Dval's stats
- Review count272
- Helpfulness votes432
- First reviewDecember 3, 2011
- Last reviewSeptember 24, 2016
- Featured reviews1
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count7
- Helpfulness votes8
- First review commentMarch 9, 2012
- Last review commentMarch 17, 2015
- Featured review comments0
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Customer Rating
5
Superb Bond thriller
on February 13, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Been a while since I saw the last Bond film but this one carries on like the others for the most part. Noticed a few small differences (most likely from different directors) that I didn't mind too much.
Bond movies have always been heavy on the action and stunts, but this one has even more than the normal. If you're watching for the women of Bond, then you might be disappointed. First woman is shown for all of 20 seconds. Don't get to see anything with Moneypenny. And I'll let you see how the 3rd plays out. The minimal amount of bedroom antics is replaced with loads of action. Subtle hints at the beginning play out more in the last 20 minutes.
Being such a high budget movie, the filming is amazing. Great detail in everything that goes on. Watched a few of the extras, but not something I buy the movie for.
Golden Eye is still my favorite Bond movie, but this one was definitely amazing. Everyone should watch it at least once.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Angel Beats!: Complete Collection [2 Discs] [Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
This fantastical release from the sci-fi action anime series Angel Beats! includes all 13 episodes of the show, telling the story of a group of students who attend a very odd high school - one created as a purgatory for souls not yet ready to release their attachments to Earth, and fully move on to the afterworld.
Customer Rating
5
Innovative drama
on February 12, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action, Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life
Length: 13 episodes + OVA
Length: 13 episodes + OVA
"It sucks being dead. Sucks even more to be trapped in a surreal afterlife where you're caught between the living and the dead -- where a mysterious, violent Angel is trying to pull you over to...somewhere. What do you do? Well, if you're this group of rough-and-tumble teens, you grab every weapon you can get your hands on and give Heaven hell! High-caliber action and locked-and-loaded comedy meet on a rock and roll battleground in Angel Beats!"
The description hits home for the first half of the series. After that, it goes dirt-biking into the unknown. Essentially, our cast here has ended up in Limbo due to as-of-yet unknown circumstances. Limbo seems to be an ordinary school-life under the watch of "Angel". The Battlefront group fights back against this world and Angel in an attempt to remain there forever. Apparently, once a person has accepted this world as where they want to be, they'll disappear and presumably move onto Heaven. Virtually everyone is angry at God for cursing them with an unfair life and they think that Angel is in direct communication with him.
The story and characters could get a huge desctiption, but that's more than enough. I held off on this series for a long time even though I had heard tons about it. Probably because I knew it was another Key series that are always tear-jerkers. First half is pretty much all action and comedy. They continue to the second half, but the drama really kicks in there. Several scenes/episodes that got me a little teary-eyed. Not quite as much as the death scenes from Clannad but still emotional. The ending is extremely fitting and you're even given a hint of it earlier in the series which I was intrigued by but didn't dwell on.
Graphics in Angel Beats are beautiful. A lot of the scenes are used multiple times as it rarely ever leaves the school. High-key animation is apparent as every character has a distinct look including the extras. Action scenes are fast and violent but always clear as day. Didn't pay attention to who did the higher profile scenes, but they all looked great. I definitely recommend watching with the original voices and sub-titles on. I tried to listen to the English dub, but the voices just didn't match well. Lasted half an episode and didn't come back on.
Extras are a simple 4 trailers. The usual for Sentai.
An awesome series that I should have watched earlier. My only complaint is that some of the humor was a bit forced and really felt out of place. Had a few dramatic moments built up only for it to crash down. Could have been the intent, though. But it, watch it, enjoy it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Sound of Madness [Deluxe Fan Club Version] [CD & DVD] [PA]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1472/1472127_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Awesome CD
on February 6, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
I'll be honest, I bought this CD purely for "Diamond Eyes". Already purchased the original a while back but I wanted this song on an actual CD. Didn't want to purchase "The Expendables" soundtrack mainly since I couldn't find it as well.
Awesome remix of nearly all the songs. Haven't gone through the extras CD. Definitely worth the extra few dollars over the basic CD. Won't find it in any stores, though. None in my district had them so I had to order.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Silverthorn [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6854/6854173_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Solid rock music
on February 4, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Purchased this CD last month but it's apparently a different version with a bonus CD, booklet, and a super thick casing.
