Another blow to the anime industry, we have received official word today Bandai Entertainment will "stop releasing new titles on DVD, Blu-ray and Manga formats starting in February of 2012."
Although Bandai has stated in their press release that they "will continue to sell catalog titles and shift its operation to licensing which will include digital distribution, broadcast and merchandising," they have also noted they will be shutting down their official twitter and facebook page.
You can read the full press release inside.
"BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT TO CHANGE COMPANY FOCUS IN FEB 2012
January 3, 2012 (Cypress, CA) – Bandai Entertainment announced today that it will stop releasing new titles on DVD, Blu-ray and Manga formats starting in February of 2012. The company will continue to sell catalog titles and shift its operation to licensing which will include digital distribution, broadcast and merchandising.
As a result of this change in strategy for the North American Market, Bandai Entertainment's organization will be restructured at the end of January 2012.
The following previously announced anime titles have been cancelled: TURN-A GUNDAM, NICHIJOU and GOSICK.
Similarly, the following manga titles have been cancelled: KANNAGI 4-6, CODE GEASS: RENYA, GURREN LAGANN VOL. 7, GUNDAM 00I, LUCKY STAR BOO BOO KAGABOO, NICHIJOU MANGA, CODE GEASS R2 NOVELS, and TALES OF THE ABYSS: JADE 1 and 2. Additionally, Bandai Entertainment's facebook and twitter will be shut down.
For more information go to:
About Bandai Entertainment Inc.
Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc. and a premier distributor of Japanese animation in North America. Titles include K-ON!, Gundam 00, Code Geass: Lelouch of Rebellion, Lucky Star, Gurren Lagann,The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, Escaflowne, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, My Otome."