Anime on Blu-ray [Archive] - AnimeNation Forums

u_nick

July 17th, 2006, 01:39 PM

When my HD channels on my cable network play cartoon, i certainly DO notice a difference. everything seems more crisp.

if anime comes to BluRay, I plan on doing the same thing I am going to do with my regular DVDs: replace a few that are very special to me, and that would benefit from a HD release. so shows with really nice sound, and really nice animation. Probably some ghibli movies, FLCL, maybe select Fullmetal Alchemist discs. and then later buy new releases as they come in the new format.

What would REALLY seal the deal for me would be if they used the large capacity discs to fit more episodes on one disc. They say HD media can hold up to 9 hours of video content. If an average anime episode, minnus OP/ED is say, 20 minutes, thats about 27 episodes per disc. This means they can get me the FULL Fullmetal Alchemist run in just 2 discs if they wanted too. Of course, they probably wouldnt because they would make more moeny selling people 13 discs on regular DVD, but boy, it certainly would be nice. :)

CrossboneGundam

July 17th, 2006, 01:46 PM

Blu-ray is unlikely to catch on, in my opinion. It's only been five or six years since DVD began the transition from a minor niche format to the dominant video data storage medium. I doubt anyone is really willing to shell out literally thousands of dollars for a new video player, a new HD TV, etc., just because it's there.

Hisoka

July 17th, 2006, 01:46 PM

I don't plan to re-buy everything I own on DVD. The major reason why is because a TON of titles released on DVD won't make it to Blu-ray. Shows like Haunted Junction for example that only got a sub release, is out of print, expired license and didn't sell well to begin with have no chance in hell. When it first starts out only very very popular DVD releases like Eva (yet again) will make it to Blu-ray. That and lots of new shows of course.

Like Psychopuppet said, if it's really backwards compatible then I see no point in spending even more money to re-buy things I already own. Even if blu-ray does indeed take over, it won't be anything like the VHS - DVD conversion. DVDs will still have there place and like I said, those who have pretty big collections have nothing to fear because so many series that are on DVD will ONLY be on DVD.

Crawlspace

July 17th, 2006, 02:15 PM

Of course, they probably wouldnt because they would make more moeny selling people 13 discs on regular DVD, but boy, it certainly would be nice. :)
They'd do it, but you'd still be paying the same amount of money. It'd just break down to more money per disc. So while the company might be willing, the consumer isn't. $100 for 1 disc, regardless of content, won't fly with most people.

As for replacing what I currently own... I highly doubt even 10% of what I currently own in anime will even make it onto the next gen format, as most of it didn't sell well to begin with. This isn't like the transition from VHS to DVD, where the difference in delivery and quality was dramatic, and I don't feel a need to replace things like I did with my now-fuzzy VHS tapes. But I would replace a few of the shows I dearly love and obsess over, especially the older titles, if they were repackaged, cleaned up, and had a bunch of Japanese language extras on them.

Jon

July 17th, 2006, 02:50 PM

No, and no one should until the HD-DVD vs BLU-RAY format war is over before deciding to move on, which will most likely take a couple of years.

sailornyanko

July 17th, 2006, 02:54 PM

Frankly I wouldn't either. I already have a good DVD player. They claim Blu-ray discs can be played on a normal DVD player, but HD whatevers can't.

With the low framerate of most anime you won't get much better image quality by giving the same 3 episodes more storage space.

However if they could fill in very popular anime like Eva with remastered image and a very well wanted array of multiple dub and subtracks to please foreign speaking fans, that could work.

However despite the higher storage capacity, Blu-rays wouldn't get more than 3-4 episodes per disc anyways because companies need some profit and consumers are complaining about actual DVD prices as they are.

SonRyu

July 17th, 2006, 03:01 PM

I replaced all of my VHS titles when their DVD versions were released since there's a significant advantage and improvement in the DVD format, but I don't see the change from DVD to blu-ray/HD being nearly as significant. I doubt I'll buy any anime titles on blu-ray if I already have the regular DVD.

KazumaII

July 17th, 2006, 03:16 PM

No, as long as I have a DVD player and Blu-Ray and HD-DVD is backwards compatable. I see no need to re-buy any of my favorite Anmes/movies... I really think it's too early for a new disc format for the general public.

yangster

July 17th, 2006, 07:09 PM

I am not going to replace my DVDs. I will only by HD stuff when it's cheaper and completely replaces the old stuff.

Raziel_MGS

July 18th, 2006, 07:05 AM

all your DVDs will be upconverted somehwhat which provides a good enough boost to justify not rebuying them, but i will buy other series on BluRay or HD, especially regular movies

Kaneda_88

July 19th, 2006, 01:27 AM

I will absolutly not replace my dvd's with blu-ray. . . in my opinion
blu-ray and HD-DVD will be the next LaserDisc . . . an enthusist only
format IF that. They both may turn out to be the next betamax a
good idea but in the end a total disaster. DVD is STILL a viable and
worth while format with good image quality are you willing to pay for
that tiny up grade to picture? the Quality is not a significant jump in
quality like from VHS to LD or DVD more like a LD to DVD kinda close
but no real reaosn to imedeately update. Also why replace a collection
when your new players backwards compatibe? you spent hundreds or
even thousands to build a library of dvd's and you are suposed to update
it after such a short run for the format?? The lamen is gunna laugh in the
face of this format war and keep on buying DVD's most likely. This is just
my lil take on this issue.

Suiko Eiji

July 19th, 2006, 07:24 AM

No, and no one should until the HD-DVD vs BLU-RAY format war is over before deciding to move on, which will most likely take a couple of years.

Smartest thing all thread. I'm waiting until one format completely overtakes the old; most likely by that time, I'll have either the home theater equipment/space or an HDTV to take advantage of the format.

Have you watched any high def movies? Is the higher resolution important to you? For a large majority of the population, I don't think it will matter very much.

Considering that the hardware side of the puzzle hasn't reached the limits of the media yet, there is still a lot of room to grow. Most HDTV sets and sound systems cannot make use of the 1080p that the formats are intended to be used in, instead having to drop down to the 1080i level. Even while both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray were in development, their respective researchers were working on improving the medium, with Toshiba reporting to work on a quad-layer HD-DVD.

While I agree that most folks will not take advantage of *all* of the features, but as more tech-saavy kids who were born in the eighties are entering their twenties now will probably be able to afford the new format and understand more of the features, I would say that 40% of its purchasers will be reletively technologically intelligent. The remaining 60% are most likely baby-boomers and the middle age who will get them because they will become the defacto standard.

I don't plan on replacing any of my current collection at least as long as the players are backwards compatible with current DVD's and/or as long as the players and HDTV's cost so much.

Pardon my punditry for a moment - but I think backwards compatibility is what will kill Blu-Ray. As it stands now, HD-DVD players can play regular DVDs however, Blu-Ray makes use of a completely different laser (as opposed to HD-DVD working off of a different frequency or wavelength). I can see Blu-Ray being much more useful as a personal computing back-up device, simply because more people are buying much larger hard drives and, it seems to me, backing up less often. However, HD-DVD has a point of easier entry into the home video market due to backwards compatibility.

I don't plan to re-buy everything I own on DVD. The major reason why is because a TON of titles released on DVD won't make it to Blu-ray. [...], is out of print, expired license and didn't sell well to begin with have no chance in hell.

I agree. I've taken advantage of the DVD format simply because 99.9% of my collection before was grainy, VHS fansubs. More stuff was licensed and released on DVD than there was on the VHS I did buy, and I even bought a couple re-releases of stuff I had on VHS. However, with licenses dropping now, older titles not having the same market demand before, and most new stuff not interesting me, I cannot really see myself purchasing all that many titles I have now on HD-DVD or Blu-Ray. Though, only time will tell as to who does what - for all I know, some anime companies, once decided upon a standard media, may just have bargain basement type of releases to get old stuff onto a new format and on the shelves. Admittedly, this is wishful thinking and I've really got no facts to back it up.

kiyomi

July 19th, 2006, 07:57 AM

I wouldnt buy anime on Blue Ray..I like my DVD and VCR just fine.

u_nick

July 19th, 2006, 08:13 AM

i guess its different for everyone, but i personally notice a difference between regular DVD and high definition content. and yes, its a big enough difference for me to switch. when my PS3 arrives, and a new title is released on BluRay, then i will buy it. No need to replace old stuff sure, but moving to the new format gradually is something I plan on doing.

"Wait a couple years to see which format wins"? If everyone waits, how is one format ever going to win? Sales for both formats stay low, and risk the possibility of both dying. Wouldnt it make some sense to do some research on both formats, pick one, try to spread the words to your friends, and push for one to win?

Suiko Eiji

July 19th, 2006, 08:26 AM

"Wait a couple years to see which format wins"? If everyone waits, how is one format ever going to win? Sales for both formats stay low, and risk the possibility of both dying. Wouldnt it make some sense to do some research on both formats, pick one, try to spread the words to your friends, and push for one to win?

Much like the Betamax-VHS War of the 1980s, market prices for who will buy what determines the winner. Each side, then and now, had thier good points and bad points. There will be techie fanatics who will buy the initial, expensive garbage and set most of the trends for the market. In a market with few buyers, even miniscule sales can influence which way the market will shift. Personally, I think the inferior but more cost effective format will prevail, just as it did on videocassette; but that's mostly opinion on my part.

Ollin

July 19th, 2006, 08:45 AM

u_nick

July 19th, 2006, 08:50 AM

I'll be getting a Blu-ray player or PS3 once it's released. I won't be buying every thing on Blu-ray just because of sheer price and some anime aren't worth double dipping. Maybe some of the older anime won't see any significant difference but the newer anime that has High Def masters will look great depending on what type of A/V your using. Even though there isn't even one anime release on the horizon for Blu-ray I do have a site I'm working on. http://blu-ray.ollin.us :)

I have your site bookmarked already! (I'm a regular reader of your blog. (Good job btw)). :D

I could have sworn a couple months age their being talk of Air being released on Blu-Ray? Or was that just clips shown to showcase the technology? I really cant remember... Maybe it was never being considered for an actual release?

u_nick

July 19th, 2006, 08:52 AM

In a market with few buyers, even miniscule sales can influence which way the market will shift.

good point.

i guess i was going for more of a "Spread the word for Blu-Ray, so the other format wont even have a chance, and we get a winner that much faster." sort of mindset. it's all good.

Suiko Eiji

July 19th, 2006, 09:19 AM

good point.

i guess i was going for more of a "Spread the word for Blu-Ray, so the other format wont even have a chance, and we get a winner that much faster." sort of mindset. it's all good.

It's not a bad mindset at all, especially if that is your format of choice. The thing is, that even with the pace that technology seems to move today, though, I don't think this will be an overnight decision. Betamax existed for year after VHS became the market standard before it was ruled "obsolete" in the marketplace. I think we'll see the same from the advanced disc formats, too.

Even though I have my doubts about Blu-Ray becoming the standard for home video releases, I don't want to trash it as a format. With game development continually getting larger and larger, I think Blu-Ray would be an excellent format for gaming platforms and ever since I began researching the technology, I think it's great for home PC storage and data back-up and retreival. However, from what I remember, there is little AV difference in quality between BR and HD-DVD and with much of the anime industry's reliance on disc sales and episode content, I personally think that the vast difference in storage capacity - pretty much the make or break in terms of gaming and PC use - is almost negligible.

u_nick

July 19th, 2006, 09:53 AM

very true

from what i have heard recently, supposedly even if BluRay looses the home movie war, it will more than likely kick butt and win the computer.data storage war. they when you look at the specs from the computer side, it blows the doors off HD. so in my mindset, I am telling myself even if it looses for movies, ill still be able to watch the few BR i buy within the next year on something.

a friend i talk to also visited a technology conference a couple months ago, and he was split down the middle before going. when he got back, he said it will be a very bad shame if BluRay looses. He said if everyone got to see the presentations on the two formats that he did, HD wouldnt even be an option right now. BR would have already won. :\

Kaneda_88

July 20th, 2006, 12:00 AM

u_nick

July 20th, 2006, 05:13 AM

it all depends if people see the difference in video quality, really. i know a lot of people dont, but i know i do. once HD television broadcast become the norm, and hd tv sets get cheaper and people start to buy them, i dont see how people wouldnt see the difference. having an HD set, and wacthing the broadcasts, and loving it, its almost painful to put in some DVDs. the image quality just doesnt comapre for me. but again, its becuase i see it first hand. hopefully as more and more people get to see it first hand, they will start to see the difference too.

