Another week of disc news, some random bits and bytes to finish off a Friday. Pioneer has officially announced a 7/24 release date for the Akira and Akira: Limited Edition Tin special editions, with the former retailing for $19.95 and the later $39.95. Full specs are not yet available, but check out ICV2.com for a scoop on what to expect.

///AKIRA OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED///

Pioneer Entertainment has officially announced the specs Akira. The movie-only edition ($24.98) will come with a new anamorphic widescreen transfer (1.85), Japanese DD 4.0 and English-dubbed DD 5.1 audio tracks and English subtitles.

The 2-disc SE ($39.98) will add nearly 100 minutes of extras, including: a 'making of' documentary; storyboards; key drawings; character designs; Akira Sound Clip: The Making of the Akira Soundtrack documentary; a 1988 interview with director Katsuhiro Otomo; Restoring Akira: a documentary of the restoration process; and a trailer & TV spots.

Additionally, a limited number of the SE sets will be available in a commemorative tin. Akira will be available 7/24.