Geneon gained a reputation among many anime fans as a fan-friendly company that delivered high-quality releases of even the least mainstream shows. For example, the special edition of Volume 2 of the Hellsing Ultimate OVA series included not only a second disc of extras but a steelbook DVD case and a book of production art. The company even released CD soundtracks of various anime series at one point under the Geneon Anime Music label.
There is no word yet as to what Geneon titles, if any, will be scooped up for distribution by the remaining companies in the U.S. anime market. It is also unclear whether the company will continue in the anime market in another form. Geneon's letter to retailers did not specify that the company was dissolving. It only noted that it would no longer be selling or distributing DVDs. There is speculation that Geneon Entertainment (USA) will become merely a licensor of properties produced by its Japanese parent.
Regardless of whether or not the Geneon name will be around next year, the loss of Geneon from the U.S. anime DVD market is a big blow for anime fans. The exit of such a major player will result in a decrease in the types of anime released in the U.S. It also makes one question the overall stability of the U.S. anime market. Is Geneon's exit the start of a trend of contraction in the anime market or is it just a case of a company not having enough mainstream titles to survive in a crowded market? Anime fans probably hope that it's the latter rather than the former.
Article comments
1 - Katie McNeill
OH! That makes me sad. :(
2 - Chris Beaumont
That's rather shocking. Too bad to as they put out good product (based on the sampling I have).