Just like last month, Funimation have unveiled the March schedule slightly earlier than usual but much like the January set-up, there's a couple surprises in store. Two of which I certainly wasn't expecting at all.
Here's the list of anime that Funimation have scheduled for the month of March 2016.
The release slate in this blog will only be focusing on anime so no comments on Lost Girl, at all. Also there have been no details on what sort of additional content the special editions will have for the shows listed below.
Region: A and 1
Publisher: Showgate
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $74.98 (Standard) & $84.98 (Limited)
Extras: 2 OVAs, Special 12.5, Episode Commentaries, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
Brother's Conflict was once considered to be forgotten by the community as it had been licensed for as long as Danganronpa was, but last year Funimation announced plans for an English dub which surprised many including myself. Now it's finally scheduled, and I'm not surprised it's scheduled for March as Anime Limited have also scheduled theirs around the same time (it seems to be a new trend for Anime Limited when it comes to Funimation titles). I'm certain the show will sell well for the fans of the original source material and for the shoujo community, though I'm annoyed they increased the prices once again. As expected from Showgate the sets are region locked.
Kingdom - Season 2
Region: 1 2 4
Publisher: NHK?
Format: DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $79.98
Extras: Trailers
Back in January I was shocked to see Funimation releasing Kingdom, it was pretty much considered shovelware in terms of anime streaming. And now they're bringing over the second season, to which no one had any idea that Funimation even had the license for. The best of all, it's also getting an English dub but much like the first season they aren't promoting it as much as we would expect. Last I guessed the English dub is apparently handled in Canada as one of the voice actors was none other than Rob Man of Happy Console Gamer fame over on YouTube. He unintentionally leaked the confirmation of a dub for the series many months before the solicitation was announced for the series. Anywho I'm just glad that the series is finally getting a release, I've heard many good things about this franchise and while it does have CGI fights the reviews have been fairly positive so far. I just hope that it gets the sales it deserves. Just to clarify the series did not receive a Blu-ray release in Japan.
Psycho Pass - Season 2 (Standard & Premium Editions)
Region: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: Fuji Creative Corporation
Format: Blu-ray and DVD (Premium Edition is Blu-ray only)
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $64.98 (Standard) & $84.98 (Premium)
Extras: Episode Commentaries, Video Commentary, Textless Songs, U.S.Trailer, Trailers
Psycho Pass Season 2 is finally getting released. I've heard a lot of things about this particular season, the first season was very good and while the video quality was poorly authored it was watchable and the Premium Edition is excellent. Season 2 on the other hand, has been critically panned by both fans and anime reviewers as it lacks the main staff behind the first season (they instead worked on the Psycho Pass Movie). The person behind the Hamatora anime was involved with this season instead of Gen Urobuchi and many believe he's the reason why the show suffered. In any case I'm curious as much as anyone who has yet to see this season. The release will also offer a Premium Edition with similar artwork to Season 1 which is great however we have no idea what sort of additional content will be included.
Region: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: King Record Company Limited
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $49.98
Extras: OVA, Textless Opening Songs, Textless Closing Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
I'm shocked. I'm amazed this is even getting a release. You should realise that Funimation had the rights to the series from back in October 2011 (that's literally 4 years ago!). Much like Kingdom, it seems like someone over at Funimation has decided to finally get through the old backlog of titles that they've had for years. Just to point out, this series will be subtitle only and if it weren't for the success of OniAi and a couple other titles we probably wouldn't have seen this show get released at all, what's even better is that it's a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack! All that's left is whether the release is done properly and if we'll ever see more titles get released (most notably Rainbow and The Tatami Galaxy).
Region: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: Kadokawa Pictures
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $64.98
Extras: Episode Commentaries, News Flash, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
Back when I was slowly expanding my knowledge of anime, Date A Live was one of many shows that I had always wanted to check out and I did so when I bought the first season on Blu-ray. Even though I disliked the English dub (I felt the voices did not match the characters) I enjoyed the show a lot especially from the OVA. And now the second season is finally scheduled, however I'm rather concerned. For starters they haven't solicited a Limited Edition box for the series, even though the first season did. The other problem is that the Date A Live Encore OVA isn't even included which was released a couple months after broadcast. This is a shame as I was hoping they would be included with this release. There's a chance the OVA could be added to the Date A Live movie release but it's probably going to be very unlikely at this point. It's still getting an English dub if you liked the first one.
Fairy Tail - Part 19
Region: A and 1
Publisher: Kodansha
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $54.98
Extras: Episode Commentaries, Guild Pride: Lamia Scale, Guild Pride: Blue Pegasus, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailer
The adventures of Natsu and his Fairy Tail guild crew continue with episodes 213 to 226 of the series. Now unlike the previous sets, this one actually has more episodes and is handled similarly to the way the Japanese releases were done. It's also worth nothing that all of the episodes in this set are filler (not canon to the original source material) and from 227 onwards is canon material (which is Part 20). Apparently after this release it's going to be a while before the next part gets solicited but I think Fairy Tail fans should be satisfied with waiting given the next set of episodes after this are based on the popular Tartaros arc. Now how about releasing more collection sets Funimation?
