Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Discotek Media

Discotek Media is an entertainment company founded in 2005 and headquartered in , that specializes in licensing, localizing, and distributing series, films, and live-action Asian cinema for the North American market, primarily through DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD formats. The company emerged as a publisher focused on classic and retro titles, beginning with early DVD releases of Asian live-action films and classics such as , , , and several Lupin III specials, all presented with original Japanese audio tracks, English subtitles, and dubs where applicable. Over the years, Discotek has expanded its catalog to more than 300 titles, emphasizing restorations and high-quality remasters of older properties that were previously unavailable or in the West. Notable releases include fan-favorite series like Berserk (1997 TV), City Hunter, Digimon Adventure, Urusei Yatsura (1981 TV), and films such as Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, alongside recent additions like Gunbuster, Ghost Stories, and Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie in 4K UHD. Discotek's approach as a fan-driven operation has earned it a reputation for reviving obscure or cult anime, often through partnerships for subtitling and dubbing, while maintaining affordability and accessibility for collectors.

Company overview

Founding and leadership

Discotek Media was established on October 10, 2005, with its official website launching on that date to mark the beginning of operations as an independent distributor of Japanese and Asian media. The company was founded by Selby Johnson, who has served as its primary leader and managing member since inception, guiding its direction as a boutique publisher focused on licensing and releasing titles for the North American market. The company is legally structured as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), incorporated under the name Discotek Media LC in , where it maintains its headquarters as a small-scale operation specializing in distribution. Johnson, listed as the managing member in official filings, has been the central figure in the company's leadership, with no other co-founders publicly documented in corporate records. This structure has allowed Discotek to operate nimbly, emphasizing fan-driven selections of retro and niche content from its earliest days. Under Johnson's ongoing stewardship, Discotek Media has maintained a lean leadership model suited to its independent status, prioritizing direct engagement with enthusiasts through conventions and online announcements rather than expansive corporate hierarchies. The founder's has remained pivotal, overseeing licensing decisions and release strategies that have defined the 's reputation for resurrecting obscure titles.

Business focus and operations

Discotek Media's primary business centers on licensing Japanese anime, films, and content for distribution in , with a strong emphasis on formats including DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD releases. The company specializes in retro titles from the 1970s through the , alongside select modern acquisitions, prioritizing the preservation of out-of-print or niche works through high-quality video restorations and affordable pricing to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. In terms of operations, Discotek handles in-house subtitling for English-language versions of its releases, ensuring accurate translations while retaining original audio tracks, and occasionally produces new English dubs when production elements like music-and-effects tracks are available—for instance, its first original dub was for the film Lupin III: Jigen's Gravestone in 2016, produced in collaboration with studios like Bang Zoom! Entertainment. In 2024, Discotek faced controversy over the English dub of Lovely Complex, involving disputes with a contractor that prompted public statements from the company and its dubbing partner Sound Cadence Studios. The company partners with external entities for dubbing, such as Sound Cadence Studios, and for manufacturing and retail distribution through platforms like the Crunchyroll Store and Amazon, which handle fulfillment and sales logistics. Discotek's revenue model relies on sales via its online store and major retailers, supplemented by limited-edition collector sets that include extras like interview booklets, original artwork, and bonus features to enhance value and encourage purchases among dedicated fans. This approach supports ongoing licensing efforts despite the challenges of acquiring rights to older titles, which often involve complex negotiations with rights holders.

History

Early years (2005–2010)

