Ask John: How Do Japanese DVDs Compare to American DVDs?

Question:
Do Japanese R2 DVDs have better extras than their US R1 counterparts? Also, are the R2 first press discs identical to the later printings just without inserts or what?

Answer:
In many cases Japanese Region 2 anime DVDs have better image quality and color reproduction than their American counterparts, but in nearly every other aspect, official American anime DVDs are usually preferable to Japanese releases. Nearly all American anime DVDs contain at least two selectable language tracks, optional subtitles, bonus features such as image galleries, trailers and commercials, and audio commentary tracks. American anime DVDs usually contain at least 3 episodes per disc. American anime DVDs usually retail at $30 or less per disc. And in the case of erotic anime, official American DVD releases are usually uncensored.

Official Japanese anime DVDs, on the other hand, frequently contain only 2-3 episodes per disc with no alternate language or subtitle options and no supplemental features, and retail at $30 to $60 per disc. Official Japanese erotic anime DVDs are censored and may cost as much as $75 for a single half-hour episode. Supplemental features are a standard addition to American anime DVDs, but countless Japanese anime DVDs contain nothing more than 2-3 episodes and the DVD menu. I’d like to stress that I’m referring to legitimate, official Japanese anime DVDs. The inexpensive, region free “import” anime DVDs with optional Chinese subtitles and four, five, or more episodes per disc are Asian counterfeits. They’re illegally produced and imported from China and Hong Kong.

First edition DVDs occasionally include a free small bonus like alternate packaging, extra postcards, or a small booklet available only with the initial batch of released discs. In special cases, the special premium may be something unusually special. For example, first edition copies of the Japanese Spirited Away DVD came with a free plastic replica of Haku’s onigiri (rice ball), and first pressing copies of the Nausicaa DVD included a soft, zippered DVD case at no extra charge. First editions are simply normal DVDs that include a free premium or incentive, so the DVD content itself is normally identical between a first pressing disc and a later released disc. First editions shouldn’t be confused with limited editions, which contain additional material or extra premiums at a higher cost.