Why do anime show the credits two times?

[Jord]

Why do anime titles like DBZ show the credits in the opening as well as the ending? I've always wondered why.

Well, I'm glad that the Funi DVD's don't show them, it ruins the screen IMO.

[Chibi Mystic Gohan]

The openings usually show just a few credits, the endings show everything else (like the voice actors, for one).

[Tsukento]

Uh, I dunno about you but most shows that I watch tend to also have credits on the openings as well as the endings. o_O Non-anime, that is. Sitcom shows mainly do this.

[Dayspring]

Following on Tsukento: not only do non-anime shows have credits too, but because they're non-animated it's usually just to show the castnames and where they got the song. During the first five minutes of the show we still get junk like who directed, guest-starred, produced, etc.

With anime it's probably the same deal, only all in the opening credits, and animation studios need to be credited as well.

[Tsukento]

And aren't the anime opening credits usually the same until something major changes (like an opening theme or ending)? I've noticed it's mainly the ending credits that change to fit with the episode's cast and crew and usually the opening just gives basic credit for the series. Or am I wrong?

[Hujio]

This Production Guide might help answer some of your questions.