Akira 4K UHD (Limited Edition)

[Kyle15]

If it wasn't intentional wowee-zowee that about beats Universal's audio problem on Psycho. hahahahhaaa

[KarmaNL]

glad I got the japanese version a long time ago.

Sounds like a big screwup . Whats with the QC these days man, all these discs going out with problems.

[hitchcockblonde]

Originally Posted by -shadow-

I take it's a screwup considering they're apparently not allowed to change anything whatsoever about the presentation. Curious about the US release and if they'll do a recall/reprint. At this stage I just want to import the Japanese release, but it's bloody expensive...

That’s hopeful then! I’m going to email them about it. Only thing is, nowhere on the packaging does it state HDR...

How on earth can this happen? They’re charging a premium for niche product and can’t even get the basics right... The HDR grade was the main reason for the upgrade!

[Pyoko]

Let's see how this plays out, but my money is on another stupid licensor restriction instead of a mistake. If true though it would have been really crappy of them not to mention this from the start, when HDR is the default expectation on UHD to such an overwhelming degree, and an HDR grade actually exists.

[whedon]

Have a few releases without HDR and don't mind but considering cancelling this as it seems like a cash grab given that the expectation was that this would be the same as the version released elsewhere but seems to in fact be an inferior product which was not communicated in any way.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by Pyoko

Let's see how this plays out, but my money is on another stupid licensor restriction instead of a mistake. If true though it would have been really crappy of them not to mention this from the start, when HDR is the default expectation on UHD to such an overwhelming degree, and an HDR grade actually exists.

I think I understand what the rationale is, that by stripping out the HDR it'll discourage Japanese peoples from buying it from abroad for cheaper - which also makes the lack of OG Japanese 2.0 audio rather obvious now - but funk me, there must've been a better way to do it than this. Use the crafty Weathering with You region lock if you must, but hobbling one of the main aspects that people were looking forward to just to spite a set of another people thousands of miles away is simply astonishing.

We're not exactly inundated with anime on UHD but I think I'm done with it, as I'm not paying silly money to import a Japanese release and going forward I'm not paying a dime for a local release that's been intentionally nerfed.

[bigrob]

well that saved me some money then

will stick to the BD for now

[Justin101]

Mine has arrived this morning, I've opened it just so I can put my order details in the envelope and it's heading back tomorrow when I get to the post office.

It's such a shame, because through the cellophane it looks lovely, and it is such a good film. I already have 2 blurays and the iTunes version so this has to go back. Sad

[AreaFive]

So apparently some of the 4K discs of this do not have HDR (shocking as this was considered a tradeoff for the DNR)? Can anyone confirm if this is the case with the US release of this?

[Justin101]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

So apparently some of the 4K discs of this do not have HDR (shocking as this was considered a tradeoff for the DNR)? Can anyone confirm if this is the case with the US release of this?

You won't know until the US discs get shipped, but the UK version has no HDR and the distribution company Manga UK is owned by Funimation so the likelihood is that they're the exact same discs. However, as I said no confirmation until the US set starts shipping.

[AreaFive]

Originally Posted by Justin101

You won't know until the US discs get shipped, but the UK version has no HDR and the distribution company Manga UK is owned by Funimation so the likelihood is that they're the exact same discs. However, as I said no confirmation until the US set starts shipping.

Thanks, perhaps I'll cancel my preorder and wait and see. My whole rationale was to overlook the DNR and simply enjoy it as an HDR-laden alternative version. If there's no HDR, there's no point in my having it in addition to my blu-rays, much less paying a premium for it.

Great avatar, by the way. You're very fortunate to have visited the Ghibli Museum.

[Justin101]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

Thanks, perhaps I'll cancel my preorder and wait and see. My whole rationale was to overlook the DNR and simply enjoy it as an HDR-laden alternative version. If there's no HDR, there's no point in my having it in addition to my blu-rays, much less paying a premium for it.

Great avatar, by the way. You're very fortunate to have visited the Ghibli Museum.

Same! I was going to overlook the technical downsides to the disc but it's packaged up ready to be posted back now!

