As you may know, FUNimation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre, having been purchased in 2005. Today, Navarre released their fiscal-year 2010 quarter one figures.

Of particular note to Dragon Ball fans is the amount noted concerning Namco-Bandai. As reported earlier this month, Namco-Bandai has entered into a five-year agreement with FUNimation to be the sole distributor of Dragon Ball-related video games in North America. Navarre’s CEO Cary Deacon notes in the press release:

The quarter beat our expectations in part due to FUNimation’s stronger than anticipated sales of anime DVD’s as well as a $1.75 million agency fee resulting from a royalty advance paid for the licensing of Dragon Ball Video Game rights to Bandai.

This clearly means that more cash is on the way to FUNimation by way of Namco-Bandai; exactly how much remains to be seen.

Overall, Navarre’s “Publishing Segment” net sales appear to be down over the previous year, though their video game agreement certainly helped:

The publishing segment includes the results of the wholly-owned subsidiaries FUNimation Entertainment, Encore and BCI. For the first quarter ended June 30, 2009, the publishing segment had net sales, before inter-company eliminations, of $24.9 million, a decrease of 9.3%, as compared to net sales of $27.4 million in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. BCI, whose operations have been winding down since the third quarter of fiscal year 2009, generated nominal sales in the first quarter as compared to $4.4 million in net sales during the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.

Operating income during the first quarter for the publishing segment was $6.1 million, as compared to operating income of $3.4 million in the first quarter of the prior year. The publishing segment’s operating income was positively impacted by FUNimation revenue from the licensing of North American video game rights to Bandai Namco in connection with the Dragon Ball Z brand.

In Navarre’s earnings conference call this morning, all of the above information was reiterated. FUNimation apparently had an “outstanding” quarter, and DVD sales far exceeded expectations at two major retailers (the names of said retailers not being divulged). It was expected that between Afro Samurai 2 being nominated for an Emmy and DBZ’s five-year license extension, FUNimation’s anime market dominance would be assured for the foreseeable future.

In the analyst Q&A segment at the end of the call (primarily with Bob Evans of Craig-Hallum), the time-frame of the DBZ five-year license extension was asked about. Deacon noted that the new agreement would run to mid-2015. It was also noted that FUNimation considers about 60 of their properties “breakthrough” (inferring a meaning of “profitable”), and about 20% of these (~16) are considered “A”-properties, with the Dragon Ball franchise being noted earlier in the call as the clear leader. It is expected that the anime release schedule will slow in Q2, picking up again in Q3 and Q4; this conveniently lines up with FUNimation’s release of “Dragon Box” sets in November of this year (among other titles, of course).

In a separate Schedule 14A filed on July 28th, it was noted that:

In FY2009, the Named Executive Officers did not receive base pay increases, except for Mr. Fukunaga whose base salary was increased 5% from $350,000 to $367,500.

There you have it — your financial analysis for the first quarter of the fiscal year!

Kurt wrote in to let us know that his order for the upcoming fifth “Viz Big” release of Dragon Ball Z has been delayed. We checked in with some of the supposedly-upcoming volumes, and here is what the schedule seems to be of currently-listed volumes:

Dragon Ball VizBig 5 (Volumes 13-15)

• Release Date: 18 August 2009

Dragon Ball Z VizBig 5 (Volumes 29-31)

• Original Release Date: 19 May 2009
• First Delayed Release Date: 12 July 2009
• Second Delayed Release Date: 20 October 2009

Dragon Ball Z VizBig 6 (Volumes 32-34)

• Release Date: 19 January 2010

Dragon Ball Z VizBig 7 (Volumes 35-37)

• Release Date: 19 January 2010

There is a five month delay in there for a re-release of a re-release of a re-release… or something along those lines. A la FUNimation and their DVDs, we are having a tough time keeping up with Viz and their manga!

We will be diving into Volume 29 in our “Manga Review of Awesomeness” on the podcast next weekend, so it looks like those of you keeping up via VizBig are out of luck!

Needless to say, it was an exciting weekend to be an American Dragon Ball fan down in Baltimore for Otakon.

