The News Thread (for news that does not need a thread)

anime_andrew said:
How does everyone else feel on this point?
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How I feel is probably irrelevant considering I'm happily importing the Japanese GiTS ARISE/Code Geass Akito the Exiled sets for ~£40 each :D
I'm perfectly fine with your pricing and your business model in general. It's the complete lack of nice releases in the UK that led me to importing in the first place, but now that you're trying to fill that gap I'm generally going to support you where possible. I like what you're doing as a company, and I also like you as a person, so I'm more than happy to give you my money.
 
I'd like to see Escaflowne before FMP since that was announced first, but I'd imagine the delay in the TTGL set pushed it back. Hopefully it's still on track for early 2015.
 
Surprised no one noticed this (Andrew is probably watching us use our thinking caps right now):
Anyway, I hope you still continue looking at the viability of older classic shows or smaller niche titles, rather than focus solely on the big new titles. I’d love the possibly of someone bring out BD releases of the likes of Haibane Renmei, Chihayafuru, Mushishi, Baccano & Ping Pong. Some of those would be ideal as potential international kickstarter projects.

Re older shows - we're looking at a lot of classics just now - some of those names are on the list for sure too so watch this space.
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Are you guys still doing Escaflowne?

Yup! Details soon...
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I'm glad that Gurren Lagann is available on Netflix because it was one of those shows that I've always been interested in, but not sure if I would be willing to justify the cost of the Ultimate Edition. I'll probably give that a watch over the next few weeks and see how I feel about it. Andrew, what would the chances be of obtaining rights to do similar things with other titles that you plan to release in the Ultimate Edition format (or even put up taster episodes on Wakanim for a brief period)?

In regards to Kill la Kill, didn't you previously state that there's some issue in regards to obtaining the rights to the soundtrack? (even in regards to selling it separately like Attack On Titan?) Because to be honest, that's the only thing keeping the Aniplex USA release on my radar (because to be fair, the OST is amazing). I'd love it if you can get the planned release strategy confirmed though, because I think Aniplex splitting the series over five volumes is mad.
 
Just chipping in REALLY quickly here - oppressive summer heat has kept me from sleeping, and this is literally the first opportunity I've had to look over the boards in weeks.

I love seeing Andrew's respones to fan commentary and criticism. Balanced, even handed and friendly.

On this, though, I wanted to chime in:


anime_andrew said:
Hal -> Firstly the runtime is closer to 60 minutes, not 50. Secondly Funimation is an Amaray release with reversible covers and a non-rigid sleeve plus a few artcards. Our release is rigid casing, neat Digipack AND we've gone the full way and translated the full 20-page booklet (which contains an interview so good part a quote will end up in the Anime Encyclopaedia I hear). The booklet includes the translated mini-manga as well.

Extras will be the same as the Funimation discs too - so you're getting value for money there. Wish we could charge less but I can't really have us losing money either!

At a £24.99 SRP you'd not have the translated booklet or collector's packaging - and for a work I loved dearly I really couldn't justify that. Sorry! How does everyone else feel on this point?
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I spotted Agent-347's post earlier and it reflects a lot of thoughts I've had recently about anime price points. REALLY wanting to get behind some Anime Limited releases, but at this point, I'm just not financially able.

I love the obvious passion and thought that goes into Anime Limited's release plans. It's hertening. But I do think there are some valid points raised regarding value for money. A 60 minute feature with an RRP of over £20 is always going to get bumped down my mental shopping list aways, unfortunately. Unless it came with a whole load of positive press attached, that is.

I've got to say, though - I'm perhaps atypical of this board's users in that I don't really care too much about things like extra features, packaging or whether the bloody spines match up (pet peeve of mine, that - don't get me started!) All I'm really fussed over is a physical release and the show / movie itself.

I also agree that the release plan for Kill La Kill is insane. Multi-volume releases feel like a step backwards in the market. Although, I do appreciate the difficulties and dictates involved.

I'm interested in the statements that cheaper releases of certain shows are likely to show up at some point, though. That seems like a necessary step.
 
For HAL - as I say there was always a risk with that one but doing the maths it didn't seem to make sense to do a DVD only version for that one just now. Let me look into it though for when that'd make sense :).

HdE said:
I also agree that the release plan for Kill La Kill is insane. Multi-volume releases feel like a step backwards in the market. Although, I do appreciate the difficulties and dictates involved.

