Anime is Japanese for 'animation'. The word was originally borrowed from the French when animation was introduced. Animation as an industry is much larger in Japan than it is in North America, being of the same order of magnitude as the 'live-action' film industry there. Anime separates itself from Amerian animation in many ways. In America animation is commonly perceived as children's entertainment, as American animation is designed for generally a younger audience. In Japan however, animation is not merely viewed as a form of children's entertainment, but as a visual medium and artform that can be used and manipulated to tell stories in a way that could not be possible with live-action. Anime works covers nearly all film and television genres one could possibly imagine. While anime varies in quality according to both production techniques and artistic merit, the level of sophistication is, in general, far superior to it's counterpart outside Japan, the 'cartoon'. The beauty and appeal of anime is most likely due to the fact that there is a show for nearly any interest and any age group. Anime is distributed in three forms, TV episodes, Original Video Animation (often called OVAs or OAVs), and full length feature films.

TV Episodes
These are the animes shown on TV in Japan. TV series in Japan run according to different sydication rules than in the US, and can run to very different lengths. Series such as Vision of Escaflowne run only 26 episodes, while other series such as Dragonball have aired over 500 eps. Many TV series are based off of manga, Japanese comics, providing lots of ready story material. The art ranges from adequate to good, but since the animes have more time to develop their characters, they are usually more enjoyable.

Original Video Animation
Also known as OVA, or OAV (Original Animated Video). Both mean the same thing. These anime go directly to the video market. Originally creators were given the freedom of creating a story that was not constrained by time limits, commercial breaks, sponsors, or specified episode runs. OVA's could be as long or as short as the animators wished, several episodes or a one-shot. Shows like Black Magic M-66 and Riding Bean are examples of the one-shot OVA. Bubblegum Crisis is another example of the freedoms the format could afford. Each episode was a different length to fit the story, and the opening and ending music changed every episode as well. More recently, however, OVA's have been adopting standard formats that include half-hour length episodes and 'eyecatches' where commercial breaks can be inserted.

Full Length Feature Film
These anime are made for the big screen. They feature some of the best art works around. Feature films generally last anywhere from 60 minutes to 2 hours.

Suncoast Motion Picture Company
Suncoast is a video retailer found in many malls such as Briarwood and Twelve Oaks. They have an awesome selection of subtitled as well as dubbed anime; and have for many years. They charge full retail price, though.

Amazon.com
Having shopped there I can see why it was a wall street wonder. The prices are excellent as is the customer service (a rarity for an online store). They even have a dedicated Anime & Manga section. Amazon.com is my top recommendation for purchasing anime videos.

BuyVideos.com
BuyVideos.com has the best prices. Period. They leave a lot to be desired in the customer service department, however. Since they are a newcomer to the video market their selection of older anime videos is small, but they do get all of the new videos that come out. If you order from them make sure to check the stock icon. Don't order anything if it isn't in stock because if you do you won't get it for a very long time. Also, they list anime titles under the keywork "Japanimation." Makes makes me shudder every time I have to type it. Despite all that, BuyVideos.com is the place to shop if you are price conscious.

AnimeNation.com
As the name implies, AnimeNation.com is an online anime store. Like Wizzywig, they have a large selection of anime related merchandise. The selection of videos is very good and they discount all videos 15-20% off of retail.

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