Ollin

July 20th, 2006, 05:31 AM

I have your site bookmarked already! (I'm a regular reader of your blog. (Good job btw)). :D

I could have sworn a couple months age their being talk of Air being released on Blu-Ray? Or was that just clips shown to showcase the technology? I really cant remember... Maybe it was never being considered for an actual release?
Yeah they did mention it on the official website. http://www.bs-i.co.jp/anime/AIR/

No release date or price has been mentioned other than the blurb.

u_nick

July 20th, 2006, 06:14 AM

ah, thats makes sense.

Suiko Eiji

July 20th, 2006, 07:12 AM

I do agree that blu ray seems like a great format for games or
pc backup and software purposes where storage is an issue
but movies don't need alot of space so why in the world would
this benift the movie or especially the anime industry? Next is
if both find there place what is to say which that the one that
becomes the defacto for movies doesn't wind up the collectors
only format like laserdisc did? DVD is currently the VHS of it's time
THE dominant format due to low production cost and good image
quality and space. How will eighter new format beat the curent
standard to the laymen at Best Buy? Beta AND LaserDisc had better
quality than BUT lost due to cost and several more reasons such as
hardware price point. These facts alon it was the STANDARD VHS
for a good 25(I think) years. Dvd is like I said the VHS of its time how
will eighther beat it currently?

Even though Beta and LD had higher video resolutions, VHS's storage capacity as well as it's lower production cost was what helped it win the format war. While Beta had adjustable storage rates like VHS did (and quality suffered like VHS), the rates for storage on Beta were 30 mins at highest quality (SP) and 2 hours at lowest (EP/SLP); standard VHS ranged from 2 hours SP to 6 hours LP - and because of the longer market life of VHS, companies were able to improve upon that rate by the late 1990s.

LD likewise suffered from lack of stroage. A Dual-Sided LD held about 2 hours of video and audio data. Because it is a strict digital-to-digital transfer quality didn't suffer by adding the extra layer, but there wasn't much technological imporvement on the format, not to mention that the costs remained astronomical for much of its life in the United States.

Beta came out in 1975 and VHS in '76 (LD in '78) and I would say the format war lasted close to 10 or 15 years before the market completely shifted to VHS and its subsequent improvements. VHS was pretty much on top for only a decade.

So, how will the next gen format take over the current standard? I have a feeling it will come down to both size and technology. The standard of living in the US is higher now than it was twenty-years ago, which is a great deal of what hampered the sale of higher-end electronics, like Beta during its lifetime, or LD period. As the market moves to an HD standard, whether HD-DVD or Blu-Ray, the product has to be marketed and sold on a large scale or else it will fail. Since the standard of living has increased, spending on what may have been considered "frivolous" at one point, has also increased. Think about it; how many Wal-Mart familes have DVD players? How many had VHS? Most folks are buying bigger and better TVs and some others are buying mega-surround speakers. Most of the nation's "poor college students" who live away from home have a TV and at least Basic Cable. Acceptance of higher quality electronics has become a more normal part of a social lifestyle and that acceptance, followed by increased spending on this sort of merchandise, will help drive the market for HD equipment.

HSaabedra

July 20th, 2006, 09:20 AM

Remember that the one disadvantage that BR has is the fact that MPEG-2 is being used instead of MPEG-4 AVC due to the lack of encoders and decoders. The space will be needed for HD content. I prefer BR myself due to storage.

Ollin

July 20th, 2006, 05:25 PM

As expected AIR will be the first anime that will be released on Blu-ray.

More info here thanks to Silverstar.http://blu-ray.ollin.us/

u_nick

July 20th, 2006, 05:26 PM

Yeah they did mention it on the official website. http://www.bs-i.co.jp/anime/AIR/

No release date or price has been mentioned other than the blurb.

Until now! Yay! ^_^

Everyone be sure to check out Ollin's Blu-Ray anime site for details on the first official release!

http://blu-ray.ollin.us/

And according to animeondvd.com, that price is about the same price they have for the regular edition too? Thats certainly good news, if true...

EDIT: Doh! I'm too late! :P

Ollin

July 20th, 2006, 05:27 PM

Beat you by one minute. :)

u_nick

July 20th, 2006, 05:28 PM

LOL, I knew I was gonna be toolate! ;)

Kaneda_88

July 21st, 2006, 04:08 PM

28000yen is (acording to xe currency converter) about $256USD.
Depending on content for the box thats about the same as a us
box set release.

Sendo Takeshi

July 21st, 2006, 04:17 PM

At the moment Blu-Ray is what DVD was when it first came out. $30 dollars for one disc. Its not bad for a debut, but lets be real. Its not worth the price when you already have the DVDs AND from what I heard HD DVD players enhance regular DVDs. Don't know about Blu-Ray players though.

I say wait it out until its over and a clear "winner" is declared in this format war.

Kaneda_88

July 21st, 2006, 04:39 PM

I am gunna agree on the wait and see. Just to much bs
and corprate hype to pick at the moment to be completely
honest.

birdcat

July 23rd, 2006, 08:23 PM

I know what I'm about to say has probably been said already in this thread, but I'll reply anyway. :D

My answer is no, because releasing anime not made in hi-resolution is pointless. Just putting it on a blu-ray disc doesn't do anything for it, unless it was made/filmed in hi-resolution to begin with. Hence why I won't rebuy anything I already own.

Not to mention, that I'm not going to run out, through my big screen tv, dvd player, and my entire dvd collection out, and buy this new technology just because they say its better. Right.

I'll buy an HD tv, when my current tv breaks. I'll buy a blu-ray (or whatever new format there is) when A)my dvd player breaks, and B)its affordable for the everyday consumer. I'll buy the next-gen format when A)I own a next-gen player, and B)the next-gen format is wildly available and affordable, and finally, C)when something of personal interest is actually available on said format. (I'm not going to run out and buy the 20th version of 'The Fifth Element' just because its on a new format)

Kaneda_88

July 25th, 2006, 01:28 AM

My answer is no, because releasing anime not made in hi-resolution is pointless. Just putting it on a blu-ray disc doesn't do anything for it, unless it was made/filmed in hi-resolution to begin with. Hence why I won't rebuy anything I already own.

I just learned somthing, maybe dunno yet, so this really does (as far as birdcat says) make it kinda pointless to rebuy you collection hmmm . . .

Suiko Eiji

July 25th, 2006, 06:21 AM

I just learned somthing, maybe dunno yet, so this really does (as far as birdcat says) make it kinda pointless to rebuy you collection hmmm . . .

I agree with birdcat to a point; most of the anime I am interested in, and I believe you are, too, Kaneda, wasn't made with technology like Blu-Ray or HD-DVD (or most of them, DVD) in mind; however, they were able to be touched up and released from LD to DVD, especially in the US. Once those older titles are released on the Next-Gen format, being touched up, that's when I intended to re-buy my collection (or, what parts of it I can). I never explicitly stated it before, because I thought that was my natural logical flow, but since birdcat brought it up, I thought I should probably clarify.

KazumaII

July 25th, 2006, 01:08 PM

I agree with birdcat to a point; most of the anime I am interested in, and I believe you are, too, Kaneda, wasn't made with technology like Blu-Ray or HD-DVD (or most of them, DVD) in mind; however, they were able to be touched up and released from LD to DVD, especially in the US. Once those older titles are released on the Next-Gen format, being touched up, that's when I intended to re-buy my collection (or, what parts of it I can). I never explicitly stated it before, because I thought that was my natural logical flow, but since birdcat brought it up, I thought I should probably clarify.

I think Re-buying is an investment that's not so sound. Even if the older titles are tweaked to a point... What's the point of re-buying an Anime that has a slight higer quality than the DVD counter-part.

Suiko Eiji

July 25th, 2006, 01:32 PM

I think Re-buying is an investment that's not so sound. Even if the older titles are tweaked to a point... What's the point of re-buying an Anime that has a slight higer quality than the DVD counter-part.

Personally? Player compatibility comes to mind right away. I don't plan on keeping my DVD player and ROMs/drives forever, and I might decide to sit down and watch Project A-ko (1986) when I (am supposed to be) retired. Having a copy that's marginally better on HD-Blu-Beam-into-your-brain that I can plop into the latest player is worth it to me rather than trying to dig out a DVD player that will, by that time, probably be close to 40 years old that may or may not work.

It depends on selection, too; for the last year or so I've been heavily considering trying to invest in LaserDisc equipment because Japanese DVDs of some series I want are too expensive for my tastes and that is the highest quality available media I can find them on, provided they do not get licesened in Region 1 on another media. Probably classics like Space Battleship Yamato will receive releases over a couple more media (until absolutely all of its fans are dead), but the aforementioned A-ko may not even see an HD/Blu-Ray release.

By the way, Anime is a hobby - it's not supposed to be a sound investment :lol:

birdcat

July 25th, 2006, 01:58 PM

Kaneda_88

July 25th, 2006, 03:30 PM

Suiko Eiji

July 25th, 2006, 03:32 PM

The other issue I have with rebuying your collection, is actually getting rid of your current collection. I mean, you know you won't get anywhere near what you paid for it, and you end up loosing a lot of money. Not to mention the second hand market will begin to be oversaturated with DVD's, making it harder to sell yours without outright giving them away. (And who wants to do that?)

While this is a very understandable concern, again personally, I'm a packrat (I take after my mother, I suppose). I'll get rid of hardware like DVD and VHS decks when they break and cannot be replaced. I currently have my VHS boxed and stacked up in my closet in case I want to view them again; unfortunately, I've not too much time for that, or as much as I'd like.

This is setback of rebuying a collection in a new format. In a way I feel lucky. Not only towards anime but with other dvds as well. I didn't really start buying vhs tapes for myself until dvds were just becoming more popular and vhs was on its way out. I had only purchased mabye ten to 15 titles or so. Then I bought a PS2, and started purchasing dvds. Something of interest here, I still own those VHS tapes (and I doubt I could sell em either), and I never did rebuy any of them on dvd. I don't own a vcr, so I don't watch them or anything. But I never felt compelled to rebuy them on dvd. I shudder to think of what it'll be like when dvd is obsolite, as is my collection.

Whether or not one feels compelled to buy them is completely subjective.

When I stopped using VHS as my mainstay format, I had been a serious fan for about five years and I had built up a reletively sizable tape collection. About 90% of it was fansub, a good bit which has been replaced and has made for a better return (better visuals, less wear-and-tear) on DVD; of the remaining 10% which were actual releases, only a few have been repurchased on DVD, such as Fatal Fury and Project A-ko were because of high replay value, cost comparisons and exposure to the Japanese versions, as well as the improved AV stuff. Other titles, like Ninja Scroll and Battle Arena Toshinden haven't been repurchased because I simply didn't enjoy them as much/often as I did the others.

I am fairly certain that my Next Gen purchases will reflect a similar model, especially if the Next Gen release is easier to find than a current DVD release of show I have on VHS fansub, which is all pendent on how much "funny money" I have to spend when that time comes.

birdcat

July 25th, 2006, 07:33 PM

When you buy a new form of media you usually do so knowing the
resale value with be incrediblly low if not 0 when a new format
comes along. Happens with games all the time psone is cheap cause
ps2 is out. It's just better to keep you stuff than sell it when that new
stuff is here.

I dont worry about selling my games, because thats something I don't do. Besides, they don't re-release games when new systems come out.

As for rebuying collections, my main point, was there was no need to rebuy older anime released on the next-gen format, if you already own it. Because apart from the need for fewer discs, theres no purpose to buying something you already own.

