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
Horror and suspense anime
on March 12, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Looks like I'm one of the few that has only enjoyed the Dead Space movies and not any of the games so I won't be commenting on those.
As others have mentioned, this series runs heavily on the graphic side with a lot of cursing. Don't have a problem with that at all, though! Just don't let the youngsters see this. Your basic plot is that humanity is exploring the reaches of outerspace and finds an artifact on a mining colony. Contact or just being near to the artifact begins to drive those around it insane. Most end up killing themselves. Once dead, they reanimate as deformed, ravenous monsters.
Dead Space has a much grittier feel to it than your standard anime. Don't expect any slapstick comedy. This movie is filled entirely with horror, suspense, and zombie/human killing. Must have if you love a good horror movie.
What's great about it: Pure horror and action.
What's not so great: Too short. An anime series would be great.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Dead Space Aftermath [Blu-ray] [2011]
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This mysterious release from the fantasy horror anime series Black Butler includes episodes 1-12 of the show's first season, telling the story of powerful boy living in Victorian England named Ciel Phantomhive, who has traded his very soul for a shot at avenging the brutal death of his parents.
Customer Rating
5
Comedic mystery anime
on March 12, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Before starting, I've only seen the first 12 episodes of this series (this volume#. Means I can't give away any spoilers for the 2nd part of the first season! I'd love to have it, but my store never bothered to get that volume and just jumped to the 2nd season :/
Black Butler wasn't an anime I had heard a lot about. Had a couple coworkers who had mentioned it and had seen the box in the store for a while.
This series doesn't do much in terms of filling in the backstory. Kind of like that because it just keeps pushing ahead. You'll get a couple scenes where they do a flashback so you not what the reference is about, but they're few and far between. LOVE the British accents in this series. It's probably what separates it the most from other anime series. The main character has formed a pact with a demon servant #his butler, Sebastian) after a near-death experience in his past. At first, his situation is quite unique, but as situations arise in London, more demonic servants as well as agents of Heaven start appearing. Luckily, there aren't any religious wars or anything going on.
Black Butler does a wonderful job of keeping things lighthearted with the faithful entourage of servants following the master around as well as building up the suspense when it needs to. Episode 12 leaves off just begging you to immediately snatch up the rest of the series. Need to do that soon!
What's great about it: Great voice acting and great story.
What's not so great: Episode 12 ends...have to buy the next set!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Black Butler: Season One, Part One [2 Discs] [DVD]
(2)
Black Butler II [Limited Edition] [5 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD]
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This chilling release from the horror anime series High School of the Dead includes all 12 episodes of the show, telling the story of a group of high school students with no choice but to take up guns bats, and household objects against a hoard of bloodthirsty zombies.
Customer Rating
5
Horror anime with fanservice
on March 10, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
H.O.T.D. is a pretty good anime series in my opinion. Started out reading the manga until I found out there was an animated version of it. If you've read the manga as well, you know that it is quite a bit ahead of where the anime leaves off at the 12th episode.
This series mixes a zombie apocalypse with a lot of T&A. Surprisingly, what happens in the series is pretty accurate with "similar" situations that have occurred. The survivors have to fight against "Them" as well as dictators who use the events to try to usurp as much power as possible by manipulating others.
Guns, zombies, well-endowed women...what's not to love? Sadly, there is no news on a 2nd season being released. The manga has been stopped at chapter 29 for over a year and the anime has not received a green light for another season. Heard reports that the author has been in the hospital as well as the studios saying that the series just hasn't gotten enough attention/made enough money to justify another season. Really hope it continues because it has a ton of potential.
This series mixes a zombie apocalypse with a lot of T&A. Surprisingly, what happens in the series is pretty accurate with "similar" situations that have occurred. The survivors have to fight against "Them" as well as dictators who use the events to try to usurp as much power as possible by manipulating others.
Guns, zombies, well-endowed women...what's not to love? Sadly, there is no news on a 2nd season being released. The manga has been stopped at chapter 29 for over a year and the anime has not received a green light for another season. Heard reports that the author has been in the hospital as well as the studios saying that the series just hasn't gotten enough attention/made enough money to justify another season. Really hope it continues because it has a ton of potential.
What's great about it: Great horror story, guns, women.
What's not so great: No word on a 2nd season
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Customer Rating
4
Good mech/drama anime
on March 10, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Looking at my anime collection and this box set jumped out so I figured that a review wouldn't hurt!
