Bandai Visual, via AV Watch, has announced a release date at long last for the classic Akira. Akira was one of the first releases solicited by Bandai Visual in Japan when they got into the high definition game but it was put off indefinitely. The new release is set for a February 20th, 2009 date in Japan as well as a February 24th, 2009 release date for the US.
| Title | Specification | Voice | Product number | Price |
| AKIRA | This volume: 124 minute schedule Two one side layers 16:9 1080p MPEG-4 AVC | (1)Japanese ..(.. Dolby NR TrueHD 5.1ch 24bit/192kHz) (2) Japanese (linear PCM Dolby NR surround) (3) English(5.1ch) | BCXA-0001 | 8,190 yen |
The BD-50 release, which will be the same in the US as in Japan, will likely be part of the Honneamise label under Bandai Entertainment. The Japanese language track is impressive as it is their first 24bit release. The release also includse the original stereo PCM mix as well as the English 5.1 mix which will likely be the one done by Geneon and will be encoded at 640kbps max. English subtitles are also obviously expected for this international release. The US release will retail for $49.98 and we're likely to get more information this weekend at the New York Anime Festival.