UK Anime FAQ - February 2002 posting
Jonathan Weeks
============
Maintained by Jonathan Weeks (j...@animejin.demon.co.uk)
This document is a informational resource for anime (Japanese animation) in
the UK. The contents are specific to the UK and are not intended to provide
information about anime in general.
Although effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained
herein, no guarantee can be given. Comments, additions and corrections are
welcome.
Last revised 4th February 2002
Changes since 3rd January:
A few minor updates
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Copyright Notice
================
This entire document is copyright Jonathan Weeks.
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contact Jonathan Weeks.
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Contents
========
Section 1: Who is/are...
1.1 ...Manga Video?
1.2 ...ADV Films?
1.3 ...MVM?
1.4 ...Kiseki Films?
1.5 ...Pioneer Anime?
1.6 ...Anime Projects?
1.7 ...Western Connection?
1.8 ...Animania?
1.9 ...East2West?
1.10 ...Crusader Video?
1.11 ...Helen McCarthy?
1.12 ...Jonathan Clements?
Section 2: UK anime releases
2.1 Complete UK release list
2.2 Which UK releases are incomplete?
2.3 Which UK releases use a different translation to the US version?
2.4 Which 'movie' releases are not really movies?
2.5 What soundtracks have been released in the UK?
2.6 Which UK releases have different music to the Japanese versions?
Section 3: Censorship
3.1 Censorship? What on earth are you talking about? This is a free
country isn't it?
3.2 So which UK anime releases have been censored?
Section 4: Internet Resources
4.1 Usenet newsgroups
4.2 Websites
Section 5: Miscellaneous
5.1 Where can I buy anime stuff in the UK?
5.2 Is there an anime club in my area?
5.3 What anime is show on TV in the UK?
5.4 What forthcoming anime related events are there in the UK?
5.5 What are 'NTSC' and 'PAL'?
5.6 What is DVD? Is it of interest to anime fans?
5.7 What is laserdisc?
5.8 What is VCD?
5.9 What is the legal position of imported videos?
5.10 How do you send money abroad?
Acknowledgements
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Section 1 : Who is/are..?
=========================
1.1 Manga Video
Manga Video is the video label of Manga Entertainment, originally owned by
Island World, and now part of Palm Pictures. They introduced anime to the
UK mainstream in 1991 with the release of Akira, and then went on to
become the most well known anime distributor in the UK.
Notable releases : Akira, Fist of the North Star, Legend of the Overfiend,
Ninja Scroll, Ghost in the Shell, Perfect Blue
Address : 8 Kensington Park Road, London W11 3BU
Website : http://www.manga.com/mangauk
1.2 ADV Films
(Formally AD Vision). A US video label that has a UK branch releasing some
of its titles in the UK since 1996. Currently the most active UK anime
company.
Notable releases : Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tekken, Slayers, Dirty Pair,
Bubblegum Crisis 2040, Street Fighter II V
Address : PO Box 9, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 1ZA
Website : http://www.advfilms.com/advuk
1.3 MVM
Originally a retail and mail order supplier of a wide range of videos and
other merchandise (not just anime). In 1999 they created their own video
label through which they are mostly releasing UK editions of titles
produced by the US company Animeigo (some of which were previously
available through Anime Projects).
Notable releases : Bubblegum Crisis, Kimagure Orange Road, Urusei Yatsura,
Sailor Moon
Website : http://www.mvm-uk.co.uk
1.4 Kiseki Films
Kiseki Films (it means 'Miracle Films') is part of the Revelation group of
companies, a major video distributor. They released various anime on the
back of the interest generated by Manga Video. They are not currently
producing any new releases, but they are keeping their most popular
releases in print, and are re-releasing some titles on DVD.
Notable releases : Gunbuster, Urotsukidoji III, Urotsukidoji IV
Address : 5 & 6 Parkside, Ravenscourt Park, London, W6 0UU
1.5 Pioneer Anime
Full name: Pioneer Entertainment Europe Limited. Pioneer is primarily
known as a hi-fi manufacturer, but also has an animation division in Japan
that has produced various anime series. In 1995 they set up a UK office to
release their productions directly in the UK, and in 1998 they started
including anime from other producers in their releases. The office was
closed on 31st March 2000, and their releases are no longer available.
