Ask John: Will PSG Reach American DVD?

Question:
I’ve been watching the Panty & Stocking series, and I am loving it so far. What do you think the chances are of it being picked up in America, if any?

Answer:
Of course, the possibility of Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt getting “picked up” for licensed American release depends on what’s implied by “picked up.” Since the show is already streaming on Crunchyroll, in one sense, it already has been “picked up” for official North American distribution. I’d also say that the probability of a domestic DVD release is pretty strong because a majority of Gainax’s television anime productions have been released on American DVD. In fact, out of Gainax’s 14 television series, the only three not yet released on American DVD are 1999’s Anime Ai no Awa Awa Hour and this year’s Hanamaru Yochien and Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. In practical terms it can be said that Gainax television anime series are seemingly destined for eventual American home video release. The show also seems to exhibit some degree of recognition of its potential for American distribution. The series’visual design more closely resembles American animation like South Park and Powerpuff Girls than conventional Japanese animation. English language is prominent in the show. And the show prominently references American pop culture. While these attributes are certainly Japanese channeling American homage and inspiration, these attributes are doubtlessly also intended to make the series accessible to American viewers.