Anime Limited has picked up a new release for the UK region this week with the announcement of the acquisition of Gankutsuou, a science fiction re-telling of The Count of Monte Cristo. The company is planning a 2015 release for the series that will come out on both DVD and Blu-ray as well as VOD. The twenty-four episode series originally aired in 2004 and 2005 in Japan and was licensed for release in North America by Geneon Entertainment and by Madman Entertainment in Australia. Aniamted by Gonzo, Geneon licensed and produced a dub for the series, which has ended up in other regions. FUNimation took over the North American license after Geneon closed and the last release was in 2009 in a S.A.V.E format box set. No North American Blu-ray has been released.
Andrew Partridge, president of Anime Limited says: “It’s great to be able to release this classic series – based on a classic piece of literature- here in the UK and on blu-ray too! I really enjoyed this series when it was first out and I’m glad to bring it back to the front of people’s minds. What can I say? We were due a classic release anyway!”
Plot concept: Albert is a young man of privilege in Paris, but the trappings of his aristocratic birth leave him bored and unsatisfied. Seeking adventure, Albert’s restless spirit leads him to a festival on the moon – and to the Count of Monte Cristo.
An enigmatic man of charm and wealth, the Count of Monte Cristo’s charisma and sophistication captivate Albert. The fascinated youth invites the nobleman to mingle within the upper echelons of Parisian society, and the Count is soon courting the favor of France’s most powerful families. Little does Albert know, as his new friend walks the ornate halls of the highest class, the Count of Monte Cristo wants only to bring them crashing down through vengeance.
