The mobile game Azur Lane was announced back in September 2017 to be on track for an anime adaptation that began on October 3rd, 2019 and saw a simulcast and simuldub with Funimation. The series is set for a November 24th, 2020 Blu-ray release from Funimation and a bit of a minor kerfuffle got underway this weekend when Robert’s Anime Corner Store listed the release as TV-14 instead of TV-MA, which got people riled up thinking it was cut. While there’s always that worry to some degree, the past decade+ or so it’s been something where unexpected versions are being used and distributors may not be always aware, so it’s not a “malicious” thing like the old days.
That said, Funimation takes questions like this seriously and sent word to ANN about it, saying:
“We’re aware that inaccurate information on the upcoming Blu-ray release of AZUR LANE is causing confusion with fans and consumers. To clarify, Funimation is releasing the uncut home video version of AZUR LANE and the TV-14 rated release is not an edited or altered version.”
The reason Funimation clarifies things like this fairly quickly is because you have people running to Amazon and the like to be the first to post that it’s censored so they get lots of likes, which is how we apparently value ourselves in society these days.
The series has Tensho directing at Bibury Animation Studio, which he founded. Jin Haganeya in on board to handle the scripts while Masayuki Nonaka is serving as the character designer and chief animation director.
The Japanese cast includes Yui Ishikawa as Enterprise and Mai Nakahara as Akagi along with Yui Horie, Yō Taichi, Maria Naganawa, and Nozomi Yamane reprising their roles as Belfast, Ayanami, Laffey, and Javelin from the game.
Check out the official site and Twitter.
Plot Concept: After repelling an alien menace, the Azur Lane global alliance was supposed to settle into an era of peace. But the temptation to wield Siren technology causes Iron Blood and Sakura Empire to betray Azur Lane, starting an all-out battleship girl war!
