×
  • remind me tomorrow
  • remind me next week
  • never remind me
Subscribe to the ANN Newsletter • Wake up every Sunday to a curated list of ANN's most interesting posts of the week. read more

Forum - View topic
REVIEW: When They Cry DVD 2


Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next

Note: this is the discussion thread for this article

Anime News Network Forum Index -> Site-related -> Talkback
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Key
Moderator


Joined: 03 Nov 2003
Posts: 18138
Location: Indianapolis, IN (formerly Mimiho Valley)
PostPosted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 11:55 pm Reply with quote
Courtesy of Stephen Tang, a Geneon marketing rep:

Quote:

Thank you very much for your e-mail regarding the erroneous episode descriptions for "When They Cry (Higurashi no naku koroni)" Vol. 2.
Geneon Entertainment will be reprinting the DVD wrap of volume 2 with the intended, original episode synopses and will arrange to have
a fulfillment agency disseminate the corrected DVD wraps to any consumer who had purchased volume 2. Once the wraps are ready
to go, additional details will be announced. We apologize for the confusion and inconvenience the erroneous Vol. 2 DVD wrap has caused
and thank you for your overall interest and support of this uniquely crafted psychological thriller/mystery/horror series.

For your reference, below is the original tagline and episode synopses for volume 2 (please note that they may contain plot spoilers):

Gruesome Murders, Demonic Possessions, Bizarre Disappearances…
In the sleepy rural village of Hinamizawa, people and things aren’t what they appear to be.
Everyone seems to have secrets and they will do anything to keep it that way--

“Cotton Drifting” Chapter ----

EPISODE 2: Takano (Series episode 06)
On the night of the town festival, Keiichi, Shion, Tomitake, and Takano sneak into a shrine, finding it filled with ancient torture devices… When Tomitake and Takano are reported dead, Keiichi fears that he and Shion are the next victims of Oyashiro-sama’s curse!

EPISODE 3: Lies (Series episode 07)
Keiichi indirectly confesses to Rika about trepassing into the forbidden shrine storehouse. However, by admitting this to her, he may have endangered her life as well as Satoko's! Soon after, the girls go missing…

EPISODE 4: Wish (Series episode 08)
At the Sonozaki residence, Rena and Keiichi confront Mion over the disappearances of Rika and Satoko. Chilling revelations then unfold regarding the dark origins of Hinamizawa, a cursed blood lineage and demonic possessions!

“Curse Killing” Chapter ----

EPISODE 1: Older Brother (Series episode 09)
During a visit from Satoko and Rika, Keiichi learns of the strange circumstances behind Satoko's older brother Satoshi, who one day, just simply left Hinamizawa. When Keiichi later mentions about Satoshi being "transferred," Shion and Rena each react in an unusual manner...

EPSIODE 2: Bond (Series episode 10)
Satoko has missed class for several days, as her violent uncle Teppei has returned back in town. Keiichi angrily witnesses the physical abuse inflicted upon Satoko, however her damaged psyche may have reached the breaking point…



Theron, just so you know, we immediately saw the error once the DVD wraps arrived. It was strange, because we proofread
the final text layout, which had the correct text, however it appears that a previous file with the old text was inadvertently delivered
to the printers.

We first had to act on this by notifying upper management, production staff, sales staff, etc., followed by an examination to
determine how such an error had occurred in the first place and the extent of the problem. Thereafter, arrangements had to be
made to do a reprinting, as well as making arrangements with a fulfillment center (most likely, The Right Stuf International) to handle
distribution of the corrected DVD wraps.

Unfortunately, all of this internal work takes time, so it may have seem like we were being inactive. Thanks for your patience
and understanding.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website My Anime My Manga
HitokiriShadow



Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 6251
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:07 am Reply with quote
Quote:
Studio DEEN, which is probably best-known to American fans for producing titles like You're Under Arrest, Fruits Basket, and Full Moon, thankfully decided not to be content with just that gimmick.


This makes it sound like Studio DEEN came up with the story. I'm not sure if this was the intention, but it needs to be noted that they were adapting a series of visual novels originally created by Ryukishi07.

Quote:
the series operates in four-episode Chapters, with each chapter resetting the story and retelling it from a different angle and with an emphasis on different characters, albeit with Keiichi always at the center of things.


The number of episodes per chapter varies a bit later on, but you've got the right idea.

Quote:
At the end of the second chapter the storytelling does fall into the common slasher movie trap of going over the top, and one scene involving Mion flipping out while holding a ladder simply fails to work,


I remember that scene, and I agree. That one went from creepy to humorous.

Quote:
The ethereal opening song, with its heavy electronica beat, blends with its matching visuals to create an opener well worthy of repeat viewings,


God, I love that opening. When I heard it, it immediately became one of my favorite openings ever, easily in my top 5.

Re: the cover

Nice to know they are working on it. It doesn't really matter to me personally because I never read the back covers anyway, but its good that they'll be offering replacement covers for people who want them.