FUNimation announced at their industry panel at Otakon that, among other new licenses and upcoming products, they would be releasing the first of seven “Dragon Box” sets for the Dragon Ball Z TV series on DVD. FUNimation recorded video of their panel, which can be viewed on YouTube:

After their panel, attendees were allowed to come up and take pictures of a mock-up of the packaging that will be used for the sets. We took a bunch of images (as seen in yesterday’s update), but here is one extra photo:

A formal press release also went out, detailing slightly more information about the releases from what was announced at the panel and reported here on the site:

Funimation Entertainment Announces First U.S. Release of Dragon Box
Produced From The Original Dragon Ball Z Masters, Available on DVD in November

Flower Mound, TX – July 18, 2009 — FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, today announces that it has acquired the original masters for the entire Dragon Ball Z anime series, episodes and films, and will release all as the Dragon Box for the first time in the U.S. The first of seven Dragon Boxes will be available at major retailers nationwide this Fall.

The Dragon Box will be produced from the original Dragon Box masters after a frame by frame restoration and will span the entire 291 episode television series and all 13 of its movies.

This definitive DVD box release begins with Dragon Box One which includes the first 42 episodes, uncut, on 6 discs.

The Dragon Box releases will feature an aspect ratio of 4:3, the original Japanese audio (with options for an English track or English subtitles), the original episode previews, complete opening and closing credits and a collector’s booklet.

Dragon Box One will be available at major retailers nationwide on November 10, 2009 and will have an SRP of $79.98.

About FUNimation Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com .

For those following along with the news and wondering why, exactly, this fourth release of these particular episodes from FUNimation warrants such applause and sighs of relief… allow us to briefly explain.

For many years after its original broadcast airing in Japan, the TV series never actually saw a home video/LD/DVD release (although the movies had VHS/LD releases). In 2003, Toei (in conjunction with Pony Canyon) began releasing the entirety of the TV series and movies on DVD in a new, fully-remastered “Dragon Box” format. These giant box sets were limited-edition pre-order-only releases, and touted genuine frame-by-frame remastering from the original 16mm film reels (unlike multi-generational copies provided to their licensees such as FUNimation). Frames were re-aligned, dirt and other damage was removed, etc. After releasing the entirety of the series and movies, all saw individual DVD releases in Japan, as well.

As FUNimation accurately stated in their commercial/trailer played at Otakon, the “Dragon Box” version truly is the definitive presentation for the series.

We are still waiting for confirmation on several aspects of these upcoming American releases of the “Dragon Box” sets, though. Current unknowns include:

• Compromises to the video bitrate due to the inclusion of more episodes-per-disc over the original Japanese (originally six in Japan)
• Compromises to the video and audio bitrates due the inclusion of additional audio tracks (originally just the single Japanese language track)
• While defaulting to the Japanese language track, which FUNimation dub will be included (either/both of the American broadcast BGM or original Japanese BGM as produced for the previous faux-“remastered” season sets)
• While noted during their panel at Otakon that it is for the “hardcore” fans, how or if FUNimation will attempt to market it to their established dub-only fanbase, and/or those that have purchased the previously-released and recently-completed faux-“remastered” season sets
• If any alternate angles or adjustments will be made to include English aspects such as title cards, or if the quote from representative Adam Sheehan, “we didn’t change a damn thing” means that items such as Japanese credits and title cards will be the exclusive versions included
• The release cycle/schedule for their sets
• Whether or not the original Dragon Ball and/or Dragon Ball GT will follow, especially considering that their own “remastered” (non-“Dragon Box”) versions of Dragon Ball GT just finished a “season set” release, and the original Dragon Ball is about to begin this September

So there you have it. We are still taking a week off from the podcast to recover from Otakon, but expect lots of commentary next week from a wide variety of folks!

Meri and Mike are off at Otakon, which means I am holding down the fort when I should really be asleep. However, a series of e-mails flooded my inbox, all from Mike. He is excited, and I am at least awake enough now to tell you that FUNimation is going to put out Dragon Ball Z “Dragon Box” sets in North America.

The details, as recorded on his Twitter account, are as follows:

• The series will be released across seven DVD sets
• Part One will retail for $79.98, and contain episodes 1-42 in 4:3 aspect ratio
• Each set will come with an 80-page, hardcover book
• The set defaults to Japanese (English version presumably a secondary feature).

