Import versions

[Tenkawa]

Hey does anyone know if the "import" version of the Chobits DVD set is any good? Particularly are the subtitles done well as I've had mixed experiences with import version subtitles.

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated as I was looking into buying the set from animeworks or from ebay.

[Nilrem]

does the japanes set have english subs?

from what i can tell the anime works set might as well be called Blackbeard, have a parrot and a wooden leg ;)

it's got most of the classic signs of being a pirate anime, including the price, the multi-region and the number of disks.

If it is a pirate then the subs could vary from fairly good, to hilariously innacurate.

[z80]

I saw a few episodes from the Hong Konk DVD and while not horrible, once I saw a fansub I couldn't watch the HK one anymore. I still cannot condone buying it.. Remember, just cause you pay for it dosen't make it legit. If you buy a cable descrambler you did pay to get the extra channels, you just didn't pay the right people.

The tell tail signs are:

Not Region encoded
Complete Series or a very large block of episodes
Subtitles are in English and Chinese (this is the real warning sign)
They sell the whole series for less than one legit DVD (and usually out before the legit version)

I used to think that it was "ok" to get the HK one and later get the official one.. the downside to this is by getting the HK one you promote the continued practice of this.. granted one person not buying them is like one person going Vegan and expecting Mc Donalds to go bankrupt. There is an anime store in a mall near where I live and they sell the HK DVDs side by side with the legit ones.. with the promise that the HKs are phased out when the US ones come in. Pepole don't understand the licensing and assume because it's in a pretty package and looks professional, it's real.. you can afford to spend alot on packaging and give a 24 episode series for $50 when licensing cost you squat :) I kind of wish that Big Anime would go after the pirates with 1/10th the zeal that the RIAA is going after college kids downloading a few songs. But as long as the major companies ignore it the practice will continue. The best thing to do is to educate the public that the subs are crap and you are better off waiting for the real ones. I have heard alot of times the translations come from some guy transcribing what he thinks he hears (remember, Japanese is probably a second language to him) translating it to Chinese, then translating the Chinese to English. In most cases the subs on HK Anime DVDs are worse than off-brand stereo instructions.

Sorry for the rant..

In conclusion, with reguards to Chobits (which I have seen in just about any format)

Fansubs: BEST (but still buy the Pioneer ones, I am.. box set too :) )

US release DVD: GOOD (the subs are fine, but I found a few problems with the English language version, like when Hideki and Chii visit Minoru for the first time, Hideki calls Chii by the name "Chii" and this was before he named her.. the subs got it right though.

HK DVD: Good to set your drink on while watching the real thing so you don't leave a nasty ring on your desk.

[orochi X]

My friend has the HK bootleg version well its "ok", spelling mistakes a plenty. Names are sort of right but its all the little things which makes for an unenjoyable viewing.

I think ill stick with the fansubs

[Kyrakasa]

I found the HK Dvd's to be fine...

I don't see what's the difference between spending 8932647826784326 hours on your computer downloading... "Free" anime...

And paying someone in Honk kong to download them for you? I also found box sets to be higher quality than subs in 30% of them I've seen both from...

So I'll pay someone $20 for helping me download and make Dvd's... Also the Dvd's come with a nice pretty collectible box... :p

Hk dubs have gotten better :)



~_~

:liplick:

[orochi X]

Originally posted by Kyrakasa
I found the HK Dvd's to be fine...

... Also the Dvd's come with a nice pretty collectible box... :p



~_~

:liplick:

Well HK DVD sub wise the Chobits ones are good compared to others ive seen, atleast in Chobits you can understand what they are saying and the setences sort of make sense well make enough sense

And yes ill agree with you the Chobits HK box looks very nice

[DjinniGuy]

What's the problem with buying Pioneer's official release?

[Kyrakasa]

Only the first disk is out...



~_~

:liplick:

[DjinniGuy]

And you can't wait? ;)

Download fansubs if you must. Don't puchase HK bootlegs. XP

[DNA_Master]

Originally posted by DjinniGuy
What's the problem with buying Pioneer's official release?

because not every country gets em immediatly... it wont be out in Australia until July.

[orochi X]

Ugh July ... doesnt DVD volume 1 come with a box and a Chii t-shirt?

[DNA_Master]

if it does, I'm putting my $30 aside RIGHT NOW. and going into my local anime this afternoon to take out a standing order.

check on Madman's site... I'm pretty sure they have the distro rights for Aus, and they are usually pretty stingy on extras.

[Nilrem]

yup Madman do, i think it's listed for June 18th

and yes i do beleive the DVD1 with box also has a t-shirt, like the Noir 1 + box did :)

[orochi X]

w00t Chii t-shirt, is there a design floating around anywhere?