‘This and That’ Album Versions Compared: A Guide to Inclusions and Exclusives

Deciding which version of the ‘This and That’ album to add to your collection depends on what you value most: the tactile experience of a large photobook, the convenience of digital playback, or the thrill of collecting rare photocards. Music labels frequently release albums in multiple physical and digital formats to cater to different types of fans. By understanding the structural and content differences between these editions, you can make an informed purchase that fits both your budget and your storage space.

Quick Answer: Which 'This and That' Edition Fits Your Goals?

To choose the right edition of the ‘This and That’ album, you must weigh your desire for physical memorabilia against your practical collecting limits. The album is distributed in several distinct formats, each tailored to a specific type of collector.

• Choose the Standard Photobook Edition if you want the complete visual experience, large-format concept photos, and a substantial physical package that looks impressive on a display shelf.
• Choose the Compact or Digipack Edition if you want a physical CD and essential paper inclusions but have limited shelf space or a tighter budget.
• Choose the Platform or QR Edition if you only collect photocards, prefer digital music playback, and want to avoid storing bulky physical packaging.

Because exact inclusions, cover designs, and retail bonuses can vary by production run, always verify the current official store listings or distributor mock-ups before finalizing your order. Balancing the comprehensive physical sets against streamlined digital-focused versions will help you avoid buyer’s remorse.

Breakdown of Physical and Digital Inclusions

Evaluating the physical and digital components of each ‘This and That’ album version requires looking closely at what is housed inside the packaging. The most prominent difference lies in the photobook variations. Standard editions typically feature large-format books with high-quality paper stock, showcasing distinct visual themes (such as a daytime concept for one version and a nighttime concept for another). These photobooks serve as the visual centerpiece of the release, often dictating the overall aesthetic of the outer box.

In contrast, compact or digipack editions scale down these visual elements. The photobook in a compact version is usually integrated directly into the paper sleeve, featuring fewer pages and smaller dimensions. If you live in a highly humid environment, such as the tropical climate of the Philippines, storing these paper goods requires extra care. High humidity can cause thick, glossy photobook pages to warp or stick together over time, making smaller, more easily protected digipacks or plastic-sealed platform versions a practical alternative for some collectors.

Another critical factor is the audio medium itself. Standard and compact editions almost always include a physical CD, which appeals to traditional collectors who enjoy owning physical media. Platform or digital-only editions omit the CD entirely. Instead, they contain a small QR card or an NFC-enabled chip card. Scanning this card via a dedicated mobile application grants access to high-quality digital audio tracks, exclusive digital photos, and virtual lyric books.

Finally, you must compare the assortment of paper goods included in each version. Standard editions generally offer a wider variety of merchandise, such as folded posters, postcards, sticker sheets, and multiple random photocards selected from a large pool. Compact and platform versions streamline these goods, often limiting the inclusions to a single lyric sheet and one or two photocards. The physical packaging also differs structurally; standard versions use sturdy cardboard slipcases or box sets, while compact versions rely on lightweight paperboard folders that are more susceptible to corner dents during international transit.

Navigating Platform Exclusives and Pre-Order Benefits

Pre-order benefits (POBs) and retailer-specific exclusives add another layer of complexity to choosing your album version. During the initial release window, music labels partner with various global distributors and local authorized music retailers to offer exclusive incentives. These bonuses are designed to encourage early purchases and often feature unique merchandise that cannot be obtained once the general retail period begins.

Platform-exclusive items most commonly take the form of special photocards. A single version of the ‘This and That’ album might come with a completely different promotional photocard depending on whether you purchase it from an official label store, a major international distributor, or a local specialty boutique. These exclusive cards often feature different outfits, poses, or holographic finishes. Some retailers also offer unique packaging elements, such as custom slipcovers or acrylic keyrings, as additional incentives.

When navigating these offers, it is important to distinguish between guaranteed pre-order benefits and random inclusions. Guaranteed benefits, such as a first-press folded poster, are included with every copy of the album ordered during the pre-order timeframe. Random benefits, such as a single retailer-exclusive photocard from a set of several members, are distributed by chance.

