Bandai Exchanges Mars From BIG Anime Networkers Near Hirameki
Bandai Entertainment announced that recent DVD releases, which include Gundam SEED Destiny volume 12, FLAG volume 2, and My-Z-Hime (My-Otome) volume 4 may be defective. Other recent releases, such as Eureka Seven volume 11 may also be affected. Bandai encourages customers that experience playback issues with recent Bandai releases to contact Bandai directly to arrange a replacement.
Viz announced its cancellation of the Mar anime series. No further volumes of Mar will be released. Viz will retail domestic distribution rights to the title, and is re-evaluating methods in which the title can be made available.
Viz recently announced that it plans to release a line of omnibus editions of popular manga titles. Known as VIZBIG, the new titles will compile the first three volumes of a title in a larger page format (5.75" x 8.625", as opposed to the traditional 5" x 7.5" format). These volumes will also contain bonus material such as color pages, creator interviews, and character art. VIZBIG will debut with Rurouni Kenshin this month. Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z will follow with a May 6 release date. VIZBIG novels will have a suggested retail price of $17.99US
Visual Novel distributor Hirameki International announced its withdrawal from the American market. Hirameki has ceased publication of its AnimePlay print magazine, closed its retail store, and halted DVD production.
The Anime Network announced that they will no longer support a traditional linear broadcast. The Anime Network will continue to support its Video-On-Demand, online, and Sprint mobile services.
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