Bandai Skips May, Announces June 2011 Releases

Skipping the month of May entirely this year, Bandai has just given us their June 2011 release schedule, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part#2 DVD - Jun 7th
Gundam Unicorn , Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-4) - Jun 7th
Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 DVD (Eps #1-6) - Jun 7th
Tales of the Abyss , Part #1 Limited Edition DVD (Eps #1-6) - Jun 7th
K-On! Vol #2 DVD - Jun 14
K-On! Vol #2 (BLURAY) -Jun 14

In addition to these new releases, Bandai has also pushed back the Girl Who leapt Through Time (BLURAY) a couple of weeks from Apr 12 to Apr 26.

Just a couple of comments. As far as skipping the month of May, maybe they know something we don't - as in maybe some of those April releases will ultimately end up in May. Oh no! -_^ As I'm sure you are, I am hoping they will get K-On out on time and not stick to their history of bumping the date of almost every new release at least once. It's good to see an affordable version of Gundam Unicorn coming on regular DVD, but if you are holding out for the cheaper US BD release don't - the region free Japanese release that we have been carrying will be the only BD version made available. Tales of the Abyss will sadly be subtitled only.

Finally, as long as we're talking about Bandai, if anyone is wondering where the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends) is, I'm not sure either. It was delayed from early Feb to Mar 22, but still didn't arrive on time and we've been so busy with Kanokon this week I have not had a minute to call up there and find out what's going on with CG. Maybe tomorrow. :-)

Tales of the Abyss

On the planet Audlant, global war is imminent between the Kingdom of Kimlasca and the Malkuth Empire. Their conflict had been prophesied in the Scores, a complete history of this world from its creation to its destruction once written on the mysterious stones. It also predicts the appearance of a new savior-hero, who is a red-haired male child with the name of “the Light of the Sacred Flame”. Luke fon Fabre, a son of the noble family who has been confined in his father’s palace for years, feels impatient and defiant like any teenage boy. When a beautiful young lady named Tear suddenly intrudes into his training session and attacks General Van, who he respects as master swordsman, the spoiled kid is spirited away and forced into a series of great adventures through this alternate-reality world of swords and sorcery.

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

Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get their new schedules out this week, so when it rains it pours! We've also laid our hands on Funimation's June release schedule, and we now have them up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-65) - Jun 7th
Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-65) (BLURAY) - Jun 7th
Tenchi Muyo Ryo Ohki Complete DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection)- Jun 7th
TO (Tou) Anime Movie DVD/BLURAY Combo Pack- Jun 7th
Tsubasa Season 1 Collection DVD Box Set (Eps #1-26) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Jun 7th
Tsubasa Season 1 Collection DVD Box Set (BLURAY) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - Jun 7th
Dance in the Vampire Bund Complete Collection DVD/BLURAY Combo Set (Limited Edition) - Jun 14th
Fruits Basket Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Collectors Edition) - Jun 14th
Last Exile Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection) - Jun 14th
Blue Gender Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set + Movie (Classic Collection) - Jun 21st
Baka and Test Complete Collection DVD/BLURAY Combo Set (Eps #1-13) (Limited Edition) - Jun 28th
Gungrave Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection) - Jun 28th
Gungrave Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - Jun 28th
Rideback Complete Collection DVD/BLURAY Combo Set (Eps #-1-13) (Limited First Pressing) - Jun 28th
Sgt Frog (Keroro Gunso) Season 3 Part 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #52-64) - Jun 28th

So, a few notes and observations:

1) The original release of Rideback set for April 12th has been scrubbed and a new DVD/BLURAY combo set put in it's place, new streeting on Jun 28th. The price is the same, so all existing pre-orders for the old version will automatically be upgraded to the new version scheduled for Jun.

2) We will only be offering the Limited First Pressing version of both Dance in the Vampire Bund and Baka and Test for pre-order. As always, we are pricing this version at the same price at the regular edition which we will not offer until the limited version is sold out.

3) Funimation is showing some 'corporate' level decision making (i.e. not smart) to re-release the Tsubasa S.A.V.E. edition as separate seasons when they have already released a 'complete' collection of the series. I think the nice 'Collected Memories' edition still offers the best value, and we will keep this version in stock as long as possible. I recommend you pass on the upcoming S.A.V.E. version unless you absolutely don't care about anything except 'cheap'.