Notable releases : Tenchi Muyo, Armitage III, Record of Lodoss War
1.6 Anime Projects
A small video label that released fan-orientated subtitled anime on a small
scale basis between 1992 and 1995. All their videos were UK editions of
titles produced by the US company Animeigo. Their rights to release
material eventually all expired, and most of it is now available through
MVM.
Notable releases : Bubblegum Crisis, Urusei Yatsura
E-mail : animep...@goplay.com
Website : http://www.anime.co.uk
1.7 Western Connection
A small video label originally devoted to releasing obscure foreign films
in the UK. This changed in 1994 when one of their films happened to be The
Sensualist, which was successful enough that they then specialised in
subtitled anime. The label was eventually sold to Anime Projects, who kept
their most popular releases in print until the rights expired.
Notable releases : Devil Hunter Yoko, Ushio and Tora, Karma Sutra
1.8 Animania
A video label that only released one title (Guy: Awakening of the Devil) in
1994. Folded when East2West was set up.
1.9 East2West
A division of Labyrinth Video created by the owner of Animania that
released live action Hong Kong movies as well as anime. It started in 1995
and folded when Labyrinth went out of business in 1996.
1.10 Crusader Video
Defunct company who only ever released one video (Cat Girl Nuku-Nuku).
Folded after failing to raise capital to fund further releases.
1.11 Helen McCarthy
"The mother of all UK anime fans". She has been highly visible on the UK
anime scene since its beginnings. She ran the UK's first dedicated anime
fanzine 'Anime UK' for three years before turning it into a professional
magazine, which was eventually renamed 'Anime FX' before folding in early
1996. She later became editor of 'Manga Mania' for Titan Books from
December 1996 until June 1998.
She has written four books on anime that have been published in the UK:
'Anime: A Beginners Guide to Japanese Animation', 'The Anime Movie Guide'
and 'The Erotic Anime Movie Guide', co-written with Jonathan Clements, and
'Hayao Miyazaki - Master of Japanese Animation'. Her fifth book, 'The Anime
Encyclopedia', also co-written with Jonathan Clements, has only been
published in the US.
As the author of 'The Anime Movie Guide', she was included in the Japan
Festival Awards for 1997 in recognition of her contribution to furthering
the understanding of Japanese culture in the UK.
1.12 Jonathan Clements
A writer and translator who has worked at one time or another for all the
major anime companies in the UK. Has collaborated with Helen McCarthy on
many of her projects, including Anime UK/FX, The Anime Movie Guide and
Manga Mania, and co-wrote 'The Erotic Anime Movie Guide' and 'The Anime
Encyclopedia' with her.
He was employed by Titan Magazines as editor of Manga Max from October 1998
to July 2000. As the editor of Manga Max, he was included in the Japan
Festival Awards for 1999 in recognition of his contribution to furthering
the understanding of Japanese culture in the UK.
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Section 2: UK anime releases
============================
2.1 Complete UK release list
The following should be a complete list of all the titles released by
companies in the list below. Releases from other companies aimed at the
children's market have not been included. Note that many of these releases
are now 'out of print' and may be very difficult to find.
The first column is the company and formats released.
