Gonzo recently announced that they’ll be releasing episodes of their new spring series, Druaga no Tou and Blassreiter, free with English subtitles streamed through YouTube, CrunchyRoll and BOST. Apparently the three different services will offer fans the choice between watching it streaming free to downloading cheap high-quality videos, and all will be released at the exact same time as the Japanese broadcast.
This is huge news, and an amazing about-face for the anime industry. Fansubbed anime is probably the most prevalent “pirated” video online right now, and nigh excusable in an industry where it’s still common to charge $25 for a single DVD with 4 episodes of a series if you’re lucky. This is exactly what’s needed: a dirt cheap to free means of digital distribution which allows fans to sample and enjoy a series (then purchase the entirety on DVD at a later point if they like, or purchase cheap digital downloads). Gonzo is proving themselves a production company that understands fan’s position and is catering directly to fans in an effort to equalize the market and bring distribution into the 21st century.
I am definitely very proud of Gonzo and GDH for this enlightened move, and I plan on writing them directly to tell them so. I recommend you do as well, because this is what we need and this type of behavior needs to be loudly praised and visibly rewarded.
Go Gonzo!
This is a nice step forward. Fansubs are good for popularity of a show, so I hope other companies will realize this and follow GDH’s example.
I add my voice to yours,
Thanks GONZO.
Have either of you seen Blassreiter or Druaga? Like them?
I have not seen Blassreiter and have no intention to check it out. I have seen Druaga, but I can’t say I like it. I can say that I will continue following it though. One thing that puzzled me is the introduction where they show the protagonists in modern Japan. I am wondering how they got there. Is the whole current setting we see is a MMORPG? I am just curious to see what is at the top of the tower. Overall, the story is not very good though, as you point out in your review. Perhaps, lackluster story is one of the reasons they are releasing the anime online – truly good works don’t need massive advertisement.
P.S. I like your avatar, Nobiai :)
Thanks! Spice and Wolf was one of the highlights of the past season; practically the only thing I watched as new shows were pretty sparse.
I think the opening to Druaga is just an ‘what if’ typical-anime spoof, though I won’t be watching it long enough to find out… Blassreiter I still need to check out though I don’t have very high hopes for it after Druaga. At the very least I’m proud of Gonzo for embracing this method, even if it’s not delivering us the most quality shows.
I have not seen Spice and Wolf, but will try to find time to watch it.
Check out first three episodes of Kaiba :)
Good choice! I actually just watched the first episode tonight and I loved it.