4) Funi has added a BD version of Gungrave to the schedule along side the prevously delayed DVD re-release. Both of these are being re-streeted under the 'Classics' label, as are Last Exile and Tenchi Ryo-Ohki

5) I'm not sure what the Fruits Basket 'Collectors' edition is going to entail yet, but we should find out in the next couple of days. All we know right now is that it will be released at a higher price than the previous Viridian edition, so hopefully the contents of this version will justify that.

6) Glad to see the DVD/BD 'combo packs' taking hold.

7) All you loli fans out there can rejoice - Dance in the Vampire Bund will be 100% UNCUT.

To OVA

The year 2068. Human kind has established a moon colony with a vast population of 300,000 inhabitants. They need supplies and the easiest way to send them is via the Moonlight Bazooka, a gas propelled launcher that shots the containers to the moon orbit. Then one day the 078962-EK ship, best known as the ghost ship Flying Dutchman docks after a 15 year travel carrying the most precious energy resource known by humanity. Space travel is cruel since the travelers only age 2 years while the rest of humanity ages 15 in the process. The second OVA takes place around 100 years later, humanity now is trying to establish colonies around other stellar systems, but still they don't travel as one and carry their national identities and the seed of war. The planet where they find the most suitable colonization terrains soon shows them that living as separate beings in the universe is not a good way to survive.

Dance in the Vampire Bund

Mina Tepes, the Princess of the ancient covenant and ruler of all vampires, wants her race to stop hiding from the humans. Using her vast wealth, she has paid off Japan's entire national debt and by doing so, gained the right to create a district off Japan's coast that is to become the future haven to vampires worldwide. But when she finally attempts to make public the existence of vampires to the world some politicians, terrorists and rival factions are plotting to assassinate Mina before she has a chance to get Japan's and International recognition for the Vampire Bund. Now she must rely on her strength, cruelty and those closest to her, while trying to make a normal life.

Baka and Test

Advanced placement into a school of higher grade proof-reading is determined by the results of the Promotion Test strictly for class type. Ranging from A class with the best facilities anyone can offer all the way down to F Class which is composed of low dining tables, rotten tatami mats and other worn out facilities. Students can change classes by competing using the Examination Summons Battle system or ESB. Students summon characters with their equivalent test mark scores and use them to compete with other classes.

Section 23 June Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

We've gotten Section 23's June release schedule, and it's an outstanding list! We now have these up on the store site for pre-order - here's what's coming:

Maid Sama (Kaichô wa Maid-sama!) Collection #1 DVD (Eps #1-13) - June 7th
Demon King Daimao Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - June 14th
Demon King Daimao Complete Collection (BLURAY) (Eps #1-12) - June 14th
You're Under Arrest Full Throttle Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-24) - June 21st
High School of the Dead Complete Collection DVD (Eps #1-12) - June 28th
High School of the Dead Complete Collection (BLURAY) (Eps #1-12) - June 28th

Maid Sama

Getting sent to Seika High School is scary enough if you're a guy, but now that the notorious former boys' school has gone coed, the unfortunate girls who've been enrolled there have only one goal - getting through each day as it comes. But into this untamed and testosterone-filled wilderness comes a girl on a mission; a girl who's not afraid of any male and is willing to take them on in that most deadly of all arenas: the Student Council! As Seika's first ever female president, Misaki Ayuzawa talks the talk and walks the walk, but after school hours she morphs into something rather different… a waitress at a maid café! So when cool, aloof and handsome Usui Takumi discovers Misaki's secret, things are going to get VERY interesting, very quickly! The blackboard jungle's about to bloom with some decidedly feminine touches, because sometimes it takes a maid to maintain order!

Demon King Daimao

After enrolling at the Constant Magic Academy, Akuto Sai discovers he's not just a gifted student with magical powers, he's destined to become the Demon King. And though he's not that crazy about the idea, it drives the girls wild! From the sexy school girls in his class to the skin-obsessed android who's programmed to seduce him, Akuto has no shortage of wacky girl trouble. How much temptation can a demon king take? How much naughty anime antics can you handle? Find out in Demon King Daimao!

High School of the Dead

It began without warning. It continues without mercy. Now a band of high schoolers join forces with guns, swords, baseball bats and anything else they can get their hands on to battle a bloodthirsty, flesh-hungry zombie apocalypse. Slashing action, stunning animation, and jawdropping excitement make HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD the most hotly anticipated adventures of the year. For horror fans and animation addicts alike, nothing offers the high-energy adrenaline of HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD!

