Region 4 Winners and Losers

    The Region 1 release of this title is available in a regular or special edition. The regular edition is much like this Region 4 release: a single disc — it has the same episodes, same soundtracks and subtitles, the same extras, even the same artwork — the only difference is the menus, which are a bit twiddly (I prefer the simpler menus on the R4).

    The special edition includes two more discs. It has the regular edition disc, so you can get the extras. It has a second disc with all the episodes again, but this time with dts sound: both English and Japanese 5.1 dts, but no extras. And then it has the Original Sound Track album: a CD with the music. The two DVDs are packed in a regular size keepcase (same artwork), with the dts disc on a flap in the middle. The OST is in a CD jewel case, and there's a cute cardboard slipcover over the keepcase and jewel case — it looks nice, but it's just thin card — not particularly durable. There is also an 8 page booklet tucked into the keepcase.

    The dts soundtrack doesn't sound significantly different to me. It sounds good, but then so does the Dolby Digital.

    If you want dts, or the OST, then the R1 special edition is for you. If you are only interested in the regular edition, then the R4 is just as good as the R1. I'm unlikely to bother buying the rest of the special editions — I can't convince myself that it is worth it. I will be happy to buy the Region 4 disc.