Pioneer has announced that a conventionally packaged version of its Akira Special Edition DVD will ship to retailers for a September 25 release date.  The Akira Special Edition Tin, which is sold out at the wholesale level (see 'Akira Special Edition Sells Out'), still has a street date of July 24, as do the regular Akira DVD and the two VHS versions of the film.  The quick sell-out of 100,000 units of the Akira Special Edition Tin caught Pioneer by surprise.  The delay in the release of the conventionally packed Special Edition was the result of Pioneer's having to scramble for extra DVD packaging in a marketplace that is crowded by releases of more and more DVD products, including many multiple-disc sets (see 'Simpsons Season I DVD').

 

The important thing for retailers to remember is that, although the Akira Special Edition Commemorative Tin will still ship in July, the Special Edition will be available in conventional packaging for the holiday season.  And don't forget, although the Special Edition Tin is sold out from Pioneer, many distributors including Diamond still have some unallocated copies left (but don't wait too long).