The Amazon.co.jp-exclusive edition of the first Girls und Panzer fan disc, distinguished by an exclusive illustrated SteelBook created for the release.
Release Date
25 September 2013
Format
2 × Blu-ray + CD
Region
Japan
Publisher
Bandai Visual
Catalogue Number
BCXE-0779
Edition
Amazon.co.jp Exclusive SteelBook Edition
Significance
Retailer-exclusive version featuring a SteelBook with original artwork by Girls und Panzer character designer and chief animation director Isao Sugimo
Summary
Girls und Panzer: Heartful Tank Disc is a substantial fan-oriented release produced following the original television series. Its centrepiece is the Heartful Tank Carnival, a live event held at Differ Ariake in Tokyo on 28 April 2013 featuring members of the anime’s voice cast, opening-theme performer ChouCho and the Oarai High School marching band.
The two Blu-ray discs contain approximately 255 minutes of material, combining the live event with extensive supplementary features. These include production material, cast visits to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Fuji School, Yukari Akiyama’s tank commentary segments, picture dramas and other material documenting the production and early fan culture surrounding the series.
A separate bonus CD contains a newly recorded version of “Yuki no Shingun” (雪の進軍), performed by Ikumi Nakagami as Yukari Akiyama and Satomi Moriya as Erwin.
Release & Version Details
This example is the Amazon.co.jp-exclusive edition. While the underlying BCXE-0779 Blu-ray release was also available through ordinary Japanese retail channels, Amazon’s version included an exclusive SteelBook featuring newly commissioned artwork by Isao Sugimoto (杉本功).
The SteelBook artwork depicts the Ōarai team members with their Panzer IV following the championship battle. It was supplied in addition to the standard Blu-ray packaging rather than replacing it, making the complete Amazon configuration a multi-part release.
The photographed example retains the SteelBook, original Blu-ray case, both Blu-ray discs, “Yuki no Shingun” bonus CD and printed inserts.
Why It’s Significant
The release documents an important transitional period in Girls und Panzer history. The television series had recently concluded, while the Heartful Tank Carnival event itself became the venue at which production of the Girls und Panzer theatrical film was announced.
The Amazon SteelBook further preserves an example of the retailer-exclusive physical-media strategy common in Japan during this period, where individual shops commissioned unique artwork or physical bonuses for otherwise identical releases.
Its Isao Sugimoto artwork is particularly relevant to the production history of the franchise, connecting the retailer bonus directly with one of the anime’s principal visual creators.
Preservation Notes
A complete Amazon edition should not be confused with the standard BCXE-0779 release, as BCXE-0779 itself does not identify the Amazon-exclusive configuration. The principal distinguishing component is the separate illustrated SteelBook.
When documenting surviving examples, the SteelBook, standard Blu-ray packaging, two Blu-ray discs, bonus CD and original printed material should therefore be recorded individually. SteelBook surfaces are also susceptible to scratching, edge wear and small dents and are best stored away from direct contact with other metal cases.
Trivia & Interesting Facts
- The Heartful Tank Carnival was held on 28 April 2013 at Differ Ariake.
- The event included members of the principal voice cast, ChouCho and Oarai High School’s BLUE-HAWKS marching band.
- Production of the Girls und Panzer theatrical film was announced at the event documented on the disc.
- The supplementary material includes footage produced with the cooperation of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
- The Amazon-exclusive SteelBook uses newly drawn artwork by Isao Sugimoto, rather than simply reproducing the standard Blu-ray cover.
- A second Heartful Tank Disc followed in 2017, itself receiving another Amazon-exclusive SteelBook edition.
About the Snows Mini Preservation Project
This item has been documented as part of the Snows Mini Preservation Project, an ongoing effort to preserve and catalogue physical media. Our aim is to record releases, variations and their historical significance for collectors and future enthusiasts. Most items featured in the project form part of our archive and may not be for sale.
Photos
Girls und Panzer – Heartful Tank Disc | Amazon.co.jp Exclusive SteelBook | 2 Blu-ray + CD | Japan Import
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Introduction:
Girls und Panzer – Heartful Tank Disc is a Japanese Blu-ray release featuring additional material from the Girls und Panzer anime. This Amazon.co.jp exclusive edition is particularly attractive for collectors, pairing the standard release with an illustrated exclusive SteelBook featuring the Ōarai girls and their Panzer IV.
Platform:
2 Blu-ray Discs + CD
Publisher:
Bandai Visual
Region:
Japan
Language:
Japanese.
Contents:
2 Blu-ray discs, bonus CD, original Blu-ray case and printed inserts, together with the Amazon.co.jp exclusive illustrated SteelBook. Catalogue number: BCXE-0779.
Collectibility notes:
Amazon.co.jp exclusive Japanese edition distinguished by its full-size illustrated SteelBook, which was not part of the standard retail edition. A particularly presentable Girls und Panzer release combining the original multi-disc package with an exclusive display piece.
Condition:
Pristine. Collector quality, exceptionally well-preserved with little to no visible wear. The SteelBook is especially clean and highly presentable. Very light shelf or storage wear may be present. Consistent with its age and may show some shelving or storage wear.
New. Blu-ray is brand new sealed. The steelbook is unused.
Disclaimer: This item has not been tested and is sold as a collectible. Please message us before ordering if you have any questions.
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