09-06-2003, 06:24 PM
I have to agree with a lot of points made here.
With regards to the lost revenue, it's true that Sony isn't out $1200 but it is out the $50 that would have been spent on an R1 release of one of those games.
Same goes with HK DVDs. For every hundred dollars spent on HK releases, there is another $100 not in the economy for legitimate purchases.
That said, I would never spend the $179 (Canadian) for the Evangelion boxed set whether or not the HK DVDs were available. I do make it a point to buy the R1 releases of movies and TV shows that are available at reasonable rates. In particular, I made a point of buying all the Miyazaki movies that were recently released on DVD because I would like to see him get some portion of the proceeds and I would love to see more people get a chance to see future releases of his.
On a positive note here in Canada, Universal Records (one of the largest distributors of music) has announced major price drops for all of its music in response to people believing CDs are over priced. Prices will be Cn$14.99 for the hot stars and Cn$9.99 for everyone else. I see this as a smart move by Universal and I hope that the buying public agrees with me.
The trend in anime DVDs has been lower prices lately as well. I'm seeing lots of discs selling for well under Cn$30 and with some creative packaging as well (I love my Speed Racer DVD with the tire tread cover that was only Cn$16.99).
The only times that I wholly encourage buying bootlegs of anything is when it isn't being distributed in North America. This applies to DVDs, video games, and music.
With regards to the lost revenue, it's true that Sony isn't out $1200 but it is out the $50 that would have been spent on an R1 release of one of those games.
Same goes with HK DVDs. For every hundred dollars spent on HK releases, there is another $100 not in the economy for legitimate purchases.
That said, I would never spend the $179 (Canadian) for the Evangelion boxed set whether or not the HK DVDs were available. I do make it a point to buy the R1 releases of movies and TV shows that are available at reasonable rates. In particular, I made a point of buying all the Miyazaki movies that were recently released on DVD because I would like to see him get some portion of the proceeds and I would love to see more people get a chance to see future releases of his.
On a positive note here in Canada, Universal Records (one of the largest distributors of music) has announced major price drops for all of its music in response to people believing CDs are over priced. Prices will be Cn$14.99 for the hot stars and Cn$9.99 for everyone else. I see this as a smart move by Universal and I hope that the buying public agrees with me.
The trend in anime DVDs has been lower prices lately as well. I'm seeing lots of discs selling for well under Cn$30 and with some creative packaging as well (I love my Speed Racer DVD with the tire tread cover that was only Cn$16.99).
The only times that I wholly encourage buying bootlegs of anything is when it isn't being distributed in North America. This applies to DVDs, video games, and music.
Gullible isn't in the dictionary.