Noted for it a fairly graphic/explicit depictions, including, but not limited to its very loli looking protagonist, Dance in the Vampire Bund might as well wave a flag marked "Controversy goes here." Apparently this would be too much for FUNimation, as they released this statement, indicating their intention to edit.
FUNimation Entertainment is known for releasing the titles we license in their original, uncut form, as their creators intended. However, after viewing the unedited as well as the Japanese broadcast edit of the series , we have determined the series contains controversial elements which, when taken out of context, could be objectionable to some audiences.
With this in mind and with approval of the licensor, we will edit select scenes from the series in streaming and home entertainment release. These are scenes which are inappropriate for U.S. viewing and are not essential to the storyline.
is a complex and dark drama cited by press and fans as one of the best anime series out of Japan this season. Its strong story is what brought the series to our attention and why we are bringing it to the U.S.
Side note, FUNimation has stated that nothing has changed on other works. They still intend to release the uncut Strike Witches as planned.
Though, I have only seen the first episode of Dance of the Vampire Bund.
If they are worried about a public image, then why even take on the series? I was sort of interested when I heard FUNimation was airing this, but there is one issue I'm a little confused about. I completely get why it would possible need alterations for the airing on TV or on their website. Does this also mean they wont be offering it on DVD unedited? If they offer the DVD unedited I see no problem.
This just more makes me want to watch fan subbed versions just to see what was changed and why.
Funimation made some slight edits to the first couple of episodes of Strike Witches on their video streaming sight. Mostly just censoring out loli breasts and what not but the upcoming DVD will be unedited. It was a smart move on Funi's part since they orginally uploaded the uncensored version but then after it got reported on anime media websites they immediately switched over to the edited versions most likely to increase the dvds sales of the uncut version. I thought they were doing this at first with Bund but this appears to be the first time Funi is releasing an actual censored dvd title.
Really, I only watched Episode 7 of Strike Witches so far on their website. That was the one where Erica lost her panties and some of the girls were running around without bottoms. I didn't see any edits from the way I saw them in fansub originally.
I get why for the airing on TV or streaming they might need to edit (I haven't wanted more then the first episode). I am just not sure about the DVD. Thier statement is a bit confusing. I'm not sure it also means the DVD will be cut.
Hearing this just makes me want to watch the fansubs so i will know what is changed and then I might understand.
As well, the idea that they need to censor a shows content in order to release it in a specific location always leads to bad things. All you do is piss off the people like myself who are against any and all forms of censorship by doing these edits, and offering a product that was not as the original creator intended it to be. Both of which is just insulting to fans of the series, and to its original creator. If you honestly feel that a specific location is so uptight and repressed that you need to censor cartoon boobs, then why the hell would you even release it there in the first place?
It also gives the company that release the product a bad image in some peoples eyes, because if they are willing to cut content like this than what else might they cut down the road or in other shows that they release?
*we will edit select scenes from the series in streaming and home entertainment release.*
Home Entertainment Release means DVD and Blu-ray. Its even confirmed on the offical blog post here:
http://blog.funimation.com/2010/03/baka-and-test-dance-in-the-vampire-bund-now-live-on-funimation-com/?cp=1
Even if Bund were uncensored I simply wouldn't buy it. I watched the first two episodes of Bund this morning and dropped it after that. Terrible first episode and lame overtone in the second. Fans of the Manga all seem upset at all the adaptation decay too. Not a good thing if you ask me.
But some of the TV images make it look like she's more a flat-chested adult than a child, her legs are more woman-like, particularly the last shot in your gallery above.
If they release the DVDs unedited, I don't see much of a problem from a free speech standpoint. If they don't, well...I suppose there will be a vocal contingent of fans voicing their displeasure at that. Of course, I don't plan on watching this show right now, so this is just my two cents.
That's the whole point though. While to you it may just be the lack of nipple shots, but the original author wouldn't have included it if i wasn't meant to be there for some reason.
That's kind of my feelings. That or offer the DVDs unedited.
@Oneeyedjacks:
I liked the first episode. I just thought the Loliness of that closing image was kind of odd.
I think the reason it was included was because people like loli nipple shots... It certainly doesn't add anything to the story that can't be gotten without them.
Circumstantially I'd like to add that nipples was one of the "major" additions to the Evangelion 1.0 movie. In the Rei towel/id scene. No point, I just found it amusing since I watched 1.11 yesterday, and saw you (in particular) talking about edits involving nipples.
" Well OK I've never seen this series so I did not know all that so I guess I'll have to say then there is meaning to her nudity . How ever I can see way Funimation would want to edit that,showing full frontal nudity on a some one who looks underage no matter how many centuries she is could cause them lots of problems. with some creative editing Funimation could still show the viewers that,s she naked while still not showing any actual nudity. and one more thing Don't the north American companies have to get permission from Japan before they do any editing? if that';s true then any edits that show up in the show have the OK from Japan,if it's OK with then then shouldn't it Be OK with you? Or are the local companies free to make any edit they see fit?