Manga Entertainment: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Jonboy24 (talk | contribs)
112 edits
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
(467 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|US anime distributor}}
{{for|the UK company formerly known as Manga Entertainment and also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd.|Crunchyroll UK and Ireland}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| company_name = Manga Entertainment, LLC
| name = Manga Entertainment, LLC
| logo = Manga Entertainment.svg
| company_type = Subsidiary of [[Starz Media|Starz Media LLC]]
| logo_size = 200px
| company_logo =[[Image:Manga-logo.jpg]]
| logo_caption = The Manga Entertainment U.S. logo
| company_slogan =
| fate = Absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (later [[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]) (U.S. branch)<br />Acquired by Funimation (now known as [[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll, LLC]]) (UK branch)
| foundation = [[1991]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| location = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]<ref>"[http://www.manga.com/aboutus About Us]." ''Manga Entertainment''. Retrieved on February 5, 2009.</ref>
| key_people =
| key_people = [[Andy Frain]], [[Chris Blackwell]], [[Marvin Gleicher]], [[Laurence Guinness]], Mike Preece
| industry = Entertainment ([[anime]])
| num_employees =
| revenue =
| former_name =
| successors = [[Starz Inc.]]/[[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] (2011–present, U.S. branch)<br />[[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland]] (2021–present, UK branch)
| industry = Entertainment ([[Anime]])
| products = Anime theatrical and direct marketing and production
| products = Anime
| revenue =
| homepage = [http://www.manga.com/ Manga Entertainment]
| owner = [[Lionsgate]]
[http://www.manga.co.uk/ Manga Entertainment UK]
| num_employees =
[http://www.madman.com.au/ Madman Entertainment (Handles Manga's Licences In Australia)]
| parent = [[Lionsgate#Home entertainment|Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]
| company_slogan =
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1991|1|17}} (UK branch)<br /> {{Start date and age|1993}} (U.S. branch)
| defunct = {{End date and age|2017}} (U.S. branch)<br /> {{End date and age|2021|4|19}} (UK branch)
| location = [[Los Angeles]], California, United States
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.manga.com/}}
| predecessor =
}}
}}
:''This article is about Manga Entertainment, the anime distributor. For Manga, a term for Japanese comics, see [[Manga]].''
{{Intro-rewrite|date=September 2009}}
'''Manga Entertainment''' is a producer, licensor and distributor of [[anime|Japanese animation]] in the [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[France]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]].


'''Manga Entertainment''' was a producer, licensee, and distributor of [[anime]] in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally founded in the UK in 1987, the UK branch became Funimation UK and Ireland in 2021, also currently known as [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll Ltd.]] since 2022, while its U.S. branch was absorbed into [[Starz Inc.]] (now owned by [[Lionsgate]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mangauk.com/about-us/|title=About Us|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20201019201429/https://www.mangauk.com/about-us/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Manga Entertainment was founded by [[Andy Frain]] for [[Chris Blackwell]]'s [[Island Records]] in 1991.{{Verify source|date=August 2008}} The company's first release, ''[[Akira (film)|Akira]]'', was both a critical and commercial success,{{Citation needed|date=February 2008}} and led the company to license more anime for release in the European, Australian and, subsequently, the United States markets. Manga Entertainment became a hugely successful brand, consistently achieving Top 20 entries in the UK video charts. {{Citation needed|date=February 2008}}{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}}
Despite its name, the company's principal business was the distribution of [[anime]] rather than [[manga]], although they have published some manga (such as ''[[Crying Freeman]]'') under the Manga Books imprint.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shirow | first=Masamune | author-link=Masamune Shirow|others=trans. Studio Proteus | title=Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge | edition=UK | publisher=Manga Publishing | location=London | isbn=1-900097-01-X | orig-year=1985 | year=1995}}</ref>


== History ==
The company's distribution was initially focused in the UK, Australia and Europe before expanding to the U.S. and Canada in 1994. Originally based near [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], Manga's U.S. branch became Manga Entertainment Inc. and focused on the North American anime market. Manga Entertainment's Australian division became Manga Entertainment Australia Ltd., but Manga Entertainment in the UK still has control over a majority of Manga Australia's catalogue. Frain resigned from Manga in November 1995 {{Verify source|date=August 2008}}to start Touchwood Animation Ltd. but he retained a minority share in the company which he sold back to Blackwell prior to Manga's acquisition by IDT.{{Verify source|date=August 2008}} In November 1995, [[Marvin Gleicher]] replaced Frain as CEO, with Mike Preece as UK managing director.{{Verify source|date=August 2008}}
[[File:Manga Entertainment's Manga Video imprint, circa 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Manga Entertainment's original logo and initial imprint]]


