Ask John: Will Robot Carnival Ever be Released on American DVD?

Question:
Are we ever getting a domestic DVD release of Robot Carnival? I’ve heard it’s been licensed, but have yet to see it on the shelves. It’s one of the films that got me into anime in the early 90s and it holds much sentimental value for me, so to see a restored, uncut (the domestic VHS version is missing some scenes during the credits) version would please me beyond belief.

Answer:
The American status of Robot Carnival has puzzled me for years. The film was animated by the Japanese production company Studio A.P.P.P. The American anime distribution company Super Techno Arts is the American branch of Studio A.P.P.P. Super Techno Arts representatives have, in the past, hinted that Super Techno Arts has plans to possibly someday re-release Robot Carnival in America. I don’t know anything more about Super Techno Arts’ internal business strategies, financial status or business relations than you do, so I can’t say anything for certain. However, I have, for years, wondered why Super Techno Arts chose to make Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures its debut American DVD release instead of premiering with a re-release of Robot Carnival.

Since Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures is a dark and violent action anime, it theoretically may have more market potential in America than an animated “art film.” But Robot Carnival already had name recognition and an established consumer base in America that Jojo did not have. Furthermore, Robot Carnival is a single feature film that already has an existing English language version. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures is a 13 episode long series. It would seem as though the single volume Robot Carnival would have been a more logical, less difficult to complete initial American release than Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures. But for a reason unknown to me, Super Techno Arts chose to introduce itself to the American market with Jojo instead of Robot Carnival.

Super Techno Arts’ next scheduled American release is the four episode adult ninja action OAV series Shadow (which, by the way, is outstanding). In 2001 and 2002 Super Techno Arts representatives stated that the company had plans to eventually release the Sci-Fi Harry TV series and Robot Carnival in America. It’s been three years and we’re still waiting for Super Techno Arts debut title to complete its 6 volume American DVD release. Considering Super Techno Arts glacial release schedule, we may yet see a DVD release of Robot Carnival come out of Super Techno Arts someday.