Discotek Media began operations in 2005 with a primary emphasis on distributing and East Asian live-action and DVDs, marking its entry into the home video market. One of its inaugural releases was the 1974 film Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs, a gritty drama directed by Yutaka Kohayagawa, which exemplified the company's initial focus on cult Asian cinema titles. This phase also included DVDs featuring East Asian artists, though specific titles from 2005–2007 remain sparsely documented in industry records, reflecting the modest scale of early efforts. By late 2005, Discotek ventured into anime distribution, licensing and releasing Toei Animation classics such as Animal Treasure Island (November 2005) and Taro the Dragon Boy (January 2006), which served as its first anime DVDs and introduced the company to animated content. These early anime projects were limited in scope, with subsequent licenses in the late 2000s, such as Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy (2007) and the original Fist of the North Star anime film (2009), expanding the catalog. However, the company's anime output remained sporadic until a more deliberate shift around 2008. Operating as a small independent entity with constrained budgets, Discotek faced significant hurdles in sourcing master materials, negotiating rights, and producing subtitles for older content, often relying on midstream acquisitions of out-of-print titles from defunct distributors to build its library. This approach allowed to revive obscure or abandoned properties, such as vintage Toei features, but limited production values and release volumes, with many early DVDs featuring basic packaging and no extras. By 2008, Discotek officially pivoted toward as its core business, cementing a reputation for rescuing niche and forgotten titles that larger studios overlooked. This strategic focus helped establish its foothold in the competitive market despite ongoing resource limitations.

Expansion and milestones (2011–2020)

During the 2011–2020 period, Discotek Media underwent substantial growth, acquiring a wide array of licenses that emphasized retro and classic titles while transitioning to advanced formats and expanding capabilities. The year 2011 marked an uptick in licensing activity, with Discotek securing rights to the 2003 TV series , the 1988 film , and the 1983 film, broadening its focus on and properties. This momentum continued into 2012, a pivotal year for major acquisitions, including the 1999–2000 TV series , the seminal 1972–1974 mecha anime , the 1993 OVA , and Takashi Miike's 2009 live-action film, which highlighted Discotek's diversification into live-action adaptations. By the mid-2010s, Discotek began upgrading older titles to Blu-ray, starting with standard-definition (SD) Blu-ray formats for preservation purposes; notable early examples included the 1990 Samurai Pizza Cats series in 2015 and high-definition releases like the 1979 Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro film, delayed to ensure quality improvements. A significant operational milestone occurred in 2016 with the release of Lupin the IIIrd: Jigen's Gravestone, for which Discotek commissioned and produced its inaugural original English dub, signaling the company's entry into in-house audio localization to enhance accessibility for Western audiences. The late 2010s saw further expansion through licenses for influential series like the action franchise (2012–2019) in 2019, alongside other retro picks such as and . In 2019, Discotek ventured into 4K UHD restorations with the 1982 film Space Adventure Cobra, marking the first 4K release in the West. These achievements solidified Discotek's role as a key preserver of anime heritage, with output scaling to support dozens of annual releases by decade's end.

Recent developments (2021–present)