If you are purchasing the ‘This and That’ album after its official release date, you must verify whether these limited-run items are still available. Retailers typically transition to standard pressings once their initial pre-order stock is depleted. To avoid disappointment, check the product description carefully for terms like “First Press” or “Pre-Order Benefit Included.” If the listing does not explicitly mention these bonuses, assume you will receive the standard retail version without the extra promotional items.

Aligning Your Collecting Priorities with the Right Version

Every collector approaches the hobby with different goals, and identifying your primary motivation will point you toward the most suitable version of the ‘This and That’ album.

Strategies for Bias-Focused Collectors

If your primary goal is to collect merchandise featuring your “bias” (your favorite individual member of a group), your strategy should focus on maximizing your photocard opportunities. Standard editions often have a larger pool of random photocards, which can make pulling your specific favorite member difficult. In this scenario, compact or digipack versions that feature member-specific cover art and matching internal inclusions are highly advantageous. Alternatively, platform versions are highly sought after by photocard collectors because their lower shipping weight makes it more affordable to purchase multiple copies, increasing your statistical chances of obtaining the cards you want.

Approaches for Aesthetic Collectors

For collectors who prioritize visual display, shelf presence, and concept completion, the standard photobook editions are the clear choice. These versions are designed to be displayed as art pieces. When planning your shelf display, consider the physical dimensions of the outer boxes, as standard editions can vary in height and depth. To preserve the pristine condition of these visual assets in warm, humid climates, many collectors use acid-free plastic sleeves for individual photocards and store their albums in closed cabinets alongside silica gel packs to absorb excess moisture.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you want to support the artist and enjoy the physical release without spending a premium, compact editions and platform versions offer excellent value. International shipping fees can significantly drive up the final cost in Philippine pesos (₱) for heavy box sets. Opting for a lightweight platform or QR version reduces these shipping costs dramatically while still providing the official digital music tracks and a few physical keepsakes. This approach allows you to participate in the release cycle without accumulating excess physical clutter or overstretching your budget.

How to Verify Official Contents Before Purchase

With numerous third-party sellers and secondary market listings online, verifying the authenticity and completeness of an album before spending your money is essential. The most reliable starting point is to cross-reference the official album details graphic released by the artist’s record label or authorized distributor. This graphic provides a visual checklist of every item included in each version, including dimensions, paper types, and the exact number of random items you should expect to find inside.

Community resources are also incredibly valuable for verification. Fan-run unboxing wikis, social media templates, and video unboxings provide real-world looks at the physical packaging. These resources can help you identify the exact texture of the photocards, the placement of holographic watermarks, and the specific layout of the packaging, making it much easier to spot counterfeit goods or incomplete sets.

When shopping on local online marketplaces or secondary trading platforms, watch out for common red flags in product descriptions. Be cautious of listings labeled “unsealed” or “no inclusions,” which usually means the seller has opened the album to extract the highly coveted photocards and pre-order benefits, leaving only the photobook and CD behind. Vague descriptions that do not specify the album version, or prices that are significantly lower than the standard retail average (typically around ₱800 to ₱1,500 depending on the edition and shipping fees), should be approached with caution. Always ask the seller for clear, close-up photos of the official holographic distribution sticker on the back of the album to confirm its authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do all versions of the album include a physical CD?

No, not all versions contain a physical CD. While standard photobook editions and compact digipacks typically include a disc, digital platform or QR versions omit the physical CD entirely. Instead, these digital-focused editions provide a card with a QR code or NFC chip that allows you to stream or download the tracks via a mobile application.

Is it possible to guarantee a specific member's photocard?

When purchasing a sealed standard album, it is generally impossible to guarantee a specific member’s photocard because they are inserted randomly during manufacturing. To secure a specific member, you can look for member-specific compact versions, purchase “unsealed” albums where the seller allows you to choose the card, or participate in local fan trading communities to swap duplicate cards.

Are pre-order benefits included if I buy after the release date?

Pre-order benefits are produced in limited quantities and are typically only guaranteed for orders placed before the official release date. While some retailers may have leftover “first press” stock that still contains these benefits shortly after the release, standard retail stock distributed later will not include them. Always check the product listing or contact the seller to confirm if the benefits are still available.