That is, if the next gen players end up backwards compatible like they claim.

Ninja337

July 26th, 2006, 05:09 PM

MightyDustLoop

July 26th, 2006, 07:58 PM

Blueray, like UMD, is a peice of Playstation propoganda that was created to give Sony an excuse to prolong the release of their console until nobody is interested any longer and to create another proprietary format nobody likes.

Sounds like Gamecube discs. I use mine for poker chips. We ante copies of Luigi's Mansion. I'll raise you a Smash Brothers. If you raise me a third party exclusive I know you're bluffing.

Kaneda_88

July 27th, 2006, 12:08 AM

I dont worry about selling my games, because thats something I don't do. Besides, they don't re-release games when new systems come out.

As for rebuying collections, my main point, was there was no need to rebuy older anime released on the next-gen format, if you already own it. Because apart from the need for fewer discs, theres no purpose to buying something you already own.

That is, if the next gen players end up backwards compatible like they claim.

I completly agree nothing more to say there, . . .

Blueray, like UMD, is a peice of Playstation propoganda that was created to give Sony an excuse to prolong the release of their console until nobody is interested any longer and to create another proprietary format nobody likes.

To a point but the concept as a storage medium is sound . . .
but I also have to agree that it sounds like umd.

Suiko Eiji

August 2nd, 2006, 01:49 PM

First Apples to Apples Comparison bewteen HD-DVD and Blu-Ray (http://www.highdefdigest.com/feature_blurayvshddvd_firstcomparison.ht ml)

Since it was relevant to the conversation a page or two back, I thought I'd post it here. Enjoy.

max|mus

August 2nd, 2006, 10:22 PM

Why would you need to re-buy your collection for Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? The only difference really is the amount of data they can store on the discs. If it was VHS to DVD I could understand but to Blu-Ray? No way...

I guess the only way I could forsee myself rebuying my small but awesome collection of anime is if a new standard came out much like a VHS to DVD transistion... but even then. I'll just buy a DVD player and watch what anime I have on DVD and watch the new anime on whatever format happends to be out.

teknoman

August 6th, 2006, 09:16 PM

I agree with max|mus on that. You see, Why do you need to re-buy your collection for Blu-Ray or HD-DVD? I know that it's new type of media but I wouldn't recommended it. I was reading an article about Blu-Ray and HD-DVD and according to experts (CNET) they said that "you refrain from buying a Blu-ray or an HD-DVD player in the short term" Here's the rest of the information

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-6462511-1.html

Here's another article for the reasons why they (CNET) say that

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-6462511-2.html?tag=arw

I hope this information is useful?

tenshi_a

August 7th, 2006, 12:10 AM

I never re-bought my anime collection from video to dvd... apart from a few exceptions:

1) If the video was dub-only and the dvd was dual-language. This was the case in... Landlock, and I had to import a US DVD as the UK DVD was still Enlgish-only.

2) I owned half of Evangelion on video, and buying the entire DVD box set was cheaper than buying the rest on video!

I don't see myself buying any next-gen format stuff unless I happen to own a next-gen player (which won't happen unless the prices drop a huge amount):

1) it becomes more economical to buy a next-gen format disk with the entirety of an anime series than buying it on dvd

2) the anime series is *signifcantly* improved on the next-gen format. Picture quality doesn't mean much to me. I don't own a TV. I watch all my anime through my PC, by a 17" monitor hooked up to my stereo system. I'm not even really convinced by HDTV yet, from what I've seen from friends with expensive HDTV sets.

So what I mean is if the next-gen release happens to contain a ton of Japanese-language extras, and has options for true-raws and soft-subs and translators' notes, rather than masked English credits and stuff. If that all comes about, and is not removed due to space constraints, which would be a revolution to me, I might become convinced.

teknoman

August 8th, 2006, 07:25 PM

Say did anybody here seen the T.V. show called Attack Of The Show last April, 18 2006? Well accrding to Chris Gore he said "I would not recommend that you should get an HD-DVD." Check this videoclip out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VszQekOOeak

In his opinion, "It's a pass."

Lord Rosiel

August 14th, 2006, 07:49 PM

Eh, BR has shown me nothing more than being a piece of ****. I thought this was supposed to be the be all end all viewing in video and audio quality, but I've seen VHS that looks better than BR.

Gibb

August 15th, 2006, 07:03 AM

Suiko Eiji

August 15th, 2006, 07:12 AM

Blu Ray and HD-DVD... somehow I feel we'll be seeing 25 versions of Evangelion on those sometime in the near future...

Honestly I like the idea of having high definition video formats in the near future. I've splurged quite a bit of money into my media room at home, high definition projector, surround sound, comfy seats, etc. Watching anime at 720p or 1080i would be quite cool IMO. I highly doubt I would re-buy most of my current collection, but I may start getting new releases on Blu Ray.

This is also why I want to keep an eye out for stuff being re-released on new formats with improved quality - I do plan on having a literal home theater in either the first or second house I buy. Single player simplicity and all that jazz, along with a great sound and theater experience.

However, in all honesty, I think 90% of the anime I like won't be making appearences on next-gen format, so the point may be moot.

Lord Lolipop

July 10th, 2007, 02:02 PM

Okay this may sound really noobish, but it's been a while since I've purchased a DVD. Basically here's my question: are they making blu-ray anime DVDs yet, and if so, which titles are available for purchase that way and would it make more sense to wait and buy the titles you like when they eventually (if they do) get released with blu-ray technology? Lastly, how will it effect the price of a DVD sale on a per item basis? Thanks.

lav2k4

July 10th, 2007, 02:06 PM

are they making blu-ray anime DVDs yet

Yes

which titles are available for purchase that way

Theres less than 5 title's(Mostly movies + 1 series) in Blue ray/HD-DVD probably even fewer. Which are only sold in Japan. The only title in America in HD-DVD would be Freedom.

would it make more sense to wait and buy the titles you like when they eventually (if they do) get released with blu-ray technology?

No it wouldn't make sense. Blu-ray and HD-DVD are currently in a format war. IMO not even worth your time to be waiting for them to comes out on those formats. There's nothing wrong with dvd's and who knows, those two formats will probably phase out sooner or later.

Price

Who knows at this point. If they are required to raise the retial price on anime for Blu-ray discs then count me out. The only thing I see good about Blue-ray is the space on each disc but will companies even take advantage of that space? Who knows.

Lord Lolipop

July 10th, 2007, 02:21 PM

Point taken. On a similar note then, can you briefly outline to me what you think are the strengths and weaknesses of buying normal DVDs versus thinpacks and which you personally find more worthwhile?

YiazmatXII

July 10th, 2007, 02:35 PM

are they making blu-ray anime DVDs yet,

lol... blu-ray anime DVDs.... blu-ray and dvds are seperate.... it made me chuckle

J Dude

July 10th, 2007, 02:38 PM

Personally, I could careless about Blu-ray or HD-DVDs as I'm just fine with the current format and I don't see myself jumping on the whole High Definition band wagon anytime soon. I would be just fine probably with just good old regular DVD being the video format of choice for the rest of my life.

lav2k4

July 10th, 2007, 02:39 PM

Basically boxsets these days are pretty much the same price as buying the singles. In ADV's case, they strip the extras and sell it cheaper. However, when the extras involve translation notes, and the Azumanga Daioh movie, it's a better move to buy the singles.

Basically get what you can afford. Usually when a boxset comes out, the singles for that series go way down in price(below $10). With all these sales these days, singles really don't make a dent in your wallet.

The only strengths of buying singles over waiting for the boxset is having the series before a lot of other people. Also, a lot of other people like buying singles instead of boxes due to a lot of boxes taking up too much room on there shelfs.

Hisoka

July 10th, 2007, 03:55 PM

I think I'm going to wait a while and not be suckered in like back when DVDs started coming out. The amount of extra money I dished out from 2000-2003 was a bit much since everything eventually got cheaper. Being a collector now is a breeze and you can get three times as much for the same price. I also don't see myself re-buying anything I own unless it gets some awesome release down the road. Like most people, I'm fine with the current format and think it's far too early to switch over just yet.

u_nick

July 10th, 2007, 05:08 PM

Also, a few titles have been announced for around September/October I think. I think that will be the big test of how quickly they continue after that.

Bezerker

July 10th, 2007, 06:59 PM

Akira, Steamboy, GITS, WoH, Patlabor 1 & 2 and a few other Bandai Blu-Ray releases will retail for $84 each according to AOD. A bit too expensive for me; i'm having a hard time putting down the $41 for Paprika on Blu-Ray.

Anaconda

July 10th, 2007, 07:02 PM

You can already buy GITS: Innocence on Blu-ray from Japan. People say it's amazing picture quality.

Raziel_MGS

July 10th, 2007, 07:17 PM

there is so many series released in HD like Gurren Laggen and Darker than Black that we wont get in HD for a while! :(

Freacs

July 11th, 2007, 10:24 AM

If you were going to upgrade to blu-ray, I would hold out on buying DVDs. The format war between Blu-ray/HD DVD is almost over ...Blu-ray being the victor, and hopefully sooner than later, they will start making many more anime blu-rays. if you're rich, i guess just buy the DVDs anyways. ^_^

Crawlspace

July 11th, 2007, 05:03 PM

^If he were going for mainstream movie dvds, or even tv series, then you might have a point in suggesting he wait. However, we're talking about anime here. There are a lot of titles that will never see a next gen format release simply because they didn't sell well enough on dvd to warrent it. If he only wants top sellers, waiting might not be a gamble. But if he wants something like Kamichu or Zipang, or a title that may very well see it's license expire without renewal in the next year or three, waiting might not be a wise move.

Freacs

July 12th, 2007, 10:57 PM

yea,if the original poster wanted non-mainstream anime blu-ray discs it might be a problem..
but the good thing about blu ray players is that they can play blu-ray disks from japan because north america is in the same region code as japan unlike dvds.
so hopefully the bigger market will have japan making more anime for people here too.

Yukito Kunisaki

July 12th, 2007, 11:03 PM

From what is said on ADV's site for it, Air was one of the first anime Blu-Ray-ified. As far as i know though, their realise will not be doing anything Blu-Ray related, which is sad because I would love those special openings to be viewed on TV in crisp quality. (I know, it looks better on HDTV, but still, having it would be nice.)

mdauben

July 13th, 2007, 05:20 AM

Akira, Steamboy, GITS, WoH, Patlabor 1 & 2 and a few other Bandai Blu-Ray releases will retail for $84 each according to AOD.
Shesh! Clasic movies like that are some of the few anime titles I might consider re-buying in an HD format, but not at those prices. :P

Bezerker

July 13th, 2007, 06:32 PM

Yea, just for kicks i decided to throw Akira into the PS3. I'm sure it wont be the same master/audio as on the Blu-Ray. But for $80 less, it'll definately hold me off until anime blu-rays become reasonable.

u_nick

July 13th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Looks like Funimation has decided to go with Bluray:

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/804/804901p1.html

The folks at FUNimation Entertainment are far more forthcoming than some of their competitors when it comes to their plans for high-def. For starters, they have acknowledged to IGN that they have in fact chosen to go with the Blu-ray format when they do start releasing titles.

"At this point, we are in the Blu-ray camp. We started researching this about a year-and-a-half ago, actually," explains Ward Thomas, Senior VP of Sales and Operations at FUNimation.

The company isn't quite ready to release any specific information regarding what titles they might launch first on Blu-ray or when we might see them (though they are willing to say that in all likelihood product will hit by the end of the year). But they do hint that an announcement is coming very soon and that "Comic-Con is coming up and all." In other words, stay tuned to IGN for more specifics about FUNimation's Blu-ray lineup in the coming weeks!

MightyDustLoop

July 13th, 2007, 08:20 PM

Looks like Funimation has decided to go with Bluray:

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/804/804901p1.html

Oh god yes. They need this worse than any other company.

