Kuroshitsuji (黒執事, Black Butler) is an anime adaptation of the high-grossing manga series by the same name. It was first announced in July 2008, and debuted in October 2008 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System as well as the Mainichi Broadcasting System. The episodes were directed by Toshiya Shinohara, and were produced by A-1 Pictures. On January 1, 2009, a limited-edition DVD package containing the first episode was released by Aniplex. The next three episodes were released on another DVD thereafter, on February 25, 2009.