In 2022, Discotek Media expanded its portfolio beyond anime by launching two new sub-labels dedicated to live-action Japanese content. The Nihon Nights imprint focused on horror and thriller films, debuting with the restored Blu-ray release of the 2000 live-action adaptation of Uzumaki, directed by Akihiro Hiraoka and based on Junji Ito's manga. This initiative aimed to bring high-definition upgrades to cult classics in the genre, with subsequent titles like Suicide Club following in late 2022 under the same label. Concurrently, the Toku Time sub-label was introduced to specialize in tokusatsu series and films, starting with the complete Blu-ray collection of Space Sheriff Gavan (1982–1983), a foundational Metal Hero production featuring Kenji Ohba as the titular space sheriff. This 44-episode set, released in October 2022, marked Discotek's entry into preserving high-quality physical editions of tokusatsu properties previously unavailable in North America. Discotek continued its tradition of licensing landmark anime titles, with significant announcements at Otakon 2025 highlighting its commitment to classic series. During the August 9 panel, the company revealed nine new licenses, including the first 78 episodes of Naoki Urasawa's Monster (2004–2005), planned for HD Blu-ray with English subtitles and dub; Shin Aim for the Ace (1989–1990), a tennis drama sequel by Osamu Dezaki; and Zegapain (2006), bundled with its prequel film Zegapain ADP. The other six titles encompassed Crayon Shin-chan collections, Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro restoration, and additional retro anime like Golden Boy. This slate underscored Discotek's role in rescuing out-of-print series for modern audiences. Parallel to these efforts, the Toku Time label advanced with Kamen Rider releases, achieving six installments licensed by late 2025—including Kamen Rider Amazon (October 2025), Kamen Rider Stronger (October 2025), and Kamen Rider X (July 2025)—with four fully released by November, each featuring all episodes in subtitled Blu-ray sets with extras like essays and interviews. Adapting to technological advancements and distribution shifts, Discotek embraced higher-resolution formats and digital partnerships starting in the early . A notable example was the November 2023 4K UHD Blu-ray of Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994), directed by Gisaburō Sugii, which utilized a new transfer from original elements to enhance its cel-animated action sequences for home theater viewing. This move reflected a broader pivot toward ultra-high-definition releases for select catalog titles, prioritizing visual fidelity for enduring fan favorites. Additionally, Discotek deepened collaborations with , integrating streaming tie-ins where licensed titles like and became available on the platform alongside physical editions, while Crunchyroll's store handled pre-orders for many Blu-ray drops to bridge digital and physical consumption. As of November 2025, Discotek's catalog exceeded 300 titles, encompassing , , and live-action releases that emphasize archival quality amid a contracting market dominated by streaming. The company's focus remains on preserving retro through meticulous restorations—such as sourcing original film elements for upgrades—ensuring cultural artifacts like 1970s–2000s series endure against obsolescence, even as physical sales face industry-wide declines. On November 11, 2025, Discotek announced 4K UHD releases for the films and OVAs, featuring enhanced remasters of the 1986-1987 series. This preservation ethos, driven by fan demand, positions Discotek as a key steward of Japanese pop culture history in .

Releases and licenses

Anime titles

Discotek Media's anime portfolio features a diverse array of licensed titles, spanning classic OVAs, TV series, and films, with a strong emphasis on preserving and upgrading retro for modern audiences. As of August 2025, the company has amassed licenses for 370 anime titles, making it one of the leading boutique distributors for releases in . Among its core franchises, Discotek has extensively covered , releasing multiple OVAs, TV specials from 2012 to 2025, and key films such as (1979), often in HD remastered Blu-ray editions with English dubs. The company has also secured the franchise, including seasons 1 and 2 ( and Adventure 02), along with six films such as Digimon: The Movie (2000) and Runaway Locomon (2002), issued in complete collection Blu-ray sets starting from 2022. Discotek's retro focus highlights its commitment to license-rescuing older titles, exemplified by the 1988 OVA series Gunbuster, released on Blu-ray with a new English dub in 2023; the 1995 anthology film Memories, upgraded to Blu-ray in 2021 with an all-new dub; the 1997 TV adaptation of Berserk, brought to Blu-ray in a complete collection in 2024; and the 2004 series Sonic X, available as a standard-definition complete series Blu-ray set. These releases often involve sourcing original film elements for improved video quality, appealing to fans of 1980s and 1990s anime. In more contemporary offerings, Discotek licensed KonoSuba – God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!! seasons 1 and 2 through a partnership with Crunchyroll in the late 2010s, distributing them on Blu-ray with subtitles and dubs. Expanding further, the company announced in 2025 licenses for the acclaimed 2004–2005 psychological thriller series Monster in a complete Blu-ray collection and the 2006 mecha anime Zegapain, including its TV series, 2008 compilation film Zegapain ADP, and 2024 film Zegapain STA; additional late 2025 announcements include a 4K UHD release of Project A-ko. Discotek's anime releases prioritize comprehensive formats, such as multi-disc Blu-ray complete collections with high-definition upgrades, reversible covers, and extras like trailers, staff interviews, and booklet inserts, ensuring accessibility and added value for collectors. This approach aligns with their general licensing strategy of focusing on fan-driven, quality restorations rather than partial releases.