I never noticed the Funi video issues until I upgraded to a 1080p LCD and they are VERY apparent. Now they could probably use multiple angles without winding up with this crappy gritty video.

Bezerker

July 14th, 2007, 06:23 AM

*prays for a FMA Blu-Ray release*

u_nick

July 20th, 2007, 07:04 PM

Possible slip of Funimation's first Bluray title:

One of the DBZ movies

http://www.animeondvd.com/news/news.php?news_view=12247

A new update of tentative titles for FUNimation over at AAA Anime Distribution has listed what appears to be their first Blu-ray titles, Dragon Ball Z Movie Broly Double Feature. No specs are listed for the release but it does have a retail price of $34.98. All the Broly features were released on DVD in their original fullscreen aspect ratio.

http://www.aaaanime.com/item/DVDs/FN03861.html

I dont really care much for DBZ, but I want to support them being the first to release hidef content. Hopefully they'll be making an 'official' announcement soon, which will include some other titles.

Bezerker

July 21st, 2007, 08:52 AM

How retarted, they pick two of the worst DBZ movies. Not to mention, why bother doing a Broly "Double Pack" when there are 3 movies. Almost as bad as the Substitute (90's movie) Dvd that has Substitute 1 & 3 on one disk.

Crawlspace

July 21st, 2007, 09:22 AM

J Dude

July 21st, 2007, 04:46 PM

Technical question: Will DBZ benefit from a highdef release quality wise? I know it's old enough that if the proper steps were taken to remaster it, the video would get a boost. However, if the "enhancement" is the Funi style of softening picture (and possibly cropping), how will that look? Or is there a remastered version they may have licensed? From a technical standpoint I'm curious, since I don't really have any interest in buying it.

It's probably just going to be another garbage release just like their "remastered" boxsets they're releasing. They just blur the video beyond recognition and give it unneeded cropping. They'll never get a hold of Dragonbox quality footage, that's for sure.

HSaabedra

July 21st, 2007, 05:07 PM

Technical question: Will DBZ benefit from a highdef release quality wise? I know it's old enough that if the proper steps were taken to remaster it, the video would get a boost. From a technical standpoint I'm curious, since I don't really have any interest in buying it.

To provide an actual answer to your question, no. When Dragon Ball Z was produced, it was shot on 15mm film suitable for transfer, but unsuitable for much else. When the series was broadcast, it was transferred onto D1digital videotape for storage, and was never intended for broadcast in Hi-Vision analog high definition in Japan.

The standard resolution for the DBZ TV series is 525 x 480, so any attempt to upscale would result in stretching and perspective distortion unless the series was dumped into a lossless video format and upscaled frame by frame, which is expensive, time consuming, and useless.

The only way the series would benefit from Blu-Ray would be the higher storage capacity and efficiency offered by H.264, but it would only benefit if the masters would be suitably cleaned up and steps were taken to optimize the video for the best quality (deinterlacing, proper color balance, motion compensation, grain elimination, etc.)

Knowing Funi's substandard video authoring process, they will work form the lower quality MPEG-2 masters and not even bother with any of the steps I mentioned above.

Nigokio

July 22nd, 2007, 02:09 PM

^I hate it that there are a bunch of people who don't work for Funi and they know so much more than them. Funi needs better people to make better decisions, or fire everyone in the Dragon Ball related department.

Seriously I'm not gonna buy the Blu-Ray release of Brolly 8 and 10, (even though there are three Brolly movies), and I doubt more than 100,000 units will be sold. Blu-Ray and HD DVD echo, "Betamax" and "UMD" to me and I lot of other people. Having better picture and sound just isn't worth it for me to for-go my DVD collection like I did with some of my VHS tapes. And I seriously doubt anything Blu-Ray or HD DVD will sell well to the maintream if they try to sell it at $800+ for the Player and $1000 for a good HDTV.

One last thing. Weren't those two movies in the "Tech Trailer" that they released to show off "widezcreen" and "demastering"?

lav2k4

July 22nd, 2007, 02:40 PM

The DBZ in blugay format is going to sell like ****. It's way to early to hop on these formats that are so not worth the money to buy.

Crawlspace

July 23rd, 2007, 05:28 PM

u_nick

July 23rd, 2007, 06:49 PM

I have crappy eyes, so anything in Bluray/HD looks better to me. Especially on my hidef TV. I dont like things 'stretched' to fill the screens either, so while upscaling does a decent job, HD is even better. One of my cable channels is airing Samurai 7 in HD, and it looks gorgeous. I hope thats one of the titles Funi decides to convert.

Nigokio

July 23rd, 2007, 08:40 PM

^Actually, DB will likely sell better than anything else Funi could release on a next gen format. It's the most mainstream title they have. Also, though I didn't know it when I first posted in this thread, the movies are supposed to be widescreen, unlike the tv series. So assuming they have a proper master to work from, they won't have to furk around with the aspect ratio. Video quality is another matter...

Yes, the Dragon Ball movies are cropped fullscreen but they were made to be cropped. However, Funi's missing the point that they should just release all three Brolly movies and not 2 of them. It's just stupid and most people are pretty content with the first release of the singles versions and the second release in the boxset. So getting an DVD player with an HDMI port and one of the earlier releases is way better than buying this.

Crawlspace

July 24th, 2007, 05:10 PM

It's just stupid and most people are pretty content with the first release of the singles versions and the second release in the boxset.[/COLOR]
A lot of stupid things that involve popular series sell well. Quantity over quality, and all that. Besides, the target for this release isn't "most people." It's the folks who have these setups or a PS3. These folks are already rebuying things in the new format, and this is mainstream enough that people will buy it. Anime fans may not in large numbers, but I doubt it's "anime fans," who by and large swore it off, that are driving sales of the new box set. The count in this new set doesn't matter. All that matters is that it's Dragon Ball on Blu Ray.

u_nick

July 25th, 2007, 10:29 AM

Funimation talks more Blu:

http://dvd.ign.com/articles/807/807832p1.html

July 25, 2007 - FUNimation Entertainment has revealed to IGN that it has a big announcement planned for this year's San Diego Comic-Con International. Namely, the anime company will be announcing that it has decided to release its first high-definition DVD product on Blu-ray disc. What title, you ask, will be the lucky recipient of this inaugural release? Dragon Ball Z!

Two Dragon Ball Z Broly titles will be released simultaneously on one disc: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming. The titles represent two of the largest selling DBZ movies of all time.

"After seeing demos of each next generation platform, it was clear that the Blu-ray platform was ideal for FUNimation," says Ward Thomas, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Operations at FUNimation Entertainment. "The capabilities of the Blu-ray technology allows our fans to enjoy their favorite FUNimation titles like never before."

The two movies have been remastered in high-definition, digitally restored, and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 Surround Sound mix. The video has been transferred directly from the original 35mm Japanese film. All the special features on the disc are in full 1920 x 1080p HD, including a featurette about the restoration, remastering, and high definition processes called "Dragon Ball Z: A New Look."

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan/Broly - Second Coming will hit retail shelves on November 13, 2007. And after this debut release, FUNimation plans to start releasing high-definition versions of "some of its most popular catalog titles in the U.S."

Basically just the official announcement of the 2 DBZ movies, but I like that tidbit at the end about "some of the most popular catalog titles". Shows they are going back to do some stuff already released, along with any new stuff they may throw at us. Good news for me, because they hold the licenses to a couple of my favorite shows.

I'd really be surprised at this point if Love Hina was NOT one of them, after the recent 'license rescue' of such an 'old' title that sold so well already during its first release.

J Dude

July 25th, 2007, 11:01 AM

Of course the remastering is probably just them blurring the footage and messing with the colors like they did with the boxset. Just more lies from Funimation when it comes to Dragonball.

lav2k4

July 25th, 2007, 11:12 AM

Of course the remastering is probably just them blurring the footage and messing with the colors like they did with the boxset. Just more lies from Funimation when it comes to Dragonball.

True that.

Anyway, just because DBZ movies are on Blu ray doesn't mean it's going to sell amazingly well.

Mainly because it's Blu ray. How many people do you think own Blu ray players, let alone being a DBZ fan, let alone care about owning the brolly movies on Blu Ray? Ya... Id throw a random number in the air and say less than 10(and that's pushing it). For some reason, if my estimate is wrong, they would be lucky if they can break even on production.

Nigokio

July 25th, 2007, 03:29 PM

Fixed the press release with subtle differences. Of course this is a joke but it's good.:lol:

July 25, 2007 - FUNimation Entertainment has revealed to IGN that it has a lackluster announcement planned for this year's San Diego Comic-Con International. Namely, the anime company will be announcing that it has decided to release its first high-definition DVD product on Blu-ray disc. What title, you ask, will be the unlucky recipient of this inaugural release? Dragon Ball Z!

Two Dragon Ball Z Broly titles will be released simultaneously on one disc. Because even though the Broly movies are a trilogy and a Blu-ray disc can hold up to 40 GB of data they only decided to put only two movies: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming. The titles represent two of the largest selling DBZ movies of all time.

"After seeing demos of each next generation platform, it was clear that the Blu-ray platform was ideal for FUNimation," says Ward Thomas, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Operations at FUNimation Entertainment. "The capabilities of the Blu-ray technology allows our fans to enjoy their favorite FUNimation titles like never before." As said earlier by Funimation, "The way it was meant to be seen."

The two movies have been demastered to high-definition, digitally destoryed, and messed around with to have an all-new 5.1 Surround Sound mix that is poorly done. The video has been transferred directly from the n-th generation 35mm Japanese print copy. All the special features on the disc should be in full 1920 x 1080p HD but probably aren't, including a featurette about the destruction, demastering, and the faux high definition processes called "Dragon Ball Z: A New Look."

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan/Broly - Second Coming will hit retail shelves on November 13, 2007. And after this debut release, FUNimation plans to start releasing high-definition versions of "some of its most popular catalog titles in the U.S." What we think that means is their other shows will still get a better treatment than Dragon Ball, and Funimation will sell these like hotcakes at a breakfast bar only because it has Dragon, Ball, and Z in the title like their new season sets.

lav2k4

July 25th, 2007, 03:40 PM

rofl, "Dragon Ball Z: A New Look."

That's the best. It's a video of Funi throwing the DBZ masters into a wood chipper and be like "TAH DAH DEMASTERED!!

u_nick

July 25th, 2007, 04:37 PM

Two Dragon Ball Z Broly titles will be released simultaneously on one disc. Because even though the Broly movies are a trilogy and a Blu-ray disc can hold up to 40 GB of data they only decided to put only two movies: Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan and Broly: Second Coming. The titles represent two of the largest selling DBZ movies of all time.

50 GB ;)

But the joke still stands. :D

HSaabedra

July 25th, 2007, 06:39 PM

Mainly because it's Blu ray. How many people do you think own Blu ray players, let alone being a DBZ fan, let alone care about owning the brolly movies on Blu Ray? Ya... Id throw a random number in the air and say less than 10(and that's pushing it). For some reason, if my estimate is wrong, they would be lucky if they can break even on production.

It costs no more to author on Blu-Ray than it does to author on DVD or HD-DVD. Then again your crystal ball must be broken because Blu-Ray outsells HD-DVD 3:1, and more people are purchasing PS3s due to the price reduction. Don't make blind assumptions based on personal perception or opinion since they're always proven wrong.

lav2k4

July 25th, 2007, 08:36 PM

Then again your crystal ball must be broken because Blu-Ray outsells HD-DVD 3:1

Whats that have to do with Blu ray and DBZ in general? Nothing.

HSaabedra

July 25th, 2007, 09:34 PM

Whats that have to do with Blu ray and DBZ in general? Nothing.

It means there is a market for Blu-Ray. Your assumption that there is no market for anime on Blu-Ray is incorrect, especially when titles like AIR and GITS Innocence have sold many copies on the format. DBZ fans have proven themselves to be the most rabid collectors, which ensures a market for Funi.

lav2k4

July 25th, 2007, 10:02 PM

Your assumption that there is no market for anime on Blu-Ray is incorrect

I never once said that. If you actually read my post in the first place, I said DBZ. Not just DBZ, the DBZ movies in general that are being released by funi in it's demastered glory.

