Otakon 2014

Aniplex of America

Aniplex of America brought several guests of honor to Otakon this weekend, including voice actress Saori Hayami (anohana's Chiriko "Tsuruko" Tsurumi, Oreimo's Ayase Aragaki) and producer Shinichiro Kashiwada (Sword Art Online, Oreimo 2). Fans of Kill la Kill also have the chance to see the English voice cast, including Christine Cabanos, David Vincent, Carrie Keranen, and Erica Mendez. Those who purchase the Kill la Kill first volume Blu-Ray at the Aniplex booth will even receive a ticket for a special autograph signing with the voice cast.

After reminding the audience about the guests, "Aniplex Guy" E.J. Rivera launched into a presentation showcasing Aniplex of America's recent and upcoming titles, starting with The irregular at magic high school, Aldnoah.Zero, and Persona 4 the Golden Animation, all of which are being simulcasted right now. The titles are available streaming on the Aniplex Channel, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Daisuki .

For figure collectors, the Devil Homura figma from the third Madoka Magica movie, Rebellion is now available for pre-order on the Aniplex Plus retail site. Those eager for a sneak peek at the figure can check one out at the Aniplex booth (#IND19). Also available to preorder starting today is canvas art for Aldnoah.Zero.

Rivera also talked about some of the company's recent home video releases, including the Gurren Lagann the Movie Double Feature BD set (Childhood's End and The Lights in the Sky are Stars), the first two Madoka Magica movies (BD/DVD), the first season of Silver Spoon on DVD, the anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day movie, and Oreimo 2. Kabukimonogatari is coming out later this month, while Fall 2014 will see the debut of Fate/stay night, a remake of the TV series from ufotable.

Special announcements included one repeat announcement from Anime Expo, and one new announcement. Rivera reminded fans that they would soon be able to check out the complete first season of Valvrave the Liberator in a Blu-Ray box set. The set features all 12 episodes on 3 BD discs in Japanese audio with English subtitles. It is currently available to preorder.

For new announcements, Nisekoi will be released in a Blu-Ray boxset with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Physical extras will include a collectible ending card pin-ups, and a deluxe poster and box designed by chief animation director and character designer Nobuhiro Sugiyama. The set will be available on November 25, and can be pre-ordered now.