MovieCDs, despite being on Compact Discs, are a completely different format from VideoCDs (VCDs), and cannot be played on a standard DVD/VCD player. Instead, MovieCDs were designed to be played on PCs using a special codec called the “MotionPixels” codec. This wasn’t the only attempt to put anime on CD-Rom; I’ve got releases of Dominion Tank Police and Roujin Z on CD-Rom as well. However, they just used a standard Jewel Case for the packaging.
MovieCDs, on the other hand, were distributed in very distinct packaging. The case looks very similar to the white clamshell packaging that Disney used in their VHS releases, but is thinner and just a bit taller. MovieCDs are easy to spot due to the consistent packaging and insert/label style. Size comparison below.
There weren’t too many titles released on MovieCD, but of those titles, there is a decent amount of anime. The (supposedly) complete list of MovieCD releases can be found here. While MovieCDs are pretty difficult to actually watch unless you have a vintage PC (and can cause problems if you attempt to install the MotionPixels codec on more recent operating systems), they are still a pretty interesting collectible and a nice artifact from the nineties.
I remember seeing MovieCDs years ago, and very specifically wanting a copy of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie that I could play on the PC, but never owned one until now.
Did anyone have experience with these during the nineties?
