Bandai (Probably) Releasing Kurokami in February 2010 (Updated)

Bandai is finally getting around to releasing the long-delayed Kurokami DVD release originally scheduled for June of this year in a 200 minute double disc DVD release retailing at $39.98.

Now scheduled for a February 2010 release in a single-disc DVD containing episodes 1-6 for an MSRP of $29.98, the biggest bombshell is that the companion Blu-Ray release will be dub-only with two less episodes for $24.99.

Update: Bandai Visual’s Kurokami BD volumes in Japan include Japanese, English, and Korean soundtracks, as well as Japanese subtitles, leading me to speculate that the lack of Japanese audio on the Blu-Ray was a licensor issue due to the unfounded fear of reverse importation.

Update 2: Bandai has released this statement, confirming my earlier speculation: “The license for the Japanese audio was not granted for our Blu-Ray release of Kurokami.”

After the BS with Code Geass, the Flag and Zegapain collections being cancelled, no Shigofumi release and now this on top of the constant delays, I’ve given up on them.

There’s simply no way I can convince people to buy their products after all of this, because releasing a half-ass Blu-Ray that’s inferior to the DVD is inexcusable.  Even after the updates, it just reinforces my opinion on the company as a whole and a lot of people feel the same way.  Trying to pass the buck to Bandai Visual doesn’t matter to most people, because it’s a matter of perception and Bandai Entertainment has been on the short end of that stick for awhile.