The UK Anime scene in 2010 - Your Opinions

[chaos]

@chaos - As mangaman says, the movies are recut from the OVAs. They're still good (and wanting to see HD Gunbuster made them a definate purchace for me) but they do miss a lot out.

Probably the bits I've found the hardest to follow

 

[Olio8O]

MANGA - Keep doing what you are doing! DtB is an awesome series, and the way they are releasing it is most definitely the way forward.

I would like to see a really good job done on the Evangelion 1.O1 release in February. From what I have read, the first movie is essentially the first 6 episodes of the series with sexier visuals, so due to the fact that most of us have seen the originals, throw all kinds of nice extras on it to make it really worth the money.

MVM - Due to my recent resurgence in buying Anime, I have been able to take advantage of MVM's boxsets of older titles, thus saving a shed load of cash. So, as everyone has pointed out, single releases pretty much suck when others are steaming ahead with 26 eps over 3 releases. Having said that I will be buying the X TV Series singles but only due to the fact that X is a favourite of mine and I don't want to wait a whole year for the box.

Wish list of 2O1O licenses:
Romeo X Juliet
Blood+
Tokyo Magnitude 8.O
Kara no Kyoukai
The newer Lupin movies
plus, in the US, the 2nd and 3rd series of When They Cry.

 

[BlackWolf]

3rd series of When They Cry.

When you say 3rd series are you talking about the 5-6 ep OVA series Higurashi no naku koro ni Rei or the anime series Umineko no naku koro ni, as i would prefer umineko to be marketed seperately to an extent from higurashi since there's only one character really to connect the two, and far misleading content in umineko (i speak strictly about the fact that my higurashi art box makes the series look like a harem anime)

 

[Zin5ki]

@chaos - As mangaman says, the movies are recut from the OVAs. They're still good (and wanting to see HD Gunbuster made them a definate purchace for me) but they do miss a lot out.

The OVA was released a good while ago over here, by the long-defunct company Kiseki Films. I'm happy with that myself, although a remastered R2 edition would be nice to prevent customs fees and whatnot.

 

[mangaman74]

@mangaman - Blu-ray for Azu would be largely pointless as it was digitally animated at a lower resolution. I think the Gunbuster movies BD box is the closest we'll get there, which is pretty good - I'm surprised we even got that, what with the UK still not having the original series.

DTP gets my approval, but I don't think they even have that on BD in Japan yet...

I already own the Gunbuster movies on dvd. While they are good they are not even close to to the original series (like too many movies based on existing series stuff gets cut and makes a mess of the film)

I would like to upgrade my dvds of the series but I will not upgrade the movies.

As I say in my post above, I'd certainly like to see the original Gunbuster series released on DVD here. But again, I think we have zero chance of getting anything on Blu-ray which Japan doesn't have yet. The movies set was a simultaneous worldwide release though, so if the full series' do come out on BD there's a chance we might get it too - but of course it might not happen even in Japan.

@chaos - As mangaman says, the movies are recut from the OVAs. They're still good (and wanting to see HD Gunbuster made them a definate purchace for me) but they do miss a lot out.

The Gunbuster series was released in the UK by Kiseki films back in 2001. It is hard to find now though. If you can import the region 1 version you should be able to get it cheaper.

 

[ayase]

The Kiseki Films release of Gunbuster was apparently hardsubbed, cut and mastered off a VHS tape. I don't even call that a release, it might as well be a bootleg...

I have the R1 set (imported when the pound:dollar ratio was much better) but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see it available here in the UK.

 

[beez_andrew]

Regarding prices: I've taken notes and looked at what you guys are after . So I'll push for something that meets with what you guys are after and see what we can do.

As I say there are reasons for the price differences but there is definitely room for the middle ground and I'm making real headway on changing prices. You can preorder Code Geass online for £28.99 from both Play.com and HMV.co.uk now for example and Stranger is available pre-order from many places (2-DVD first print) for £12.99.

That's part way, I plan to make even further in roads at the start of 2010. Effectively with the reshuffle there is more that I can do from here hopefully now. Definitely doing all I can here to bring you guys what you want though.

Ultimately I'm fully accepting that it's never possible to make everyone happy but I do listen and am pushing harder than ever to meet you guys closer to you than the mid-ground .

Hang in there and I'm certainly looking forward to 2010 anyway!

- Andrew,
Beez Entertainment

 

[mangaman74]

@chaos - As mangaman says, the movies are recut from the OVAs. They're still good (and wanting to see HD Gunbuster made them a definate purchace for me) but they do miss a lot out.

Probably the bits I've found the hardest to follow

While there are a number of cuts going from the series to film the worst bit for me was towards the end. The film goes black and white plus it changes ratio to widescreen. No warning is given for this. In the original series the entire last episode is treated this way so it is not a problem.

 

[Durial666]

Regarding prices: I've taken notes and looked at what you guys are after . So I'll push for something that meets with what you guys are after and see what we can do.

