Navarre/Funimation’s AnimeOnline.com beta test has closed down indicating “technical issues”. Although they promise a relaunch, ANN reports editors Dale North and Gia Manry stated they were looking for employment elsewhere. I found Anime Online’s navigation and content system rather annoying with a myspace-esque feeling and their member forum was rather small, but they offered extremely unique news and articles that will be missed.
Two of the highest rated anime of 2006 have been licensed in America. Funimation has licensed Ouran High School Host Club, I expect they’re hoping for another Fruits Basket hit. The much anticipated Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion has been licensed by Bandai Entertainment with a confirmed television syndication in 2008.
And lastly, the Dragon Ball Z DVD confusion may soon be reaching the next step. Anime distributor AAA Anime has listed a Blu-Ray version of the Dragonball Z Movie: Broly Double Feature DVD with a release date of November 13, 2007 and MSRP $34.98. It is unknown what stance Funimation will be taking for high-def DVDs, but it is certain Dragon Ball Z will be seeing another version in the future. Wonder if they’ll ever completely release the series in a single format without stopping, “revamping,” and re-re-releasing.
Date Posted: Saturday, July 21, 2007