Discotek Media plans to release a number of classic Japanese live action and anime features in a collector-friendly format with the original Japanese soundtrack, anamorphic widescreen visuals and an English dub track.  The live action films are primarily from the 1970s and 80s, though one of the initial releases, Sexy Soccer (due out on March 28th) is from 2003.  Among the live action releases, Lupin the 3rd: Strange Psychokinetic Strategy (1974), which is due to be released here in the U.S. on February 21st, should be of particular interest to anime fans because of the central character. Other live action films include Zero Woman Red Handcuffs from 1974, due out on October 25th; War in Space from 1977, due out on April 25th; and Burst City from 1982, due out on June 27th.

But the three films that are bound to generate the most interest among anime fans are three anime features produced by Toei.  Certainly Miyazaki fans will want to take a look at Animal Treasure Island (Dobutsu Takarajima) from 1971, since Miyazaki is credited as an 'Idea Consultant' on the project.  The Animal Treasure Island DVD is set for release on November 15th. 

A second Toei-produced feature, Taro the Dragon Boy (Tatsu no ko Taro) originally released in 1979, will be available here on DVD on January 24th, and the first Toei-produced version of Puss 'n Boots (Nagagutsu o hiata neko) originally released in 1969, has a U.S. street date of May 30th.

Other Discotek Media releases that don't yet have street dates include two Lupin the Third anime movies and the live action features Bye Bye Jupiter (1983) and Robokill Beneath Discoclub Layla (1991).

Discotek is obviously targeting the hardcore anime and Asian cinema fans who are interested in the development of Japanese popular culture, and not just in its most recent manifestations.