FUNimation Ramping Up Blu-ray?

[Chris Beveridge]

FUNimation has talked a fair bit at conventions about their increased interest in doing high definition Blu-ray releases and it looks like December will be a good month for it if these tentative solicitations showing up on Amazon.com are accurate:
Basilisk: Complete Collection (Blu-ray) - $79.98 - 12/15/09 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KYIAK6/)

[distantmantra]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

[Doom85]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

[distantmantra]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

Well, then Bandai needs to get off their butts and license the Blu-ray versions of the three above Gundam titles (already available in Japan). I will not be buying anything from them or any other anime publisher unless it's on Blu-ray.

[Richard J.]

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.Considering that Bandai is in that state, would it not make sense for a company that is more likely to still be around in a few years to be the one to have those properties? (Not that Bandai will ever give up Gundam. They'll drop all their other anime but not Gundam.)

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them. Assuming of course anyone else is willing to do so.

[Draneor]

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them.

Namco-Bandai paid for and produced Gundam. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. Also, Japan comes first with this franchise for very obvious reasons.

[distantmantra]

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them.

Namco-Bandai paid for and produced Gundam. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. Also, Japan comes first with this franchise for very obvious reasons.

Japan does come first, understandably. Gundam wouldn't be what it is today without them. However, there are numerous Gundam properties already available in Japan on Blu-ray: F91, Char's Counterattack, OO and portions of MS Igloo. They've been out for a while now in Japan, so it's time to bring them to North America.

[treatment]

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them.

Namco-Bandai paid for and produced Gundam. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. Also, Japan comes first with this franchise for very obvious reasons.

Japan does come first, understandably. Gundam wouldn't be what it is today without them. However, there are numerous Gundam properties already available in Japan on Blu-ray: F91, Char's Counterattack, OO and portions of MS Igloo. They've been out for a while now in Japan, so it's time to bring them to North America.

why don't you just import them?

Japan and North America are both Region-A for BD.

:sweat:

[something]

why don't you just import them?
Japan and North America are both Region-A for BD.
Just a crazy guess, but the language barrier is a lot more important than any lack of region encoding barriers. Also expensive as fuck etc etc.

[Betenoire]

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them.

Namco-Bandai paid for and produced Gundam. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. Also, Japan comes first with this franchise for very obvious reasons.

Japan does come first, understandably. Gundam wouldn't be what it is today without them. However, there are numerous Gundam properties already available in Japan on Blu-ray: F91, Char's Counterattack, OO and portions of MS Igloo. They've been out for a while now in Japan, so it's time to bring them to North America.

If it is worthwhile to bring them here anyway. A very big license in Japan=a high asking price by the licenser. It is possible that sales of these titles via Blu-ray may not be worth it at the moment-00 perhaps but some of the DVD's for the other series have lengthy periods of OoP status so it is possible that a separate license for some of the older things wouldn't bring a return on investment. For some reason (outside Wing and maybe G and 00) Gundam hasn't really approached anywhere near it's Japanese popularity in the US-or even the popularity of a couple others that are here.

Then again I still hold out hope for ZZ, V, Turn A and other series one would think have been available to be licensed by more than just Bandai for years that haven't been.

I'd guess the ramping up will depend greatly on the returns companies start to see from Blu-ray sales. If it becomes a force they may try phasing out DVD's like they did VHS. If it doesn't produce the same return on the investment as DVD's (if any depending on the title :sd: *thinking of how Flag and Zegapain can't even get a collection at the moment) then it may be limited to some companies or just certain titles.

[Keith]

Things BE need to release on Bluray

-Haruhi
-Lucky Star
-Escaflowne TV (remastered JP version)
-MS Igloo 2
-Gunbuster/Diebuster OVA's
-Eureka Seven
-Cowboy Bebop
-F91,CCA, 00, Zeta, Zeta Movies, ZZ 0079 Movies
-Code Geass
-MACROSS FRONTIER!! & Macross Zero!!! DYRL HD Remaster!!! Macross 7 HD Remaster!!!! Plus HD Remaster!!!!!

But none of these things will likely happen in the forseable future, because the gods of anime hate america!