FUNimation rep Adam Sheehan notes that these sets are not for the “casual fans”; we here at Daizenshuu EX are inclined to agree. It is looking like FUNimation has only announced Dragon Ball Z so far, but after all, they still have Dragon Ball to do before their “season” sets are officially a complete, non-abortive release. Anyhow, the pictures Mike has sent look pretty damn spiffy:

Oh, and two other things: DB Movie 1 (“The Legend of Shenlong”, a.k.a. “Curse of the Blood Rubies”) will indeed be released uncut, but probably as part of one of the new season sets rather than with the other movies; and they would like to put out last year’s Jump special but do not have it right now (and are unwilling to say more at the present time).

Sounds like a pretty eventful con, no? Now, excuse me while I go pass out.

FUNimation has announced a new team-up with Namco to provide Dragon Ball Z figures in a new crane game available at amusement parks, theaters, etc.

FUNIMATION AND NAMCO CYBERTAINMENT INC. BRING ANIME’S GREATEST HERO TO GAME CENTERS ACROSS THE U.S.
Anime Leader and Major Amusement Game Operator Introduce Game Featuring Dragon Ball Z Figures

Flower Mound, Texas (July 15, 2009) – FUNimation Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, Toei Animation, Ltd., and Namco Cybertainment Inc., one of the largest amusement game operators in the U.S. and Caribbean, are bringing the Z-fighters to more than 780 amusement centers around the country.

Already available, these centers house a new crane game containing figures of Goku, his friends and foes. The Dragon Ball Z figure crane game will offer an entirely new experience for those who are familiar with the old crane concept. Instead of directing a crane claw to a random and, hopefully, substantial grip on a desired prize, crane players are able to utilize their skills to line up the claw fingers with one or more of the eight holes in the custom figure packaging for a precise hook on their favorite Dragon Ball Z figures. These collector edition figure prizes are designed and manufactured by Banpresto Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan and cannot be found in retail stores.

Happinet’s official Dragon Ball Kai release website has been updated. Although there is nothing too major to report, I have a feeling this may be a long post, so sit tight.

When the site first opened it had two active links, but now all seven sections are open for business. Normally we would just link to the different sections, but the way the site is set up makes that impossible — each link opens on the same page and most everything is done with images rather than simple text, which is actually kind of a pain. So instead, I will give a brief rundown of each section and what new information is listed. The “MENU” breaks down as:

1. Introduction (イントロダクション)
2. Product Information (商品情報)
3. Special Information (特典情報)
4. Videos (動画)
5. Release Schedule (リリーススケジュール)
6. Want to Learn More?! (もっと知りたい！)
7. Links (リンク)

The first section we see is the “Introduction” section, which is just what you would think it is: an introduction to Dragon Ball Kai. It gives a brief synopsis and lists the main cast and staff. The “Product Information” section provides a breakdown of the three different products being released: Blu-ray sale, DVD sale, and DVD rental. However, if you live outside of Japan, there is no need to worry about the DVD rental.

The “Special Information” section gives a detailed break-down of all the special items that will come with each release (I have omitted the DVD rental details):

Blu-ray Volume #1

• Dragon Battlers Data Card
• DragonBall Raging Blast Promotional Video
• Naoyoshi Yamamuro Drawn Art Box
• Picture Label
• Sleeve Case

DVD Volumes #1~#17

• Dragon Battlers Data Card (Volume #1 only)
• DragonBall Raging Blast Promotional Video (Volumes #1~#3 only)
• Naoyoshi Yamamuro Drawn Jacket
• Picture Label

Blu-ray Box #1~#4

• Non-credit Opening & Ending (Box #1 only; as listed on Amazon Japan)
• Naoyoshi Yamamuro Drawn Jacket
• Picture Label
• Special Booklet

The “Videos” section contains a video of the recent commercial shown during the “Dream 9” TV block on Fuji TV. The section gives a nice break-down of the known release schedule, which takes us up to episode 50. Here is a translated copy of the table:

2009 Releases

Date	Blu-ray / Blu-ray Box	DVD Sale / DVD Rental
September 18	Blu-ray Vol. #1 (episodes 001-003)	Volume #1 (episodes 001-003)
October 23	Box #1 (episodes 004-015)	Volume #2 (episodes 004-006)
November 20	–	Volume #3 (episodes 007-009)
December 18	–	Volume #4 (episodes 010-012)

