FanimeCon 2011

Aniplex of America

Aniplex of America

Panelists: Yosuke Kodaka, E.J. Rivera

Fanime Con's first industry panel kicked off shortly after 2PM with an intoductory video showcasing some of the more popular titles Aniplex has produced, such as Rurouni Kenshin, Angel Beats!, Blood: The Last Vampire and Gurren Lagann. After that, the panelists introduced the company and outlined the projects that the company has been involved with, including titles licensed to other distributors (such as Funimation) and titles released in-house by Aniplex.

Aniplex mentioned that their titles are available on streaming sites such as YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Playstation Network "whenever it is up." Next, they highlighted their Gurren Lagaan movie sets, the Read or Die Blu Ray box set, and the Blu Ray set for Baccano!, which went on sale as of May 17. The panelists stressed that the set is a limited edition, and that when it sells out, "it's gone."

Next, a promo trailer for Durarara!! was screened, precluding an announcement for the third DVD release for the series. The two-disc DVD set is coming out on May 31, but the DVDs are available at FanimeCon in the Dealer's Room as an at-con special for Fanime attendees.

The next title showcased was Blue Exorcist, which is currently streaming online with new episodes out every Wednesday. The title is simulcasting on Anime News Network, Crunchyroll and Hulu. The manga is currently available from Viz Media.

The panel then switched to an exclusive announcement for re-release of the movies and OVAs for the classic shonen series Rurouni Kenshin. The panelists stressed that the Blu Ray remasters are "better" than the Japanese releases in that they include both subtitles, dubs, and lots of extras. The box art includes original art, and the release will also be a limited edition release. In another exclusive announcement, a video featuring Durarara!! dub voice talent Crispin Freeman was screened where Freeman announced that Durarara!! will be shown on Adult Swim this summer.

The panel then moved to a Q&A session. A question was asked about whether Aniplex was going to release Madoka Magica and Bakamonogatari; Kodaka stated that no decision has been made regarding the licensing for either title.