Funimation Entertainment Blasts Into the New Year With the Launch of FunimationNow at CES 2016
New Streaming Service Developed with Sony DADC New Media Solutions to Offer Ad-Free HD Hit Anime TV Shows
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (11 Jan 2016)
Funimation Entertainment, the go-to studio for extraordinary anime, is embarking on a new chapter. With over 4 billion unique engagements in 2015 across digital, physical and other immersive channels, the industry leader is defining what it means to be a next- generation entertainment company.
Funimation has partnered with Sony DADC New Media Solutions (Sony) to leverage their Ven.ue platform bringing both scale and unique capabilities on the digital front to launch its new ad-free streaming anime serviceFunimationNow – the first in a series of moves to take this growing genre of entertainment, and Funimation, to the next level.
Regardless of device or platform, FunimationNow subscribers will enjoy ad-free, HD streaming of Funimation’s expansive library of over 400 simulcast and catalog titles, both subbed and dubbed, including acclaimed shows such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “Attack on Titan,” “Fairy Tail,” “One Piece,” “Tokyo Ghoul”, “Space Dandy” and many more.
FunimationNow begins its rollout in early February, when fans can look forward to completely redesigned iOS, Android, and Kindle apps, as well as brand new Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV apps. The apps boast Airplay and Cast features, allowing you to watch on your TV from any mobile device. Also coming in February is a brand new Windows 10 Universal app. In May, fans can also look forward to a fully re-imagined Funimation website and all new integrated experiences on Funimation gaming console apps.
“Our partnership with Sony, the very best in this space, will help power the launch of FunimationNow, our next generation of innovation for anime fans,” said Mike DuBoise, Chief Operating Officer of Funimation. “We’re now uniquely positioned to deliver new and compelling experiences that will be integrated across multiple screens, platforms, and channels, making it easier for fans to discover, share, and experience extraordinary anime.”
Funimation has long been known as the leader in North American anime DVD sales, having launched huge anime brands including “Dragon Ball Z.” What most may not know is their DVD/Blu-ray sales have bucked overall industry trends, experiencing an impressive double digit growth since 2013. To leverage and scale their physical business, the company recently entered into a multi-year partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment to manage distribution of Funimation's DVD and Blu-ray portfolio, as well as sales to national retailers in the U.S. and Canada.
“Ven.ue was designed to power the next generation of consumer experiences, unifying social engagement, commerce and video streaming into a single destination,” said Andy Shenkler, Sony’s Chief Solutions and Technology Officer. “We are delighted that Funimation shares our vision of compelling next-gen experiences, and we look forward to enriching fans’ enjoyment of anime everywhere.”
“FunimationNow will be powered to support tens of millions of concurrent streams globally,” said Rahul Purini, Chief Technology Officer at Funimation. “And with support for Ultra 4k and 10 Mbps streams, Funimation is a true leader in anime entertainment.”
In 2015, Funimation Entertainment launched Funimation Films with “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’” as its debut theatrical release in August 2015. The film grossed over $8M at the U.S. box office in just 8 days of release – becoming one of the top ten highest grossing anime releases of all time as well as the only top 10 film released by an independent studio.
FunimationNow illustrates the company’s continued implementation of its omnichannel strategy, which now includes home entertainment, theatrical distribution and broadcast television and direct to consumer.
First-ever demos of the new FunimationNow streaming service are being provided by Funimation, Sony and Brightcove at 2016 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada.
For more information on FunimationNow, please visit http://www.funimationnow.com
For more information on Funimation's winter simulcast & broadcast dub shows, please visit funimation.com/winter
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About Funimation Entertainment
Funimation is the go-to destination for extraordinary anime. By combining its integrated in-house studios along with its technology and distribution partnerships, Funimation leads the industry with its omnichannel approach to offering anime to fans – from streaming and home entertainment to theatrical distribution and broadcast television. The company’s next generation streaming service, FunimationNow, provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of devices and platforms – from smartphones and tablets to TV’s and gaming consoles. For more information about Funimation, visit www.funimation.com.
About Sony DADC New Media Solutions
Sony DADC New Media Solutions provides complete digital supply chain solutions to power a new era of media consumption. Major film studios, broadcasters, music labels, game companies, software providers, and other content providers rely on us for innovative technology to keep pace with rapidly evolving consumer demand and emerging multichannel distribution models. Our market insight, proven expertise across both physical and digital media, and strategic partnerships throughout the industry enable us to provide unmatched end-to-end services that deliver the speed, efficiency, and quality required by today’s digital media businesses and the audiences they serve. For more information about Sony DADC New Media Solutions, please visit www.dadcdigital.com.