[zidanetribal2000]

Macross Frontier and Macross 7 are unlicensed in North America, I doubt these titles will ever come to America.

[Richard J.]

Of course, if they aren't going to do anything with some of these series, like the earlier ones that have never been released, they should get out of the way and let someone else release them.

Namco-Bandai paid for and produced Gundam. They can do whatever the hell they want with it. Also, Japan comes first with this franchise for very obvious reasons.Ah, I love being misunderstood, especially when the people doing it leave out an important part of what I posted. Take note in my orginal post is said "Assuming of course anyone else is willing to do so." I also pointed out that Gundam was Bandai's baby.

So while they can "do whatever the hell they want with it" and "Japan comes first," it would be nice, if there happened to be other R1 companies that aren't directly affiliated with Namco-Bandai that are willing to pony up the cash for the rights, that they would take the money and let another company put out the product instead of letting it sit around making them no new profit in this market.

I'd very much like to know what part of my original post implied that I didn't understand the concept of owner's rights or that the Japanese make the decisions. My first paragraph clearly stated that Gundam was Bandai's most important anime franchise. Why else would they have a department devoted to it at the parent company?

All I was trying to say is, if there ARE other companies that want to license these series or to re-release them in Blu-Ray or whatever, then it would be nice if Bandai's parent company weren't getting in the way of that and rather were taking the money and letting it happen. The assumption that there are companies that are interested is quite a big one.

Seriously, at what point in my post did I devalue the importance of the Japanese? I would like to know because I'm not seeing where you got that one from at all.

[dragonrider_cody]

I like how a post about Funimation doing blurays, turned into one about Bandai...

Anyway, back on topic. It is nice to see more bluray titles becoming available in America. Unfortunately, most of those titles have been things I have little more than passing interest in, other than TSR (and Freedom from Bandai). And in the case of TSR, I really don't like the fact that the original release was so botched, we are now getting a "Remastered" release barely two years later. Plus, given Funi's history with video quality, I'm pretty much waiting to hear what reviews and opinions before I double dip to the tune of $80.

Anyway, I'm really hoping more R1's jump on the bluray wagon, and we start to get some titles in the format that are worth the upgrade.

[Perfect_Cell]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

Well, then Bandai needs to get off their butts and license the Blu-ray versions of the three above Gundam titles (already available in Japan). I will not be buying anything from them or any other anime publisher unless it's on Blu-ray.

Was SEED ever put on Blu-ray?

Aside from that, I have noticed that most if not all blu-rays from Funi have been action shows majority of the time and GONZO of course. Would it even be possible to get shows like School Rumble or even Air TV on blu-ray?

[dragonrider_cody]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

Well, then Bandai needs to get off their butts and license the Blu-ray versions of the three above Gundam titles (already available in Japan). I will not be buying anything from them or any other anime publisher unless it's on Blu-ray.

Was SEED ever put on Blu-ray?

Aside from that, I have noticed that most if not all blu-rays from Funi have been action shows majority of the time and GONZO of course. Would it even be possible to get shows like School Rumble or even Air TV on blu-ray?

It would probably depend on sales potential. I can't see Air being worth it right now. Bluray sales still aren't very high, and even many major studios are skipping them for titles with lower sales potential. But in a year or two, it's certainly possible.

[Perfect_Cell]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

Well, then Bandai needs to get off their butts and license the Blu-ray versions of the three above Gundam titles (already available in Japan). I will not be buying anything from them or any other anime publisher unless it's on Blu-ray.

Was SEED ever put on Blu-ray?

Aside from that, I have noticed that most if not all blu-rays from Funi have been action shows majority of the time and GONZO of course. Would it even be possible to get shows like School Rumble or even Air TV on blu-ray?

It would probably depend on sales potential. I can't see Air being worth it right now. Bluray sales still aren't very high, and even many major studios are skipping them for titles with lower sales potential. But in a year or two, it's certainly possible.

Hm, I was figuring that was the case but I do hope Funi becomes to flagship to anime blu-ray in the future. I can bet EVERY SINGLE Gonzo anime be on that list first.

[Buster Darkwings]

Was SEED ever put on Blu-ray?