Before this, I had never heard anything from Silverthorn. I saw the large packing in the store and thought it looked kind of cool. And with the coverart, I figured that it might be similar to "The Birthday Massacre" and "Within Temptation" so I bought it. It's not quite what I expected, but I definitely enjoyed it. A pleasant surprise.
Big contrast between the vocals which aren't too heavy or deep and the music which is a bit more dynamic. From the first song, I thought it would almost be similar to "Cradle of Filth" as the tones were pretty dark. However, the lyrics keep it in-line. At times, I was hoping for a really deep voice to take over and get things pumping.
Loved listening to it and it'll be in my car for a while.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This wild and enigmatic release from the cyberpunk anime series Persona 4: The Animation includes episodes 13-26 of the show, following the story of a group of students who form an investigation team to solve a series of murders that seem to straddle border between the real world and cyberspace.
Customer Rating
5
Finding the true killer
on January 29, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action, Drama, Comedy, Supernatural
Length: Episodes 13-26
Length: Episodes 13-26
"The mystery of the murders seems to have been solved, but the riddle of the Velvet Room and the lethal Midnight Channel is an enigma that Yu and the other students who form the Investigation Team still have to crack. And that's to say nothing of the questions of how their powers of Persona work in the first place, and how the fictional Teddie can exist in the real world. As conundrums wrap in conundrums, and the school year burns inexorably towards a blistering summer, the team must prepare for the most deadly challenge yet while still pretending to lead normal high school lives. But that won't be easy under the evil eye of their new homeroom teacher. And when Detective Shirogane reenters the game with new information about irregularities in the police investigation and clues that may lead to an entirely different conclusion, both team and detective find themselves playing the role of prey once more! The body count is on the rise, the Shadows attack , and new Persona are about to ascend as the Midnight Channel launches the ultimate cancellation program in the grand finale of PERSONA 4!"
Whew...long description on this one. This one is the 2nd and final half of Persona 4 where the story draws to a climax. The first two episodes are just comedic but the rest starts to ratchet up the action with bits of drama. Just how much danger is everyone in? The stakes get higher and higher with possibly the fate of the world on the line.
Still love this series even if the characters are a little over-used in the personality department. You've got the macho man and the comedic relief for the guys. The girls have the tsundere, the brainiac, the airhead, and the loli. However, Yu is awesome. Very refreshing personality with how blunt, nonchalant, and ignorant he is. He punches his friend in the face without hesitation when asked to. Even has three girls sitting on his lap and doesn't get the picture.
Backgrounds are used over and over as most of the scenes take place in a few locations but they're still done nicely. Action scenes are awesome even if the fights follow a pretty typical pattern each time. BD release seemed a little better than the first volume, too.
Extras kind of blew. A few trailers along with the textless opening and closing.
Enjoyed this series a lot. Watched all of this season in one sitting and was still hoping for more. Great watch. Pick it up if you've already seen the first season. If you haven't, buy them both.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Get relief from cold and flu symptoms and bring wellness to your entire family in style with a Crane Drop Humidifier. With an award winning design & top rated performance, Crane’s 1.0 Gal. Drop ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers provide up to 500 sq. ft. of coverage and 24-hours of soothing moisture to help relieve the effects of dryness and congestion. This unit is an all-natural, non-medicated relief from dryness, cough, cold and flu symptoms, helping you and your family breathe easy and sleep through the night peacefully.
Customer Rating
4
Humidifier for small areas
on January 27, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Bought this unit just after Christmas with the temps falling and the humidity tanking. Few pros and cons like others have listed.
Pros:
Small and easily portable
Cool air makes it safe for anyone/anything
Works great in the bedroom
Cool blue design.
Small and easily portable
Cool air makes it safe for anyone/anything
Works great in the bedroom
Cool blue design.
Cons:
End up refilling 2x-3x per day.
Hard to find a good surface at times.
End up refilling 2x-3x per day.
Hard to find a good surface at times.
Didn't purchase this unit with a large room/whole house in mind and I'd be a little misguided to expect such a unit for only $50. Does fine with any small-medium rooms. The design can make it a little awkward for carrying. You'll also want to keep a towel nearby when you take the top off as there will be a bit of precipitation.
