Packaging Spotlight 003: Hana Yori Dango Final
Since I just featured the first box set of the K-drama version of Yoko Kamio's famous manga, I wasn't planning on hitting Hana Yori Dango Final quite yet, but since I received a number of PMs asking about the release, I figured it wouldn't hurt to change my plans a little bit.
Hana Yori Dango Final
More photos ahead!
The region 1 DVD release of Hana Yori Dango Final is licensed and distributed by Eastern Star and consists of a 2-disc set in a standard-sized, flip-insert DVD case. It has fairly simple packaging, but the cover art is the same familiar still used in the original Japanese release, so you know it's a lovely and fairly striking image. I know it's hard to tell from my mediocre photography skills, but they did a good job with the printing of the case insert.
The back of the DVD case is also pretty straightforward. It has the movie's synopsis, along with five small caps from the film.
The discs themselves have the same image stamped on them: headshots of everyone except Shota Matsuda. Had the missing face been Jun's, I would have guessed it was a licensing issue with Johnny's, but since it's Shota (who appears on the cover), I have no clue. Regardless, the faces that are present are all clear and adorable.
I don't know if the text is clear enough to read in my photos, but the text at the bottom of the first disc reads "Disc 1: Theatrical Version," and the second disc says "Disc 2: Extended Director's Cut." That's right. This set has both versions, which is hella nice and not something I was expecting.
Despite the fact that it's the only version available, it's called the "2 Disc Special Limited Edition." Considering everything that comes on both discs, I'd actually say it's an apt title. In addition to Hana Yori Dango Final's theatrical version, Disc 1 contains over three minutes of original Japanese trailers (with optional softsubs), the "Production Announcement" where Mao surprises Jun at a press conference, an hour-long "Making Of" featurette, and the "Crank Up" video collection. Disc 2 has the 168 minute extended director's cut, along with an hour-long "Memorial Event" video collection, individual cast member interviews with Mao and the boys of F4, and an interview where Mao and Jun basically chatter and act adorably for ten minutes. (Are my shipper biases showing?)
Overall, it's a great set chock full of content. From the two included versions of the film to the hours (it's right around 180 minutes worth) of extras, it's a totally worthwhile DVD to add to any collection.
Trailer (no English subtitles):
Not sure where to shop? Trying to avoid bootlegs? Check out my retailers page to get the skinny on reliable online stores out there!
Hana Yori Dango Final
More photos ahead!
The region 1 DVD release of Hana Yori Dango Final is licensed and distributed by Eastern Star and consists of a 2-disc set in a standard-sized, flip-insert DVD case. It has fairly simple packaging, but the cover art is the same familiar still used in the original Japanese release, so you know it's a lovely and fairly striking image. I know it's hard to tell from my mediocre photography skills, but they did a good job with the printing of the case insert.
The back of the DVD case is also pretty straightforward. It has the movie's synopsis, along with five small caps from the film.
The discs themselves have the same image stamped on them: headshots of everyone except Shota Matsuda. Had the missing face been Jun's, I would have guessed it was a licensing issue with Johnny's, but since it's Shota (who appears on the cover), I have no clue. Regardless, the faces that are present are all clear and adorable.
I don't know if the text is clear enough to read in my photos, but the text at the bottom of the first disc reads "Disc 1: Theatrical Version," and the second disc says "Disc 2: Extended Director's Cut." That's right. This set has both versions, which is hella nice and not something I was expecting.
Despite the fact that it's the only version available, it's called the "2 Disc Special Limited Edition." Considering everything that comes on both discs, I'd actually say it's an apt title. In addition to Hana Yori Dango Final's theatrical version, Disc 1 contains over three minutes of original Japanese trailers (with optional softsubs), the "Production Announcement" where Mao surprises Jun at a press conference, an hour-long "Making Of" featurette, and the "Crank Up" video collection. Disc 2 has the 168 minute extended director's cut, along with an hour-long "Memorial Event" video collection, individual cast member interviews with Mao and the boys of F4, and an interview where Mao and Jun basically chatter and act adorably for ten minutes. (Are my shipper biases showing?)
Overall, it's a great set chock full of content. From the two included versions of the film to the hours (it's right around 180 minutes worth) of extras, it's a totally worthwhile DVD to add to any collection.
Trailer (no English subtitles):
Not sure where to shop? Trying to avoid bootlegs? Check out my retailers page to get the skinny on reliable online stores out there!