UlasanAnime.com – The writing was on the wall, indicating a significant shift in Bandai Entertainment’s operations. It was intriguing to observe how they would scale down their activities, and the closure of their physical store was a clear sign of what was to come. This development also raised questions about its impact on Aniplex’s nascent operations. It is speculated that their partnership allowed Bandai to persist longer, enabling them to release titles like K-ON! on single Blu-ray volumes.
Admittedly, this perspective is somewhat biased, coming from someone who would readily spend a considerable amount on collector’s editions, such as the Madoka CE or the Rakkyo set. The current situation implies a less substantial offering. For instance, K-ON! was presented as a simple, bare-bones release, priced at $30 per volume. One might have expected a release comparable to Madoka’s. However, with fewer players in the market, this may change. According to a write-up by Justin and Chris from Iyadomi, this downsizing could lead to more releases akin to Gundam Unicorn. For individuals like myself, this would be an acceptable trade-off.
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It’s somewhat disheartening that the primary concern is not the fate of the employees who were let go, but rather the potential absence of a “Bandai After Dark” panel at Otakon. The job losses are a serious matter, and one hopes those affected will have ample time to utilize their unemployment benefits and secure new, improved employment.
Amidst these changes, it is crucial to recognize that Bandai’s withdrawal from new releases is a consequence of a strategic restructuring originating from their headquarters. This is a common occurrence at this time of year and is not solely attributable to the underperformance of specific titles or the continuation of single-volume releases. In fact, it is anticipated that single-volume releases will become more prevalent in 2012, reflecting consumer demand in Japan. When executed effectively, this approach also aligns with consumer preferences elsewhere. Ultimately, the quality of the release, whether as a set or individual volumes, is paramount.
In conclusion, quality is what truly matters. This, and the question of what will become of K-ON! are the primary concerns. For those eagerly awaiting Turn-A Gundam, your sentiments are understood. However, the prolonged anticipation for a 1999 title may not be conducive to well-being.
