In a deal that could have far reaching implications for fans of classic anime series TMS Entertainment Ltd. has agreed to allow Titlematch Entertainment exclusive
The first series of TMS Presents: Anime Classics includes Orguss, Nobody's Boy Remi, and Cat's Eye Season One. Portions of the Orguss series were released in
Produced in 1983 Orguss is a major science fiction/space opera with great Mikimoto character designs that is sure to appeal to fans of Macross/Robotech, etc. One of the best giant robot series Orguss features lots of court intrigue as well as sophisticated political themes that resonate strongly with the history of
Nobody's Boy Remi is a the 1970s anime TV series produced by TMS and based on an 1877 novel by Hector Malot about a boy who searches for his lost parents accompanied only by his faithful dog. A favorite of Japanese animators and audiences, Nobody's Boy has been remade several times.
Cat's Eye is another attractive series -- a sort of all-girl Lupin III with three comely cat burglars that was based on a popular Shonen Jump manga that lasted 18 volumes from 1981-1984. Season One of the Cat's Eye anime included 36 of the series' total of 73 episodes -- and one of the unanswered questions about the Titlematch/TMS deal is exactly how many episodes will be included per DVD and what the cost will be -- but given the relatively small audience (unfortunately) for classic anime, this may turn out to be an economically viable way to provide hardcore fans access to some historic and very entertaining anime series that don't have the high profile and potential audience to fit the current anime production and distribution model.
One thing is certain -- DVD On-Demand will be a force in the future -- mega-retailer Wal-Mart is working with computer giant HP to create its own proprietary system and Amazon.com already has its wholly owned Customflix operation.