Not yet, maybe around when the movie comes out in Japan. But when it does, it will be an upscale in 1080i (required because it's animated at 30 frames per second), and will have black bars on the sides since it's not a widescreen show. So even after it comes out in Japan, it will probably be a while before it comes out in the US.

[Keith]

Macross Frontier and Macross 7 are unlicensed in North America, I doubt these titles will ever come to America.

Which is part of the wrath that the anime gods instill upon America! Why do the anime gods hate America?!

[Betenoire]

Macross Frontier and Macross 7 are unlicensed in North America, I doubt these titles will ever come to America.

Which is part of the wrath that the anime gods instill upon America! Why do the anime gods hate America?!

Nothing to do with any god. Blame licensing fees and the fact that your fellow fans don't buy enough of titles along these lines to make a company feel the investment to be a safe one.

[Keith]

Macross Frontier and Macross 7 are unlicensed in North America, I doubt these titles will ever come to America.

Which is part of the wrath that the anime gods instill upon America! Why do the anime gods hate America?!

Nothing to do with any god. Blame licensing fees and the fact that your fellow fans don't buy enough of titles along these lines to make a company feel the investment to be a safe one.

And Harmony Gold's shady licensing practices, but it all goes back to the anime gods!

[Fencedude]

Not yet, maybe around when the movie comes out in Japan.

Assuming it ever materializes, of course.

[Njr Scrawl]

The way things are going, I'm almost hoping that Funimation can find a way to steal Gundam away from Bandai... I want OO, F91 and Char's Counterattack ASAP.

Considering Bandai's state, I think the last thing we should ask for is them to lose one of their strongest properties. I MIGHT make an exception for the original TV series so it can finally get a boxset release, but that's it.

Well, then Bandai needs to get off their butts and license the Blu-ray versions of the three above Gundam titles (already available in Japan). I will not be buying anything from them or any other anime publisher unless it's on Blu-ray.

I'm more likely to buy Bandai BD than Funimation. Got both Gunbuster movies, WoH & Patlabor 1 already. Forget CCA & F91, I want ZG TV & ZZG Gundam TV, no edits.

Whoever licences Macross F wins! Of if Funi puts Spice & Wolf on Blu Ray. Or..

Only Funi BD planned, apart from Vexille I already own, is Eva 1.11 (when released).

[railohio]

Okay, folks, let's keep it to FUNimation's Blu-ray plans. That's FUNimation. Remember them?

[Njr Scrawl]

OK. Basilisk is a non-buy. Not even on DVD.

Shows I would like from them on BD are; Dragonball TOS & its 3 movies, Galactic Railways, Rumbling Hearts, Peach Girl, Kiddy Grade, Blue Gender TV, any Sakura Taisen, Ah! My Goddess season 2, Tenchi OVAs 1 & 2 + all movies, Aquarion, 1 big Kodocha set - both series.

[blinx01]

Nice to see more Blu-ray releases, although I'd be more interested in new native HD shows than old stuff I already have on DVD that's probably upscaled anyway.
Day one buys would be Claymore, Darker Than Black, Ergo Proxy, Hellsing Ultimate, Soul Eater, Eden of the East and many many more.
Sadly FUNi seem to be of the policy of making people buy DVD sets first, milking those sales dry, then release on Blu-ray.
Also wouldn't do any harm tyo remove region protection, since it's unlikley other english speaking regions will ever see such releases.

[pluvia33]

Sadly FUNi seem to be of the policy of making people buy DVD sets first, milking those sales dry, then release on Blu-ray.
I wouldn't say that's exactly what they're doing. A lot of the shows they're putting on Blu-ray now are ones that originally came out on DVD before Blu-ray even existed. And as for the new stuff coming out, you can't really blame them for being a little careful. I'm sure we'll see more Blu-ray right out the gate as time goes by, as the format becomes more prominent and cheaper to license/produce.

I think Shigurui and Afro Samurai Resurrection have been the only releases so far (from Funimation) to get that treatment. And I'd say Mnemosyne and Eden of the East are the most worthy and most likely to be the next ones to get simultaneous DVD/Blu-ray releases considering their high quality animation and low episode counts.