A.D. Vision#ADV Films

{{Infobox company

| name = A.D. Vision Holdings, Inc.

| logo = A.D. Vision (logo).png

| logo_caption = ADV Films' logo

| type = Private

| industry = Multimedia entertainment

| fate = Liquidation

| successors = {{Plain list|

AEsir Holdings
Maiden Japan
Section23 Films
Sentai Filmworks
Switchblade Pictures

}}

| foundation = {{start date and age|1992|8|17}} (formal)
{{start date and age|1994|6|30}} (legal)

| founders = {{Plain list|

}}

| area_served = North America and Europe{{Cite web |title=A.D. Vision, Inc |url=http://www.advfilms.com/about-adv-films.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023051111/http://www.advfilms.com/about-adv-films.aspx |archive-date=October 23, 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2007 |publisher=ADVFilms.com}}

| defunct = {{end date and age|2009|09|01}} (operations)

| location = Houston, Texas

| products = {{Plain list|

}}

| revenue =

| operating_income =

| net_income =

| assets =

| equity =

| owner = Sojitz (20% equity) (2006–2009)

| num_employees =

| parent =

| divisions =

| subsid =

| footnotes =

| location_country = United States

| homepage = [http://www.advfilms.com/ www.advfilms.com]

}}

A.D. Vision Holdings, Inc. (known simply as ADV and also referred to as ADV Films) was an American multimedia entertainment distributor headquartered in Houston, Texas, and founded in 1992 by video game fan John Ledford and anime fans Matt Greenfield and David Williams. The company specialized in home video production and distribution, theatrical film distribution, merchandising, original productions, magazine and comic book publishing. They also ran Anime Network, a television channel devoted to airing the company's titles. Some of their titles were Neon Genesis Evangelion, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, RahXephon, Full Metal Panic!, Azumanga Daioh, Elfen Lied, Gantz, Red Garden, and Le Chevalier D'Eon.

The company maintained offices in North America, Europe and Asia. In addition to North America, ADV Films distributed their home media releases in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. The company was also involved in various lawsuits with other companies, though none of them made it to court.

With declining fortunes in the mid-2000s due to low sales, ADV ceased operations and eventually liquidated their assets in 2009. Sentai Holdings, owner of Section23 Films, Sentai Filmworks, AEsir Holdings, Valkyrie Media Partners, and Seraphim Digital, took over the ADV brand name and still uses it on some of their releases. Most of ADV's former titles have been re-released by other companies. Sentai was subsequently acquired by AMC Networks in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/amc-networks-acquires-sentai-holdings-anime-hidive-streaming-1234904975/ | title=AMC Networks Acquires Anime Specialist Sentai Holdings |work=Deadline Hollywood | date=January 5, 2022 }} As of {{currentyear}}, ADV exists as a domiciled shell corporation.{{cite web | url=https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0131819500 | title=A.D. VISION HOLDINGS, INC. :: Texas (US) :: OpenCorporates }}

History

File:PlazaSouthwestHoustonTX.JPG, Texas, seen in a 2009 photograph{{Cite web |title=Districts |url=http://www.sharpstowndistrict.com/districts.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106051818/http://www.sharpstowndistrict.com/districts.aspx |archive-date=January 6, 2009 |access-date=April 14, 2015 |website=sharpstowndistrict.com}}]]

=Beginnings=

John Ledford, a native of Houston, Texas, started a Japanese video game and video console import business in 1990. He was introduced to anime when he watched My Neighbor Totoro at his friend's suggestion. At the time, Matt Greenfield, born in Sacramento, California, ran a local anime club called Anime NASA, which also included classmate David Williams.{{Cite web |last=Hung |first=Melissa |date=August 2, 2001 |title=Tooned In To Anime |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/news/tooned-in-to-anime-6560904 |access-date=May 29, 2015 |website=Houston Press |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827053635/http://www.houstonpress.com/news/tooned-in-to-anime-6560904 |url-status=live }} After consulting with Ledford, Greenfield joined him and Williams to found A.D. Vision, which officially opened for business on August 17, 1992. Ledford contacted Toho about optioning the rights to license Devil Hunter Yohko. Shozo Watanabe, the general manager of Toho's Los Angeles office, expressed concern that A.D. Vision would not be able to handle the distribution of the film. Unable to find another distributor, Toho convinced A.D. Vision to license the series.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2004 |title=Why Grow Up? |url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/0906/178.html |access-date=December 25, 2013 |website=Forbes |archive-date=August 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808023711/http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/0906/178.html |url-status=live }} That December, Devil Hunter Yohko became the first title to be released by A.D. Vision.

