If you live in the States then you know that the economy just isn't what it used to be. Budgets are tight, meaning that all those favorite extras go right out the door.
But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you have to give up your anime. Quite the contrary, as there's several ways to enjoy all the latest and greatest shows without breaking the bank in the process. It's true! You can get a regular dose of anime for free -- or at least really darn cheap!
1. Video-On-Demand
There are several sites that now offer downloadable anime shows and it's cheap, cheap, cheap. You can get episodes as low as $1.99 each and watch them on your PC instantly. Besides iTunes, try Direct2Drive and
TotalVid, as well as distributors' websites such as
FUNimation for cheap VOD anime.
3. Start A Club
Some of the big anime distributors have figured out that it pays to be nice to
anime clubs. As a result, they'll send your club new DVDs complete with sneak previews -- plus discounts, posters and more. Two good ones to start are
FUNimation's Operation Anime and
Right Stuf. Another perk of an anime club? You and your members can go in "halfsies" and purchase new DVDs together. After all, it's much easier to come up with a buck or two to throw in the pot than it is to fork over full sticker price all on your own. What's that? You don't have a club? Well, then, get busy!
4. Watch The Tube
Besides Cartoon Network, YTV and Adult Swim, did you know that premium channels like
Starz and
Encore show full-length anime movies on a regular basis? Yes... they do.
5. Go Online
No, not to YouTube -- instead try
Toonami's Jetstream. They broadcast new episodes of various anime shows on a regular basis, or visit
Heavy.com and indulge in a wide variety of AMVs, clips, trailers, fan-vids and more.