All-in-all, a good unit that does the job.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Features
3
Performance
4
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
This hard hitting release from the horror anime series Blood-C includes all 12 episodes of the show, following the story of Saya, a warrior who confronts the most violent evils of man eating creatures every night, ripping monsters limb from limb and coming home awash in blood.
Customer Rating
5
Demon-killing goodness
on January 27, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action, Gore
Length: 12 episodes
Length: 12 episodes
"Horrifying beasts with a hunger for human flesh prey on the citizens of a quiet town. In moonlit twilight, Saya slays the monsters and returns home drenched in blood. As the attacks increase in frequency and intensity, her enemies relay cryptic messages about a broken contract . Limbs are torn from flesh and skulls are crushed and devoured while the huntress struggles with paralyzing visions and gaping holes in her memory. When the humans Saya promised to protect reveal the sickening truth about her role in the violence, she learns her mission isn't as clear-cut as she thought --and her most sadistic foe of all is so close she can taste it."
Blood-C is my first venture into the "Blood" universe and I enjoyed it greatly. Ultra-violent, cute main character, very minimal fan-service, and an awesome story combine for a great watch. Can definitely see CLAMP's involvement with the pretty boys.
Can't stress the M rating enough here. First few episodes are some standard Saya vs. monster fights between the two. Lots of blood as they fight back and forth but nothing gorey. However, once the first human dies, they start dropping fast. Decapitation, dismemberment, and impailment galore. Not for the feint of heart. The last episode is a total massacre, too.
Did have just a couple tiny complaints. Soundtrack wasn't the best. Minimal music throughout that just didn't always seem to get the mood set. And they kept killing all of my favorite characters :/
Overall, a definite title to own if you can handle the blood and guts. Surprising story that I was only able to predict part of. Time to hunt down "Blood: The Last Vampire" and "Blood+" now.
What's great about it: Surprise story
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
![Us and Them [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7444/7444973_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Good, clean rock
on January 25, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Only been following Shinedown for about half a year now after falling in love with the song "Diamond Eyes". This is the 2nd album of theirs that I've purchased and after being thoroughly delighted yet again, I'm going to have to buy the rest of them.
Won't say that every song is my absolute favorite, but I can easily toss it in the radio and just keep the entire thing going on forever. "Save Me" and "I Dare You" are probably my two favorite songs on here. Can't wait to go see them live with Three Days Grace in Nashville next month.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
A story of young love
on January 24, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama. Little bit of action, too.
Length: 26 episodes *25 & 26 are OVA*, 650 minutes.
Length: 26 episodes *25 & 26 are OVA*, 650 minutes.
"Keiichi Morisato is an engineering student and the top driver of the campus racing club. While calling for take out, a wrong number puts him in contact with the Goddess Hotline. One misplaced wish later, Keiichi finds himself blessed with Belldandy, the perfect girlfriend and a bonafide goddess.
Unfortunately, she doesn't have any idea of how act in the human world, and her presence quickly gets Keiichi kicked out of the dorms. But Keiichi's troubles have just begun..."
"Ah! My Goddess" is a great story focusing on an unlucky individual whos bad luck has drawn the attention of the heavens. Despite nothing going his way, he continues to push forward and that has earned him any wish that he may desire. The fun begins when he wishes for the goddess granting his wish to stay with him forever.
Loved this series because it rarely ever gets super dramatic especially in the relationship between Keiichi and Belldandy. I suppose if it was more of a romance, they'd introduce more to try to tear them apart. Never a big fan of that. Also, lots of comedy which helps keep the series lighthearted. And a little bit of action keeps it spicey. The 2 OVA episodes were nice with how they introduced love interests for Urd and Skuld and were focused solely on the two of them.
Only downsides would be the day-to-day tasks/chores/school which can slow the pace down a bit. Wasn't a big deal here as the story didn't really have an end goal set within the first 12 episodes.
Premium Boxset here is just the 6 individual volumes in a collector's box. One of the few places you can still get volume 6, too. With the series being discontinued for a while now, it becomes harder and harder to find everything. The Viridian/S.A.V.E. boxset for under $40 isn't available anywhere...for under a couple hundred dollars. Can occasionaly find the volumes on sale for a little less but not often.
Buy it if you have any interest in the series. Highly enjoyable and a great watch. Just wish Best Buy could still get the movie as well.
