The latest word from Pioneer about the release of the newly remastered Akira (see 'Akira Gets a Facelift') on DVD and VHS concerns the collector's edition of the DVD, which will come in a super cool collector's tin.  The design is still being finalized, but ICv2 should have it up on the site by the middle of May.  Only 75,000 tins will be produced.  After they are gone, Pioneer will go back to conventional jewel box packaging.  The collector's edition will include a second disk that will contain a documentary on the making of the film, another documentary on creation of the new soundtrack for the film, a feature on the restoration of the film, and still other extras that remain unannounced at this time (see 'Remastered Akira Video Debut Set').

 

In addition to the Collector's Edition, Pioneer will also produce a regular edition DVD, which will come in a jewel case, and both subtitled and dubbed versions of the film on VHS.  Both of the DVD editions will include both the remastered English soundtrack as well as the Japanese soundtrack with optional English subtitles.

 

The release of the remastered Akira on DVD will provide retailers with an excellent opportunity to capitalize on one of the best anime films of all time.  Retailers should be able to boutique the Akira DVDs and Videos along with the new Dark Horse versions of the original Akira manga (see 'Dark Horse Retro Manga Boffo') and McFarlane Toys' superb Akira toys (see 'McFarlane Fields...').