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Media Blasters
Media Blasters
Media Blasters
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Media Blasters, sometimes abbreviated as MB, is an American entertainment company that was founded by John Sirabella in 1997 and is based in New York City. It is in the business of licensing, translating, and releasing to the North American market manga and anime compilations, Asian films and television series, adult anime, monster movies, concert films, independent films, horror films, and exploitation films. Over its history, the company has licensed several popular titles, such as Rurouni Kenshin, Berserk, Bakuman, Shamanic Princess, Weiß Kreuz, Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl, Chu-Bra!!, Grenadier, Holy Knight, Elf Princess Rane, Voogie's Angel, Iron Virgin Jun, Ultimate Girls and Blade of the Immortal.

Key Information

History

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Founding and growth

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Before Media Blasters was founded, John Sirabella had previously founded Software Sculptors in 1992.[2] After it was purchased by Central Park Media, Sirabella decided to leave and found Media Blasters in 1997 in New York City, New York.[3][4] The company is divided into several divisions that target different aspects of the video market.[4] They license titles for release and are involved in the production, localizing, and distribution.[4] The Anime Works division was created in 1997, and focuses on localization and distribution of anime titles, but has also licensed non-anime works such as Invader Zim.[4][5] The adult label Kitty Media was also started in 1997 and features explicit hentai works. Created in 1998, Tokyo Shock is Media Blaster's Asian cinema division, which is responsible for American localization of works such as Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman of the Zatoichi franchise.[4] Another division, Shriek Show, was founded in 2001 to focus on re-mastering horror titles for DVD release.[4] In 2004, Media Blasters began publishing manga. The company first published shōnen manga titles for older readers, and later on it increased its yaoi manga line.[6] At the height of its success, they released around five titles a month and had about 50 employees, but as the market decreased, so did the company.[7]

Financial problems

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In January 2012, John Sirabella announced that the company would be laying off approximately 10 employees, reducing its workforce by about 60 percent. He stated that this will not affect their production rates.[1] In May 2012, it was reported that the New York State Department of State listed them as an inactive company due to not filing their taxes properly. The company later stated on Facebook that they had filed extensions for 2009, 2010, and 2011, but without their notice the Secretary of State took action. They also said that, at the time of posting, they had completed their filings properly and that they will continue to release titles.[8] In March 2013, the company released a statement saying that, because a major back accident occurred in their warehouse, they were unable to travel to Japan to acquire licenses. This resulted in business associates of the company going around Japan showing a tax paper stating they were out of business, which ended up resulting in the company losing a majority of their titles, most notably Rurouni Kenshin, Berserk, and Bakuman.[7] In January 2015, the company signed a deal with MB VoiceWorks to help produce English dubs for its anime titles in-house.[9] Despite the closure of MB VoiceWorks in May 2016, Media Blasters would still continue to produce its English dubs in-house and that MB VoiceWorks co-founder Brittany Lauda would continue to lead the dubbing department and direct dubs for the company.[10]

Recovery

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In August 2020, the company created a new Twitter account to promote their new releases.[11] The company also teased that many new releases would be coming in the future.[12] In November 2020, the company announced that they will stop using their DVD-on-demand system.[13] In January 2021, the company introduced a new opening animation.[14]

Distribution

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Their titles are streamed on Crunchyroll, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, RetroCrush, and Midnight Pulp.[15][16][17][18] Some of their titles were available on Hulu, but they have been removed.[19]

On December 31, 2015, the television network Toku was launched, replacing the Funimation Channel. It aired many anime and live action titles from the Media Blasters catalog, such as Juden Chan, Ladies versus Butlers!, and Rio: Rainbow Gate! They were the main anime provider for the network.[20] Media Blasters later revealed Blu-ray releases of retro ecchi comedies such as Jungle De Ikou! in 2020.[21] Eiken and Grenadier was added on Tubi.[22][23]

Divisions

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Anime Works

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Anime Works is the division used for the bulk of the company's anime titles. Some of the series released under this imprint include Magic Knight Rayearth, Rurouni Kenshin, The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, Berserk, and Blade of the Immortal. The imprint also produced two original series with Yasuomi Umetsu, those being Kite Liberator and Mezzo Forte.[4]

Kitty Media

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Not to be confused with Kitty Films.

