Japanese Adult Animation Available

Central Park Media has become the first American company to release “anime,” the distinctive adult comic-book-based Japanese animation, on DVD.

Anime combines elements of cyberpunk, action/adventure, horror, romance, tragedy, thrillers, fantasy (and, sometimes, erotic horror, so these are not for the under-17 crowd).

Central Park’s initial DVD release is “Battle Arena Toshinden: The Uncut Version” (1998, $29, 60 minutes; unrated version; also on VHS), based on the PlayStation/ Saturn video game series. The program can be viewed in English, Japanese or Japanese with English subtitles. The DVD also includes a story synopsis and character profiles.

Two other new Anime releases are on VHS only. They are:

“Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer: Round 2” (1997, VHS, $19.95, 60 minutes; dubbed in English). An earthquake that destroyed most of Tokyo was only the first sign of the Apocalypse. Now the hero, Ozaki, is aided by warrior princess Karin and the superidol Shaia.

“Black Jack - Clinical Chart 4” (1997, VHS, $19.95, 50 minutes; dubbed in English). The fourth episode in the series by Osamu Tezuka, creator of “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion.” A movie star is dying of anorexia and considers suicide to end her torment. Black Jack must race against time to save her; his only leads are details from the girl’s past and a deadly secret from World War I.

Central Park Media can be reached at (800)-626-4277 or on the Web at www.centralparkmedia.com.