Manga Entertainment (formerly Island World Communications) was founded in London in 1991 by [[Chris Blackwell]] and Laurence Guinness <ref>{{cite web | url=https://animehistory.co.uk/Company/Manga_Entertainment | title=Anime History - Manga Entertainment }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> as a subsidiary of [[Island Records]]' Island World Group. IWC took over the company number for Golden Square Music, but had no relationship to IWC or Manga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02202664|title=MANGA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)|website=beta.companieshouse.gov.uk|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704223504/https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02202664|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ann">{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-09-14/.92910|title=Answerman - What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment?|work=Anime News Network|access-date=June 28, 2019|language=en|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722132743/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-09-14/.92910|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/story-behind-film-akira/|title=Akira: The story behind the film|work=Empire Online|access-date=June 28, 2019|language=en|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909041713/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/story-behind-film-akira/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Chapter 4: The Development of the Japanese Animation Audience in the UK and France by Helen McCarthy|work=Amazon Books Online|isbn=0253340357|language=en|last1=Lent|first1=John A.|year=2001}}</ref> Manga Entertainment expanded into North America in 1993 with the purchase of L.A. Hero, forming Manga U.S. while Manga UK entered the Australian market in late 1993 and began releasing titles in January 1994 in conjunction with the Australian division of Island's parent company, [[PolyGram]] and local independent distributor Siren Entertainment.
Despite their name, the company's principal business is the distribution of [[anime]] rather than [[manga]], although they have published some manga in the UK under the Manga Books imprint such as ''[[Crying Freeman]]''.<ref>{{cite book | last=Shirow | first=Masamune | authorlink=Masamune Shirow|others=trans. Studio Proteus | title=Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge | edition=UK ed. | publisher=Manga Publishing | location=London | isbn=1-900097-01-X | origyear=1985 | year=1995}}</ref>


On May 13, 2004, [[Starz Distribution|IDT Entertainment]] announced they would purchase Manga U.S., becoming a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040513005288/en/IDT-Entertainment-Acquires-Manga-Entertainment-Company-Gains-Extensive-Library-of-Japanese-Animation-Programming|title=IDT Entertainment Acquires Manga Entertainment; Company Gains Extensive Library of Japanese Animation Programming|date=May 13, 2004|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130307/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040513005288/en/IDT-Entertainment-Acquires-Manga-Entertainment-Company-Gains-Extensive-Library-of-Japanese-Animation-Programming|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Manga UK and Manga U.S. began to operate independently from each other, but still remain under the same ownership.<ref name="ann" /> [[Liberty Media]] would then purchase IDT Entertainment in 2006<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060516005627/en/Liberty-Media-to-Acquire-IDT-Entertainment-Starzs-Top-Premium-Television-Service-to-Join-With-IDTs-Animation-and-Live-Action-Production-and-Home-Entertainment-Distribution-Business|title=Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business|date=May 16, 2006|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=September 19, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130317/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060516005627/en/Liberty-Media-to-Acquire-IDT-Entertainment-Starzs-Top-Premium-Television-Service-to-Join-With-IDTs-Animation-and-Live-Action-Production-and-Home-Entertainment-Distribution-Business|url-status=live}}</ref> and would be renamed as [[Starz Distribution|Starz Media]].
== The company ==
Manga Entertainment is an entertainment company that co-produces animation such as ''[[Ghost in the Shell (film)|Ghost in the Shell]]'', ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation]]'', ''[[Highlander: The Search for Vengeance]]'' and ''[[Eon Kid]]'',<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2005-09-08/manga-entertainment-announces-international-partnership-for-iron-kid | title=Manga Entertainment Announces International Partnership for Iron Kid | publisher=Anime News Network | date=[[September 8]] [[2005]] | accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref>, usually through financial contributions toward production costs. However, Manga is primarily involved in the distribution of anime in [[Europe]] and the [[United States|U.S]]. Manga is a division of [[Starz Media]], a subsidiary of venture capital firm [[Liberty Media]].


In 2011, Manga U.S. ceased licensing new products after the release of ''[[Redline (2009 film)|Redline]]'' and was absorbed into Starz Media. On August 8, 2012, Liberty Media announced that it would spin-off Starz Media into a separate publicly traded company.<ref>"New York Deadline" [https://deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off-315388/ Liberty Media Says It Will Spin Off Starz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://deadline.com/2012/08/liberty-media-starz-spin-off-315388/ |date=February 28, 2023 }} deadline.com, Retrieved on August 8, 2012</ref> The spin-off of [[Starz Inc.]] was completed on January 15, 2013<ref>"Yahoo Finance" [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/liberty-media-spins-off-starz-135852048.html Liberty Media Spins-off Starz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814112906/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/liberty-media-spins-off-starz-135852048.html |date=August 14, 2021 }} finance.yahoo.com Zacks Equity Research, Retrieved on January 24, 2013</ref> which included all subsidiaries.
Manga Entertainment UK does not license some anime to Australia because [[Madman Entertainment]] has already secured the rights the license and distribute to the titles below and are at least six months ahead of Manga UK:


