Discotek Media has revealed a substantial list of new anime licenses, sending waves of excitement through the anime community. The announcement, made during a livestream event on Monday, includes a mix of classic and beloved titles, promising a diverse range of releases for fans. Among the most notable acquisitions are the notorious adult anime Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend, the psychological horror series Higurashi: When They Cry, and the sci-fi harem comedy DearS.
A Treasure Trove of New Anime Releases
Discotek Media’s latest licensing spree covers a broad spectrum of anime genres and eras, solidifying its reputation for catering to a wide range of tastes. The company has become well-known for its dedication to preserving and re-releasing older anime, often utilizing meticulous restoration processes to enhance the viewing experience.
Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend
Perhaps the most talked-about announcement is the licensing of Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend. This infamous adult anime is set to receive an uncut release with a brand-new 2K scan and restoration. Discotek Media reportedly used one of the last two known existing 35mm prints of the uncut version, which originated from a private collection. The restoration process took nine months, employing AstroRes upscaling technology for cleanup. This release will feature the uncut three-episode OVA version in standard definition with subtitles, as well as the 1989 compilation film version. Additionally, fans can expect extras such as liner notes, trailers, promo collections, original credit rolls, and animatic sequences.
Higurashi: When They Cry
Another major license acquisition is Higurashi: When They Cry. This popular series is known for its dark, psychological themes and its intricate narrative. Discotekās release will allow fans to revisit the series, or experience it for the first time, with what is expected to be a high-quality release. The format and details of this release are still to be announced.
DearS
DearS, a science fiction-themed harem comedy series, is also among the newly licensed titles. Known for its quirky characters and light-hearted humor, DearS has garnered a cult following over the years. The release is sure to be a welcome addition to many anime collections. The format and details of this release are still to be announced.
Other Notable Licenses
In addition to the headliners, Discotek Media announced several other significant licenses:
- Cyborg 009 Vs. Devilman: The three-episode OVA will be released on Blu-ray in 2025, including the English dub from Netflix’s release.
- Angel Heart: The anime series, based on Tsukasa HÅjÅ’s manga, will be released on Blu-ray for the first time worldwide, featuring all 50 episodes with English subtitles.
- Osomatsu-kun: This classic comedy series is set for a release, details to follow.
- Flame of Recca: This action-packed anime series will also see a release, details to follow.
- Space Adventure Cobra: Special Yello Dubbed Version: A special dubbed version of this classic will be available.
- Lupin the 3rd: The Live Action Movie! The live-action adaptation of the classic anime will be released.
- Vivid Strike! This anime will be added to Discotek’s catalog.
These titles showcase Discotek Mediaās commitment to providing a diverse selection of anime to its audience, from classic series to more recent titles.
Discotek’s Commitment to Quality
Discotek Media has built a strong reputation for its dedication to quality and preservation. The company frequently uses advanced restoration techniques to bring older anime to modern audiences. Their efforts are particularly notable in instances where original masters are difficult to obtain or are in poor condition. Discotekās use of SD Blu-ray format for anime without HD masters is a testament to their dedication to releasing content in the best possible format available.
Unusual Methods for Dub Recovery
Discotek has also been known to go to great lengths to find lost English dubs, using methods such as utilizing a Betamax copy of Nutcracker Fantasy to remaster the international cut of the film. They also reached out to fans to locate the English dub of the third season of Medabots. This commitment to preserving anime history, even in the most challenging cases, sets them apart from other distributors.
Discotek’s History and Impact
Founded in 2005, Discotek Media has focused on licensing retro titles from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, often rescuing licenses from other companies. Their catalog includes major franchises like Lupin the Third, Digimon, Fist of the North Star, and Urusei Yatsura. They have also collaborated with streaming services like Crunchyroll on releases such as KonoSuba, Kemono Friends, and 5 Centimeters per Second.
In recent years, Discotek has expanded its reach by creating new sub-labels: Nihon Nights for live-action films and Toku Time for tokusatsu series.
Community Reaction
The announcement has been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions from anime fans. The restoration of Urotsukidoji is particularly exciting for those who have been waiting for a high-quality, uncut release. The inclusion of other classic and cult-favorite series has also been widely celebrated within the community. Many fans have expressed gratitude towards Discotek for their ongoing commitment to preserving and making available these important pieces of anime history.
Looking Ahead
With these new licenses, Discotek Media is poised for another successful year. Their commitment to high-quality releases and their willingness to tackle difficult restoration projects continues to earn them the respect of anime fans. The announced titles are expected to be released throughout 2025, with specific dates to be announced in the coming months. As Discotek continues to acquire and release these titles, they are proving themselves to be a major force in the anime distribution landscape.
The latest announcement is a testament to Discotek’s dedication to providing diverse and high-quality anime releases for a growing audience. With their ongoing efforts in restoration and a strong lineup of beloved titles, Discotek Media is ensuring that classic anime continues to reach new generations of fans.