Kitty Media specializes in adult anime (hentai) and pornographic films.[3] The division also specializes in films and anime series that contain scenes of rape and graphic sexuality. Its first release, and the first release by Media Blasters as a whole, was Rei-Lan: Orchid Emblem.[3] Media Blasters also publishes both hentai and yaoi manga under this imprint. It has also released several titles formerly released by Central Park Media's Anime 18 imprint.[24]

In 2011, they entered a licensing partnership with Fakku to stream select titles, starting with Immoral Sisters.[25] In 2017, they were acquired by Fakku for digital distribution, while physical distribution was maintained by Media Blasters. In late 2020 however, CEO of Fakku Jacob Grady announced in the official forums of Fakku that they have indefinitely deprioritized video streaming of Kitty Media adult anime because of distribution and copyright issues, causing some titles to be removed from the site. As of January 2023, Kitty Media is no longer part of Fakku after its nearly six year, unsuccessful venture in legal adult anime video streaming, giving Media Blasters back full control of the adult label. [26][27][28]

Tokyo Shock

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The Tokyo Shock division covers live action movies and television series from Japan and other Asian markets, such as several notable films from Toho Co. Ltd and Shaw Brothers (HK) Ltd.[4]

Shriek Show

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The Shriek Show division handled distribution of obscure horror and exploitation films.[4] This division and the Fresh Meat line were discontinued in 2013.[7]

Fresh Meat

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The Fresh Meat line was a part of the Shriek Show division that handled horror films from new directors.[4]

Fever Dreams

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The Fever Dreams division specializes in original films. The company focused heavily on this division in 2013.[7]

Guilty Pleasures

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The Guilty Pleasures division specialized in releasing B-tier cult-classic films.[29] This division was discontinued in 2013,[7] but the company decided to start re-releasing some of its titles in 2021.[29]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Media Blasters

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from Grokipedia
Media Blasters is an American entertainment company founded in 1997 and headquartered in , specializing in the licensing, dubbing, subtitling, and distribution of , live-action Asian films, horror, and adult media for the North American and international markets. The company operates as an independent publisher, focusing on niche and content that it packages for release on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms, often providing English dubs and to make foreign titles accessible. Established by John Sirabella, who serves as CEO, and co-founder Sam Liebowitz after their departure from , Media Blasters quickly carved out a reputation for handling diverse genres, from mainstream series to obscure and . Its imprints include AnimeWorks for general titles, Tokyo Shock for Asian live-action films, Shriek Show for horror and cult classics, Kitty Media for adult-oriented , Fever Dreams for , and Guilty Pleasures for films, allowing targeted distribution across entertainment subsectors. Over more than two decades, the has released hundreds of titles, emphasizing high-quality localization and preservation of cult favorites, while navigating industry challenges like the shift to streaming. Media Blasters has been notable for its role in popularizing lesser-known international content in the West, including early releases of OVAs and Japanese tokusatsu series, as well as restorations of vintage exploitation films. Despite facing financial hurdles in the early , including staff reductions, it has sustained operations through a focus on evergreen catalog titles and new acquisitions, maintaining a loyal fanbase in the and genre film communities.