I'm interested in the statements that cheaper releases of certain shows are likely to show up at some point, though. That seems like a necessary step.
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For Kill la Kill - it's not really insane - it's just a more sensible model for our market than 4 episodes for £35 (+ import taxes). You get at least double the episodes and we're working on very solid extras for it - plus far more rigid packaging (I've picked up the US one to compare - so can say with certainty out of all the releases outside of Japan, ours will definitely feel great).

If all goes to plan (ho ho ho) then you're looking at 100+ pages of artworks / storyboards with the first part alone though - so that's something to be excited about too :).

Not ideal as obviously I'd rather work in two parts, not three - but this would be the best compromise I could manage I'm afraid. Things like contents and pricing can still be set too (I mean we could go £39.99 / £44.99 and only a 48 page booklet if people aren't so fussed, I just feel pretty psyched by KLK so want to get you guys the best extras we can).

Thoughts welcome, got a month to push things along there!

Andrew
 
Joshawott said:
I'm glad that Gurren Lagann is available on Netflix because it was one of those shows that I've always been interested in, but not sure if I would be willing to justify the cost of the Ultimate Edition. I'll probably give that a watch over the next few weeks and see how I feel about it. Andrew, what would the chances be of obtaining rights to do similar things with other titles that you plan to release in the Ultimate Edition format (or even put up taster episodes on Wakanim for a brief period)?
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I'd like to do similar where possible - which platform varies but definitely want to do that :). Trying before you buy that kind of product is critical and I genuinely believe it actually helps the Anime Ltd products more than hinders.

Joshawott said:
In regards to Kill la Kill, didn't you previously state that there's some issue in regards to obtaining the rights to the soundtrack? (even in regards to selling it separately like Attack On Titan?) Because to be honest, that's the only thing keeping the Aniplex USA release on my radar (because to be fair, the OST is amazing). I'd love it if you can get the planned release strategy confirmed though, because I think Aniplex splitting the series over five volumes is mad.
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I'd love to but the UK rights are complicated on them I hear - that said the first CD on AoA's release are remixes which aren't my favourites anyway really. There's another Remix CD floating round with some good tracks on it - we're looking into if there's anything we can do there.

Also splitting into 5 volumes isn't so mad - they had to work with what they have there and while it's very creative, they are offering multiple ways to buy. Which is pretty cool! So not saying I think it's what works in the UK - but they seem to have built a market up for themselves in the USA so power to them I say :).

Will keep doing what we do here though and try to offer products that make sense to our market too though - as I don't believe the UK is really a cookie-cutter of the US in terms of what models appeal always!

Hope that makes sense xD.

Andrew
 
Just a quick question for Andrew, obviously some people are unhappy with the price point of KLK but as you've said there will be a more budget version down the line. For me I see yours as the best release option (3 vols beats 5 any day) my question is: the first volume is srp £60 obviously gonna be a bit cheaper on Amazon etc but will vols 2 & 3 be the same? I'm guessing you can't stick a 100 page book with every one. To be honest with you if it was 1st vol £40 - £45 (after store discounts) 2nd & 3rd £30'ish I'd be pretty OK with that :)

Also on Hal it is a bit expensive but sounds like a pretty solid release but my problem and I'd think some others is I haven't seen it! (anybody who has is 25% seen at festival 75% pirated) how's about sticking it on Netflix for a month to give people a chance to see it or even put it on for the weekend of Scotland Loves Anime like Crunchyroll did with the dubbed JoJo's :) just an idea.
 
anime_andrew said:
Not ideal as obviously I'd rather work in two parts, not three - but this would be the best compromise I could manage I'm afraid. Things like contents and pricing can still be set too (I mean we could go £39.99 / £44.99 and only a 48 page booklet if people aren't so fussed, I just feel pretty psyched by KLK so want to get you guys the best extras we can).
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I would much rather have the 100+ page book rather than a 48 page booklet. Paying a little extra for it doesn't bother me.

anime_andrew said:
I'd love to but the UK rights are complicated on them I hear - that said the first CD on AoA's release are remixes which aren't my favourites anyway really. There's another Remix CD floating round with some good tracks on it - we're looking into if there's anything we can do there.
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Would be great if you could get the original soundtrack. The rights being complicated, is that just to include it as part of the collection or is it also complicated releasing it on its own like the Attack on Titan soundtrack?
 
I think as long as there's a cheaper alternative, people don't mind paying a little bit more. If a more 'budget' version is coming out later, and especially with the series on Netflix too, I think the price point is fine for KLK.

