Anime Classics Still Missing From R1 DVD

[getter77]

Ok everyone, here it starts. In this thread, we will determine the end-all, be-all list of old school or classic anime ranging from as early as the 60's all the way up to probably much of the 90's.....all of which are not yet (completely) available in quality R1 dvd form. I'll rate stuff in terms of how marketable each thing SEEMS to be via my opinion and everyone else's. Bold=Ultra-classic Italic=Niche/genre favorites Regular font=Wildcards

The 60's:

-Taiyou no Ouji: Horus no Daibouken Movie 1968
-Sazae-san TV 1969 (Pie in the Sky)
-Tiger Mask TV 1969

The 70's:

-Ashita no Joe TV 1970
-Kick no Oni TV 1970
-Lupin III: Series 1 TV 1971
-Umi no Triton TV 1972
-Mazinger Z TV 1972
-Devilman TV 1972
-Shinzo Ningen Casshan TV 1973
-Mazinger Z vs Devilman Movie 1973
-Cutey Honey TV 1973
-Doraemon TV 1973 (Pie in the Sky)
-Ace O Nerae TV 1973
-Space Battleship Yamato TV 1974
-Mazinger Z Vs Ankoku Dai Shogun Movie 1974
-Hurricane Polymar TV 1974
-Getter Robo TV 1974
-Great Mazinger TV 1974
-Getter Robo G TV 1975
-UFO Robo Grendizer TV 1975
-Yusha Reideen TV 1975
-Kotetsu Jeeg TV 1975
-Chou Denji Robo Combattler V TV 1976
-Daiku Maryu Gaiking TV 1976
-Chou Denji Machine Voltes V TV 1977
-Muteki Choujin Zambot 3 TV 1977
-Space Pirate Captain Harlock TV 1978
-Galaxy Express 999 TV 1978
-Future Boy Conan TV 1978
-Toushou Daimos TV 1978
-Akage no Anne TV 1979
-Rose of Versailles TV 1979
-Mobile Suit Gundam: 0079 TV 1979 (Current R1 is not applicable)

[getter77]

The 80's:

-Densetsu Kyojin Ideon TV 1980
-Ashita no Joe II TV 1980
-Sengoku Majin Goshogun TV 1981
-Dr. Slump TV 1981 (Pie in the Sky)
-Space Adventure Cobra TV 1982
-Mysterious Cities of Gold TV 1982
-Sasuga no Sarutobi TV 1982
-Kinnikuman TV 1983
-Cat's Eye TV 1983
-Captain Tsubasa TV 1983
-Hokuto no Ken TV 1984
-Heavy Metal L-Gaim TV 1984
-God Mazinger TV 1984
-Choujin Locke Movie 1984
-Touch TV 1985
-Dirty Pair TV 1985
-Dancougar TV 1985
-Angel's Egg Movie 1985
-Arion Movie 1986
-Saint Seiya TV 1986
-Hiatari Ryoukou! TV 1987
-Legend of Galactic Heroes TV 1988
-Armor Hunter Mellowlink OVA 1988
-Yawara TV 1989

[getter77]

The 90's:

-Everyday is Sunday OVA 1990
-Daddy Long Legs TV 1990
-Onii-sama e TV 1991
-Dragon Quest: Dai no Bouken TV 1991
-Hime-chan no Ribbon TV 1992
-Slam Dunk TV 1993 (Proper Release)
-The Cockpit OVA 1993
-Aoki Densetsu Shoot! TV 1993
-Combustible Campus Guardress OVA 1994
-Akazukin Chacha TV 1994
-Romeo's Blue Skies TV 1995
-B't X TV 1996
-Cooking Master Boy TV 1997
-Sexy Commando TV 1998

[Hisoka]

Umi no Triton - 1972
Akage no Anne - 1979
Space Adventure Cobra - 1982
Touch - 1985
Hiatari Ryoukou! -1987
Legend of Galactic Heroes - 1988
Yawara -1989
Daddy Long Legs - 1990
Onii-sama e - 1991
Hime-chan no Ribbon - 1992
Slam Dunk - 1993 (Proper release)
Romeo's Blue Skies - 1995

To name just a few.

[Daishikaze]

Armor Hunter Mellowlink has been said to be impossibile to make a DVD release since the masters were destroyed in an earthquake. so thats probably out of the question.

I don't know all the dates but I'd like to add:

Blue Comet SPT Layzner TV 1985
Metal Armor Dragonar TV 1987?
Super Dimensional Century Orguss TV 1985?
Galactic Patrol Lensman TV 1984?
Queen Millenia TV
Space Pirate Captain Harlock TV 1982? versions
Karasu Tengu Kabuto OVA and TV

[getter77]

Quick note for all after Hisoka: Please bold, italicize, leave plain...and possibly add your opinion as to why with your updates for the list.

I've heard the Mellowlink rumor...but I'm still leaving it considering these things can be exaggerated. Harlock 78, Versailles, and 999 are already on the list so please re-read it and continue to dream and recall.

Edit: Also, please indicate if each one is a TV, OVA, or Movie.

[Area88]

Little Norse Prince Movie 1968
Phoenix 2772 : Space Firebird Movie 1980
Gauche the Cellist Movie 1982
Daicon Films 1981-1983
Dallos 1983
Leda: The Fantastic Adventures of Yohko OVA 1985
Dream Dimension Hunter Fandora OVA 1985
Maris the Chojo OVA 1986
AI City Movie 1986
California Crisis OVA 1986
Urban Square OVA 1986
Shounan Bakusozoku OVA 1986
Call Me Tonight OVA 1986
Ultimate Teacher OVA 1988
Dragon's Century OVA 1988
Windaria - Movie 1986
Grey Digital Target OVA 1986
Take X Train OVA 1987
Robot Carnival OVA 1987
Twilight Q OVA 1987
Dragon's Heavan OVA 1988
Gunbuster OVA 1988
Super Deformed Double Feature OVA 1988
Tenku Senki Shurato TV 1989
Blazing Transfer Student - 1991
Silent Mobius Movie 1991
Handsome Girl OVA 1991
Ocean Waves Movie 1993

Here is my chunk.

Although i don't mind putting my personal favourites in italic. We should most defintly not use BOLD since it highlights that series way too much. Infact i don't think we should rate our choices at all as it will be biased and cause too much squabling since it's just too much refinement.

I think we should keep it simple and have everything as plain text.

I do agree that certain choices should be explained though if questioned.

[getter77]

Rating each title=probably counterproductive to go into rants.

Keeping everything plain text/indistinguishable= I gotta disagree. We've got to establish a sense of scale to this else it is just a jumbled list with no sense of direction other than stuff that was viewable per decade. I think my 3 tiered approach is fine since it allows the obvious, niche, and decent to stand out visually....though maybe underlining the decent would work better for people?

Still, if it isn't expressly stated then I guess there's no harm in just putting it into some category other than ultra classic? The categories are NOT based on my personal preferences per se...but rather the general feel of the R1 and..."otherwise" community.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

You better add IDEON and make it in BOLD, RED, ITALLIC, UNDERLINED TEXT.

I can't believe you forgot IDEON, who ARE YOU?

[getter77]

Ideon is the very first one in the 80's Prons :)

You know me better than that...

[The Million Dollar Prons]

Ideon is the very first one in the 80's Prons :)

You know me better than that...

I see no bold, red, or underline. You've done 20% of what I want.

20% = FAIL

[Leader Desslock]

Regarding Mysterious Cities of Gold, you're talking about remastered release of the English dub Nick broadcasted, right? You're not talking about the R1 French/Japanese release you could get up in Quebec, right? I could also swear that the English dub was released on VHS for a while in the states in the late 90's, but it's been so long since I've seen one that I can't be sure.

If you're talking about an R1 remaster of the original English dub that aired on Nick, I'd be all over that. :thumbsup:


Here's one I don't see listed: Prince Planet TV (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1506) (1965)

[Till]

Couple of more shows that could use an R1 release but doubtful will ever get one.

Galaxy Cyclone Braiger TV 1981

Combat Mecha Xabungle TV 1982

Galactic Gale Baxinger TV 1982

Zillion Tv 1983

Galactic Whirl Wind Sasuraiger TV 1983

Dead Heat OAV 1987

[getter77]

Not sure on any of the particulars on Cities of Gold Desslock. It got list and counted as a fan/genre favorite because I've heard some talk about one version or another for years now. AFAIK, none of it has made it to R1 dvd yet so I suppose it'll stand as needed.

Till: I've only heard of Xabungle out of those you list. Do you mean to say all of those are ultra classics like Harlock or Mazinger Z or were you just listing down some other shows that are worth noting somehow or another?

[MonkeyBoy0314]

I do agree that all things Mazinger need to be released onto R1. This would go great next to Voltron and GaoGaiGar!

[Till]

Till: I've only heard of Xabungle out of those you list. Do you mean to say all of those are ultra classics like Harlock or Mazinger Z or were you just listing down some other shows that are worth noting somehow or another?

I would say B or C grade titles overall. Nothing in Harlock or Mazinger's league. Only seen handful of episodes from each "iger's" series. a loose Super Robot Trilogy. So I cant say if they fall under ultra classics title or not. The SR affilianachos could give a better answer/opinion as to weither they're a worthy classic or just best forgotten fluff. :P

Zillion and Dead Heat are rather disposable in the end, but still fun little shows.



Also guess you could add Minki Momo to the list. Moe backlash be danged!! :naughty:

[getter77]

Ah ok I'll put em in the niche/wildcard designations along with many of the other good mech shows. Thanks for the clarification and additions so far. I hope to update the list at least once a day with everyone's inputs as well as my own further digging until it is pretty much complete.

[Area88]

I still think we shouldn't rate them yet.

For instance there is no way i would consider Saint Saiya an uber classic, it's good but it's not superior to shows like Dirty Pair yet the list would have you believe so.

I think we should make a list with standard text and then have a poll / most wanted thread out of the list and that way it's the community that wins. Rather than labeling them as uber classics (i dont like the idea of making other titles on the list look inferior), the titles that win the poll could. be called 'ANN's favourites'.

Lastly, i think 1994 or 95 should be the cut off point for the list. Shows from 1998 are far too recent and we are geting in CGI territory which negates the point of the list. I would not consider shows like Cowboy Bebop, Trigun and Blue Submarine as old and they all came from 1998.

Btw, your doing a good job getter77, i'm just trying to make some constructive points.

[SeannyB]

What does this have to do with Ask John? Why is this list even significant or interesting?

If you really cared, you could just take the ANN Database (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?list=9) and subtract the AoD database (http://animeondvd.com/reviews/category.php?category=1&view=0) from it and there you go. Maybe if you dug around the websites long enough you'd find a pre-existing list.

[getter77]

I hear ya Area 88. I know ya mean well. The reason, for example, Saint Seiya is considered an uber classic is...well....because that is pretty much a common fact across several countries. Same kind of situation for Hokuto no Ken. While the original Dirty Pair is awesome to me and probably several others ( lucked out on finding a fansub years back).....it comes across as more of a fan favorite/really good for its genre rather than a massively international sensation like say, Captain Tsubasa...or even a Japan only uber classic like Ashita no Joe was.

It isn't about making titles look inferior at all. The aim stated in the preamble is how Marketable these titles would be for an R1 release.(the uber classics..well...with those ya can infer that there was SOMETHING special about them for them to matter as much as they do. The genre/niche favorites are a good indicator of shows that are among the best within their genre/enthusiasts...like Super Robot or Sports animes. The Wildcards are stuff that could do really well or could just barely break even....there's no way to tell because there's no known indicator as to how much of an audience would be waiting on them/interested in them.) The fact is, we can't list tons of shows across several genres and across widely debated "quality" because those shows have already been brought over in good form.

I agree that the cutoff point will likely be somewhere in the 90's...but remember...this is also about classic/niche materials that may well fit decently. Stuff like Sexy Commando fits well into that well-beloved, "non-plastic" style of old while still being perhaps quite marketable in R1 like Excel Saga..or more recently...Cromartie High. We'll just have to see what develops and what looks feasible on that part....clearly this list will skew heavily with the 70's and 80's if the listings so far are any indication.

Tell ya what, after the list is actually completely filled out...then we'll go ahead and further debate the finer points of how to ultimately situate everything with everybody. For now, it makes more sense to get all the pieces of the puzzle in one spot before trying to determine what the final picture will look like.

Edit: Seanny: We had a prior topic where we discussed this and John said he didn't mind making the thread here. I recommend checking out that topic so you can understand what the point of this will hopefully be. I wouldn't spend time doing this if there was no point to it.

[Suiko Eiji]

What does this have to do with Ask John? Why is this list even significant or interesting?

If you really cared, you could just take the ANN Database (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?list=9) and subtract the AoD database (http://animeondvd.com/reviews/category.php?category=1&view=0) from it and there you go. Maybe if you dug around the websites long enough you'd find a pre-existing list.


http://www.animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=191609

Discussed in more detail here as Getter explained a little before me.

Work's been busy everyone, I'm keeping tabs on this thread but I'll definately be back to weigh in and make some suggestions.

[Lemina]

Sorry if I get a bit off-topic here, but, Sailor Moon Sailor Stars, the 5th season of the Sailor Moon series. This series is worth mentioning because I think it is considered a classic now; first released in 1992. I know most probably wouldn't classify Sailor Moon as a classic yet, but no other magical-girl series has been able to match Sailor Moon's sheer popularity. I'm sure many people like me wish this season was released for R1.

[Area88]

Good idea to leave the finer details for later.

I'll just focus on making decent suggestions.

Keep up the good work!

[Scandiadream]

Saint Seiya IS available on R1 DVD. Slowly, but getting there. I have watched all the released R1 DVDs and cannot wait for more.

Being tetralingual pays off in unusual ways. I bought the R2 French Rose of Versailles DVDs.

And you forgot Hana no Ko Lunlun. And a bunch of other old school classes that hardly anyone in the US of A has heard of.

I usually use 1990 as the cut-off date for old school stuff.

[getter77]

Saint Seiya isn't available in R1 totally and nor will it be as of now in the known future. ADV was ONLY able to get the license for the first 60 episodes due to some unfortunate package deal they and DiC had with Toei.....and Toei has stopped playing ball with the R1 market out of sour grapes due to how terrible their pathetic releases were in it.

My first list wasn't meant to include everything...it was only a skeleton to get everybody thinking....much more will be added as the days roll by.

Some feel that 1990 is the "end of old school" but for this thread....we ultimately assume that happened somewhere within the 90's....especially since the R1 trends as of late have been largely ignoring everything that came out before 2000 where everything was surely "new and shiny" looking.

[John]

Area88, also note that an edited version of Windaria has been released on R1.

[Tiiba]

Battle Angel
City Hunter
One Piece
Neon Genesis Evangelion

[getter77]

City Hunter is/was already available in R1 save for the last special. Battle Angel was available but is OOP and tied up with Cameron. One Piece is a newish show, is already a total wash with 4Kids, and doesn't really factor into this.

Eva is already well available.

This isn't a list of anime period....I think I pretty much cover all the guidelines within the preamble and the other thread Suiko Eiji was kind enough to link to.

[Delariean]

Regarding Mysterious Cities of Gold, you're talking about remastered release of the English dub Nick broadcasted, right? You're not talking about the R1 French/Japanese release you could get up in Quebec, right? I could also swear that the English dub was released on VHS for a while in the states in the late 90's, but it's been so long since I've seen one that I can't be sure.

If you're talking about an R1 remaster of the original English dub that aired on Nick, I'd be all over that. :thumbsup:


Here's one I don't see listed: Prince Planet TV (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1506) (1965)



Mysterious Cities of gold??? I thought that the dub masters that were heard on Nickelodeon were destroyed in a fire along with Sparticus and the City beneath the sea ( another fine classic, IMHO)

Can anyone confirm or deny this???

[thewayneiac]

The '80s list should include Creamy Mami.

[getter77]

What would Creamy Mami best fit as.....favorite among its genre or a wildcard?

[thewayneiac]

What would Creamy Mami best fit as.....favorite among its genre or a wildcard?

I would call it a favorite among its genre. It was one of the biggest magical girl shows of the '80s.

[getter77]

Right...I'll note it as such when I make the next update. Thanks for the input!

[Big Shot]

Space Runaway Ideon - I can't stress the "classicallity" of this title; if it weren't for this, there would be no NGE.

[Leader Desslock]

Mysterious Cities of gold??? I thought that the dub masters that were heard on Nickelodeon were destroyed in a fire along with Sparticus and the City beneath the sea ( another fine classic, IMHO)

Can anyone confirm or deny this???
AGH!!! I'd never heard that!

<steps back>
<takes deep breath>
<assumes Shatneresque pose>

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN!!!!


Ah, well. There's still the French release.

[Hisoka]

Glass no Kamen - 1984
Ninja Senshi Tobikage - 1985
Ginga Nagareboshi Gin - 1986
Kero Kero Chime - 1997

[getter77]

Ideon is already on the list(first one in the 80's)...unless you mean the movie?

[Tiiba]

Eva is already well available.

What? Ive been wanting to see it for years... Where? Is it completed or just started? I didn't think a show like that had a chance, it's too weird.

[Jon]

Errr.. hasn't there been like 20 editions of the Eva boxset already?

[The Million Dollar Prons]

Ideon is already on the list(first one in the 80's)...unless you mean the movie?

Jeeze, Ideon is terrible. Get off the forum and respect GOOD shows.

[Twinbee]

That list is pretty biased, heavily favoring super robot shows.

"Armor Hunter Mellowlink has been said to be impossibile to make a DVD release since the masters were destroyed in an earthquake. so thats probably out of the question."

- Since the episodes are available for download on Sunrise's website, that's probably just a rumor. I've heard it for years, first attributed to a CPM rep when asked if Mellowlink would be licensed. (Good substitute answer for "Votoms sales sucked.")

[Suiko Eiji]

^Yeah, what little I've been scanning through is biased on SR/RR stuff not licensed.

I'm hoping that I can fix that once I get my resources compiled (and a couple of hours free).

[Daishikaze]

That list is pretty biased, heavily favoring super robot shows.

"Armor Hunter Mellowlink has been said to be impossibile to make a DVD release since the masters were destroyed in an earthquake. so thats probably out of the question."

- Since the episodes are available for download on Sunrise's website, that's probably just a rumor. I've heard it for years, first attributed to a CPM rep when asked if Mellowlink would be licensed. (Good substitute answer for "Votoms sales sucked.")

Well thats a relief, I was so sad that we might never get a DVD release, at least now it seems possible:)

[Tiiba]

Errr.. hasn't there been like 20 editions of the Eva boxset already?
Oh... I see. Where can I download them for free?

[Daishikaze]

Why is everyone making silly posts today?

[getter77]

Guys...again.....SKELETON list so far. Yeah there happen to be more mech shows than say cooking shows that came up while I started the list/searching....Gee I wonder why? Also, considering the whole marketability aspect.....can ya be terribly surprised?

Don't worry....lots more will be updated(even deeper variety)....soonish. Been busy but hopefully I can get in a good update today.

[Suiko Eiji]

I did some reading over the weekend, but I can only think of a couple more titles to add, I think much of the list is very concise right now. I am only introducing a couple of titles I think are reletively profitable and a couple I would just like to see, since there aren't exact parameters as to exactly what should be on the list.

1960s:
Kyoujin no Hoshi - just like to see more baseball anime on the shelves.

1980s:
Superdimensional Century Orguss TV: OAVs were licensed at one point, but a complete set might lead to better sales, since they are interconnected. Personal preference and I think it to be marketable.
DAICON III and DAICON IV: you need to see III to understand a little bit of IV, but I actually just want to see what the licensing costs would amount to. Hands down, the opening theme alone would total equal to if not more than most other full anime series.
Captain Tsubasa: Exported to every region on Earth with some form of TV culture ... except the R1 market.

[Sumeragi13]

Angel's Egg-1985 Supposedly Anchor Bay has the rights to Mamoru Oshii's melencholy art film, but haven't released it on DVD yet.
Kaze to Ki no Uta ('The Song of Wind and Trees')- 1987 Shounen-ai classic.
Violinist of Hamelin-1996 Great show, bad animation, but I like to think it has a large enough fan base to support the show if it got picked-up.
Violinist of Hamelin movie-1996

[Suiko Eiji]

Definately second Hamelin, completely forgot about it!

[Twinbee]

The license for Orguss 02 has expired from Manga Entertainment and I doubt it will sought after by others. Orguss TV has some name recogintion among mecha fans, but has very few devoted fans. I'm kinda surprised it wasn't licensed years ago; I think its chances now are very slim.

[Suiko Eiji]

The license for Orguss 02 has expired from Manga Entertainment and I doubt it will sought after by others. Orguss TV has some name recogintion among mecha fans, but has very few devoted fans. I'm kinda surprised it wasn't licensed years ago; I think its chances now are very slim.

I thought I mentioned it in my post above ... well, not in those exact words, I suppose.

Because Orguss has some recognition, plus being a part of Mikimoto/Kawamori's Superdimensional storylines, if the entire thing were released, I think it would provide better sales. I think ADV's new Macross releases are doing well; perhaps more people of the Robotech crowd could be brought in on Orguss, too. I think if there were more exposure to it, either through a license or fansubs, Orguss might do well in the US.

I think there were rumors about Orguss TV being licensed about 15 years ago; one of my Animag issues had a huge article about it. However, as there may have been legal issues concerning the TV series and hence only the OAV was released. And, from what I gather, Manga picked up the release as a part of US Rendistions' liquidation.

[Twinbee]

Orguss TV was released dubbed only by US Renditions in the early 90s. They only released 16 episodes (on 8 tapes) before going belly up.

[Suiko Eiji]

^Nyaa~ I probably should have read the article more thrououghly.

Why wasn't Orguss TV liquidated with the rest of their properties then?

[Hisoka]

Hamelin is a very good suggestion and even though a select few of us like it, I just can't see it doing well at all. Think about how many people might buy the first DVD and then stop from there due to the animation quality. I personally love still shots so I was able to appreciate it as much as I could. I think the manga would be a much better option. I'd love to see it get licensed.

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Dangaioh- What Manga released doesn't count :P

[John]

Well, if we're now just talking about obscure older anime that we'd like to see, allow me to throw Fan Fan Pharmacy and Macchingu Machiko-sensei onto the list.

[Twinbee]

But John, you've always had the power to see Fun Fun Pharmacy... ;)

Maybe Manga wasn't interested in Orguss TV. Manga was never into many TV series, and they didn't pick up US Renditions release of Iczer-1 either or Guyver Out of Control. Lacking more information, I suppose Manga just thought they weren't financially viable rereleases.

[Daishikaze]

Once again establishing Manga Ent. as a foolish company. Had the gotten Orguss TV, and marketed properly, it would have sold very well.

[Jeenathee]

I'd like to add:

Honey Honey (late 70s, early 80', I believe)
the two Unico movies
Swan Lake, the movie
Gokinjo Monogatari (90s)
I don't think the Miyazaki shorts DVD is released on Region 1. This DVD would include the "On Your Mark" video directed by Miyazaki.

[Daishikaze]

I wish they would compile as many of the old cartoon shorts that they can find and put them out on DVD. I've seen 2, one from 1933 about a Kitsune and a pair of Tanuki, and another from 1944 about a Spider trying to capture a Ladybug child.

The 33 one was very much in a Fleischer style, and rather funny even though I couldn't understand what they were saying. The 44 one was more of an old Disney style short, very well animated and what looked like a nice blend of animation with realistic backgrounds.

Some one should license as many of these as the can and put them on DVD. that would be really awesome IMO

[Teppei]

Just off the top of my head:

Gegege no Kitaro - 1968
Heidi, Girl of the Alps - 1974
3000 Leagues in Search of Mother - 1976
Araiguma Rascal - 1977
Soreike! Anpanman - 1988

[getter77]

Good suggestions so far. I HOPE to pour through my various sites one more time tomorrow and get in a nice sized update with much of the rest.

Sorry it hasn't been as speedy as I had hoped...been busy.

[greg]

Since I mostly like classic anime, I would certainly buy titles like Yamato, Future Boy Conan, the first Lupin series, Mazinger Z, Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, a non-dubbed original Gundam TV series, Dirty Pair, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Gunbuster, and Romeo's Blue Skies. I remember seeing Combustible Campus Guardress and Akazunin Cha-Cha as fansubs ten years ago and I thought they were great, too.

But how much is there for a market for classic anime? It seems that the bulk of most anime fans these days just want modern anime and can't understand why some of us prefer hand-drawn, hand-painted cel anime as opposed to the newer computer animated stuff. It's great that Gatchaman was released, although I have yet to pick this series up (I'll work on Z Gundam before that one).

There was talk on animeondvd.com that the company behind Legend of the Galactic Heroes wanted to release an R1 version of the show, but they wanted to charge Japan-style prices. On top of this, they only wanted to release the entire series in one huge set, resulting in it costing at least a thousand or two (can't remember the exact dollar amount). They had some online petition, but maybe nothing will ever come of it. There was a panel at Anime Expo back in 1999 that test-marketed a sample episode dubbed in English, even.

Sadly, I think most anime fans aren't sophisticated enough to truly enjoy shows like Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Romeo's Blue Skies. Maybe I don't give anime fans enough credit.

Also, I've heard that Doraemon was never considered for a release in America because Nobita-kun's father is constantly smoking, and there are scenes such as when Shizuka-chan is taking a bath with her father that idiot Americans would freak out over. Can anyone confirm this?

[getter77]

I can't confirm on Doraemon at least....but surely the hentai and such out there in R1 dwarfs such things as ya describe massively.

The market for classic anime is small within R1....for now. Here and there a couple make it over each year....with occasional massive bumps like Gatchaman. Seeing as how all the newest of the new keeps getting more and more expensive...older titles may start to gain an appeal greater than they already have. I do think fans of classics can create other fans by showing their friends and whatnot the stuff that best appeals to their tastes.

Sorry again on my list slacking so far....been hectic in RL.

[Daishikaze]

I agree Getter77, I try to introduce friends to the classics as much as possible. Most of the time the shows get rejected because they aren't bright and shiny like the latest Flavor of the month anime.

[getter77]

The trick is to cater to their tastes. Pair new action with the old action they stole it from....like say Trigun with Space Adventure Cobra.

I think the trick ultimately is to acquire as many of the Thundercat/GI Joe/X-Men oriented folk as possible....seeing as how many of us are somehow more highly resistant to The Shiny.

[Daishikaze]

I realise that I need to cater to their tastes thats not the problem, its the fact is they just don't like that the old doesn't look like their new favorites, so to them the older show is garbage that shouldn't be screened near an open flame.

[getter77]

Hmmm...in that case...you may just be stuck waiting until they burn out on all the newest stuff and get jaded...then they'll come looking at the classics as a means of refreshing their high. Otherwise, it may just be that one random old show that can get its claws into them for no discernable reason....pure luck.

[Hisoka]

Sadly, I think most anime fans aren't sophisticated enough to truly enjoy shows like Legend of the Galactic Heroes or Romeo's Blue Skies. Maybe I don't give anime fans enough credit.


Both are favorites of mine. :) Nice to meet you and welcome to AN. New members with great taste in anime are always welcome.

[Scandiadream]

My best friend LOVES LOGH. So I did the only thing I could do to get it for her: I downloaded it and burned it on CD-R.

I have had to resort to Ebay- often the ones for foreign countries in other languages- to get old school anime. Whether I watched it in my childhood (eg- Hana no Ko Lunlun) or as an adult (eg- Rose of Versailles), I have managed to find some this way. Some of it is the legit R2 version. Some is more like a fansub.

Yes, I was inspired by today's Ask John. I have rented all of the released St. Seiya- and liked it a lot. I do not know how much does buying legit R2 DVDs would help getting those series licensed- but I try my best.

[Berserk]

I apologize if someone already mentioned this, but I would love to see Robot Carnival on American DVD.

[John]

Since this thread seems to be populated by lots of people who are interested in watching vintage anime, I've discovered that Japan's Biglobe Media site hosts free streaming anime, including lots of oldies like Time Bokan, Ougan Bat, Yusha Raideen, Umi no Triton, Yokai Ningen Bem, Ribon no Kishi, Mirai Shonen Conan, Jungle Taitei, etc.

Here's the basic link (http://broadband.biglobe.ne.jp/index_anime_p.html?ch=anime_p).

You may need to do simple registration, so knowing a little bit of Japanese helps. Everything is DRM encoded also, so it may not play if you're not using Windows and Internet Explorer.

Videos have a selectable bandwidth speed of 500k, 1 meg, and 1.5 megs, so play with the settings beneath the video to try to avoid buffering and stuttering playback.

[Jeenathee]

Since this thread seems to be populated by lots of people who are interested in watching vintage anime, I've discovered that Japan's Biglobe Media site hosts free streaming anime, including lots of oldies like Time Bokan, Ougan Bat, Yusha Raideen, Umi no Triton, Yokai Ningen Bem, Ribon no Kishi, Mirai Shonen Conan, Jungle Taitei, etc.

Here's the basic link (http://broadband.biglobe.ne.jp/index_anime_p.html?ch=anime_p).

You may need to do simple registration, so knowing a little bit of Japanese helps. Everything is DRM encoded also, so it may not play if you're not using Windows and Internet Explorer.

Videos have a selectable bandwidth speed of 500k, 1 meg, and 1.5 megs, so play with the settings beneath the video to try to avoid buffering and stuttering playback.
Thank you, John!

[Dinco]

If I could choose 3 animes to get licensed it would probably be Dirty Pair, Captain Harlock, and Ideon in that order.

[Scandiadream]

OK, one of the BGMs from Rose of Versailles just played on shuffle on my iTunes.

This made me realize how BADLY we need more old school anime in the US of A.

How GOOD they are. I was not disappointed upon rewatching Hana no Ko Lunlun. And I need to start re-watching Heidi Girl of the Alps.

[Kaoru-sama]

Samurai Pizza Cats...doggone it. Throw it into the list. In Japan, it was called Kyattou Ninden Teyandee and ran between 1990-1991...one of the latter-day oldschool titles, before things started getting all CG and pretty.

Too bad it ended up on broadcast TV first. Most anime, unless they're ridiculously popular like most are nowadays, it seems they will not ever see a proper R1 release. A shame. Some folks consider this stuff classic now.

[Suiko Eiji]

^Kyatto Ninden Teyande~ /SPC is a good one. I'm frankly not sure at all where the license with it sits. I don't even think that the English series was released here in the States. If it was, I completely missed it. I honestly can't see myself enjoying the original all that much; a lot like Hyakujuou Go-Lion, I'm more interested in the nostolgia of the dub but if the the English and Japanese were packaged together, I would probably end up watching both.

[Kaoru-sama]

The dub was a re-write, like what ADV Films did with its release of Ghost Stories.

If KNT / SPC were to ever see a dual-language release, they would have to either package each volume on 2 seperate DVDs or 1 double-sided DVD, because the English dub, and Japanese original wouldn't synch up correctly. Saban (original license holder) did some edits to the main show, and created their own opening and ending titles and logos.

I also don't know who has the license, or if it just expired unannounced. Saban's entire catalog of anime and their Power Rangers franchise, were swallowed up by Disney a few years back, and is now under their 'BVS Entertainment" division.

Maybe someone is waiting for this Blu-Ray / HD DVD thing to level out. That may be the best hope for a series like this with some drastic differences between the Japanese and English counterparts. Here's to hoping that's the reason.

I saw some others listed too I'd like to see released. Like...where's Rose of Versailes ? Not sure if it was reissued in Japan on R2 DVD, but maybe that was just a rumor I read about. Even so, an R1 release would mean cheaper discs for anime fans on more of a budget. Me being a fan of anime with a drama / romance angle, this was a significant title in the genre, and would instantly snatch up the discs for to add to my anime collection.

[Suiko Eiji]

The dub was a re-write, like what ADV Films did with its release of Ghost Stories.

If KNT / SPC were to ever see a dual-language release, they would have to either package each volume on 2 seperate DVDs or 1 double-sided DVD, because the English dub, and Japanese original wouldn't synch up correctly. Saban (original license holder) did some edits to the main show, and created their own opening and ending titles and logos.

Oh, I was quite aware it was a complete re-write. A friend of mine grabbed one or two raw Japanese episodes off of DC++ years ago; I watched through/acted as amature translator, and the humor to me just wasn't the same, I liked SPC's much better.

Dual Sided DVD releases aren't a market impossibility; Bandai did them with their Ronin Warriors/Yoroiden Samurai Trooper DVDs, as well. Uncommon, yes, but still very much do-able.

I also don't know who has the license, or if it just expired unannounced. Saban's entire catalog of anime and their Power Rangers franchise, were swallowed up by Disney a few years back, and is now under their 'BVS Entertainment" division.

That's the thing, I don't know. Outside of cult success, very few people, even in today's anime community are indifferent at best towards the series. Saban could have just let the license expire and no one else is willing to try and pick it up. I think this is most probably the case as once it was taken off of syndication, I've only seen it on the Internet and in discussion forums, never again broadcast. Where as with the Power Rangers franchise, with newer adaptations being made from the Japanese Ranger series and the old ones still enjoying a healthy replay, it would be in Saban's best interest to maintain those rights (and subsequently sell them for a lot of cash). SPC just never hit the same popularity that their adapted Sentai did.

Maybe someone is waiting for this Blu-Ray / HD DVD thing to level out. That may be the best hope for a series like this with some drastic differences between the Japanese and English counterparts. Here's to hoping that's the reason.

While I don't think this is the case, I wouldn't say it's completely out of the question. At this stage in comparing the two technologies, it makes sense for a company to hold back until a winner is decided before switching to new technology, but to sit on a license and wait for the winner? I think that's more damaging at the moment. Also, and I could be wrong on this, but during the negotiations for licenses, one might have to declare a medium on which they will distribute; I don't think a company can get a license with a blank check for what media they'll be using.

I saw some others listed too I'd like to see released. Like...where's Rose of Versailes ? Not sure if it was reissued in Japan on R2 DVD, but maybe that was just a rumor I read about. Even so, an R1 release would mean cheaper discs for anime fans on more of a budget. Me being a fan of anime with a drama / romance angle, this was a significant title in the genre, and would instantly snatch up the discs for to add to my anime collection.

Yes, there is an R2 Versailles set. I think if it were released here, it would have mixed reviews; some people will dig it for its actual story, but I bet a lot of people will write it off for the old animation; the typical analysis. I know through the 80s it was licensed in many places in Western Europe and Latin America, where it seems to have some popularity.

Though, from what I've heard - and take this with two extra large pinches of salt - the creator of Versailles isn't too pleased with foreign fans - period. IIRC, there was some sort of International Cosplay competition and a few groups were kicked out because they did Versailles cosplays and the creator didn't like foreigners portraying the characters. If I get an extra break today, I'll try to dig the news article up from where I heard this.

[Area88]

Speaking of Roses of Versaille, it's being released in France as we speak in a nice collector's art box.

So it looks as if the show is accessible to US companies should they look to aquire it in the future.

[Suiko Eiji]

^However, France was one of those countries where RoV was pretty big in the 1980s, IIRC; the nice set could be expecting sales only based on nostolgia.

[Daishikaze]

France has a pretty rabid anime fanbase, so I wouldn't say it will sell completely on Nostalgia. France, Italy, and Spain seem to get all the anime classics, if I could read any one of those languages, I'd buy their boxsets.

[Hisoka]

Indeed, in this case you can't use France as an example at all.

France has a pretty rabid anime fanbase, so I wouldn't say it will sell completely on Nostalgia. France, Italy, and Spain seem to get all the anime classics, if I could read any one of those languages, I'd buy their boxsets.

At the same time I agree with this because it's very true. The fanbase in these countries are very different especailly towards classics. I don't however think any of the sale there are a good indication as to how things would do in the US. Not that you said it would be.

[Suiko Eiji]

Perhaps I shouldn't have said "only" nostolgia, you guys are right about the fanbases there, too. However, places like France, Spain, and Italy have a better outlook on the classic anime, I belive, simply because of more exposure to it. From what I've heard and read, many of the anime translated and exported to the countries above were mildly edited and changed; while anime in the US may have a slightly longer lineage, the point at which anime begins to become more parallel with its original counterpart is later than that of Europe.

What the main point I was attempting to make was that if a box set in France does well, it's no reason to start thinking that one will appear in the US anytime soon.

[Hisoka]

What the main point I was attempting to make was that if a box set in France does well, it's no reason to start thinking that one will appear in the US anytime soon.

That's exactly how I took it and agree. Sadly the only mention EVER of RoV being licensed in the states was from ADV a few years ago. They showed slight interest and at the time the market wasn't ready for such a title. I still don't think it would do very well for the same reasons you brought up in your previous post.

If you can find that article about the creator not taking a liking to foreign fans I'd be greatly interested in read it. I heard a little something about that a long time ago and wasn't sure where I heard it from.

[Suiko Eiji]

If you can find that article about the creator not taking a liking to foreign fans I'd be greatly interested in read it. I heard a little something about that a long time ago and wasn't sure where I heard it from.

Yeah, I'll hunt for it; I didn't get the chance while I was here at work but I'm about to leave the office now, so I'll try and think about where I remember reading it in my ... oh, looks like 45 mins - hour of traffic today.

[Suiko Eiji]

Yeah, I'll hunt for it; I didn't get the chance while I was here at work but I'm about to leave the office now, so I'll try and think about where I remember reading it in my ... oh, looks like 45 mins - hour of traffic today.

Alright, I got home last night, cooked dinner, and researched into what I had originally stated here:

Though, from what I've heard - and take this with two extra large pinches of salt - the creator of Versailles isn't too pleased with foreign fans - period. IIRC, there was some sort of International Cosplay competition and a few groups were kicked out because they did Versailles cosplays and the creator didn't like foreigners portraying the characters.

I'll make this as concise as possible, because the majority of the research ended up through Google and Cosplay.com (which drove me to drinking), since ANN's server went down again last night. They're back up now, so I have that added to my research.

Where I was right: It involved cosplayers, Rose of Versallies, and Ikeda Riyoko's (creator of RoV) name being mentioned.

Where I was wrong: foreigners

Recommended salt serving: Still a pinch or two.

The Story: World Cosplay Summit is an organization that, in 2005, was subsidized by TV Aichi (Formerly Nagoya TV, I believe) to find international cosplayers who would be flown to Japan for a cosplay competition and that competition would be broadcast on TV Aichi's networks and affiliates. Representitves were to be chosen from the United States at Anime Expo 2005; AX played host but was not directly affilaiated with WCS or TV Aichi. In this ANN (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=7307) article, they go into more detail. The skinny is that there was a group of people who were cosplaying from Rose of Versaille (pictures of the group here (http://www.fansview.com/2005/animeexpo/ax02e0006.html) Courtesy of Fan's View) who were disqualified by judges /representitves of TV Aichi, citing that creator Ikeda Riyoko does not like to see RoV cosplayed. TV Aichi asked for more costume samples and a portfolio was presented, according to one of the group members (http://forums.cosplay.com/showpost.php?p=1098300&postcount=10) (Cosplay.com forums). They were subsequently disqualified from competition all together.

I have personally checked Ikeda Riyoko's website (http://www.ikeda-riyoko-pro.com/message/index.html) messages for 2005 (and 2006 for good measure) and have found no comments about WCS at all. Either TV Aichi misrepresented her and she is not aware or she's aware and not losing sleep over it.

While Ikeda-sensei's personal feelings are unsubstantiated in cold, hard facts, what's mroe interesting is what has recently been coming of light around this WCS organization. Where as cosplay in the US has been just as much about construction and presentation, cosplay in Japan is more about model-styled looks and acting; WCS, while working with TV Aichi, did not successfully communicate these values previously and as such, as far as I know, have not been permitted back to Anime Expo (because of these shennanigans).

The ANN article I linked above has the most concise and what appears to be factual basis; when searching "World Cosplay Summit 2005 Rose of Versailles" in Google, they were the only news site to come up. If you're brave here's one more reading assignment (http://forums.cosplay.com/showthread.php?p=1096111) - the original Cosplay.com thread from which I pulled the single post above. It's all full of happy and warm PC-feelings type of stuff, but only that one post really substantiates facts.

[greg]

I just realized that Dougram wasn't added to this thread yet. I've never seen it yet, though, but from what I understand it's a cool show.

[Area88]

Some one episode OVA's to add to the thread:

Chuhai Lemon Love 30s - 1985
Greed - 1985
Love Position, Legend of the Halley - 1985
Nora - 1985
Choujikuu Romanesque Samy: Missing 99 - 1986
Cosmos Pink Shock - 1986
Girl Detective Club - 1986
Nayuta - 1986
Space Fantasia 2001 Nights - 1987

Because each of them are only a single episode long they are all very accessible shows and i'd imagine they are fairly cheap to license too. Hopefully ADV will continue their recent trend and continue to pick up the odd OVA here and there.