Right Stuf
Right Stuf Inc. (formerly known as The Right Stuf International Inc.) is an American video publisher and distributor of video programming that specializes in Asian entertainment (anime and live action films). The company has been operated by Crunchyroll LLC since 2022 through a joint venture run by Sony through its Sony Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment Japan divisions, with the latter company running it via Aniplex. It has several divisions including: Nozomi Entertainment (production), RightStufAnime.com (online store) and 5 Points Pictures (live action). In March 2012, Right Stuf launched 5 Points Pictures, its live action label.[1] Right Stuf also offers production services and distribution for Japanese labels Sunrise Inc.,[2] Eleven Arts,[3] Pony Canyon,[4] and its corporate sibling, Aniplex of America.
| Type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video publisher and distributor |
| Genre | Anime, Asian cinema, live action |
| Founded | July 31, 1987 |
| Founders | Shawne Kleckner Robert "Todd" Ferson |
| Headquarters | , United States |
| Owner | Independent (1987–2022) Sony (2022–present) |
Number of employees | 70 |
| Parent | Crunchyroll LLC |
| Divisions | Nozomi Entertainment RightStufAnime.com |
| Website | www |
Right Stuf was founded on July 31, 1987, by Robert "Todd" Ferson and Shawne P. Kleckner. The company is headquartered in Grimes, Iowa. On August 4, 2022, Right Stuf was acquired by Sony, and made a part of the Crunchyroll brand.[5] As a result of the acquisition, Right Stuf ceased distribution of all hentai content on its storefronts, for which it and Crunchyroll drew criticism from fans.[6][7] Prior to the acquisition, Crunchyroll, then known as Funimation, had partnered with its subsidiary Nozomi Entertainment to stream its select titles on the FunimationNOW app in 2019.[8]
On December 8, 2022, Kleckner said that he would be leaving the company after 35 years of being its co-founder and CEO.[9][10]
Current divisions
Nozomi Entertainment
Nozomi Entertainment is Right Stuf's studio focusing on "collector-grade releases for audiences of all ages." It publishes classic and modern anime programs for people of all ages, including Astro Boy (1963), Dirty Pair, Mobile Suit Gundam, The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Princess Knight, Kimba the White Lion (1965), and Junjo Romantica. [11] At the Anime Expo in 2007, CEO Shawne Kleckner announced that Right Stuf had changed the name of their production division to Nozomi Entertainment. The first title released under the new Nozomi Entertainment label was The Third.[12] Some titles are licensed previously under the Lucky Penny Entertainment label[13] before it was discontinued.
Former divisions
5 Points Pictures
5 Points Pictures is Right Stuf's former distribution division for live action programming. In March 2012, Right Stuf, Inc. established 5 Point Pictures and announced its film distribution agreement with CJ Entertainment.[14]
Critical Mass Video
Critical Mass Video is Right Stuf's former studio for adult anime programming. It offers titles catering to an assortment of different preferences. The label was taken over by Adult Source Media and EroAnimeStore.com after Right Stuf removed all adult content following the Crunchyroll acquisition.[15][16][17]
References
- ^ "Specializing in Eclectic Live-Action Films". ICv2. March 14, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
- ^ "Sunrise Partners with Right Stuf to Release Gundam Franchise Stateside". Anime News Network. October 11, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
- ^ "Right Stuf, Eleven Arts Partner for Home Video Distribution". Anime News Network. August 11, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
- ^ "Pony Canyon Will Release Yuki Yuna Is a Hero, Denki-Gai no Honya-san in North America". Anime News Network. January 8, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
- ^ Mateo, Alex (August 4, 2022). "Crunchyroll Purchases Anime Retailer Right Stuf". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ "Crunchyroll Bought A Popular Anime Video Store, Removed Its Hentai". Kotaku. August 5, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
- ^ Salkowitz, Rob. "How Crunchyroll Is Building An Empire Of Anime". Forbes. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 5, 2020). "Funimation, Right Stuf/Nozomi Ent. Announce Partnership for Anime Streaming". Anime News Network. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 8, 2022). "Right Stuf President, Co-Founder Shawne Kleckner Leaves Right Stuf/Crunchyroll". Anime News Network. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ "Farewell Tweet".
- ^ "The Right Stuf International". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
- ^ "Anime Expo 2007: The Right Stuf International". Anime News Network. June 30, 2007. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ "Right Stuf, Inc. Announces Acquisitions of Ristorante Paradiso, Hyakko & Aoi Hana; Creation of Lucky Penny Studio-Label; and Nozomi Limited-Edition Releases". Anime News Network. July 3, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2022.
- ^ "Right Stuf Inc Establishes 5 POINTS PICTURES, Announces Agreement with CJ Entertainment" (Press release). Right Stuf Inc. March 14, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
- ^ Ero Anime Store
- ^ Ero Anime Store FAQ!
- ^ "Adult Source Media Signs Hentai Studio Critical Mass for Distro". AVN.com. August 25, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
External links
- Official website
- Right Stuf at Anime News Network's encyclopedia