With movies, it's harder, because the perceived value in terms of money paid vs. running time will never match up as well against a series. That said, HAL is a beautiful, haunting film - really enjoyed the BFI screening of it.
 
Lutga said:
For someone completely uninitiated with Robotech, how does this re-release differ from this existing box set? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Robotech-The-Co ... s=robotech

Also, considering the much publicized issues with getting the Macross franchise out in the UK (I remember Manga UK going on about it all the time) - how are they able to include the Japanese eps apparently so easily?
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The new re-release contains the first 18 episodes of Robotech: The Macross Saga (Original Broadcast Version: Dubbed) and Super Dimension Fortress Macross (Subbed) across 4 DVD-R discs, priced at $19.98.

Regarding the second paragraph, I think because Harmony Gold owns the trademark name 'Macross' and also Super Dimension Fortress Macross (alongside the other two shows they edited). Macross II and Plus belong to Manga Ent. while the others were never released.

Personally I would rather import the BD-Boxes like Macross Plus but it's frickin expensive (wasn't it supposed to be £90 to start off with?!).

Also success probability for the Kickstarter is hilarious.
 
Sorry, Andrew. It's a long comment, again. But I might have an interesting suggestion with FMP.

anime_andrew said:
ULTIMATE EDITION: Depending on what assets I can clear from Japan. But ideally would want to deliver something on scale of Gurren Lagann. You'd be looking at something like:

- Nicely designed packaging (I'm a huge fan of the franchise since ADV started releasing it).
- At least the same length of booklet as the Japanese release (50 I believe)
- All three seasons plus extras to match whatever the licensor doesn't block (I think there's no restricted ones in this case)
- Likely a total of 10 BD discs for this one so not super cheap.
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Nice packaging: check.
Booklet: okay.
All three seasons: must.
All extras: it's a nice addition.
Ten discs: 4 x 6 eps for FMP, 2 x 6 eps for FMP:F, 2 x 7 eps for FMP:TSR... I count 8 discs without extras... Are there so many extras to get to 10 discs?

anime_andrew said:
Likely everything in - if we can get the assets digitally (pre-encoded, not on tape) I'd say you'd be looking at circa £129.99 via conventional retail depending on what goes in with etc. Depends on cost savings we can make on the actual material process etc and access fees.
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Hmmmm, like some others say: you should be careful with the pricing.
I didn't do economics at school, so "conventional retail" says nothing to me, but Google makes me believe that's the 35% off SRP point, which suggests an SRP of £199.99, which isn't to be taken lightly.

Using UP1 as an example, I added the three seasons by Funimation to my basket and it totaled £70, with UK shipping it became £75 (rounded for convenience).
That means customs and all has been handled already for the customer.
I know that's without the booklet and rigid packaging, but I think since they're region B compatible that it could be dangerous to have your edition float around for so much more.

anime_andrew said:
Alternatively we may go the route of Cowboy Bebop but with a big case at the start of the collection if we /know/ we can't offer anything to make it really "Ultimate" vs the cost for the whole universe in a set.
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Why not make every season (on Blu-ray) one and the same edition without physical extras, and make 2 editions with the third season...
One with booklet+rigid packaging to hold all 3 seasons & one like the other seasons. (Maybe a 3rd edition with just the rigid packaging. Since the booklet is small it won't leave a big hole in the artbox used anyway)
Ultimately all 3 seasons can fit into the rigid packaging, and can work separately on the shelf which cuts the amount of editions to produce.

The pro for this route is that people have the chance to decide after purchasing season 1 whether they like it enough to buy the Ultimate Edition-bundle with season 3.

You could say "but a digipack would make the separate 'standard' editions more expensive for who just want the regular editions...".
While digipacks have their perks, not every Anime Ltd release needs to have a digipack in my opinion. Even the Japanese box are Amaray cases...
Make sure every Amaray case has a slipcover and it'll just look as good when looking at the spines I'm totally sure.
The rigid packaging is the important thing with the Anime Limited collector releases, followed by the series, and hopefully raised in value thanks to neat extras.

