Anime News Network's Holiday 2017 Gift Guide

Blu-Ray & DVD

Anime itself is a highly personal gift, and it's tough to know exactly what a fan might actually want. Some tips up front if you're buying anime for someone:

1. Ask them what shows they like first and narrow it down. Don't ask what they're watching right this moment – for otaku that's going to be of-the-moment fall season shows, and you need to know what's already out on disc that they might want. For giftgiving purposes, if you can find out what they already have, do that.
2. Make sure they collect physical media, or that having a physical copy of the show they love would mean something to them. Things have changed a lot with the way people interact with and enshrine their favorite shows.
3. Make sure you know their preferred format (DVD or Blu-ray).
4. You can't go wrong with gift certificates, but anime is a very personal gift, and paying attention to your friend or relative's anime preferences and selecting the exact right box set is going to make you a Christmas hero in their eyes.

With that in mind, below is a swath of the collectible editions and box sets for a variety of genres in hopes to appeal to both the nostalgia factor or some of the best new releases. Prices on all of this will fluctuate a lot (especially during Black Friday week) so expect some jumps and decreases here and there. The listed retail price is always MSRP, but please shop around – a lot of this stuff can be found for 40% or more off that price.

Pokemon Indigo League Season 1 (Blu-Ray)

Ash Ketchum hit a major milestone earlier this month as the Pokemon anime sailed through its 1,000th episode. It seems like only yesterday the aspiring Pokemon master, Brock, Misty, and Pikachu were traveling together to take on the Elite 4. If your friend is a die-hard fan from the beginning, this set will take them back to where it all began. This edition contains the first 52 episodes as they aired on American TV, so that's dubbed in English only with the television edits. It includes a Pokemon manga sampler and recipe card from The Pokemon Cookbook Easy And Fun Recipes book.

Retail Price: US:$69.99
Publisher: Viz
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Tokyo Ghoul - The Complete Season One - Collector's Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)

Tokyo lives in fear of creatures called Ghouls. By day, they live as ordinary humans, but by night, they become flesh-eating monsters. When an young man becomes the first Ghoul-human half breed, he must learn to harness his deadly, newfound powers.

Retail Price: US:$74.99
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: Funimation

When They Cry Complete Series (Blu-Ray)

Finally the horrors of Hinamizawa are collected into one definitive edition. Fans of the franchise will be familiar, but When They Cry was left in limbo for a long time after only the first season was released stateside. Now Sentai Filmworks has released a complete version, bundling the first season, Kai, and the Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei OVA episodes so fans can finally get the whole story behind the murderous lolis and the curse that lingers in the same town. The 55 episodes also includes the original dub from Funimation's first season release, however the rest is subtitle only.

Retail Price: US: $129.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Mob Psycho 100 Limited Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD combo)

Fans of One-Punch Man, dry comedy, and exquisitely animated action sequences are going to want to snatch this one up. Presented in dual-languages, Mob Psycho 100's limited edition includes animated shorts and 300 minutes of Reigan weasling his way out of admitting his psychic powers are a sham. Easily one of last year's top series (and one of my personal top 5) Mob Psycho 100 is a great choice for comedy and action fans and it doesn't hurt that BONES put its blood, sweat, and tears into this show to make it so visually stunning.

Retail Price: US: $84.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt December Sky & Bandit Flower (Import Blu-ray)

There are a number of great Gundam releases coming out just in time for the holidays. Modern fans and newcomers to the franchise will want to check out Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt December Sky and its sequel Bandit Flower, the two film compilation versions of the new anime. Unlike a lot the straight-to-online anime, these aren't rudimentary Flash-animated shorts, but lush mecha dramas with killer jazz soundtracks. You can check out this promotional video to get a teaser of what you're in for. Both of these releases are Japanese imports which means they come with all the bells and whistles. The newer Bandit Flower film comes with an illustrated box, and 80-minute bonus disc, production materials, and a bonus booklet.

Retail Price: US: $89.99 (each)
Publisher: Bandai Visual
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Collector's Ultra Edition (Blu-ray)

For the Toonami era Gundam fan, Sunrise has a giant box set waiting to make its way into your heart and home. This edition packs all of the Gundam Wing necessities: the full series, Endless Waltz OVA and film, and Operation Meteor OVA with physical and digital bonuses. Buyers get five large art cards, five small art cards, three posters, five-piece metal pin set, and a 188 page hardbound art book full of production materials. Digital extras includes the New Mobile Report Gundam Wing: Frozen Teardrop picture drama and cast interviews. There's a whole generation who remembers picking out the best Gundam Wing boy (Trowa, if you weren't sure) that would love adding this box to their collection.

