Manga UK Confirms Madoka Magica for Blu-ray Release

Manga Entertainment UK has today confirmed, via Twitter, that popular Magical Girl TV Series Madoka Magica, will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in the UK.

I'm happy to confirm we will release Madoka Magica on 3 disc DVD and Blu-ray on 22-Oct. DVD is £29.99 RRP and BD is £39.99

Maga Entertainment UK's Blu-ray release of Madoka Magica will feature the complete 12 episode tv series over three Blu-ray Discs in one Blu-ray case, which is great for UK fans considering that the American and Australian releases of Madoka Magica have been sold in individual volumes at a very expensive price.

MangaUK also pointed out that the 'Store Retail Price' of Madoka Magica is £39.99, so online prices will most likely be cheaper than the in-store price, such as is the case with previous Blu-ray releases such as the recent Bleach and Naruto Movies.

Pre-orders for Madoka Magica will start to appear online within the next few weeks, however the Blu-ray (and DVD) Boxset is not released until 22nd October 2012.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Releases (28/05/12)

After a short period without any new Anime Blu-ray Releases in the UK, the past month (and upcoming months) are going to be rather busy - since last week Ghost In The Shell: Solid State Society Blu-ray was released and upcoming next month is Angel Beats and Broken Blade on Blu-ray.

Return to the present and we find that Manga Entertainment UK, in partnership with Kaze UK, has today released the first three Bleach Movies on Single Blu-ray discs across Britain.

I've seen the first two films on Blu-ray, from Kaze-Fr, so i expect the quality and menus to be exactly the same (since the versions by Kaze-Fr had English Dub Track and English Subtitles). Both films had superb picture quality and 5.1 Surround Tracks. Either way today all three films are available to purchase from UK Stores and online retailers.

Bleach: The Movie - Memories Of Nobody -> £15 (Amazon UK / HMV UK) £17.99 (Play UK)
Bleach: The Movie - Diamond Dust Rebellion -> £15 (Amazon UK / HMV UK) £17.99 (Play UK)
Bleach: The Movie - Fade To Black -> £15 (Amazon UK) £17.99 (Play UK) £20 (HMV UK)

Black Lagoon UK Blu-ray Release Date Confirmed

According to this weekends MCM Expo the Black Lagoon Blu-ray Boxset is expected to be released on the 9th July in the UK, however pre-orders have yet to appear online.

Well today one curious Anime fan, Simonm094 tweeted to Manga Entertainment asking if the release date was correctly printed in the Magazine and Manga UK replied stating that the date printed in the MCM Expo Magazine was indeed correct. Thus confirming that Black Lagoon Collection will be released on Blu-ray in the UK on 9th July 2012.

So UK Fans, not only are we getting the Bleach Movie Trilogy on Blu-ray this coming monday which fills out the rest of May, but we will also be getting Roujin Z and Angel Beats in June and now confirmed is Black Lagoon Blu-ray Boxset. Looks like the UK Anime Blu-ray Market is starting to pick up.

Manga UK Confirms Blu-ray Release of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection

Manga Entertainment UK has today confirmed that the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection, which consists of four different OVA Episodes and a Digital Comic Collection, will be released into the UK later this year.

The News comes direct from MangaUK's official Twitter account, stating that not only will the OVA Collection be released in the UK, but it will also be released as part of a Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack.

At the same time as the Twitter announcement MangaUK Shared more details about the OVA Collection's content on its official Facebook page:

We are happy to announce that we will be releasing Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood OVA and Digital Comic in the UK as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack in October. Aiming for 22-Oct street date. Will be online to pre-order by end of May we hopefully. This is the same release as the Funimation version in the US. Includes 2-discs, 4 x OVAs and the entire digital comic series.

The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection consists of four different and unique episodes that fill in gaps left over from the TV Series, such as an episode that explains how Izumi (aka Ed and Al's Teacher) survived on the cold harsh mountains for a month during her training.

The OVA Collection will contain the following Episodes:

- OVA 1: The Blind Alchemist
- OVA 2: Simple People
- OVA 3: Tales Of The Master
- OVA 4: Yet Another Man's Battlefield

In Addition to these 4 Episodes a Digital Comic Collection, which can be viewed on the disc, will also be included.