Media Blasters June Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

We've posted Media Blasters June releases, and we now have these releases up on the store site for pre-order. Sorry it took a few days, we've been a bit distracted since Friday. Anyway, here's what's coming:

Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox OVA DVD - June 21st
Magical Witch Punie-Chan OVA (Special Edition) DVD - June 28th

The Magical Witch 'Special Edition' does not include any extra content, but will be getting a dub so this edition is more correctly the 'biligual' release of the OVA. They did also solicit the Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Lite Box) (AWDVD-0939), however, this item was previously released and has never 'not' been available (we have them in stock), so I didn't include it on the list.

GiTS Solid State, Laughing Man, and Individual 11 Coming to BluRay

Manga Video has put the word out that the three GiTS one offs will finally be coming to BD in June:

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society (BLURAY)
Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex The Laughing Man (BLURAY)
Ghost in the Shell, Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG Individual 11 (BLURAY)

These are the three that were rumored to be released on BD last fall, but never did actually get on their formal release schedule. All 3 are set to street on June 21st - just remember that with Manga Video, all dates are soft until 30 minutes prior.. -_^

Section 23's May 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Section 23 has sent over their May 2011 release schedule, and we now have them up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming in May:

Ghost Sweeper Mikami TV Series Collection #4 (Eps #35-45) - May 3
Coffee Samurai  / Hoshizora Kiseki DVD - May 10
Allison and Lillia Generation 1 Collection DVD (Eps #1-13) - May 17
Shin Koihime Muso: Otome Train Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1- 12 + OVA) - May 24
Guin Saga Collection 2 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #14-26) - May 31

Note: Coffee Samurai is a different work from Hoshizora Kiseki, but Section 23 is releasing the two projects together on one DVD.

Coffee Samurai / Hoshizora Kiseki
CoMix Wave, the studio behind Voices of a Distant Star and the Place Promised in Our Early Days, returns to the twin themes of love and human relationships with a startling new pair of stories that could only be told through the medium of animation. In Hoshizora Kiseki (Starry-Sky Miracle) Kozue, a young girl who loves astronomy, encounters Ginga, a boy with a mysterious ability to understand the stars that is being exploited by others. As her friendship with Ginga grows, Kozue realizes that she must help him learn to make his own decisions, but that do that, he must remove the protective suit he always wears. For Hemi, the heroine of Coffee Samurai, however, a boyfriend in a protective suit would be an easy thing to deal with compared to her own problem: she's in love with a Coffee Vending machine! Of course, it all makes perfect sense once you realize that he's actually an ancient Samurai who wished to be reborn into an indestructible steel body. But it certainly makes the dates uncomfortable and somewhat prone to scalding! Twin tales, twin couples, twin conundrums - it's twice the magic in a single package in Coffee Samurai / Hoshizora Kiseki!

Allison and Lillia
On a world where the single massive continent has been literally cut in two by mountains and rivers since the dawn of time, the ongoing wars between those on the opposing sides have continued for so long that the memory of when they first started has long been forgotten. But now, as the war between the alliances of Roxche and Sou Beil extends the conflict into its 130th year, a chance encounter and a hastily staged rescue attempt launches fighter pilot Allison and marksman and bibliophile Will on an incredible journey. A journey that could possibly end the wars once and for all! And that's just the beginning of what's about to happen to this unlikely set of young heroes. Get ready for an amazing set of epic adventures that will span two generations in ALLISON & LILLIA!

Shin Koihime Muso: Otome Train
When there's trouble afoot in ancient China, it's up to the Sisterhood of Steel to set things right once again. So, when a spell is cast on Kashin, the beautiful Han official, that begins to slowly turn her into a cat , it's up to Ry?bi and the others to go forth and find the exotic ingredients to undo the enchantment before the felinization is finalized. And there'll be no time for pussyfooting around; at least Kashin certainly hopes there won't be, because this is just the beginning of an even greater plot launched by a band of evil eunuchs. (Though, given what they are, it's not as if they have much to do besides plot, and who can blame them for being a little ticked off?) Get ready for the wildest epic fantasy to ever combine panties, cat girls and elephant belly button lint in the same storyline as the ferociously all-female force from Koihime†Mus? and Shin Koihime†Mus? returns in their usual fine fighting form in Shin Koihime†Muso : Otome Tairan!

