The Anime Blu-ray Video Quality Thread

[Kyle15]

Originally Posted by celery

Re: Dokuro-chan BDs
Posting again without links since I get caught in new member spam filter (admin approval?). Looking for information regarding difference in Discotek Media upscale BD released in 2020 versus the Universal Japan release in 2022 (GNXA-1840); particularly, I want to know if Universal Japan copied the upscale work Discotek did (1080i) or if they did a proper remaster. I can't find anything in Japanese that says if the Universal BD is 1080i or not. If anyone here has insight it would be greatly appreciated.

It's just the original SD masters in 480i, no upscaling or anything. From what I see it looks like the Japanese DVD set which is expected.

[celery]

Originally Posted by Kyle15

It's just the original SD masters in 480i, no upscaling or anything. From what I see it looks like the Japanese DVD set which is expected.

Thanks! Saved me from a wasted import.

[Rosenkreutz]

Looks like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is getting a new transfer from the original 35mm negative film.

Unrelated, but would anyone happen to know what the overall best release of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) would be? I've heard some claim that the older DVD releases are superior to that of the Blu-ray ones, but I'm not sure if that's actually true.

[SpazeBlue]

Originally Posted by Rosenkreutz

Unrelated, but would anyone happen to know what the overall best release of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) would be? I've heard some claim that the older DVD releases are superior to that of the Blu-ray ones, but I'm not sure if that's actually true.

The BDs are better:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...8#post11590838
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...5#post12175905

[Total Procall]

Originally Posted by Rosenkreutz

Looks like Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is getting a new transfer from the original 35mm negative film.

Unrelated, but would anyone happen to know what the overall best release of Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) would be? I've heard some claim that the older DVD releases are superior to that of the Blu-ray ones, but I'm not sure if that's actually true.

They will go to the trouble of scanning the negative, only to drench it in DNR in classic Japanese fashion!

[BigOnAnime]

Sigh... After going almost a full month without "reviewing" an anime release (last one before these was Panzer World Galient), Neil Lumbard finally put an anime "review" out and...

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End: Part 1 Blu-ray, Video Quality 4/5

Released on Blu-ray by Crunchyroll, Frieren Beyond Journey's End Part 1 is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high- definition in the original television broadcast aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. An impressive high-definition presentation. The animation is gorgeous and adds so much splendor to the production. The artistry is well-showcased and the background animation and line art are superbly presented. The lush visuals are enhanced by crisp details with the native high-definition visuals an impressive part of the presentation – no upscaled from standard-definition materials for audiences to wade through.

One of the strengths of the physical media format is the superior encoding provided by Blu-ray disc. Blu-ray can provide higher video bit-rates compared to streaming video services. Enthusiasts wanting to eek every detail out of the video and get the best possible high-definition presentation will be pleased with the end results. The differences help to provide the most discerning viewers with a more satisfying and rewarding experience.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Frier...367678/#Review

Remind me, isn't Frieren one of those shows affected by that lowpass filter, resulting in the Blu-ray looking slightly worse than the Crunchyroll streams? It's not something I would be able to notice unless I have a comparison in front of me, but he's misleading people again here.

On another note, research, what is that? No mention of the Jack & Pinto OVAs which are currently exclusive to this release and aren't available separately? That's the main reason to buy this box set. Also the packaging isn't that fancy, it doesn't include any booklets or art cards or anything. Chipboard boxes are nice, but he puts too much emphasis on it here. I also don't think this looked like the Yu Yu Hakusho set where it had a had a finish that gave a rainbow effect, in addition to it being embossed.

Tokyo Ghoul Blu-ray, Overall Score and Recommendation 3.5/5

Tokyo Ghoul 10th Anniversary Collection is an impressive box-set. A sprawling collection with the entire run of episodes and a huge assortment of bonus features, the collector's edition release has deluxe packaging. The release comes with a rigid art-box and the design is textured and impressive. For collectors wanting the "ultimate" edition – this is it, folks. The set would be worth considering double dipping on for die-hard fans wanting the best-looking box-set for the shelf. The fancy packaging might be the biggest selling point for those who already own previous collections, but newcomers will find the new and improved deluxe set the easier option to choose from.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Tokyo...370826/#Review

He did get what was new on Yu Yu Hakusho's box set, so I don't get how he missed it on Tokyo Ghoul.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files - 30th Anniversary Box Set Blu-ray, Special Features and Extras 4.5/ 5

NEW to the 30th Anniversary Collection is a brand-new bonus disc featuring two OVA shorts previously unreleased on home media: Two Shots & All Or Nothing (HD, 29:07). Presented in Dolby TrueHD 2.0. 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition. The short OVA episodes highlight the main cast of the characters across the two approximately 15-minute-long mini episodes.

