UlasanAnime.com – This article delves into Aniplex Japan’s controversial strategy of bundling exclusive content, such as soundtracks, with their premium home video releases, rather than offering them as standalone purchases.
The author clarifies that this discussion has no relation to Aniplex of USA, who are deemed to be “fine.” The core issue lies with Aniplex Japan’s approach to value-added home video releases, specifically their practice of only including show soundtracks when purchasing the limited edition DVD or Blu-ray sets.
While the author appreciates their Kara no Kyoukai box set, the primary reason for purchase was the visual quality on Blu-ray and the significance of the films as the “origin of Nasuverse.” The accompanying art collection and posh packaging were considered pleasant bonuses but not the deciding factor. The author explicitly states that these extras merely made the purchase “less painful.”
A significant point of contention is the inability to purchase Bakemonogatari opening tracks separately. The author believes that tracks like “Renai Circulation” would have achieved significant commercial success, even topping charts with a proper marketing push, because they were what the audience desired. However, the author expresses a strong reluctance to buy the limited edition releases due to the perceived poor value proposition, particularly the high cost associated with obtaining these songs.
This practice is not new, as Aniplex previously employed a similar tactic with the Kara no Kyoukai DVD limited edition releases. Each limited edition included the film’s soundtracks, which were presented as rough cuts and felt more like bonuses than individual products. The author notes that Aniplex’s later release of a proper soundtrack album for Rakkyo was a welcome move that “soothed the nerves,” suggesting that while they might consider purchasing the DVDs for the bonus items, the individual music releases are more appealing.
The author finds it “unfair and crazy” to bundle legitimate, desirable items as bonuses for a larger package without making them available separately. They acknowledge that this practice might be acceptable if it doesn’t make owning the package prohibitively expensive. As an example, the Black Rock Shooter release, which included a nendoroid, was considered acceptable because its price was only about twice that of the nendoroid itself, which was not deemed “outrageous.” Similarly, purchasing Working R2 DVD #1 for the opening single was justified because its price, after discounts, was comparable to that of a CD.
You might also be interested in : Why I Watched Moshidora
However, the author draws a line at paying significantly more for a single track or an entire album of opening songs. They state they would not pay double the price for a single, and certainly not five times that amount to acquire an album filled with opening songs.
Interestingly, the author admits to having been more vocal about this issue in the past. The release of the Rakkyo OST, which was well-arranged and suitable for orchestral performance, has lessened their frustration. They even express a willingness to pay a premium if a composer like Eminence were to reinterpret tracks from that CD, highlighting that such content would justify an individual release, unlike the “omake” (extra content) found on DVDs.
The article then turns to Madoka Magica, questioning whether its soundtrack, produced by Yuki Kajiura, will face the same bundling fate. The author expresses concern that fans purchasing volume two might be getting an “unseasoned sandwich” or an “unpolished diamond.” They hope that Aniplex will eventually make such content available separately, as this would significantly reduce their “RAGE.”
The author concludes by highlighting the irony of the situation. On one hand, the industry is attempting to combat piracy by increasing the availability of content and offering more choices. On the other hand, Aniplex’s strategy of making desirable items scarce seems designed to inflate profit margins, leading to a sentiment of frustration and resignation, summarized with “FML.”
