History Main / VanillaEdition

* The ''Classic [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES]] Series'' for UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance. Sure, they were the only way to play the oldies without an emulator back then, but at least "UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole" includes [[SaveScumming save states]]! These were direct emulations (fixing a BlindIdiotTranslation or two) of the original games, with a huge drop in resolution due to the GBA's tiny screen and no attempt to rectify it. Hit the hardest were ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'' and ''VideoGame/{{Metroid|1}}'', ''Super Mario Bros.'' already being available for UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor as the UpdatedRerelease ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe'' (which the Game Boy Advance was backwards-compatible with), and ''Metroid'' being available in the expanded VideoGameRemake ''VideoGame/MetroidZeroMission'', which even includes a port of the original game! And the asking price? $30-40 each.
* Similarly, the 10 UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem and Game Boy Advance games released for free as part of the "UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS Ambassador Program" to compensate the cost for people who bought the [=3DS=] before its first price drop were released without features standard to other UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole games, such as [[SaveScumming restore points]]. Ambassadors could update the NES games for free when they became available for purchase on the [=eShop=] to include restore points, but while playing the GBA games, the system cannot go into sleep mode or go to the home menu without closing the game, and the game doesn't pick up where you closed it. [[https://www.vooks.net/why-the-game-boy-advance-isnt-on-the-3ds-virtual-console/ This is because instead of being emulated via software, the system's smaller CPU is slowed down to GBA speed.]] For this reason, these were the only GBA games ever released on the [=3DS=], and later GBA games were made available on the UsefulNotes/WiiU Virtual Console, with restore points, the ability to suspend play, and even fully mappable controls.
* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' is notorious for this. First is the barest Japanese release, then the American release, which has a few more bits, and the European one, usually has a few more changes too. Then the ''[[LimitedSpecialCollectorsUltimateEdition Final Mix]]'' goes out in Japan, [[NoExportForYou and only in Japan]]. This one can be explained by Sony of America's policy on not rereleasing games for the same console unless there's a minimum percentage of new content (one wonders what low, spooky voodoo is used to determine that percentage). When the first two games got HD remasters on [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 PS3]], America finally got the final mix versions.

* Up unti the Yuuna-chan era, the [=DVDs=] of ''Series/InaiInaiBaa'' lacked any special features. For instance, the Fuuka-chan [=DVDs=] mainly only contain a narrated menu by Fuuka herself and a little section with character profiles, but that's it. However, one DVD from that era, ''Uta Uta Daisuki'', contained a featurette about Pakupaku-san. [=DVDs=] released after the Yuuna-chan era often contain plenty of bonus features, including dance alongs and exclusive segments.

* The original Young Ones [=DVDs=] were vanilla editions, with no bonus features and some footage cut. Later releases have documentaries and the missing footage restored.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Arthur}}'' has for the longest time seen nothing but these types of releases. The Sony Wonder [=DVDs=] (many of which were "souped-up" versions of Random House's videotapes) had no sorts of special features, unless you count the "Kid-Friendly Instant Play" (read: the DVD menu appears after the program is over) and the [[MontageEndsTheVHS closing promos and funding credits]]. While Funimation's "Our Time" issues and the later [=WGBH=]/Creator/{{PBS}} self-releases have a little more content (more trailers and "activities") they're still quite barebones. This is especially infuriating because, with the exceptions of seasons 7 (released under the name "Sleepovers, Sports and More"), 10, 11 and 22 (under the name "Arthur Celebrates Community") in the USA and Canada, as well as seasons 1, 2 and 3 in the United Kingdom, ''Arthur'' ''still'' hasn't received proper season releases, despite having been on the air since 1996.

* Unlike most ''WesternAnimation/VeggieTales'' releases, the [=DVDs=] for ''Series/TheVeggieTalesShow'', ''Fruit Of The Spirit Stories'', only contain three episodes and no bonus features.

[[caption-width-right:350:Wow, you couldn't even give us a menu with Creator/HarrisonFord?[[note]]It should be noted that this, along with ''Film/{{Twister}}'', was one of ''the first'' [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny DVD releases ever]]. [[TechnologyMarchesOn "Cast" and the Warner Bros. logo are the only special features]].[[/note]]]]

* Creator/AdultSwim [=DVDs=] have no bonus features in the UK, with the odd exception of ''WesternAnimation/LucyTheDaughterOfTheDevil''.

** The [=SpongeBob=] [=DVDs=] after season 9 have been very light on bonus features. Season 10 has no bonus features and half the episodes of a regular season. The Season 11 DVD only has one special feature, being a less than two-minute animated short that you can also watch online for free. The season 12 DVD also has only one special feature: a clip show called ''Patchy's Beach Bash!'' There are also English, Spanish, and French audio options, in addition to incredibly bland-looking menus.

* All of Fox's DVD-R releases of their animated shows, such as ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'', ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers'' and ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow''.

** The Blu-ray boxset ''The Collected Works of Creator/HayaoMiyazaki'' compiled the first 11 movies that Miyazaki directed, but didn't carry over any extras from their individual Blu-ray releases. [[{{Subverted}} To compensate]], there is an included [[{{Feelies}} book]] that has rare interviews, documents, and a complete filmography. There is also an exclusive bonus disc including some of Hayao Miyazaki's earlier works and the full version of his [[TenMinuteRetirement retirement]] press conference from 2013.

** The Blu-ray boxset ''The Collected Works of Creator/HayaoMiyazaki'' compiled the first 11 movies that Miyazaki directed, but didn't carry over any extras from their individual Blu-ray releases. [[Subverted To compensate]], there is an included [[{{Feelies}} book]] that has rare interviews, documents, and a complete filmography. There is also an exclusive bonus disc including some of Hayao Miyazaki's earlier works and the full version of his [[TenMinuteRetirement retirement]] press conference from 2013.

