'SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers: The Next' - High-Def Digest review

[jed]

Just posted Kenneth's review of the 40-minute anime feature, 'SOS! Tokyo Metro Explorers: The Next.' He quite enjoyed the film itself, and says this Blu-ray release from Bandai Visual is excellent, boasting an eye-popping video transfer and an extraordinary TrueHD audio track.

Full review here:
http://bluray.highdefdigest.com/1178...rsthenext.html

[DrAndonuts]

I really want this one, but I can't find it for sale at a reasonable price. I think that 39.99 MSRP you guys have listed might be wrong, because everywhere else I see has it at 64.99.

[-Tabris-]

Originally Posted by DrAndonuts

I really want this one, but I can't find it for sale at a reasonable price. I think that 39.99 MSRP you guys have listed might be wrong, because everywhere else I see has it at 64.99.

64.99?!? And it's only 40 minutes isn't it? Damn..

[Motorheadache]

As an added bonus, unlike other Bandai Visual high-def releases, this one even comes with a more reasonable price tag.

No way. I don't care how good it is, 39.95 msrp for a 40 minute Blu-Ray is not worth it at all. The absolute least I find acceptable for an anime is a 3 episode, 75 minute disc. Even then I'm not happy, but will buy it if I really like the anime.

I know anime is typically pricier than anything else, but this is just ridiculous. If this really is comparatively cheap for Bandai, then count me out for any of their Blu-Ray releases.

[polyh3dron]

The review got the MSRP wrong.. DVD Empire is charging an arm and a leg for this, at least you can get it for $48.74 through Anime Castle. It's still steep as hell, but with this 5-star review I ordered it anyways. You can't even find this one in the stores so I'm guessing it's going to be pretty rare.

[Motorheadache]

64.99?! That's beyond ridiculous. If that's true, I would question the sanity of anyone who actually buys this, unless you're some rich guy with money to burn.

I'd love to see more anime on Blu-Ray, but I can't support something like this. Just like I refused to buy Hellsing Ultimate since they were releasing single episode discs that ran under an hour, yet were charging the same price as every other anime dvd. (and I'm especially glad now since Geneon shut down and won't be releasing the rest of it anyway)

[CaptainCanuck]

Originally Posted by Motorheadache

64.99?! That's beyond ridiculous. If that's true, I would question the sanity of anyone who actually buys this, unless you're some rich guy with money to burn.

I'd love to see more anime on Blu-Ray, but I can't support something like this. Just like I refused to buy Hellsing Ultimate since they were releasing single episode discs that ran under an hour, yet were charging the same price as every other anime dvd. (and I'm especially glad now since Geneon shut down and won't be releasing the rest of it anyway)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We need more Hellsing.Just d/l them or rent and dupe them if they cost too much.
This is disturbing news indeed.

[LiK]

looks interesting but the high price is just a turn off. i hope there are some good deals for this title soon. totally outrageous pricing. reminds me of the time when anime first went to DVD and the prices were ridiculous back then as well.

i haven't purchased any anime in HD due to their prices...

[nelll]

I couldn't find this title on Netflix. Do they have this for rent or not? Anybody?

[docmanjay2]

$1+ a min, no way!! i will rent the dvd version and upconvert for a 4 pq instead.......

[E_I]

The company that's releasing this (Bandai Visual) is known for their ridiculously high prices (this is Japan R2 pricing). I love anime, but the price is too high for me.

Also, no, you can't find it at Amazon or Deepdiscount. It's a specialty title. Get Paprika instead, and have money left over for something else.

[Ken Brown]

My apologies -- it seems the MSRP provided to us by Bandai Visual is indeed incorrect (I confirmed the MSRP is nearly $65 on their official website as well). I will make the appropriate changes in the review.

Again, I'm sorry if that piece of misinformation misled anyone.

Thanks as always for posting.

[LiK]

Originally Posted by Ken Brown

My apologies -- it seems the MSRP provided to us by Bandai Visual is indeed incorrect (I confirmed the MSRP is nearly $65 on their official website as well). I will make the appropriate changes in the review.

Again, I'm sorry if that piece of misinformation misled anyone.

Thanks as always for posting.

no problem Ken. please send Bandai our disappointment in the pricing of their BDs.

[Ken Brown]

Originally Posted by LiK

no problem Ken. please send Bandai our disappointment in the pricing of their BDs.

If it's any consolation, they've let me know they're aware of the disappointment and that they're always considering price point adjustments as the high definition market continues to expand.

I would suggest to anyone who's displeased with the price point, that you send a polite e-mail to Bandai explaining that a) you enjoy their products, b) you don't understand the price to value discrepancy of some releases, and c) you would have purchased the title if it were released at a more reasonable price point of "$xx.xx"

Again, if everyone keeps their dissatisfaction civil and detailed, your voice will be heard. If enough fans let them know, and they see that they're pricing themselves out of the market, they're more likely to make a smart business decision for the fans and their company.

Good luck, and keep us posted! We'll help from this end as well by passing on your concerns and suggestions.