If you're familiar with Neon Genesis Evangelion, then you pretty much have RahXephon in a nutshell. Hate to say it, but the series are eerily similar with different stories. The fate of the world rests in the hands of humanity after part of Japan is shut out from the rest of the world due to a mysterious invasion. Cue giant humanoid mechs that the enemy has and humanity has gotten ahold of. The main character is way too similar to Shinji Ikari from NGE. Whiny, insecure, and unconfident to the point that you just feel embarrassed after a while.
While I compare the series to NGE, it is its own anime. The visuals are wonderful and the soundtrack is very well done as well. The drama and romance aspects give it a nice distinction. RahXephon probably has one of the saddest parts in anime (in my opinion). Can definitely be a tear-jerker.
Also, there aren't much in the way of interviews in the extras portion, but the amount of different anime trailers is awesome. Loved the amount and variety. Not the same on every single disc.
If you love mechs mixed with a lot of plot, I'd definitely recommend this series. Bestbuy lists a RahXephon 2 which I wasn't aware existed. Will have to pick that one up and see how it is. Will review once I have.
Also, there aren't much in the way of interviews in the extras portion, but the amount of different anime trailers is awesome. Loved the amount and variety. Not the same on every single disc.
If you love mechs mixed with a lot of plot, I'd definitely recommend this series. Bestbuy lists a RahXephon 2 which I wasn't aware existed. Will have to pick that one up and see how it is. Will review once I have.
What's great about it: Great plot with a lot of genre.
What's not so great: Too similar to Neon Genesis.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 2: Platinum Holiday Special [Director's Cut] [Collector's Edition] [DVD]
Evangelion: 1.01 You Are Not Alone
(25)
Evangelion: 2.22 You Can Not Advance
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Customer Rating
5
Incredible album
on March 10, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
I won't go gaga and say that every single song on here is orgasmically awesome, but the album as a whole is very good. You've got a few songs that didn't do a ton for me like "Goodnight", but songs like "Red Stars", "Looking Glass", and "Blue" to name a few sold me on the album alone. Wasn't initially aware that this was a "live" CD, but this group sounds awesome even in a live setting. Wish I could have gone to see them in concert at some point.
For those unfamiliar with the band, they mix a lot of rock/gothic beats with synthesized sounds. Vocals are a huge contrast to the music. As they put in the album details, the vocals are sexy and haunting at the same time.
For those unfamiliar with the band, they mix a lot of rock/gothic beats with synthesized sounds. Vocals are a huge contrast to the music. As they put in the album details, the vocals are sexy and haunting at the same time.
What's great about it: Great songs even in a live setting
What's not so great: Nada
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Pins and Needles [CD]
(5)(click to see the video)
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This release includes all 12 episodes of the action packed anime series Ga-Rei Zero, telling the story of a specialized investigation task force known as the Paranormal Disaster Countermeasure Headquarters, who defend Japan and its citizens from the threats posed by demons and other supernatural forces.
Customer Rating
4
Plot-based action thriller
on March 10, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Ga-Rei Zero is/was a pretty good series, in my opinion. Just finished watching the last episode. Found out about this series from an AMV on Youtube. Tons of action, great character development, and enjoyable personalities.
Episode 1 starts you out nearly at the end and then does a flashback for the next 8-9 episodes to build up the story. Can't say that I'm happy with the ending. There is quite a bit of blood and killing, so the series isn't for those with a weak stomach. The series easily allows for more seasons due to how it ends, but I doubt there will be.
If you're looking for a short, but good anime, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. DVD version looked great so I can't imagine how good the Blu-ray one is.
What's great about it: Great story.
What's not so great: Bad ending.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Witchblade: The Complete Series [5 Discs] [DVD]
(3)
Ghost in the Shell [DVD] [1996]
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![The Unforgiving [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2178/2178494_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Rockin' album
on March 4, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Found out about this band after watching a few AMVs (animated music videos) on video websites. The vocals provide a great contrast to the hard rock music. Similar to The Birthday Massacre (just ordered some of their CDs as well) but not quite as symphonic.
Definitely hooked on this group after hearing this album. Will have to order in the rest to add to my collection.
Definitely hooked on this group after hearing this album. Will have to order in the rest to add to my collection.
What's great about it: Sounds incredible
What's not so great: Only about 54 minutes. Want more!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Within Temptation: Silent Force Tour [DVD/CD] [DVD] [2005]
Show and Tell [CD]
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This creepy crawly release from the anime series Rosario + Vampire includes all 13 episodes of the show's first season, following the story of a high schooler named Tsukune who gets rejected from every college he applies to except a school for monsters, where he's the only human in the student body.