History

Founding and Early Expansion

Media Blasters was founded in 1997 by John Sirabella and Sam Liebowitz in as a private entertainment company specializing in the licensing, localization, and distribution of and Asian films to the North American market. The company's origins trace back to Software Sculptors, which Sirabella had co-founded in 1992 with Liebowitz and Henry Lai as a firm focused on -related software and early digital distribution efforts. After Software Sculptors was acquired by in the mid-1990s, Sirabella and Liebowitz departed the organization in 1996, leading to the establishment of Media Blasters as an independent entity dedicated to broader media localization. The company quickly launched its core divisions to segment its offerings. In 1997, Anime Works was established as the primary label for general-audience titles, focusing on , subtitling, and releases. That same year, Kitty Media was introduced to handle adult-oriented content, including explicit anime series. By 1998, Tokyo Shock was created as the division for live-action Asian cinema, emphasizing cult films and genre works from and beyond. These initial divisions formed the foundation of Media Blasters' operations, allowing targeted licensing and distribution strategies from the outset. Early licensing deals centered on securing rights for niche and titles, marking Media Blasters' entry into the competitive North American market. The company's first release was the OVA Rei-Lan: Orchid Emblem under the Kitty Media label on May 6, 1997, setting a precedent for rapid production and distribution. Subsequent early releases included general such as the OVA series Master of Mosquiton via Anime Works, which exemplified their approach to acquiring and localizing mid-1990s Japanese properties for English-speaking audiences. These initial efforts highlighted Media Blasters' emphasis on subcultural media, often overlooked by larger distributors at the time. Headquartered in at 132 West 36th Street, Media Blasters began operations with a small team led by its founders, leveraging the city's vibrant media ecosystem for licensing negotiations and production coordination. This modest setup enabled agile growth in the late 1990s, focusing on building a catalog of specialized content without the overhead of major studios.

Peak Growth Period

During the late and early , Media Blasters experienced significant expansion, growing from its initial focus on distribution to a broader portfolio of niche entertainment releases. By the mid-, the company had scaled to approximately 30-40 employees, enabling an increased output of up to five titles per month across its various divisions. This period marked a surge in licensing and production, solidifying Media Blasters' role as a prominent distributor in , live-action Asian cinema, and cult films, with early adoption of DVD formats that helped establish market standards for high-quality remasters in these genres. A key milestone in this growth was the 2001 launch of the Shriek Show division, dedicated to horror and exploitation films, which included the sub-imprint Fresh Meat for more extreme content. Shriek Show quickly became a cornerstone for remastered cult classics, contributing to Media Blasters' diversification beyond . Complementing this, the company introduced the Fever Dreams imprint around 2005 for original productions and the Guilty Pleasures label in the mid-2000s for cult classics and B-movies, further expanding its catalog of unconventional titles. Under the Anime Works division, Media Blasters achieved notable success with key releases such as the 1997 Berserk anime series in 2002, which became a flagship title for mature fantasy storytelling, and the 2008 Blade of the Immortal adaptation in 2009, praised for its action-oriented narrative. Meanwhile, the Tokyo Shock division fostered partnerships for Asian cinema distribution, securing rights to Japanese live-action films and building a reputation for bringing obscure titles to Western audiences. In 2004, Media Blasters entered publishing, distributing titles aimed at older readers and enhancing its dominance in niche genres through integrated strategies.

Financial Challenges

In early 2012, Media Blasters faced severe financial strain exacerbated by shifts in the home video market and the rising impact of digital piracy, prompting significant layoffs that reduced its full-time staff by 60%, from approximately 15 employees to 5 or 6. CEO John Sirabella attributed these cuts to dramatic changes in consumer behavior and industry economics, noting that the company would rely more on freelance contractors to maintain operations. This downsizing marked a sharp contraction from the company's earlier peak of 30 to 40 employees during its growth phase. Compounding these issues, Media Blasters was listed as dissolved by the New York State Department of State in May 2012, effective April 27, 2011, due to failure to file and pay franchise taxes for two consecutive years, rendering the company temporarily inactive and prohibiting normal business activities beyond winding up affairs. The firm responded by asserting it had filed tax extensions for 2009–2011 and worked to reinstate its status, achieving active listing by August 2012 after addressing the tax deficiencies. By 2013, a major accident in the company's warehouse further hampered operations, injuring personnel and preventing travel to for license renewals, which resulted in the loss of key titles including , Bakuman., and Berserk. This incident, combined with ongoing financial pressures, led to the discontinuation of several imprints—Shriek Show, Fever Dreams, and Guilty Pleasures—that had focused on horror, exploitation, and adult-oriented releases. With staff limited to 5–6 core members, Media Blasters shifted emphasis away from physical media dominance toward selective digital and production ventures, streamlining to just AnimeWorks, Kitty Media, and Tokyo Shock for future acquisitions.

