Get ready for things to get more complicated in the world of North American anime distribution. Pony Canyon has announced that they’re getting into the market with a new brand called PONYCAN USA. What this unit appears to be doing, at least for now, is facilitating series that they’re involved with in regards to the streaming at first and then to do home video releases afterwards. Their goal is one that anime fans are familiar with as they’re looking to replicate the Aniplex USA model by providing high quality editions on par with the Japanese editions – and probably in regards to price as well.
The first two series that PONYCAN USA is working with in the North American market are Denki-Gai no Honya-san and Yuki Yuna wa Yusha de Aru.
You can see the official site here for this new distributor.
[Source: Crunchyroll]
Do we really need another Aniplex of America? If Pony Canyon’s U.S. business model is anything like Aniplex’s (especially price-wise), I want no part of it. However, if said business model includes theatrical distribution and Netflix streaming, I may have to reconsider…
I am definitely getting Free! – Iwatobi Swim Club first season when it get release in the US, but other than that I am not that interested Pony Canyon other shows they will offer when they open there US company.