But while the DVD duplication process may be taxing, it's not to say that companies wouldn't like to have concurrent VHS and DVD releases. Yamamoto of Bandai expressed similar concerns, "Yes, we would definitely like to [release formats concurrently]. But of course, when you do DVD production, you have to allow additional time for DVD authoring and mastering. In other words, first the VHS masters must be done before DVD production can begin, which means that the DVD production cycle is longer than that for VHS."
Until the whole DVD manufacturing process becomes less technical and more cheaper, it would seem for now, ardent anime fans who love the DVD format will just have to be patient for their favorite title to be released while VHS fans, in many instances, enjoy an early release. But, for the most die-hard or least patient, there may be another option.

Any distribution plans for the American version of Card Captor Sakura are still unknown, forcing anime DVD enthusiasts to buy the Region 2 release. A good correlating example of mainstream DVD consumers buying Region 2 DVDs is Luc Besson's LEON: INTEGRAL VERSION (Released as The Professional in the States), a "director's cut" of the original movie.

The Grey Market and Region Coding

When the DVD format was first introduced, one of its components was the regional coding of both hardware and software. With the world's continents sliced up into six different regions, DVD was set up so that hardware could only play software from the same region. The States is Region 1 and Japan is Region 2. Instituted by the motion picture industry, the concept of region coding is to control domestic sales of titles for maximum profit while also reaping the benefits of overseas sales. This method of regional control is also popular within the video gaming industry.
But with first- and second-generation DVD players and DVD-ROM drives, regional coding can be easily defeated, opening a whole new world of DVD titles for American consumers. In fact, many early Japanese anime DVDs were not even region coded, like Gainax's EVANGELION. However, as more titles are released in Japan, region coding has become standard. So what's the allure of Region 2 DVDs for American fans?
The want or need to buy Region 2 anime DVDs can factor in many reasons. The title is not currently available in the States or the existing Region 1 title isn't of the same quality. A collector's box is available with a certain title. There's a certain feeling of elitism when owning Region 2 DVDs and having the capability to play Region 2 DVDs. The list can go on and on. But the fact is, there's a market for Region 2 DVDs in the States and dealers—mail order, online, or convention—are feeding that desire.
However, U.S. companies don't seem too concerned with the grey market of Region 2 DVDs, even with titles they own and produce. Pioneer is enjoying great success with its SERIAL EXPERIMENT LAIN DVD series. There's great anticipation for Manga Entertainment's PERFECT BLUE DVD title, despite the fact the Region 2 DVD has been available for quite some time. And A.D.V. Films' NEON GENESIS EVANGELION is looking to be the hottest selling anime DVD title this year... if it can make street date. The way most U.S. companies see it, the advantage is on their side.
"First of all, not all Region 2 product is bilingual, so we provide subtitles and English dialog not necessarily found on imports," stated Kime. "Second, we usually try to include a limited number of extras such as collectible cards, stickers, etc. to give consumers a reason to buy their own product instead of just watching their friends discs, renting, or buying imports."
Sirabella certainly agreed, "I am not worried as much about grey market dealing with import DVDs because of the low price points in the U.S. on DVDs. I believe they are more worried in Japan about our stuff going there than it coming here."
Yamamoto of Bandai paralleled those views, "No, we really don't see [the grey market] as a threat. First of all, many of our titles aren't even out on DVD in Japan yet, or are just starting to be released there. And second, many of our customers have told us they are looking forward to our DVD releases and will support them."
As the DVD format is having trouble gaining mainstream support in Japan like it's enjoyed in the States, U.S. companies seem almost guaranteed a successful DVD market. As long as the quality titles keep coming, the fans will keep buying.

Bandai America looks to continue its success with Cowboy Bebop with a year 2000 DVD release. The entire series has already been released on DVD and LD in Japan.

On the Horizon

Barring any catastrophic, world-ending disasters due to the Y2K bug, the year 2000 looks to be a big, big year for anime DVDs in the States. Bandai's AnimeVillage.com, as previously stated, is gearing up for the triad release of BEBOP, OUTLAW STAR, and ESCAFLOWNE on DVD. Following those titles are sure to be not only new, recent titles but various older titles in Bandai's vast library.
Pioneer announced a whole slew of titles for 2000 release at Anime Expo '99 like SOL BIANCA, TRIGUN, SAILOR MOON, and a RANMA 1/2 OVA box (in conjunction with Viz). One title that may see production is an EL HAZARD OVA box set. Also, AKIRA will be remastered and will be ready for release in 2001. More information will be available next summer.
Media Blasters has nothing yet announced or confirmed for 2000, but when asked about its fan favorite title, the MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH television series, Sirabella replied, "Well, it is our strongest AnimeWorks title to date and we will release all of our strongest titles on DVD starting next year."
Almost three years old, the DVD format seems to have almost reached maturity. In regards to anime DVDs, though, it's probably still more adolescent. But, unlike U.S. laserdisc releases, which never really got off the ground or excited the entire anime community, U.S. anime DVDs are more than coming into their own. Chris Beveridge of AnimeOnDVD.com probably sums it up best: "Up until the second half of 1999, most anime DVD fans felt more as a second or third class consumer with how some companies are treating this growing media. Things are definitely changing, though, and while there are bound to be more bumps along the road, things are looking very bright."

—Special thanks to: Chad Kime of Pioneer U.S.A., Nobu Yamamoto of Bandai America, Clark Cheng and John Sirabella of Media Blasters, and Chris Beveridge of Anime On DVD.

Card Captor Sakura Copyright © CLAMP, Kodansha, NHK, NEP21 1999. Cowboy Bebop Copyright © Sunrise.