In a bold statement - a massive step into what has been arguably the biggest talking point and problem in the distribution of anime around the world - Bandai Visual Strategy Group Director Masayuki Fujikawa announces "We plan to reduce the time-lag that exists between release in Japan and elsewhere. Starting with the releases in November and under our flagship brand HONNEAMISE, we are systematically planning and executing a worldwide, simultaneous release program for our premium Blu-ray titles, in order to get our products to international fans as quickly as possible."

Involving the entirety of the anime Freedom (never before released in the UK) and both the Gunbuster and Diebuster movies, this first endeavour into what is arguably one of the biggest developments in the anime industry in decades is not to be missed out on!

The shows will be released on the next generation HD format - Blu-ray Disc (BD) and will contain the Japanese, English and French dub, with English and French subtitles.  This release will most certainly cater for the vast majority of anime fans worldwide who possess the ability to play Blu-ray discs; and with local distribution done by already established entities - Bandai Visual in Japan, Bandai Entertainment in North America and Beez Entertainment in the UK and France - the release should be executed just like any other release.

Could the famous Bandai Channel also be on the way in the near future?

Again, this shows up ADV's claims about the Anime business going down the tubes!

I just hope this relates to DVDs as well as Blu-Ray.