The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection will be released on DVD as well as a Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack on 22nd October 2012

Viz Media Europe licenses Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below for Blu-ray Release

KazeUK has recently tweeted to confirm that Viz Media Europe have licensed, and will be releasing in partnership with Manga Entertainment UK, Makoto Shinkai's latest film, Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below, in the UK on DVD and Blu-ray.

Have a cool announcement time - Viz Media Europe has acquired the rights to Makoto Shinkai's new film - The Children Who Chase Lost Voices!

This means in the UK we'll be releasing it on DVD and Blu-Ray later this year, more details to follow! @mangauk

Viz Media Europe have licensed the film, with Manga Entertainment UK distributing it in the UK on DVD & Blu-ray, which is a similar story to what Manga is doing with its other Blu-ray Releases.

No Release date has been given, but it is expected to be released within the year.

MangaUK Confirms a selection of Blu-ray Releases

Manga Entertainment UK has today confirmed, via a pre-order list on Anime-On-Line, a selection of Blu-ray titles that will be released during the spring/summer season of 2012.

Titles Include:

- Angel Beats (Complete Collection)
- Bleach - Movie 1: Memories Of Nobody
- Bleach - Movie 2: Diamond Dust Rebellion
- Bleach - Movie 3: Fade To Black
- Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society (Double Play)
- Mardock Scramble: The First Compression
- Naruto Shippuden: Double Movie Bundle (Movies 1 & 2)
- Roujin Z
- Welcome To The Space Show (Double Play)

Additionally Both Fullmetal Alchemist movies will also be released on Blu-ray within the next year.

Some of the above titles, such as Angel Beats & Ghost In The Shell had been mentioned on Twitter in the past, but confirmation had not been definate - but now with this list all of the above titles will be released in the UK at some point this year.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (30/01/12)

This week's first Anime Blu-ray Release of the year is none-other than Samurai Girls, which is being brought to us in the UK by both Manga Entertainment UK and Kaze UK.

I believe (correct me if i am wrong) KAZE UK are funding the Disc's while Manga UK are distributing it within the UK, a similar story of whats going to happen with the upcoming Bleach and Naruto Blu-rays.

The Samurai Girls Collection Blu-ray is a 2 Disc Set which features all 12 Episodes from the series. The harem comedy-action series is set in an alternate Japan where the Tokugawa shogunate never lost its power and all hell breaks loose when two people start fighting for this power.

Samurai Girls: Complete Collection -> £32.99 (Amazon UK / HMV UK / Play UK)

Plot: The story takes place in Japan in the early 21st century, in an alternate reality where the Tokugawa Shogunate has remained in power. In this reality, student councils are tasked with oppressing schools. Yagyuu Muneakira is a high school student who rebels against his student council with the help of girls who've had the names of famous samurai heroes passed on to them.

Manga UK Confirms New Blu-ray Releases for 2012

Manga Entertainment UK has recently tweeted confirming a selection of Blu-rays that will be released during the 2012 year, some of which we already knew and some that come as a surprise.

In a reply to a tweet from @Punisher720 Manga Entertainment UK replied that Naruto Shippuden: Bonds and Bleach: Fade To Black would be coming to Blu-ray in the UK, which we already knew about. However it was the second part of the tweet that revealed that Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos will be released on Blu-ray in the UK during this year.


Manga Entertainment UK have previously mentioned at the MCM Expo in London last October that both Naruto Shippuden Movies would be released on Blu-ray as a double pack, and most recently in a statement regarding the cancellation of the K-ON Blu-ray boxset, Manga UK stated that they would be working with KAZE UK to release the entire Bleach Movie collection on Blu-ray.

2011 Might have been a poor year for Manga Entertainment UK in terms of Blu-ray releases and sales, but if the above turns out to be true we could be looking at seven popular anime movies coming to Blu-ray this year.

via: Anime Focus

Kaze UK To Release Black Lagoon Collection on Blu-ray in the UK

Kaze UK has recently confirmed via Twitter that they will be bringing the entire collection of Black Lagoon on to the Blu-ray disc platform into the UK during the 2012 calendar year.

Previously Black Lagoon had been released into the UK on DVD by MVM Entertainment, but now Kaze UK has revealed that they will be bringing the complete collection, including the Roberta's Blood Trail OVA to the UK on Blu-ray.

