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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![Ah! My Goddess, Vol. 5: In Your Eyes [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Package Description: For those dwelling within the Morisato household, it is a turbulent time filled with many changes. First, Belldandy has a sudden change of attitude, going from perfectly innocent to the perfect opposite. A tragic little magic malfunction gives Keiichi's gender a change of its own. Changes are in store for Urd when she walks away from her job in an attempt to save her sister's life. She is punished by having her powers revoked, and she must unleash "the Devil in Miss Urd" to get them back.
Customer Rating
5
Beginning of the end
on January 22, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Episodes 19-22
"For those dwelling within the Morisato household, it is a turbulent time filled with many changes. First Belldandy has a sudden change of attitude, going from perfectly innocent to the perfect opposite. A tragic little magic malfunction gives Keiichi's gender a change of its own. Changes are in store for Urd when she walks away from her job in an attempt to save her sister's life. She is punished by having her powers revoked, and she must unleash "The Devil in Miss Urd" to get them back."
Couldn't have asked for more from this volume except for it to also have the last volume along with it. The story swings into full motion in volume 5 as things turn for the worst for our heroes. Keiichi makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect Belldandy. It seems like the world may be on the brink of destruction.
Get some good backstory on the angels that are bound to the goddesses early on as well as why we haven't seen Urd's angel yet. Keiichi grows a set of boobs, too. What starts out as light-hearted turns dramatic quickly in the last episode here.
Last volume should arrive tomorrow. Sadly, Best Buy no longer sells Volume 6 buy itself so I had to turn elsewhere for it.
What's great about it: Big plot swing
What's not so great: Too short
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Package Description: The days are never dull at the Morisato household, where Skuld is building a robot to protect Belldandy from Keiichi's hesitant advances. Unfortunately, when the robot itself falls in love with everyone's favorite goddess, it won't let anyone near her at all! Summer break arrives, and the gang heads to the beach. Urd decides it's time to capitalize on two of her favorite things -- swimsuits and love schemes! Keiichi is given a mission: if he can't kill Belldandy on the moonlit beach, he won't be able to spend a blissful eternity with her!
Customer Rating
5
A jealous Skuld
on January 21, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Episodes 15-18
"The days are never dull at the Morisato household, where Skuld is building a robot to protect Belldandy from Keiichi's hesitant advances. Unfortunately, when the robot itself falls in love with everyone's favorite goddess, it won't let anyone near her at all!
Summer break arrives, and the gang heads to the beach. Urd decides it's time to capitalize on two of her favorite things - swimsuits and love schemes! Keiichi is given a mission: if he can't kiss Belldandy on the moonlit beach, he won't be able to spend a blissful eternity with her!"
Well, the cast is pretty much fully assembled. There's actually an episode in the mix which gives a little backstory to a rarely seen character. Enjoyed it quite a bit. Even though Keiichi seems devoted to Belldandy, he's got quite the potential for a harem.
Demon lady makes another couple appearances, Megumi gets possessed, a robot falls in love, and Keiichi gets to enjoy seeing the goddesses in swimsuits at the beach. Lots of fun in this volume and there's a pleasantly nice ending with episode 18.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Package Description: Keiichi has enough trouble being close to Belldandy when they're alone, but now that her sisters are in the picture, he's hopelessly out of luck. Skuld is Belldandy's bratty younger sister, and keeping Keiichi from taking advantage of any goddesses has become her number one goal. The Campus Queen hasn't given up on breaking up the two potential lovebirds either, and she's got an edge with her new friend, Mara. Let's just say that Mara is quite a little devil, in more than the literal sense.
Customer Rating
5
The family keeps growing
on January 21, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Episodes 11-14.
"Keiichi has enough trouble being close to Belldandy when they're alone, but now that her sisters are in the picture, he's hopelessly out of luck. Skuld is Belldandy's bratty younger sister, and keeping Keiichi from taking advantage of any goddesses has become her number one goal. The Campus Queen hasn't given up on breaking up the two potential lovebirds either, and she's got an edge with her new friend, Mara. Let's just say that Mara is quite a little devil, in more than the literal sense."
Volume 3 drops to only 4 episodes instead of the 5 that the first 2 had. First two focus on Mara, a fiery devil, while the last two showcase Skuld who is Belldandy's little sister. At first I didn't think there was much in terms of plot building in this volume, but it's actually very abundant. The situation with Mara helps to show what is coming down the road and Skuld rounds out the family. Not expecting much character building out of volume 4.
