The Anime Sources List was last updated April 5, 1997 by Will Suvak.
This source list adapted from a FAQ by Steve Pearl : pearl@remus.rutgers.edu
Comments marked SP are his, RM are from Richard Murdey (rmurdey@cs.mun.ca). However this resource list is here primarily as just that, a list: any comments, recommendations, or suggestions are our opinions and should not be considered definitive.
If you are considering buying anime, there are many choices to be made. But what it all comes down to, in the end, is how to get the most anime out of your money. The answer to that is shop around! There is no single 'best place' to buy anime - that I've found, anyway - and there is nothing worse than finding the anime you just bought for $60 priced at $40 at another store.
Some considerations, warnings, etc:
Imports are expensive. CDs run around $30 US, LD's $65 and up! There is no such thing as import anime on VHS. While import LDs are the purvey of die-hards, the soundtrack CDs are worth looking into.
Domestic anime is released on VHS tape, and almost always, Laserdisc. Prices are variable, $20-$65. Dubbed VHS tapes are the cheapest, while subtitled LDs are the most expensive. Given the superior video and sound quality, longevity, and cover art of LDs, the extra cost is usually worth paying. Whether to buy dubbed or subtitled is a matter of personal preference, but most anime fans prefer to read the subtitles...
Now, anime companies provide a source of high quality domestic releases, and you should, if at all possible, support them. That said, if money is tight the most efficient way of building up an anime collection is by getting fan-subtitled tapes. The video quality will not be so hot, but lets face it, they're cheap - no more than the cost of the tapes and postage. The selection is also much larger, as long TV series which would never be economically viable in America are available: vis Maison Ikkoku in all 96 glorious episodes and the final movie!
Note that it is much easier to get 2nd or 3rd generation copies - a copy of a copy of a copy - than it is to get a fansub directly from the people who produce them. The best place to start is probably your local anime club.
(709) 754-3654
A great selection of anime tapes. Manga also available.
Certain other video rental stores also carry a wide selection of anime, and not only "Just for Kids" stuff either. Video Inc. is one store to try. Blockbuster Video is another.
(910) 251-1850
(910) 763-2376 (fax)
email: Janice Hindle at 72447.37@compuserve.com
(213) 687 7400
Hours: M-F 10-7; Sat. 11-5; Closed Sun.
email: thwang@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
(415) 654-4627
(415) 567-7625
San Jose Yaohan
675 Saratoga Ave.
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 252 1300
email: Philip Renda at ai211@freenet.carleton.ca
(800) 888-6086 - Orders Only
(617) 338-9820 - Questions
(617) 338-8098 (fax)
RM - This address and phone No. may well be out of date. Try (617) 267-3311 or 1-800-828-3472 instead.
(305) 384-9566 (voice/BBS)
(305) 384-9416 (fax)
(415) 753 2016
(415) 564 3821 (fax)
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm (Pacific)
(415) 922-9450
(415) 922-1682 (fax)
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00am-8:00pm, Sat & Sun. 9:00am-6:00pm
email: nichibei@adnc.com
email: nikaku@netcom.com, and type catalogue or newstuff as the subject heading for automated response.
SP - The best all-around anime store.
RM - However, since slapping a $100 minimum order for all foreign
customers, Canadian anime shoppers are somewhat miffed.
1-800-790-7273
(510) 649-5954
(617) 894 8633
(617) 894 9329 (fax)
(617) 894-5990 (BBS)
Hours: Mon-Wed, Sat 10am-7pm, Thu-Fri 10am-9pm (Eastern)
SP - One of the best all-around laserdisk stores.
RM - True.
A title listing from vaious fansub groups is available.
email: William Chow at wchow@questor.org or wchow@questor.wimsey.bc.ca
Fansub tapes available, email or write for details.
RM - If Arctic sometimes favor quantity over quality, give thanks that they make themselves available to the anime proletariat. Email or write to them for a list of current titles, and ordering details. But BE PATIENT!!! these guys are busy! It may take upwards of 10 weeks for delivery, but you will get what you asked for eventually.
RM - Not fansubs, but fan parodies. If "Voltron, Hell bent for Leather" sounds like fun to you, you should investigate these guys further.
RM - More guys with serious editing equipment and too much time on their hands, Corn Pone is responsible for the classic "Captain Harlock vs The Galactic Empire." Also Available are refurbished Starblazers episodes, and music videos.