Now, I'm awaiting Andrew to tell me I'm a fool like Mr. T would.
anime_andrew said:
Lack of email is just when it's a long message I don't often have time to reply right now - a lot of bigger business things I am being expected to do and a lot less time answering folks sadly :(. I'm procrastinating from VAT returns as I write all this xD.
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Oh, haha. We all like to delay (important) stuff. =P - I understand that you don't really have time at the moment.
I might (or might not) end up sending another mail somewhere in August/September. Since you handled a fair few things already here it should be way shorter. ^_^
One big mail collecting multiple topics (like I often do these posts here) versus multiple small ones when they occur (to me) is a huge dilemma to me.

anime_andrew said:
Gurren O-Cards -> Maybe but I'm not sure cost / value people actually get something worthwhile from it by and large. Will look into it though :).
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Okay! ^_^ Expect me to ask you again about it later. =P I think any Amaray release gets way extra value when it gets a slipcover.
I pre-ordered Tales of Vesperia: The First Strike thanks to the slipcover. And the slipcover raised the priority level of Code Geass R2, Panty & Stocking and Wolf Children.
At least for me a slipcover adds value and priority.

anime_andrew said:
I'd have hoped £20 off SRP removes the sting more - as we did the math and two high-end versions just makes no real sense for anybody involved really does it for anyone?
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To me it makes sense. But of course if it financially doesn't make sense for you guys I won't force you either because it doesn't for me personally. xD That wouldn't make sense.
I believe there are people who like to own a show, people who like to own a show+fancy packaging and people who like to own a show+fancy packaging+physical extras.
I'm mostly part of the second category, but wouldn't say no to the third if I could afford it somehow (like Patema Inverted).

However, whatever happens with TTGL, I'll have to think really well about it, and given you have "easier decidable titles" in Q4 I might prioritize those over this headache being TTGL.

Nota bene: The £20 off SRP does lighten the sting. ^_~

anime_andrew said:
Blood Lad -> Sadly the print cost on a booklet is very high especially when you breach 48 pages. That's not even mentioning we'll be translating or accessing the original Japanese assets not using a US-centric one. So you'll get something very close to the Japanese release where possible. It's just not feasible to drop that price because while less episodes, to do that quality and content doesn't come cheap. It's why we didn't make it a combi and released a cheaper DVD version too :).
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Pardon my inferior knowledge about printing prices of booklets in Scotland/UK. xP
I like your idea to use the Japanese one instead of the US-centric edition! I'll have to believe you on your word about the price. ^_^
I don't really like combo-packs with series, so where possible I rather see them not happening (in all honesty).

anime_andrew said:
Hal -> Firstly the runtime is closer to 60 minutes, not 50. Secondly Funimation is an Amaray release with reversible covers and a non-rigid sleeve plus a few artcards. Our release is rigid casing, neat Digipack AND we've gone the full way and translated the full 20-page booklet (which contains an interview so good part a quote will end up in the Anime Encyclopaedia I hear). The booklet includes the translated mini-manga as well.

Extras will be the same as the Funimation discs too - so you're getting value for money there. Wish we could charge less but I can't really have us losing money either!

At a £24.99 SRP you'd not have the translated booklet or collector's packaging - and for a work I loved dearly I really couldn't justify that. Sorry! How does everyone else feel on this point?
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Now I feel bad. (About the runtime thing)
Funimation's release has a lot of reversible sleeves, indeed. Wish that happened in the UK with other releases as well.
Yeah, I don't want Anime Ltd to lose money, true that. I'll look at the pre-order price and decide with the help of that, I don't expect it to sell out day 1 either.
Sometimes my strategy is waiting for a discount code after release given some sites don't raise the price after the pre-order period.

anime_andrew said:
KILL LA KILL -> Well that's also fair - we have restrictions we have to operate within too and we're gunning for a pretty cool release (in our case focussing on the original artwork books that came with the Japanese edition - which are HUGE but I will do my best to include as many as I can per release - because it's really worth seeing this stuff!) There'll be a cheaper edition again further down the line here, can't say when really though but like Bebop - one will come :).
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Arrghhhh... You're not making it easy on me. =P I'll talk to some people about it and see if I can acquire/afford it when final listings etc go up.

anime_andrew said:
Honestly too - while rigid cases are our "standard" for most product - the price point we set comes with them by and large. I'm incredibly keen on them but it doesn't make it easy to charge what seems to be being banded round in this post by and large! By the time retail takes its cut it adds a chunk on - but I do think it's worth it based on what we stand for :). Hopefully folks agree!
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Don't really disagree with this. Sometimes just a bit sad there's no "middle path" (or "way"). Rigid packaging: <3.

