Via Anime News Network:
RIGHT STUF, Inc. Acquires THE ROSE OF VERSAILLES
Image via rov.rightstuf.com
DVD sets in 2013 and to conduct fan Q&A with creator Riyoko Ikeda; Viki to begin streaming series in December 2012.
GRIMES, Iowa, Sept. 12, 2012 – Anime producer and distributor Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of The Rose of Versailles anime series from TMS Entertainment.
Also known as “Berusaiyu no Bara” and “Lady Oscar,” The Rose of Versailles will be released via Right Stuf’s Nozomi Entertainment as two limited-edition DVD box sets in 2013. The series will also be streamed, beginning in December 2012, and made available exclusively to fans in the United States and Canada on Viki (viki.com), as part of the site’s growing anime lineup. This will be the first time the entire anime series will be available to English-speaking audiences in North America.
Additionally, Nozomi Entertainment wants fans’ questions for an upcoming Q&A interview with Riyoko Ikeda, the creator of The Rose of Versailles. Please submit questions, via the form located at the official series site (rov.rightstuf.com), by 4 p.m. CDT on Thurs., Nov. 1, 2012
Right Stuf’s President and CEO Shawne Kleckner said, “The Rose of Versailles is one of anime and manga’s truly legendary and iconic stories. It is an honor and privilege to bring this beloved series to DVD, via Nozomi Entertainment, and work with TMS and Viki to introduce our English-subtitled translation of the anime inspired by Ms. Ikeda’s masterwork to North American fans.”
“We’re thrilled to work with Right Stuf to bring The Rose of Versailles to fans in North America and add this famous title to our growing library of classic anime,” said Razmig Hovaghimian, Viki CEO.
“The Rose of Versailles has been released several times in multiple formats in many European and Asian countries until now, but was never released in North America for the English-speaking audiences. I would like to thank the team at Right Stuf and Viki for making the North American The Rose of Versailles DVD and online release possible. When it comes to amazing shows, you never get tired of watching them, and I believe The Rose of Versailles is one of these shows. It would be a pleasure if the North American fans enjoy The Rose of Versailles as much as I have,” said Katsuki Masai, Deputy Manager of TMS Entertainment USA, Inc.
Read full press release from RightStuf here.
Understatement of the decade: FINALLY! I know I’ve been rather critical of the anime’s portrayal of Oscar and Andre’s relationship, but getting an official English subtitled version of BeruBara for this classic and culturally important anime will help catch up the English-speaking audiences of the world to the sheer awesomeness of the story. Furthermore, this is a huge leap towards getting the manga licensed in English. (My vote is for VIZ to translate; also, that they hire me for the team. Clearly.)
I was 16 when I first encountered BeruBara, at a time before fan-subbing was really widespread and at a time when licensing seemed impossible, so I’m really excited for all the 16-year-olds out there who will get to see and own an official version. Furthermore, I’m excited for the possible impact the show might have. Oscar is probably the one fictional character who has had the greatest overall impact on my life. Which reminds me, I’m about two years overdue on translating that essay on Oscar as a differently gendered hero from vol. 4 of the 2005 edition of the manga….
The Lobster Dance 
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