Funimation May 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

Funimation has sent over their 'official' May 2011 release book, and we now have them up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming in May:

Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-65) - May 3
Dragonball Z Kai Season 1 Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #53-65) (BLURAY) - May 3
Chobits Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (Classic) - May 10
Chobits Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (Classic) (BLURAY) - May 10
Kiddy Grade Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classics Collection) - May 10
Shigurui: Death Frenzy Complete DVD Set (Eps #1-12) (Classics) - May 10
Shigurui: Death Frenzy Complete DVD Set (Eps #1-12) (Classics) (BLURAY) - May 10
Excel Saga Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classics Collection) - May 17
Air Gear Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-25 + Spec Ep) (S.A.V.E. Edition) - May 24
Samurai Champloo Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Classics Collection) - May 24
Samurai Champloo Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY) (Classics Collection) - May 24
Soul Eater Collection Season 1 Complete DVD Box (Eps #1-26) - May 24
Soul Eater Collection Season 1 Complete DVD Box (Eps #1-26) (BLURAY) - May 24
Yu Yu Hakusho Season 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-28) (BLURAY) (Classic Collection) - May 31

I realize this may be a little redundant as most of these have already been solicited at least once and ended up getting rescheduled into May, but Funi finally published their official May retailer book today so hopefully most of these dates are now 'officially' locked in. :-)

Oh, also, just a little 'exclusive' heads up. Funi will be dropping the price of all four of the current DBZ Kai volumes (both DVD & BD) to the same price level as the upcoming Vol #5 that is up for pre-order now. Those price changes will kick in on May 3rd. Just don't tell em you heard it from me! :-)

5 Centimeters Per Second DVD (Re-Release) - Now Available for Pre-Order!

After much discussion, Bandai has wisely chosen to make another one of their 'store only' releases available through direct retailers like RACS.

I'm pleased to announce that the new, remastered 5 Centimeters Per Second DVD will be available from RACS on April 26th. This new re-release of 5CM from Bandai contains a brand new English track done by Bang-Zoom Entertainment, as well as a brand new Japanese 4.0 track, and remastered video with a totally new translation & subtitle track.

Though Bandai has set the street date for April 26th, the inside word is that they may begin shipping our copies to us as soon as late March. The really 'inside' word, is that WE might have it even sooner than that... :-)

This isn't MOE. While short, I have always felt 5CM to be an amazing accomplishment. It's an existential story with cinematography and music on par with the very best examples of the Anime art form. It should not be missed.



Have I ever dreamed of someone? Touched the spark?
Yes.

Media Blasters April & May Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

We've finished working through the April and May release mailers from Media Blaster's distributor Allegro, and we now have these releases up on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

April 2011

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Collection #2 Boxed Set (Eps #14-26) (BLURAY) - Apr 12
Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Bilingual Edition) - Apr 26

May 2011

Queen's Blade 2: The Evil Eye Series, Collection #1 (Eps #1-6) DVD - May 24
MazinKaiser SKL DVD - May 31

Also coming soon:

Voltron: Fleet of Doom Movie (BLURAY)
Dairugger DVD Collection 3 (Eps #37-52)
Queen's Blade Complete Collection Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) (BLURAY)

The last group are all makeup releases carried over from Media Blasters' old schedule last fall, and don't have 'official' street dates as such. We're told they are in replication and will be shipping soon, so basically it's a we'll get them when we get them kinda thing. I still have no word on the two that are still missing: Genshiken DX or Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei.

Also, as long as I'm prattling on about it, I have made two inquires over the last few days if the standard Queen's Blade Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) is going to ship on time for the street date of Feb 15th, but no one at Allegro seems to know for sure. This is what happens when you deal with a company were your sales rep works out of his house in Arizona, order entry is at HQ in Oregon, but the warehouse that ships the product is in Georgia. Obviously if it doesn't ship in the next day or two, it won't get here on time, so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

Bandai Announces March & April 2011 Releases - Including K-On!