 

2010 Releases

Date	Blu-ray Box	DVD Sale / DVD Rental
January 29	–	Volume #5 (episodes 013-015)
February 19	Box #2 (episodes 016-027)	Volume #6 (episodes 016-018)
March 19	–	Volume #7 (episodes 019-021)
		Volume #8 (episodes 022-024)
April 23	Box #3 (episodes 028-039)	Volume #9 (episodes 025-027)
		Volume #10 (episodes 028-030)
May	–	Volume #11 (episodes 031-033)
		Volume #12 (episodes 034-036)
June	Box #4 (episodes 040-050)	Volume #13 (episodes 037-039)
		Volume #14 (episodes 040-042)
July	–	Volume #15 (episodes 043-045)
		Volume #16 (episodes 046-048)
August	–	Volume #17 (episodes 049-050)

The “Want to Learn More?!” section is quite interesting. It gives us a short Q&A with questions most of us would probably ask, but the answers are very typical “non-answer” speak that we always seem to get from Toei — and by that, I mean we do not get a straight/straight/honest answer. The answers still leave you with just as many questions, if not more.

Q: Why are the DVDs at 16:9 while the Blu-rays are at 4:3?
This time, for the TV broadcast, we broadcast the 4:3 picture cut to 16:9. Just as everyone can watch the DVDs in 16:9 HDTV, those who want to appreciate [the show] with the cut portions included, the full 4:3 picture has been included on the Blu-rays!

Q: What’s HD remastering?
Through digital processing, the image is made vivid, removing the garbage, scratches, and noise that remained on the film until now, making a clearer picture. Incidentally, “HD” means “high definition”.

Q: Is the story the same as “Dragon Ball Z”?
This time, we’re editing it so that it follows the original story, so that you can enjoy fast-paced [story] development. Also, a new dub has been recorded, courtesy of the troop of wonderful voice actors.

Q: Why is Volume #1 the only Blu-ray Disc not included in a box?
Now that the image has been beautified through digital remastering, in order to show [this new image] to as many people as possible, we’re selling these 3 episodes at a special price! (It can be inserted into Box #1!)

I still want to know why the DVDs are in 16:9! Are they trying to force people to buy the Blu-rays or are they trying to make more money off of those that want the series in both the broadcast and full HD formats? Anyway, the final section provides other official links related to the series. So there you go, all the information we know about the Dragon Ball Kai home video release is broken down in this update. Hopefully that will get us through until September, but if anything new pops up, we will be sure to let you know!

Our forum member LeprikanGT shared a new Raging Blast scan with us on our forum:

It looks like the new PS3 & 360 game will be getting its own new theme song by none other than Hironobu Kageyama (whoo-hoo!), and it will be called “Progression”. Since Hiroki Takahashi’s new song for Tenka’ichi Dai-Bōken is getting a CD single, we are hopeful about this new song, as well.

Gamasutra has an interesting article up which (while only tangentially related to Dragon Ball) you may find of interest. Titled “Pecha-Kucha and Game Culture in Tokyo“, it is a brief recap and explanation of Pecha-Kucha, a presentation format where the individual or group has twenty slides and twenty seconds for each, totaling six-minutes-forty-seconds. In this particular event:

… Patrick W. Galbraith, author of the Otaku Encyclopedia, gives a presentation about Japanese anime, game, and geek culture.

Two hours in: the audience is getting restless. Presentations have been going on for a while now, but when Galbraith, a PhD candidate at Tokyo University, is called on stage, people take notice. He is, after all, dressed like Goku, a character from the popular manga Dragon Ball. Accompanying him is a girl dressed as a French maid, Ayakawa Yunmao. She is head of the Maid Cooperative, a professional organization for the hundreds of maids who work in Tokyo’s geek Mecca, Akihabara.

These women work at maid cafes where customers come to relax, hang out, and occasionally pay for a maid to accompany them while they shop for video games and comic books. Together, they teach the audience about Japanese Otaku (geeks) and Akihabara. This isn’t Galbraith’s first time presenting. He says he always receives feedback from his Pecha-Kucha presentations. “I use a lot of props. Give ’em the old razzle dazzle.” People respond to that.