4 new trailers on this one which was nice. Otherwise, there is a small sketch gallery with the extras. Nothing extravagant.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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SynopsisIt's time to return to the alluring land of Unova, two years since you last explored the possibilities that awaited there. Much has changed in Unova but your mission remains the same — defeat as many gym leaders and collect as many badges as possible. In White Version 2 an incredibly powerful and mysterious new Pokémon awaits you, so pull up your sleeves, flip through your Pokédex and get ready to train even more exciting Pokémon than ever. Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 are two games to start your Pokémon adventure. Whether you have played the entire library of Pokémon games or are just starting on your first quest, both games provide an all new story and exciting experience. Explore the new people, places and Pokémon of Unova as you work to unravel the sinister mystery of the White Kyurem. You'll even encounter characters from Pokémon White Version that have grown and taken on new roles in the first ever Pokémon game to continue and expand on an existing game. Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate trainer and take your Pokémon to victory?
Customer Rating
5
Addictive as always
on January 17, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Age:25-34
Gender:Male
As the title implies, this is a continuation from the first part set a couple years after the events of Pokemon Black/White. Team Plasma is still about in the world and seek to steal all of the Pokemon from trainers all over. However, do they perhaps have something even more diabolical in store this time around?
Like with all of the other Pokemon titles in the past, you'll have to do some trading and game-linking in order to get a full Pokedex. Even if you don't and just go solo, the game is still plenty enjoyable and fun. Think I probably spent about 60 hours in the first play-through. Bought this one a while after I purchased Black 2. Got two of my brothers playing along and several of my coworkers as well so we get to unlock all of the keys and Pokemon evolutions through trading.
Really like this better than the first because you can get more original Pokemon without trading and the fact that you get to manage your own shopping mall called Joint Avenue. Lots of replay value to make sure you catch 'em all.
What's great about it: Challenging leaders
What's not so great: Same areas as the first one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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In this installment of the popular anime series, a simple date throws the Heaven's System Force into complete chaos. Keiichi's younger sister longs to make a match between Belldandy and her big brother, but when her wish crashes the System Force, it's up to Belldandy's older sister Urd to descend from On High and iron out the sticky issue. Instead of solving the problem at hand, however, Urd decides that it would be more amusing to convince Keiichi that the only way to fix the glitch in the System Force is to kiss Belldandy.
Customer Rating
5
More Goddesses!?
on January 16, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life
Episodes 6-10
Episodes 6-10
"Keiichi's life with Belldandy becomes a tad more complicated with the introduction of Megumi, Keiichi's little sister. She wants to help Belldandy get closer to her brother, and arranges to send them on a romantic date. Unfortunately, Keiichi's wish has caused a few bugs in Heaven's computer, and the System Force crashes! Belldandy's older sister Urd comes down from On High to provide tech support, but decides it would be more fun if she were to fix Keiichi instead. What will happen if she convinces Keiichi that the only way to fix the System is for him to kiss Belldandy?"
The second volume of "Ah! My Goddess" continues the lives of Keiichi and Belldandy living together, but it's starting to get a little more crowded. Keiichi's wish is causing issues with the System Force resulting in a loss of some of Belldandy's powers as well as it not responding when someone tries to come between them. Is this only the tip of the iceberg of troubles?
We actually get some insight into Belldandy's past with the introduction of Urd which is very nice. Poor Keiichi wants to deepen the relationship between the two of them, but he lacks the courage to go further and something always seems to happen right when it seems he might be able to kiss her. On to volume 3!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Violet [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7290/7290219_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Great album
on January 16, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Another wonderful album by The Birthday Massacre. Each album has its own unique sound. "Violet" tends to focus a bit more on the heavier bass and electronic instruments. Not going to say that every single song is a chart topper, but I like them all. "Blue" is the power house song that is awesome with it's dark and heavy intro followed by the childlike, innocent vocals after. Loved "Video Kid", "Happy Birthday", and "Violet" a lot as well.
Thought there might be a pattern with the songs "Red", "Blue", and "Black" but Red and Black are both instrumental and short while Blue is a full-fledged song.
Great album, buy it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Package Description: Kosuke Fujishima's unforgettable story of every hapless college boy's dream comes to life! Keiichi Morisato is an engineering student, top driver of his campus motor club, and not very lucky with the ladies. While calling for take-out food one evening, 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 goddess in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, she doesn't have any idea of how to act in the human world, and her presence quickly gets Keiichi kicked out of the dorms. Fortunately for Keiichi, his troubles have just begun!
Customer Rating
5
What could be better than your own angel?
on January 13, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
"Kosuke Fujishima's unforgettable story of every hapless college boy's dream comes to life! Keiichi Morisato is an engineering student, top driver of his campus motor club, and not very lucky with the ladies. While calling for take-out food one evening, 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 goddess in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, she doesn't have any idea of how to act in the human world, and her presence quickly gets Keiichi kicked out of the dorms. Fortunately for Keiichi, his troubles have just begun!"