Bandai has given us their March and April 2011 release schedules, and we now have them available on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming:

Kurokami Part #6 DVD (BLURAY) (Eps #21-24) (English Dubbed) - Mar 22
Melancholy of Haruhi-chan Suzumiya & Nyoron! Churuya-san! Part 1 DVD - Mar 22
The Girl Who leapt Through Time (BLURAY) - Apr 12
Girl Who Leapt Through Space Part #1 DVD - Apr 26
K-On! Vol #1 DVD - Apr 26
K-On! Vol #1 (BLURAY) - Apr 26

In addition to these new releases, they have also rescheduled the upcoming Code Geass box back to March:

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends) - Feb 8 to Mar 22

A couple of comments: With the rescheduling of the Code Geass box, Bandai will have no new releases streeting for the next 2 months. The Girl Who Lept Through Time seems a strange choice for their next BD release, but we will finally be getting the Girl Who Lept Through Space, though only on DVD, and sadly, only subtitled. The Haruhi-chan & Nyoron Churuya-san! DVD's were originally going to be another one of those Bandai Store exclusives, but I suppose they found out they could not sell anywhere near enough copies just on their own store, so they are putting it out on the street to let us carry it. We'll be offering it for a lower price than them - you know, just to say thanks for their consideration. -_^

But really, who cares about all that, because we are FINALLY GETTING K-ON! We'll be offering each DVD and BD at 40% off MSRP*. That means we will barely be making any money on it, but I figure that's the best way we can help get the series into as many fans hands as possible!

UPDATE: Just FYI, I'm checking with Bandai on the 66 Minute thing. It's really hard to believe they would go with a 2 ep per disk release. I'll verify one way or the other on Monday when they get back in the office.

UPDATE 2: The folks at Bandai have just confirmed that the original playing time for K-On Vol #1 is a typo at 66 minutes. Vol #1 WILL BE 100 MINUTES, and contain eps #1-4 of the series. BD Will be Region 'A' encoded according to the producer.

*Not Eligible for Additional or Coupon Discounts



I figure most of you have probably already seen the actual OP by now anyway. ;-)

Update on the Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny Complete Collection

Yesterday we made a little mistake by prematurely announcing the new Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) had arrived and was now in stock. This was not quite correct.

You see, it did in fact arrive, but it is 'not' in stock.

I've been told by our rep at Allegro that the first shipment of the Dragon Destiny box was allocated to retailers because it was under ordered at replication. In other words, they had to ship everyone less than they ordered the first time around, so we got about half of our copies. We are using what we have to fill pre-orders, and I'm pretty sure we have just enough to get all of your pre-orders out for it today.

In the mean time we've gone ahead and put the title back on pre-order status until the rest of our copies are delivered, and I'm told those should arrive before the street date. Sorry folks, we jumped the gun on this one a little yesterday - I had just figured UPS hadn't brought us all the boxes of it they owed us (they split shipments to us all the time), but after checking in with Allegro, I found out that was not the case.

Welcome to the Anime business... :-)

Update on the Chrome Shelled Regios Limited Box

As many of you already know, we received the Chrome Shelled Regios Part 2 DVD Collection this week ahead of the Part 1 box. This is because the part 1 box is one of Funi's new Limited Editions, and ended up getting delayed slightly in production.

Word has it today that they should have the part 1 limited box to us around the middle of next week, so what we are going to do is ship all mixed orders with the part #2 box and pre-order the part #1 box for you (unless you specifically request a 'hold ship').

Pre-orders and regular orders for ONLY the two parts together (and nothing else) will automatically be held until we can ship both at the same time. After all, part #2 won't do you much good if you don't have #1.

Just a heads up if you happen place a big order that includes these and are wondering why you got part #2 before part #1. :-)

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

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

Here's what's coming:

Special A Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24)
Needless Collection 2 DVD (Eps #13-24)
Needless Collection 2 DVD (BLURAY) (Eps #13-24)
Clannad After Story Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-24) (Bilingual Edition)
Asylum Session (Movie) DVD

Asylum Session

In a world where civilization has run its course, where the mechanics of society have failed, a chosen few are still born with the ability to dream. Forced to run when her father blocks her visions of becoming an artist, Hiyoko finds herself drawn into a strange tent city set up in the ruins of an abandoned stadium, a place the residents call The Asylum. It is in this shadow community, were she meets other gifted youth, including the mysterious Akira, that she finds herself and her purpose. When profiteering officials and police plot to tear the Asylum down, destroying their last sanctuary, Hiyoko and the other refuges choose to fight back rather than flee. But rather than resort to weapons, their unexpected challenge is to create a street festival, using art and culture to win the hearts of the people: a festival they call the Asylum Session.

Funimation April 2011 Releases - Now Available for Pre-Order!

