Buying up Anime Foreclosures

K

kj :)

New member
In the past couple of months, I've been watching ADV Films and FUNimation snatch up licenses and re-release titles from now-dead companies CPM and Geneon. Naturally, everybody is happy to see these studios pick up their titles, but there is something about doing this that doesn't sit well with me.

Granted, the companies that are no more made crucial mistakes like not releasing a new title within the past two years, but here is my problem with re-releasing these titles: do people really want them? Will these titles really sell now that ADV Films and Geneon is releasing them? Why didn't they sell before? I feel that adding these extra titles is almost like adding extra baggage to an already struggling industry. ADV's lastest acquisition, Appleseed, was released only five years ago on DVD. Does it really need another re-release so soon? It's not like these are rare titles that have been long dead.

My biggest question is that are anime fans really going to buy these re-releases? Because if they aren't, I don't see why these companies are doing this as it will only make the situation worst.
 
I think its good that ADV gets some other dvd releases besides re-releases..but Funimation does acquire way too many shows, and they make way too much big a deal out of them, like they did heat guy J.
 
The difference is, it's a rescue so it's almost no loss to them. You got a product that is cheaper than the original release (which seems to be the main complaint), and if nothing else it's another online item for their inventory which makes it more streamlined.

Most of the money in licenses goes into dubbing the thing, so it's treated more like Strike Witches in that they don't have to sell much to make a profit.
 
It's also important to remeraber that not everyone bought the DVRAB when they were first released, either due to low finances at the time or simply being late to the party. Re-releasing and license rescuing gives those who missed out the first time a chance to do so without having to fork over waRAB of cash for a rare item.

And some even buy back titles in a newer edition (even if nothing's different!), so there's always that market too.
 
you know theres manga forclouseres as well, Ive been waiting since january to see If anyones picked up the Disgaea manga from Broccoli Books, wich is now OOB. I mean seriously Yen or Viz one should pick that baby up! NOW!!!!

but back on topic yes there are many rerelease/saves I plane to buy in the future.
 
There is no doubt a market for some of the titles getting a release, the more questionable action is dropping some of these releases while retailers are still clearing out the old releases. There is an aspect of maybe letting some of these titles sit for a bit before cranking out thin packs hand over fist. Shoot, that could even go for some of the titles they've licensed outright, though given that singles are just about dead, that shouldn't be as much of an issue in the future.

Additionally, until companies start picking up the real D-sellers from the pre-bust days, I won't worry about them making bad choices. Rescuing Grave of the Fireflies or Samurai Champloo is a no-brainer, and there is more that can be dug out, even and perhaps especially in the older libraries (A remaster of the first two Tenchi OVA done off a high-def transfer from the original 35mm film would be brilliant and there are a lot of other titles that could have the same treatment in the long term.) Rescuing Daphne in the Brilliant Blue or Koi Kaze would be less bright.
 
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