Recovery and Recent Developments

Following the financial difficulties of the early , Media Blasters began showing signs of recovery in late 2020 by reactivating its official account on August 8, 2020, which allowed for renewed communication with fans and announcements of upcoming projects. Later that year, on November 10, 2020, the company announced the discontinuation of its DVD-on-demand system effective January 2021, shifting focus toward more sustainable physical media distribution models. This move was part of broader efforts to streamline operations amid the evolving market. In January 2021, Media Blasters introduced a new company logo and opening animation, signaling a refreshed brand identity as it resumed regular release schedules. Concurrently, the company revived its Guilty Pleasures imprint, an adult-oriented label for erotic live-action and anime titles, with the first Blu-ray release—Guilty Pleasures #1: Fraulein & Nudes on Credit—hitting shelves on April 6, 2021. These steps marked an initial pivot toward niche, collector-focused content to rebuild market presence. By 2023, the partnership between Media Blasters' Kitty Media division and for digital distribution of adult anime concluded after nearly six years, allowing the company to regain full control over its catalog. That same year, founder John Sirabella discussed the company's challenges in a public update, revealing that titles like underperformed commercially despite strong internal enthusiasm, highlighting the risks of licensing "fan favorites" in a competitive landscape. Entering 2025, Media Blasters accelerated its revival with key announcements, including a 4K UHD Blu-ray release of the cult film 964 scheduled for February 11, 2025, featuring restored visuals from the 1991 original. The company also planned the return of the out-of-print Akiba Girls to DVD and Blu-ray on January 14, 2025, with updated subtitles for improved accessibility. In November 2025, Media Blasters partnered with the streaming platform OceanVeil to bring 10 titles—such as , Chu-Bra!!, , and —to digital audiences by year's end, blending physical revivals with streaming to reach niche viewers in an era dominated by major platforms. Ongoing engagement continued through , where on September 19, 2025, the company shared updates on projects like , emphasizing its commitment to reviving obscure and beloved titles for dedicated fans. This strategy underscores Media Blasters' adaptation to the streaming era by prioritizing high-quality restorations and targeted partnerships over broad mass-market releases.

Divisions

Anime Works

Anime Works was established in 1997 as Media Blasters' dedicated division for licensing, localizing, and distributing general-audience titles to markets in the United States and . This arm of the company quickly became central to its anime operations, emphasizing high-quality subtitled and dubbed releases aimed at broadening access to Japanese animation for Western audiences. The division prioritized action and fantasy genres, licensing seminal series that showcased intense narratives and visual storytelling. Representative examples include the 1997 anime adaptation of , distributed by Media Blasters on DVD volumes from 2002 to 2003, and , acquired in 2009 for North American release. Additional notable titles under Anime Works encompassed and Appleseed, further highlighting its focus on genre-defining properties with ties to popular source material. These releases often featured coordinated manga tie-ins, leveraging Media Blasters' expansion into manga publishing starting in 2004 to create integrated media experiences for fans. Dubbing efforts formed a key component of Anime Works' strategy, with the division producing English-language versions to enhance accessibility. Beginning with outsourced work through studios like and Animaze, Anime Works shifted toward in-house production in 2015 via a partnership with MB VoiceWorks, enabling dubs for titles like . This approach supported the division's emphasis on immersive experiences in action and fantasy , where amplified dramatic elements such as epic battles and supernatural themes. Following industry-wide financial challenges around 2013, Anime Works adapted by transitioning much of its catalog to digital formats, including Blu-ray remasters and streaming availability. Despite licensing losses and market shifts, the division retained rights to its core library of non-adult titles, ensuring continued availability through physical reissues and partnerships. By 2025, Anime Works maintains its role as Media Blasters' flagship for mainstream anime, evidenced by recent collaborations like the streaming deal with OceanVeil to release over 10 titles by year's end.