One Piece - Collection 15
Region: 1
Publisher: Toei
Format: DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $34.98
Extras: One Piece in the Booth: with Christopher R. Sabat, One Piece in the Booth: with Eric Vale, Episode Commentaries, Textless Songs, Trailers
I'm amazed Funimation keeps on bringing us more One Piece collections, given the gap between Collection 8 and 9 was big. This latest collection provides episodes 349 to 372 of the Thriller Bark arc. In case you didn't know already I'm a fan of One Piece but I only read up to Volume 46 as I picked up Viz Media's Box Sets. They haven't brought out a third set so I'm stuffed for the time being. Nevertheless I got the chance to read Brook's introduction and I like his character a lot. Still, glad to see more collections get released!
Region: A B
Publisher: Fuji Creative Corporation?
Format: Blu-ray
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $99.98
Extras: Interviews, TV Spot, Promotion Video, Textless Songs, Trailers, Air Communication, Movie 1 News Flash & Preview, Movie 2 US Cast Commentary
Well this was rather random. Eden of the East is the next catalogue title to be given the Premium Edition treatment after Darker Than Black, Soul Eater, Fullmetal Alchemist and Black Lagoon. So far there's no details on what new content is included but it does contain the entire series, films and OVAs. My guess is that if you already own the individual sets there's no need to upgrade unless you're a big fan of the series, and I know Eden of the East is a popular one, heck it's been on my 'Must Watch' list for quite some time now. I guess this is a good opportunity to finally jump in. Still, I hope that the set is close to Psycho Pass than it is to the others because I much rather have a normal chipboard box set with tons of stuff than a fancy box that could destroy itself through anything like delivery and age.
And that's pretty much it for the month of March for Funimation. It's another surprising month and my god this first quarter is packed with a lot of interesting titles for both Funimation and Sentai Filmworks, even Discotek Media have some neat titles in offer. I'll try my best to grab a couple of these titles as they get through though.
Stay tuned for next time!
The release slate in this blog will only be focusing on anime so no comments on Lost Girl, at all. Also there have been no details on what sort of additional content the special editions will have for the shows listed below.
March 8th 2016
Brother's Conflict - Complete Series (Standard & Limited Editions)Region: A and 1
Publisher: Showgate
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $74.98 (Standard) & $84.98 (Limited)
Extras: 2 OVAs, Special 12.5, Episode Commentaries, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
Brother's Conflict was once considered to be forgotten by the community as it had been licensed for as long as Danganronpa was, but last year Funimation announced plans for an English dub which surprised many including myself. Now it's finally scheduled, and I'm not surprised it's scheduled for March as Anime Limited have also scheduled theirs around the same time (it seems to be a new trend for Anime Limited when it comes to Funimation titles). I'm certain the show will sell well for the fans of the original source material and for the shoujo community, though I'm annoyed they increased the prices once again. As expected from Showgate the sets are region locked.
Kingdom - Season 2
Region: 1 2 4
Publisher: NHK?
Format: DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $79.98
Extras: Trailers
Back in January I was shocked to see Funimation releasing Kingdom, it was pretty much considered shovelware in terms of anime streaming. And now they're bringing over the second season, to which no one had any idea that Funimation even had the license for. The best of all, it's also getting an English dub but much like the first season they aren't promoting it as much as we would expect. Last I guessed the English dub is apparently handled in Canada as one of the voice actors was none other than Rob Man of Happy Console Gamer fame over on YouTube. He unintentionally leaked the confirmation of a dub for the series many months before the solicitation was announced for the series. Anywho I'm just glad that the series is finally getting a release, I've heard many good things about this franchise and while it does have CGI fights the reviews have been fairly positive so far. I just hope that it gets the sales it deserves. Just to clarify the series did not receive a Blu-ray release in Japan.
Psycho Pass - Season 2 (Standard & Premium Editions)
Region: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: Fuji Creative Corporation
Format: Blu-ray and DVD (Premium Edition is Blu-ray only)
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $64.98 (Standard) & $84.98 (Premium)
Extras: Episode Commentaries, Video Commentary, Textless Songs, U.S.Trailer, Trailers
Psycho Pass Season 2 is finally getting released. I've heard a lot of things about this particular season, the first season was very good and while the video quality was poorly authored it was watchable and the Premium Edition is excellent. Season 2 on the other hand, has been critically panned by both fans and anime reviewers as it lacks the main staff behind the first season (they instead worked on the Psycho Pass Movie). The person behind the Hamatora anime was involved with this season instead of Gen Urobuchi and many believe he's the reason why the show suffered. In any case I'm curious as much as anyone who has yet to see this season. The release will also offer a Premium Edition with similar artwork to Season 1 which is great however we have no idea what sort of additional content will be included.
