This standard edition package is one of the earlier DVD releases for the box office smash Always: Sunset on Third Street 2, to which promises to have umpteen number of releases on the format in the months to come in the form of box sets and special packages. Despite this being, far and away, the cheapest of the DVD releases for the movie in Japan, the quality here is actually pretty spectacular. From a good video and audio presentation, complete with English subtitles, the disc is also complimented with a decent array of extras, which is surprising given it's a "standard edition".

This DVD features a pretty solid video presentation. There is a slight yellow tint to the whole proceeding, but the colors otherwise look good and distinct. As expected, given how recently the movie was out in theaters, the source used for the transfer looks flawless with no signs of print damage or other inconsistencies. The movie also looks sharp with a good amount of detail present, which is further impressive given all of the audio tracks that VAP packed onto the disc.

The movie is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, or Toho Scope as proudly stated in the intro, and is Anamorphic for widescreen TVs.

This disc contains a pretty outstanding audio offering for the movie. Not only are there three audio tracks available, one of which is a 2.0 stereo, there are two separate options for a 5.1 surround presentation, one of which is a very nice DTS version. All three audio tracks are stellar in terms of quality, with the DTS one having especially great channel distinction which really brings sequences like Godzilla's rampage at the start of the movie to life.

Of special note to importers, the audio track is accompanied by, removable, English or Japanese subtitles. It should be noted that, other than scarcity of periods in the translations, the English subtitles are really quite nice and without any overt errors.

Given that this is a "standard edition" there is actually a surprising amount of supplemental content available. Leading the pack in this respect is an audio commentary with director Takashi Yamazaki, who dispenses some nice insight into the production. As expected, this feature is in Japanese with, sadly, no English subtitles. Next up is a nice collection of adverts, with over ten in total across both theatrical and TV spots. Finally there is also a generous supply of staff and cast profiles, all text only (Japanese) with a single image attached to most.

Bottom line, if anyone is looking to view the movie and doesn't mind the lack of extras compared with subsequent releases, this is a pretty commendable package. Like all region 2 releases in Japan, it's still more expensive than what many consumers are used to, as it will range from $35-40, but is still substantially cheaper than the other offerings.