Live-action and tokusatsu

Discotek Media's involvement in live-action releases began in its early years, with distributions of titles on DVD from 2005 to 2007, including Japanese films such as Takashi Miike's works and the 1974 thriller Zero Woman: Red Handcuffs. These initial efforts focused on cult classics from and other Asian countries, providing English-subtitled to North American audiences. In 2022, the company expanded its live-action portfolio through the Nihon Nights sub-label, dedicated to Japanese genre films, particularly horror and thrillers. The label debuted with the Blu-ray release of the 2000 spiral-themed horror film Uzumaki, directed by Higuchinsky and based on Junji Ito's manga, featuring updated subtitles and high-definition restoration. Subsequent Nihon Nights titles have included international Asian entries like the 2004 Thai comedy-horror SARS Wars: Bangkok Zombie Crisis and 2025 releases such as Takashi Miike's The Happiness of the Katakuris, emphasizing physical Blu-ray editions with English subtitles for cult and genre enthusiasts. Parallel to Nihon Nights, Discotek launched the Toku Time sub-label in 2022 to specialize in series and films, beginning with the complete Blu-ray collection of the 1982 , a pioneering Metal Hero production featuring as the titular space cop. By 2025, Toku Time had licensed six installments, including the full series of (1987–1988), (1974), (1974–1975), and Kamen Rider Stronger (1975–1976), all released on Blu-ray with English subtitles to highlight their practical effects and heroic narratives. Additional acquisitions include the TV series (1972–1973) and its sequel (1973–1974), alongside Metal Heroes like Winspector (1990–1991), prioritizing restorations of these effects-driven Japanese live-action shows. Overall, Discotek's live-action and tokusatsu catalog encompasses over 30 titles as of November 2025, centering on cult favorites from Japanese and broader Asian cinema with an emphasis on high-quality physical media, subtitle accuracy, and preservation of vintage special effects genres.

Sub-labels and partnerships

In 2022, Discotek Media launched two sub-labels to expand its offerings beyond anime. Nihon Nights focuses on live-action Japanese genre films, starting with releases like the live-action adaptation of Uzumaki. Toku Time specializes in tokusatsu television series and films, beginning with titles such as Kamen Rider Black. Discotek has maintained a distribution partnership with since 2015, enabling releases of select titles from Crunchyroll's catalog and making Discotek's restorations available for streaming on the . As of 2025, this collaboration continues through pre-orders and streaming access to various titles.