Last edited by HitokiriShadow on Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Buster Blader 126



Joined: 14 May 2005
Posts: 1206
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:13 am Reply with quote
The "opening scene" for the arcs only occurs in the first three arcs, and the arcs themselves aren't necessarily four episodes. Though since (I'm assuming that) this is your first time viewing this series, it's not a big deal. Just felt like you need to know about that (if you didn't know about it already Razz)

All in all, I'm glad to see Higurashi Vol. 2 getting a positive review. The series is really thought-provoking and creepy, and the storytelling is pretty good despite some holes that Studio Deen didn't fill in (meaning things that the skipped/didn't animate from the games).

If the series wasn't already intriguing, just wait until you finish it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime My Manga
HitokiriShadow



Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 6251
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:21 am Reply with quote
Buster Blader 126 wrote:

All in all, I'm glad to see Higurashi Vol. 2 getting a positive review. The series is really thought-provoking and creepy, and the storytelling is pretty good despite some holes that Studio Deen didn't fill in (meaning things that the skipped/didn't animate from the games).


That's one of those things that will really annoy people familiar with the games but won't be much of an issue for anyone else. The first arc of the second season is an anime original arc that helps fill in some of those gaps anyway.


Also, the lack of extras is annoying. I love that opening and really wanted a clean version. More importantly, I wanted the TIPS. I'm hoping the last volume will have some extras (namely the OP and the TIPS), but I'm not counting on it at this point.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Dorcas_Aurelia



Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 5344
Location: Philly
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 3:19 am Reply with quote
Buster Blader 126 wrote:
The "opening scene" for the arcs only occurs in the first three arcs, and the arcs themselves aren't necessarily four episodes. Though since (I'm assuming that) this is your first time viewing this series, it's not a big deal. Just felt like you need to know about that (if you didn't know about it already Razz)

The fifth and sixth arcs have opening scenes as well, they're just not nearly as disturbing/bloody.

Five episodes on this disc, hm. Assuming the series is going to be spread over six discs and the next one will have only 4 episodes, the next volume is going to end in a weak spot. (Edit: miscounted, forgot the fifth episode of the arc, but the fourth arc is still a weak spot).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail My Anime My Manga
biolizard_alpha



Joined: 25 Aug 2004
Posts: 183
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:45 pm Reply with quote
The opening scene for the second arc was actually a mistake in adaptation, and shouldn't be there.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Richard J.



Joined: 11 Aug 2006
Posts: 3367
Location: Sic Semper Tyrannis.
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 1:11 pm Reply with quote
biolizard_alpha wrote:
The opening scene for the second arc was actually a mistake in adaptation, and shouldn't be there.
I was wondering about that. So will that scene fit in with a different arc down the road or is it just a complete accident? (Please, no big spoilers.)

As someone who had never seen this series prior to its release, I have to say that it's one of the more disturbing titles I've watched. I love the blend of cute and psychotic and the way that the characters interact. Some parts of this series are so eerie and others so heartwrenching that it's really enjoyable watching and wondering how things will turn out.

My only real complaint is the lack of extras. I'm hoping that we'll see them down the road, but it looks like downloaders and bootleggers are winning this battle. (i.e., the sales apparently aren't good enough for extras. Hope I'm wrong but I'm not hearing anything to the contrary.)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Dorcas_Aurelia



Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 5344
Location: Philly
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 5:52 pm Reply with quote
Richard J. wrote:
biolizard_alpha wrote:
The opening scene for the second arc was actually a mistake in adaptation, and shouldn't be there.
I was wondering about that. So will that scene fit in with a different arc down the road or is it just a complete accident? (Please, no big spoilers.)

As someone who had never seen this series prior to it's release, I have to say that it's one of the more disturbing titles I've watched. I love the blend of cute and psychotic and the way that the characters interact. Some parts of this series are so eerie and others so heartwrenching that it's really enjoyable watching and wondering how things will turn out.

It sort fits where it is, but it actually turns up in a later arc. That should be vague enough to not be a real spoiler.

Quote:
My only real complaint is the lack of extras. I'm hoping that we'll see them down the road, but it looks like downloaders and bootleggers are winning this battle. (i.e., the sales apparently aren't good enough for extras. Hope I'm wrong but I'm not hearing anything to the contrary.)

Extras like on disc extras? Do any Geneon series have them? Like, Black Lagoon and Ergo Proxy had "bonus discs" with the special edition first volumes, but they weren't near worth it. I don't think any of the Geneon stuff I own has on disc extras.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail My Anime My Manga
HitokiriShadow



Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 6251
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:47 pm Reply with quote
Dorcas_Aurelia wrote:

Quote:
My only real complaint is the lack of extras. I'm hoping that we'll see them down the road, but it looks like downloaders and bootleggers are winning this battle. (i.e., the sales apparently aren't good enough for extras. Hope I'm wrong but I'm not hearing anything to the contrary.)