Air and Gits is an entirely different story all together.

Bezerker

July 26th, 2007, 06:03 AM

I'm not sure if its been mentioned, but Sony is gonna be releasing Tekkon Kinkreet on 9/25 in the US (the first "true" US anime Blu-Ray). It looks like this one is going to be the staple that holds together the US anime releases for Sony. So if you guys wanna see stuff like Cowboy Bebop the movie, Paprika, Steamboy, Tokyo Godfathers, Blood+, etc on Blu-Ray without having to import; i'd advise you to go out and buy this.

u_nick

July 26th, 2007, 09:53 AM

Yeah, I;ll be picking up Tekkon Kinkreet too. The trailer looked good enough for me to blind buy, so I am looking forward to it. But also, in hopes that good sales helps other releases move forward quicker, likeCowboy Bebop Movie, Steamboy, and the rest.

Raziel_MGS

August 1st, 2007, 08:12 PM

I wanna get Freedom which is only on HD DVD

Bezerker

August 2nd, 2007, 07:08 PM

I personally dont think Freedom is worth it. $240 for a less than 3 hour OVA is a bit much (not to mention that it isn't that impressive looking). From what i heard, the release of the series was canned in Japan after the 4th episode and will only be available in download format. I'm personally hoping this will be true and force them to release the series as one boxset for a hopefully cheaper price than the current $40 a disc.

Not sure if the OP wants to update. But heres the current list of Anime Blu-Rays by area (thanks AOD!)

Japan:

* Project Papo, 11/03/06
* Brave Story, 11/23/06
* Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, 12/06/06
* Air TV series, 12/22/06
* Paprika, 05/23/07
* Tekkon Kinkreet, 06/27/07 (delayed/cancelled?)
* Iblard Jikan, 07/04/07
* Akira, 07/27/07 (delayed, no new date)
* Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise, 07/27/07
* Patlabor the movie 1, 07/27/07
* FLAG Director's Edition - Issenman no Kufura no Kiroku, 08/08/07
* Patlabor the movie 2, 08/24/07
* Ghost in the Shell, 08/24/07
* Steamboy, 08/24/07
* Avalon, 09/25/07
* Jin-roh, 09/25/07
* Patlabor Movie 3: WXIII, 10/26/07
* SOS Tokyo Metro Explorers: The Next, 11/23/07
* Spriggan, 11/23/07
* Metropolis, 11/23/07
* Memories, 11/23/07
* Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, TBA

USA:

* Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise, 09/11/2007
* Tekkon Kinkreet, 09/25/07
* DBZ double feature: Broly movies, 11/13/07
* Patlabor the movie 1, TBA
* Patlabor the movie 2, TBA
* Paprika, 2007

Europe:

* Paprika, 06/20/07 (France)
* Paprika, 08/23/07 (Germany)
* Tekkon Kinkreet, 09/24/07
* Cowboy Bepop: The movie, 01/07/08
* Paprika, 01/07/08 (UK)
* Steamboy, 01/07/08

u_nick

August 3rd, 2007, 07:03 AM

I really really hope US gets the Cowboy Bebop/Paprika/Steamboy announcement soon that EU recently got.

HSaabedra

August 3rd, 2007, 04:31 PM

metal_slime1022

August 8th, 2007, 11:53 AM

can hd and blue ray playewrs also play regular dvds?

lav2k4

August 8th, 2007, 12:10 PM

can hd and blue ray playewrs also play regular dvds?

I'm pretty sure they do.

HSaabedra

August 8th, 2007, 03:45 PM

I'm pretty sure they do.

They do. It's thrown in there to make the transition from DVD easier.

u_nick

August 8th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Some, (like the PS3) upscale regular DVDs too.

Bezerker

August 8th, 2007, 08:31 PM

PS3 does a wonderful job of upscaling dvds. Anime looks really good, Hellsing Ultimate & Ergo Proxy look incredible (i could only imagine what BR versions would look like). Even some older titles such as Akira look good (though once again im sure the BR master is even better).

MrGranger

August 10th, 2007, 08:58 AM

Anyone compare an upscaled DVD to the Blue Ray counterpart?

loplop

February 4th, 2008, 07:45 AM

According to a recent article on Anime News Network, ADV is going to have titles coming out rather soon. I would take it with a grain of salt considering no one knows for sure what is going on with ADV really right now.

Since anime is still a niche area, it may take a while to find them in your local Best Buy, Borders, FYE etc. . . .

ZeroRyoko1974

February 4th, 2008, 07:59 AM

I think Paprika, Tekonkinkret, and Wings of Hommainsaise are the only ones i can think of. I can't see a lot of anime titles being that great in HD. I think it would be better for movies then for series. Especially long running jump series that often feature bad animation. Who wants to see narutos missing head, or Ichigos crossed eyes in 1080p?

Yukito Kunisaki

February 4th, 2008, 09:07 AM

Tekkon Kinkreet, if you have a PS3, has a Blu-Ray trailer available for download. I got it, it is pretty neat on HD. Also, yes, with ADV going haywire, we will have to wait. Funimation seems to be jumping on the bandwagon too.

ZeroRyoko1974

February 4th, 2008, 09:40 AM

While there is not much anime on HD DVD (even less then blu ray), HD DVD players are cheap, and will probably get cheaper once HD DVD officially dies.

Vaikyuko

February 4th, 2008, 10:47 AM

Zeroryoko, they often fix those sorts of things in DVD releases. That said, I agree, dunno if I'd ever buy an SJ series (except Claymore) in HD.

Paprika's out on Blu-Ray? I need to buy that. Much better film than the two Ghibli ones I've seen...

max|mus

February 4th, 2008, 06:07 PM

Paprika's out on Blu-Ray? I need to buy that. Much better film than the two Ghibli ones I've seen...

Yeah it's out, I'm a bit disappointed with the quality though. I think it could have been encoded a lot better considering how much space is on a BD disc. If they continue making BD anime with noticeable color banding and compression I won't be buying it. Unless they decide to fill that unused space with more episodes per disc.

Bezerker

March 21st, 2008, 03:44 AM

Heres an updated list as of today:

Japan (will play in all Region 1 Blu-Ray players, however they cost anywhere from $45-$100 for one movie):

* Project Papo, 11/03/06
* Brave Story, 11/23/06
* Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, 12/06/06
* Air TV series (upconvert), 12/22/06
* Iblard Jikan, 07/04/07
* Patlabor the movie 1, 07/27/07
* FLAG Director's Edition - Issenman no Kufura no Kiroku, 08/08/07
* Patlabor the movie 2, 08/24/07
* Ghost in the Shell, 08/24/07
* Steamboy, 08/24/07
* Avalon, 09/25/07
* Jin-roh, 09/25/07
* Patlabor Movie 3: WXIII, 10/26/07
* Spriggan, 11/23/07
* Metropolis, 11/23/07
* Memories, 11/23/07
* Utawarerumono Box Set, 01/23/08
* Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door, 01/25/08
* Escaflowne the Movie, 01/25/08
* Afro Samurai movie, 02/20/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam F91, 02/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, 02/22/08
* Perfect Blue, 02/22/08
* .hack//G.U. TRILOGY, 03/25/08
* Stranger - Mukoh Hadan, 04/11/08
* The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 04/18/08
* 5cm Per Second, 04/18/08
* Full Metal Panic Box Set - 06/27/2008
* Ghost in the shell: SAC trilogy, 07/25/08
* Jarinko Chie, 07/25/08
* Sherlock Hound, 07/25/08
* Code Geass Volume 1 - 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 1, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 2, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO Vol. #2: Apocalypse 0079, 09/26/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 3 ,09/26/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 4, 10/24/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 5, 11/21/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 6, 12/19/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 7, 01/23/09
* Final Fantasy 7: Advent Children, TBA
* Akira, (delayed, no new date)

USA:

* Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, 08/07/07
* Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise, 09/11/2007
* Tekkon Kinkreet, 09/25/07
* DBZ double feature: Broly movies, 11/13/07
* Jin-Roh, 11/27/07
* Paprika, 11/27/07
* SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers: The Next, 12/11/07
* Appleseed Ex Machina, 03/11/08
* Yukikaze Box Set (upconvert), 04/07/08
* DBZ Movies: Dead Zone/World's Strongest, 5/27/2008
* Batman: Gothic Knight, 7/08/2008
* Robotech: Shadow Chronicles, TBA
* Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, TBA

Lunay

March 21st, 2008, 05:05 AM

I recently purchased Appleseed EX Machina on BD, but it does not come close to the love I have for my Paprika BD.

I don't own any of the Japan BD, but that will certainly change with the release of 5cm. I will also purchase Jarinko Chie since I love that film, although, I'm not sure what the HD format will offer to this 1981 title.

Mr. sickVisionz

March 21st, 2008, 08:01 AM

there is so many series released in HD like Gurren Laggen and Darker than Black that we wont get in HD for a while! :(

Yeah, that really blows. Darker than Black was produced/broadcast in HD but only sold on DVD. You're actually paying for worse quality. As much as you hear about japanese people loving technology, they are kinda behind on the whole blu-ray thing. You can buy most US series on Blu-Ray now, yet anime series which are made and broadcast in HD is rarely sold in a HD format even in Japan.

I think as more people in Japan get Blu-Ray players, Japan will have to change that. They can go on their P2P sites and download higher quality than they can buy. Thats not a situation that they want to get themselves into.

Bezerker

March 30th, 2008, 07:10 PM

I updated the list on PG 4 with the following:

* Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO: The Hidden One Year War, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 1, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 2, 08/22/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO Vol. #2: Apocalypse 0079, 09/26/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 3 ,09/26/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 4, 10/24/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 5, 11/21/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 6, 12/19/08
* Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Volume 7, 01/23/09

(zzz, more gundam crap)

Levon

March 30th, 2008, 08:19 PM

u_nick

March 31st, 2008, 09:04 AM

Japan's getting a FMP Blu release:

http://www.animeondvd.com/news/news.php?news_view=13751

Rukia123

March 31st, 2008, 01:11 PM

I not for sure if I want get some Blu-Ray titles and happy with the current format. Also just would be a waste of money to rebuy titles and the players can not current format. If some company does come out with a player that does play all kinds of formats that might chance some minds about buying the new format titles.

u_nick

March 31st, 2008, 01:20 PM

I not for sure if I want get some Blue-Ray titles and happy with the current format. Also just would be a waste of money to rebuy titles that are on Blue-Ray and the players can not current format. If some company does come out with a player that does play all kinds of formats that might chance some minds about buying Blue-Ray titles.

The hardcores will yell at you if you call it 'blue-ray' too much! ;) (Blu-ray is the official spelling)

But yeah, you dont have to rebuy all your old stuff. All players support DVD playback. :D

Stealth

April 1st, 2008, 09:11 AM

i understand making a movie look more real......but how does anime look any better on Blu-Ray ? It's a cartoon lol

Anyways i have a PS3, but i still find it a waste to buy blue ray movies...their so inconvenient...you buy one...oh lets go to friends to watch it...crap no one has Blu-Ray players :P

I tend to like to samsung's up conversion dvd player. Gets all your normal dvd's to look better, i don't need anything better than that:naughty:

Levon

April 1st, 2008, 10:35 AM

J Dude

April 1st, 2008, 11:02 AM

Huh? If anything I prefer animation in HD/Blu-Ray quality because the animation is important & I want the colors & lines to be very bold like the original cels. DVD is like VHS compared to Blu-Ray:P

Compare Gundam F91:

DVD
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7848/snapshot20080401133249yg6.th.png (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20080401133249yg6.p ng)

Blu-Ray
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2482/gundf3vq4.th.jpg (http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gundf3vq4.jpg)

It probably doesn't help too much either that that first screencap is probably from the R1 DVD, which if I remember correctly, I guess Bandai wasn't exactly given too great looking of video masters and probably were inferior to the Japanese DVD release. The Blu-Ray version definitely looks a lot better. I'm not too worried about buying stuff in Blu-Ray though until it starts becoming more of the standard format, prices go down for players and the DVDs, and just plain out until more of what I even want to own on DVD is released in that format, which there really isn't much at all I care to own that's released in Blu-Ray format currently.

