I’m sure that by now it has become clear that I’m not content with merely watching the most recent media. However, it can be difficult getting my hands on older anime shows and movies. While we have seen various distributors such as Anime Ltd and even Funimation dipping into the classics, I want to bring particular attention to Discotek Media.
Let’s start with their origins. Discotek Media was founded in 2005, making them relatively recent by distributor standards, with a goal of releasing vintage anime. Since then, Discotek Media have released a vast amount of series, movies and OVAs and, while they dabble in new series every now and then, their focus on older media sets them apart from other distributors.
I can remember, when I began seeking out older anime works, coming across their name consistently and realizing that I would have to begin collecting their releases. Being an American distributor, I was concerned that I would have to use a region free DVD player in order to watch their shows. However, I found out that the vast majority of their DVD releases work in Region 2 and quickly began picking up their shows (if you wish to familiarize yourself with DVD region codes, check out this link.)
Most assuredly, the series that can be most heavily associated with Discotek Media is Lupin the 3rd. A franchise featuring the adventures of the eponymous Lupin the 3rd, a master thief, along with his companions Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa and Fujiko Mine as they are pursued by Inspector Zenigata. The anime incarnation of this franchise has been running since 1971 and remains one of the most popular anime franchises in Japan with various TV shows, specials, movies and more continuing to be released.
I previously had little experience with the Lupin the 3rd franchise, having only seen The Mystery of Mamo and The Woman called Fujiko Mine from Manga Entertainment and The Castle of Cagliostro from Studiocanal. Once I found out that the 1971 series was available to order from Discotek Media, I very quickly purchased it and, since then, have made it my yearly ritual to pick up their releases of Lupin the 3rd Part II. Discotek Media have released many Lupin the 3rd DVDs and Blu-Rays and I wholeheartedly recommend that any anime fan check the series out.
Beyond that, I have collected their releases of Giant Gorg, Super Dimension Century Orguss, Space Pirate Captain Harlock (a personal favourite), Devilman, Cutie Honey and Dororo. Without Discotek Media, I’m pretty certain that many of these shows would not have seen an English release for which I am continually thankful.
Releasing anime can be a difficult venture and to see someone dedicated to fulfilling a niche (in this case, vintage) is enormously impressive. Based on my personal experiences with their releases, I fully recommend that you begin filling up your physical library with their releases. They deserve to be supported.
Hopefully you have found this article interesting and informative and, if you wish to seek any of the works I mentioned, don’t hesitate to use amazon.co.uk or amazon.com for all of your needs!