Microsoft has announced that the movies and TV series from the American anime company ADV Films will be available for hi-def downloads via its Xbox Live Network along with other entertainment programming from the A&E Network, National Geographic, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  Paramount features such as Braveheart, and ADV's anime offerings will now join more than 1,500 hours of high definition programming and 300 games available via the Xbox Live Network.

With its young, technically-adept gamer demographic, the Xbox Live Network provides a new and intriguing way to reach an audience that often appears resistant to approaches via the traditional media.  ADV's Founder, President and CEO John Ledford sees the agreement with Microsoft as a major opportunity: 'In the 15 years since we launched ADV Films, we have seen the television landscape evolve dramatically to accommodate today's tech-savvy, multi-tasking generation of viewers, who are no longer passive about their entertainment. We have embraced these changes in our business, constantly seeking and adopting new platforms with which to reach audiences. Xbox LIVE is not only a fantastic platform, but it also speaks directly to ADV's growing core audience.'