What's great about it: Great story full that's light on the drama
What's not so great: Hard to find/discontinued
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
Short Tenchi AU
on January 23, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Comedy, action, harem
Length: 7 episodes
Length: 7 episodes
Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki is a little bit of a continuation/alternate universe of the original Tenchi OVA series. Kind of hard to sum it into just one or two sentences as there are multiple facets of the story going on. Overall, it focuses very little on the original girls and delves more into Tenchi, Noike, and Lady Tokimi. This story actually ties into the GXP series, too.
"Tenchi seeks answers from his past while Ryoko faces the present head on. But the gang's world gets turned upside-down when they receive a strange visitor. After composing himself, Tenchi discovers that the mysterious visitor is not his mom, but a long lost sister who has come to inform him of his arranged marriage and, more importantly, his new fiancee, Noike. While Ryoko, Ayeka, and the others are disputing this, Tenchi leaves to work in the fields, where he unknowingly meets his bride-to-be. When Tenchi collapses from exhaustion, Washu gives him a prescription for three days of complete rest and relaxation! Now, with Tenchi confied to his bed, Noike must find a way to rally the girls into helping out around the house! After proving herself to him and his friends will Noike finally be the girl Tenchi chooses?"
At only 7 episodes, the series goes by quite quickly. I'm always a fan for the blue/green haired girls so I was routing for Noike in this one. What starts out as a mission for her becomes something she's willing to alter the timeline for in order to stay with Tenchi. Still no Kiyone in this timeline, though :/
Cast seemed the same except for Ryoko. Her voice didn't seem to have much of any femininity this time. Loads of extras on discs 2 and 3. Trying to remember where I've seen them before this. It's actually really enjoyable to watch the cast go to the area that the Misaki shrine is based on including the cave where Ryoko was imprisoned. Also a 40 minute presentation on different terms in the Tenchi universe and a 30 minute radio interview. Good stuff.
What's great about it: Story around Lady Tokimi
What's not so great: Short
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Dval's Review Comments
Eliminate your unwieldy collection of remotes and start using one device. A Geek Squad Agent will program your new learning remote control (such as a Logitech Harmony remote) for easy operation of your TV and home theater components. Perform commands like Watch a DVD or Listen to Music with the push of a single button.* This service takes about an hour to complete. After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail that contains a redemption code. You can then schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-GEEK SQUAD (1-800-433-5778) and following the prompts for Home Theater and Installation.** Please print your Geek Squad confirmation e-mail and be ready when the Agent arrives at your chosen location.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5its work for reciver by wifi bettween 2flooer
By saadcitystar
from nashville
its work for reciver by wifi bettween 2 flooer my reciver in 2 flooer and my tv is doween stires,so its work doween stirs in tv samsung by wifi
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Interpreting
March 9, 2012
I try not to be a grammar-junkie, but I think "saadcitystar" is trying to say that he/she's happy with their remote programming. It sounds like he/she purchased a Harmony remote with RF (radio frequency) instead of IR (infrared) that is capable of sending signals over about a 50' range and can even go through walls, cabinets, etc...
If purchasing a remote programming by itself, the service is $99.99, but if you're having other services done as well (audio setup, wall-mounting, calibration, or networking), the service actually drops down to $59.99.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
![Hide and Seek [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2066/20661297_sa.jpg)
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Throwback album
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Album came out back on Tuesday and it arrived on Wednesday. Love the quick shipping here.
Hide and Seek isn't quite the same as previous albums from The Birthday Massacre. Couple of the songs have a little bit darker feeling to them, but the overall sounds took me back to music from the 80's and early 90's. Really loving it.
Wouldn't really say that there's any songs that just jump out at you, but it actually works out good for this CD. Really enjoying every single song so I can just keep the entire thing going on repeat. Would be nice to have a killer hit like "Blue" or "Red Stars" thrown in, but the whole thing more than makes up for it.
There's also a Vinyl version available as well, but you'll have to order that through other means if you want it. Definitely recommend this one to any fans.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Update
December 4, 2012
Have to update this as I've had this CD going for the past month in my car. Truely great CD. Very little pops out because all of the songs are so good. Should have given this one 5 stars.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
This release from the chilling anime series Gunslinger Girl includes all 13 episodes of the show's first season, following the girls of the Social Welfare Agency, who appear from the outside to be orphaned schoolgirls, but are actually trained to be cold blooded killers. Extras with the release include voice director commentary, textless songs, and more.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Killer girls from...