The shorts were produced/released in 2018. The shorts originally appeared on the Japanese Blu-ray box set collection (the 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Collection) and have now been licensed for release (and dubbed) by Crunchyroll with the original English dub cast. The shorts feature modern animation, produced in a similar fashion to Dragon Ball Super – not the hand-drawn cell-based style of the original series. The first short, Two Shots, explores how Hiei and Kurama originally met.

The second short, All Or Nothing, explores the characters journey together with all the main cast members back for a adventure – resolving a dangerous hostage crisis situation occurring within the realm of the spirit world. These OVA shorts adapt a selection of moments from the original manga. The conclusion of the second OVA short is similar to the conclusion of the original television series.

The 30th Anniversary Collection also includes all of the supplements that were previously exclusive to the steelbook editions. Originally featured on special bonus discs included in each of the four steelbook box sets, these bonus features are now available outside of the steelbook editions. Fans who previously had only purchased the individual season sets on Blu-ray will also gain the following content as part of the collection:

[Snip]

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files - 30th Anniversary Box Set Blu-ray, Overall Score and Recommendation 4.5/5

Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the greatest anime series of all time. Fans of the series looking to own the series in a quality collection with superb video/audio and an assortment of extras will find this to be a must-own complete collection release. The 30th anniversary collector's edition includes all of the series legacy bonus features, all of the previously exclusive bonus disc content from the steelbook editions, and a new exclusive bonus disc with the short OVA episodes: Two Shots & All Or Nothing. The shorts bring back the original English language dub cast.

For fans who do not own the previous Yu Yu Hakusho season sets or steelbook editions, the release is an easy purchase and comes highly recommended. For those considering double-dipping (or triple dipping – or perhaps quadruple dipping), the included shorts might be a hard sell for only 30 minutes of new exclusive content. Nonetheless, an impressive and worthwhile collection for fans.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Yu-Yu...325796/#Review

[AreaFive]

I seem to recall that Violet Evergarden's UK release had improved subs over the US. Were there any appreciable visual differences between the two?

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on the Japanese 4K of Anthem of the Heart?

[kk1]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

I seem to recall that Violet Evergarden's UK release had improved subs over the US. Were there any appreciable visual differences between the two?

Pretty sure they updated the animation for the home video release and it is only on the UK discs, US one is the broadcast version.

[professorwho]

The FUNi release of VE is a clone of the Australian Madman release, which uses the broadcast version. Because it was an in-house Madman disc, it's much better encoded than what FUNi/CR would normally do, so it has that at least. Obviously the UK release is superior, not just for the MediaOCD encode, but the redone translation.

While I've yet to see how the UHD of The Anthem of the Heart is, judging by how the Anohana and Her Blue Sky UHDs were, it should probably be rather disappointing, due to being rather poorly upscaled (with obvious sharpening on line art), and automated HDR grades done with minimal (if any) manual input on a scene-by-scene basis. They're also rather bitstarved with shockingly low bitrates for whatever reason; Her Blue Sky is in Blu-ray territory for average bitrate (~38 mbps). While bitrate alone doesn't determine quality, obviously, not even utilising the extra space a BD-66 or even a BD-100 offers is downright pathetic for a premium format release at JP prices.

The UK Anime Limited Blu-ray is the way to go. The Japanese Aniplex release has some rather bizarre vertical macroblocking on panning shots, which the MediaOCD encode lacks entirely, and matches or surpasses the JP disc everywhere else.

[AreaFive]

Originally Posted by kk1

Pretty sure they updated the animation for the home video release and it is only on the UK discs, US one is the broadcast version.

Originally Posted by professorwho

The FUNi release of VE is a clone of the Australian Madman release, which uses the broadcast version. Because it was an in-house Madman disc, it's much better encoded than what FUNi/CR would normally do, so it has that at least. Obviously the UK release is superior, not just for the MediaOCD encode, but the redone translation.

While I've yet to see how the UHD of The Anthem of the Heart is, judging by how the Anohana and Her Blue Sky UHDs were, it should probably be rather disappointing, due to being rather poorly upscaled (with obvious sharpening on line art), and automated HDR grades done with minimal (if any) manual input on a scene-by-scene basis. They're also rather bitstarved with shockingly low bitrates for whatever reason; Her Blue Sky is in Blu-ray territory for average bitrate (~38 mbps). While bitrate alone doesn't determine quality, obviously, not even utilising the extra space a BD-66 or even a BD-100 offers is downright pathetic for a premium format release at JP prices.

The UK Anime Limited Blu-ray is the way to go. The Japanese Aniplex release has some rather bizarre vertical macroblocking on panning shots, which the MediaOCD encode lacks entirely, and matches or surpasses the JP disc everywhere else.