anime_andrew said:
Re Yoyo & Nene - would like to but it's a tough one audience-wise. Will likely come back to this one in 2015 though along with another SLA 2013 one...
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I just checked the premise on MyAnimeList and it sounds like a good one to watch. So I'd approve an UK release. ^_^


anime_andrew said:
Regular BD sets for Season 1 and TSR: Unsure if Fumoffu would make back the cost of a separate release, but open to hear fans tell me I'm wrong on that front! Usual prices there for a standard set.
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I don't have any sales data to base an actual "estimation" on, but I think this isn't like the TTGL sub-only movies where people lack nothing by not owning them.
While I haven't seen any of FMP, and it's apparently a standalone story, I feel like I must own the entire story.
If Fumoffu is an Ultimate Edition exclusive, well.. I'd definitely look into (saving up for) the complete collection, but if it's an UE exclusive it'd make the regular edition a complete dealbreaker for sure..
This makes me wonder even more if my suggestion from earlier in the post could be possible in some way..

anime_andrew said:
DVD: TBC - Need to see what the demand is when we start, anyone here feel strongly on the DVD frontier still?
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I personally feel like more Blu-ray only products are needed on the UK scenery...
But I understand that people like GolGotha might prefer a DVD release for various reasons, especially since FMP wasn't native HD as far as I know.

anime_andrew said:
For HAL - as I say there was always a risk with that one but doing the maths it didn't seem to make sense to do a DVD only version for that one just now. Let me look into it though for when that'd make sense :).
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*cough* *fast pace:* Do a Blu-ray only.

Sorry, had to repeat myself there. =P I hope something good comes from it. But from what I understand HAL is a visually stunning HD native movie.
So to me it'd make sense to have it Blu-ray only, of course I'd look into making it available via Wakanim/Netflix as well then for the people without BD player.

And, while I don't want people to be excluded, it happened enough to the Blu-ray lovers in the DVD-only era.

anime_andrew said:
For Kill la Kill - (...) If all goes to plan (ho ho ho)
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Merry Christmas.

anime_andrew said:
then you're looking at 100+ pages of artworks / storyboards with the first part alone though - so that's something to be excited about too :).
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Merry~ Christmas~.

anime_andrew said:
Not ideal as obviously I'd rather work in two parts, not three - but this would be the best compromise I could manage I'm afraid. Things like contents and pricing can still be set too (I mean we could go £39.99 / £44.99 and only a 48 page booklet if people aren't so fussed, I just feel pretty psyched by KLK so want to get you guys the best extras we can).
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I'd be fine with a 48 page booklet and rigid packaging, but I know there are some huge fans out there...
So I also think Kill La Kill does deserve the "all out" treatment with the artbook/storyboards! ^_^

I also wonder what Jon O Fun is wondering: Are you looking at giving all three volumes a SRP of £59.99, or will the others be lower?
It will be kind of important to be clear about all three volumes when you list the first one for pre-order...
I don't want to be put in front of unpleasant surprises after all!

NormanicGrav said:
Anyway, I hope you still continue looking at the viability of older classic shows or smaller niche titles, rather than focus solely on the big new titles. I’d love the possibly of someone bring out BD releases of the likes of Haibane Renmei, Chihayafuru, Mushishi, Baccano & Ping Pong. Some of those would be ideal as potential international kickstarter projects.

Re older shows - we're looking at a lot of classics just now - some of those names are on the list for sure too so watch this space.
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Mushishi sounds like a good one, and has been recommended to me before. I do hope, however, that Aniplex dub The Second Passage (and have the VAs of S1 reprise their roles).

Baccano and Haibane Renmei are definitely titles I want to watch!!

Nota bene: I don't like the visual look of Ping Pong, much like Flowers of Evil. So I wouldn't buy or watch it. Sorry.

GolGotha said:
I agree with NormanicGrav, I would love to see you experiment with more unusual genres, such as sports titles. I think Free! and Kuroko's Basketball would be the best to start with as they have a pretty big fan-base.
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We all want some list of titles from Andrew, don't we? ;P

I sometimes wonder how Andrew himself feels as being considered the only hope for lots of titles and genres?

Currently he's in a "popular catalog" phase with Anime Ltd, which is fine... Can't wait for when he hits the niche, sub-only and other re-releases.
 
Seeing reports on other sites that the new Fate/Stay Night series is going to be the Unlimited Blade Works route, but there's also a Heaven's Feel movie planned

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spseKv7jtmY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7JEFF9mvs

Seems like a good compromise on the 'which route to cover', UBW has good scenes for all the servants unlike the other two routes while also doing a HF movie allows room for those characters that we've been show in Fate/Zero that have little or no presence in the UBW route.
 
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