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Right Stuf Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Dub Emma: A Victorian Romance, Release Blu-ray

Right Stuf launched a Kickstarter campaign on Tuesday to create an English-dubbed HD production of Emma: A Victorian Romance season one. The project is seeking to raise US$$110,000 to release the series on Blu-ray Disc.

Those who back the project at US$50 or more will receive a special edition Blu-ray Disc release (region A). A deluxe edition at US$100 (US$95 early bird) will include a chipboard box, reproduction drawing, "Emma's journal," and art card set. The company will hold back the regular edition retail release for six months or longer after the rewards ship.

The series does not have a Japanese Blu-ray release.

Stretch goals include an interview with original Emma manga artist Kaoru Mori at US$120,000 and English cast commentary at US$135,000. If the project reaches US$180,000 it will fund an English dub of the second season.

Joe Digiorgi (Aria, His and Her Circumstances, Comic Party, Boogiepop Phantom) of Headline Studios will direct the dub if it the project is successful.

Higher tier rewards include a PDF of the English script, a tote bag, a wax seal stamp, a hardcover set of the original manga, a Blu-ray Disc signed by a member of the Japanese staff, a voice mail from one of the Emma voice actors, exclusive videos of dub recording sessions, a shout out from the cast on the Blu-Ray Disc, reproduction cels, a custom-made cosplay costume, a 1/7-scale PVC figurine, an articulated Emma doll, and dinner with Right Stuf president Shawne Kleckner or Joe Digiorgi.

The company noted on its Kickstarter page that if the project is successful it will likely continue with other titles from its anime catalog.

Right Stuf's Nozomi Entertainment describes Emma: A Victorian Romance:

In 19th-century London, class lines are sharply drawn, and the social standing to which people are born dictates the path their lives will follow. Emma, an honest and hardworking young maid, never felt her place in life to be a burden. But then she met William, a member of the gentry and the eldest son of a wealthy family. His warm smile and earnest affection threaten to capture her heart... but can love truly conquer all?

Emma: A Victorian Romance adapts Kaoru Mori's Emma manga. The first 12-episode season debuted in 2005, while the 12-episode second season debuted in 2007. Nozomi Entertainment released both seasons on DVD in 2008.

Right Stuf previously ran a successful Kickstarter campaign last year to release all three anime series adaptations of Kozue Amano's Aria manga and both OVAs, including 2015's Aria the Avvenire, with an English dub. Both seasons are streaming on Crunchyroll.

Sources: Kickstarter, Right Stuf's Twitter account