References

  1. [1]
    Discotek Media - Anime News Network
    Discotek Media. Foundation date: 2005. Official website: Discotek Media · Discotek Media's Official Facebook Page · Discotek Media's Official Twitter Page.
  2. [2]
    New Anime Distributor
    ### Summary of Discotek Media's Founding and Initial Plans
  3. [3]
    Discotek Media > HOME
    $$49.95 MSRP. $34.95 MSRP. $29.95 MSRP. $79.95 MSRP. Copyright © 2023 Discotek Media. All rights reserved. 3443643 visitors since 10/10/2005.Discotek's catalogNew releases
  4. [4]
    News Discotek Media Reveals 25 New Releases
    Aug 3, 2024 · Discotek Media revealed 25 new upcoming releases at both at its industry panel at Otakon on Saturday and during a livestream event on Saturday.
  5. [5]
    Selby Johnson - Managing Member for Discotek Media Lc
    Selby Johnson is currently associated with one company, according to public records. The company was incorporated in Florida twenty-one years ago. Background ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=EntityName&searchterm=DISCOTEK%20MEDIA%20LC&listNameOrder=DISCOTEKMEDIALC%20L030000378840
  7. [7]
    This Anime Company is on a Mission to Preserve Your Childhood
    Aug 7, 2024 · In many ways, Discotek provides a true service to the anime community, as without them, classics such as vintage Lupin III, City Hunter, and ...
  8. [8]
    https://www.polygon.com/2021/7/30/22595596/discotek-anime-preservation-katsuhiro-otomo-memories
  9. [9]
    News Hulu Streams Lupin the Third: Jigen's Gravestone Film
    Apr 24, 2015 · Discotek Media plans to release the movie on Blu-ray and DVD with the dub and English subtitles. [Via WTK]. discuss this in the forum (8 posts) ...
  10. [10]
    Otakon 2021: Fast Times at Discotek Media's Panel - Anime Herald
    Aug 21, 2021 · Since their foundation in 2005, Discotek has become a darling among physical media collectors. The company's tireless dedication to making ...Missing: business | Show results with:business
  11. [11]
    Overseas - The Discotek Media Thread (plus AnimEigo)
    Mar 16, 2021 · Founded in 2005, Discotek Media first began distributing various Asian live-action films on DVD including some of Takashi Miike's films.
  12. [12]
    Discotek releases - Kung Fu Fandom
    Sep 24, 2005 · Guest mike robert · September 24, 2005 ; Guest GwaiLoMoFo · February 3, 2006 ; Guest ToothbrushFu · February 3, 2006 ; Guest Yakuza954 · February 15, ...Missing: 2007 | Show results with:2007
  13. [13]
    Discotek Media (Creator) - TV Tropes
    Discotek Media (also known as Eastern Star) is an American entertainment corporation known for licensing, translating, and releasing Japanese anime and live ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
  14. [14]
    Animal Treasure Island (DVD) - Anime News Network
    Title: Animal Treasure Island Volume: DVD Running time: 78. Distributor: Discotek Media. Release date: 2005-11-15. Suggested retail price: $19.95
  15. [15]
    Discotek Media's quest to rescue classic anime, explained - Polygon
    Jul 30, 2021 · Finding a home for the best anime not on Netflix, Adult Swim, and Crunchyroll. Here's how the anime DVD and Blu-ray publisher is trying its ...
  16. [16]
    Taro, the Dragon Boy - DVD Talk
    Jan 21, 2006 · Taro, the Dragon Boy. Discotek Media // Unrated // January 31, 2006. List Price: $29.95 [Buy now and save at Amazon]. Review by Stuart ...
  17. [17]
    News Discotek Licenses GTO TV Anime
    The North American video distributor Discotek Media announced on Wednesday that it licensed the GTO anime series. It will release the complete series next year.
  18. [18]
    News Discotek Licenses Casshan: Robot Hunter Video Anime
    The North American video distributor Discotek Media revealed on Monday that it licensed the 1993 Casshan: Robot Hunter original video anime ( OVA ) series.
  19. [19]
    News Discotek Licenses Miike's Live-Action Yatterman Film
    Sep 15, 2012 · Discotek Media announced on Saturday that it licensed Takashi Miike 's live-action film adaptation of Tatsunoko 's science-fiction comedy television anime ...
  20. [20]
    Discotek Media Announces Five New Releases For 2015 - Capsule ...
    This will be the first English dub that Discotek has produced. Previously announced releases for 2015 include Lupin the 3rd: Bank of Liberty AKA From Russia ...
  21. [21]
    Discotek Licenses Symphogear, Dokuro-chan, Medabots, Cleopatra ...
    Jul 28, 2019 · Discotek Media announced at its panel at Otakon on Sunday that it has licensed the following anime: Senki Zesshō Symphogear, Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan, ...<|separator|>
  22. [22]
    Discotek Reveals Restoration Releases of Darkstalkers, Devilman ...
    Mar 14, 2022 · The release will launch a new line of live-action releases for Discotek titled Nihon Nights. The Uzumaki live-action horror film is based on ...
  23. [23]