Company: M = Manga Video, A = AD Vision, P = Pioneer Anime, R = Anime
Projects/MVM, K = Kiseki Films, E = East2West, W = Western
Connection, U = Anime UK, C = Crusader Video, N = Animania,
V = Buena Vista
Format : D = Dubbed in English, S = Subtitled in English, B = Both
The second column is the original number of volumes in the series
C - a compilation or box-set version has been released
M - a compilation movie has been released that included new material
D - a DVD version has been released
+ - further volumes have been scheduled for future release
* - see notes at end
MD 5 3x3 Eyes
AB * 801 T.T.S. Airbats
ED 2 8 Man After
MD 3C AD Police
KS 3CD Adventure Duo
MB 1 Akira
KD 5 Ambassador Magma
MD 6C Angel Cop
MB 1 Appleseed
MD 1 Armageddon
PB 4M Armitage III
ED 1* Babel II
MD 1 Battle Angel Alita
KD 3 Battle Skipper
KD 1 Big Wars
MD 1 Blackjack
KB 1D Black Magic M-66
M* 1D Blood: The Last Vampire
MD 2 Blue Sonnet
MD 1 Bounty Dog
MD 3 Bubblegum Crash
RB 8D* Bubblegum Crisis
AD 12 Bubblegum Crisis 2040
AB 4* Burn Up W
CD 1 Cat Girl Nuku Nuku
AD 5 City Hunter
KS 1D The Cockpit
MD 5C Crying Freeman
MD 3 Cyber City Oedo
WS 1 Dancougar
MD 1 Dangaioh
MD 2 The Dark Myth
AS 1 Debutante Detective Corps
MD 1 Detonator Orgun
WS 2 Devil Hunter Yoko
MD 2C Devilman
KS 1D Digital Devil
AD 6 Dirty Pair Flash
MD 2 Dominion
MD 4 Doomed Megalopolis
AB 1 Dragon Half
PD 3 El Hazard
PD 2 El Hazard 2
AD 4 Elicia
MD 1 Fire Tripper
MD 1 Fist of the North Star
MD 7 Fist of the North Star TV
KS 1 Fly Peek - Peek the Baby Whale
WD 3 Galactic Pirates
RS 3C Genesis Surviver Gairth
MD 3 Genocyber
MB 1D Ghost in the Shell
MD 7 Giant Robo
KD 1D The Gigalo
MD 2 Goku - Midnight Eye
MD 1 Golgo 13 - The Professional
MD 1 Goshogun - The Time Etranger
MD 1 Grappler Baki
PD 3 Green Legend Ran
WS 1 Grey
KS 3CD Gunbuster
?D 2+ Gundam Wing
AB 3 Gunsmith Cats
ND 1 Guy - Awakening of the Devil
MD 12C The Guyver
PD 5 The Hakkenden
AD 1 Hannape Bazooka
MD 3 The Heroic Legend of Arislan/Arslan
KS 1 The Humanoid
WS 1 Hummingbirds
RS 2 Hurricane Live
PD 2 Hyperdolls
PD 3 Iria
MD 1 Judge
MD 1 Junk Boy
MD 1 Kabuto
WS 1 Karma Sutra
ED 2 Kekko Kamen
RS 5 Kimagure Orange Road
PD 4 Kishin Heidan
UD 1 KO Century Beast Warriors
WS 1 Ladius
MD 1 Landlock
MD 1 The Laughing Target
WS 1 Love City
AD 4 Legend of Crystania
MD 6 Legend of the 4 Kings
MD 1 Lensman
MD 1 Lupin III - The Castle of Cagliostro
MD 1 Lupin III - Goodbye Lady Liberty
WS 1 Lupin III - Legend of the Gold of Babylon
MD 1 Lupin III - Secret of Mamo
WS 1 Lupin III - The Fuma Conspiracy
KB 1 Macross - Do You Remember Love?
KD 3D Macross II
MB 4M* Macross Plus
MD 1 Maris the Wondergirl
MD 4 Mad Bull
MD 1 Maddox-01
MD 1 Makyu Senjo
AD 12 Martian Successor Nadesico
KD 2 M.D. Geist
MD 1 Megazone 23
MD 1 Mermaid Forest
AD 1 Metal Angel Marie
PD 3 Moldiver
MD 1 Monster City
AD 13 Neon Genesis Evangelion
MD 6 New Dominion
MD 3 New Gall Force: Earth
MD 2 New Gall Force: New Era
PD 4 Night Warriors
AD 1 Ninja Resurrection
MB 1D Ninja Scroll
MD 1 Odin
RB 5D* Oh My Goddess
RS 1 Otaku no Video
MD 3 Orguss 02
AD 5 Original Dirty Pair
AD 1 Panzer Dragoon
MB 2 Patlabor
MD 1D Perfect Blue
PD 2 Phantom Quest Corp
KS 1D Plastic Little
AD 1 Powerdolls
PD 3 Pretty Sammy
AS 1 Princess Minerva
VD 1D Princess Mononoke
MD 6 Project A-ko
MD 1 Psychic Wars
AD 1 Queen Emeraldas
AD 1 Rail of the Star
MD 3 Rayearth
PD 6 Record of Lodoss Wars
MD 1 Red Hawk
KS 1D Rei Rei
MD 1 RG Veda
R* 1D Riding Bean
MD 1 Roujin Z
KD 7 Robotech
VD 1 Robotech II: The Sentinals
KS 1 Roots Search
VD 3+ Sailor Moon
AD 2 Sakura Wars
WS 3 Salamander
WS 1 Samurai Gold
AD 2 Samurai X
