I was hoping for a December release (though I shouldn't have to, since it's been out in Australia since June), but this February 1st date is just ridiculous. There has to have been some sort of legal snag, or something. If it was delayed for something other than that (like if they just wanted to wait... for no reason), I'll be extremely disappointed.
Of course, we'll probably never find out why this is so late to the states, or why Australia got it first not only on television, but also on DVD. I think simultaneous releases to English-speaking nations would have been best, but what do I know? ;/
Anyway, I'll still be buying it, and I'm considering preordering just so I don't have to worry about finding it at stores. (Stores around here seem to be hesitant to stock up on Pokémon-related merchandise.)