    https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-28/discotek-to-release-space-adventure-cobra-film-on-uhd-4k-blu-ray-disc/.149457
  24. [24]
    https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-14/discotek-reveals-restoration-releases-of-darkstalkers-devilman-more-titles/.183534
  25. [25]
    Discotek Announces Space Sheriff Gavan Blu-ray Release
    Jul 31, 2022 · Discotek announces Blu-ray distribution of Space Sheriff Gavan. The first Metal Hero will be available to own October 2022.
  26. [26]
    Discotek Reveals Monster, Shin Aim for the Ace, Zegapain, 6 More ...
    Aug 9, 2025 · Discotek will release the Zegapain television anime series, the Zegapain ADP compilation film, and the 2024 Zegapain STA anime film. The release ...
  27. [27]
    Discotek Media Licenses Monster Anime Series, Shin Aim for the ...
    Aug 10, 2025 · Discotek Media announced during its panel at this year's Otakon that it has licensed several new anime series, and will also be releasing ...Missing: business focus operations physical<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Discotek Media | Kamen Rider Wiki - Fandom
    In 2022, they launched the Toku Time label, specifically for Tokusatsu series and movies, starting with Space Sheriff Gavan. As of 2025, this label has ...
  29. [29]
    Discotek Media announces new 2025 releases - Niche Gamer
    Jan 21, 2025 · Discotek Media has has announced its “Very Big Discotek New Year's!” Event where new anime licenses they acquired to be sold physically get announced.<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Street Fighter II The Animated Movie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
    Street Fighter II The Animated Movie is directed by Gisaburō Sugii and is presented in 4K Ultra HD on blu-ray disc. GET YOUR QUARTERS READY!
  31. [31]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    The golden age of DVDs isn't over yet for anime fans | The Verge
    Feb 29, 2024 · A deeper and more important reality, though, is that physical releases have also played a key role in the preservation of classic media.
  33. [33]
    Lupin the 3rd Part I Blu-ray - Discotek Media
    Lupin the 3rd Part I Blu-ray contains episodes 1-23 of the anime directed by Hayao Miyazaki. With a brand new HD remaster and English dub!
  34. [34]
    News Discotek Licenses 1980 Astro Boy, Digimon Adventure ...
    Mar 14, 2022 · The full HD Blu-ray Disc release will feature the AI restoration of the U.S. television version of the Digimon Adventure anime restored via ...
  35. [35]
    News Discotek Licenses Gunbuster, Girly Air Force, Tomorrow's Joe 2
    Aug 7, 2021 · Discotek Media announced the following home video licenses and releases during its panel at Otakon on Saturday: Title: Gunbuster
  36. [36]
    Discotek Media Licenses Berserk's Original 1997 TV Anime Series
    Jan 10, 2024 · Recently announced by Discotek Media, a new Blu-ray collection will collect the entirety of the 1997 version of Berserk.
  37. [37]
    Discotek Media > Sonic X Complete Series Blu-ray
    Sonic X Complete Series contains episodes 1-78 of the anime directed by Hajime Kamegami in standard definition on two blu-ray discs.Missing: retro licenses Gunbuster Berserk B't<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Discotek Licenses Konosuba, Poco's Udon World, She and Her Cat ...
    Mar 13, 2020 · Discotek Media announced on Wednesday that it has licensed the first season of the KonoSuba – God's blessing on this wonderful world!! anime ...
  39. [39]
    Discotek Media | Dubbing Wikia - Fandom
    Discotek Media is an American entertainment company based in Altamonte Springs, Florida. It is in the business of licensing, translating/subtitling and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Uzumaki [Blu-ray] : Eriko Hatsune, Higuchinsky - Amazon.com
    Number of discs, ‎1 ; Media Format, ‎Widescreen ; Actors, ‎Eriko Hatsune ; Studio, ‎Discotek Media ; Release date, ‎June 28, 2022.
  41. [41]
    Uzumaki Blu-ray (うずまき / Spiral)
    Rating 7/10 · Review by Neil LumbardJun 23, 2023 · Discotek Media has announced its June batch of Blu-ray releases. They are: Uzumaki (2000), Kekkaishi: The Complete Series (2006-2008), Urusei ...
  42. [42]
    https://dubbing.fandom.com/wiki/Discotek_Media
  43. [43]
    Discotek Media Announces November Releases - Blu-ray.com
    Sep 17, 2025 · Discotek Media has announced its November batch of releases. They are: Android Kikaider 01 (1973-1974), The Happiness of the Katakuris ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Is there a list of all the Tokusatsu Discotek have released? - Reddit
    Oct 8, 2024 · Upcoming: Kamen Rider V3, Electric Dragon 80,000v, Android Kikaider, Special Police Winspector. Their Tokusatsu releases from before the Toku ...Discotek Media Reveals 25 New Releases : r/anime - RedditComplete Discotek release list : r/discotekmedia - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com