AnimeSuki Forums

TheShadow · 2004-01-30, 05:27

Does anybody know if there is any difference between the already released Lain DVDs and the Lain Geneon signature series edition DVDs that are coming out? I had a look at Geneon's website, but that didn't make me any wiser.

I recently placed an order for the Lain boxset from dvdpacific.com, but have yet to have my order fullfilled as it is on back order. The new release made me ponder if it actually had something new to it or if it is purely a marketing gimmic.

StarCreator · 2004-01-30, 05:32

No difference at all, as far as I know. In order to help people learn their new name, Geneon is slowly rereleasing some of their older series with a very low pricepoint. Content should be exactly the same.

It is entirely possible the original printings are no longer produced, but if you can find the old discs, there shouldn't be a significant difference.

Fronzel · 2004-01-31, 04:52

There's the unattractive "Signature " banner on the cover, though, no?

kakumei ella · 2004-02-01, 21:47

i know in my store it's just a promotion for the company to make people aware of the name change.

there's absolutely no difference, just the ugly banner and the 10$ discount. the same on tenchi in tokyo, trigun, and some other popular series' first discs. my guess is they're just putting out the first in a popular series, i'm not sure they'll follow up with the rest at the reduced price so your best bet is stick with the boxed set you've ordered.

Tabiree · 2004-02-01, 23:02

Kakumei: they're following through on all DVDs.

Word of advice: buy your unaltered front covers NOW if that's what you want. Don't wait.

xxziggybitsxx · 2004-03-04, 11:13

OKAY.... I need HELP I have no frickin clue what lain is about... I watch ALL the episodes, and the more i watch the more confused i got

......... SO

if anyone have any "theorys", please do tell

**ElvenPath** · 2004-03-04, 11:17

Moved the thread to DVD & Licensed and renamed it (was: i need help in lain...).

Shinobu_Maehara · 2004-03-04, 11:37

I have the same problem, and fell asleep after 3 eppy's then threw away the files.
Lain is boring and the story it's LAME not Lain.... -_o

I got most of the storyline explained by someone who watched everything. And it still doesn't make sense O.o

Lina · 2004-03-04, 15:15

I like Lain. Really makes you think. I was confused as well so I looked around on the net and basically there's many different theories floating around and most people will tell you however you interpret is the right way. However, I usually go by what the producers say in some of their interviews about it.

Here's a nice site for ya.
http://www.cjas.org/~leng/open.htm
Includes the interviews and I agree with most of this guy's theories. Like...

Spoiler:

OhJustSomeRandomGuy · 2004-03-04, 15:36

I hated Lain. First off, I thought it was boring, but not hate-worthy. Then I met with legions of people who kept telling how incredible it was.

Stop fooling yourselves. It's not THAT good. If you don't see the whole thing coming from episode 1...and you enjoy trying to piece it all together, I can see enjoying this. However, if you're like me, and you don't like things being pounded into your head for 3+ hours...this isn't such a work of art anymore.

7thMethuselah · 2004-03-04, 15:44

the first time I watched Lain I didn't like it all that much because I didn't get it at all, but then i looked up some forums, read some theories and then watched the entire series in one session, stopping the dvd from time to time to make notes, and guess what I love it, it's full of references from one episode to another, and understanding it really helps if you know how it all will end. To me this is still a small masterpeice but it takes quite some effort to enjoy the show, It's not recommended for anyone who doesn't wanna put his brain mode on overdrive and being tired and drunk isn't also the best way to watch lain.

About explanations , it's been at least half a year since I saw lain and i really forgot most of the (complicated) plot so sorry, i'm no real help.

OhJustSomeRandomGuy · 2004-03-04, 15:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7thMethuselah

It's not recommended for anyone who doesn't wanna put his brain mode on overdrive

That's wrong right there. Most of the people I know who don't like this like it far less because they TRIED to go and search for all this symbolism they were missing, when it turned out they already GOT everything and all the subtleties weren't subtle at all...

Like all the annoying body part bits at the end of the episodes. Yeah...we understand already...like 8 body parts ago.

babbito2k · 2004-03-04, 16:05

I read one "analysis" of Lain stating that it was a rejection of Western culture. It went on to break down certain "symbols" (like Lain's bear suit) and so on. The analysis was a bit intimidating because the writer was unwilling to restrain his pan-Asian chauvinism; the whole piece sort of had a label on it which read "stop reading this you lousy gaijin."