As I say there are reasons for the price differences but there is definitely room for the middle ground and I'm making real headway on changing prices. You can preorder Code Geass online for £28.99 from both Play.com and HMV.co.uk now for example and Stranger is available pre-order from many places (2-DVD first print) for £12.99.

That's part way, I plan to make even further in roads at the start of 2010. Effectively with the reshuffle there is more that I can do from here hopefully now. Definitely doing all I can here to bring you guys what you want though.

Ultimately I'm fully accepting that it's never possible to make everyone happy but I do listen and am pushing harder than ever to meet you guys closer to you than the mid-ground .

Hang in there and I'm certainly looking forward to 2010 anyway!

- Andrew,
Beez Entertainment

Saying things like this always goes a long way for me. It tells me that you are interested in us rather then just making money. I can understand the license prices can be high and the BBFC don't help matters either. I look forward to any future releases at lower prices. Thanks Andrew!

 

[Aion]

I've noticed the Beez packaging isn't great in the case of Gunbuster 2. Rather than a case, it's more like two DVDs in a THIN cheapo cardboard thing. Not nice, at all.

The normal TTGL packaging would also be ****** if not for me owning the art box. Long, book-like cases don't work so well on shelves. They're nice to open if you have the box to store them in but a pain otherwise.

In any event, SOMEONE needs to pick up S&W, for its openings alone:

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[Just Passing Through]

and they're releasing X very soon, yet in the US they're about to receive the X remixes (again). I understand there are constraints to MVM and what they can do, but you don't want fans to purchase and feel cheated, and I did after buying Berserk.

Some info about MVM's X.

It's certainly not the original 8 disc release, but it isn't the US remix release either. They are releasing it on 6 discs, with remastered 5.1 English, but 2.0 Japanese for some reason. I've been watching the volume 1 check disc.

The discs are authored by Madman of Australia as you would expect.

Now here's the odd thing. The only Region 4 release of X I could find (It's bloody hard searching the Internet for 'X') was a remastered three disc Complete Coillection by Siren Entertainment in 2007, with stereo English and Japanese. Madman haven't released it yet. It may be we're getting it before they re-release it in Australia.

I don't know from remastered, but that 5.1 English track is definitely a positive sign, and for what it's worth. The visuals were pristine and very clean looking too (But the AODVD reviews of the original 8-disc X releases are very complimentary about the video quality, so that's neither here nor there)

 

[beez_andrew]

I've noticed the Beez packaging isn't great in the case of Gunbuster 2. Rather than a case, it's more like two DVDs in a THIN cheapo cardboard thing. Not nice, at all.

The normal TTGL packaging would also be ****** if not for me owning the art box. Long, book-like cases don't work so well on shelves. They're nice to open if you have the box to store them in but a pain otherwise.

Well we are always experimenting with different packaging so it's good to hear all kinds of feedback on it - will keep both of those comments in mind. My personal feelings about the GB2 set was it could have done with a sturdier GSM of case too - but that's something that can definitely be fixed in future though too .

- Andrew,
Beez Entertainment

 

[Fudce]

Wish list of 2O1O licenses:
Romeo X Juliet

MVM already have it. They actually announced it before FUNimation did.

In any event, SOMEONE needs to pick up S&W

Not so sure it has the appeal to the less serious anime buyer to work over here. That said, Funimation have series one in America, so if they have the UK licence they could release it through Manga like the other series they're doing that way. Alternatively they could be FUNimation and sit on the rights.


Manga Entertainment
Keep up what you're doing. You're releasing series in a timely fashion, and at a price point that works for me. Also, you're releasing a decent spread of different genres, from shoujo like Ouran, to shonen like Naruto, from the blood and gore of Shigurui, to the light comedy service of Negima.

The only change I'd like to see from Manga is more quality control and thought going into releases. Several FUNimation series they're releasing had the sign-subs track stripped from the volume, which makes watching the dub version difficult.


MVM Entertainment
The company that really needs the most changes in 2010. I am not a rabid cour-set fanboy like some people, but even I feel that releasing series in volumes when they are available in parts or cours in America is a bad idea. MVM are always saying at conventions that they can't support cour-sets financially, and I understand that, so why not look into doing part sets, similar to how Bandai USA have been doing things recently. Six or seven episodes per volume, and increase the RRP from £16 to £18 or £20.

MVM is in the toughest position in terms of options right now. There isn't much anime being licenced in America these days that isn't either sub only, or by Funimation or Viz. They either have to take what little there is from Media Blasters, or raid the back catalogue for titles that were overlooked for the first time. Both have disadvantages.


Beez Entertainment
I don't know why, but I feel that Beez is slowing down recently. Even if they are releasing more things that I'm presently buying, something doesn't feel right. I love what they're doing with the UK exclusive boxes for Gundam 00 and Gurren Lagann, and the different release formats such as Code Geass. The prices are sometimes a little suspect, but we know that Andrew is listening to us and correcting things where he can.

