thedoctor2016
Mushi-shi
True. AL should have released it ages ago anyway considering its popularity.
UK Anime Distributor Anime Limited Discussion Thread
- Thread starter jonno394
- Start date
HellCat
Dragon Knight
The way I see it it shouldn't be a massive ask to get it. It's 6 half hour episodes and some extras so basically 6+ hours of content. I think for how off the rails their UK Gundam releases have gone it'd be a small simple gesture.
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I think the next UK Gundam release will probably be CR's release of Doan's Island. I also reckon CR will grab the rights for Witch from Mercury. As for AL, not sure really, I'm getting a little of the sense that now they've put out the big tentpole classic series their interest in the franchise is waning so we might not actually get some of the smaller stuff that the US got like 0080 or 08th MS Team.
HellCat
Dragon Knight
I mean the least surprising Gundam releases have been SEED and SEED Destiny because Bandai currently has a 'global' initiative to hype the in production movie, with Fukuda confirming my decade old theory last year- the movie was originally supposed to come out 10 years ago on the heels of the 'HD' versions.
My read as a very passionate fan (with understanding there have been certain things beyond their own control) is that they've decided Gundam is a franchise they can stagger out which if true is a mistake. We're 2 years away from a decade since AL got the license and even if we've been told they apparently have to individually bid for each title it's painfully staggered. It says something when rightstuf is getting to the kooky spins off and effectively in the same span of time we haven't even finished UC.
HellCat
Dragon Knight
Jon O Fun
Za Warudo
I think at this point as much as I'd love AL to do a release of Witch From Mercury I'd also like a release before 2030 and Crunchyroll seem to have been promoting it hard so might have picked up UK rights as well.
As someone who's bought every Gundam release they've done day one, I think I'm tapping out and just gonna import the rest while I can.
I will own G-Gundam one way or another.
I'm rather annoyed that Crunchyroll has the film and Witch of Mercury, because no offense to the CR UK branch but I don't see Gundam selling well under their name compared to AL's. Sometimes a title works and sells better under a specific distributor in my opinion.
It's also amusing that Gundam Blu-rays were re-released in Japan with English subtitles in the past few years.
HellCat
Dragon Knight
The only reason I have any feeling they'll announce Witch From Mercury is they've mentioned it a few times now. Plus give the platforming they've done as a company, a popular entry with gay/bisexual leads feels like something I could see AL making a priority for.
I'm prepared to be entirely wrong. I have been in the past with AL guesses more than once.
I'm prepared to be entirely wrong. I have been in the past with AL guesses more than once.
I hope so. I can see Crunchyroll only having theatrical rights for the Island film if AL had managed to get their hands on that for home video.
Just wish they sped up the Gundam game (yes yes I know the whole merger in Japan delayed things but sometimes a reason (or excuse if you want to use that term) can only last for so long).
HellCat
Dragon Knight
This is the rub for me. I was delighted back in 2015 when AL started releasing Gundam but it's just fallen so by the wayside I myself am considering just importing the US releases so at least I have a complete library. I know all sorts of things have played a role (Brexit, COVID, corporate mergers, etc) but as I've said many times we know EXACTLY what it looks like when AL is passionate about a title and that hasn't been Gundam with them for a long time. Instead it's the series they seem to bristle at/shrug when fans ask or complain. We're talking about a company whose identity is being premium releases done with respect and yet they seem tuned out on one of anime's biggest franchises. It's actually kind of shocking.
Jon O Fun
Za Warudo
100% agree, certain franchises are 'niche' and the fan base want a release that is a bit special and Gundam is very much in that category.
AL's releases have all been fantastic as they catered to the collector but crunchyroll (mostly) caters to the mass market and doesn't give the resources to do justice to every title.
Obviously AL haven't done themselves favours with gassing people up for 2+ yrs with 'yeah we got Gundam coming!' Then failing to deliver
I'd bet its 100% out of their control and not for a lack of trying but there comes a point when you've gotta lay your cards on the table and say what your plans are.
Looking back at past Gundam releases (not including standed re-releases) their last 3 were:
Gundam SEED Destiny - Dec 2022
Gundam F91 - June 2021
Turn A Gundam pt2 - Jan 2021
HellCat
Dragon Knight
But are they?
burtkenobi
Dandy Guy, in Space
They still haven't got to the Collector's and then standard editions of Gundam Seed Destiny. I hope they're not the ones they're referring to
Cloudstrife7894
Dandy Guy, in Space
A release of 0080 would be fantastic to see, since its my fave UC show and one of the best starting places for any newcomer. Many of the Gundam offerings on streaming services are either not ideal (movie trilogy) or have a big barrier of entry (CCA and Hathaway). 0080 is just a one and done OVA with great production values and an engaging story that doesn’t take 50 episodes. To not release it in the UK would be a massive missed opportunity.
fabio de lunatico
The Wildcard
Feels like déjà vu. Couple of years ago we had the same conversation about 0080 (and the similarly accessible/standalone) 08th MS Team.
Can't see them happening at this point. They won't even engage with us about the possibility or otherwise for whatever reason. And there must be one, because how do they get overlooked while something like Turn A - has its fans, I'm sure, but is relatively low-profile and has no dub - gets 50 episodes BBFC'd.
Can't see them happening at this point. They won't even engage with us about the possibility or otherwise for whatever reason. And there must be one, because how do they get overlooked while something like Turn A - has its fans, I'm sure, but is relatively low-profile and has no dub - gets 50 episodes BBFC'd.