AD 1 Samurai X Movie
WS 1 The Sensualist
MB 1 Shadow Skill
MD 1 Shadow Skill: The Movie
AS 4 Shuten Doji
AD 3 Slayers
WS 3 Slow Step
KS 2D Sol Bianca
AD 1D Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
MD 1 Space Adventure Cobra
WS 1 Space Firebird
KD 6D Starblazers
MD 1D Street Fighter II
AD 9 Street Fighter II V
MD 1D Street Fighter Alpha
AD 1 Suikoden: Demon Century
AB 2* Sukeban Deka
AD 2 Super Atragon
RS 1 Super Deformed Double Feature
MD 1 Sword for Truth
AS 3 Takegami
PD 7 Tenchi Muyo
PD 2 Tenchi: The Movie
AD 1D Tekken: The Movie
MD 2 Tokyo Babylon
MD 1 Tokyo Revelation
PD 1 Toshinden
MD 1 Ultimate Teacher
MD 1D Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend
MD 1D Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Demon Womb
KB 4D Urotsukidoji III: Return of the Overfiend
KD 1D* Urotsukidoji IV: Inferno Road
RS 8 Urusei Yatsura TV series
RS 5* Urusei Yatsura Movies
RS 6 Urusei Yatsura OAVs
WS 7 Ushio & Tora
MD 1 Vampire Hunter D
MD 2 Vampire Princess Miyu
MD 1 Vampire Wars
MD 1 Venus Wars
MD 3 Violence Jack
MD 1 Wicked City
MD 1 The Wind of Amnesia
MB 1 The Wings of Honneamise
MD 1 X
AD 3 Yotoden
RD 4 You're Under Arrest
MD 1 Zeguy
MD 1 Zeoraima: Project Hades
Notes:
801 T.T.S. Airbats - The first 3 episodes were individually released
subtitled, then a dubbed compilation of all 8
episodes was released in three volumes.
Babel II - The retail release contains 2 episodes, but the
publisher sold a version containing all 4
episodes directly by mail-order.
Blood: The Last Vampire - The soundtrack is a mixture of Japanese and
English dialogue, with subtitles for the
Japanese dialogue.
Bubblegum Crisis - The Anime Projects dubbed release only got as far
as episode 6. The MVM release contained all 8
episodes on 3 tapes.
Burn Up W - Only volume 1 was released subtitled.
Macross Plus - The movie was only released subtitled.
Oh My Goddess - The Anime Projects release was subtitled, the MVM
release was dubbed. The DVD release has both.
Riding Bean - The Anime Projects release was subtitled, the MVM
release was dubbed. The DVD release is dub only.
Sukeban Deka - Only volume 1 was released subtitled.
Urusei Yatsura Movies - Only movies 1,3,4,5 and 6 were released.
Urotsukidoji IV - Only episode 3 was released.
2.2 Which UK releases are incomplete?
The following series were only partially released in the UK:
Cat-girl Nuku-Nuku - 3 out of 6 episodes released
Devil Hunter Yoko - 3 out of 5 episodes released
Fist of the North Star TV - 21 out of ?? episodes released
Genocyber - 3 out of 5 episodes released
The Heroic Legend of Arislan/Arslan - 4 out of 6 episodes released
Robotech - 20 out of 85 episodes released
Urusei Yatsura TV - 32 out of 196 episodes released
2.3 Which UK releases use a different translation to the US version?
Most of the anime available in the UK is also available in the US, usually
using the same translation for both versions. In a few cases, the two
versions are different. (This list is not definitive, there may be others
that I am unaware of):
Subtitled releases: The Cockpit, Devil Hunter Yoko, Grey, Karma Sutra,
Plastic Little, Rei Rei, Ushio & Tora
Dubbed releases: Crying Freeman, Wicked City, Street Fighter II V
2.4 Which 'movie' releases are not really movies?
Some videos have the words '...The Movie' in the title, but they are not
really movies. They are short video series that have been edited together
onto a single tape and then called a movie because it sounds better. The
guilty parties are Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, Tekken: The Movie and
Shadow Skill: The Movie.
