Overseas Ver. vs. Japan Ver.

[Calico]

OS versions (from China/HK) are region 3. So no you can't normally watch them on our DVD players.

I have NEVER had a problem with OS/HK/KR versions. In fact they are my preference because they are cheaper. There usually is a paper INSERT with Chinese translations of the lyrics on it, but there is no difference in the packaging otherwise. The CD itself will say stuff like "NOT FOR SALE IN JAPAN" but whatever.

[Bad Wolf]

Originally Posted by Calico

OS versions (from China/HK) are region 3. So no you can't normally watch them on our DVD players.

I have NEVER had a problem with OS/HK/KR versions. In fact they are my preference because they are cheaper. There usually is a paper INSERT with Chinese translations of the lyrics on it, but there is no difference in the packaging otherwise. The CD itself will say stuff like "NOT FOR SALE IN JAPAN" but whatever.

Really? Okay that makes my decision of buying Ayu dvds through the OS version a lot easier... I've wanted to see a concert of hers for the longest time now, but I've been so freakin' hard up for cash I just never did anything about it.

[sora2522]

oh yea, they have an expiration date XD (as to the not for sale in japan deal)



i think they might have like, minsicule chinese on the back, where they have the expiration date

[criminal]

If OS versions have a less HQ booklet, how HQ is the Japanese version's booklet?! O____O

[kiseki89]

Originally Posted by criminal

If OS versions have a less HQ booklet, how HQ is the Japanese version's booklet?! O____O

I have a Japanese import album [Kinki Kids'] and the lyrics book is less flimsy than the OS version. pretty pony~pretty pony~pretty pony~ ones, the papers are thicker. Very HQ but also ex.

OS version eg HK's will come with flimsy, thin booklets. The color also seems to be paler I think. HOWEVER it also comes with a chinese translation paper for the lyrics - good for those who understand Chinese but not pretty pony~pretty pony~pretty pony~.

Anyway both versions DO NOT HAVE chinese words on any case, booklets and such. Only on plastic. Unless you are buying the fake made-in-China ones - that's where you will see chinese on booklets/case.

To my knowledge, OS versions do have photobook... well I do get the (m)u photobook...
Well they better come with the photobook...

[astameth]

Ayu is a Japanese singer. The real deal is Japanese Ver.. will you buy a chinese version of Madonna Cds ?

anyway cd cases of os versions are crappy, but for the booklets it's almost the same quality.
And for purist Ayumi is written in chinese on the OBI of the os cds.

I used to buy os version too, now, I buy only JP.

For DVD region problems, on pc, simply use VLC: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

then, you'll be able to read any region dvd

Let me set the record straight about the OS version, because if you're still buying the JP version, you're ridiculous. The OS version is NOT cheaper quality. The only difference is the size of the case, the region of the dvd, and the fact that it comes with an extra insert that has the lyrics translated into chinese. Buying the JP version is a waste of time.

On that though, do NOT buy Korean versions. These features a holographic sticker on the cover of the albums that CANNOT be removed.

[astameth]

Originally Posted by Beyond the Sea

Let me set the record straight about the OS version, because if you're still buying the JP version, you're ridiculous. The OS version is NOT cheaper quality. The only difference is the size of the case, the region of the dvd, and the fact that it comes with an extra insert that has the lyrics translated into chinese. Buying the JP version is a waste of time.

lol ? I had both version, and yes cd case are really crappy on os version, not even really transparant (a bit purple). Plastic packaging is not closeable (cd+dvd) (expect b&d, maybe one or two other exception..)
and the quality is crappy too.

After, that's depend if you are a collector or not.

If you are a stingy, buy the crappiest chinese version with the CRSC logo on the cover. or better, make your own cds, with cdr and inkjet printer..

[amorphose]

I've had very bad experience with overseas versions.

When I bought Utada Hikaru's "Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro - Single" I bought the overseas version and when I got the CD it had some sticky spray on the back of it. It looked like someone had sprayed it with bug spray.

When I bought Utada Hikaru's Single Collection Vol.1 there was nothing wrong with the CD itself but instead of coming with a translation of the song titles like most do, the back of the case actually had all the titles in Chinese. It was not removable either. Not an OBI, sticker, or translation.

Finally, when I bought Ayu's "Bold & Delicious / Pride" and "HEAVEN" singles (CD+DVD), even when I changed the region on my player the DVD skipped and moved extremely slow.

These purchases were all from YesAsia.

Now I'll only buy Japan versions. And I've never had a problem with them. And if you ever buy a Utada DVD, their all region so you don't have to modify your player. Just thought I'd throw thta in there.

[stickyrice]

I swear my OS versions are always messed up in one way or another. Sometimes the case is to weak as soon as I open in it literally breaks and I'm just like screw this. I bought the OS to Namie's PLAY and I watch the DVD on my player and it keeps saying error. So I decided to rebuy the Japanese version (on sale) and it works fine (The OS version STILL doesn't play and it's just layin around collecting dust) Coincidence or just extremely bad luck I don't care I've been buying JPN versions ever since.

[namiie]

I don't mind getting Overseas versions of things at all (especially when it comes to DVDs). The quality is not bad by any means, and like what others have said, it's merely a collector's thing to get Japan versions. And c'mon now, luxury paper? XD I think I'll live with regular, still nice, paper.

And twilightnight, for the record, all my Overseas stuff is top quality. For Ayu stuff, my DVDs (Arena Tours, CDL, etc) are all Overseas and my CDs are Japan version. I've never had problems with cases or playback for Overseas versions...

I don't know where you guys are buying your Overseas; maybe you got some bootlegged ones? All my Overseas stuff is from YesAsia and so far I've been more than happy with both packaging and content quality.

[stickyrice]

Originally Posted by namiie

And twilightnight, for the record, all my Overseas stuff is top quality. For Ayu stuff, my DVDs (Arena Tours, CDL, etc) are all Overseas and my CDs are Japan version. I've never had problems with cases or playback for Overseas versions...

I don't know where you guys are buying your Overseas; maybe you got some bootlegged ones? All my Overseas stuff is from YesAsia and so far I've been more than happy with both packaging and content quality.

lol - I bought my overseas at yesasia as well. Don't get me wrong I still buy OS version CDs but never my top 5 artists anymore. that being ayu, kuu, namie, BoA, Hitomi Shimatani.