From: pearl@remus.rutgers.edu (Starbuck)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime
Subject: Re: Newbie question: Why does anime cost so much?
Date: 28 Aug 92 21:02:56 GMT
Organization: the Worlds Welfare Work Association, Rutgers Anime division

In article <1992Aug28.191204.15824@aio.jsc.nasa.gov> curtw@euler.jsc.nasa.gov (Curt Wiederhoeft) writes:

> OK, I've read all the FAQ lists, and I've shopped around the
> catalogs and local (Houston) anime stores, and I just want to know
> why the prices for anime are so high. Does this represent the 
> legitimate cost of manufacturing and distribution, or is somebody 
> getting REALLY rich from the stuff? 

Are you referring to the original Japanese anime or to the new
domestic releases (either subbed or dubbed).  Japanese anime can
usually be purchased in America for about $1 to Y100.  Thus Sazan Eyes
1 which retails for Y4800 can be found at about $48 give or take a few
bucks.  If you go to Japan or have a friend there, it can be had for
about $35 (depending on the exchange rate).  Of course, postage or
plane fare can bring the price up.  Out of print anime commands a
higher price, of course!



>I realize that this is an art
> form, and that it's superior to 99% of the animation we see in the
> US, but does that in any way justify the prices? Hey, Kurosawa's 
> stuff is cheaper, and that's some of the most artistic mass-media
> entertainment ever created.

Japanese live action films are about the same price as animation. (At
least in Japan.  OAVs usually don't give you as much bang for the Yen
as they were released straight to video and thus have to recoup all
their costs that way.  Compare Macross Flashback at Y8800 (half hour
OAV) with Akira at Y6800 (125 minute movie).  There are, of course,
exceptions.


Domestically released anime almost always comes in cheaper, despite
the added costs of subbing or dubbing.  Some examples:

Sazan Eyes:
(Streamline Pictures)
Japanese cost: Y4800
American Cost: $15

Vampire Princess Miyu:
(AnimEigo)
Japanese Cost: Y22000 (approx) for all 4 parts
American Cost: $65 on Laser Disk, $70 on two VHS tapes

Macross II:
(US Renditions)
Japanese cost: Y4800 per single episode
American cost: $25 per TWO episodes.

Project Ako:
(US Manga Corps/Image Entertainment)
Japanese Cost: Y14800 (I paid $155 for this beastie)
American Cost: $39.95

> I don't want to start a flame war with my very first post, but I've
> watched the videotape of MADOX-01, and IMHO, it isn't worth anywhere 
> near that $50 suggested retail price. Please help me to understand 
> this issue.


Madox retails for close to $100 in Japan.  The videotape is either
$34.95 or $39.95 and can be sometimes bought for less at comic shops,
anime stores, etc.

Now that the domestically released anime is slowly making its way into
the mainstream, you can rent it at many videostores for a couple of
bucks.  If you don't wish to buy it, then rent it.  


Steve
---
Stephen Pearl (Starbuck)    Work: (908)932-3465   Home: (908)566-6842
UUCP:  rutgers!remus.rutgers.edu!pearl  Internet: pearl@remus.rutgers.edu
FidoNet: Stephen.Pearl@f619.n2605.z1.fidonet.org (or 1:2605/619)
GEnie: S.PEARL6                    CI$: >internet:pearl@remus.rutgers.edu  
US MAIL:  359 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen, NJ 07747-1826           
QUOTES: "What is Starbuck-ing?" -Adultress 19
        "Works for me!" -Rick Hunter (The Cop, not the Robotech Defender)