In 2007, Japan's Sojitz announced that Japan Content Investments (JCI), an investment group run by Sojitz, Development Bank of Japan, and film distribution company KlockWorx, planned to contribute money to A.D. Vision, in return for equity in the company. Ledford was to remain the majority shareholder and CEO. JCI subsidiary ARM also planned to contribute money for ADV to use in acquiring new distribution licenses. The investment was to ADV Films to raise its output of new anime titles, which had dropped in 2006, back to previous levels or above. In return, ADV planned to assist Sojitz with the acquisition of North American and European content for importation into Japan. According to ADV, they also reportedly had "big plans" for its manga line.{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2006 |title=Japanese Investment Bulks Up ADV |url=https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/8898/japanese-investment-bulks-up-adv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225140545/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/8898.html |archive-date=December 25, 2007 |access-date=December 23, 2007 |publisher=ICv2 News}}

= Partnerships and acquisitions =

In August 2007, a notice was sent to retailers stating that ADV Films would be taking over the distribution, marketing, and sales of Geneon properties in the US as of October 1.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2007 |title=ADV Takes Over Geneon's Sales, Marketing, Distribution |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-24/adv-takes-over-geneon-sales-marketing-and-distribution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070827211718/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-08-24/adv-takes-over-geneon-sales-marketing-and-distribution |archive-date=August 27, 2007 |access-date=September 16, 2007}} In preparation, Geneon USA laid off most of its sales division; however, in September the distribution deal was canceled.{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2007 |title=ADV Films, Geneon USA's Distribution Deal Cancelled |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-20/adv-films-geneon-entertainment-distribution-deal-cancelled |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929213627/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-20/adv-films-geneon-entertainment-distribution-deal-cancelled |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=September 20, 2007}} Dentsu confirmed that the distribution deal was canceled through a press release on September 21, 2007 with no reasons given except that Geneon and ADV were "unable to reach a mutual agreement."{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2007 |title=Geneon USA Withdraws Appointment of Anime DVD Distribution Business to A.D. Vision |url=https://www.dentsu.com/news/2007/pdf/2007064-0921.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115014407/http://www.dentsu.com/news/2007/pdf/2007064-0921.pdf |archive-date=November 15, 2007 |access-date=September 21, 2007}}

In June 2006, 20% of ADV Films was acquired by the Japanese Sojitz Corporation. This was done as a means of acquiring more titles in the Japanese market.{{Cite web |date=2006-06-27 |title=ADV Teams up with Sojitz - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-27/adv-teams-up-with-sojitz |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235412/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-06-27/adv-teams-up-with-sojitz |url-status=live}} From this point on, virtually all titles that ADV acquired were under Sojitz's ownership. However, in January 2008, ADV mysteriously removed a large number of titles from their website.{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2008 |title=ADV Films Removes Titles from Website - Update - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-30/adv-films-removes-titles-from-website-update |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=May 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523132814/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-30/adv-films-removes-titles-from-website-update |url-status=live}} All the titles removed were titles acquired since the Sojitz acquisition including Gurren Lagann, which had test disks sent out with dubbed episodes. As of May 2008, Gurren Lagann was licensed by Bandai Entertainment. ADV Films made booth appearances at the Anime Central 2008 convention, but they canceled their planned panel.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2008 |title=Anime Central 2008 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2008/anime-central |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235440/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2008/anime-central |url-status=live }} In July 2008, Funimation Entertainment (then owned by its parent Navarre Corporation, now owned by Sony Pictures Television under the Crunchyroll brand) announced the acquisition of thirty of these titles.{{Cite web |title=Your Comic Book, Fantasy, SciFi, Horror & Anime Source - Mania.com |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/news/pr.php?pr_view=1438 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080711133157/http://www.animeondvd.com/news/pr.php?pr_view=1438 |archive-date=July 11, 2008 |access-date=April 14, 2015 |website=animeondvd.com}}

