Funimation Announces January 2011 Releases

Funimation has given us their January 2011 release schedule, and we now have it available on the store site for pre-order. Here's what's coming:

Black Butler Season 1 Part 1 DVD Collection (Eps #1-12)
Disgaea Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26)
Gantz Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-26) (Classic Collection)
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom DVD Collection #1 (Eps #1-13)
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom DVD Collection #2 (Eps #14-26)
Sacred Blacksmith Complete Collection DVD Boxed Set (Eps #1-12)
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE OVA Collection DVD
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE OVA Collection DVD (BLURAY)

And, moved from December 21st to January 25th:

One Piece Season 3 Part 4 DVD Boxed Set (Eps #179-191)

This release schedule, if you'll notice, is significantly different than what we've been getting from Funi for the last few months. Gone are the dozens of recycled series reissues, reprices, and economy boxes and replacing them is a streamlined list that contains lots of actual new material. It's good to see.

Note: I always use the word 'release schedule' instead of 'slate'. Slate is something they use to make pool tables and expensive shingles. Only lifer industry mo-mo's use it to describe release schedules. Just a little pet peeve of mine... -_^

Black Butler
To what extent must a housekeeper do things to be acceptable? One of the noble families of England, Phantomhives butler Sebastian Michaels has got unquestionably perfect knowledge, manners, talent with materials, martial arts, et cetera: but is also able to serve a 12 year old master. Wearing a grey tailcoat, gracefully brewing the worlds strongest red tea, please read on to see how such a perfect butler copes with such a master...



Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
A spate of mafia assasinations occurs in America, the work of the mysterious organization named Inferno."Phantom" is their most strongest and capable assassin, however a lone tourist witnesses Phantom's latest act of murder. He unwittingly exposes the top assassin's true identity, a young girl named Ein. Witnesses are usually killed, but the man is captured and taken to be brainwashed into "Zwei", Inferno's newest assassin, with no memory of who he is. From this point on, Zwei is drawn into a world of conspiracy, deceit and violence.



Sacred Blacksmith
As the newest head of the prestigious Campbell household, young Cecily Campbell is following family tradition by becoming a Knight Guard of the Independent Trade City of Housman and taking up the family sword. While being attacked by a crazed veteran knight, she was saved by Luke, the Sacred Blacksmith. Alongside Lisa, his assistant, Luke has the power to forge powerful swords capable of defeating the so feared demons. Demons which could once again bring the world close to an end.