Retail Price: US: $269.99
Publisher: Sunrise
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Sailor Moon Crystal Set 3 Limited Edition (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

The Sailor Guardians are back for a third season of Sailor Moon Crystal, this time with a new director and new character designs in hopes of fixing fan complaints that plagued the first two seasons. Chiaki Kon helmed the Death Busters arc which introduces fan-favorite couple Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune and proto moe goth girl Hotaru to a new generation of fans and magical girl aficionados. The Limited Edition also bundles a premium chipboard box, booklet, art cards, and for lucky pre-orders, a suncatcher of Sailor Moon.

Retail Price: US: $79.99
Publisher: Viz
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Revolutionary Girl Utena 20th Anniversary Ultra Edition (Blu-ray)

Kunihiko Ikuhara's revolutionary story of a girl who dreams of being a prince and a student council beset on changing the world is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its first stateside Blu-ray release. The set includes the entire series and film and a ton of bonus extras for fans who are still analyzing Miki's stop watch. Japanese staff commentary for the final episode and the film, a 264 page limited edition art book, and a chance to chant your way through the dueling themes thanks to karaoke extras are an enticing enough reason to pick this up. If you haven't seen Revolutionary Girl Utena, this is the best way to get started.

Retail Price: US: $224.99
Publisher: Nozomi
Shopping Link: RightStuf

The Squid Girl Premium Edition Box Set (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

Fans of this slapstick comedy featuring a literal squid girl bent on world domination have been SOL for awhile as the license hung in limbo. There was never a chance to pick up the second season until now and Sentai Filmworks in capitalizing on that by giving the series a deluxe treatment full of bonus extras. This edition gets both seasons together plus the three-episode OVA. Even more impressive is all the physical goodies: a hard-back art book, art cards, keychain, lenticular card, authenticity card, button pack, CCA donation card, and CCA donations. All the inky goods are here to whet your comedy appetite after a long wait.

Retail Price: US: $199.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

The Boy and the Beast (BD/DVD Combo + UV)

When a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he's taken in by a rough-around-the-edges warrior beast that's been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their bickering, the two slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son. But when deep darkness threatens their worlds, the bond they share will be put to the ultimate test.

Retail Price: US:$14.99
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: Funimation

Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto Premium Edition Box Set (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

Last year's requisite problem solver and perfect human Sakamoto won over audiences with his absurd and creative wit. In the series he both fences an aggressive bee and convinces his friend's mom he lives in her TV, among other ridiculous exploits. Sakamoto is a great entry comedy for non-anime fans you want to introduce to the medium or a series to put on while having friends over. After taking in a few episodes, you can impress them with your Sakamoto-approved socks, share tips from the Sakamoto Survival Guide, tune out with the 47-song soundtrack, and share your bundled Sakamoto art cards.

Retail Price: US: $169.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Haikyu!! Season 1 Complete Collection Premium Edition Box Set (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

Put on your athletic shorts, it's finally time. Haikyu!! is available on home video and it's going to get your shonen sport show juices pumping. Shoyo Hinata wants nothing more than to be a volleyball ace despite his short stature and absolutely zero experience being on a team. When he gets into Karasuno high school, the home turf of volleyball idol, he finds the team is in disarray and no longer at the level of their former glory. Sports fans will want to follow Hinata's and his teammate's journey to turn the team from the concrete into soaring crows once again. Sentai Filmwork's release also includes a chipboard box, a hardcover booklet, art cards, character trading cards, a Karasuno token, and a set of 9 bird pens.

Retail Price: US: $199.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Speed Racer Collector's Edition (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

This classic series comes in a decorative (and some might say humorous) GIANT SPEED RACER HEAD. Eyebrows furrowed and mouth agape, Speed looks like he's in the midst of shouting, "MACH 5, GO!" before zooming down a track built on top of treacherous terrain, unaware that his brother and sidekick monkey are hiding out in the trunk. Put this guy on your shelf as a talking point or for posterity to prove where your anime obsession began. Purists can also rejoice, this set includes all 52 episodes both subtitled and dubbed and Mach Go Go Go: Restart subtitled for a total of 86 episodes.

Retail Price: US: $299.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Your Name Limited Edition (Blu-ray/DVD combo)

Makoto Shinkai's runaway hit about a romance that blossoms between two kids who end up swapping bodies is even getting a Hollywood adaptation. Part of the story's success is it's mainstream appeal, making this film a perfect gift for fans and newbies alike. This limited edition includes extras that theatergoers didn't get to see, including an interview with the creator and details about his filmography. The excellent soundtrack by band RADWIMPs is also included along with an artbook.

Retail Price: US: $84.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Noein - Complete Series Limited Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD Combo)

When summer break begins, Haruka is only thinking of hanging out with her friends—until one fateful night she learns that she's the keystone in an inter-dimensional battle for not only the Earth's future, but the very survival of all existence across the multiverse.

