Forum - View topicUnknown .hack//SIGN release
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Kimiko_0
 Posts: 1797 Location: Leiden, NL, EU |
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So, my first for real anime DVDs arrived this week, and of course I want to add them to my My Collection list. The release of .hack//SIGN I have here doesn't seem to be listed in the encyclopedia though.
Looking at the box more closely, I'm starting to suspect that it might be some kind of unofficial release (is that what they call 'bootleg'?). There's no ISBN or barcode on the box, and in fact, no © statement at all. I bought this set of 3 DVDs from Amazon.com as the "Perfect Collection (Episodes 1-28)", but what I have here doesn't look like that picture. After some websearching, it looks to be this release, which comes from a company called either "fx" or "jpanime.net". "Fx" is the only logo on the DVD box besides the .hack//SIGN one, and "H007" is on the spine and the discs. So, should I try to add this release to the encyclopedia, or should I try to get my money back because this isn't the real, legal thing? |
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zhir
 Posts: 353 Location: Nampa, ID, USA |
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It's a bootleg.
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Kimiko_0
Posts: 1797 Location: Leiden, NL, EU |
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But how come a big shop like Amazon is selling bootlegs then?
And is the very expensive Limited Edition release the only one that has the final two episodes? |
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zhir
Posts: 353 Location: Nampa, ID, USA |
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Amazon isn't selling them. You bought from a third party that was using Amazon as a mediator.
As a hint for the future, You can't fit 28 high quality episodes on three discs. Four episodes per disc is the norm, and 5 is the upper boundary. This is the whole show, in non-bootleg form: Here. The one from amazon is legit, and most of the ones sold by sellers look fine too. If you want Unison you also need the limited edition of the last volume which is: here. Bootleggers usually don't sell single volumes, so you should be fine. |
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Kimiko_0
Posts: 1797 Location: Leiden, NL, EU |
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Well, so much for trusting Amazon. Dang, this sucks. Do you reckon I can get a refund or something?
Thanks for the explanation. I'm new to the whole DVD thing so didn't know that only four or five eps. fit on a disc (that's not much, is it?). This is actually the first time I've played a DVD in my computer (as opposed to audio or the rare data CD). I feel kinda dumb now.. 
I think the release you linked to is the regular 26 ep. edition. The limited edition has the two extra eps. |
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zhir
Posts: 353 Location: Nampa, ID, USA |
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One of the episodes is a recap. The other is only on the limited edition of the last volume I linked to. None of the legit collections have it (so Wikipedia says at least). If I were you, I'd get the Anime Legends version, and the limited edition of the last volume.
As for your refund, email the person who sold it to you and demand your money back (say you won't pay shipping or a restocking fee if they ask). If they refuse (they probably will), email Amazon, say you got a bootleg, and say they won't refund your money. Amazon will give you all of your money back (and you can keep the bootleg if you want). |
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Dessa
 Posts: 4438 |
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Almost right, Zhir.
.hack//SIGN is a 28 episode series. Episode 15/26 (Evidence) is a recap episode. It's episode 15 of the broadcast run, but episode 26 of the DVDs. Also included on DVD 6 is Intermezzo (technically episode 27), which is a prequel-OAV episode. Unison (technically episode 28), is the bonus for the Limited Edition of volume 6. It's post-games, and another OAV. So where you're wrong is that there are 2 bonus episodes, as Evidence is considered a bonus episode as well (at least by the back of volume 6). Main Story (25 episodes): All Releases Recap Episode (Evidence): All Releases Prequel-OAV (Intermezzo): All Releases Post-Game OAV (Unison): LE vol. 6 only. |
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doc-watson42
Encyclopedia Editor
 Posts: 1709 |
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Kimiko_0: For future reference, see
• Anime Digital - The Pirate Anime FAQ Information on specific types of bootlegs: • Chudah's Corner - Reference: Bootleg [CD] Info • UFO BBS4 / Bootleg Plush Toys Gallery Update May 14 |
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Kimiko_0
Posts: 1797 Location: Leiden, NL, EU |
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Oh, that's useful information. Thanks DocWatson!
I'm really disappointed that my first anime purchase turned out to be an illegal copy, and I feel stupid for not being more suspicious. Reading that FAQ, there are obvious clues that I could've spotted before buying. 28 eps. on just three discs, no company name, low price, all-region coded, only available through third party sellers.. Bleh 
I've emailed the seller (Craig Borden, 'sellthingsguy'), and he offered to give me back $25 instead of shipping back the DVDs for a full refund. I don't think I'll accept that offer. I paid $27.25 plus shipping, so this seems like a rather cheap solution for him. I'll see if he can make a better offer, otherwise I'll have to contact Amazon. I'll probably do that anyway to alert them to the fact that an illegal product is being sold through their website. They probably have some small print stating that they're not responsible, but it was still their good name that led me to expect a legal product. |
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doc-watson42
Encyclopedia Editor
Posts: 1709 |
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You're welcome. 
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Kimiko_0
Posts: 1797 Location: Leiden, NL, EU |
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Well, I've exchanged a few more emails with the seller. He agreed to a refund of $34 (cost of the DVD set plus half of the shipping). He also said he'll contact his wholesaler, so I hope this illegal copy will be removed from Amazon soon. I've posted a review there anyway to warn others.
I've now ordered the regular Complete/Anime Legends boxset of .hack//SIGN from Robert's Anime Corner Store 
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doc-watson42
Encyclopedia Editor
Posts: 1709 |
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RACS has a generally very good reputation, and does not sell bootlegs. You should IMHO also check out The Right Stuf International (sic; AKA TRSI). For the reasons why, see the appropriate threads in Mania.com's Anime on DVD (alternate link) Retail Forum. |
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zhir
Posts: 353 Location: Nampa, ID, USA |
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But try to avoid buying from Rightstuf if it's not on sale. They have the best sales, but fairly bad prices otherwise.
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