RE Ghibli museum, if you ever get the chance to go to Japan (which I highly recommend to everyone) then a trip to Ghibli is a must for any anime fan. You have to book in advance as it always sells out and the tickets go on sale 4-5 weeks before the date you wish to go, but at ¥1000 (around $7) it's a bargain and you get to see exclusive short films! I've been twice now and the last time I went they had a special exhibition about food in Ghibli Movies!

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by AreaFive

So apparently some of the 4K discs of this do not have HDR (shocking as this was considered a tradeoff for the DNR)? Can anyone confirm if this is the case with the US release of this?

They are 100% identical, save for BBFC ratings on the UK discs.

Damn shame, but it would still be trash even in HDR with all the terrible DNR. Plus, no Japanese 2.0 audio- just the horrible 5.1 “hypersonic” mix that’s revisionist AF.

(Sidenote: I saw a “pro review” say that it was Otomo’s intent to have the crazy DNR. That simply isn’t the case. It’s just made up BS like what Bill Hunt said about LOTR. Q-Tec simply did what they do best- destroy filmic integrity.)

[danman227460]

So based on what you said, the assumption would be NA = UK?

No chance NA somehow didn't get nerfed?

But based on Funimation's track record, I wouldn't be surprised.

Would this blame fall on Bandi?

Another wrinkle, think every Europe release will be missing HDR or just anything Funimation handles? Reason I ask is because the Germany release is done by another studio. Curious if that got the same issue.

Originally Posted by professorwho

They are 100% identical, save for BBFC ratings on the UK discs.

Damn shame, but it would still be trash even in HDR with all the terrible DNR. Plus, no Japanese 2.0 audio- just the horrible 5.1 “hypersonic” mix that’s revisionist AF.

(Sidenote: I saw a “pro review” say that it was Otomo’s intent to have the crazy DNR. That simply isn’t the case. It’s just made up BD like what Bill Hunt said about LOTR. Q-Tec simply did what they do best- destroy filmic integrity.)

[AreaFive]

Originally Posted by professorwho

They are 100% identical, save for BBFC ratings on the UK discs.

Damn shame, but it would still be trash even in HDR with all the terrible DNR. Plus, no Japanese 2.0 audio- just the horrible 5.1 “hypersonic” mix that’s revisionist AF.

(Sidenote: I saw a “pro review” say that it was Otomo’s intent to have the crazy DNR. That simply isn’t the case. It’s just made up BD like what Bill Hunt said about LOTR. Q-Tec simply did what they do best- destroy filmic integrity.)

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[XGEEKEDGERX]

Originally Posted by danman227460

Another wrinkle, think every Europe release will be missing HDR or just anything Funimation handles? Reason I ask is because the Germany release is done by another studio. Curious if that got the same issue.

I've already dropped the German label a message regarding their edition but I suspect that it's the same deal, no HDR.

[NLScavenger]

A member on the German Movieside forum received a copy from Leonine almost two weeks ago, but that member hasn't commented on the HDR yet.

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by danman227460

So based on what you said, the assumption would be NA = UK?

No chance NA somehow didn't get nerfed?

But based on Funimation's track record, I wouldn't be surprised.

Would this blame fall on Bandi?

Another wrinkle, think every Europe release will be missing HDR or just anything Funimation handles? Reason I ask is because the Germany release is done by another studio. Curious if that got the same issue.

I'm telling you the discs are LITERALLY 100% identical. FUNimation made the discs here.

[monque]

Just cancelled my order from BB.

[NormanicGrav]

Originally Posted by danman227460

So based on what you said, the assumption would be NA = UK?

No chance NA somehow didn't get nerfed?

1) Funimation and Manga are pretty much the same entity now. There isn't any reason for the discs to be different especially when you consider the fact that it would probably be way too expensive to have different authored versions all around. If there was one slight difference it would be Manga's logo at the intro and that's it - I don't see how that sort of tweak would cause an entire film to lose its HDR.

2) The packaging and discs for both the 4K UHD and the Blu-rays display Region A & B. Manga regularly region locks their sets including titles that were initially Region A & B in the United States, so to see them being made region free likely suggests they didn't make any changes to the discs. I should note that Madman in Australia are also releasing the film in 4K UHD and by having the discs be like that means they're able to import the discs and packaging without any modifications.

Photos of the UK set are below (they're not mine, but there's more for those interested):

[Show spoiler]