2.5 What soundtracks have been released in the UK?
This is a list of all the official UK anime soundtrack releases I have been
able to identify:
Catalogue Release List
Title Label number date price
--------------------- --------------- --------- -------- ------
Akira Demon Records DSCD6 31/12/93 £13.99
Akira (Japanese OST) Demon Records DSCD7 1/7/94 £13.99
Bubblegum Crisis 2040 Demon Records DSCD16 1999 £13.99
Cyber City Oedo Demon Records DSCD808 27/1/95 £13.99
El hazard, Best of Pioneer 10022 12/2/97 £12.99
Macross Plus Demon Records DSCD12 26/5/95 £13.99
Macross Plus 2 Demon Records DSCD13 24/11/96 £13.99
Megazone 23 Demon Records DSCD9 26/5/95 £13.99
Moldiver, Best of Pioneer 10012 ???? £11.99
Patlabor 2 Demon Records DSCD15 14/10/96 £13.99
Pokemon 1st Movie Atlantic 33362-2 2000 ????
Pokemon TV Atlantic 83261-2 ???? ????
Tenchi Muyo, Best of Pioneer 10032 12/2/97 £12.99
Tenchi The Movie Pioneer Artists PICD1001A 27/8/97 ????
Tenchi The Movie 2 Pioneer Artists PICD1013A 22/2/99 ????
2.6 Which UK releases have different music to the Japanese versions?
Dominion Acts 1-4, Space Adventure Cobra, Cyber City Oedo, Street Fighter
II and Fist of the North Star TV all have completely different music to the
original Japanese versions.
The UK Cyber City Oedo soundtrack CD is of the UK version, not the original
(even though it says 'original soundtrack' on the cover).
Ghost in the Shell has one track changed for the English version - the
music under the end credits was replaced with a U2/Brian Eno instrumental.
The Guyver has different opening theme music.
All of Pioneer's own productions used the original music, but the song
lyrics were translated and recorded in English.
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Section 3 : Censorship
======================
3.1 Censorship? What on earth are you talking about? This is a free
country isn't it?
Under UK law, all video recordings must be censored by the British Board of
Film Classification (BBFC) before they can be legally sold or rented.
Further information regarding film and video censorship in the UK can be
found on the BBFC website at http://www.bbfc.co.uk.
3.2 So which UK anime releases have been censored?
This list covers every instance of censorship that I could find; it is not
necessarily complete. Where known, the approximate length of the cuts is
given in brackets.
Adventure Duo - Sex scenes cut. (episode 1: 20 minutes,
episode 2: 7 1/2 minutes, episode 3: 9 1/2
minutes)
Angel Cop - Two episode were cut for violence. An
exploding head in episode 1 (2 seconds) and
part of a torture scene in episode 4 (7
seconds).
Big Wars - Unknown cuts (3 seconds).
Cat-girl Nuku-Nuku - A shot of one character scratching his crotch
was removed by the distributor before
submitting it to ensure a PG certificate.
