Anime expenses

[Big_Panda]

I agree, anime is a pretty expensive hobby. The average anime disc will cost you 'round 30 bucks which is about 50% more than you'll pay for a "regular" disc. Still, since anime used to cost 39+ on VIDEO, I don't complain much these days.

I can definitely agree that a triple sawbuck's a LOT to pay for a DVD (especially since most companies, like Bandai, aren't bothering to even produce videos anymore). From the information I've gleaned from several sources, apparently the additional cost comes mostly from import/licensing fees + the subtitling and dubbing costs. Although subtitled VIDEOS used to cost more than DUBBED, which doesn't seem to make sense as one would think that hiring multiple people to act out dialogue would cost MORE than making sure words popped up int he right sequence. As one producer put it "it costs that much because people will PAY that much for it".

But enough pseudo ranting. On to some options.

Unfortunately, just renting anime is usually not an option as even the bigger video chains rarely carry anime that's less than 7+ years old. Of course, with anime gaining wider release, this may change. Any anime released theatrically you can usually find at a rental chain.

A big advantage some folks have is if they're part of an anime club or trading circle. A lot of anime's popularity began with trading circles. Not sure where you are, so also not sure how viable a solution this is.

It's true that you COULD download anime...I have, myself, but only under specific circumstances. Usually those are 1) if the anime in question has NOT been released stateside. 2) If the anime has been released stateside, the most I would ever do is DL the first three episodes. I personally have a rule of three that if an anime, usually a TV series, hasn't grabbed me within 3 episodes, it's usually not worth my time. However, if it does, I do go out and purchase it. Under no circumstances would I download the entire run of a licensed and readily available anime.

It would seem that buying anime is the only viable option.

In this case I would suggest looking online for bargains. On average I find discs for about 30% cheaper than in stores. I suggest trying www.dvdpricesearch.com if this is an avenue you're looking to explore. It runs a price comparison between all the major online retailers to give you the best price. I usually get my discs online, or at Best Buy if I'm really impatient.

Of course you could always look online for folks who run a trade-by-mail service....although free (usually) these are largely unreliable and most times you have to have something already ready for trade.

Hope this somehow helps.

[Afroforce]

I tend to buy anime offline if I do buy some, Try www.half.com , if ya look it's got some good stuff.

[GAAZ]

Actually a representative from Viz enlightened me about the old sub dub issue..He said that for every 100 dubbed Ranma vids sold there was only 1 subtitled one sold...So the thing was buying in bulk that drove up prices of subs.

And anime USETA be REAL expensive but I've noticed it's coming down in price (IE Entire Gokudo series only $60 along with Knight Hunters and Magic Users Club.) And the main reason anime SEEMS so expensive is because titles like Real bout HS and what have ya come with freebies like t-shirts, manga, and shot-glasses.

Yes there ARE exceptions *cough* Fushigi Yugi *Cough* where b astard labels charge bastardly prices *cough* $200 *cough* But there are good ones like AV (I think) who is releasing Sailor Moon 40 Eps at a time for a mere $100-$150.

And as for DLing anime lets just say I'm REAL close to owning the first season of One Piece! And when it's released I'll buy it like a greedy mo-fo.

[Ming]

You could just do what I do....abstain from anime!

Seriously though, you shouldn't listen to what I say either because I'm not a fan of anime, and therefore biased.

But I guarantee you my method works!

[Tobias]

*Smacks Ming*

Silly brother...Anime is for Kids!!!

That is all