Site Discussion

Youtube is an excellent way to get started in this fandom, absolutely! You're not gonna spend 100 bucks on a DVD when you don't know what you're getting. But once you've bought one DVD, you'll know what you're getting so you don't really have a reason to upload and/or watch stuff on youtube. There's just been such a surge recently of FULL shows, which is what Hankyuu seems to have gotten wind of, and ofc they had to take action. What I mean is, there's a difference between getting free publicity through a few short fan videos, and people uploading full shows that thousands of anonymous fans can watch. How many of those do you think actually goes out and buys the DVD? Bet ya most people just say they will, but never do. Like caithion says, the company puts up several clips from current and upcoming shows on their website, so if you're curious about a show and want a sneakpeak before you buy it you can look at it there. ^^

And also, if you're curious about a show, and want to 'make an informed buy' you could always go on the Takarazuka LJ Community and ask for a review or opinions, people will be happy to help you! :)

All right, all right, you're right in the subjet that they have to make their best with their inversion, and I have notice that the costume and the production is not cheap at all...etc, copy right stuff..etc, etc...what I mean to say (and excuse me if I did not explain myself in a propper way) is that I personally didn't get any other information about the shows than the one posted here and in Youtube, and it was in that way how I decided what shows I want to buy...(and for all unconcern, I buy some and I'm going to buy some more when I can)
That's important for someone like me that doesn't speak japanes, in youtube I found a verry interesting and kind guide to find out and compare about the differents shows...
So...it was just...my opinion...nothing more that my opinion....don't get angry...it wasn't my intention to offend anybody....

> I was talking with a couple of friends of mine and my opinion is that all those clips were free publicity, then you can know something about the shows and you can decide if you buy this or that one. (we must be realist the dvd are not exactly cheap)so if we can make an informed buy, it couldn't be that bad. I know they own all copyright stuff, and is Ok...but I got notice that some fanvid were erased too.

But the company puts up multiple videos related to most shows, and at least one for each show released commercially on DVD. Just because they're not on YouTube doesn't mean they don't exist. I think the company has every right to release their media in a way that they can control.

> ...but I got notice that some fanvid were erased too.

fanvids that were under accounts who had more than 3 Takarazuka videos that have been removed due to copyrights, then the account is removed all together, fan vids included.
for example the "OSASA Girlfriend" fan vid, the uploader's account was deleted so was that vid.

as for the DVDs well nobody said that Takarazuka isn't an expensive hobby, but it is only fair, a DVD costs as much as an SS ticket on the Theater.
Also because of those expensive DVDs we are able to enjoy high quality shows, where millions of Euros are spend on costumes and stage and that incredible orchestra.
A sparkling Tuxedo for a revue for a TopStar goes up to 15.000 euros and more.
When I saw pictures of Asako as Elisabeth in this years Toho production, her dress looked cheap as her jewels and her wig is really really bad. I wont talk about the Touto's costumes
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs298.snc4/41215_419376397478_523392478_4869836_8360964_n.jpg
here you can see what I mean in this picture

what I'm trying to say is that the money we the fans put into Takarazuka are well spent.

as for the publicity, when I started searching for Takarazuka in you tube while back, I couldn't find a thing, I was infatuated enough by the pictures and information from takawiki and I'm sure I would have bought as much as now even if you tube didn't exist.

I hope that didn't came out rude and if it did, It wasn't my intention

I was talking with a couple of friends of mine and my opinion is that all those clips were free publicity, then you can know something about the shows and you can decide if you buy this or that one. (we must be realist the dvd are not exactly cheap)so if we can make an informed buy, it couldn't be that bad. I know they own all copyright stuff, and is Ok...but I got notice that some fanvid were erased too.

It's their right as copyright owners. And honestly? With how things had developed I have been not only waiting but praying for it to happen.

I can still share videos privately with close friends just like I would at home in front of the computer if they lived close enough. What it affects is the uncontrolled unauthorized public distribution of clips and, more importantly, entire shows.

What actually concerns me is what this new action might mean for the images on the TakaWiki and TakaWiki in general.

Hankyu reported probably 宝塚歌劇団 words on YouTube, and every vid with these words on titles or/and info is being removed. You tube uses a computer that searches for these words and removes everything and gives strikes to the accounts with the vids. An Account with more than 3 strikes is being deleted, that's why You Tube is nearly empty of Zuka vids as we speak.

On the other hand, When I first found this page (takawiki) the first thing I read was how fans SHOULDN'T rip&share the DVDs. As of recently though I have found a lot of sites (of western fans) offering subbed versions of the musicals, and I know fans who have never bought any DVD and have only rip offs. Probably Hankyu caught up on that action too, and started with the easiest thing (YouTube)
I can't blame Hankyu for protecting their copyrights even if it is nearly impossible to buy stuff outside of Japan.

> I think there should be positive, civil, constructive and intelligent discussion on this subject that affects so many fans. I'm very surprised I have yet to see any discussion on the Takarazuka blogs with the exception of a few comments on Live Journal. Am I missing something here?