Crying Freeman - Unknown cuts (episode 4: 3 seconds,
episode 5: 17 seconds, episode 6: 58 seconds)
Fist of the North Star TV - Unknown cuts (volume 2: 63 seconds)
Gunbuster - Nudity cut to obtain PG certificate (episode
2: 36 seconds)
Guy:Awakening of the Devil - Sex scenes cut
The Guyver - Violence cut in one episode to obtain 15
certificate (20 seconds)
Hanappe Bazooka - Unknown cuts (14 seconds)
Kekko Kamen - Kekko Kamen was designed as an exercise in
political incorrectness, and was therefore
doomed from the start (episode 1: 4 minutes,
episode 2: 19 seconds)
Legend of the Demon Womb - Sex scenes cut (3 minutes)
Legend of the Overfiend - Sex scenes cut (6 minutes)
Mad Bull - Unknown cuts (episode 1: 43 seconds, episode
2: 79 seconds)
Makyu Senjo - Unknown cuts (episode 1: 23 seconds, episode
2: 12 seconds)
Ninja Scroll - Various 'imitatable weaponry' cut (53
seconds)
Rei Rei - Naughty tentacles removed (8 seconds)
Return of the Overfiend - Sex scenes cut (episode 1: 3 1/2 minutes,
episode 2: 7 1/2 minutes, episode 3: 6 1/2
minutes, episode 4: 8 minutes)
Shuten Doji - Unknown cuts (episode 1: 40 seconds)
Street Fighter II V - Violence cut to obtain 12 certificate (volume
2: 5 minutes)
Urotsukidoji IV - "Tenticular rape and breast groping" cut
(episode 3: 2 1/2 minutes)
Urusei Yatsura TV Vol. 4 - Nunchuks removed (5 seconds)
Violence Jack - Sex, violence, bondage and cannibalism cut.
(episode 1: 4 1/2 mins, episode 2: 6 3/4 mins,
episode 3: 25 seconds)
Wicked City - Unknown cuts (108 seconds)
The Wings of Honneamise - Attempted rape scene removed
Two anime have officially banned outright: La Blue Girl from Manga Video,
and the first two episodes of Urotsukidoji IV from Kiseki Films, which were
submitted to the BBFC but refused certificates. There have also been a
number of titles (e.g. Invasion High School) that have been considered for
release but never got past the planning stage due to anticipated
difficulties in obtaining certificates.
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Section 4 : Internet resources
==============================
4.1 Newsgroups
The UK's one and only anime related newsgroup is uk.media.animation.anime.
Details of how to access it are beyond the scope of this FAQ.
4.2 Websites
Here is a list of some useful anime related websites in the UK not
mentioned elsewhere:
Britanime - http://www.ryouko.demon.co.uk
Links to just about everything on the net related to anime in the UK.
anime.org.uk - http://www.anime.org.uk
Fan community.
Anime Digital - http://www.digital.anime.org.uk
Anime 'E-zine', including the very useful 'Pirate anime FAQ'.
Shoujo and General - http://users.powernet.co.uk/shoujo
Massive library of anime related articles covering all topics.
Animejin - http://www.animejin.org.uk
News and reviews.
UK Japanese Embassy - http://www.embjapan.org.uk
Contains links to lots of Japanese cultural resources in the UK.
Mount Fuji - http://www.mountfuji.co.uk
For those of you feeling peckish.
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Section 5 : Miscellaneous
=========================
5.1 Where can I buy anime stuff in the UK?
Here is a list of specialist anime retailers in the UK:
MVM : http://www.mvm-uk.co.uk
Otaku UK : http://www.otaku.co.uk
The Sheffield Space Centre : http://www.space-centre.co.uk
United Publications : http://www.up1.co.uk
Other shopping resources:
The UK anime shopping guide : http://www.ryouko.demon.co.uk/ukshop.htm
The London Anime Shopping Guide : http://www.animejin.org.uk/lnshop.htm
Many comics shops also sell anime merchandise. Comics International
maintains a directory of UK comic shops at:
http://www.comics-international.com/Directory/comics_shops_uk.html
5.2 Is there an anime club in my area?
A list of UK anime clubs is maintained on the Britanime website at
http://www.ryouko.demon.co.uk/ukclubs.htm
5.3 Is any anime shown on TV in the UK?
There are lots of anime currently being broadcast on UK TV if you know
where to look (check listings for full details):
Battle of the Planets is on Bravo
Cardcaptors is on ITV and Nickelodeon
Digimon is on ITV and Fox Kids
Dragonball Z is on Cartoon Network
Flint the Time Detective is on Fox Kids and BBC 1
Gundam Wing is on Cartoon Network
Pokemon is on ITV (GMTV)
Sailor Moon is on ITV (GMTV) and Fox Kids
Tenchi Muyo is on Cartoon Network
Yu-Gi-Oh is on Sky 1
The Sci-Fi Channel also has a regular anime slot on Saturday nights.
Details are on their website at http://www.uk.scifi.com/anime.
