Jump to content

Viz Media

From Home Video

History[edit]

In 1993, Viz Communications, Inc. had formed Viz Video as a home video subsidiary, to handle releases of anime based on Viz's material, such as Ranma ½,, which became a hit. The smash hit led to Viz acquiring licenses for several TV shows, including the kid-friendly anime series Pokémon and Hamtaro.

Earlier titles of Viz's material were first distributed by Central Park Media, a leading anime distributor, then Pioneer Entertainment, before being self-distributed in the mid-2000s.

In 2005, Viz Communications merged with ShoPro Entertainment, an American subisidary of Shogakukan and was renamed to Viz Media. Horibuchi became the new company's chairman. During the same year, Horibuchi started a related division, Viz Pictures, for releasing selected live-action films in the US to theaters and DVD.

On December 17, 2008, Viz Media announced that starting on April 1, 2009, Warner Home Video would be handling the distribution of both its new and existing catalog releases. Viz itself is still the licensor and will do all production, while tapping the distribution powerhouse that distributes the works of other major companies such as Disney XD, Adult Swim, and Cartoon Network.

On February 20, 2009, Viz Media laid off an unknown number of employees in order to help be more streamlined to face the current economic climate. On May 11, 2010, Viz Media again laid off a number of workers, 60 this time, again in order to try to become more streamlined. This time they released a press release claiming that none of their current product lines would be affected.

On April 2, 2012, it was announced that the senior vice-president and general manager of Viz Media Ken Sasaki would be succeeding executive producer Hidemi Fukuhara as president and CEO; Fukuhara will subsequently take up the position of vice-president at the end of the month.

In Fall 2013, Viz began distributing titles to the Philippines. In 2014, it announced it would do the same in India with 75 Shueisha titles being released in that country; Viz titles had been distributed unofficially to that country prior to the announcement.

On July 3, 2019, Viz Media partnered with Crunchyroll to distribute select Crunchyroll licensed titles on home video and electronic sell-through in the United States and Canada.

In 2020, Viz Media saw a 70% growth in the U.S. market, in line with a 43% increase in overall manga sales in the United States the same year.

Releases[edit]

1993[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VVRT-001 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 1 Japan 1993 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color November 2, 1993
VVRO-001 Ranma ½: Desperately Seeking Shampoo Japan 1993 50 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color December 1993

1994[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VVRA-001 Ranma ½: Darling Charlotte Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1994
VVRM-001 Ranma ½: The Movie - Big Trouble in Nekonron, China Japan 1994 74 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color March 1994
VVRM-002 Ranma ½: Nihao My Concubine Japan 1994 60 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color August 3, 1994[1]
VVRO-002 Ranma ½: Like Water for Ranma Japan 1994 60 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color June 1994
VVRO-003 Ranma ½: Akane and Her Sisters Japan 1994 60 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color November 1994
VVRT-002 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 2 Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color January 1994
VVRT-003 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 3 Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color February 1994
VVRT-004 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 4 Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color March 1994
VVRT-005 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 5 Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color May 1994
VVRT-006 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 6 Japan 1994 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color August 1994

1995[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VVRA-002 Ranma ½: It's Fast or It's Free Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color April 12, 1995[2]
VVRA-003 Ranma ½: Cat-Fu Fighting Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color May 1995
VVRA-004 Ranma ½: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color June 13, 1995[3]
VVRA-005 Ranma ½: Cold Competition Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1995
VVRA-006 Ranma ½: The Breaking Point Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1995
VVRA-007 Ranma ½: Fowl Play Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1995
VVRA-008 Ranma ½: The Evil Wakes Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1995
VVRA-009 Ranma ½: Goodbye Girl-Type Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1995
VVRO-004 Ranma ½: An Akane to Remember Japan 1995 65 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color July 1995
VVRT-009 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 9 Japan 1995 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color February 15, 1995[4]