Apparently Season 1 and 2 of Black Lagoon will be released onto Blu-ray in May 2012, with the OVA (Roberta's Blood Trail) to be released on Blu-ray seperately later in the year. Additionally Manga Entertainment UK will be distributing the collection in the UK, with Kaze UK publishing it.

via: UK Anime Network

Manga UK Cancels Blu-ray Release of K-ON Boxset & Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

Manga Entertainment UK has confirmed this morning that the UK Blu-ray release of the K-ON Boxset, which featured all 12 episodes of Season 1 in High Definition and The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Movie will now be officially cancelled.

The reason for the delay is due to the Economic climate with the cost of remastering and manufacturing the titles being excessively high, with little return and low sales.

Additionally Madman Entertainment who release the disc's in Australia, and who author the disc's for Manga Entertainment UK will still be releasing the Blu-rays in Australia, and since Australian discs are Region B they will work fine over here.

Via: UK Anime Network

***UPDATE***

Since the Confirmation of the Blu-rays being cancelled, Jerome Mazandarani, Head of marketing & acquisitions for Manga Entertainment UK, has released the following statement (and its an extremely good read).

On behalf of Manga I wanted to apologize to all of those UK-based customers who have been left bitterly disappointed by our decision not to release these titles on Blu-Ray after publicly suggesting on this forum that we were planning on doing so. Please allow me to explain our decision.

I will start with K-ON first. My original plan was to release K-ON as a complete season set on double disc DVD and Blu-Ray at the same time. However, we were reliant on Bandai US supplying us their English dub and when they announced they would release K-ON as 4 individual DVD and BD volumes in America we had to agree to follow suit if we wanted to release K-ON around the same time as them. I made the decision to delay our 2-disc BD release until Spring 2012 rather than copy Bandai and produce 4 very expensive single disc BD releases. Once we got to the end of 2011 we learnt that the cost of access to the dubs plus the high cost of accessing the HD master, authoring and mastering of the discs and manufacturing was prohibitively expensive. In addition, we also realised that we would not be able to break even on the production of the Blu-Ray.

With regards to the Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya we were meant to release a Blu-Ray in November and found out that the BD disc replication master we were sharing with Madman and which was supplied by Bandai USA did not work on Region B Playstation 3 consoles, so we had to scrap it and start again. Once again, we had to pay high access fees for the dub, and would have to pay a very steep access fee for the HD master (we cloned Madman's PAL DVD replication master for our DVD) and that, combined with new authoring and mastering fees, left us with another release that was going to lose Manga money. If Manga keeps losing money we go out of business and everyone loses!

I spend all of my time at the Manga office fighting tooth and nail for you guys, the British anime fans, to ensure that we pick up the best new series and movies and get them out here as soon as possible. I listen to your comments; every last one of them, every day here on Twitter and Facebook and I answer most of them too. No-one should doubt how much I and my colleagues here at Manga UK care about you, the customer. We do not take decisions like this lightly. I personally fought to maintain these Blu-ray releases against stiff opposition from my superiors, but the commercial considerations of running a successful company overruled my objections about the damage to our brand's credibility should we not release these titles.

In summary, I would say that while we have made a sensible commercial decision, we have created a situation that is alienating to a good deal many of you and I sincerely hope that over time we can make it up to you.

So, there you have it. Straight from the horse's mouth. I cannot apologize enough to the customers we have disappointed with this decision. I hope that with time you can appreciate us for what we tend to get right, more than what we tend to get wrong. I am personally looking forward to 2012 and you have my assurance that any new BD releases announced for this year will be released. We already have Samurai Girls, Bleach Movies 1,2 and 3, Mardock Scramble and Roujin Z confirmed by @KazeUK plus a whole heap more to confirm later in the year. We have learnt a lot from 2011, particularly when it comes to Blu-Ray and I am confident we will start making better decisions that benefit both the business and you, our valued customers going forward.

Yours sincerely,

Jerome Mazandarani
Head of marketing & acquisitions
Manga Entertainment Ltd (UK)

via: UK Anime Network

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (21/11/11)

This week's Anime Blu-ray release in the UK is none other than the epic conclusion to Eden Of The East with the second feature-length movie Eden of The East: Paradise Lost which is being brought to us in the UK via Manga Entertainment UK and is available on both high definition Blu-ray or standard definition DVD.