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action
"Officially, the social Welfare Agency is a government sponsored corporation that's in the business of saving lives. At least, that's the ruse. In reality, it's an agency on the fringe of technology. They give terminal patients another shot at life using cybernetic implants. This conditioning process then shapes the patient into an effiecient machine for handling all of the goverment's dirty work. They've been given a second change at life, but at what cost?"
Basic plot: Little girls that were about to die have been given a second shot at life, but in return they're basically assassins for the government. The first season here doesn't really do much more than give us a character intro for 6 different girls. The story takes place in Italy which is a huge change of pace for most anime. Plot only got an average score because of the lack of one thus far.
Cinematography: The graphics are very visually appealing. Seeing everything out in the Mediteranean is a good change from the streets of Japan. The character designs themselves aren't very well done, though. They're really kind of normal. However, there's a ton of detail put into the outfits, guns, and scenery. Found it kind of odd, but the Blu-ray version is definitely nice and crisp. No jagged edges around the faces like on DVD versions.
Acting: Loved the English voice-acting and didn't touch the original Japanese. Kind of want to just to hear they're versions of each girl.
Extras: Non-existent. Not a single trailer, commentary, or even a textless opening or ending. Bare bones.
As the first reviewer posted, the story is a little disturbing. If you can get around little girls being used as military dolls, then the action is quite nice and I really enjoyed it. Just not the best series out there. Should definitely pick it up if you like anime, though.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Part 2
January 3, 2013
Completely forgot about the extras on disc 2. There are actually quite a few. The voice-actor commentaries about their own characters are really enjoyable. Would bump the Extras up to 4 stars, but it wouldn't change the overall rating.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5meh...
By lobb152
I just didnt like this movie as much as the other two.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
February 13, 2013
Any particular reasons why? Story, cast, etc...?
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
This mind-bending release from the psych-horror anime series Deadman Wonderland includes all 12 episodes of the show, following the story of a high school boy who is unjustly jailed for the murder of his class in a prison system that fits him with a collar constantly injecting him with poison. The poison can be neutralized if he can take regular doses of the antidote often enough, though these can only be obtained through prison work.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Supernatural prison
By Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Supernatural, Action, Drama
Length: 12 episodes + OVA
Length: 12 episodes + OVA
"Ganta is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers. He's framed for the carnage, sentenced to die, and locked away in the most twisted prison ever built: Deadman Wonderland. And then it gets worse.
At Deadman Wonderland, convicts are forced into brutal deathmatches for the amusement of the masses, the cheers of the crowd drowning out the screams of the dismembered. Even when Ganta befriends Shiro, an unusual female inmate, his dark fate crushes all hope – until he discovers the strange ability to wield his spilled blood as a weapon. Ganta learns his new skill might be related to the murderous man in red and uncovers disturbing secrets that could expose those who stole his freedom. He's determined to see justice served – but first he'll have to fight for his life in a prison that holds a million ways to die."
Deadman Wonderland is a decent series that gained attention in America after Cartoon Network aired it on the Toonami animation block when it was reincarnated back in 2012. I caught the first 2 episodes, but never got around to watching the rest. The series is filled to the brim with blood, gore, and action. The English dialogue is pretty racy as well. It does an excellent job with the shock factor. You just know someone is about to die, but it can be a little hard to predict how it's going to happen. Sadly, the series is quite rushed and a ton of knowledge is never made known. There also isn't really a true ending. Red Man remains a mystery, sort of. What relation does Shiro and Ganta have? Don't want to spoil any of the ending, but it pops up just as many questions and doesn't really answer anything. It leave tons of room for a 2nd season, but I haven't seen anything in the works, yet.
I enjoyed the series overall even with the rushed ending and lingering questions. My brother was also a fan and admitted that he was a little confused with the entire thing. This is a great value on a pretty good series. Pick it up!
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Reply
August 7, 2014
That's correct. First two black discs are the DVD version while the last 2 light blue discs contain the BD versions.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Keep your air clean and healthy with this Therapure 90TP50RM01 mini air purifier that is designed for areas up to 5 sq. ft. Stainless-steel collection blades allow easy cleaning and ultraviolet light destroys airborne viruses.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Not what I was looking for, much better
By kakky
from Houston
Came in looking for a new portable radio. Salesman guided me to a blue-tooth speaker to connect to my phone instead. Can also use this with my MP3. Works much better than the radio would have and great sound. Helpful salesman did a bit of technology training to help me get it set up.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
Wrong item?