On October 20, 2008, it was announced that ADV had entered into a licensing arrangement with new licensor Sentai Filmworks. The highlight of the new partnership was that ADV would be distributing the anime television adaptation of the popular visual novel Clannad, also they acquired the distribution rights to Koharu Biyori, Mahoromatic, Mahoromatic: Something More Beautiful (both were previously licensed by Geneon), Tsukihime (previously licensed by Geneon), Pet Shop of Horrors (previously licensed by Urban Vision), and Jewel BEM Hunter Lime (previously licensed by Media Blasters).{{Cite web |title=ADV Films to Distribute Anime for Sentai Filmworks (Update 2) - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-20/adv-films-to-distribute-anime-for-sentai-filmworks |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923083833/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-20/adv-films-to-distribute-anime-for-sentai-filmworks |url-status=live }}

Following the May 2009 bankruptcy and liquidation of Central Park Media, ADV Films acquired the North American rights of Grave of the Fireflies and re-released it on DVD on July 7, 2009.{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2009 |title=ADV Adds Grave of the Fireflies, Now and Then, Here and There - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-05/adv-adds-grave-of-the-fireflies-now-and-then-here-and-there |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129075349/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-05/adv-adds-grave-of-the-fireflies-now-and-then-here-and-there |url-status=live }} ADV Films also acquired the licenses of multiple other Central Park Media titles as well.

=Collapse=

On September 1, 2009, ADV announced that it was ceasing all operations and selling its assets,{{Cite web |date=September 1, 2009 |title=A.D. Vision Inc Sells ADV Films Assets, Anime Network, Amusement Park Media |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-01/a.d-vision-inc-sells-adv-films-assets-anime-network-amusement-park-media |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235431/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-01/a.d-vision-inc-sells-adv-films-assets-anime-network-amusement-park-media |url-status=live }} including intellectual properties, its distribution arm and the Anime Network. These assets would be transferred to four companies: Seraphim Studios, AEsir Holdings LLC, Valkyrie Media Partners LLC and SXION 23 LLC.{{Cite web |title=A.D. Vision Inc Sells ADV Films Assets, Anime Network, Amusement Park Media |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-01/a.d-vision-inc-sells-adv-films-assets-anime-network-amusement-park-media |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235427/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-01/a.d-vision-inc-sells-adv-films-assets-anime-network-amusement-park-media |url-status=live }} The impact of this sale on the company's plans to license and release new titles, is still not fully known, but the ADV brand name and logo have been retired. Anime News Network has reported that Seraphim Studios, Valkyrie Media Partners and SXION 23 are all corporations registered (initially filed) by Griffin D. Vance IV, who was ADV's senior vice president of business and legal affairs.{{Cite web |date=2009-09-01 |title=ADV Films Shuts Down, Parent Transfers Assets to Other Companies (Update 4) - News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-01/adv-films-shuts-down-transfers-assets-to-other-companies |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=October 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003054028/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-01/adv-films-shuts-down-transfers-assets-to-other-companies |url-status=live }}

The following companies all acquired assets from A.D. Vision:

Sentai Filmworks is the licensor company for acquiring Japanese anime into the North American market.
AEsir Holdings has licensed rights to most of ADV Films' former library of titles (some titles are licensed directly by Sentai Filmworks).
Seraphim Studios acquired Amusement Park Media, ADV's production studio, and it was renamed Seraphim Digital Studios.
Valkyrie Media Partners acquired the Anime Network. The network continues to operate as before the sale.
Section23 Films is a distributor and marketing company of Switchblade Pictures, Sentai Filmworks, Maiden Japan, and AEsir Holdings.

