New service launches with US$3.99/month membership

Legal anime streaming service HIDIVE launched a beta version on Tuesday. The service is primarily hosting content from Section23 Films , though Section23 Films told ANN that it is not affiliated with HIDIVE , and the HIDIVE platform will be open to titles from other publishers.

HIDIVE currently offers an ad-supported free membership, but English dubs, exclusive titles, uncensored content, subtitle style options, and HD video are only available for subscribers. Membership will cost US$3.99 per month for a limited time as an introductory price, and a seven-day free trial is available. Subscribers can add up to two simultaneous streams for US$1 each.

HIDIVE is premiering Legend of the Galactic Heroes with English subtitles in installments. The first four episodes are available now and four more episodes will launch on June 22. Sentai Filmworks announced in 2015 that it had licensed the 110-episode series.

In addition to Legend of the Galactic Heroes , HIDIVE is offering a number of original video anime (OVAs) that were previously only available through home video releases. A full list of exclusive anime series, OVAs, and live-action films is below.



HIDIVE exclusive titles include:

In addition, two Hidamari Sketch specials are listed as "coming soon."

Update: Section23 Films indicated that the Anime Network Online streaming service will discontinue and The Anime Network will continue to operate as a video on demand provider. However, Section23 Films is not affiliated with either The Anime Network or HIDIVE so the information has not been officially confirmed. As of press time, The Anime Network and HIDIVE have not responded to ANN's press inquiries.

The Anime Network Online announced on Monday that it "will be experiencing some big service changes over the coming weeks."

The Anime Network was formerly a subsidiary of A.D. Vision , and continued to operate independently after A.D. Vision shut down in 2009. The company offered a 24/7 linear television service from 2004 to 2008.

Update 2: Anime Network confirmed that its streaming website will, going forward, focus solely on the company's cable and video on demand provider.

Update 3: (6/21) An earlier version of this article noted that the HIDIVE website was down due to high traffic, and that the official Twitter account stated it would be back up soon. The website is now back up.

Update 4: (6/21) HIDIVE LLC issued a press release on Wednesday confirming that it has acquired Anime Network Online 's assets. Anime Network Online will cease operations following a limited transition period for subscriber migration.

[Via Todd DuBois]