In a serious blow to the anime community, Bandai Entertainment announced they will no longer be releasing any new DVD, Blu-ray or manga series in North America. Bandai Entertainment will stick to its current release schedule, but as of February 2012, products will not be available for general purchase. Existing copies of DVDs, Blu-rays and manga are still available and will continue to be until their licenses expire.

The company will, however, handle licensing of digital distribution, broadcasting and other merchandising of its products instead.

Series that are affected by this change, include DVD and Blu-ray discs for Gosick, Nichijo, Turn A Gundam; with manga for Code Geass: Renya, Gurren Lagann, Kannagi, Lucky Star, Mobile Suit Gundam OOI and Tales of the Abyss: Jade’s Secret Memories.

Anime News Network has also posted an interview with Bandai Entertainment’s Ken Iyadomi about this change in the company’s direction.

Source: Anime News Network

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