Code Geass on Blu-Ray: Is the Complete Package Worth It?

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Funimation released the Code Geass Blu-ray collection on August 28, 2018. I recently got my hands at it and wanted to give you my thoughts on it.

This review will cover

1. Your options for buying Code Geass on Blu-ray,
2. What you get in the collection,
3. Pros and Cons,
4. How the Blu-ray collections compare to Bandai’s DVD releases
5. And finally, if the Funimation DVDs are worth buying?

Also, this is only a product review and not a review on the show itself if you want those: R1 Review and R2 Review

But now let’s start the Code Geass Blu-ray Review

Funimation has given us three ways to get the Code Geass Blu-rays.

Option #1 Season 1 a.k.a R1 or Season 2 a.k.a R2 separately.

Funimation released both editions in 2016. Unless you already have one of the seasons on Blu-ray it makes no sense to buy each one separately.

It will ultimately cost you more in the long run. Also, if you are curious all collections come with the same on-disc features.

So regardless of which option you choose just note that you are not missing anything.

You can purchase Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R1 Blu-ray Here

You can purchase Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 Blu-ray Here

Option #2 Code Geass Blu-ray Collection.

It might cost you more in the short run but it’s still cheaper than buying each season separately.

This collection comes in one Blu-ray case unlike the Collector’s Edition or the individual seasons.

The case is bare-bones and only for fans who just want to own the whole series.

Since this is going to meet most fan’s needs and is the cheapest option, I recommend this version the most.

You can purchase Code Geass: Lelouch of Rebellion – The Complete Series [Blu-ray] here

Option #3 is Code Geass Blu-ray Collector’s Edition.

This expensive collection is a box set that has:
1. Blu-ray cases for R1 and R2
2. 16 artcards featuring artwork from CLAMP

This collection originally was fairly affordable and a worthy buy during its initial release. But now the collection has spiked in price and is no longer worth it. Since the on-disc extras do not change, unless you really want the artcards this collection is not worth it.

I am now going to go over what you get on each disc in the Blu-ray collections for Code Geass.

As I said before no matter which version you get the features on the disc are exactly the same. Since disc 4 of both R1 and R2 contain 90% of all the special features I will discuss those last.

Pros

1. The quality is vastly better than the original anime as is the sound.
   1. I noticed the difference in many of the action scenes.
2. Contains both sub and dub options.
   1. You will notice a difference between the English subtitles and the lines from the English voice actors.
3. Contains all picture dramas from both R1 and R2.
   1. The Bandai version only had picture dramas for R1.
4. Can be watched digitally on Funimation with no ads if you use the code that you get from the Blu-rays.
5. Easy to navigate streamlined lined menus.
6. Contains the majority of all the special features from the Bandai version.

Cons

1. Even with the Collector’s Edition, you are still missing key features from Bandai’s limited edition
   1. Manga volumes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and Suzaku of the Counter Attack Vol 1
   2. Sketch and Artbooks
   3. Audio Drama CDs
   4. Original OST CDs
2. Even though it was not in the original release it would have been nice if we could have got more footage on the making of Code Geass.
   1. We only get interviews from the main cast and audio commentaries.
   2. I would have liked behind the scenes of what went into making dubbed version.
   3. In all fairness, I probably would not watch it anyway.
3. It’s missing several picture dramas that can only be purchased through certain Japanese Blu-ray collection.
4. Besides the improved quality and the R2 picture dramas, there is nothing else new that was added to this collection.
5. There were audio issues when the collection first came out. But Funimation fixed it. Read more here.

Before Bandai Entertainment went under in 2012 it was the licensor for Code Geass. It released different DVD versions of Code Geass including the limited collection.

I am now going to list the major differences between Bandai’s DVD collections and Funimation’s Blu-ray collection

• Funimation’s collection has 8 discs and Bandai’s has 14 discs.
• All the special features for R1 and R2 are on single discs in Funimations vs Bandai’s which has the features spread out on each disc.
• Funimation’s discs have a plain generic look with the word Code Geass followed by the Stage/ Turns it has. The Bandai version has custom art for each disc that has a character with the Geass animation in the background.
• Bandai menu play scenes and display which volume the disc is, Funimation just shows Code Geass with the Geass animation playing in the background.
• Funimation case in any collection is more muted and dark in its colors. Bandai’s cases are more colorful and informative. It will show you what is on each disc in a well-organized manner versus. Funimation by contrast that just gives a general summary on the back.
• Funimation does not allow you to select scenes rather just episodes this is something possible in the Bandai DVDs.
• The menus for the Bandai version are more cartoony and thematic vs the Funimation ones which are streamlined.

• Bandai’s limited edition box sets for R1 and R2 had more features and extras than the Funimation Blu-ray collection.
  • In the limited edition box set

1. 1. 1. Manga volumes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and Suzaku of the Counter Attack Vol 1
      2. Sketch and Artbooks
      3. Audio Drama CDs
      4. Original OST CDs

• • Exclusive Features on the discs include:

1. 1. 1. Key animation galleries,
      2. Prize announcements on tv,
      3. English version of all the titles for the Black Knights shown in Turn 16

• The Blu-ray collection combines all of the previews for the next episodes in one video where Bandai has each one per episode.
• Funimation has all the picture dramas for R2. The Bandai version only has the R1 picture dramas
• The Funimation version has 5.1 for the Japanese audio the Bandai version does not.
• Bandai Limited Edition has sketchbooks and character art books. Funimation’s Blu-ray complete collection included collectible 16 artcards

The regular DVDs from Funimation might be cheaper but are limited. They only contain the episodes and language options with no other special features.

If you want DVDs just get the ones from Bandai. The limited collections are expensive but the other collections are relatively cheap.

It’s worth paying more to get the Blu-rays or the Bandai collection. Because either way, you will get special features. But this is not a Funimation thing the industry today releases a show or film on DVD with no features and a Blu-ray with all the special features.

So, despite being not as colorful or thematic the Code Geass Blu-ray collection is still a great buy. It includes the majority of the features from the Bandai DVD releases.

It even adds the R2 picture dramas which are something fans have wanted for a long time.

I kinda wish it had more of the Bandai level of color use and presentation, not to mention the audio dramas.

But since the Bandai limited collection is out of print and very expensive to purchase. If you want the cheapest way to purchase the Code Geass Collection then the Blu-ray collection is your best option or buy the other Bandai DVD collections.

You can purchase Code Geass: Lelouch of Rebellion – The Complete Series [Blu-ray] here

You can purchase Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion Bandai R1 Collection Here

Let me know in the comments.

Also, let me know if you have any other questions about the Code Geass Blu-Ray collection.

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