Blu Ray Anime Releases in March 2010

Over the last six months, Blu Ray DVDs have started making headroom into households across the world. The slim PlayStation 3 sold over 1 million units within its first month in September of 2009. Combine that with the cheap blu-ray players readily available, the anime industry is ramping up production on anime Blu Ray DVDs. Over ten blu ray shows, movies and collections are coming out in March. Powerhouses Ponyo, Astro Boy and Evangelion 1.11 You are Not Alone highlight the releases.

Ponyo, Hayao Miyazaki's newest film, will see its first release on blu ray and DVD on March 2 on a Blu Ray/DVD combination. Most of Disney's newest releases have been doing this and it is an incentive for future Blu Ray player purchasers to buy this version of Miyazaki's newest film. This will be the highest selling anime on blu Ray DVD during March due to its crossover appeal with non-otaku, anime fans.

The CG Astro Boy film did not do well in the box office, only making slightly over $19 million during its theatrical release. However, many areas did not have the film in theaters for long. Many older otaku will rent or buy this blu ray because the nostalgic properties. Parents will pick this up for their children, driving up sales for the Blu Ray DVD as well.

Evangelion 1.11, based on the otaku bible Neon Genesis Evangelion series, will be a big splash on Blu Ray DVD. Evangelion 1.01 was released on DVD last year, but this slightly longer, better edited version of the Evangelion movie will be the first time the mecha anime will be on Blu Ray DVD. Otaku across the country from the streets of New York to the backwoods of Arkansas will be picking this up.

Below is the complete list of anime Blu Ray DVD releases.

-- March 2 --

Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Young Lovers - Bandai
Kurokami: The Animation, Vol. 1 - Bandai
Ponyo (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) - Disney Presents Studio Ghibli

-- March 9 --

Evangelion: 1.11 You Are Not Alone - Funimation
Vexille - Funimation

-- March 12 --

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn Vol. 1 (Amazon Exclusive) - Bandai

-- March 16 --

Astro Boy - Summit Entertainment
Gunslinger Girl: Complete Series - Funimation
Gunslinger Girl: II Teatrino (Season 2) - Funimation

-- March 23 --

Trinity Blood: Complete Series Box Set - Funimation

-- MARCH 30 --

Ouran High School Host Club: The Complete Series - Funimation