=== 2015–present ===
* ''[[Death Note]]''
On February 26, 2015, the UK branch was acquired from Starz Media, alongside its parent Anchor Bay UK, by managing director Colin Lomax.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-26/starz-sells-manga-entertainment/.85400 | title=Starz Sells Manga Entertainment | publisher=[[Anime News Network]] | date=February 26, 2015 | access-date=February 28, 2019 | archive-date=February 28, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-02-26/starz-sells-manga-entertainment/.85400 | url-status=live }}</ref> Anchor Bay UK was renamed to Platform Entertainment and went on to have exclusive rights to the Manga Entertainment branding and catalog in the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.screendaily.com/news/colin-lomax-former-anchor-bay-uk-chief-dies-aged-56/5125270.article|title=Colin Lomax, former Anchor Bay UK chief, dies aged 56|work=Screen|access-date=February 10, 2018|language=en|archive-date=February 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209024014/https://www.screendaily.com/news/colin-lomax-former-anchor-bay-uk-chief-dies-aged-56/5125270.article|url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]''
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence]]''
* ''[[Naruto]]''
* ''[[Casshan]]''
* ''[[Millennium Actress]]''
* ''[[Otogi Zoshi]]''
* ''[[Robotech]]''
* ''[[She, The Ultimate Weapon]]''
* ''[[Tokyo Underground]]''


In June 2016, [[Lionsgate]] announced they would acquire [[Starz Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/lionsgate-buys-starz-1201781609/|title=Lionsgate Agrees To Buy Starz For $4.4 Billion In Cash And Stock|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=June 30, 2016|archive-date=July 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701135434/https://deadline.com/2016/06/lionsgate-buys-starz-1201781609/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Acquisition2">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/starz-lionsgate-close-acquisition-1201937471/|title=Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition|last=Schwindt|first=Oriana|work=Variety|date=December 8, 2016|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=February 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228130256/https://variety.com/2016/biz/news/starz-lionsgate-close-acquisition-1201937471/|url-status=live}}</ref> which would eventually be completed in December 2016, placing Manga U.S. under [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]]. In the same month, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution announced they had purchased Platform Entertainment and confirmed that they would split Manga UK off to become separately operated. After Platform Entertainment stopped distributing Manga titles, they went on to having their titles released in the UK by Spirit Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/kaleidoscope-buys-distributor-platform-entertainment/5111952.article|title=Kaleidoscope buys distributor Platform Entertainment|website=Screen|access-date=July 4, 2019|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212025640/https://www.screendaily.com/distribution/kaleidoscope-buys-distributor-platform-entertainment/5111952.article|url-status=live}}</ref>
Manga has also played a part in [[dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbing]] anime, when it is not sub-licensing a production that has already been licensed by another company (e.g., ''[[Akira (film)|Akira]]'', licensed and redubbed by [[Geneon]] in 2001, ''[[Bounty Dog]]'', and ''[[Lupin III: Bye Bye Liberty Crisis]]'').


In 2017, [[Lionsgate Home Entertainment]] relaunched Manga U.S.' website and [[Facebook]] and [[Twitter|X (Twitter)]] page, and confirmed a re-launch in the near future. Lionsgate currently licenses the Manga Entertainment brand-name from [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Crunchyroll]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manga.com/|title=Manga|website=www.manga.com|access-date=May 1, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926154234/https://www.manga.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following year, the CEO Colin Lomax had died, during between the Christmas 2017 and New Year 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-03/manga-entertainment-ceo-colin-lomax-passes-away/.126015|title=Manga Entertainment CEO Colin Lomax Passes Away|website=Anime News Network|date=January 3, 2018|access-date=January 3, 2024|archive-date=January 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103033302/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-03/manga-entertainment-ceo-colin-lomax-passes-away/.126015|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 2023, the relaunch did not happen as of yet, with some of Manga's titles like ''Ghost in the Shell'' being rereleased under the main Lionsgate banner.
Manga Entertainment originally opened in London in 1991 in order to bring anime to the European market. The companies first release was the film ''[[Akira (film)|Akira]]'' (which was translated and dubbed in English by [[Streamline Pictures]]). The success of Akira was unprecedented and the Manga Entertainment company was quickly created. The U.S. arm debuted in July 1994 with an office near [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]]; their first North American release was ''[[Macross Plus]]'' on late February 1995. Manga Entertainment has become a very well known brand around the world due to its continuing distribution of anime, which have proved to be a great success with fans around the world. This can be seen when Manga released ''[[Ninja Scroll]]'' and ''Ghost in the Shell'', the latter being the only Japanese animated film to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Top 40 Video Sales chart ([[August 24]] [[1996]]). The company has also become associated with controversy concerning the distribution of [[hentai]] anime ''[[Urotsukidoji]]'' in Europe and Australia.