Thanks to both of you, much appreciated.

[BigOnAnime]

Originally Posted by kk1

Pretty sure they updated the animation for the home video release and it is only on the UK discs, US one is the broadcast version.

In addition to that, the US release is missing the extended edition of the final episode as the Blu-rays had extra footage. There is no dub for the extended edition because Netflix didn't dub it, only the broadcast version.

Also here's a reminder on how not good the Netflix subs were (reused on the Madman discs and thus FUNi's).

[Show spoiler]

The Anime Limited release was IIRC translated from scratch, and has a way better translation.

[Glorian]

Originally Posted by professorwho

While I've yet to see how the UHD of The Anthem of the Heart is, judging by how the Anohana and Her Blue Sky UHDs were, it should probably be rather disappointing, due to being rather poorly upscaled (with obvious sharpening on line art), and automated HDR grades done with minimal (if any) manual input on a scene-by-scene basis. They're also rather bitstarved with shockingly low bitrates for whatever reason; Her Blue Sky is in Blu-ray territory for average bitrate (~38 mbps). While bitrate alone doesn't determine quality, obviously, not even utilising the extra space a BD-66 or even a BD-100 offers is downright pathetic for a premium format release at JP prices.

Hmm, so Aniplex UHDs have been of poor quality? So the Madoka Magica movies UHD set that's about to come out is likely to be poor, in your opinion?

[peppapigstan]

Originally Posted by professorwho

While I've yet to see how the UHD of The Anthem of the Heart is, judging by how the Anohana and Her Blue Sky UHDs were, it should probably be rather disappointing, due to being rather poorly upscaled (with obvious sharpening on line art), and automated HDR grades done with minimal (if any) manual input on a scene-by-scene basis. They're also rather bitstarved with shockingly low bitrates for whatever reason; Her Blue Sky is in Blu-ray territory for average bitrate (~38 mbps). While bitrate alone doesn't determine quality, obviously, not even utilising the extra space a BD-66 or even a BD-100 offers is downright pathetic for a premium format release at JP prices.

The UK Anime Limited Blu-ray is the way to go. The Japanese Aniplex release has some rather bizarre vertical macroblocking on panning shots, which the MediaOCD encode lacks entirely, and matches or surpasses the JP disc everywhere else.

Oh yeah, those movies were also done below 2K, so doesn't help matters either. the Gintama UHD is okay at least

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by Glorian

Hmm, so Aniplex UHDs have been of poor quality? So the Madoka Magica movies UHD set that's about to come out is likely to be poor, in your opinion?

Hard to tell, because some of them turned out very good.

Gurren Lagann was fantastic considering how limited the source was, with a solid HDR grade and very good encoding (BD-100s with super high bitrates; the opposite of the Okada UHDs), and Gintama: The Final has an insane HDR grade that completely transforms the film, with monumental improvements from the SDR BD.

The issue here is who does the mastering. IMAGICA and Q-Tec both have professional colorists who understand how HDR works and know how to grade the material very effectively. While Sony PCL does have colorists who can do work on par with them (as seen with Paprika), too often they rely on automated processes which produce poor results, both in grading and upscaling (see FF VII: Advent Children, which, tbf, has TERRIBLE source mastering, but their automated approach only magnified the issues), so who knows.

[AreaFive]

Do the UK versions of the two Violet Evergarden movies offer any improvements over the US versions?

[jala12]

Originally Posted by BigOnAnime

In addition to that, the US release is missing the extended edition of the final episode as the Blu-rays had extra footage. There is no dub for the extended edition because Netflix didn't dub it, only the broadcast version.

What exactly are these extended scenes? For whatever reason, I could not find any information about what they were and what the differences are compared to the broadcast version.

[BoopityBoop]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

Do the UK versions of the two Violet Evergarden movies offer any improvements over the US versions?

The first movie is the same disc for both the US and UK releases. The US BD for the 2nd movie has lossy audio and missing extras, while the UHD discs use the same encode.

[AreaFive]

Originally Posted by BoopityBoop

The first movie is the same disc for both the US and UK releases. The US BD for the 2nd movie has lossy audio and missing extras, while the UHD discs use the same encode.

Thank you, much appreciated.

[NLScavenger]

The UK BD (not UHD) of the 2nd movie uses the theatrical master, so it doesn't have the home video corrections.

[nyaa]

Originally Posted by jala12

What exactly are these extended scenes? For whatever reason, I could not find any information about what they were and what the differences are compared to the broadcast version.

The broadcast version didn't have either the opening credits or the regular ending credits roll that the other episodes did, the version off the jpbd had both restored and had some minor scene additions. USbd ep.13 was 23 minutes 47 seconds, jpbd ep.13 was 26 minutes 51 seconds going off my bd files.