1996[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VVHB-001 Ranma ½: Ukyo Can Cook Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVHB-002 Ranma ½: Dim Sum Darling Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVHB-003 Ranma ½: Dharma Chameleon Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVHB-004 Ranma ½: Once Upon a Time in Jusenkyo Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVHB-005 Ranma ½: Pretty Womanhood Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color November 1996
VVRAS-03 Ranma ½: Cat-Fu Fighting Japan 1996 52 min English subtitled version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color July 1996
VVRA-010 Ranma ½: Tough Cookies Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color January 1996
VVRA-011 Ranma ½: Ranma and Juliet Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVRO-005 Ranma ½: One Grew Over the Kuno's Nest Japan 1995 65 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color February 1996
VVRO-006 Ranma ½: Faster, Kasumi! Kill! Kill! Japan 1996 65 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996
VVROS-002 Ranma ½ Collector's Edition: The OAVs Japan 1996 90 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1996

1997[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
V-RAS011 Ranma ½: Ranma and Juliet Japan 1997 52 min English subtitled version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
V-RHB009 Ranma ½: Da Doo Ling-Ling- Lung-Lung Japan 1997 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
V-RHB011 Ranma ½: Soap Gets in Your Eyes Japan 1997 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
V-RHB012 Ranma ½: Mirror, Mirror Japan 1997 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVGE-002 Adieu Galaxy Express 999 Japan 1981 135 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVGES-002 Adieu Galaxy Express 999 Japan 1981 135 min English subtitled version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVGYE01 Grey Digital Target Japan 1997 80 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVHB-006 Ranma ½: Suddenly Sasuke Japan 1996 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color January 1997
VVHB-007 Ranma ½: Meloncholy Baby Japan 1997 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVHB-008 Ranma ½: Back to the Happosai Japan 1997 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1997
VVKM-001 Key the Metal Idol Japan 1994 80 min English dubbed version N/A Academy 1 N/A Color 1997
  • Contains episodes 1 to 3.
VVRJB-001 The Ranma ½: Video Jukebox Japan 1996 27 min TBD N/A TBD 1 N/A Color May 1997

1998[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
V-ROC001 Ranma ½: The Headmaster from Hell Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC002 Ranma ½: ...The Harder They Fall Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC005 Ranma ½: The Spirit of Furinkan Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC006 Ranma ½: A Room with a Zoo Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC007 Ranma ½: Happy's Heart Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC008 Ranma ½: Tattoo You Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998
V-ROC009 Ranma ½: Great Eggspectations Japan 1998 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1998

1999[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
V-ROC010 Ranma ½: Pinky Promised Japan 1999 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1999
V-ROC012 Ranma ½: Eat, Drink, Man-Who-Turns-Into-Woman Japan 1999 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1999
V-RHBS010 Ranma ½: Smells Like Evil Spirit Japan 1999 52 min English subtitled version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1999
V-RMM001 Ranma ½: Buns of Steel Japan 1999 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1999
V-RMM002 Ranma ½: Marry Me Akane Japan 1999 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 1999

2000[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
V-RMM003 Ranma ½: Tea for Three Japan 1999 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-RMM005 Ranma ½: One Lump or Two Japan 2000 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-RMM006 Ranma ½: Cloak & Dagger Japan 2000 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-RMM007 Ranma ½: Three Guys, A Guy and a (Japanese) Pizza Place Japan 2000 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-RMM009 Ranma ½ - Battle: Foie Gras Japan 2000 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-RMM010 Ranma ½: Swimming with Psychos Japan 2000 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000
V-ROCS006 Ranma ½: A Room with a Zoo Japan 2000 52 min English Subtitled version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2000

2001[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VRRR-001 Ranma ½: Who Do? Voodoo Japan 2001 78 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2001
VRRR-001 Ranma ½: The Way We're Not' Japan 2001 78 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color 2001

2002[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
VRRF 01 Ranma ½: Initiation Nite Japan 2002 78 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color June 2002

2003[edit]

2004[edit]

Unknown Months or Dates[edit]

Catalog number Title Country of origin Original year Length Version MPAA rating Film format Tape count Tape break placement (if applicable) Color Released Note(s)
V-ROC003 Ranma ½: Immoral Kombat Japan TBD 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color TBD
V-ROC004 Ranma ½: My Fiancé, the Cat Japan TBD 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color TBD
VVRT-007 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 7 Japan TBD 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color TBD
VVRT-008 Ranma ½: TV Series Vol. 8 Japan TBD 52 min English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color TBD
????? Ranma ½: Wacky Winter Wonderland Japan TBD TBD English dubbed version N/A TBD 1 N/A Color TBD

Duplicators[edit]

References[edit]

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.