Bandai to release first UMD-DVD bundle

TOKYO--Bandai announced today that it will be the first company to release a product in a bundle that includes both the DVD and UMD editions. On July 22, the publisher will release the first volume of Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven, an anime series currently airing on Japanese TV. The bundle will let owners watch the program on both their home DVD systems and on their PSPs via Sony's proprietary Universal Media Disc format.

The two-disc DVD-UMD set will retail for 5,250 yen ($49). Consumers can also purchase a DVD-only version for 3,990 yen ($37). Bandai says these options will be standard for future releases of this particular anime series.

Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven is a joint project between Bandai, Bones Animation Studio, and Hakuhoudou DY Media Partners. The franchise has already expanded into a manga series and a PlayStation 2 game, the latter of which is slated for release this summer.