

Media Blasters

Media-Blasters.com

January 8, 2008

• Ramen Fighter Miki Vol. #3 – 100 min

January 22, 2008

• Angel Sanctuary – 90 min

January 29, 2008

• Step Up Love Story Vol. #2 – 60 min

Right Stuf International, Inc.

RightStuf.com

• No releases this month

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

SonyPictures.com

• No releases this month

Viz Media

Viz.com

January 8, 2008

• Naruto Vol. #19 – 100 min

January 15, 2008

• Bleach Vol. #08 – 100 min
• Hikaru no Go Vol. #12 – 100 min
• Prince of Tennis Box Set 04 – 275 min

January 29, 2008

• Death Note Vol. #3 (also w/Deluxe Edition w/Figure) – 100 min
• Naruto Vol. #20 – 100 min
• Ranma 1/2 Season 5 Set: Martial Mayhem – 450 min

Also of Note from Japan:

Imagica

January 23, 2008

• Utawarerumono Box Set – Blu-Ray (Japan only) – 598 + 117 min