The GSJ Bootleg Guide

[gsj_mods]

BEFORE YOU COMMENT - PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE CAREFULLY!!!
Disclaimer: this guide does not say that all region 0 dvds are bootlegs!

It is against GSJ rules to sell bootlegs (illegal anime/manga/Japanese related goods). Sometimes, when you're new to the fandom, its difficult to spot them.

So here's a quick guide of things you should look out for.

Comments

[veiled_disgrace]

Hello, I would like to ask, is this person selling bootleg merchandise?

I recently purchased something from them and am now questioning the authenticity after reading this. I can't check it now though as I haven't received it yet.

[gsj_mods]

Is there a particular part of this guide that made you think so? I've browse through a few of their auctions and as far as I can tell they look legit.

[veiled_disgrace]

Just the fact that the DVD was originally $80-$90 and I got it for $20. I've been a little wary since I decided to buy it but I also didn't want to pass that up.

Thank you for the quick reply!

[ninjakitters]

Hi, I was just checking this guide, and happened to see your comment. I can vouch that that seller on eBay is legit, and does not sell bootlegs. I've purchased many Buck-Tick items from them, and they're all legit. XD

Question of Japanese Movies

[kanawanuyume]

Where do Japanese movies released under either the "Danger After Dark" or "8 Films To Die For" fall when it comes to bootleg? I checked them against the list on this page and they seem to be legit, but is there a way to be sure that the company producing these has the OK to do so?

Thanks!

Re: Question of Japanese Movies

[gsj_mods]

Look the company up (google). Check the title on places like YesAsia which has publisher names listed.

Question For Malaysian DVDs

[rlovely15]

Don't know if it got through or not, but oh well.

Does it apply to this DVDs too?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Vampire-Knight-Season-1-2-Chapter-1-26-End-Seal-/290448831514?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_DVD_HD_DVD_Blu_ray&hash=item43a019741a#ht_3807wt_911

Re: Question For Malaysian DVDs

[gsj_mods]

Yes, its a bootleg.

Note the comment under #6 - about 'Fake authentication stickers'.
No Malaysian company ever licensed Vampire Knight.

its also in 2 DVDs for 26 episodes. Don't expect high quality anything.

Re: Question For Malaysian DVDs

[rlovely15]

Oh. O_O I thought they licensed it already.

Re: Question For Malaysian DVDs

[gsj_mods]

The anime is licensed in the US and a few other countries, but not in Malaysia. The only Asian country to have licensed VK is Taiwan. The US, Australia and New Zealand are the only countries that licensed it for English release (Australia and New Zealand will likely wait for the US to release first). The first DVD of season 1 has a July 20th release date meaning that its yet to be out at all. The Malaysian season 1 and 2 are bootlegs that were sold on ebay and other places even before the DVDs were out in Japan. Therefore, they are TV-ripped bootlegs.

I hope the above makes this clearer.

[rlovely15]

Just another question, but I've been wondering if these are legitimate CDs, but it doesn't seem to be. It completely looks like the one that's selling on Yes Asia, but it sounds too good to be true.

I know the listings have ended, but I'm just asking. They really look alike.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vampire-Knight-Original-Soundtrack-II-KO-88385-NEW-/220638575752?pt=Music_CDs#ht_3591wt_1137

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vampire-Knight-Original-Soundtrack-KO-88384-NEW-/270608669450?pt=Music_CDs#ht_3577wt_1137

[gsj_mods]

They are bootlegs. Most anime CDs do not have an international release. There are some exceptions, but generally anime OSTs are usually only released with the Japanese labels. You can check this on Yesasia under 'Publisher Product Code' or on CdJapan under 'Catalog No.'. The music label for Vampire Knight is Sony Music - therefore their code should be SVWC-####. The code: KO-##### is associated with a bootleg company from Taiwan (see my note above under 5 - Publishing company, there's a list of known codes from bootleg-making companies).

From veiled_disgrace's link

[ahmunnaeatchuu]

I have also recently bought some CD's from the seller, and am questioning it's authenticity. The plastic wrap/seal it came in is very loose, haven't opened the package. Also, I think 2 of the CD's that came (it was a pack of 4-cd's) are Promo CD's, there is a sticker over the barcode of the obi. I am new to buying CD's so hopefully I don't sound too confusing xP

Re: From veiled_disgrace's link

[gsj_mods]

Check the manufacturer name & code against a legitimate source e.g. cdjapan.co.jp. The fact that the plastic seal was loose does not mean that it's fake. It just mean that the product they have are old (i.e. old stock, which could be sourced cheaper). Promo CDs are legit. as long as they are from a legitimate source. Is there any other indications that suggests that your CDs are not legitimate? ~ Check from the guide above.

Re: From veiled_disgrace's link

[ahmunnaeatchuu]

Oh okay, good, was stressing out over whether they were legit or not. Well, the price seemed really good, pack of 4 CD's for $20. Also, the CD's were shipped from China, so I'm skeptical. The obi's on 2 of the CD's list the tracks in very small font, can't even read it.

Re: From veiled_disgrace's link

[gsj_mods]

Are they brand new or as new? Are they singles or albums? Yes, the seller ships from China, quite a few of them does. But the shipping origin of a product does not always indicate whether something is legitimate or not. The size of font on the obi is not an indicator, it is possible that the original also has small fonts too. The best way is to check manufacturer codes and name with the original, which can be looked up on cdjapan.co.jp