Paradise Lost continues where The King Of Eden left off with Saki and her friends in trouble with the law after suspicion arises that they are terrorists, its now up to Saki and Takizawa to unravel the truth behind the Selecao as well as outmaneuver the other players in the game, making this one of the most plot-twisting and intriguing anime of this year.

If you have not seen Eden Of The East TV Series, let alone Eden Of The East: The King Of Eden then this second movie will make no sense and would be rather pointless in watching it, however if you are interested then i'd highly recomend watching the TV Series from the begining as this anime has a ton of surprises in store for you.

Eden Of The East: Paradise Lost -> £14.99 (Amazon UK / HMV UK / Play UK)

Plot: The story of political and subversive intrigue in the series finally reaches endgame. Even as the law enforcement net tightens around Saki and her fellow Eden of the East associates over alleged terrorist activities, the complex web surrounding the mysterious Mr. Outside is finally untangled as the remaining Selecao attempt to outmaneuver one another. Takizawa's memories and identity are also finally revealed including his association with a former Prime Minister and his request to be the King of Eden.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (14/11/11)

This week's Anime Blu-ray release in the UK is none other than the futuristic racing film REDLINE, which, in terms of the japanese timeline, has been released after seven years in the making.

REDLINE in the UK is being released into the UK via Manga Entertainment UK and will be available in two different versions. You can either purchase the standard Blu-ray, which only contains the film with special features, or you can purchase the Special Collectors Edition which not only includes a Blu-ray and DVD Version of the film but it also contains a feature book explaining about the film and its history.

REDLINE to some may look like a marmite film, you either love it or hate it - however after watching the film you will notice that its got something in it for everyone. Its got Women, Aliens, Extreme Hairstyles, The Army, Exploding Planets, Mecha, Fast Cars, Gangsters, Bribes, Awesome Music, Swearing, Violence, some laughs and lots of Nitro - so there surely is something for everyone. The film is basically one crazy, but lots of fun, adrenaline fueld fun and its definately worth a watch.

The Film also includes both Japanese & English Audio, both of which have been done extremely well in Dolby Digital TrueHD Surround, so the experience, to put it blunt, out of this world and REDLINE is definately a film worth watching in High Definition as standard defintion, for this film, won't cut it due to the amount of detail and background events going off.

Standard -> £15.93 (Amazon UK / HMV UK) £15.99 (Play UK)
Collectors Edition -> £17.47 (Amazon UK) £17.49 (Play UK) £17.99 (HMV UK)

Plot: The most dangerous and exciting car race in the universe is held only once every five years. And that's tonight. The competitors are lined up at the starting block. In his vehicle, JP, the most daredevil driver on the circuit, is ready for the green light. Female driver Sonoshee, with whom he is secretly in love, is also on the starting line. She will stop at nothing to get on to that podium. In this race, not only is anything possible, but also anything is allowed.

The film is produced by the studio Madhouse (Ninja Scroll, Summer Wars), directed by Takeshi Koike (The Animatrix's "World Record") and written by Katsuhito Ishii (Piroppo, Trava).

Welcome to the Space Show Delayed in UK

Manga Entertainment UK has announced that the UK Release of the Anime Welcome To The Space Show on DVD & Blu-ray has been delayed until 2nd July 2012.

The announcement comes from their official Twitter account after eagle eyed follower Joshawott asked the following question:

@MangaUK I've seen some sites saying Welcome to the Space Show is out on 2nd July. Has it been delayed, or still due out in December?

Shortly after Manga Entertainment UK replied with the following message.

@Joshawott Busted! #WelcomeToTheSpaceShow has been bumped back to 2nd July so we can spend more time on the dub. It's going to be epic. Soz!

Originally Welcome To The Space Show was due for release in the UK on 5th December 2011, however because Manga Entertainment UK want to improve the dub, which is being produced by Michael Sinterniklaas exclusively for the UK, the release of the anime will now be delayed into 2012.

Manga UK Cancels UK Blu-ray Release of X'AMD

Manga Entertainment UK has recently announced on Twitter that they plan on cancelling the UK Blu-ray of X'AMD - Lost Memories due to poor Blu-ray sales in the UK.

This would make it the third TV Series that has been cancelled in a year, as previously Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and Casshern Sins were both cancelled due to poor sales of the Blu-rays.