5.4 What forthcoming anime related events are there in the UK?
There are two forthcoming anime conventions in the UK:
Minamicon 8 is being held on 1st-3rd March 2002 at The Novotel,
Southampton. Details can be found on their web site at
http://www.minamicon8.anime.org.uk
Aya Returns is being held on 1st-3rd November 2002 at the Northampton Moat
House hotel. Details can be found on their website at
http://www.ayacon.org.uk
Also of interest is the Japan Festival, which covers all aspects of
Japanese culture, including some anime and manga related events. Their web
site is at http://www.japan2001.org.uk
5.5 What are 'NTSC' and 'PAL'?
NTSC and PAL are the names of two systems for encoding video signals. NTSC
is the system used in the US and Japan, PAL is the system used in most of
Europe, including the UK. Unfortunately, they are not compatible. The
practical upshot of this is that US and Japanese videos can not necessarily
be played on UK equipment, creating problems for anyone who wishes to view
imported videos.
The commonest solution to this problem is to obtain some form of multi-
standard equipment. Players are available for all formats that can play
NTSC videos through most PAL TVs, with reasonable results. Purists can get
themselves true multi-standard equipment for accurate reproduction.
5.6 What is DVD? Is it of interest to anime fans?
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a new format using CD sized discs that can
be used to store high quality digital video. Its advantages over VHS are
better image quality, longer durability, and the ability to store multiple
soundtracks and subtitle tracks on one video.
All major Japanese and US releases now include a DVD version. All of the UK
anime companies are supporting the format in the UK, but only a limited
number of UK anime DVDs have been released to date.
5.7 What is laserdisc?
Laserdisc was the first successful attempt to create a high quality home
video format. Physically, the discs resemble 12 inch double sided CDs, and
the players resemble oversized CD players.
Support for laserdisc collapsed with the rise in popularity of DVD. No
anime was ever released on laserdisc in the UK, but it was popular for
collecting Japanese or US releases.
5.8 What is VCD?
VCD stands for Video CD and was the first attempt at a digital video
format. There were several anime releases in the UK from Manga Video and
Kiseki Films on VCD, but the format never took off due to the poor picture
quality and lack of support. It is not to be confused with CD Video, which
is another format entirely.
5.9 What is the legal position of imported videos?
It is a criminal offence in the UK to supply any video recording that has
not been registered with the official censor (the BBFC), certified by them,
and labeled accordingly. This includes all foreign videos, even if a legal
version of exactly the same material exists. Also, copyright holders
license the supply of videos by territory, so the supply of any video
outside it's intended area of distribution is a breach of copyright. For
these reasons, it is difficult to find companies in the UK willing to
supply US or Japanese videos.
5.10 How do you send money abroad?
If you want to buy anime stuff from abroad, there are several ways to
send the money, none of which are perfect:
Credit card - this is the best option where it is available, as it is
cheap, reliable, and quick. The supplier charges your card in the local
currency and the credit card company converts the amount to sterling.
The exchange rates used are reasonable, but check with your credit card
company that there are no extra charges. Many cards include an insurance
scheme that covers anything bought with them, and you can get your money
back if the seller fails to supply the goods.
Western Union - fast but expensive. Look up Western Union in the phone
book for your nearest office. You put cash in one end and it comes out at
the WU office of your choice 10 minutes later. Very expensive.
American Express International Money Order - safe but expensive. The
current charge is four pounds per IMO on top of a poor exchange rate.
Cash - If all else fails, or for small amounts, go to your nearest travel
agent or bureau de change, change pounds into whatever currency you need,
and put them in an envelope. You cannot insure cash in the post, so if it
does get lost, there is no compensation available.
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Acknowledgements
================
This FAQ wouldn't be what it is without the assistance of:
All the UK anime video companies for release information over the years
(section 2).
The Melon Farmers (http://www.davetaylor.demon.co.uk) and the BBFC
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk) for censorship details (section 3).
Fox (f...@archea.demon.co.uk) for section 5.10.
And various denizens of uk.media.animation.anime on Usenet for their
feedback and support over the years.
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--
Jonathan Weeks j...@animejin.org.uk
Keeper of the uk.media.animation.anime FAQs http://www.animejin.org.uk