Retail Price: US:$44.99
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: Funimation

Samurai Jack Box Set (Blu-ray)

Genndy Tartakovsky's Emmy-award winning Samurai Jack appealed across the board to fans of Japanese culture and grown-up cartoon fans alike. This edition includes the original four seasons and the newest fifth season so buyers get the whole story all in one go. Marathon the whole thing, no one is stopping you.

Retail Price: US: $112.99
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Ranma 1/2 OVA And Movie Collection Limited Edition (Blu-ray)

If 150 episodes is a bit too much Ranma but you still want to relive all the transforming martial arts hijinks, the OVA and movie collection will be more of your bag. This collection puts together some of Ranma, Akane, and the rest of the crew's best adventures (and musical numbers). Ranma ½: Big Trouble in Nekonron, China sees the lecherous Happosai as the cause for the gang's recent woes and Ranma ½: Nihao My Concubine takes the stranded on a desert island plot in another direction when the female cast keeps disappearing. The set in total includes 11 OVA episodes and three films all together.

Retail Price: US: $54.97
Publisher: Viz
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Food Wars! Premium Box Set (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

The sexiest cooking anime since ever, Food Wars! serves up equal parts shōnen battles and exaggerated comedy. Our hero is sure he can make his way to the top of the food chain when he enrolls in a cooking-focused school where disagreements are settled by judged cook-offs. The anime is in the midst of its third season but it's never too late to get absorbed into the world of Food Wars. Fans who have already seen it will want to pick up this limited edition for its A-plus bonuses, including a replica of the almost always nude Satoshi Isshiki's apron.

Retail Price: US: $199.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time - Hosoda Collection - Collector's Edition (BD/DVD Combo + UV )

After discovering she can leap through time, high school student Makoto Konno does what any teenager would do. She re-takes tests, fixes embarrassing situations, and sleeps in as late as she wants, never thinking that her time travelling could have a negative effect on the people around her. By the time she realizes the damage she's done, she'll have to race against time to set things right.

Retail Price: US:$34.99
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: Funimation

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1 Limited Edition (Blu-ray)

Prepare yourself, these memes are mighty! This limited edition box set contains the origins of the Joestar curse and the inescapable, "It Was Me, Dio!" The first season of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure follows Jonathan Joestar and his battle with Dio Brando, a boy his father adopts under false pretenses thus setting into motion an epic chain of events. The stylish anime by David Production recently got recognition boost on Toonami and continues to cement its staying power with each new season and mountain of music references.

Retail Price: US: $69.99
Publisher: Viz
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Gurren Lagann Complete Box Set (Blu-ray)

The action series favorite is back at a more economical price point! Gurren Lagann is 10 years old (I know), so Aniplex of America is re-releasing the anime in a boxset that includes both films and the entire television series. Gurren Lagann ranks on my fans' 'must have' list, so snatch it up while you can. We never know when we might get another opportunity to see Simon become the drill master again.

Retail Price: US: $189.98
Publisher: Aniplex of America
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Shin Godzilla (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Neon Genesis Evangelion's Hideaki Anno gets to realize his dream of directing a giant-monster in the latest Godzilla franchise film. Anno's giant lizard is a break from the destructive force's usual look but goes back to his established representation of nuclear fear. If your loved one is a long-time Godzilla fan or enjoyed Garth Edward's take a few years ago, this is a perfect addition to their collection.

Retail Price: US: $34.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Blood Blockade Battlefront - The Complete Series - Limited Edition (BD/DVD Combo)

After a breach between Earth and the netherworld opens up over New York, humans and creatures from other dimensions become trapped in an impenetrable bubble that surrounds the city. Forced to coexist in a new city known as Salem's Lot, the shaky peace between humanity and the netherworld creatures is protected by an underground group of super humans known as Libra.

Retail Price: US:$44.99
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: Funimation

Fruits Basket Sweet Sixteen Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray)

This classic reverse-harem comedy is a bonafied classic starring a nice orphan girl that comes to live with a family of zodiac animal-people that transform into their respective zodiac whenever they're embraced. Tohru manages to find herself in a love triangle with a cat and a mouse while unraveling the family's dramatic history. This sweet sixteen anniversary edition includes the entire 26-episode series, art cards, and cast interviews.

Retail Price: US: $84.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Record Of Lodoss War OVA & Chronicles Of The Heroic Knight (Blu-Ray/DVD combo)

Tabletop gamers and RPG players alike will love Record of Lodoss War. A blend of beautiful art, character designs, and being based off a literal tabletop game, now's the perfect time to get reacquainted with Parn and Deedlit or meet them for the very first time. If your giftee is a fan of more recent isekai titles, they'll appreciate this complete box set.

Retail Price: US: $84.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf