Will we ever see Digimon on R1 DVD?

[Lord Timaeus]

I'm a long-time reader, first-time poster for this forum, but that's not important. As some people may know, I've been a fan of the Digimon series since it started showing on Fox Kids, as it was my introduction to the anime scene. I still remember some of the best and the worst moments, and almost wanted to cry in certain episodes of Tamers. Then it stopped airing on basic cable, and while I've all but grown out of Digimon by then, a sudden surge of nostalgia brought me back. But as I can no longer watch Digimon on my TV, I noticed there has never been a real R1 DVD release for any of the seasons.

My question is, taking any possible factor into account, is there any chance at all that the Digimon series, even dub-only, will ever see the light of day in the R1 market, or is it really just a pipe dream at this point?

[animeotaku99]

I actually would not mind a R1 release of Digimon, although I only ever say the first series... that feels like such a long time ago I bet there are so may more series of it with new characters. I remember Agumon hat dinosaur looking one, and one that looked had a horn on its forehead and black stripes, and so ecchi looking plant one too.

[superplough]

The first two seasons of Digimon were great. I'd love to own them on DVD, even in dub-only form. (I'm most likely to watch the dub anyway.) Tamers was ok, but to me the first two were far better. Anything after Tamers though I didn't like.

[John]

This one is difficult to predict. If this question had been submitted a few weeks ago I would have said, "No." However, right now the answer isn't quite as obvious.

Toei Animation has recently made some public inquiries about digitally distributing a number of its anime titles, including Digimon. If there's enough interest in that prospect, Toei may decide to go further and attempt a DVD release.

Presently there's really no sign of an American DVD release for Digimon and no reason to expect a future release. But considering that the Toon Disney has licensed "Digimon Data Squad" (Digimon Savers) for American television broadcast, proving that there's still some interest in the franchise among American viewers, and the fact that Toei is still eager to distribute its anime franchises in America, the possibility of a future Digimon DVD release in America isn't zero.

[Soluzar]

Originally Posted by John

Toei Animation has recently made some public inquiries about digitally distributing a number of its anime titles, including Digimon. If there's enough interest in that prospect, Toei may decide to go further and attempt a DVD release.

What else specifically was mentioned? I know it's a little off-topic, but I don't really think my question warrants a topic of its own.

[Jatz]

I'm hoping for Sailor Moon.

[Jon]

I'm pretty sure I've seen the first season of Digimon sold in stores, but that was a long time ago. DVDAF says it was released in late 2000, but has been discontinued.

[Levon]

I'd love a DVD release even if its edited dub only. I'v seen a little of the first season & around half of Tamers. I really like Tamers, one reason is the dub. Got some of my all time favorites. Michelle Ruff, Melissa Fahn, Bridget Hoffman, Dave Wittenberg, Kirk Thornton, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Steven Jay Blum(Zippo guy), etc.

Theme song is so catchy

Originally Posted by Jon

I'm pretty sure I've seen the first season of Digimon sold in stores, but that was a long time ago. DVDAF says it was released in late 2000, but has been discontinued.

I think it was just the first 9-15 episodes or something.

[Sushikins]

I wouldn't mind a DVD release of the first 2 seasons, even if it was dub-only, honestly. I loved Digimon when it was airing, and while I eventually started losing interest in the series around the time the 3rd season came out, I'd welcome the chance to watch those first two season again in the future.

[Kali-chan]

I'm in the same mind as Sushi. The first two seasons were my absolute favourites, but after that it kinda went downhill from there. I would so buy it if Digimon came out on dvd.

[ZODDGUTS]

Would love Tamers (season 3) with jap audio could care less about the other seasons especially 4 which was so bad people stop caring about Digimon. I remember reading somewhere that Season 3 Digimon was beating Pokemon in the ratings though I think it was repeat airings of Pokemon.

[John]

Toei's poll regarding American interest in streaming Toei anime titles may be found here.

[J Dude]

Originally Posted by ZODDGUTS

Would love Tamers (season 3) with jap audio could care less about the other seasons especially 4 which was so bad people stop caring about Digimon. I remember reading somewhere that Season 3 Digimon was beating Pokemon in the ratings though I think it was repeat airings of Pokemon.

I hear a lot of negative talk about Digimon Frontier and it does look like it's probably the weakest of the shows, but what exactly makes it so bad for someone like me who hasn't watched it yet? A weak cast and the fact that the children themselves evolve into Digimon, rather than the children and Digimon being partners like the in the previous seasons perhaps? Of course I'm just making some speculations. I thought Digimon Savers might not end up being all that great, but I'm surprised from some of the clips I've seen. It actually looks pretty cool.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

I'm all for a Digimon release...preferably with subtitles and original Japanese audio.

[Mag]

I'd love for this to come out on DVD.
There was a group working on fansubs, but I don't think they ever fininsed season 1. If they did I sure as hell cannot any seeders.