That day, major retail website Robert's Corner Anime Blog contacted Mike Bailiff, formerly of ADV Films and now heading up Sales and Marketing at Section 23 Films. Bailiff revealed that "Section 23 has acquired all of ADV's former licenses and most of the staff" including "everyone at ADV that mattered."{{Cite web |last=Robert |date=2009-09-01 |title=Robert's Anime Corner Blog: ADV Films Shuts Down - Section 23 Films Takes Over Title Distribution |url=https://animecornerstore.blogspot.com/2009/09/adv-films-shuts-down.html |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Animecornerstore.blogspot.com |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708023249/http://animecornerstore.blogspot.com/2009/09/adv-films-shuts-down.html |url-status=live }}

On September 18, 2009, the anime review site iSugoi.com posted a full podcast devoted to the shutdown of ADV, analyzing that ADV had not shut down and the new companies such as Section 23 were ADV selling itself to itself: that it was not a shutdown but a drastic rebranding and restructuring. The report went on to say that Section 23 was, for all intents and purposes, the direct successor-organization to the old ADV company name, and that ADV split its assets such as the Anime Network into the other three companies to take advantage of several legal loopholes. The podcast report concluded with the assertion that Section 23, and the umbrella of associated companies ADV split into, could effectively be thought of as Neo-ADV (referencing how in Mobile Suit Gundam, when the Principality of Zeon was defeated, its remnants reorganized into Neo Zeon).{{Cite web |title=iSugoi Podcast - Episode 19 - Episode 19 Synopsis: This episode, we discuss the death and rebirth of A.D. Vision. |url=https://www.rocpinspire.org/isugoi-podcast-episode-19/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090924040237/http://www.isugoi.com/isugoi-podcast-episode-19 |archive-date=2009-09-24}}

On October 15, 2009, rival distribution company Funimation posted an online Q&A video panel hosted by events manager Adam Sheehan. When asked about ADV going out of business, Sheehan's response was the following:

{{Quote|ADV isn't out of business. ADV did remaster itself, as you might call it, and change itself into multiple different companies (Section 23, etc.), holding different parts of its brands, of its marketing, so [it's] still around...the best way I would describe it is to think of it as Voltron: if it turned back into the five lions, so it's not the one Voltron robot anymore, so the ADV logo is no longer around, but the lions and all the properties are still around.{{Cite web |date=2009-10-15 |title=FUNiCon 1.0 virtual panel - Part 1 of 2 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrGE1iriLYk |access-date=2012-08-13 |publisher=YouTube |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235529/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrGE1iriLYk |url-status=live }}}}

Ken Hoinsky, Managing Founder of MX Media LLC, a translation and localization company contracting with most major anime distribution companies (Funimation, Viz Media, Bandai), appeared on the October 29, 2009, Anime News Network podcast: in it he said that his company also contracts with Section 23, but that he also collectively refers to the allied companies that ADV split into as Neo-ADV.{{Cite web |date=2009-10-29 |title=That Ken-Do Attitude - ANNCast |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anncast/2009-10-29 |access-date=2012-08-13 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235416/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anncast/2009-10-29 |url-status=live }}

Divisions

= ADV Films =

ADV Films was the home video publication arm of A.D. Vision based in Houston, Texas, specializing in publishing anime and tokusatsu videos, as well as other live-action material. In 1996, ADV Films opened its UK division, and diversified into the realm of live-action television series and Japanese films.{{Cite web |title=Who is ADV? |url=http://www.advfilms.co.uk/about_adv/history.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040628075257/http://www.advfilms.co.uk/about_adv/history.asp |archive-date=June 28, 2004 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=ADV Films}}

The first title to be licensed and released to video was Devil Hunter Yohko. After that, they began acquiring an extensive library of titles. Initially, titles were released to video with the original Japanese language track and English subtitles added. A few years later, they began dubbing releases to English using a production and recording facility in Houston. They eventually started offering their recording services to other companies, so this studio was named Amusement Park Media.{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2009 |title=Former ADV Dubbing Studio Voices Halo Legends Project |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-06/former-adv-dubbing-studio-voices-halo-legends-project |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521012514/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-06/former-adv-dubbing-studio-voices-halo-legends-project |url-status=live }} This studio was sold to Seraphim Digital after their bankruptcy.