== See also ==
Managing Director, [[Kaoru Mfaume]], oversaw Manga Entertainment's worldwide operations until he left in 2007.{{Verify source|date=August 2008}} His tenure at Manga followed an extensive career in the anime industry originally working as a production and development executive before becoming Manga’s Vice President of Acquisitions. He has served as executive producer on a number of high profile anime projects including ''[[Dead Leaves]]'', ''[[Blood: The Last Vampire]]'', ''[[Street Fighter Alpha Generations]]'' and ''Iron Kid'', and is a permanent member of the ''Ghost in the Shell'' Production Committee.
* [[Entertainment One]]

* ''[[Manga Force: The Ultimate Collection]]''
==Manga Entertainment Australia==
The first presence of Manga Entertainment in Australia and New Zealand was in 1991, when Manga Entertainment UK sub-licensed ''Akira'' to Ronin Films Pty Ltd. ''Akira'' was a commercial success in Australia when it was released in cinemas nationwide. Manga then transferred that license to 21st Century Pictures Pty Ltd in 1992 and then received a VHS release. Manga UK tried to get ''Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend'' released in the country for a cinema-wide release, but was refused classification by the OFLC, which in turn was banned outright in Australia. Due to the recession in Australia at the time, Manga Entertainment and Island Records did not think it was a good idea to set up an Australian subsidiary until 1994, when Manga Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd. was established. Manga Australia re-submitted ''Urotsukidoji'' for classification, which was then classified R18+ without cuts. It received a cinema-wide release but then the Classification Review Board made the OFLC cut it before a VHS release date was announced. Manga then gave Siren Entertainment the distribution rights to most of their titles. Manga Entertainment merged with its new distributor, [[Madman Entertainment]], in 2003 before being sold to IDT.

== Manga UK products ==
=== Manga Force ===
{{Main|Manga Force: The Ultimate Collection}}

From January 2007. Manga UK started to produce a fortnightly magazine aimed at promoting both the company itself through the use of some of its more revered titles. Issue one, for example, used ''Ghost in the Shell''. The magazine will run for fifty issues and cost £8.99 for each issue after the first issue which was £2.99.

=== Anime Showcase ===
[[Image:MANG7025.jpg||thumb|right|150px| DVD cover for ''Anime Showcase'']]
''Anime Showcase'' is a promotional DVD which is being distributed for Manga UK by [[HMV]]. The price of the DVD is £3.99 and includes various snippets of different anime including:

* Noein - Episode 1
* Heat Guy J - Episode 1
* Otogi Zoshi - Episode 1
* A five minute preview of ''[[Hellboy: Sword of Storms]]''
* Trailers For 'Tokyo Zombie', 'Noein', 'Tactics' and others.

A second ''Anime Showcase'' DVD was recently released. Priced at £3.99 (or free with selected Manga DVDS), it contained the following-
* Bleach - Episodes 1 & 2
* Naruto - Episodes 1 & 2
* Trailers for various Manga properties.

== Anime licenced by Manga Entertainment ==

{{As of|2005}}, Manga Entertainment owns the [[English language|English]] rights to 57 anime titles. Their UK arm, Manga Entertainment UK, also sub-licenses a number of titles such as ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]'' and ''[[Naruto]]'' from American companies who do not have a UK division.

Manga Entertainment UK now sub-licenses titles from Funimation in the US on a case by case basis.

=== Current Licenses ===
==== United Kingdom (DVD Region 2) ====
* ''[[5 Centimeters Per Second]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Appleseed (OVA)|Appleseed]]'' (Anime Ova 1988 version) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Baldr Force EXE]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[Bleach (manga)|Bleach]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Bleach: Memories of Nobody]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Black Blood Brothers]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Black Jack (manga)|Black Jack]]'' (The Movie) (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Blue Dragon]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Blood: The Last Vampire]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Buso Renkin]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Casshan: Robot Hunter]]'' (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Choke]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[D.Gray-man]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Dangaioh]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Dark Myth]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Darker than Black]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Dead Leaves]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Death Note]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12 <ref>[http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/e8ea0df3a881175480256d58003cb570/018537394a75e34d8025741e0033282e?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=4#_Section4] [http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/e8ea0df3a881175480256d58003cb570/7850c9788853f0278025741e0033283c?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=4#_Section4 BBFC Rating for Death Note]</ref>)
* ''[[Detonator Orgun]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Ghost Hunt]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell (film)|Ghost in the Shell]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15) [[Image:Ghost In The Shell DVD.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Cover of ''Ghost in the Shell''.]]
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd Gig|Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society|Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[The Girl Who Leapt Through Time]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Golgo 13]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor]]'' (Anime 2005 Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Heat Guy J]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Hellsing Ultimate]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[Highlander: The Search for Vengeance]]'' (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Jyu-Oh-Sei]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Kai Doh Maru]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Karas (anime)|Karas]]'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Kitaro]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: PG)
* ''[[Landlock (anime)|Landlock]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Demon Womb]]'' (BBFC: 18 - Edited)
* ''[[Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend]]'' (BBFC: 18 - Edited)
* ''[[MÄR]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Mega Man Star Force (anime)|Mega Man: Star Force]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Millennium Actress]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: PG)
* ''[[List of Naruto media#DVD release (UK)|Naruto Unleashed]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Naruto: The Lost Story]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Naruto: Shippuden]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Negima!?]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[New Dominion Tank Police]]'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[New Gall Force]]'' (BBFC: PG)
* ''[[Ninja Scroll]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 18 - Original release - Edited, 10th anniversary edition - Uncut)<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:NinjaScroll-dvd-cover.jpg||thumb|right|150px|Manga's [[Ninja Scroll]] DVD cover]] -->
* ''[[Origin: Spirits of the Past]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 12)
* ''[[Orguss 02]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Otogizōshi (anime)|Otogi Zoshi]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Ouran High School Host Club]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Panda! Go, Panda!]]'' (Anime Movie Short) (BBFC Cert: U)
* ''[[Razor Blade Smile]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[Read or Die (OVA)|Read or Die]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Robotech]]: The Complete Saga'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Robotech]]: The Macross Saga'' (BBFC: PG)
* ''[[Robotech]]: The Masters'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Robotech]]: The New Generation'' (BBFC: PG)
* ''[[Sherlock Hound]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) HMV EXCLUSIVE YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[She, The Ultimate Weapon]]'' (Anime Tv Series + Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Shigurui: Death Frenzy]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[The Sky Crawlers]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Soul Eater]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Space Adventure Cobra]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Strait Jacket]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha Generations]]'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Street Fighter 2]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Submarine 707R]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: PG)
* ''[[Survive Style 5+]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Tactics (manga)|Tactics]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Tamagotchi: The Movie]]'' (Anime Movie) (BBFC Cert: U)
* ''[[Tetsujin 28]]'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Tetsujin 28: The Movie]]'' (BBFC: PG)
* ''[[The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb]]'' (BBFC: 15)
* ''[[Tokko (anime)|Tokko]]'' (Anime Tv Series)(BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Tokyo Fist]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: 18)
* ''[[Tokyo Underground]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: PG)
* ''[[Tokyo Zombie]]'' (Live Action Movie) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Vampire Hunter D]]'' (Anime Ova) (BBFC Cert: 15)
* ''[[Vampire Knight]]'' (Anime Tv series) (BBFC Cert: TBC) YET TO BE RELEASED
* ''[[Vampire Wars]]'' (BBFC: 18)
* ''[[Virus Buster Serge]]'' (BBFC: 12)
* ''[[Voltron]]'' (Anime Tv Series) (BBFC Cert: U)
* ''[[XxxHolic]]'' (Anime Tv series) (BBFC Cert: 12)

