Stonebridge Press, America's leading publisher of books about anime, has published a 580-page guide to animation on DVD that includes coverage of anime as well as American and European animation.  Written by the very knowledgeable Andy Mangels, Animation On DVD includes over 1600 listings that are fully indexed and hence very easy to use.  The listings cover the special features included on the disks as well as the existence of Easter Eggs (though not necessarily how to access them).  Parents will appreciate the fact that age ratings are included wherever possible.  The guide itself is divided into two sections, with a 'Mature Adult' section in the back.  The 'Mature Adult' section includes a lot more than hentai with titles like Akira, Black Jack, Blood The Last Vampire, Devil Hunter Yohko, Excel Saga and X listed along with Urotsukidoji and La Blue Girl.  Fortunately Akira and the others are also given line listings in the regular section directing readers to 'Mature Adult' section for a complete listing.

The only problem with a book that attempts to cover such a dynamic field is that it will quickly become obsolete due to the enormous increase in the release of anime DVDs (see 'ICv2 Estimates 1000 New Anime Releases in 2003').  In fact a number of the anime listings consist of technical information and a cover blurb and carry the proviso: 'This DVD arrived too late for a full review. The following text is promotional copy provided by the releasing company.'  Still this volume is extremely useful now and should also serve as a great platform for subsequent editions of this essential reference work.