ADV Films offered a program called Anime ADVocates, which provided free screening material and other promotional content to nearly 3,000 anime clubs in North America. To qualify for the program, the club had to be sponsored by a local high school, college, university, or public library and have at least 10 members. Member clubs were also asked to participate in surveys about the content they received.{{Cite web |title=About! |url=http://advocates.advfilms.com/about.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012042211/http://advocates.advfilms.com/about.asp |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |access-date=January 19, 2008 |publisher=Anime ADVocates}} However, in November 2007, ADV Films put the program on hiatus, then on January 18, 2008, ADV Films announced that the program was being suspended indefinitely due to amount of resources the program needed. The company continued to offer anime clubs screening permission for its titles prior to its reorganization.{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2008 |title=ADV Suspends Anime ADVocates Club Program Indefinitely |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-18/adv-suspends-anime-advocates-club-program-indefinitely |publisher=Anime News Network |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119194707/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-18/adv-suspends-anime-advocates-club-program-indefinitely |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=January 19, 2008}}

In July 2008, ADV Films and ARM Corporation transferred the licenses to over 30 different shows into the hands of fellow anime distributor Funimation. Those rights included the home video, broadcast, digital, and merchandising rights in North America and other regions.{{Cite web |date=July 4, 2008 |title=Funimation Picks Up Over 30 Former AD Vision Titles |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-04/funimation-picks-up-over-30-former-ad-vision-titles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705041336/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-04/funimation-picks-up-over-30-former-ad-vision-titles |archive-date=July 5, 2008 |access-date=July 4, 2008 |publisher=Anime News Network}}

Since then, former ADV titles have since been re-licensed by other companies such as Funimation, Sentai Filmworks, Discotek Media, Universal, Paramount and Nozomi Entertainment. Today, the ADV Films brand name is owned by Sentai Filmworks, who has released several titles under its name, such as Mezzo DSA on DVD,{{Cite web |title=Mezzo: Complete Collection |url=https://www.amazon.com/Mezzo-Yasuomi-Umetsu/dp/B01MROZUP0/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1545582507&sr=1-1 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235438/https://www.amazon.com/Mezzo-Yasuomi-Umetsu/dp/B01MROZUP0/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1545582507&sr=1-1 |url-status=live }} Kino's Journey on DVD,{{Cite web |title=Kino's Journey: Complete Collection |url=https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Complete-Collection/dp/B005OK0YUC |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235431/https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Complete-Collection/dp/B005OK0YUC |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Kino's Journey: Complete Collection |url=https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B06WWFC861 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235428/https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B06WWFC861 |url-status=live }} and standard-definition Blu-ray,{{Cite web |title=Kino's Journey: Complete Collection [Blu-ray] |url=https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Blu-ray-Artist-Provided/dp/B07KLTV8QJ |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235435/https://www.amazon.com/Kinos-Journey-Blu-ray-Artist-Provided/dp/B07KLTV8QJ |url-status=live }} Elfen Lied on DVD{{Cite web |title=Elfen Lied: Complete Collection |url=https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-Vincent-Davis/dp/B005OK0YU2 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235436/https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-Vincent-Davis/dp/B005OK0YU2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Elfen Lied: Complete Collection + OVA |url=https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-OVA/dp/B00D44IQBY |website=Amazon.com |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235429/https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-OVA/dp/B00D44IQBY |url-status=live }} and Blu-ray,{{Cite web |title=Elfen Lied: Complete Collection + OVA (Blu-ray) |url=https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B00D44IQQE |website=Amazon.com |access-date=September 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235451/https://www.amazon.com/Elfen-Lied-Complete-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B00D44IQQE |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Elfen Lied Complete Collection |url=https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/products/elfen-lied-complete-collection-blu-ray-2021 |website=Sentaifilmworks.com |access-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235429/https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/products/elfen-lied-complete-collection-blu-ray-2021 |url-status=live }} and Lady Death: The Motion Picture on Blu-ray.{{Cite web |title=Lady Death The Motion Picture |url=https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/products/lady-death-the-motion-picture-theatrical-blu-ray |website=Sentaifilmworks.com |access-date=September 9, 2020 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235415/https://www.sentaifilmworks.com/products/lady-death-the-motion-picture-theatrical-blu-ray |url-status=live }}