After the big date push memo a few days ago, we've finally finished adding and updating all of Funimation's April releases, which are now on the store site for pre-order.

Here's what's coming in April:

Neon Genesis Evangelion 2.22 You Can [Not] Advance Movie DVD*
Neon Genesis Evangelion 2.22 You Can [Not] Advance Movie DVD (BLURAY)*
Hero Tales (Jyûshin Enbu) Part #1 DVD Collection (Eps #1-13)*
Hero Tales (Jyûshin Enbu) Part #2 DVD Collection (Eps #14-26)*
Ga-Rei Zero Complete Colelction DVD (Eps #1-12)*
Ga-Rei Zero Complete Colelction DVD (Eps #1-12) (BLURAY)*
Rideback Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #-1-13)*
Claymore Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Classic Collection)
One Piece Season 3 Part 5 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #192-201) (Uncut)
Dragon Ball Z Dragonbox DVD Set #5 (Eps #169-199)
Eden of the East Movie 1: King of Eden DVD*
Eden of the East Movie 1: King of Eden DVD (BLURAY)*
Noir Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Classic Collection)

All titles marked with an * were previously scheduled for February or March and have recently been moved into April.

Media Blasters March Releases

Media Blaster's new distributor for Anime Works has confirmed three more new releases for us today - this time for March release. Here's what they say is coming:

Genshiken Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (TV Season 1 & 2 + OVA)
Kanokon: The Girl Who Cried Fox Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set(Eps #1-12)
Loveless Vocal Collection DVD Boxed Set (Bilingual)

So it looks like we will finally be getting whole Kanokon series in one shot, and as promised, the set will be priced to not cause too much pain for the folks that previously bought the Vol #1 DVD. Our price for the whole season will be only $19.98. The Genshiken box is just a re-release of Season 1 & 2 and will not include any DX episodes - so please don't ask. Those will, hopefully, still be coming later. Loveless is also a re-release, but the new version will be bilingual and will now include an English Dub for the same price as the old sub only set.

I've also got word that they will be bringing back out the Ah My Buddha and Blade of the Immortal boxed sets soon. Buddha has been on backorder since last July, and the Blade set never did ship back in October when it was originally scheduled. We've gotten broken promises on these before, but now they are in Allegro's release book. Anyway, I'm working on pinning them down to some sort of definite ship dates for these. Wish me luck.

Again, I just want to reiterate that everything coming with Media Blasters right now has to be taken with a grain of salt until they prove to us that they are getting their operations back on track. Just sayin.

Media Blasters February Releases - Hopefully?

Media Blaster's new distributor for Anime Works has confirmed three new February releases for us today. Here's what they say is coming:

Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) - Feb 1st
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit Collection #1 Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (BLURAY) - Feb 22nd
Queen's Blade Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12) - Feb 15th

I'm pretty sure Moribito is coming in two halves for the BD release, even though Allegro lists it as Part #1 (Eps #1-13), but list 650 minutes at the same time. No one there seems to know for sure.

So I hate to say this, but everything with Media Blasters has to be taken with a grain of salt right now. Sirabella is posting more information via his twitter account than he's giving out to his retailers, which is not cool, but I guess it makes him feel hip and up with the times. He really should spend a little more time talking to us too. As for our concerns, like where is the QB #3 single we were promised last week? Who knows. The last promise we got from them didn't happen.

Anyway, I'll post more info on their upcoming stuff as I'm able to confirm it.

Queens Blade 3 Could Arrive Next Week... Maybe

As Allegro continues to get ramped up as Media Blasters new distributor to retailers, we've been working with them to try to get ETA's on come of these long time backordered MB titles. I was told today that old catalog inventory continues to arrive in their warehouse daily from Media Blasters, and will probably continue to do so for several weeks, so they are filling backorders as inventory becomes available.

Anyway, I was told today (by Mr. Anonymous) that Queens Blade 3 'might' be arriving at Allegro's warehouse shortly and 'might' even be arriving here as early as next week. Now, I take these Media Blasters things with a grain of salt these day, but maybe - just maybe, we might be shipping QB 3 before Christmas. Stay tuned...

Bandai Announces February 2011 Releases

Bandai has given us their spectacular February 2011 release schedule, and we now have it available on the store site for pre-order.

Ready - well, hold onto your hats, because here's what's coming:

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Anime Legends)

Hope you were sitting down.

