Aniplex of America will release Gurren Lagann the Movie: Childhood’s End and Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars on DVD in the U.S. and Canada in July.  Both anime feature films will be available exclusively via Bandai Entertainment’s online store.  They will not be released to any brick and mortar stores.

Both films will be available in both Standard ($29.98) and Limited Edition ($49.98) versions. Aniplex is offering “Early Bird” discounts.  Those who pre-order the DVDs before May 13th can receive the Standard DVDs for $23.98 and the Limited Editions for $39.98.

Aniplex’s Hideki Goto told the Anime News Network that the decision to sell the DVDs exclusively through the Bandai store was based on the fact that “the number of anime distributors and video releases has decreased in recent years,” and “shelf space for anime at retail stores has shrunk.”  He also indicated that the DVDs, which are subtitled only, will not be made available to other retailers at a later date.

Goto told ANN that Aniplex America planned to release five other series between now and March, 2011.