X'AMD Lost Memories - Collection 2 was scheduled for release later this year on both Blu-ray & DVD, however only the DVD version of the anime will now be released in the UK.

According to Manga UK only 100 Copies of the Blu-ray were sold in the first 3 weeks of release and according to Manga UK this is a low amount.

In the future Manga Entertainment UK will choose which titles they will bring to the UK on Blu-ray by monitoring the USA Blu-ray releases, if it sells well in america they may bring it out here in the UK (if they own the license). You can read there full announcement on Twitter here.

Either way its sad news for people who planned on owning the complete collection of X'AMD Lost Memories on Blu-ray in the UK, espically when the USA Versions are REGION LOCED.

Other Blu-ray titles, such as Highschool Of The Dead, which is due for release on 29th August, will still be released on Blu-ray and will not be affected by this recent decision.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (25/7/11)

This week see's the world's first English Release of "Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time" in the UK and it is being brought to us in the UK by Manga Entertainment UK.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time is the film that celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading card game & brings all 3 Main Characters from past Yu-Gi-Oh! TV Series into 1 feature length film - which results in 1 final duel to save the world (and more).

The English release has been dubbed by 4Kids Entertainment, which have previously done all other Yu-Gi-Oh! Movies & TV Series - so all original voice actors should still be here.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time Blu-ray features 3 (if not 4) Different versions of the film, as this Blu-ray includes the FULL stereoscopic 3D Version (which requries a 3DTV, 3D Glasses & a 3D Compatible Blu-ray player) - but it also includes the standard 2D Version. Not only that it includes the original Japanese Version & the English Extended Version - which had an additional 10 minutes of animation added to the original film.

The Film may only be short (at 1 Hour) but it can be watched several times over just to see all the different versions. But it is certain that this film will mainly appeal to the Yu-Gi-Oh! Fans, such as myself.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Bondes Beyond Time -> £9.99 (AMAZON UK / HMV UK / PLAY UK)

Plot: After falling through a time-slip, Yusei Fudo (who has just had his powerful card stolen by a mysterious stranger) meets with Judai Yuki and Yugi Muto, who agree to help Yusei defeat the evil Paradox, who is planning to destroy Pegasus before he can invent Duel Monsters.

For the first time ever, all three Yu Gi Oh heroes are united for their first adventure together. Comes with an exclusive limited edition Super Rare "Malefic Red-Eyes B. Dragon" Yu Gi Oh collectable trading card.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (4/7/11)

This week see’s Manga Entertainment UK release another Blu-ray and for the third time in arrow its another feature length film, this time being “Musashi: The Dream Of The Last Samurai” and for me this release seems to have come under the radar, probably due to the previous big blu-ray releases of “Akira” and “Evangelion 2.22” but mainly because its an anime title I’ve never heard of before until a few days ago.

Manga Entertainment UK are the first people to bring the movie outside of the Japanese area, hence why I’ve not really heard of it before, however it’s a film conceived and scripted by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost In The Shell, The Sky Cralwers) and directed by Oshii’s frequent collaborator Mizuho (Toshihiko) Neshkoro - who also worked on Ghost In The Shell. The Animation studio is Production I.G. - who, yet again, have also worked on both Ghost In The Shell Films, So the film has all the talent needed to make it a great anime hit in the UK - which im sure samurai fans will also enjoy.

Musashi: The Dream Of The Last Samurai will also be available on DVD, however it’s the Blu-ray that’s getting all the attention here.

Standard Blu-ray -> £15.99 (AMAZON UK / HMV UK) £17.99 (PLAY UK)

Plot: Miyamoto Musashi is an instantly familiar name to any Japanese citizen, a legendary swordsman who has become part historical figure and part romanticised hero of myth. In addition to writing one of the key texts on Japanese samurai tactics and philosophy - The Book of Five Rings - he is also famous for inventing the Ni-Ten Ichi Ryu style of fighting with two swords, perhaps the most obvious, internationally recognized visual trademark of the samurai.

But even with so much academic study dedicated to Musashi's life, so many books written on him and an almost infinite number of movies, anime and manga stories inspired by his legendary exploits and teachings, still questions remain unanswered. Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai attempts to answer one of these in particular - what motivated the great warrior to adopt and perfect his dual bladed style?