Kitty Media

Kitty Media is the adult division of Media Blasters, established in 1997 to license and distribute explicit and mature titles targeted at the niche adult market. The division's debut release was the OVA Rei-Lan: Orchid Emblem on May 6, 1997, marking Media Blasters' entry into adult distribution. Specializing in uncensored content, Kitty Media has positioned itself as a key player in providing unedited versions of Japanese adult animations, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts seeking authentic, unaltered presentations. The catalog features a range of provocative titles, including the Sex Hypnosis series, which centers on powers and mind control themes in an erotic context. In 2025, Kitty Media announced a new -themed edition of Sex Hypnosis, a two-part OVA set for Blu-ray and DVD release on May 6, emphasizing high-definition upgrades and exclusive adult content. Other highlights include -influenced narratives that blend elements with explicit storytelling, reinforcing the division's focus on innovative, genre-specific releases within the space. From 2011 to 2023, Kitty Media partnered with for digital manga and streaming distribution, beginning with a licensing agreement that allowed select titles like Immoral Sisters to be offered online. This collaboration culminated in 's acquisition of Kitty Media in 2017, enabling DRM-free digital purchases and subscriber access to the anime library at no extra cost. The partnership concluded in 2023, returning full operations to Media Blasters, as evidenced by subsequent independent releases. This arrangement expanded Kitty Media's reach into digital platforms while maintaining its emphasis on for uncensored adult .

Tokyo Shock

Tokyo Shock was established in 1998 as a division of Media Blasters, specializing in the distribution of live-action films from and other Asian countries. The label targeted niche markets by licensing and releasing a range of cult classics, action-oriented titles, and provocative cinema that appealed to enthusiasts of international genre films. Its catalog emphasized authentic presentations, including uncut versions with English subtitles to preserve the original intent and intensity of the source material. Among its signature releases, Tokyo Shock brought notable exploitation and extreme cinema to home video, such as Takashi Miike's (2001), which debuted on DVD in 2002 as an unrated, uncensored edition showcasing the director's boundary-pushing style. The division also distributed , including the classic series finale starring , released to highlight the genre's blend of swordplay and drama for Western viewers. Other examples include revenge tales like Sure Death 4: Revenge (1987), which exemplified the label's commitment to period action films rooted in and vengeance narratives. These selections catered to the audience, offering raw, unfiltered experiences of Asian filmmaking traditions often overlooked by mainstream distributors. Facing broader company-wide financial difficulties around 2012–2013, Tokyo Shock persisted by shifting toward digital and high-definition formats, such as Blu-ray editions, to sustain its operations amid declining sales. Releases like HK: Forbidden Super Hero in 2013 demonstrated continued activity during this period. The division integrated into Media Blasters' expanding portfolio of Asian content licensing, complementing other labels by focusing exclusively on live-action titles and broadening access to regional cinema through and eventual streaming adaptations.

Shriek Show

Shriek Show was established as a division of Media Blasters in 2001, specializing in the distribution of , B-movies, and obscure horror and exploitation titles. The label focused on remastering and releasing cult classics in these genres, particularly emphasizing live-action thrillers, horror, and films from international sources. Its catalog included notable Italian horror classics such as Lucio Fulci's (1979), which received a 25th anniversary DVD with multiple audio tracks and extensive extras, and House of Clocks (1989), a lesser-known horror entry. Other key releases featured revivals like Andrea Bianchi's Burial Ground (1981), a known for its extreme gore and controversial elements, distributed in format. A sub-imprint called Fresh Meat was launched under Shriek Show to target B-movie horror films with a strong emphasis on gore and low-budget exploitation aesthetics, drawing inspiration from directors like Herschell Gordon Lewis. This line handled ultra-violent titles, including gore-heavy imports and new productions such as Smash Cut (2009), a slasher homage directed by Lee Demarbre featuring intense violence and starring Sasha Grey alongside veteran actor David Hess. Fresh Meat releases often showcased emerging or niche horror creators, with examples like Ty Jones' thriller Late Fee (2009), which earned awards for its tense, blood-soaked narrative. The division operated actively through the early 2010s but faced discontinuation in 2013 amid Media Blasters' broader financial challenges, including operational setbacks that limited new acquisitions and productions. Following the shutdown, Shriek Show's catalog was partially archived, with select legacy titles remaining available through resale markets and digital platforms, though no new releases have been issued since mid-2013. This marked the end of its role in global horror distribution, distinct from Media Blasters' other labels by its emphasis on extreme, non-Asian exploitation cinema.

