UPDATE – 26-04-2014
Animax has just announced that paid subscribers no longer get adverts for simulcast episodes.

Two months ago I posted a brief overview of Animax’s Anime streaming service as they had finally released their first non-web platform, their PS3 app.

 

Since then, there have been a few improvements. Their main website’s front page actually lists the series title as well as episode title when mentioning their latest releases. And the PS3 app does now respond properly to the media remote.
So they are clearly making improvements, and ones based on customer feedback at that.

My problem, though, is that the improvement aren’t happening fast enough. The website and PS3 app are still less than ideal, and there aren’t any other apps out yet. There is still no queue/watchlist feature. There are still adverts for paid subscribers and there are still delays in episodes being release. Anywhere from a day or two to a full week behind when Crunchyroll release the episodes to their regions.

And, yes, all this for a higher price per month than Crunchyroll’s Anime-only subscription.

At this point in time, I cannot really recommend this service. Not unless someone is desperate to watch the shows they have via legal means.

The really sad thing is that, this season like other seasons, some of Animax’s UK licenses (Mekaku City Actors and The Kawai Complex Guide to Manors and Hostel Behavior, a.k.a. Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou) are shows that CR has the except-UK rights for. And they are releasing them on time, and on multiple platforms and ad-free for paid members.

I want to like this latest entry to the UK Anime Streaming scene but, really, I just can’t. They are now into their third season of mishandling shows that Crunchyroll are doing a good job of elsewhere. Without some serious improvements, and fast, they really need to stop picking up the rights to what would other be Crunchyroll’s catalogue.

I hate to say it. I’m known for speaking my mind, though, so I’m not going to hold back just because I wish the situation was otherwise. Animax still have a long, long way to go. And, going by other people’s opinions online, very little time left to get there.