New Anime Blu-ray UK Release (27/6/11)

This week sees Manga Entertainment UK release another Blu-ray and this time its the long awaited High Definition re-master of AKIRA - which some would say its the release every anime fan has been waiting for.

To Celebrate MangaUK have decided to release the Blu-ray in a variety of different formats, first off there is a standard DVD, secondly there is a standard Blu-ray and last but not least is a Worldwide Exclusive Steelbook Edition which according to MangaUK is only available in very limited quantities.

This release has not only been re-mastered in High Definition but it also features the newer "english" audio track (the 2001 version), as previously seen (or heard) on previous DVD releases & last saturday on SyFyHD where Akira HD had its first UK TV Premire debut.

This super limited Collector's Edition pack comes with the new remastered edition of Akira on Blu-ray, beautifully restored in full high definition, with an incredible True HD soundtrack, plus the Akira feature DVD disc along with a specially produced 40-page booklet exclusive to the UK and packaged inside a gorgeous steelbook case.

Standard Blu-ray -> £17.93 (Amazon UK), £17.99 (Play UK / HMV UK)

Steelbook Blu-ray -> £17.93 (Amazon UK), £17.99 (Play UK / HMV UK)

Plot: A landmark film that introduced much of the Western world to modern anime, AKIRA is a marvel of modern animation. Based on Katsuhiro Otomo's 2,000 page manga, AKIRA begins on July 16, 1988, when what was believed to be an atomic bomb was dropped on Tokyo, completely destroying the city and marking the beginning of WWIII.

Thirty-one years later, Neo-Tokyo has sprung from the ruins of the old city and is experiencing a prolonged period of civil unrest caused by student uprisings, political instability, and, most destructively, biker gangs. One of the members of these biker gangs, Tetsuo, is detained by the military after a near accident with a strange young boy.

After recognising innate psychic ability in him, the military begins using Tetsuo as a test subject to channel Akira, a source of unimaginable power and the cause of the explosion that destroyed the original Tokyo. However, the military's plan backfires, and instead of locating the source of Akira's power, Tetsuo becomes a medium for it.

Endowed with incredible psychic powers that make every one of his destructive impulses a reality, Tetsuo begins to go on a rampage that threatens to completely annihilate Neo Tokyo. Combining a complex science-fiction universe with intricately detailed animation and phantasmagoric images, AKIRA is a stunning visual experience and a disturbing vision of the future.

Manga UK 20th Anniversary Sale

This month celebrates 20 Years of Manga Entertainment and to mark the occasion Manga UK held an exclusive party in a discreet location in london a few days ago, sadly i was not invited but you can check out pictures of the party (and articles relating to it) on the newly improved Manga Entertainment UK Website.

Because this "party" was so limited Manga UK decided to host special "sales" in a variety of different stores, mainly Zavvi Online & HMV.

Last weekend Zavvi was the first online retailer to reduce most of its Anime stock, that is distributed by Manga Entertainment UK, with up to 80% off, offering Blu-ray's for as little as £5 - since then prices have steadily creeped up and stocked has depleted, many of the early anime purchasers (such as me) are still waiting for stock to be picked, let alone dispatched - most likely on back order with supplier due to demand.

The Promotion that is currently going on at Zavvi has now slightly changed to "up to 60% off Manga UK titles" however the price's are still extremely reasonable, espically compared to other online retailers such as Amazon UK & Play.

Well Monday now see's the start of another promotion nationwide in HMV Stores, which the promotion previously started yesterday online on HMV Websites, yet again Anime from Manga Entertainment is reduced to as little as £5 - Blu-ray Boxsets such as Eden Of The East & Devil May Cry are readily available (in stock) for under £10 - which is more than half the current Retail price.

Zavvi - Manga 20th Anniversary Sale
HMV - Manga Anime Sale

These are the current two "major" promotions going off at the moment to celebrate 20 Years of Manga Entertainment, however The Hut Group (which is part of Zavvi) also owns Adsa Entertainment (and a few other "Entertainment" Websites) - so if you shop around you may find yourself some more anime at good prices.

So this post may be a little late, but its a direct link (near enough) to the current "Anniversary Sales" that are going on in the UK - so order fast before stock is gone. If you do plan on buying anything (espically from Zavvi / The Hut Group) - be aware of the stock situation, as if it states "usually dispatched within 3 days" you may be waiting several weeks (if not months) before the item is in your hand - but if you are not in a rush then feel free to order as much as you like. Enjoy!

