Because this article seemed like something that I could handle, I decided to hop on talking about digital and physical anime, especially since I can give my North American biased views (you poor Europeans!!!). Of course, I might have missed out on a couple of things for each, so it’ll be up to you to correct me on stuff/add some stuff I missed. Otherwise it should be good. So let’s get to it!
Digital Anime
Pros
+ Can watch it streaming on a ton of services (Link of Legal Streaming Anime)
+ Can also download anime too
+ Get access to all the currently airing anime in Japan
+ Cheap, Cheap, Cheap! Saving money!
+ Typesetting is usually good
+ No real pause when watching anything streaming/via download
+ Can access it in a ton of ways (Tablets, Consoles, Phones, etc)
Cons
- Region lockkkkkkkkkkwwwhhyyyyy
- Unless internet’s great, stream can stop, buffer, not play, look crappy, etc
- Even in 720p still won’t have the same quality as something on BD at least.
- Downloading older stuff takes eons
- Subs can be pretty bad
- There will be corrections on the disc as opposed to the TV versions of current airing works
- Watching marathon > than watching weekly for some
Physical Anime
Pros
+ Nowadays, you get the complete series
+ No worries about your anime stopping at random points
+ Can literally own it
+ Extras for some works, from artbooks to making of videos to tours of certain places, etc
+ Is even better looking — video and audio wise– compared to digital
+ You get a dub on it
+ It’s generally the finished product
Cons
- You get a dub on it
- Quality of a disc heavily depends on a publisher (Ex: some will have extras, some won’t)
- A decent portion of BDs feature locked subtitles
- It costs money. Sometimes a lot of money *looks at Aniplex*
- Can’t find a ton of stores that sell anime. Have to order online.
- Space in your house will be an issue
- Typesetting is almost nonexistent
So, it comes down really to convenience doesn’t it? Is both options convenient to you, or does one way sway you more than the other? Well, you’ll have to let me know.
(For the record, streaming is a bit easier for me at this time since I’m as good as broke haha)