What I'd like to see from Beez next year is a slightly wider range of titles. Look at their line up right now... Mecha (Gurren Lagann), Mecha (Gundam 00), Mecha (Geass), Action (SotS), Action (Bebop)... Yes, mecha and action is good, but there's more titles than just action and mecha. What about some variation. There's plenty of great series out there, so why not give us some?


Funimation Entertainment
Stop sitting on so many licences! Sure, you're releasing some through an agreement with Manga Entertainment, but there are only so many titles Manga can release per month. Either start releasing titles through another company, preferably one with experience in the anime industry (not another Revelation) or allow other companies to gain the UK rights for series.

 

[Just Passing Through]

MVM also have Moribito, which is relatively new and fresh for next year. Interesting to note that both X and Aquarion have shifted to monthly release schedules. Getting away from the bi-monthly release schedule can only be a good thing.

 

[ayase]

@Fudce - What's a 'cour set'? :?

I'm guessing it's like a 'series box', but Google doesn't help me, it just brings up French.

 

[Just Passing Through]

@Fudce - What's a 'cour set'? :?

I'm guessing it's like a 'series box', but Google doesn't help me, it just brings up French.

Apparently 12-13 episodes is a cour.

I just call them short or half length series.
24-26 episode series for me full length, are considered 2 cour series.


Four Cour and Seven Episodes Ago, we came upon this Full Metal Alchemist...

 

[Fudce]

@Fudce - What's a 'cour set'? :?

I'm guessing it's like a 'series box', but Google doesn't help me, it just brings up French.

Apparently 12-13 episodes is a cour.

I just call them short or half length series.
24-26 episode series for me full length, are considered 2 cour series.


Four Cour and Seven Episodes Ago, we came upon this Full Metal Alchemist...

Cour is a word that has been adpoted by some western anime fans in recent times to define a run of about 12 or 13 episodes. It's a way of getting away from the confusion over exactly what defines a "season" of anime. A cour will nearly always be 12 or 13 episodes long, though series such as Haruhi being 14, or Aoi Hana being 11 can also be described as being "one cour". Kiddy Grade, Moon Phase, Azumanga Daioh are all "two cour" series, and Gundam Seed is "four cour".

I personally use "cour-set" to describe the 12/13 episode boxsets Manga release, and "part-set" to describe the 6-9 episode boxsets from Bandai.


And yes, 'cour' is a french loanword that was adopted by the Japanese, and then borrowed by the anime fan.

 

[Olio8O]

Wish list of 2O1O licenses:
Romeo X Juliet

MVM already have it. They actually announced it before FUNimation did.

Initially I though WOOHOO! but then they will be releasing it over 6 parts, won't they...

 

[Just Passing Through]

Wish list of 2O1O licenses:
Romeo X Juliet

MVM already have it. They actually announced it before FUNimation did.

Initially I though WOOHOO! but then they will be releasing it over 6 parts, won't they...

It depends on how Madman do it in Australia. If MVM were to follow the US release, it would be in four parts, seeing as Funimation are sticking most of their (two cour) full length series onto four discs in full or half season sets. But as MVM use Madman masters, it depends on whether the Madman release is a four discs or six. Regardless of whether it is a boxset or not in Australia (Samurai Deeper Kyo is), MVM will probably release them as single volumes. Unless they change tack for next year.

 

[ConanThe3rd]

I would like to see BEEZ release some "Anime Legends" style platinum box sets for some of their older titles. Also, I think it's High time we got G Gundam, Outlaw Star and, if Andrew came off his meds for long enough, a Sub only release of Gundam X.

I would like to see both MVM and Revolation ether remove thier heads from of their respective arses or get lost. I'm sick of seeing MVM bugger around, releasing things that have no point in being released (Hi there, Utena the movie) and doing other such stupid maneuvers and Revolation punishing people for picking up singles is just wrong.

Manga, I just want them to be the Funimation branch (and the occasional out of nowhere Karas deal) and I want them to be succinct and in and out. Funi releases a ADV boxset for the equivalent of £30, I want to see that box set out here for exactly that price within the month.
Also, enough is enough, punch the AB Group in the face and let's get One Piece on Shelves and on the Television again, hopefuly on CN but I know that's probably not going to fly given how stupid Turner have been with the High Hitters like One Piece (the 4K!DS verison did numbers for them, I hear) so maybe XD.
Dragonball sets would not go amiss ether.

TV - Make me want to watch something other than Charlie Brooker and Doctor Who. Go on, Television peoples, do it.

Online - I do not want to see the Region Cock Block, that is all. Ether make a UK version that has nothing but the swill or open it up. Don't show me Black Jack when I can't have it. Also, less Region Cock Block in general would be nice. Especially if there was the option to buy and download digitaly. (Psst, Toei, that £60's still there for FOTNS and Digimon, all you need to do is not stupid).