Netflix Ups Anime Streams

4 Apr, 2011



"Bleach"

Netflix April 4 said it significantly increased its catalog of anime content following the signing of a content licensing deal with a leading publisher of Japanese animation.

In a blog post, Lisa Nishimura, VP of content acquisition, said the Los Gatos, Calif.-based online disc rental pioneer signed a partnership with VIZ Media, a San Francisco-based publisher/distributor of anime and manga product, including the popular monthly manga anthology Shonen Jump magazine, graphic novels and DVDs.

Beginning this month, Netflix subscribers can stream myriad episodes from such popular series as “Bleach” (seasons 1 and 2, rated TV-14), “Naruto” (seasons 1 and 2, rated TV-14), “Hikaru No Go” (complete series, rated TV-G), “Honey and Clover (complete series, rated TV-14), “Nana” (complete series, rated TV-MA) and “Inuyasha” (seasons 1 to 7, rated TV-14).

“It is our goal to add a wide variety of content to our growing library of movies and TV shows, and building relationships like this helps us move forward in our efforts,” said Nishimura.

Heretofore, Netflix offered about 21 anime streaming titles.

“Netflix is the market leader and the availability of these new VIZ Media titles through the service will give fans the flexibility to choose how and when they want to consume their favorite anime,” said Brian Ige, senior director of animation with VIZ Media. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Netflix to include additional titles in the near future.”

Nishimura said Netflix also expanded its relationship with Funimation Entertainment for episodes of “Afro Samurai,” “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood,” in addition to complete seasons of “Sekirei” and “Trigun.”