==== Australia (DVD Region 4, Distributed By Madman Entertainment, formerly by Siren Entertainment and Polygram)====
* ''[[Akira (film)|Akira]]'' (OFLC: M, Theatrically Released in 1991 by Island Visual, Manga Entertainment UK, Ronin Films and ICA Projects)
* ''[[Amon Saga]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Anime Classics]]'' (OFLC: R 18+, A boxset containing [[Ninja Scroll]], [[Akira (film)|Akira]] and [[Ghost In The Shell]], a re-branding of Manga UK's Manga Classics)
* ''[[Appleseed OVA]]'' (OFLC: M, Previously released on VHS by itself and bundled with [[Battle Angel Alita]])
* ''[[Black Jack (manga)|Blackjack]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Blood: The Last Vampire]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Dead Leaves]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)
* ''[[End Of Evangelion]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell]]'' (OFLC: M, Theatrically released in 1995 by Manga Entertainment Australia)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. - Individual Eleven|Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Individual Eleven]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Golgo 13: The Professional|The Professional: Golgo 13]]'' (OFLC: R 18+)
* ''[[Highlander: The Search for Vengeance]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Kai Doh Maru]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Karas (anime)|KARAS]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Macross Plus]]'' (OFLC: PG)
* ''[[Millennium Actress]]'' (OFLC: PG)
* ''[[Noein]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Ninja Scroll]]'' (First VHS Production Certification, Manga's USA uncut version, OFLC: MA 15+, Re-Issued VHS Certification OFLC: R 18+, using Manga's Australian and UK BBFC cut for the VHS, edited DVD and the uncut DVD version, Theatrically Released in 1994 by Manga Entertainment Australia)
* ''[[Patlabor: The Movie]]'' (OFLC: PG, re-released as a 2 disc DVD collection with Patlabor 2, Theatrically released in 1995 by Manga Entertainment Australia and Siren Entertainment)
* ''[[Patlabor: The Movie 2]]'' (OFLC: PG, re-released as a 2 disc DVD collection with Patlabor 1, Theatrically released in 1996 by Manga Entertainment Australia)
* ''[[Shadow Skill]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: Generations]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie]]'' (OFLC: M, Theatrically released in 1996 by Manga Entertainment Australia, Columbia Tristar and Sony Music Entertainment Australia)
* ''[[Street Fighter II V]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Urotsukidoji|Urotsukidoji: Legend Of The Overfiend]]'' (OFLC: R 18+, Edited, Theatrically released in its uncut form by Manga Entertainment Australia in 1992)
* ''[[Urotsukidoji|Urotsukidoji: Legend Of The Demon Womb]]'' (OFLC: R 18+, Edited, Theatrically released by Manga Entertainment Australia in 1995)
* ''[[Virus Buster Serge]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Wicked City (film)|Wicked City]]'' (OFLC: R 18+, Previously released on VHS bundled Monster City a.k.a [[Demon City Shinjuku]] on 1 tape and by itself)
* ''[[X (1996 film)|X: The Movie]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)