Fever Dreams and Guilty Pleasures

Media Blasters launched the Fever Dreams division in the mid-2000s to focus on producing and distributing original independent films and experimental works, marking an expansion into live-action content beyond its core offerings. This division facilitated co-productions with Japanese studios like , enabling the release of niche titles such as the 2005 Meatball Machine, directed by Yūdai Yamaguchi, which exemplified the experimental horror genre through its blend of and low-budget effects. Another representative example is the 2008 action-horror , directed by , which featured over-the-top gore and revenge themes, distributed under the Fever Dreams banner in collaboration with Media Suits. In 2007, Media Blasters introduced the Guilty Pleasures division to curate and release cult classics and retro cinema, particularly B-tier films celebrated for their campy or "so-bad-it's-good" appeal. Early releases included the 1968 juvenile sci-fi adventure The Lemon Grove Kids Meet the Monsters, a low-budget production by reissued on DVD, highlighting the division's emphasis on vintage B-movies with amateurish charm and monster tropes. The label built a catalog of such obscurities, diversifying Media Blasters' portfolio into Western and mixed-origin live-action niches distinct from its Asian-focused divisions. Both divisions contributed to Media Blasters' strategy of broadening its scope into non-anime live-action entertainment, though they proved shorter-lived compared to core operations. Following financial difficulties in the early , Guilty Pleasures was discontinued in 2013, while Fever Dreams entered dormancy post its initial output. The revived Guilty Pleasures in 2021 with Blu-ray editions of erotic cult titles, such as Fraulein Leather & Nudes on Credit (April 2021) and Delicato: Passport to Pleasure / '68 (August 2021), tying into broader recovery efforts through catalog remastering and digital accessibility.

Distribution and Operations

Physical and Digital Releases

Media Blasters began emphasizing physical media releases with the launch of its first titles in 1997, focusing primarily on DVD formats for anime series and OVAs during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The company quickly expanded into boxed sets for longer-running series, such as the complete collection of Ah! My Goddess and multi-volume releases for The Twelve Kingdoms, which included episode compilations with enhanced audio and subtitles to appeal to collectors. By the mid-2000s, Media Blasters had transitioned to include Blu-ray alongside DVDs, producing high-definition upgrades for cult favorites like Grenadier and Berserk, often in slim-pack or collector's editions to maintain quality preservation for fans. Media Blasters faced financial difficulties in 2012, including layoffs of 60% of staff and a temporary dissolution listing by New York state due to tax filing issues, which were resolved later that year. Around 2018, the company shifted its DVD production strategy to manufactured-on-demand (MOD) formats, utilizing DVD-R discs produced in smaller batches to reduce costs and inventory risks for niche titles. This approach allowed continued releases of anime and live-action content without large upfront manufacturing runs, though Blu-ray production remained pressed for higher-profile items. The MOD system persisted until November 2020, when the company discontinued it entirely, citing declining DVD sales and a pivot toward more durable formats. In early 2025, Media Blasters released new physical titles highlighting its ongoing commitment to premium formats, including a 4K UHD edition of the 1991 film Pinocchio 964 with a collectible slipcover and English subtitles, released on February 11 at $29.99 SRP. Similarly, the adult OVA series received a dual DVD and Blu-ray edition with newly translated subtitles, emphasizing uncut 18+ content across approximately 90 minutes of runtime, released on January 14 at $29.99 SRP. These releases exemplify packaging innovations, such as limited-edition slipcovers and uncensored versions tailored for mature audiences, seen in prior titles like Ladies vs. Butlers!: Undressed Edition, which included bonus intimate episodes. In October 2025, Media Blasters announced plans to release the Garo live-action franchise through its Tokyo Shock imprint, beginning with select titles in physical formats, further expanding its catalog of Asian cinema. Today, Media Blasters operates a hybrid model that prioritizes physical media as collector's items—focusing on Blu-ray, UHD, and specialty packaging—while preparing select titles for digital distribution to broaden accessibility without abandoning tangible formats. This balance supports ongoing releases of anime and cult films, ensuring longevity for archival content amid evolving consumer preferences.