** The Blu-ray boxset ''The Collected Works of Creator/HayaoMiyazaki'' compiled the first 11 movies that Miyazaki directed, but didn't carry over any extras from their individual Blu-ray releases.

** As seen on [[http://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/features/best_collection_get_review.html this fan site]], some episodes of the ''Diamond & Pearl'' series were released on DVD in Japan under a line called "Get Pokémon". What makes this line of [=DVDs=] bare-bones is that they lack menus [[note]] Although there are chapter stops, they're only accessible by using a DVD remote [[/note]], the opening theme, ending theme, and the next episode preview. Not to mention that each disc contains only '''one episode'''.

* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'':

*** Played straight with most of their other unique releases, though. Madman's releases of stuff Warner released in the US generally retain their special features, but released that Madman did on their own tend to be barebones. They've released all eight seasons of ''WesternAnimation/RegularShow'', but forgot a season 4 episode and don't include any new extras for later seasons. All 4 seasons of ''WesternAnimation/WeBareBears'' were released by them in vanilla DVD form, with no extras. ''WesternAnimation/SymBionicTitan'' managed to get a release of its entire run, even after the show was written off, but still without extras. Partial releases exist for other shows - ''WesternAnimation/CampLazlo'', ''WesternAnimation/TheLifeAndTimesOfJuniperLee'', ''WesternAnimation/ClassOf3000'', ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirls2016'', and ''WesternAnimation/OKKOLetsBeHeroes'' all only received a single season release, with ''WesternAnimation/MyGymPartnersAMonkey'' receiving one split over two volumes. ''WesternAnimation/CowAndChicken'' got two seasons, with its spinoff show ''WesternAnimation/IAmWeasel'' getting an additional release of all shorts produced for its standalone show. ''WesternAnimation/CraigOfTheCreek'' and ''WesternAnimation/SummerCampIsland'' each got a box set for their first three seasons. Every single one of these releases is vanilla and contains no special features - though many of these shows never got a release anywhere else, so this is the only option available.

** All of the television series releases exclusive to the Disney Movie Club are these. Some received wider retail releases, but others, such as ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible'', ''WesternAnimation/TheWeekenders'' and ''WesternAnimation/TangledTheSeries''. remain exclusive to the club. Still, considering Disney is notorious for never releasing [=DVDs=] of much of their animated series, something is better than nothing in this case.

** A lot of the old WesternAnimation/DisneyAfternoon shows (''WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987'', ''WesternAnimation/ChipNDaleRescueRangers'', ''WesternAnimation/TaleSpin'') got released on DVD with zero bonus features whatsoever. The Polish/Czech/Slovakian/Russian/Ukrainian/Romanian/Slovenian/Middle Eastern release of the first DVD volume of ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987'' is even worse. It doesn't contain the original English language track, only the dub.

** All of the television series [=DVDs=] exclusive to the Disney Movie Club (with many of them later receiving general retail releases) are these, such as ''WesternAnimation/KimPossible'' and ''WesternAnimation/TheWeekenders''. Still, considering Disney is notorious for never releasing [=DVDs=] of much of their animated series, something is better than nothing in this case.
* Surprisingly, for a show otherwise known for its excellent box-sets, Season 20 of ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' was released in this form. The only special feature was a preview for the 20th Anniversary special, which aired two days before the release of the DVD. It was also [[NoExportForYou never released in the UK]]. However, it might get a release with more bonus features and in the UK now that all of the first nineteen seasons have been released.
** Season 19's DVD is also lacking in bonus features (aside from the usual creator introduction and "Special Language Feature"), but [[https://youtu.be/whRtVM7umNw the trippy menus]] ''really'' make up for it.

** Additionally, some budget labels will release only "public domain" episodes (episodes that have fallen into the public domain) of a popular series, where other companies have released full box season sets with complete features. Examples include ''Series/{{Bonanza}}'' and ''Series/TheBeverlyHillbillies'', who have complete season box sets issued by Creator/{{CBS}}[=/=]Creator/{{Paramount}}), but because they have several episodes each that have fallen into the public domain, also have episodes issued on budget-priced compilations and, as such, have generic music replacing the original score (due to copyright laws), variable video quality (often on 16-mm prints) and no "bonus" features. Like Creator/TimeLifeMusic's budget-priced box sets, these [=DVDs=] are often sold at discount/convenience stores or other impulse-purchase shelves, at prices far lower than a full box set.

*** Played straight with most of their other unique releases, though. Madman's releases of stuff Warner released in the US generally retain their special features, but released that Madman did on their own tend to be barebones. They've released all eight seasons of ''WesternAnimation/RegularShow'', but forgot a season 4 episode and don't include any new extras for later seasons. All 4 seasons of ''WesternAnimation/WeBareBears'' were released by them in vanilla DVD form, with no extras. Partial releases exist for other shows - ''WesternAnimation/CampLazlo'', ''WesternAnimation/TheLifeAndTimesOfJuniperLee'', ''WesternAnimation/ClassOf3000'', ''WesternAnimation/ThePowerpuffGirls2016'', and ''WesternAnimation/OKKOLetsBeHeroes'' all only received a single season release, with ''WesternAnimation/MyGymPartnersAMonkey'' receiving one split over two volumes. ''WesternAnimation/CowAndChicken'' got two seasons, with its spinoff show ''WesternAnimation/IAmWeasel'' getting an additional release of all shorts produced for its standalone show. ''WesternAnimation/CraigOfTheCreek'' and ''WesternAnimation/SummerCampIsland'' each got a box set for their first three seasons. Every single one of these releases is vanilla and contains no special features - though many of these shows never got a release anywhere else, so this is the only option available.