It is good to remember that shows like Lain do not necessarily connect all the dots. Evangelion was successfully vague and tried to be open-ended (before a massive outcry caused the movies to be made). This "formula" was imitated quite a few times over the next few years. If a series in itself fails to entertain then it is obviously lacking something for the person who is unamused.

Lambda · 2004-03-04, 16:49

Two very important things to remember about Lain:

1) Lain is not just an anime. What you have with Lain is an anime, a PSX game, a short manga and some artwork. The idea being that these are all part of the same thing, components of some sort of "meta-media-thing" (which doesn't really have a general name because they're not commonly enough discussed to get into the English language). They're not really primarily designed to function alone. (It's nothing remotely like the Evangelion model.)

2) Plot in Lain is only locally important. If you look at these components which are part of the same thing, you'll notice immediately that the plotting in one will blatantly contradict another with no compunction. (For example, the second most important character in the anime, Arisu, doesn't exist in the game.) None of the goals that its creators were pursuing really has anything to do with conveying plot, the plotting is best seen as a narrative necessity to create a medium in which the important things can be done.

If you want to get a better sense for what Lain is trying to do, try asking yourself what it "feels like".

Lord_Rava · 2004-03-05, 14:19

The way I see it for Lain, You will get the most out of it if you ty to interprit it your self with out going and hunting for all the answers on the net or where ever, They intentionly leave things like this for you to work out your self and come to your own conclution. Once you have your own conclution then discuss it with others. This way it becomes a great anime that keeps going after you have watched it.

anyway, thats how I see it, you may disagree but then thats your choice. And if you dont like anime like that then you probably will hate Lain.

(Did any of this make sense at all) - sorry been drinking

Secca · 2004-03-05, 15:51

If you don't like thinking, how about trying a different aproach. ^^

This is a psychology type anime, so to be able to enjoy it, you need an undivided attention. So try this method. Watch it alone, turn off the lights, watch the episodes non stop if you have the endurance.

Don't try to think when watching, instead just dive in and flow. You can dig up refference etc later after you finish watching, but the most importantly when watching Lain is to feel and experience the world of Lain. What kind of impression did you feel after watching Lain?

ClancyDamon · 2004-08-23, 09:24

Wow. Well, I've had my entire realm of sensiblities utterly destroyed by Lain. I don't think I've ever seen anything that sad, disturbing, scary, depressing, unnerving, relatable, tense, intelligent, emotionally scarring, or et al. Lain makes Eva look like a child's coloring book, and I love Eva. Ok, I need to regain some vistage of sanity. That will be hard after the Alien in the door in episode 9, which is the scariest thing I've ever seen (I've got this thing about aliens stemming from E.T. ...don't ask). What I want to know is if anyone can direct me to some good analytical sites concerning this anime. I've already found one called Serial Thoughts Lain (The URL escapes me at the moment) it's frickin' amazing how deeply it delves. Still, I need multiple perspectives.

Or, better yet, maybe you guys have your own thoughts. I'd love to know what other people feel about Lain. I'm seriously stressed out by it all. I need to talk to someone! Everyone I know gave up after 3 episodes at most, citing they just couldn't take it. I thought they were crazy.

Alright, I'm not crazy, I'm just interested in discovering more about the symbology and philosophy, and hopefully getting some things put into perspective and just simply discussed with someone. Thanks.

"Close the World,
txeN eht nepO"

husyk · 2004-12-14, 10:47

I just finished watching Lain yesterday. It was very interesting indeed, its very psychological, makes you think. Its not as confusing as Evangellion thats for sure. I don't fully understand what Lain is, but if I'm not mistaken. In the end, she has removed herself from everyone's memories in both the real world and the wired, and she ends up being a like a wandering entity that can coexist in both the real world and the wired.

Forbin · 2004-12-14, 14:01

Lain is a cross between Rizlemine and Ayu from Kanon...hope that helps

STfan · 2004-12-14, 14:12

Lain isn't for the intellectually wimpy. Not everyone who watches anime is smart. Hence the Lain bashing.

If you're the jock type, then don't go for this because you will merely get bored or annoyed.

However, if you're mature enough to not mind if the story isn't nicely and neatly explained to you on a silver platter (complete with stupid angst and cliched material), then you might give it a try.

2004-01-30, 05:27	Link #1
TheShadow Member Join Date: Dec 2003	Serial Experiments Lain Does anybody know if there is any difference between the already released Lain DVDs and the Lain Geneon signature series edition DVDs that are coming out? I had a look at Geneon's website, but that didn't make me any wiser. I recently placed an order for the Lain boxset from dvdpacific.com, but have yet to have my order fullfilled as it is on back order. The new release made me ponder if it actually had something new to it or if it is purely a marketing gimmic.

