Anime Licenses Round-up

- FUNimation once again dominates the anime licensing scene, with the fresh acquisition of Kaze no Stigma, Gonzo's 24-episode supernatural action series from 2007. On the downside, the localized DVD release won't happen anytime sooner than summer 2009. But on the bright side, FUNi has claimed 32.7% of North American anime sales in the first half of 2008, compared to Viz Media's 15.9%, ADV Films' 10.5%, Bandai's 7.7%, and Media Blasters' 5% for the same period.

- ADV Films UK has announced 4 "complete collection" anime packs, most of which have already been released by now, though the press release has only just popped up on ANN a few days ago. The first 2 DVD packs - containing the full series This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, and Yugo the Negotiator - were released on August 25, and this week E's Otherwise also hit UK stores. I wish I could say that they saved the best for last, but... Next up, on September 22, will be RahXephon: Grand Cannon Collection, a pack including the original mecha series, along with the RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio anime film.


- Right Stuf & Nozomi Entertainment are the next in line, at least chronologically. On November 25, they will release the "genre classic" Toward the Terra anime film on DVD, featuring remastered video footage from its 2007 Japanese DVD release, Japanese audio and English-language subtitles. And also on November 25, the second season of Maria-sama ga Miteru will get its North American DVD release.

- Viz Pictures also earned a place for itself in this round-up, even if for a live-action movie license. In just a week, on September 16, they will release the first Death Note movie on DVD in North America, featuring a newly dubbed English soundtrack, along with the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles, and some other goodies. Death Note / L / Kira fans freaks, rejoice.