Discotek Media, a prominent licensor of Japanese animation and live-action films, announced a significant wave of new acquisitions at their Industry Extravaganza panel during Otakon 2025. Headlining the reveals are the highly anticipated licensing of the complete Monster anime series, Shin Aim for the Ace!, and the beloved mecha series Zegapain, alongside a diverse array of other titles spanning classic anime, tokusatsu, and live-action cinema.
Headline Licenses Lead the Charge
The announcements at Otakon 2025 showcased Discotek’s continued commitment to bringing both iconic and niche titles to Western audiences. Fans can anticipate comprehensive releases for several long-requested series.
Monster
Among the most significant reveals was the licensing of the acclaimed psychological thriller anime, Monster. Based on Naoki Urasawa’s celebrated manga, the series follows a brilliant neurosurgeon, Kenzo Tenma, whose life unravels after he chooses to save a young boy over the mayor, only for that boy to re-emerge years later as a cold-blooded killer. This acquisition marks a major win for fans eager to own the complete series physically.
Shin Aim for the Ace!
Discotek also confirmed the acquisition of Shin Aim for the Ace!, the 1978 remake of the classic tennis anime. This release is particularly notable as it will mark the first time all 24 episodes of the 1978 series are subtitled and released in the United States. The original Aim for the Ace! (1973-1974 series) was previously licensed and released by Discotek, making this new acquisition a welcome addition for sports anime enthusiasts.
Zegapain
The sci-fi mecha anime Zegapain is another major addition to Discotek’s catalog. The license includes not only the original television anime series but also the Zegapain ADP compilation film and the recent 2024 Zegapain STA anime film. The releases will feature both the original Japanese audio and the English dub previously released by Elastic Media.
Expansive Anime Additions
Beyond the marquee titles, Discotek revealed several other significant anime licenses, ensuring a wide range of genres and eras for collectors.
Digimon: The Movies – Collection 2
Following their previous Digimon film collection, Discotek announced Digimon: The Movies – Collection 2. This new Blu-ray release will include fan favorites such as Digimon Adventure 02: Revenge of Diaboromon, Digimon Tamers: Battle of Adventurers, and Digimon Tamers: Runaway Locomon. The collection will feature both Japanese audio with subtitles and English dubs, along with original promos and TV spots as extras.
Golden Boy
The irreverent and popular six-episode 1995-1996 OVA, Golden Boy, is receiving a new Blu-ray release. Discotek is upscaling the series from its original masters and will include both Japanese and English audio options. A new commentary track featuring Doug Smith, the English voice of the protagonist Kintaro, will also be part of the release.
Higurashi Kai and Higurashi Rei
Fans of horror and mystery will be pleased to learn that Higurashi Kai and Higurashi Rei, the sequels to Higurashi: When They Cry, are slated for new Blu-ray releases. These will include the original Japanese audio with English subtitles.
Project ARMS
The 2001 sci-fi action series Project ARMS will see a complete release from Discotek, with all 52 episodes coming to SD Blu-ray Disc. This release will include both the Japanese audio and the English dub previously handled by Viz Media.
Urotsukidoji: Sequels of the Overfiend
For fans of mature anime, Discotek is bringing SD-BD releases of the Urotsukidoji sequels, including Urotsukidoji 2: Legend of the Demon Womb, Urotsukidoji 3: Return of the Overfiend, and Urotsukidoji 4: Inferno Road, Lord of Chaos.
Tokusatsu and Live-Action Film Acquisitions
Discotek’s panel also highlighted their continued expansion into tokusatsu and live-action cinema, demonstrating their diverse licensing strategy.
Kamen Rider Series
Building on their existing Kamen Rider catalog, Discotek announced the licensing of three more iconic tokusatsu series: Kamen Rider Amazon, Kikaider 01, and Kamen Rider Stronger. These additions will further broaden the availability of classic Japanese superhero shows for fans in the West.
Thai Live-Action Films
Venturing into international live-action, Discotek acquired the rights to two Thai films: Bangkok Dangerous (the 1999 original action movie that inspired a Nicolas Cage remake) and the zombie horror-comedy SARS Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis. Bangkok Dangerous will be released under Discotek’s Nihon Nights label and will feature 5.1 audio and an original trailer.
Additional Notable Releases
Rounding out the impressive list of announcements were a couple of highly anticipated re-releases and unique additions.
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro Steelbook
Discotek is preparing a new Blu-ray Disc steelbook release for the timeless Hayao Miyazaki film, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro. This special edition will feature a new English dub with a star-studded cast including Tony Oliver, Richard Epcar, Michelle Ruff, and Doug Erholtz. This release will be exclusively available on the Crunchyroll store and will retain most of the extras from Discotek’s previous release.
U.S. Megaman Cartoon
For fans of classic American animation based on Japanese properties, Discotek announced a new SD Blu-ray Disc release of the 27-episode U.S. Megaman cartoon. This release promises a “newly-fixed” first episode running at the correct speed, along with extensive extras such as the cartoon’s pitch pilot, scans of the original press kit, commercials, art galleries, the series bible, and a commentary track with Ian James Corlett.
These numerous announcements from Discotek Media at Otakon 2025 underscore the company’s ongoing dedication to delivering a wide array of classic and cult Japanese media to the global market, ensuring a busy future for anime and tokusatsu enthusiasts.
