Ah Japan, why do you tease me so? For those that don't follow the R1 scene that closely anymore, Kara No Kyoukai, the movie series animated by ufotable based on a Type Moon work, has been licensed by Aniplex. Normally this is good news, ad KnK is a great movie series with above average animation and music. That's until you see the price for this eight disc Blu Ray set, 400 dollars. Sure I guess I've been spoiled by the slew of cheap box sets, Blu Ray and DVD included, but even with the lavish R2 extras the price seems a bit high.
Here is the list of extras straight from the Aniplex site:
"SPECIAL PACKAGING
* Deluxe Visual Chronicle Book: Staff interviews, ALL key visuals, illustrations from each movie, artwork for DVD packages
* Exclusive for the North American release: a separate booklet of just English translations of the Japanese text from the Deluxe Visual Chronicle Book!
* New cover art exclusively drawn by Co-creator/Artist TAKASHI TAKEUCHI, who envisioned the series’ original character concepts and designs."
The book alone would be worth a hefty price if sold separately, but the cheapskate in me is still squeamish. Sure for Japanese fans this sort of price level is an everyday occurrence, but for most US fans that complained back in the Geneon/ADV/Funi/Bandai days about 100 dollar box sets, it isn't going to fly. Couple that with the ease of online distribution and viewing compared to those days, along with fansubing, and the only buyers will be the hardcore of the hardcore. Here at TSO we love Type Moon, but even I have to take a step back from telling people to support the industry when the price is the same as a 32" 1080p HD TV.
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