Levon

April 1st, 2008, 11:26 AM

Yes thats from the R1. Oddly enough Chris gave it great review:

"Video:
Originally released in 1991, the Gundam F91 movie is presented here in its original widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 but not enhanced for anamorphic playback. The transfer here is simply gorgeous in general with an amazing amount of detail and nuance visible. So much of the film is set in dark places and with black backgrounds that the black levels are important here and they maintain well. It's only during a few of the space sequences where you can see some light blocking going on but that's more easily attributable to the traditional way of painting the backgrounds than an encoding issue, unlike digital painting today. There's some aliasing visible throughout the program as the line work is intense in this feature but the cross coloration issue is just about non-existent here. This just looked great on our setup. Video: A-" AnimeOnDVD

Of course this was back in 2004.

I'm not sure if the R2 would be much better really, Bandai doesn't really mess with the quality too much like FUNi can so I'm sure they used the same source which is the R2 that came out in 2001.

Mr. sickVisionz

April 2nd, 2008, 08:04 AM

Huh? If anything I prefer animation in HD/Blu-Ray quality because the animation is important & I want the colors & lines to be very bold like the original cels. DVD is like VHS compared to Blu-Ray:P

Compare Gundam F91:

DVD
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7848/snapshot20080401133249yg6.th.png (http://img136.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20080401133249yg6.p ng)

Blu-Ray
http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/2482/gundf3vq4.th.jpg (http://img240.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gundf3vq4.jpg)

And thats for an old show. Imagine something made with today's animation technology thats hyper bright/vibrant with tons of CGI particle effects (Gundam 00 comes to mind) going all over the place. I think the difference would be even more drastic between the DVD version and Blu-Ray.

If you have a HDTV and are an anime fan, you're robbing yourself by not getting HD anime one way or another.

CMC

April 2nd, 2008, 11:16 AM

Lets not go off saying DVD is like VHS when compared to Blu-ray. That's a little much don't ya think? The jump from VHS to DVD was huge, but DVD to Blu-ray, while an improvement, nothing like VHS to DVD.

I say give anime about another 2 years and it'll have a strong line up on Blu-ray. Took awhile for it to be common on DVD when the jump was made from VHS. And I don't so see the jump to from DVD to Blu-ray to be any different. Really, it's to be expected for a niche market.

HSaabedra

April 2nd, 2008, 12:19 PM

I'm not sure if the R2 would be much better really, Bandai doesn't really mess with the quality too much like FUNi can so I'm sure they used the same source which is the R2 that came out in 2001.

The R2 version uses a constant bitrate encode of 10Mbps for both video and audio with the DVD topping out at 4GB for just the movie. Bandai Entertainment used the same transfer, but used a dual-layer DVD in order to fit extras on disc and it tops out at 6GB. The video and audio are encoded at a variable bit rate maxing out at 8Mbps for the film.

Variable bit rate encoding is the main reason Funi used to have issues with transfers since they were the first to implement it, and everyone else followed. Domestic distributors were able to fit up to five episodes on 1 DVD by compressing at a constant bitrate of 4-6 Mbps before variable encoding was standard practice.

Now in Funi's case, their new shows are the equal of any R2 version with video hitting 9Mbps regularly.

RedSwirl

April 2nd, 2008, 10:49 PM

So if I REALLY want Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor on Blu-Ray it would be better to just buy the Japanese releases and not bother waiting?

I noticed on one of those lists that Patlabor 1 & 2 were confirmed for US releases. Any truth to this because I'd especially like to have 2.

I also hope that when Akira gets out it ends up in the US in a timely manner. Hopefully a good studio (like Sony or somebody) will pick it up from Geneon (Pioneer).

xxaquest6i9xx

April 3rd, 2008, 10:55 PM

i wouldn't mine buying them but as for now not yet.. cuz there aint much out yet but im pretty much sure there will be some good anime coming out since blue-ray one over HD....but as for the anime that i already have i'll still keep those ....

Bezerker

April 4th, 2008, 03:51 AM

Yea, right now the Japanese version would be your only option. I'm not quite sure if they have english subs or not though (you may want to check on Animeondvd's forums). I'm sure Akira will get licensed here as soon as, if not before, the live action movie comes out.

I've got one update for the list:

* Full Metal Panic Box Set - 06/27/2008

Of course, its the japanese version, possibly with ADV's english dub (The Utawarerumono japanese boxset had ADV's dub included). Retail price is a whopping $380. Needless to say, i'll stick with my regular dvds til ADV gets on the ball with Blu-Ray.

Lemina

April 4th, 2008, 06:42 AM

I'm just new to Blu-ray as I've just recently purchased a Playstation 3. I'm looking forward to making my first Blu-ray purchase, most likely an anime movie. It won't look any better on my SDTV, but I'll purchase an HDTV soon enough. ^_^

Threads merged. There's no need to have two threads about the same topic!!

Mystic Gohan

April 6th, 2008, 11:15 PM

Geass is heading to Blu-ray.http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-04-07/first-code-geass-series-to-be-sold-on-blu-ray-in-japan

Bezerker

April 7th, 2008, 03:45 AM

Thanks MG, i updated the list (http://animenation.net/forums/showpost.php?p=6341550&postcount=117)

Only 11 more days til Place Promised In Our Early Days & 5cm Per Second. If there were two movies actually worth spending $50 on, these would be them. I'm hoping they have english subtitles.

Gibb

April 7th, 2008, 08:08 AM

I really hope Perfect Blue, Advent Children, and 5 cm come to the states on Blu-Ray. I avoided seeing Advent Children because i wanted to watch it in blu-ray for the first time, and i figured it was inevitable.

RedSwirl

April 20th, 2008, 06:55 PM

As for the presence of subs and stuff in the Japanese Blu-Rays, the Japanese releases of Ghost in the Shell and the Patlabor movies actually have the subs and the English dubs in them.

Bezerker

April 21st, 2008, 03:37 AM

Yea, i could probably make a list as to which include english subs, but thats just a lot of work considering the $80 pricetag will put people off anyways.

Two new announcements for the US Blu-Ray Market:

* Robotech: Shadow Chronicles, TBA
* Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (with new dub), TBA

I'm glad to see Funimation release something other than dragonball, though i personally dont care too much for mech shows. As for Bandai, I hope the release does well (probably wont since its not that great of a movie). I'd love to see Stand Alone Complex out on Blu-Ray someday.

RedSwirl

April 22nd, 2008, 08:05 AM

Thank God Bandai's finally starting to bring some of that stuff over here. Now if they can just bring GitS1 and the Patlabors over here and get on that Akira Blu-Ray we'll be getting somewhere.

otakudes

April 25th, 2008, 12:32 AM

I'm looking forward to anime on Blu-ray for several reasons. Region A allows us to view made-for-Japan anime when region 2 doesn't. Second, obvious DVD imperfections (i.e. pixilation) can be seen on 50" HD monitor. Also, it seems region 1 anime sometimes don't meet "DVD quality" standards which is sort of disappointing. It will be nice to make better use of my home theater.

Earlier, someone asked if higher resolution is important. Definitely! I started watching anime on a 28" Zenith CRT TV. Subtitles were fuzzy and difficult to read. That isn't the case anymore on my HD TV.

I only have one BD disc, Mika Nakashima: Let's Music Tour 2005. I was pleased with the audio and video quality.

Epstein

July 6th, 2008, 05:21 AM

so Im holding out on buying the classics like totoro macross etc in hopes they'll be out on blu ray which they will, but when? Has any big company made any real commitment to Blu ray?

J Dude

July 6th, 2008, 05:27 AM

so Im holding out on buying the classics like totoro macross etc in hopes they'll be out on blu ray which they will, but when?

I think the day we see the original Macross on Bluray in America is the day pigs fly. I don't even think Japan has the original Macross on Bluray. Not to mention the original Macross isn't exactly a top seller here, fellow Marylander.

u_nick

July 6th, 2008, 06:02 AM

Nothing big yet. Funimation is releasing the DBZ movies, as well as a handful of live action stuff they have the rights too. They seem to want to test the waters yet, but havent made any commitments to 'series' releases yet. Honnemaise (Bandai Visual) have a few titles out as well, and Freedom is finally planned to get a release this November.

Other than that, Disney I believe releases the Ghibli films here in the States. Assuming they still have those rights, people are dying for news there, as Disney is a HUGE Blu-ray supporter.

Nigokio

July 6th, 2008, 10:14 AM

I think the day we see the original Macross on Bluray in America is the day pigs fly. I don't even think Japan has the original Macross on Bluray.

Well I do think that DYRL is on Bluray over there. I'd have to check that though but if it is then the TV series is sure to follow.

MightyDustLoop

July 6th, 2008, 10:46 AM

Even if they continue to release older stuff on B-R. I'll think we'll just continue getting reports akin to the Bebop movie how the differences are pretty much unnoticeable, save for cases where the DVD release we got was utter crap.

I think Blu-ray is pretty much mandatory for the hot new shows like Geass though, where they're broadcast in HD. I mean, if all the legit purchasers dropping big cash on shows are getting are DVDs a year after a show is released, waiting months for each volume, when you can dl the thing hours after it airs in sharper 1080p, that's pretty brutal for the buyers. It's like paying money to get the shaft.

J Dude

July 6th, 2008, 03:48 PM

save for cases where the DVD release we got was utter crap.

How so?

I think Blu-ray is pretty much mandatory for the hot new shows like Geass though, where they're broadcast in HD. I mean, if all the legit purchasers dropping big cash on shows are getting are DVDs a year after a show is released, waiting months for each volume, when you can dl the thing hours after it airs in sharper 1080p, that's pretty brutal for the buyers. It's like paying money to get the shaft.

I agree that it is somewhat of a downer to only be able to buy shows on DVD in standard definition, when someone can easily go download raws or fansubs of a show in high definition and more than likely in better quality. The only plus side by buying the DVD release would be DVD touch ups.

u_nick

July 10th, 2008, 08:16 AM

FUNimation Entertainment Moving Forward with Blu-ray

http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=1498

In a recent interview with Active Anime, FUNimation Entertainment's CEO Gen Fukunaga was asked if his company had seen success with Blu-ray. He responded, "Yes, we've seen success, and definitely to the point that we've already invested in authoring all of our Blu-ray titles in-house. We bought our own equipment over the last few months, hired people, and we are doing everything in house."

"Our long-term goal is to replace standard def with blu-ray," he continued. "We expect to convert all of our strong titles into Blu-ray. Unfortunately, we might not be able to do that on titles that didn't sell well at all in standard def, but, since most of those titles don't fall into that lower category, I think a lot of them pretty much make Blu-ray in the next couple of years."

Love that comment "We wont be able to convert some of our low selling titles, but since we dont have many of those..." :D

Levon

July 12th, 2008, 09:36 PM

Can't wait for FUNi to start releasing Blu-Ray besides DBZ movies & that Robotech movie, we really need more anime on Blu-Ray in the US.-_-;

Jia

July 12th, 2008, 09:37 PM

I wouldn't consider rebuying any of my DVD sets. I'd be buying another DVD player while I still can.

HSaabedra

July 12th, 2008, 09:51 PM

I think Blu-ray is pretty much mandatory for the hot new shows like Geass though, where they're broadcast in HD. I mean, if all the legit purchasers dropping big cash on shows are getting are DVDs a year after a show is released, waiting months for each volume, when you can dl the thing hours after it airs in sharper 1080p, that's pretty brutal for the buyers. It's like paying money to get the shaft.

You're forgetting that Geass and the rest of the "hot new shows" are upscaled and maxed out at 1080i/60. That minor detail keeps me from enjoying so-called "HD" fansubs because encoders overcompress and reduce the effective bitrate from 20Mbps to the point where it looks like a bad anamorphic transfer @ 2-4Mbps with an even worse deinterlace job.