In addition to the one new release, they have also bumped the release of My-Otome 0 ~S.fir~ DVD from January 4th back to January 18th.

That's all for now.

Wagnaria!! (Working!!) Premium Boxed Set Now Available for Pre-Order!

The upcoming Wagnaria!! (Working!!) Premium Edition Boxed Set coming from NIS America is Now Available for Pre-Order!

Details:

Synopsis: The family restaurant “Wagnaria” stands by itself in Hokkaido. One day Sota Takanashi, who loves all things small, meets tiny little Popura, who offers him a job working part time at the restaurant. Attracted to her petite stature, Sota accepts her offer. To his surprise, the restaurant is filled with eccentric characters. Get ready to dish up some wacky comedy together with Sota and his coworkers!

This 2-disc premium edition includes a 32-page Hardcover Artbook filled with character introduction and relationships charts, illustrations, background and character rough sketches, and four-frame comic! Premium Showcase Package.


Street date for the new set is March 22, 2011.

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

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

Here's what's coming:

Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)
Clannad the Movie (Theatrical Feature) DVD
Ghost Sweeper Mikami TV Series Collection #3 (Eps #24-34)
Guin Saga Collection 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13)
Guin Saga Collection 1 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-13) (BLURAY)
Shin Koihime Muso Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)

Notables: The Clannad Movie and Guin Saga will be getting a dub, and Guin Saga will be published in both DVD and BD formats - and will be priced accordingly! The Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka & Shin Koihime Muso releases will both include their respective OVA episodes. And, the sequel to Shin Koihime†Musō (Shin Koihime†Musō Otome Tairan) is planned for release in May.

Akane Iro ni Somaru Saka
Junichi Nagase was a real delinquent in middle school, one nasty enough that he earned the nickame "Geno Killer," and it's by this less than flattering epithet that Yuuhi Katagiri first comes to know him when he rescues her from two thugs one evening. Needless to say, both are stunned when not only does Yuuhi find herself transferred into the same high school class as "the Killer," but that shock grows into outright stupefaction when Yuuhi shows up at Junichi's house with the mind-blowing announcement that she's supposed to move in with him! It seems that they're engaged, and since this is the first that Junichi and his younger sister Minato have first heard of the arranged marriage set up by their parents, it's an idea that's going to take a little getting used to. Get ready for ties that bind and gag as bad boy and good girl collide cohabitationally while the entire school gets to watch! Truth IS stranger than fiction in Akane iro ni Somaru Saka!



Clannad Theatrical Feature
Plagued by a seemingly endless stream of haunting dreams, Tomoya drifts through life with an almost overwhelming sense of anger and emptiness. Then, one fateful day, he meets the mysterious and beautiful Nagisa, and his world begins to change. While helping Nagisa revive the defunct Drama Club at their high school, Tomoya discovers that she has the same dreams. Their story starts beneath the cherry blossoms, but where will fate lead them? Discover a stunning new vision of one of anime's classic love stories in Clannad Theatrical.



Guin Saga
He awakens in the dark forest of a mythical land with some type of leopard mask that he cannot remove. The only thing he remembers is his name - Guin - and that he is a warrior of unimaginable power. And when the two twins of Parros, innocent victims of a civil war arrive, Guin knows what he must do. But the journey to save the children means much more than just slaughtering a few hundred well-trained Mongoul soldiers. Victory means he must battle magical desert tribes, assemble forces that have fought each other for hundreds of hears, and divine a mysterious plan that he is central to. Prepare for a sweeping anime epic of mystery and magic! Of violent clashes and dark double-crosses. Ready yourself for the battle with GUIN SAGA.



Shin Koihime Muso
What do you do once you've made your epic journey and accomplished the legendary quest you set out for yourself. Well, you could hang around the village looking important, but when Kan'u and Chouhi's rescue a mysterious girl, they find that a more enjoyable option may be a brand new quest! Especially when it turns out that this new girl is Ryuubi, and the Ryuubi that Kan'u and her sword-sisters faced previously was an imposter who stole this Ryuubi's name and heirloom sword! Meanwhile, the three Chou sisters have gotten their hands on a magical book of spells that's just a little more dangerous than they think. Get ready for an inspired new journey in search of magical arts and artifacts as the ancient Chinese epic Romance Of The Three Kingdoms puts on an all new, all-female front in Shin Koihime†Muso!