Akimbo anime-on-demand
Akimbo’s Fast-Growing Anime On Demand a Must-See for Fans
AnimEigo, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, The Right Stuf International and World Events
Productions’ VOLTRON round out Akimbo’s already extensive library of anime titles
SAN MATEO, Calif. – June 6, 2007 – Akimbo™ announced today that it has added a host of leading anime distributors to its acclaimed specialty video collection. New partners include AnimEigo, Bang Zoom! Entertainment (AnimeTV), The Right Stuf International and World Events Productions (VOLTRON). These new providers join existing anime powerhouses Central Park Media and The Anime Network, making Akimbo the most comprehensive source of Internet-delivered, on-demand anime videos available anywhere. The Akimbo Service lets consumers choose from a wide-ranging, fast-growing collection of more than 15,000 video-on-demand titles in over 100 categories, including hundreds of high-quality anime programs.
Video from the new anime providers will be available on Akimbo by the end of May. Akimbo’s anime library ranges from the newest hits such as Gankustuou, to favorites from the last two decades, including the newly restored classic series VOLTRON. These programs are available to legions of anime fans for download and viewing on any PC powered by Microsoft Windows Vista or XP, as well as on any TV through such Akimbo partners as the AT&T Homezone entertainment service.
One of Japan’s most recognized cultural exports, anime has become a popular form of entertainment for adults and young people all over the world. Mainstream audiences have embraced the anime genre’s distinctive images, memorable characters, vibrant action scenes and gripping storylines.
“Anime began as a cult phenomenon but has attained massive cross-over appeal in recent years,†says Akimbo President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas F. Frank. “We realized early on that there was strong demand for anime, yet no one was filling that void. When we added Central Park Media and The Anime Network to our collection, their videos quickly became some of our most sought-after programming. We have responded to our viewers’ enthusiasm by adding the award-winning providers AnimEigo, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, The Right Stuf International and World Events Productions to our expanding collection.â€
“Boutique video publishers like CPM have long been on the cutting edge of digital distribution, due to the nature of our anime audience,†added Stephanie Shalofsky, vice president of Central Park Media. “We applaud Akimbo’s strategic vision in providing a common platform for the benefit of the anime fan.â€
Said Eric Sherman, president of Bang Zoom! Entertainment and executive producer of the highly acclaimed hit anime podcast, AnimeTVâ„¢: “It’s great that digital video aggregators like Akimbo are aware of anime’s cultural impact and are working hard to make anime on demand a reality.â€Â
“As the anime market continues to grow, fans are looking for new ways to view and sample programming,†said Shawne Kleckner, president and Chief Executive Officer of The Right Stuf International. “We’re excited to work with Akimbo to meet this challenge and make it even easier for these fans to discover shows that are already considered ‘favorites’ by audiences worldwide.â€
Gary Conner of World Events Productions added, “World Events Productions is proud to be partnering with a cutting edge new media service like Akimbo to introduce a whole new generation to the wonders of VOLTRON!â€
How to Get Akimbo
Akimbo’s Internet-delivered video-on-demand service lets users discover the best of the anime genre along with an astounding variety of specialty content–including indie movies, short films, cult TV shows, LGBT-interest, condensed sports games, foreign language, men’s lifestyle, learning, and adventure programs.
To access Akimbo on a PC, simply visit www.akimbo.com/pc.asp and download the free and easy-to-use software provided by Sonic Roxio Venueâ„¢.
To inquire about getting Akimbo on your TV, visit the AT&T section of the Akimbo Web site at www.akimbo.com/att.asp.
About Akimbo
Akimbo is the only company to offer consumers a vast, ever-growing collection of more than 15,000 TV-quality videos for on-demand download to the TV or PC via a broadband Internet connection. As an aggregator of specialty video content, Akimbo works with hundreds of video providers to bring the world of Internet video-on-demand to consumers. Akimbo was named to the OnHollywood 100 by AlwaysOn in 2007, as well as in 2006. Akimbo is located in San Mateo, Calif. and is funded by AT&T, Blueprint Ventures, Cisco Systems, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Sprout Group, and Zone Ventures. For more information, visit www.akimbo.com.