March 15th 2016
C³: CubexCursedxCurious - Complete SeriesRegion: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: King Record Company Limited
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $49.98
Extras: OVA, Textless Opening Songs, Textless Closing Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
I'm shocked. I'm amazed this is even getting a release. You should realise that Funimation had the rights to the series from back in October 2011 (that's literally 4 years ago!). Much like Kingdom, it seems like someone over at Funimation has decided to finally get through the old backlog of titles that they've had for years. Just to point out, this series will be subtitle only and if it weren't for the success of OniAi and a couple other titles we probably wouldn't have seen this show get released at all, what's even better is that it's a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack! All that's left is whether the release is done properly and if we'll ever see more titles get released (most notably Rainbow and The Tatami Galaxy).
March 22nd 2016
Date A Live II - Complete SeriesRegion: A B and 1 2 4
Publisher: Kadokawa Pictures
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $64.98
Extras: Episode Commentaries, News Flash, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailers
Back when I was slowly expanding my knowledge of anime, Date A Live was one of many shows that I had always wanted to check out and I did so when I bought the first season on Blu-ray. Even though I disliked the English dub (I felt the voices did not match the characters) I enjoyed the show a lot especially from the OVA. And now the second season is finally scheduled, however I'm rather concerned. For starters they haven't solicited a Limited Edition box for the series, even though the first season did. The other problem is that the Date A Live Encore OVA isn't even included which was released a couple months after broadcast. This is a shame as I was hoping they would be included with this release. There's a chance the OVA could be added to the Date A Live movie release but it's probably going to be very unlikely at this point. It's still getting an English dub if you liked the first one.
Fairy Tail - Part 19
Region: A and 1
Publisher: Kodansha
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $54.98
Extras: Episode Commentaries, Guild Pride: Lamia Scale, Guild Pride: Blue Pegasus, Textless Songs, U.S. Trailer, Trailer
The adventures of Natsu and his Fairy Tail guild crew continue with episodes 213 to 226 of the series. Now unlike the previous sets, this one actually has more episodes and is handled similarly to the way the Japanese releases were done. It's also worth nothing that all of the episodes in this set are filler (not canon to the original source material) and from 227 onwards is canon material (which is Part 20). Apparently after this release it's going to be a while before the next part gets solicited but I think Fairy Tail fans should be satisfied with waiting given the next set of episodes after this are based on the popular Tartaros arc. Now how about releasing more collection sets Funimation?
One Piece - Collection 15
Region: 1
Publisher: Toei
Format: DVD
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $34.98
Extras: One Piece in the Booth: with Christopher R. Sabat, One Piece in the Booth: with Eric Vale, Episode Commentaries, Textless Songs, Trailers
I'm amazed Funimation keeps on bringing us more One Piece collections, given the gap between Collection 8 and 9 was big. This latest collection provides episodes 349 to 372 of the Thriller Bark arc. In case you didn't know already I'm a fan of One Piece but I only read up to Volume 46 as I picked up Viz Media's Box Sets. They haven't brought out a third set so I'm stuffed for the time being. Nevertheless I got the chance to read Brook's introduction and I like his character a lot. Still, glad to see more collections get released!
March 29th 2016
Eden of the East - Complete Series & Movies (Premium Edition)Region: A B
Publisher: Fuji Creative Corporation?
Format: Blu-ray
Languages: English & Japanese (w/English subs)
Price (SRP): $99.98
Extras: Interviews, TV Spot, Promotion Video, Textless Songs, Trailers, Air Communication, Movie 1 News Flash & Preview, Movie 2 US Cast Commentary
Well this was rather random. Eden of the East is the next catalogue title to be given the Premium Edition treatment after Darker Than Black, Soul Eater, Fullmetal Alchemist and Black Lagoon. So far there's no details on what new content is included but it does contain the entire series, films and OVAs. My guess is that if you already own the individual sets there's no need to upgrade unless you're a big fan of the series, and I know Eden of the East is a popular one, heck it's been on my 'Must Watch' list for quite some time now. I guess this is a good opportunity to finally jump in. Still, I hope that the set is close to Psycho Pass than it is to the others because I much rather have a normal chipboard box set with tons of stuff than a fancy box that could destroy itself through anything like delivery and age.
And that's pretty much it for the month of March for Funimation. It's another surprising month and my god this first quarter is packed with a lot of interesting titles for both Funimation and Sentai Filmworks, even Discotek Media have some neat titles in offer. I'll try my best to grab a couple of these titles as they get through though.
Stay tuned for next time!
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