Robotech back on TV
The Anime Network announced today that it had acquired broadcast rights to all 85 episodes of Robotech and will be airing the series in its entirety later this year.
Robotech Licensed for Anime Network Broadcast
anounced on 2004-05-10 12:31
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HOUSTON, May 10, 2004—The Anime Network™, fresh off their 24/7 linear launch announcement with Insight at the recently held NCTA in New Orleans, today announced that it has acquired the exclusive right to broadcast all 85 episodes of Harmony Gold’s classic Robotech, the smash-hit anime series that introduced generations of Americans to anime.
The Robotech series is credited by many as being responsible for raising the awareness of the Japanese anime phenomenon in America, beginning with the animated series that aired in early 1985. The series was re-aired in 1994 on SCI FI Channel and once again on The Cartoon Network in 1999. Robotech has become a major merchandising force, with movies, DVDs, comics, graphic novels, books and toys incorporating and elaborating on the story.
Recently it was announced that Robotech has undergone complete digital remastering, offering near-pristine video, restored and remixed 5.1 stereo audio, and new footage featuring scenes cut from the original broadcast version.
Often compared to Star Trek and Star Wars, Robotech is a multifaceted intergalactic drama that takes place across generations, spinning together hard-hitting mecha action and richly developed characters. The entire 85 episodes take place over the course of three acts: The Macross Saga; Robotech Masters; and New Generation. The riveting story begins when an alien spacecraft crashes onto Earth. Meanwhile, the nations of the world who have been involved in a bloody global war must band together to assess the alien threat.
“With the mounting popularity of Anime Network, it was a natural fit for us to license Robotech to air on this dynamic network that has immeasurable fan appeal,” said Alan Letz, executive vice president, business development of Harmony Gold.
“Robotech is classic and simply put, it was a must-have for our lineup on our newly announced linear channel,” said Kevin Corcoran, Anime Network president. “This show has such a strong appeal. It’s one of my all-time favorites.”
Robotech has seen tremendous popularity on home video, and the digitally remastered version is already available in stores around the country. All 85 episodes of Robotech will air later this year on Anime Network. Anime Network is currently available on Comcast, Time Warner, RCN, Cablevision, Rogers and beginning this summer on Insight. Anime Network is also available in high definition on iN DEMAND.
About The Anime Network
The Anime Network, a subsidiary of A.D. Vision, Inc. (parent company to ADV Films and Newtype USA), is the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime with access to thousand of hours of exciting, eye-catching serialized programming. Anime Network launched in North America in late 2002 with extensive availability initially through digital cable video-on-demand technology and has become the #1 offering of video-on-demand. The network is broadening its initial roster of multi-system operator agreements to provide its programming nationwide, helping to bring the elusive 18-34 tech savvy male demographic back to television and drive demand for additional digital services offered by MSO’s. Additional information on Anime Network is available at www.theanimenetwork.com.
About Harmony Gold
"Working in Harmony to make Gold. Since its inception in 1983, Harmony Gold has been active in the production, acquisition and distribution of quality international film, television and video/DVD programming. ROBOTECH sits among it's productions of some of the industry’s classic and history-making television programs. The best-selling anime series, has become Harmony Gold's flagship franchise and has been sold in every major international market. Worldwide licensing and merchandising of ROBOTECH has produced a wide array of top sellers, including the recent 2002 of the Robotech DVD's,Video Games, Toys, Comic Books, Novels, Soundtrack CD's, Clothing and Trading Cards. Anime Network will launch the first broadcast of the newly Remastered version of ROBOTECH. Look for information on these as well as the upcoming Robotech features on www.robotech.com http://www.robotech.com and www.harmonygold.com "