August 18, 2014
Hey there. I think you may have gotten the wrong item for your review. Sounds like you purchased a bluetooth speaker instead of an air purifier.
+5points
5of 5voted this comment as helpful.
This set serves up every episode of the anime series Coppelion.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Great anime!
By ACEACE
from CORONA
Picture and cgi excellent. Story excellent. But I gave it 3 stars because the sound is pcm only. That means stereo not 5.1 dolby digital much less DTS. Why they don't spend the money on the sound affect on Bluray is completely troubling.
Dval
Clarksville, TN
sound in anime
March 17, 2015
It'd be great to have more titles with full 5.1 or 7.1 dolby digital sound, but it's pretty rare outside of the big movies. Really long answer so I'll just paste the response from the animenewsnetwork for you.
Audio is important, and many fans are becoming more and more concerned with making sure that they're getting the best quality audio possible when they fork over the money for a shiny disc of their favorite show. But with so many different formats, which one is best? Which ones should you be asking for? Sometimes the difference is negligible or non-existant, other times it makes a huge difference.
Let's start with the easy one: why some shows have 5.1 mixes for the dub, but not for the original Japanese. I've answered previously on this column that most TV anime doesn't bother with anything more than a stereo (2.0) mix because the Japanese broadcast standard doesn't really support 5.1 audio, and given how big home theater systems aren't as common in Japan for a number of reasons, they generally don't bother remixing for 5.1 when it comes time to release the discs on home video. However, when making the dub, an American publisher might think 5.1 is worth the extra work. If they're already set up to do 5.1, the audio has to be remixed anyway, so it is an opportunity to have a nice added feature for dub fans.
5.1 mixes require special equipment, take a lot more time, and are harder to check for errors (and requires a lot more office space to do so), so it's often not practical to do 5.1 mixes for everything. They can also cost more money. The decision to make a 5.1 mix is made on a show-by-show basis, based on whether the Japanese is 5.1 (usually just movies and some high-end OAVs) and how much the show is predicted to sell.
As for what format in which they're stored on a disc, these days you generally see 4 different kinds of audio tracks:
• Linear PCM (Completely uncompressed, basically just a WAV file. Takes up a lot of space, especially in 5.1.)
• Dolby Digital (AC3) (Lower quality, like an MP3, but takes up a lot less space. Supported by DVD and Blu-ray.)
• Dolby TrueHD (Blu-ray only. The full quality of the WAV file, but compressed to a more manageable size. Still much bigger than AC3, however.)
• DTS Master Audio (Blu-ray only. For the end user, pretty much identical to Dolby TrueHD.)
• Linear PCM (Completely uncompressed, basically just a WAV file. Takes up a lot of space, especially in 5.1.)
• Dolby Digital (AC3) (Lower quality, like an MP3, but takes up a lot less space. Supported by DVD and Blu-ray.)
• Dolby TrueHD (Blu-ray only. The full quality of the WAV file, but compressed to a more manageable size. Still much bigger than AC3, however.)
• DTS Master Audio (Blu-ray only. For the end user, pretty much identical to Dolby TrueHD.)
When you make a DVD or Blu-ray, you are tasked with squeezing a lot of data onto a finite amount of space, so compression can be very important. Wasting too much bandwidth on audio means you might have to sacrifice video quality. The above compression formats are essential ways to get the most quality out of an audio track without having an unwieldy amount of data to contend with.
Audio quality obsessives swear that Dolby Digital AC3 audio has a lot of distortion and they can DEFINITELY tell a difference. I am skeptical. I've definitely heard bad AC3 encodes that definitely affected audio quality, particularly in very early DVDs, but there has never been a double-blind study that shows even audio experts can tell a difference at higher bitrates (and quite a few proving that nobody can tell at all). At any event, the presence of "lossless" audio (in either LPCM, DTS-MA or Dolby TrueHD) has become an important marketing bullet point for Blu-ray discs, so whether people can REALLY tell the difference or it's all a placebo effect, who am I to argue.
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