Extras like on disc extras? Do any Geneon series have them? Like, Black Lagoon and Ergo Proxy had "bonus discs" with the special edition first volumes, but they weren't near worth it. I don't think any of the Geneon stuff I own has on disc extras.


They always (other than here) at least have a clean OP/ED. Other extras vary, though Geneon is never as extras heavy as ADV and Funi. Shana had the Naze Nani Shana videos and Shana-tan, F/SN had a production gallery, music video clips, Rider's Diary, promo clips, Gankutsuou had a bunch of stuff, even Helling and Black Lagoon had a couple of things on the regular discs.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
imderekyup



Joined: 10 May 2007
Posts: 10
PostPosted: Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:51 pm Reply with quote
biolizard_alpha wrote:
The opening scene for the second arc was actually a mistake in adaptation, and shouldn't be there.


Actually, spoiler[it is the same arc, but you don't see that part until a later arc, which is the same events seen through another characters eyes]
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
daedelus



Joined: 07 Apr 2007
Posts: 743
Location: Texas City, TX (ajd: 6/11/05)
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:01 am Reply with quote
It's funny; I did't even notice the back cover mistake. The episode titles are correct, it's just the synopsis that are wrong. I try to avoid reading the back until I at least watch the volume because I have been spoiled in the past. Hmmm... I wonder if I will bother to replace it? The completist in me says yes.

I, too thought it curious about that opening scene of chapter 2. It didn't occur to me that it may be a mistake. I just figured it would come about later down the road as it seemsd to be confirmed by some previous posts.

Yeah, I'm hooked. I was hooked halfway through volume 1, though so the hook was just pushed deeper in. There's no letting go now! Twisted Evil
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
MarthX



Joined: 25 Aug 2006
Posts: 29
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:11 am Reply with quote
Dorcas_Aurelia wrote:
Buster Blader 126 wrote:
The "opening scene" for the arcs only occurs in the first three arcs, and the arcs themselves aren't necessarily four episodes. Though since (I'm assuming that) this is your first time viewing this series, it's not a big deal. Just felt like you need to know about that (if you didn't know about it already Razz)

The fifth and sixth arcs have opening scenes as well, they're just not nearly as disturbing/bloody.

Five episodes on this disc, hm. Assuming the series is going to be spread over six discs and the next one will have only 4 episodes, the next volume is going to end in a weak spot. (Edit: miscounted, forgot the fifth episode of the arc, but the fourth arc is still a weak spot).


#1 1-5; Onikakushi 1-4, Watanagashi 1-1
#2 6-10; Watanagashi 2-4, Tatarigoroshi 1-2
#3 11-14; Tatarigoroshi 3-5, Himatsubushi 1-1
#4 15-18; Himatsubushi 2-2, Meakashi 1-3
#5 19-22; Meakashi 4-6, Tsumihoroboshi 1-1
#6 23-26; Tsumihoroboshi 2-5
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
Dorcas_Aurelia



Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 5344
Location: Philly
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 1:54 pm Reply with quote
HitokiriShadow wrote:
They always (other than here) at least have a clean OP/ED. Other extras vary, though Geneon is never as extras heavy as ADV and Funi. Shana had the Naze Nani Shana videos and Shana-tan, F/SN had a production gallery, music video clips, Rider's Diary, promo clips, Gankutsuou had a bunch of stuff, even Helling and Black Lagoon had a couple of things on the regular discs.

I don't count Clean OP/ED as an extra, nor previews. Black Lagoon disc 1 "extras" include previews and disc credits, I just checked.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail My Anime My Manga
HitokiriShadow



Joined: 09 May 2005
Posts: 6251
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 5:34 pm Reply with quote
I guess I was wrong about Black Lagoon having anything else other than the OP/ED (which is still technically an extra) but I"m pretty sure the regular edition of Hellsing Ultimate has a commentary track. But my point was that Geneon usually has something for extras, even if only a clean OP/ED (though they frequently have something beyond that) and WTC has jack shit.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Seif



Joined: 16 Nov 2004
Posts: 456
PostPosted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 7:42 pm Reply with quote
Wow, that was pretty intense. I'm loving the show, but the second arc, while pretty scary, confused me. I wasn't really sure what was going on in the last episode hardly at all. A little to much name dropping... Could someone clear it up a bit? Anime smile;

spoiler[How was the blonde chick still walking if she was dead. Who stabbed Keiichi at the end? What the hell happened? I'm not going to wait to watch the last episodes on the disc until the third one comes out so I can finish the next arc, but I peaked ahead at the murder scene at the beginning of the next episode. It seemed a whole lot more suited for the last arc then the one that was shown with Blue Haired girl shanking her head.]

-edit- Edit for some stupid grammar errors.


Last edited by Seif on Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:59 am; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message My Anime
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Anime News Network Forum Index -> Site-related -> Talkback All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group