= Anime Network =

Anime Network was a cable channel in North America dedicated to anime. The network launched in North America in late 2002 and was marketed to multi-system operators (MSOs) as both a stand-alone 24-hour linear network and as a video on demand (VOD) programming service.{{Cite web |title=Anime Network Now Available on Monthly Subscription with Shaw Video on Demand |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13709898.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610181549/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-13709898.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2015 |website=highbeam.com}} The Anime Network was the United States' first all-anime cable TV network. On January 4, 2008, Anime Network officially announced that the traditional 24/7 service would cease operations.{{Cite web |date=2008-01-05 |title=Anime Network's 24/7 Linear Service Discontinued |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-05/anime-network's-24/7-linear-service-discontinued |access-date=2008-01-06 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801155232/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-05/anime-network's-24/7-linear-service-discontinued |url-status=live }}

Anime Network now exists as a VOD channel operating on many cable and satellite operators such as DirecTV, Dish Network, Cox, Time Warner, Cablevision, and Charter.{{Cite web |title=Cable Providers |url=https://www.theanimenetwork.com/cable-providers |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235446/https://www.theanimenetwork.com/cable-providers |url-status=live }} It also has a Roku app.{{Cite web |title=Anime Network |url=https://channelstore.roku.com/details/6db9ea5b2b5cc09ed8a22863f2ff3ba3/anime-network |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Roku Channel Store |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235425/https://channelstore.roku.com/details/6db9ea5b2b5cc09ed8a22863f2ff3ba3/anime-network |url-status=live }} However the online service was decommissioned in 2017 following the launch of HIDIVE.

= ADV Manga =

ADV Manga was ADV's division for the licensing and distribution of English translations of Japanese manga. The division was launched in 2003, with a strong list of titles and an ambitious plan for growth within the United States manga market.{{Cite web |last=Jonathan |first=Mays |date=August 2, 2003 |title=ADV Manga now official |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-08-02/adv-manga-now-official |access-date=2020-05-12 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235438/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-08-02/adv-manga-now-official |url-status=live }} However, ADV Manga canceled many of their titles in late 2004 and 2005. In 2006, ADV Manga released the 6-volume Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days series and in 2007 the company resumed releasing several popular titles that had been on hiatus, including Yotsuba&! and Gunslinger Girl.{{Cite web |last=Dong |first=Bamboo |date=July 28, 2007 |title=Comic-Con International 2007 - ADV Films |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/comic-con-international/adv-films |access-date=2020-05-12 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235436/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/comic-con-international/adv-films |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Dong |first=Bamboo |date=June 30, 2007 |title=Anime Expo 2007 - ADV Films |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/anime-expo/adv-films |access-date=2020-05-12 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235441/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2007/anime-expo/adv-films |url-status=live }}

At Anime Expo 2006, manga publisher Tokyopop announced that it had obtained the licenses for three titles formerly licensed by ADV that had been cancelled: Aria, Tactics, and Peacemaker Kurogane.{{Cite web |date=2006-07-03 |title=Tokyopop - Anime Expo 2006 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2006/anime-expo/18 |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235415/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2006/anime-expo/18 |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, Yen Press has acquired the rights to Yotsuba&!{{Cite web |last=Koulikov |first=Mikhail |date=February 7, 2009 |title=New York Comic Con Yen Press |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2009/new-york-comic-con/yen-press |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211073808/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2009/new-york-comic-con/yen-press |archive-date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=February 11, 2009 |publisher=Anime News Network}}{{Cite web |title=Yen Press » YOTSUBA&! by Kiyohiko Azuma |url=http://yenpress.us/?page_id=636 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302131326/http://yenpress.us/?page_id=636 |archive-date=March 2, 2009 |access-date=March 5, 2009 |publisher=Yen Press}} and Azumanga Daioh.{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2009 |title=Yen Press to reissue Azumanga Daioh manga |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-01/yen-press-to-reissue-azumanga-in-new-english-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404104217/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-01/yen-press-to-reissue-azumanga-in-new-english-edition |archive-date=April 4, 2009 |access-date=April 3, 2009 |publisher=Anime News Network}}