I spend money on R2 DVDs because I want the closest approximation to the TV broadcast, and until more production companies jump to Blu-Ray to take advantage of the headroom, I will continue to buy such DVDs until it gets to that point.

Chidori Raikiri

July 12th, 2008, 10:12 PM

Although I've got a blue ray player, I'd honestly prefer anime on dvd. I'd rather have a set with multiple discs than one disc with more episodes. To me, sets of dvds seem more collectible somehow, and better for display on a shelf.

Sendo Takeshi

July 13th, 2008, 02:48 AM

FYI, Japan is releasing two episodes per disc on Blu-Ray for Gundam 00. That is completely unacceptable. The same may hold true for America. Which is also unacceptable.

Suiko Eiji

July 13th, 2008, 06:29 AM

FYI, Japan is releasing two episodes per disc on Blu-Ray for Gundam 00. That is completely unacceptable. The same may hold true for America. Which is also unacceptable.

Sounds like Japan's keeping with their standard from DVD. I doubt we'll see a mainstream shift from North American producers conforming with the Japanese standard. We've been on the 4 episodes/volume (more as a rule, there are plenty of exceptions) for so long, I doubt we'll see much of a change, for better or worse. Which is a shame because I think even with larger episode sizes, some of the storage aspects that make Blu-Ray more appealing are going to waste.

Levon

July 13th, 2008, 04:56 PM

FYI, Japan is releasing two episodes per disc on Blu-Ray for Gundam 00. That is completely unacceptable. The same may hold true for America. Which is also unacceptable.

I really don't think that will happen in the US.

Sendo Takeshi

July 13th, 2008, 06:24 PM

Btw, 4 episodes per disc is also unacceptable for Blu-Ray. Granted, it may look good on screen, but it has to be a set.

Levon

July 13th, 2008, 06:58 PM

Yeah but Japan has always been that way, with DVD & maybe even VHS.

HSaabedra

July 13th, 2008, 07:16 PM

Save for the really obscure fan oriented shows, the majority of anime DVDs in Japan are pressed with four episodes on one DVD.

Bleach R2 DVDs ship with four episodes, same with One Piece and other mainstream shows with the difference being that dual layer DVD media is used in order to maintain the high bitrates typical of more expensive R2 DVDs.

In regards to Gundam OO and the Blu-Ray release, what good would following the American standard do when they're going to sell the discs at a 25% discount compared to the Japanese version for the same content on less discs? Distributors are intent on learning from the mistakes made with DVD and Blu-Ray won't be a race to the bottom pricewise such as what happened with DVD.

Whoomp

July 14th, 2008, 02:00 AM

FYI, Japan is releasing two episodes per disc on Blu-Ray for Gundam 00. That is completely unacceptable. The same may hold true for America. Which is also unacceptable.
Well, they also released Utuwaraemono (or how it's spelled), which is 26 episodes series, in a 4-disc blu-ray boxset.

Black Cat

July 14th, 2008, 02:19 AM

sorry if this has been asked already but, is it possible to put an entire anime series on a single Blu-Ray disc? like if an an anime has 26 episodes, would all those episodes fit on a blu-ray disc? that would be pretty good, just buying an entire anime season all in a single blu-ray case instead of having to get those dvds or boxsets

Black Cat

July 14th, 2008, 02:20 AM

woops i just saw that this was just being discussed, my bad

Bezerker

July 14th, 2008, 05:27 AM

It depends on compression, audio, and all that stuff. If its a 13 episode series, then it should be no problem to squeeze it onto a dual layer BR disc. I've seen half hour 1080p rips be 2.75 GB in size, and i'd imagine a rip would possibly take something out of the original source, so who knows.

As for the japanese release of Gundam 00. All anime released in Japan is overly priced. IIRC, the entire FLCL series on dvd retailed for $180-$300. Most Blu-Ray OVA's are $70-$100 just for the movie and some minor extras. Luckily, since its such a niche market in the US, theres no way in hell they'd make money at $100 a movie (Burn in hell Bandai Visual)

u_nick

July 14th, 2008, 07:55 AM

Entire series in Standard Def would fit, but I wouldnt expect it for a while.

In hi-def, they can fit MORE episodes, but I wouldnt expect anything drastic.

I always like to point out Smallville seaosn 6, which hit all 3 (SDDVD, HDDVD, And Blu-ray) formats.

SD: 6 discs
HD: 5 discs
BD: 4 discs

So depending on how the publisher tweaks it, MORE episodes are definitely possible. I wouldnt say ALL though, not just yet anyway.

Sendo Takeshi

July 14th, 2008, 11:51 AM

Btw, Pioneer did make a 400gb Blu-Ray disc. 16 layers.

Mental Void

July 27th, 2008, 10:23 AM

Would like to buy my favorite series on Blu Ray, finally have a setup which would do them some justice ^^.
Am looking to buy the Full Metal Panic sets, but am getting mixed information on whether they have English subs, or just English Audio (with Japanese subs for the Japanese market).

Would not consider re-buying other series i already have unless its to replace damaged discs etc.

p.s. where'd my post count go? not often posting but still have done so in the last 4 years at least :(

Sendo Takeshi

July 27th, 2008, 11:26 AM

Japan hasn't released any Blu-Ray anime with English subs on them. =/

Bezerker

July 27th, 2008, 12:26 PM

Japan hasn't released any Blu-Ray anime with English subs on them. =/

And Avatar was created in Japan.

Sendo Takeshi

July 27th, 2008, 01:41 PM

And Avatar was created in Japan.

............What?

Levon

July 27th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Bezerker is saying that's not true, because some Japanese Blu-Ray do have English sub and/or dub.

Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell: Innocence
Wings of Honneamise
Patlabor Movies
Jin-Roh
Utawarerumono
Full Metal Panic
Etc.

Sendo Takeshi

July 27th, 2008, 10:43 PM

He could have said it without being dumb. It wasn't that serious.

Anyway, I guess it's most of the anime I've wanted that doesn't have subs. Knockin' On Heaven's Door didn't have subtitles and I really wanted that.

Levon

July 28th, 2008, 12:05 AM

He could have said it without being dumb. It wasn't that serious.

Well thats Bejerker for you;)

I really want movies Japan has released like Bebop, Metropolis, Escaflowne, Steam Boy, etc. with English sub/dub.

Bradster

July 28th, 2008, 10:40 AM

Hmm, the Blu-Ray optical drives have fallen below $200. Must resist urge to install in my HTPC, even though that's a whole lot cheaper than a PS3 (which I have little use for).

Save for the really obscure fan oriented shows, the majority of anime DVDs in Japan are pressed with four episodes on one DVD.

Huh. Guess all the R2 DVDs I've ever looked at have been the former, since I've never seen an R2 with 4 episodes on it. No sarcasm or challenge, just a statement.

Levon

August 12th, 2008, 09:26 PM

Well my favorite anime Zeta Gundam will be on Blu-Ray!:w00t:

Set 1 December 19, 2008
Set 2 January 23, 2009

Bandai Visual's site lists the first of two Zeta Gundam Blu-ray Disc Memorial Boxes coming out December 19 on the Honneamise label. It'll be a limited edition item available until January 22 (2010), comes with a 60-page booklet and a box with brand new art, and features an HD master from a new print.

Over $300 per box & more than likely won't include sub or dub but I'll be buying it. Hope Bandai Visual adds subs at least.

Nigokio

August 13th, 2008, 01:40 PM

^ I actually think that's a much better deal than getting the Japanese DVDs.

Levon

August 13th, 2008, 03:35 PM

Yeah all 3 DVD sets at CDJapan would cost $686. While the two Blu-Ray sets would cost $636.
While its not a huge difference in price, its still crazy that the Blu-Ray is cheaper. You'd think the Blu-Ray would be a lot more than the DVDs.

AsukaxSohryux

August 13th, 2008, 05:44 PM

Levon

August 13th, 2008, 06:39 PM

Well that's Japan for you, its nothing new.

50 episode show on Blu-Ray for $636 isn't too bad. I mean other shows that are half that length are $350-$500.

Levon

August 24th, 2008, 08:43 PM

FUNi plans for more:

* Samurai 7 Complete Series Box Set
* Genghis Khan - To The End of the Earth and Sea
* One Piece - Movie 8: The Desert Princess and the Pirates - Adventures in Alabasta

Hmm...I might be interested in Samurai 7 maybe. As much as I like One Piece that movie was pretty lame as it felt more like a rushed clip show.

AsukaxSohryux

August 24th, 2008, 08:56 PM

u_nick

August 25th, 2008, 06:23 AM

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was hoping for Samurai 7. Great series to be the first 'complete series' Blu-ray. I actually held off on buying the DVD in anticipation (but cracked when I found them on sale for an absurdly low price) so I dont regret re-buying at all.

Got a link for this news?

u_nick

August 28th, 2008, 06:34 AM

Somewhat of a confirmation for the FMA movie:

http://www.mania.com/fullmetal-alchemist-bluray-confirmed_article_87053.html

No date or details, but they've started advertising:

While no date has been disclosed, FUNimation has begun actively advertising their upcoming release of the Fullmetal Alchemist movie on Blu-ray. Up until now, it had been a single line item solicitation that showed up at Amazon.com and that was it. With the upcoming release of xxxholic Vol. #5 that's due out on 09/09/2008, the frontloaded trailer is talking exclusively about this Blu-ray release and includes full box artwork at the end. The movie hasn't been released in Japan yet but it is included on Blu-ray as part of a full DVD Box set that's due out at the end of January 2009.

Levon

September 1st, 2008, 01:26 AM

I'd only buy it if the video was really great with better audio than what we get on DVD, TrueHD would be nice.

old hat

September 1st, 2008, 02:42 AM

I now have Appleseed: Ex Machina on Blu-Ray. I watched it on a really nice 52" Sony Bravia with full 1080p and all that stuff.

For what it cost, I was rather underwhelmed.

Levon

September 1st, 2008, 05:12 AM

I now have Appleseed: Ex Machina on Blu-Ray. I watched it on a really nice 52" Sony Bravia with full 1080p and all that stuff.

For what it cost, I was rather underwhelmed.

I saw it on DVD first and was disappointed that the Blu-ray release uses the Dolby Digital 5.1 track we get on DVD. No improvement in audio for Blu-ray<_<
The video looked better but still not stunning.

Its the only anime I have on Blu-ray since theres nothing that good released here. Jin-Roh is super expensive. Paprika might be nice but I wasn't crazy for the movie so I'd only get it for cheap.

old hat

September 3rd, 2008, 02:03 AM

mdauben

September 3rd, 2008, 05:34 AM

A lot of anime I have seen on Blu-ray just doesn't seem to be worth what it would cost me.
This is my personal issue with anime on Blu-Ray, most shows just don't need the additional resolution high def TV can provide. Now, there are some theatrical features (like many of Miyazaki's films) that would definetly benefit, but with a few exceptions I just don't see the need for it with most TV series.

Levon

September 3rd, 2008, 06:09 AM

A lot of anime I have seen on Blu-ray just doesn't seem to be worth what it would cost me. Yukikaze wasn't all that great that I would pay $149.99 to get it on Blu-ray or even the lower $118.79 price Anime Nation is charging.

Well Yukikaze was just an upconvert. Upconvert suck, Full Metal Panic & Air TV was released on Blu-ray as upconverts and looks pretty much the same as the DVDs. I hope The Second Raid won't be like that.

This is my personal issue with anime on Blu-Ray, most shows just don't need the additional resolution high def TV can provide. Now, there are some theatrical features (like many of Miyazaki's films) that would definetly benefit, but with a few exceptions I just don't see the need for it with most TV series.

Unless its just a lame upconvert I don't agree. Its more than just "additional resolution high def TV can provide", the video quality is much better in more ways than one. Its like comparing VHS to DVD.
Better audio is great too.

u_nick

September 3rd, 2008, 06:35 AM

I 'found' an episode of Xam'd online. So far, I had only watched the HD release off the PSN. And the difference was definitely there. The copy on the PC seemed flat, bland, and the colors seemed... 'dim'... or something. The MUCH more vibrant colors in HD is totally worth the upgrade, for me personally.