2004-01-30, 05:32	Link #2
StarCreator HnK founding lunatic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Maryland, USA Age: 41	No difference at all, as far as I know. In order to help people learn their new name, Geneon is slowly rereleasing some of their older series with a very low pricepoint. Content should be exactly the same. It is entirely possible the original printings are no longer produced, but if you can find the old discs, there shouldn't be a significant difference. __________________ * StarCreator * Hikari no Kiseki

2004-03-04, 11:13	Link #6
xxziggybitsxx Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: California Age: 37	i need help in lain... OKAY.... I need HELP I have no frickin clue what lain is about... I watch ALL the episodes, and the more i watch the more confused i got ......... SO if anyone have any "theorys", please do tell

2004-03-04, 11:17	Link #7
ElvenPath a step away from heaven Moderator Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: U.K. London	Moved the thread to DVD & Licensed and renamed it (was: i need help in lain...). __________________ I want a unicorn.

2004-03-04, 15:15	Link #9
Lina moo. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: USA Age: 37	I like Lain. Really makes you think. I was confused as well so I looked around on the net and basically there's many different theories floating around and most people will tell you however you interpret is the right way. However, I usually go by what the producers say in some of their interviews about it. Here's a nice site for ya. http://www.cjas.org/~leng/open.htm Includes the interviews and I agree with most of this guy's theories. Like... Spoiler: At the end, that is not really Lain's father who is having tea with her. It's just something she created from her thoughts to keep her sane.

2004-01-31, 04:52	Link #3
Fronzel Schmuck Join Date: Nov 2003	There's the unattractive "Signature " banner on the cover, though, no?

2004-02-01, 21:47	Link #4
kakumei ella Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: united states	i know in my store it's just a promotion for the company to make people aware of the name change. there's absolutely no difference, just the ugly banner and the 10$ discount. the same on tenchi in tokyo, trigun, and some other popular series' first discs. my guess is they're just putting out the first in a popular series, i'm not sure they'll follow up with the rest at the reduced price so your best bet is stick with the boxed set you've ordered.

2004-02-01, 23:02	Link #5
Tabiree FUNimation's Gen Fukunaga Join Date: Nov 2003	Kakumei: they're following through on all DVDs. Word of advice: buy your unaltered front covers NOW if that's what you want. Don't wait.

2004-03-04, 11:37	Link #8
Shinobu_Maehara eternal Shinobu lover Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Netherlands (EU) Age: 41	I have the same problem, and fell asleep after 3 eppy's then threw away the files. Lain is boring and the story it's LAME not Lain.... -_o I got most of the storyline explained by someone who watched everything. And it still doesn't make sense O.o

2004-03-04, 15:36	Link #10
OhJustSomeRandomGuy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Totally in Japan.	I hated Lain. First off, I thought it was boring, but not hate-worthy. Then I met with legions of people who kept telling how incredible it was. Stop fooling yourselves. It's not THAT good. If you don't see the whole thing coming from episode 1...and you enjoy trying to piece it all together, I can see enjoying this. However, if you're like me, and you don't like things being pounded into your head for 3+ hours...this isn't such a work of art anymore.

2004-03-04, 15:44	Link #11
7thMethuselah Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Antwerp area, Belgium, Europa Age: 48	the first time I watched Lain I didn't like it all that much because I didn't get it at all, but then i looked up some forums, read some theories and then watched the entire series in one session, stopping the dvd from time to time to make notes, and guess what I love it, it's full of references from one episode to another, and understanding it really helps if you know how it all will end. To me this is still a small masterpeice but it takes quite some effort to enjoy the show, It's not recommended for anyone who doesn't wanna put his brain mode on overdrive and being tired and drunk isn't also the best way to watch lain. About explanations , it's been at least half a year since I saw lain and i really forgot most of the (complicated) plot so sorry, i'm no real help.

2004-03-04, 16:05	Link #13
babbito2k annoying white bat Join Date: Jan 2004	I read one "analysis" of Lain stating that it was a rejection of Western culture. It went on to break down certain "symbols" (like Lain's bear suit) and so on. The analysis was a bit intimidating because the writer was unwilling to restrain his pan-Asian chauvinism; the whole piece sort of had a label on it which read "stop reading this you lousy gaijin." It is good to remember that shows like Lain do not necessarily connect all the dots. Evangelion was successfully vague and tried to be open-ended (before a massive outcry caused the movies to be made). This "formula" was imitated quite a few times over the next few years. If a series in itself fails to entertain then it is obviously lacking something for the person who is unamused.

