Streaming service Crunchyroll has released its physical release schedule for Q1 of 2024. Anime fans are in for a treat, as they will now be able to enjoy their favorite series on Blu-ray and DVD with physical releases for A Couple of Cuckoos, Blue Lock, My Hero Academia, and many more
What IS Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is an American distributor, publisher, and licensing company specializing in streaming anime, manga, and J-drama. It was founded in 2006 by a group of University of California, Berkeley graduates. In December 2020, Sony’s Funimation Global Group acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T for approximately $1.175 billion. This acquisition brought together two major players in the anime streaming industry.
RELATED: Crunchyroll Winter 2024 Anime Schedule Revealed
Crunchyroll offers a subscription-based streaming service that allows users to watch a vast library of anime titles, manga, and Asian dramas. It provides both simulcasted content (new episodes available shortly after their Japanese broadcast) and a growing catalog of classic and popular titles.
In addition to subtitling other companies’ content, Crunchyroll has started producing its original anime content, contributing to the industry by funding and collaborating on the production of exclusive titles. This has expanded Crunchyroll’s influence beyond being just a streaming platform.
The Crunchyroll app is available on nearly 15 platforms, including gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStations 4 and 5. It’s also available via streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku TV, and Amazon Fire.
RELATED: SOLO LEVELING – Highly-Anticipated Series Set to Premiere Early 2024 on Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.
What’s Coming Up?
A quick caveat before we look at the releases – these are the known dates for release in the UK. Releases for the USA and elsewhere in the English-speaking world may vary. Crunchyroll has a global audience and provides its services in various regions, making anime accessible to fans worldwide. However, the availability of specific content may vary depending on the user’s location due to licensing agreements.
JANUARY
- A Couple of Cuckoos – Season 1 Part 2 Blu-ray disc – 8th
- Blue Lock Part 1 DVD & Blu-ray disc – 15th
- My Hero Academia Season 6 Part 1 DVD & Blu-ray disc – 15th
- I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss – The Complete Season Blu-ray disc – 15th
FEBRUARY
- By the Grace of the Gods – Season 2 Blu-ray disc – 19th
- Ningen Fushin: Adventurers Who Don’t Believe in Humanity Will Save the World – The Complete Season Blu-ray disc – 26th
MARCH
- Handyman Saitou in Another World – The Complete Season Blu-ray disc – 4th
- Revenger – The Complete Season Blu-ray disc – 4th
- Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army – The Complete Season (Sub Only) Blu-ray disc – 11th
- One Piece: Collection 33 DVD – 11th
- Spy x Family Part 2 DVD & Blu-ray disc – 11th
- Spy x Family Part 2 Limited Edition DVD & Blu-ray disc – 11th
Do People Still Buy Physical Media?
This has been a big discussion of late, after the withdrawal of certain franchises from streaming services. Many fans find themselves returning to physical media as a way of making sure they always have their favorites to hand, just in case platforms change or shows disappear entirely. By making some of its biggest properties available on DVD and Blu-Ray, Crunchyroll is ensuring its fanbase has a secure way of accessing its favorites, which makes it a winner in my eyes.
Will you be picking up any of these releases from Crunchyroll? If so, which ones? And if not, what shows are you waiting on to get a physical release? Be sure to let us know either in the comments or on our social media.
SOURCE: Crunchyroll
KEEP READING: THE BOY AND THE HERON English vs. Japanese Dub Comparison of This Animated Masterpiece