= ADV Music =

ADV Music was the music publishing division that focused on distributing anime and movie soundtracks. It was launched in 2003 after ending their partnership in AnimeTrax with The Right Stuf International.{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2003 |title=Animetrax News |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-02-28/animetrax |access-date=February 9, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235415/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-02-28/animetrax |url-status=live }} One initial release was the soundtrack for Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny.{{cite web | title=Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny Soundtrack CD | url=https://cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=5814336&style=music | publisher=CD Universe | access-date=February 22, 2021}}

= ADV Pro =

ADV Pro was the company's anime production studio. They worked on such in house productions as Lady Death: The Motion Picture and Mutineers' Moon. John Ledford stated in 2007 that ADV Pro had been "reactivated" and was working on Mutineers' Moon.{{Cite web |date=May 30, 2007 |title=John Ledford Interview |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2007-05-30/john-ledford |access-date=December 25, 2013 |publisher=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235433/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2007-05-30/john-ledford |url-status=live }}

= ADV Kids =

ADV Kids was their label for works intended at younger audiences, with releases such as Sonic the Hedgehog OVA and Mega Man: Upon a Star. Video releases of American animated series based on Capcom properties such as Mega Man (1994) and Street Fighter (1995) were also released under the label, serving as one of few Western animation releases from the company.{{Cite web |date=July 3, 2015 |title=Answerman-Why Are All The Parents Dead |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-07-03/.89863 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235440/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/answerman/2015-07-03/.89863 |url-status=live }}

= SoftCel Pictures =

SoftCel Pictures was the branch of the company that specialized in the release of hentai anime titles on VHS and DVD. The first product released was Legend of Lyon Flare.{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2002 |title=Softcel Returns |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-11-15/softcel-returns |access-date=February 9, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235454/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-11-15/softcel-returns |url-status=live }} This division was shut down in 2005 after spinning off from ADV, and most of its titles were acquired by Critical Mass, the hentai division of The Right Stuf International, later acquired by Sony in 2022 and its hentai division was sold to BuyAnime. In 2017, the SoftCel label was relaunched by Section23 Films, one of ADV's successor companies.{{Cite web |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |date=February 15, 2017 |title=SoftCel Pictures Relaunches With New Adult Anime |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-15/softcel-pictures-relaunches-with-new-adult-anime/.112260 |access-date=2020-05-12 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235500/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-15/softcel-pictures-relaunches-with-new-adult-anime/.112260 |url-status=live }}

= Happy Carrot =

ADV started the Happy Carrot branch in 2008 to release hentai anime titles on DVD, replacing SoftCel.{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2009 |title=Legend of Lyon: Flare Review |url=http://www.mania.com/legend-lyon-flare_article_111118.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090127021708/http://www.mania.com/legend-lyon-flare_article_111118.html |archive-date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Mania Entertainment}}

Magazines

= ''Newtype USA'' =

Newtype USA was the US edition of Japan's Newtype magazine. The first issue was published in November 2002.{{Cite web |title=A.D. Vision to publish English version of Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype. |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-94586762.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610055830/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-94586762.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2015 |publisher=HighBeam Research}} A.D. Vision (ADV) contacted its advertising partners to let them know that the February 2008 issue of Newtype USA was the last issue of the magazine. The magazine contained material it translated from the Japanese release as well as articles from American writers. It was expected to have 50,000 copies in for its initial circulation.