Streaming Partnerships and Broadcasting

Media Blasters has formed key partnerships with major streaming platforms to distribute its anime and live-action titles digitally, adapting to the rise of on-demand viewing. Notable collaborations include agreements with Crunchyroll, where licensed titles such as Rio: Rainbow Gate! and Holy Knight are available for streaming with English subtitles and dubs. Similarly, the company has licensed content to Amazon Prime Video, enabling access to series like Kanokon and Chu-Bra!! through its digital storefront and streaming channels. Titles from Media Blasters' catalog also appear on ad-supported platforms such as Tubi, broadening reach to free-tier audiences with offerings including Yamibo - Darkness, the Hat, and the Travelers of the Book. In the broadcasting realm, Media Blasters played a supportive role in the launch of the Toku network on , , providing a selection of and live-action Asian content for its initial programming slate. This included premieres like , which aired with an English dub produced by the company, and other titles such as Queen's Blade: Wandering Warrior and . The partnership helped Toku establish itself as a dedicated channel for , , and Asian media, replacing the former Channel and reaching cable and satellite viewers across . Following financial challenges in the late , Media Blasters expanded its digital footprint post-2020 by integrating titles into additional ad-supported services and pursuing international licensing opportunities. Platforms like RetroCrush and , both operated by Digital Media Rights, now host Media Blasters content, including classic series that appeal to niche audiences seeking retro and genre-specific programming. These deals emphasize virtual distribution over , aligning with broader industry trends toward accessible, subscription-free viewing options. A significant development in 2025 was the partnership with OceanVeil, WWWave Corporation's anime streaming platform launched earlier that year, to bring 10 new titles online by year-end. The agreement covers series such as Mazinkaiser SKL, Grenadier, Chu-Bra!!, Genshiken, Kanokon, and others, available in Japanese with English subtitles and select dubs, targeting mature and nostalgic anime fans in North America. This collaboration underscores Media Blasters' ongoing shift toward licensing fees and royalties from streaming deals as primary revenue sources, reducing reliance on physical sales amid the digital media pivot of the 2020s.

References

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  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3xJB0BYER4
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  42. http://media-blasters.com/kitty-media-rings-in-2023-with-3-adult-anime-ovas-to-premiere-on-blu-ray-and-dvd/
  43. https://www.animeherald.com/2017/11/28/hentai-manga-publisher-fakku-acquires-kitty-media-nsfw/
  44. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=2451
  45. https://www.avid.wiki/Tokyo_Shock
  46. https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/4977
  47. https://www.amazon.com/Zatoichi/dp/B07FPT9D11
  48. https://comicmix.com/2007/06/03/rick-meyers-tokyo-shock/
  49. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2012-07-01
  50. https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/13/zombi-2-25th-anniversary-special-edition
  51. https://www.horrordna.com/movies/house-of-clocks
  52. https://www.genregrinder.com/post/burial-ground-blu-ray-review-originally-published-2016
  53. https://screenanarchy.com/2010/02/lee-demarbres-smash-cut-finds-a-home-on-media-blasters-fresh-meat-imprint.html
  54. https://cinemakc.com/local-filmmaker-ty-jones-wins-best-feature-at-garden-state-film-festival/
  55. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2013/3/8/media-blasters-lays-out-state-of-company-and-its-anime-licenses
  56. https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=237676
  57. https://www.avid.wiki/Shriek_Show
  58. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls003325105/
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  60. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/23/movies/23mach.html
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  63. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/movies.php?studioid=82
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  66. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/bbs/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3085337
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  68. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-10-12/media-blasters-announces-plans-to-release-garo-live-action-franchise/.229862
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  73. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-11/world-war-blue-anime-premieres-on-toku-this-month/.110905
  74. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-05-11/toku-to-air-ultraseven-x-live-action-series-queen-blade-wandering-warrior-anime/.115954
  75. https://www.retrocrush.tv/
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