Customer Rating
4
Cute and sexy vampire story
on January 22, 2012
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
I love this series although I am a bigger fan of the manga than the animated version here. Gonzo went just a bit too "boob happy" like they did with Witchblade. Too much of the story got left out in place of fanservice. If you haven't read the manga, then the series will be a must have for any anime fan. Great range of characters #harem# that follow after the main character in terms of their personality. He's a bit of a pansy, but luckily he gets a lot better later in the series. Really liked the English voice-dubs in this one. Probably what I like best about Gonzo is getting quality voice-acting. Not much in terms of "extras" for this. This version does have the art booklet included which is about 20-25 pages of the girls in the series. Mostly wearing cute clothing on one page and sexier clothing on the next. Wouldn't pay extra for it, but it's the same price as the regular version. Regular previews for other series at the end of the 2nd disc.
Really wish that the rating would just list Teen or M. Lots of perversion in this series, but there's nothing worthy of an NC-17 tag.
What's great about it: Cute with a good storyline
What's not so great: Too much fanservice
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Rosario + Vampire: Capu2 [2 Discs] [DVD]
(1)
Heaven's Lost Property [5 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD]
(1)
Heaven's Lost Property: Forte - The Complete Season 2 [4 Discs] [DVD]
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
This dramatic release from the romantic and mysterious anime series Ef: A Tale of Memories includes all 12 episodes of the show, following a small collection of characters as they face struggles with love and destiny, all revolving around the theme of memories - or lack thereof.
Customer Rating
5
Psychological romance thriller
on December 17, 2011
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
Since Bestbuy doesn't have any information on this one for those interested, here's a brief rundown.
Synopsis*
One Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono helps Miyako, the victim of a purse snatching, and discovers that she goes to the same school he does. To the dismay of his childhood friend, Kei, Hiro starts hanging out with Miyako. But Kei isn't about to let a new girl in Hiro's life take him away from her, and sets out to prove that she's the only one for him.
Synopsis*
One Christmas Eve, Hiro Hirono helps Miyako, the victim of a purse snatching, and discovers that she goes to the same school he does. To the dismay of his childhood friend, Kei, Hiro starts hanging out with Miyako. But Kei isn't about to let a new girl in Hiro's life take him away from her, and sets out to prove that she's the only one for him.
When Renji Asou meets Chihiro Shindou at an abandoned train station, he doesn't notice anything unusual at first. But he soon discovers that she suffers from a rare form of amnesia and can only remember things for thirteen hours. Chihiro dreams of writing a novel, but her amnesia has made it an impossible task. Renji is determined to help her fulfill her dream.
Contains episodes 1-12.
Special Features: Clean Opening Animation, Clean Closing Animation.
Spoken Languages: English, Japanese, English subtitles.
This series isn't for kids. Very mature themes in here. There is also a 2nd season: Tale of Melodies. Tale of Melodies currently does not have an English release date. Depending on how the English voice-overs turn out, it might be better to watch that one with dubs.
What's great about it: Great quality.
What's not so great: No extra features for the Blu-Ray version.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This wild and crazy release from the sci-fi anime series Excel Saga includes all 26 episodes of the show, following the misadventures of hyperactive intergalactic special agent Excel, whose attempts to help her beloved overlord take over the world usually end in disaster.
Customer Rating
5
One of the most hilarious anime series to exist!
on December 3, 2011
Posted by: Dval
from Clarksville, TN
It's hard to figure out where to start with this series. Excel Saga really has no plot. It's kind of like Cheers/Seinfeld, but in anime form, and actually funny! Not "haha" funny. It's more like "ROFLMAO" funny! From super cute space bears that turn into creepy old men when killed to hot space chicks that die every five minutes and appear to be brought back to life by...unordinary means, this series had me bent over laughing so hard.
There's plenty of action even though it's pretty much all comedic. Can never really count on the people being killed actually staying dead. The ending throws a little bit of drama into the mix, but then it's right back to ball-busting humor.
Great series that relies on being funny instead of tossing in a lot of fan-service. Recommended for people of all ages.
There's plenty of action even though it's pretty much all comedic. Can never really count on the people being killed actually staying dead. The ending throws a little bit of drama into the mix, but then it's right back to ball-busting humor.
Great series that relies on being funny instead of tossing in a lot of fan-service. Recommended for people of all ages.
What's great about it: So much to keep you laughing. Superb voice acting for an English release.
What's not so great: Nada. Loved this one.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
GTO: Ultimate Box Set, Vol. 2 [5 Discs] [DVD]
Full Metal Panic: Season One (4 Disc)
(1)
Puni Puni Poemy/Kekko Kamen [2 Discs] [DVD]
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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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