= ''PiQ'' =

PiQ premiered in May 2008 as a replacement for Newtype USA.{{Cite web |title=PiQ |url=http://www.piqmag.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219175841/http://www.piqmag.com/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=February 11, 2008 |quote=PiQ Magazine will be available on newsstands and sent to subscribers in mid-March 2008.}}{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2008 |title=Newtype USA to Cease Publication |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-09/newtype-usa-to-cease-publication |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213180346/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-09/newtype-usa-to-cease-publication |archive-date=February 13, 2008 |access-date=February 11, 2008 |publisher=Anime News Network}} It was published by PiQ LLC, a now-defunct subsidiary.{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2008 |title=Franchise Tax Certification of Account Status for PIQ LLC |url=http://ecpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/servlet/cpa.app.coa.CoaGetTp?Pg=tpid&Search_Nm=piq%20LLC%20&Button=search&Search_ID=32034595978 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414011606/https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/servlet/cpa.app.coa.CoaGetTp?Pg=tpid&Search_Nm=piq%20LLC%20&Button=search&Search_ID=32034595978 |archive-date=April 14, 2015 |access-date=May 11, 2008 |publisher=State of Texas}} Click Officers and Directors Information to see PIQ LLC The magazine had a broader focus and expanded coverage of topics beyond anime and manga.{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2008 |title=A.D. Vision's PiQ Mag to Cover More than Anime, Manga |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-20/a.d-visions-piq-mag-to-cover-more-than-anime-manga |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129095037/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-01-20/a.d-visions-piq-mag-to-cover-more-than-anime-manga |archive-date=January 29, 2008 |access-date=February 11, 2008 |publisher=Anime News Network}}{{Cite web |last=Christopher Butcher |date=January 18, 2008 |title=First Look: ADV's new PiQ Magazine Media/Vendor Kit |url=https://comics212.net/2008/01/18/first-look-advs-new-piq-magazine-mediavendor-kit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123234303/http://comics212.net/2008/01/18/first-look-advs-new-piq-magazine-mediavendor-kit/ |archive-date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=February 11, 2008}} PiQ retained much of the editorial staff and freelance writers that once worked on its predecessor, as well as its 15,000 subscribers. In June 2008, after only four issues had been published, PiQ was canceled and its offices abruptly closed down. The July 2008 dated issue, which had already been released when the announcement was made, was the magazine's last issue.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2008 |title=Freelancers Report that PiQ's July Issue Is Its Last |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-14/freelancers-report-that-piq-july-issue-is-its-last |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615192820/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-14/freelancers-report-that-piq-july-issue-is-its-last |archive-date=June 15, 2008 |access-date=June 14, 2008 |publisher=Anime News Network}}{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2008 |title=The last issue |url=http://www.piqmag.com/2008/06/14/the-last-issue/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615212543/http://www.piqmag.com/2008/06/14/the-last-issue/ |archive-date=June 15, 2008 |access-date=June 14, 2008 |website=PiQ}}

Lawsuits

= ARM Corporation =

In 2008, A.D. Vision sued ARM Corporation and its parent Sojitz for a breach in a contract made previously. In the suit, the exact amount A.D. Vision paid to license twenty-nine titles was disclosed. The lawsuit was withdrawn and no ruling was made.{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2012 |title=ADV Court Documents Reveal Amounts Paid for 29 Anime Titles |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-30/adv-court-documents-reveal-amounts-paid-for-29-anime-titles |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205021914/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-30/adv-court-documents-reveal-amounts-paid-for-29-anime-titles |url-status=live }}

= Gainax =

{{Main article|Neon Genesis Evangelion (franchise)#Proposed live-action film}}

In August 2011, A.D. Vision sued Gainax over their refusal to accept an option payment for the perpetual live-action rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion, including the planned live-action film; ADV charges that by refusing to accept payment, Gainax broke the contract and is asking for the rights and legal fees.{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2011 |title=AD Vision Inc. Sues Gainax Over Live-Action "Evangelion" Movie Agreement |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2011/08/12/ad-vision-inc-sues-gainax-co-ltd-over-live-action-evangelion-movie-agreement |access-date=August 13, 2012 |publisher=Crunchyroll |archive-date=September 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920193657/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2011/08/12/ad-vision-inc-sues-gainax-co-ltd-over-live-action-evangelion-movie-agreement |url-status=live }}

= Funimation =

In 2012, Funimation sued A.D. Vision, Sentai Filmworks, John Ledford, and several other associated organizations and individuals for {{USD|8 million}}, accusing them of breaching a contract. They wanted to get their transfer of assets done three years earlier declared void.{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Funimation Sues A.D. Vision, Sentai, Others for US$8 Million |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-13/funimation-sues-a.d-vision-sentai-others-for-us%248-million |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209235440/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-13/funimation-sues-a.d-vision-sentai-others-for-us%248-million |url-status=live}} The suit was settled out of court. The exact terms were not disclosed.{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2014 |title=Funimation v. ADV Lawsuit Settled, Dismissed |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-28/funimation-v-adv-lawsuit-settled-dismissed/.74853 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=May 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530020838/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-28/funimation-v-adv-lawsuit-settled-dismissed/.74853 |url-status=live }}