2004-03-04, 16:49	Link #14
Lambda Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Age: 44	Two very important things to remember about Lain: 1) Lain is not just an anime. What you have with Lain is an anime, a PSX game, a short manga and some artwork. The idea being that these are all part of the same thing, components of some sort of "meta-media-thing" (which doesn't really have a general name because they're not commonly enough discussed to get into the English language). They're not really primarily designed to function alone. (It's nothing remotely like the Evangelion model.) 2) Plot in Lain is only locally important. If you look at these components which are part of the same thing, you'll notice immediately that the plotting in one will blatantly contradict another with no compunction. (For example, the second most important character in the anime, Arisu, doesn't exist in the game.) None of the goals that its creators were pursuing really has anything to do with conveying plot, the plotting is best seen as a narrative necessity to create a medium in which the important things can be done. If you want to get a better sense for what Lain is trying to do, try asking yourself what it "feels like".

2004-03-05, 14:19	Link #15
Lord_Rava Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2004	The way I see it for Lain, You will get the most out of it if you ty to interprit it your self with out going and hunting for all the answers on the net or where ever, They intentionly leave things like this for you to work out your self and come to your own conclution. Once you have your own conclution then discuss it with others. This way it becomes a great anime that keeps going after you have watched it. anyway, thats how I see it, you may disagree but then thats your choice. And if you dont like anime like that then you probably will hate Lain. (Did any of this make sense at all) - sorry been drinking

2004-03-05, 15:51	Link #16
Secca nya` Artist Join Date: Feb 2004	If you don't like thinking, how about trying a different aproach. ^^ This is a psychology type anime, so to be able to enjoy it, you need an undivided attention. So try this method. Watch it alone, turn off the lights, watch the episodes non stop if you have the endurance. Don't try to think when watching, instead just dive in and flow. You can dig up refference etc later after you finish watching, but the most importantly when watching Lain is to feel and experience the world of Lain. What kind of impression did you feel after watching Lain?

2004-08-23, 09:24	Link #17
ClancyDamon クラシーデマン Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: California Age: 37	Serial Experiements Lain = MindFk** Wow. Well, I've had my entire realm of sensiblities utterly destroyed by Lain. I don't think I've ever seen anything that sad, disturbing, scary, depressing, unnerving, relatable, tense, intelligent, emotionally scarring, or et al. Lain makes Eva look like a child's coloring book, and I love Eva. Ok, I need to regain some vistage of sanity. That will be hard after the Alien in the door in episode 9, which is the scariest thing I've ever seen (I've got this thing about aliens stemming from E.T. ...don't ask). What I want to know is if anyone can direct me to some good analytical sites concerning this anime. I've already found one called Serial Thoughts Lain (The URL escapes me at the moment) it's frickin' amazing how deeply it delves. Still, I need multiple perspectives. Or, better yet, maybe you guys have your own thoughts. I'd love to know what other people feel about Lain. I'm seriously stressed out by it all. I need to talk to someone! Everyone I know gave up after 3 episodes at most, citing they just couldn't take it. I thought they were crazy. Alright, I'm not crazy, I'm just interested in discovering more about the symbology and philosophy, and hopefully getting some things put into perspective and just simply discussed with someone. Thanks. "Close the World, txeN eht nepO"

2004-12-14, 10:47	Link #18
husyk Stupid Flanders! (Homer) Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Taxachussetts Age: 39	I just finished watching Lain yesterday. It was very interesting indeed, its very psychological, makes you think. Its not as confusing as Evangellion thats for sure. I don't fully understand what Lain is, but if I'm not mistaken. In the end, she has removed herself from everyone's memories in both the real world and the wired, and she ends up being a like a wandering entity that can coexist in both the real world and the wired.

2004-12-14, 14:01	Link #19
Forbin I'm a sucker for Harem Join Date: Aug 2004	Lain is a cross between Rizlemine and Ayu from Kanon...hope that helps

2004-12-14, 14:12	Link #20
STfan Homicidal Kitty. Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Arcueid's arms, getting my blood drained by the neck. Or at least I wish.	Lain isn't for the intellectually wimpy. Not everyone who watches anime is smart. Hence the Lain bashing. If you're the jock type, then don't go for this because you will merely get bored or annoyed. However, if you're mature enough to not mind if the story isn't nicely and neatly explained to you on a silver platter (complete with stupid angst and cliched material), then you might give it a try.