==== Expired licences in Australia ====
* ''[[Voltron]]'' (Re-released by Madman Entertainment)
* ''[[Cyber City Oedo 808]]'' (Re-released by Madman Entertainment, OFLC's Manga VHS certifications, M and MA 15+, DVD certification, M, Released on 3 VHS tapes, and released on 1 tape as apart of Manga's [[The Cyberpunk Collection]])
* ''[[Demon City Shinjuku]]'' (OFLC: M, Re-released by Madman Entertainment, used to be called
by Manga's Name, Monster City, released on 1 tape from Manga, and bundled with [[Wicked City]] on 1 tape)
* ''[[Fist of the North Star]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Giant Robo (OVA)|Giant Robo]]'' (OFLC: PG, M)
* ''[[Landlock]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Macross Plus: Movie Edition]]'' (OFLC: PG)
* ''[[Macross II]]'' (OVA version by Kiseki Films, OFLC: PG, Manga's movie version, OFLC, M)
* ''[[Orguss 02]]'' (OFLC: PG)
* ''[[Perfect Blue]]'' (OFLC: MA)
* ''[[Project A-ko]]'' (OFLC: PG, M, Re-released by Madman Entertainment)
* ''[[The Castle of Cagliostro]]'' (OFLC: PG, re-released by Madman Entertainment,)
* ''[[Wings Of Honneamise]]'' (OFLC: M, re-released by Madman Entertainment under Bandai Visual's Honneamise Label, Theatrically released by Manga Entertainment Australia in 1995)
* ''[[Mystery of Mamo]]''(OFLC: M, re-released by [[Madman Entertainment]])
* ''[[Space Adventure Cobra]]'' (OFLC: M, re-released by Madman Entertainment, Theatrically released by Manga Entertainment Australia in 1995)
* ''[[The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb]] (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Violence Jack]]'' (OFLC: RC, R 18+, Distribution of the Violence Jack OVA's was scrapped in Australia a few months after Violence Jack 1 was refused classification. But 2 and 3 went through without a problem.)
* ''[[Riding Bean]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[You're Under Arrest!]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'' (OFLC: M)

==== Yet to be released on DVD by Manga Entertainment in Australia (Still Licensed) ====
* ''[[3x3 Eyes]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Armageddon]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)
* ''[[A Wind Named Amnesia]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[AD Police]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)
* ''[[Angel Cop]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Battle Angel Alita]]'' (OFLC: M, released on 1 tape by Manga and bundled on 1 tape with Appleseed OVA)
* ''[[Bounty Dog]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Blue Sonnet]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Bubblegum Crash]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Crying Freeman]]'' (OFLC: M, R 18+)
* ''[[Devilman]]'' (OFLC: M, MA 15+)
* ''[[Dominion Tank Police]]'' (OFLC: PG)
* ''[[Doomed Megalopolis]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Genocyber]]'' Episodes 4 and 5 were not released by Manga Video (OFLC: M, R 18+)
* ''[[Gunhed]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Guyver]]'' (OFLC: PG, M)
* ''[[Goku: Midnight Eye]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Goku II: Midnight Eye]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)
* ''[[Junk Boy]]'' (OFLC: MA 15+)
* ''[[Kabuto]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Mad Bull 34]]'' (OFLC: R 18+)
* ''[[New Dominion Tank Police]]'' (OFLC: PG, M)
* ''[[Odin: Photon Sailer Starlight]]'' (OFLC: M)
* ''[[Sohryuden]]'' (Known in Australia as ''The Legend of the 4 Kings'' OFLC: M)
* ''[[Tactics (manga)|Tactics]]''
* ''[[Tokyo Babylon]] (OFLC: PG, M)

==== North America (DVD Region 1) ====
* ''[[Amon Saga]]''
* ''[[Angel Cop]]'' [17+]
* ''[[Appleseed (OVA)|Appleseed]]'' [16+] [TV-14]
* ''[[Black Jack (manga)|Black Jack]]: A Surgeon with the Hands of God'' [13+]
* ''[[Blood: The Last Vampire]]'' [17+]
* ''[[Bounty Dog]]''
* ''[[The Castle of Cagliostro]]'' [9+] [MPAA: PG-13]
* ''[[Dangaioh]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Dead Leaves]]'' [17+]
* ''[[Descendants of Darkness]]'' [13+] (TV rights)
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell (film)|Ghost in the Shell]]'' (along with [[PolyGram|Polygram Films]]) [17+]
* ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' (along with [[List of U.S. anime releases by Bandai Entertainment|Bandai Entertainment]]) [13+ and 16+ on Disc 3 (for Episode 10: Jungle Cruise)] [TV-14]/[TV-PG/TV-14/TV-MA]
** ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd Gig]]'' [13+] [TV-14]/[TV-MA]
** ''[[Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Ghost Sweeper Mikami]]'' (Movie) [16+]
* ''[[Gurren Lagann]]'' [13+] (TV rights)
* ''[[Highlander: The Search for Vengeance]]''
* ''[[Kaidohmaru]]''
* ''[[Karas (anime)|Karas]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Landlock (anime)|Landlock]]''
* ''[[Macross II]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Macross Plus]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Ninja Scroll]]'' [18+]
* ''[[Noein]] [13+]
* ''[[Perfect Blue]]'' (along with [[Miramax Films]]) [17+] [MPAA: Restricted; Unrated for uncut version]
* ''[[Psychic Wars]]''
* ''[[Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie]]'' (along with [[Columbia Pictures]]) [13+] [MPAA: PG-13]
* ''[[Street Fighter II V]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Street Fighter Alpha: Generations]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Shadow Skill]]'' (OVA and movie)
* ''[[Sword for Truth]]''
* ''[[Tactics (manga)|Tactics]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Tokko (manga)|Tokko]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Vampire Wars]]''
* ''[[Virus Buster Serge]]''
* ''[[X (1996 film)|X the Movie]]'' [TV-14] [MPAA: Restricted]