Yeah, a lot of old shows wont benefit from HD releases, but the new stuff absolutely will.

But eh, to each his own. I'm just happy more and more Blu-ray stuff seems to be in the release schedule. I can't wait for more.

Levon

September 3rd, 2008, 07:24 AM

Yeah, a lot of old shows wont benefit from HD releases, but the new stuff absolutely will.

I don't know about that, its a movie but Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack from 1988 looks way better than the DVD release. Zeta Gundam is a TV series from 1985 that has animation very similar and I can't wait to see it on Blu-ray.

old hat

September 3rd, 2008, 10:45 PM

I don't know about that, its a movie but Mobile Suit Gundam Char's Counterattack from 1988 looks way better than the DVD release. Zeta Gundam is a TV series from 1985 that has animation very similar and I can't wait to see it on Blu-ray.

Wasn't Char's Counterattack made for theatrical release? That's quite different from a TV show made for broadcast in the mid 80s.

Sendo Takeshi

September 3rd, 2008, 10:58 PM

Yeah, a lot of old shows wont benefit from HD releases, but the new stuff absolutely will.

It usually depends on the source material and the company. Just look at The Untouchables on Blu-Ray. The movie is 21 years old and it looks spectacular on Blu-Ray. The audio is also a lot better.

Levon

September 4th, 2008, 02:03 AM

Wasn't Char's Counterattack made for theatrical release? That's quite different from a TV show made for broadcast in the mid 80s.

Yes but for a old TV series the animation is high quality. I guess we will see in a few months. It better not be an upconvert.

u_nick

September 4th, 2008, 06:45 AM

It usually depends on the source material and the company. Just look at The Untouchables on Blu-Ray. The movie is 21 years old and it looks spectacular on Blu-Ray. The audio is also a lot better.

Oh yeah, definitely. I said 'a lot of', but I absolutely realize there are plenty that WILL benefit as well.

Sendo Takeshi

September 4th, 2008, 08:51 AM

I know I definitely want to see Eureka Seven and Gurren Lagann on Blu-Ray. That's for sure. Those two shows would benefit a lot. I'm still curious about Bounen no Xam'd, though. Will they even release it on BD or is Sony just gonna keep it at rental because that would suck.

u_nick

September 5th, 2008, 07:15 PM

Samurai 7 set is up for preorder on Amazon:

*link deleted*

Oops, forgot where I was. Message can be deleted. :P

Levon

September 5th, 2008, 08:45 PM

Only $80 retail($55 there)? That's really cheap & I'm sure other sites will sell it cheaper for maybe $45-50. I'm really looking forward to other TV series releases.

But is there any details? Hope its not just an upconvert.

Sendo Takeshi

September 6th, 2008, 10:58 AM

So, apparently Ashita no Joe 2(movie version, IIRC) is up for pre-order on CDjapan on Blu-ray.

KyouryokuSenshi

September 8th, 2008, 11:16 PM

For those who own movie DVDs and anime DVDs are you willing to re-buy every anime boxset and movie in the future. It kinda made me mad when I had to re-buy most of my anime titles from VHS to DVD(which cost me alot)
but are you people willing to go from DVD to Blue-ray. Not to mention that anime is already expensive but to put them on Blue-ray would probably be even more expensive. What do you think of this.

Um, no. Unfortunately, I am not independently wealthy enough to go out and spend thousands of dollars at once to replace all the movies I have with blue-ray. I might start buying some blue-ray from now on and gradually replace some dvd's with blue-ray, but not all of them. I think that's a lot of money wasted considering when you trade movies in, you only get a few bucks back for 'em.

Sendo Takeshi

September 8th, 2008, 11:32 PM

That's why I'm glad I didn't buy any of the movies I currently own on Blu-ray when they were on DVD. 1080p ftw.

u_nick

September 9th, 2008, 06:38 AM

Yeah, no one is forcing anyone to re-buy anything. DVD's still work, and in some cases, will look nicer if you Blu-ray player upconverts. Still, no reason to not support new releases. Those of us who dont mind rebuying select titles can continue to do so, and those who dont cant just buy new stuff.

Levon

September 21st, 2008, 09:07 PM

I took some screenshots to compare the Char's Counterattack DVD to the Blu-ray:

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5667/18510942kb9.th.png (http://img220.imageshack.us/my.php?image=18510942kb9.png) http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/7108/11dg7.th.png (http://img257.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11dg7.png)

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3810/67665050ve8.th.png (http://img254.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67665050ve8.png) http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2025/22nc4.th.png (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22nc4.png)

DVD looks blurry with died out color. Blu-ray looks more like the original cels with bold colors & very sharp. Its like comparing VHS to DVD.

u_nick

September 22nd, 2008, 07:56 AM

Thanks for those pics. Make for some great reference shots when this subject pops up. I need to get my hands on a Blu-ray drive for my PC and get in on these comparison shots.

Levon

September 22nd, 2008, 09:47 AM

Actually I should mention that's the Blu-ray rip:lol: But you get the idea. I really hope they release it in the US since its my favorite movie.

Miyazaki films would be even better though. *drool*

u_nick

September 23rd, 2008, 11:02 AM

I saw some caps of the Robotech Shadow Chronicles movie the other day somewhere. They were definitely drool worthy. Went from a 'maybe' buy to a "I need it right now" buy. :D

ZeroRyoko1974

September 26th, 2008, 08:50 AM

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-26/akira-gets-blu-ray-disc-in-japan-u.s-in-february
AV Watch reports that Katsuhiro Otomo's acclaimed Akira science-fiction anime film will arrive on Blu-ray Disc in Japan on February 20 and in United States on February 24. The Japanese release will cost 8,190 yen (about US$77.90), while the American version will cost US$49.98 (without sales tax). Bandai Visual had planned on releasing this film on Blu-ray in July 2007 with Royal Space Force: Wings of Honneamise, Mobile Police Patlabor: The Movie, and other works, but it has been delayed since then.

The finalized disc will have 124 minutes on one side in two layers. The video will be in MPEG-4 AVC format with 16:9 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution. The Japanese soundtrack will be in both Dolby TrueHD 5.1-channel sound (24 bit/192 kHz) and linear PCM Dolby Surround. The English soundtrack will be in 5.1-channel sound. Both Japanese and English subtitles will be included, as well a special booklet, the teaser and standard trailers, and a video storyboard collection. The animeanime.jp trade news site notes that the disc was originally scheduled in Japan for July 22 of this year, but a delay was announced on June 22 in order to improve product quality. It was originally solicited as a Blu-ray Disc/DVD bundle at 10,290 yen (US$97.87) in Japan, but it will now contain just the Blu-ray Disc at the lower prices in both countries. The video extras will include television commercials along with the two teaser trailers and two regular trailers.

Levon

September 26th, 2008, 11:31 AM

Can't wait, but very disapointed the English track won't be TrueHD.

HSaabedra

September 26th, 2008, 11:40 AM

Can't wait, but very disapointed the English track won't be TrueHD.

What's the difference, if any? I'm more disappointed they didn't go for a lossless 7.1 mix, which blows bitstream codecs away.

Levon

September 26th, 2008, 01:09 PM

What's the difference, if any? I'm more disappointed they didn't go for a lossless 7.1 mix, which blows bitstream codecs away.

Of course its better than Dolby Digital 5.1.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/trueHD.html

I'm not disappointed for no lossless 7.1 mix since I don't expect it.

ZeroRyoko1974

September 26th, 2008, 01:59 PM

I really wonder something....same movie, same week, same region...why would someone in japan pay 50 dollars more and not reverse import?

HSaabedra

September 26th, 2008, 02:16 PM

Of course its better than Dolby Digital 5.1.

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/technology/trueHD.html

At full bandwidth, there is no difference between 5.1 and MLP (True HD is lossless 5.1 DD). This has been proven by double-blind testing.

AsukaxSohryux

September 26th, 2008, 02:32 PM

Eh Akira was a dreadful movie....one of the worse I have seen. Maybe if I watch it on Blu-Ray.. maybe it'll change my mind.

Levon

September 26th, 2008, 02:35 PM

At full bandwidth, there is no difference between 5.1 and MLP (True HD is lossless 5.1 DD). This has been proven by double-blind testing.

When I compare with my setup TrueHD does sound more crisp.

Everything is a debate with you but that's my opinion, deal with it-_-;

AsukaxSohryux

September 26th, 2008, 03:02 PM

When I compare with my setup TrueHD does sound more crisp.

Everything is a debate with you but that's my opinion, deal with it-_-;

Some people like to nit pick things apart.

Levon

October 16th, 2008, 04:51 PM

Zeta Gundam has delayed until 2009 for 30th Anniversary but hopefully they will add subs at least. They released some DVD to Blu-ray comparisons:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/605/band10dm2.jpg DVD

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/3230/bandai9ax2.jpg Blu-ray

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/5664/bandai4lb4.jpg DVD

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/6340/bandai3cc3.jpg Blu-ray

AsukaxSohryux

October 16th, 2008, 07:42 PM

^ stateside or in Japan????

Levon

October 16th, 2008, 08:03 PM

So far only in Japan but Bandai Visual might also release it in the US like they did with Freedom. They really haven't given us much info.
The original OP/ED songs were written by Neil Sedaka and they only had the rights to show it in Japan so it was on the R2 NTSC Japanese DVDs only, all other countries like the R1 used orchestral tracks from the show. However with Blu-ray the regions are more wide with Japan & US being together as region A so maybe they will have to buy the rights for the songs to be shown in the US as well. Really want a release with those songs intact.

Sendo Takeshi

October 16th, 2008, 08:24 PM

That looks very sexy.

Rukia123

November 9th, 2008, 02:22 PM

I was talking to guy at Sam's that all studios and maybe anime companies will all going to Blue-ray next year. I can understand why because the better picture and add more on Blue-ray then on standared DVD; however, the only way the all studios are going get people buy up shows on Blue-ray is that really need put more titles from anime to classic tv out, so public and finally say hi think ready for Blue-ray. Also agree with half you, why would I buy up the same title again and can play Blue-ray player too.

u_nick

November 10th, 2008, 07:44 PM

Arg, I'm ridiculously excited for Freedom tomorrow. Par tof me wants it right away, part of me wants to wait for birthday money next week, and another wants to wait for Christmas. ARG FRUSTRATING!

:D

u_nick

November 13th, 2008, 08:12 PM

Snapped some pics of my Freedom set, hope no one minds:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2609.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2610.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2611.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2612.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2613.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2614.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/nickclkknt/DSCF2616.jpg

Jon

November 13th, 2008, 08:45 PM

Sendo Takeshi

November 13th, 2008, 09:01 PM

If the show is good, then I might get that.

Also, Jon, upgrade to true 1080p. 1080i sucks.

Jon

November 13th, 2008, 09:02 PM

Also, Jon, upgrade to true 1080p. 1080i sucks.
I can push 1080p through my monitor, it's just the VGA cables on the 360 only support of to 1080i;)

u_nick

November 14th, 2008, 08:00 AM

Was it worth the crazy price? I know it probably looks great, but how about the plot, characters, story, etc?

I'm considering buying a PS3 for the Blu-Ray player (as well as a couple games that interest me), though I don't have a HDTV. I've used VGA cables on my Xbox 360, which connects it to my PC monitor and and 1080i looks amazing.

I watched the plot/story online, and I thought it was decent enough for a buy. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent enough, for what it was. Almost OVA-ish in feeling. Just a short story.

Would I pay extra for it? Probably not. But I found a good deal paying only 77 bucks. Divided by 4, I figure that's less than 20 bucks per disc, which is on average what I like to pay for Blu-rays. Heck, that's the average I like to pay for most anime too, so it worked out.

But yeah, I plan on popping one of the discs in tonight to check out the quality.