New Anime Blu-ray UK Releases (20/6/11)

This week see's the UK Release of the long awaited "Evangelion 2.22 - You Can (Not) Advance" film on DVD & Blu-ray which is being brought to us in the UK Via Manga Entertainment and muc like the first film the second installment has alot of surprises, stunning visuals and alot of action.

Evangelion 2.22 covers the material from episodes 6-12 of the series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, this film is the first to introduce new content and characters that did not appear in the original series -- namely, Unit-05 pilot Mari Illustrious Makinami.
The British girl mans an Eva with a drastically new design, and adds still more drama to the life of Shinji, who is coping with having to share a living space with both Asuka and Misato.

Meanwhile, all of the pilots soon find themselves embroiled with a battle with the Eighth Angel. The group show a sense of teamwork that they've never had before, but soon, NERV's American branch is destroyed in an experiment while testing the new Unit-03, which is taken to Tokyo-3 for testing. Asuka pilots the Eva, but it's soon reclassified as the Ninth Angel, and Shinji is ordered by his father to attack it. Shinji can't bear to do so while Asuka is inside, causing a break in his will that might cause him to leave the program for good.

Evangelion 2.22 is being brought into the UK via Manga Entertainment UK in three different formats, there is the standard DVD, a standard Blu-ray or for the first time a special "Collectors Edition" combi pack which contains both the DVD & Blu-ray in one box, with a special 20-Page Booklet which explains about the new Evangelion films.

Evangelion 2.22 Standard Blu-ray -> £14.93 (Amazon UK), £14.99 (HMV UK / PLAY UK)

Evangelion 2.22 Combi Pack -> £14.99 (Amazon UK / Play UK) £15.99 (HMV UK)

If you own a Blu-ray player & love anime then the Evangelion Movies are definately worth watching - just for the stunning detail of each scene and the eva units themselves. Also if you do plan on picking up Evangelion 2.22 make sure you watch the extra scene after the end credits.

Plot: New Pilots, New Evas, New Angels The landmark anime Evangelion evolves, reaching new heights of intensity in the new feature film: Evangelion 2.22. In this explosive new story, brutal action and primal emotion clash as a group of young pilots maneuver their towering, cyborg Eva Units into combat against a deadly and disturbing enemy. In the battle to prevent the apocalyptic Third Impact, Shinji and Rei were forced to carry humanity's hopes on their shoulders. Now, as the onslaught of the bizarre, monstrous Angels escalates, they find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots, the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. In this thrilling new experience for fans of giant robot destruction, the young pilots fight desperately to save mankind and struggle to save themselves.

New Anime Blu-ray UK Releases (6/6/11)

This week see's the UK Blu-ray release of "The King Of Eden", which is the first feautre-length-film that continues the story of the hit Anime TV Series "Eden Of The East".

"Eden Of The East: The King Of Eden" is being released today in the UK via Manga Entertainment UK and not only does it include the first feature length movie (King Of Eden) - but it also includes "Air Communication".

Air Communication is a TV Special which summarises the previous 12 Episode TV Series into a Feature-length-film, which this Blu-ray set a perfect purchase for anyone that is interested in the Eden Of The East Universe, as everything you need is in one box.

Eden Of The East: The King Of Eden is another "superb" example of Anime on Blu-ray at its best, as the picture is crisp, sharp and stunning to look at, espically the realistic backgrounds of various different locations such as Japan & New York.

Eden Of The East: The King Of Eden -> £14.93 (Amazon UK), £14.99 (HMV UK / PLAY UK)

Plot: 2010's Most Intriguing New Anime Returns With A Brand New Movie!

The story continues where it left off from the Eden of the East TV series, and brings Morimi Saki back to the USA in order to find Takizawa Akira. The other Selecao however are actively moving to take part in the game, and a few in particular are making dangerous moves in order to eliminate Takizawa or move towards their picture of a better Japan.

Eden Of The East Movie 1: King Of Eden Blu-ray also includes a very special bonus extra, the Eden Of The East: Air Communication feature length film edit of the original 11 episode EOTE TV series from 2009. It is an excellent accompniment to the brand new movie ensuring new and old fans alike can enjoy the entire EOITE saga from beginning to end.