See also the list of anime licensed by Manga Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=10 | title=Anime which Manga Entertainment has licensed | publisher=Anime News Network | accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref>

===== US Spanish-language releases =====
* ''Ninja Scroll''
* ''Patlabor the Movie 1'' (expired)

===== Expired licenses in North America =====
* ''[[Black Magic M-66]]'' [16+]
* ''[[Dark Myth]]''
* ''[[Devilman]]''
* ''[[Fist of the North Star]]'' (TV, first 36 episodes only) [13+]
* ''[[Giant Robo (OVA)|Giant Robo]]''
* ''[[Gunbuster]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Guyver]]'' [13+]
* ''[[Mad Bull 34]]'' [18+]
* ''[[Evangelion: Death and Rebirth|Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth]]'' [15+]
* ''[[The End of Evangelion|Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion]]'' [17+]
* ''[[New Dominion Tank Police]]''
* ''[[Patlabor: The Movie]]'' [10+]
* ''[[Patlabor 2: The Movie]]'' [10+]
* ''[[Rayearth]]'' (OVA) [13+]
* ''[[Red Hawk]]'' [15+]
* ''[[Violence Jack]]''
* ''[[Wings of Honneamise]]''

Both ''Patlabor'' movies were subsequently licensed by [[Bandai Visual]] USA (now a subsidiary of [[Bandai Entertainment]]) and released through its Honneamise distribution label. Their releases included remastered video and audio and new English dubs for both movies (they were released in 2006). Bandai Visual USA also released a subtitled-only DVD set of ''Gunbuster'' on February 2007, as well as a DVD/Blu-Ray twin set of ''Wings of Honneamise'' on September 2007.<ref>[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=9476 The Wings of Honneamise - BluRay/DVD Combo (DVD) - Anime News Network<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. ''Giant Robo'' has since been licensed by [[Media Blasters]], which completed the series (along with the ''Ginrei'' spinoff) and re-dubbed the English dialogue.


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.manga.com/ Manga Video] and [http://www.manga.co.uk/ Manga Entertainment LTD]
* {{anime News Network|company|10|Manga Entertainment US}}
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/MANGAentertainment Manga Entertainment] at ''[[YouTube]]''
* [http://www.mangaforce.co.uk Mangaforce Fan Site].
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwb2r1vLtxM Original Manga Trailer]


{{SEG}}
{{Lionsgate}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Manga Entertainment| ]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1991 establishments in California]]
[[Category:2011 disestablishments in California]]
[[Category:2021 disestablishments in England]]
[[Category:American companies disestablished in 2011]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Anime companies]]
[[Category:Anime companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Chicago, Illinois]]
[[Category:British companies disestablished in 2021]]
[[Category:Companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:British companies established in 1987]]
[[Category:Liberty Media subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Defunct entertainment companies]]
[[Category:Defunct mass media companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Former Liberty Media subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Lionsgate subsidiaries]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1987]]
[[Category:Mass media companies established in 1991]]
[[Category:Starz Entertainment Group]]

Revision as of 03:33, 18 May 2024

For the UK company formerly known as Manga Entertainment and also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd., see Crunchyroll UK and Ireland.

Manga Entertainment, LLC
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryEntertainment (anime)
FoundedJanuary 17, 1991; 33 years ago (1991-01-17) (UK branch)
1993; 31 years ago (1993) (U.S. branch)
Defunct2017; 7 years ago (2017) (U.S. branch)
April 19, 2021; 3 years ago (2021-04-19) (UK branch)
FateAbsorbed into Starz Inc. (later Lionsgate Home Entertainment) (U.S. branch)
Acquired by Funimation (now known as Crunchyroll, LLC) (UK branch)
SuccessorsStarz Inc./Lionsgate Home Entertainment (2011–present, U.S. branch)
Crunchyroll UK and Ireland (2021–present, UK branch)
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California, United States
ProductsAnime
OwnerLionsgate
ParentLionsgate Home Entertainment
Websitewww.manga.com

Manga Entertainment was a producer, licensee, and distributor of anime in the United States and the United Kingdom. Originally founded in the UK in 1987, the UK branch became Funimation UK and Ireland in 2021, also currently known as Crunchyroll Ltd. since 2022, while its U.S. branch was absorbed into Starz Inc. (now owned by Lionsgate).[1]

Despite its name, the company's principal business was the distribution of anime rather than manga, although they have published some manga (such as Crying Freeman) under the Manga Books imprint.[2]

History

Manga Entertainment's original logo and initial imprint

Manga Entertainment (formerly Island World Communications) was founded in London in 1991 by Chris Blackwell and Laurence Guinness [3] as a subsidiary of Island Records' Island World Group. IWC took over the company number for Golden Square Music, but had no relationship to IWC or Manga.[4][5][6][7] Manga Entertainment expanded into North America in 1993 with the purchase of L.A. Hero, forming Manga U.S. while Manga UK entered the Australian market in late 1993 and began releasing titles in January 1994 in conjunction with the Australian division of Island's parent company, PolyGram and local independent distributor Siren Entertainment.