Ah! My Goddess is one of the old timeless series that may not be the best in the world, but it's gotten enough exposure that there's few that haven't heard of it in the anime community. In the past, I had seen the movie on the Sci-Fi Channel as well as the International Channel...many years ago. The story is essentially about a young college student who has more than the average amount of bad luck. He attracts it. Those who monitor the world have noticed as much and feel that he is deserving of any wish that he may have. Thus, the fun starts.
Really enjoyed the first volume. The story moves along at a nice, crisp clip. Good character building of Keiichi and a few side characters. We've yet to explore the world of Belldandy which I imagine will come in a later volume. Series is a little dated in terms of looks...maybe a blu-ray release in the future!? Wasn't a huge fan of the opening and closing themes, but they weren't too bad.
The extras were decent as well. A few trailers. The fun parts are the Japanese voice actor interviews and the outtakes. I enjoyed those.
Definitely a good series to pick up if you can. Was going to purchase the complete boxset, but I managed to find a couple of the individual volumes for a little cheaper. Volumes 2, 3, and 6 are the tough ones to get. Unfortunately, Best Buy didn't carry it so I had to head elsewhere.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
5
Big screen Bleach
on January 12, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Drama
Think I may have downloaded this a long time back when there was no English release and not even sure if it had subtitles. Just remember watching it and loving it. Now, I get to watch it and enjoy it with full understanding!
Memories of Nobody introduces a new character named Senna. Won't do any spoilers if you haven't seen it. Really loved her character and I hope that she might reappear in the series at some point...unlikely as the anime has ended. She's got that pure innocence about her that naturally draws Ichigo to her. Main bad guy has a cool, suave appearance, too. Fighting scenes were great as always and a little bit better animated than the series itself is.
Lots of extras built in here. Have a few movie previews built into the first disc. 2nd disc is pure extras. 22 minute walk-through of the Viz studio working on Bleach manga, anime, and movie. Japanese interviews. And all of the different ads and promo videos for the movie. Good stuff.
It's been running on sale for $5 the past month so everyone should definitely pick it up and watch. Don't have to be a fan of the series to enjoy the emotion and action going on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The 8-Tier Adjustable Multimedia Black Steel Shelving is perfect for storing your CD's and DVD's conveniently and effectively. The modern sturdy metal frame comes in a contemporary black finish, has eight shelves and is ideally suited for a medium-sized music or movie collection. Features: Holds 440 CDs or 228 DVDs or 120 VHS Adjustable shelves Steel construction Finish is Black
Customer Rating
4
Good-looking compact unit
on January 12, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
I've been looking for more CD/DVD shelf systems for the past couple months as I already own the different carbon fiber ones that the stores sell. Ones from Walmart are too cheap and flimsy so I found these units on here.
The system looks good on the website and once assembled it has a nice look as well. All of the shelves that came with mine weren't even which detracts a little bit from it. Assembly was relatively painless. Adjustable feet give you flexibility. And it fits in tight locations where you might not have a lot of space.
On the other hand, I wish it was deeper. Had to adjust the feet to prop the front up as it tried to fall forward when empty. The unit doesn't feel as sturdy as I was hoping. It's holding fine at the moment without the anchors in the wall but I may end up putting them in.
Bought this one as I was considering the larger version of it as well. I think I'll keep this one and look at getting one of the extra large carbon fiber units later on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Capacity
5
Durability
4
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Customer Rating
5
Spike...nuff said
on January 12, 2013
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Genre: Action
Length: 115 minutes
Length: 115 minutes
"Mars. Days before Halloween 2071. Villains blow up a tanker truck on Highway One, releasing a deadly virus that kills hundreds. Fearing a bigger, even more devastating biochemical attack, an astronomical reward is offered for the arrest and capture of the person behind the destruction. On the space ship "Bebop," Spike and his crew of bounty hunters are bored and short of cash. But with the news of the reward, everything changes."
If you've seen the series, you know what to expect from the movie. Guns, knives, and fists fly on Mars as Spike and the gang track down criminals in an effort to eat something besides ramen. It's never for justice...just the loot. The movie could easily stand as 4 episodes of the series together at any point after the cast had all been assembled. Spike dominates the camera for the most part which I've got no problem with. Whether he's pumping someone full of bullets or throwing down in a martial arts battle, I always find him the most fun and entertaining to watch. Mostly because he just doesn't give a darn.
The Blu-ray hi-def can only do so much to an old title. Still looks great, but the art style is still that late 90's early 00's that I grew up with on Toonami. Wonderful soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno again for the movie.
Extras...what extras?
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
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![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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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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