Zakka Films recently announced its entry into the market. The company will focus on releasing niche Japanese classics on subtitled DVD. Zakka announced that its first title, The Roots of Japanese Anime Until the end of WWII will compile eight vintage films that were released between 1930 and 1942. The "star" feature of the compilation is the 1942 propaganda film Momotaro's Sea Eagles, which stands as one of anime's most important pieces. The other severn works include the following titles:

• The Village Festival by Noburo Ofuji
• Song of Spring by Noburo Ofuji
• Chinkoroheibei and the Treasure Box by Noburo Ofuji
• The Monkey Masamune by Yasuji Murata
• Chameko's Day by Kiyoji Nishikura
• Danemon Ban—The Monster Exterminator by Yoshitaro Kataoka
• Benkei and Ushiwaka by Kenzo Masaoka

The DVD includes commentary by Japanese film scholars, a promotional gallery for Momotaro's Sea Eagles, and two songs that were to be played along with the two silent features on the disc. The disc will also ship with a booklet on pre-Tezuka anime. The Roots of Japanese Anime is currently available exclusively through FilmBaby.com, with a price of $34.95.