On May 13, 2004, IDT Entertainment announced they would purchase Manga U.S., becoming a subsidiary of IDT Entertainment.[8] In 2005, Manga UK and Manga U.S. began to operate independently from each other, but still remain under the same ownership.[5] Liberty Media would then purchase IDT Entertainment in 2006[9] and would be renamed as Starz Media.

In 2011, Manga U.S. ceased licensing new products after the release of Redline and was absorbed into Starz Media. On August 8, 2012, Liberty Media announced that it would spin-off Starz Media into a separate publicly traded company.[10] The spin-off of Starz Inc. was completed on January 15, 2013[11] which included all subsidiaries.

2015–present

On February 26, 2015, the UK branch was acquired from Starz Media, alongside its parent Anchor Bay UK, by managing director Colin Lomax.[12] Anchor Bay UK was renamed to Platform Entertainment and went on to have exclusive rights to the Manga Entertainment branding and catalog in the UK and Ireland.[13]

In June 2016, Lionsgate announced they would acquire Starz Inc.[14][15] which would eventually be completed in December 2016, placing Manga U.S. under Lionsgate Home Entertainment. In the same month, Kaleidoscope Film Distribution announced they had purchased Platform Entertainment and confirmed that they would split Manga UK off to become separately operated. After Platform Entertainment stopped distributing Manga titles, they went on to having their titles released in the UK by Spirit Entertainment.[16]

In 2017, Lionsgate Home Entertainment relaunched Manga U.S.' website and Facebook and X (Twitter) page, and confirmed a re-launch in the near future. Lionsgate currently licenses the Manga Entertainment brand-name from Crunchyroll.[17] In the following year, the CEO Colin Lomax had died, during between the Christmas 2017 and New Year 2018.[18] As of September 2023, the relaunch did not happen as of yet, with some of Manga's titles like Ghost in the Shell being rereleased under the main Lionsgate banner.

See also

References

  1. ^ "About Us". Archived from the original on October 19, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  2. ^ Shirow, Masamune (1995) [1985]. Appleseed Volume One: The Promethean Challenge. trans. Studio Proteus (UK ed.). London: Manga Publishing. ISBN 1-900097-01-X.
  3. ^ "Anime History - Manga Entertainment".[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "MANGA ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  5. ^ a b "Answerman - What Ever Happened to Manga Entertainment?". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 22, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  6. ^ "Akira: The story behind the film". Empire Online. Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  7. ^ Lent, John A. (2001). "Chapter 4: The Development of the Japanese Animation Audience in the UK and France by Helen McCarthy". Amazon Books Online. ISBN 0253340357.
  8. ^ "IDT Entertainment Acquires Manga Entertainment; Company Gains Extensive Library of Japanese Animation Programming". www.businesswire.com. May 13, 2004. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  9. ^ "Liberty Media to Acquire IDT Entertainment; Starz's Top Premium Television Service to Join With IDT's Animation and Live Action Production and Home Entertainment Distribution Business". www.businesswire.com. May 16, 2006. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  10. ^ "New York Deadline" Liberty Media Says It Will Spin Off Starz Archived February 28, 2023, at the Wayback Machine deadline.com, Retrieved on August 8, 2012
  11. ^ "Yahoo Finance" Liberty Media Spins-off Starz Archived August 14, 2021, at the Wayback Machine finance.yahoo.com Zacks Equity Research, Retrieved on January 24, 2013
  12. ^ "Starz Sells Manga Entertainment". Anime News Network. February 26, 2015. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  13. ^ "Colin Lomax, former Anchor Bay UK chief, dies aged 56". Screen. Archived from the original on February 9, 2023. Retrieved February 10, 2018.
  14. ^ Lieberman, David (June 30, 2016). "Lionsgate Agrees To Buy Starz For $4.4 Billion In Cash And Stock". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  15. ^ Schwindt, Oriana (December 8, 2016). "Lionsgate, Starz Close $4.4 Billion Acquisition". Variety. Archived from the original on February 28, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2016.
  16. ^ "Kaleidoscope buys distributor Platform Entertainment". Screen. Archived from the original on February 12, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2019.
  17. ^ "Manga". www.manga.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2020.
  18. ^ "Manga Entertainment CEO Colin Lomax Passes Away". Anime News Network. January 3, 2018. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Manga_Entertainment&oldid=1224393075"