The Anime News Network Holiday Gift Guide

Blu-ray Boxsets

The Boy And The Heron 4K UHD Limited Edition SteelBook

Fresh off an Academy Award® win, the latest and long-awaited cinematic masterpiece from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, The Boy and the Heron is now available to own as a stunning 4K UHD™ + Blu-ray™ Limited Edition SteelBook®, featuring Dolby Vision plus Dolby Atmos. The hand-drawn, animated feature – director Miyazaki's first feature film in 10 years – is an original story written and directed by Miyazaki. The English-language version features the voices of Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson and Florence Pugh. The release includes both the English and Japanese dubs. A must for any Studio Ghibli fan!

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Food Wars! ~ The Fifth Plate - Blu-ray - Limited Edition Premium Box Set

With the holiday season coming up, you can imagine that a lot of food is going to get prepared, so what better show to get you in the mood to either cook or consume a bunch of food than the anime Food Wars!? What we have here is a limited edition premium box set of the final season of the Food Wars! anime. You're not only getting all thirteen episodes spanning across two discs, but this box also includes wooden coasters, postcards, a collectible pin, and a blank Food Wars! themed cookbook. You could fill it in with your own personal recipes or even recipes from the show itself! All of this is perfectly packaged in a gorgeous wooden box that is as beautiful as it is simple. I will never get over the sheer quality that goes into the box sets from Sentai Filmworks. Not only do they make sure that the anime is perfectly packaged, but they also throw in a bunch of bonuses that specifically speak to the series in question, and this is no exception!

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Digimon: The Movies - Movies 1-3 - Blu-ray

For those who don't know, the original Digimon movie is actually an Americanized chimera where three Japanese short films were cut up and stitched together with an entirely new script written to make an original overarching narrative. In some ways, it's impressive, but Digimon fans here in the West never got to see those original movies or the content that was cut out…until now!

Thanks to the lovely people at Discotek, we now have those original three movies uncut and re-dubbed with as many of the existing English dub cast as possible and with a much more loyal script to the original Japanese version. This is something that I never would have thought possible, but here we are. While this was technically announced over a year ago, it is coming out just in time for the holidays, and I cannot think of a perfect gift for any hardcore nostalgia lovers out there. This may very well be a piece of history made by hardcore fans for hardcore fans.

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Samurai Champloo - The Complete Series - Blu-ray - Limited Edition

Almost everything that acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe has touched has a significant degree of quality placed into it. However, something about his works has a distinct charm and inventiveness that you could argue we still don't see in many modern-day shows. Samurai Champloo is a distinctly interesting series, an action samurai show that takes place in the past but with a style that feels very modern. The soundtrack incorporates a lot of hip-hop and urban tracks, while one of our protagonists is practically breakdancing as a part of his sword-fighting style. This limited edition Blu-ray set carries the spectacular series in three distinct discs featuring gorgeous artwork, but it doesn't stop there. The set also comes with art cards, showing off some amazing, unique styles and characters from throughout the show. If you haven't watched this series yet or know somebody who hasn't, this can be a fantastic excuse to watch something that is a bona fide classic!

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Kaiji: The Ultimate Survivor (Season 1) Complete Collection

Kaiji is a series that I feel never got nearly as much love as it deserved. We Americans love our high-stakes death games, but while Kaiji has a very strong cult following, I would argue that it's far from being a mainstream success. I appreciate Sentai Filmworks for doing their best to make sure as many people become familiar with this series as possible with this new Blu-ray release. This one collection contains all twenty-six episodes of the first season, and while the extras might be a bit lackluster, this release stands out as it includes a first-ever English dub of the series. If you're already a fan of Kaiji, then this could be a great opportunity to rewatch the series in a different way, but if you know someone who likes shows where a man needs to come out on top as the ultimate survivor, then I think this would make a fantastic gift.

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Gushing Over Magical Girls Complete Collection

In a world where the magical girl formula has been done over and over again for the past thirty-plus years, it can be hard to come across a series that still manages to stand out within the genre. Thankfully, Gushing Over Magical Girls stands out thanks to its incredible animation, distinct character perspectives, and crazy off-the-wall comedy. This series pushes the envelope in terms of what it's allowed to get away with regarding the crudeness of its comedy, with a protagonist who loses herself over just how much she loves magical girls and how far she is willing to go to express that love. While not a gift you could probably give your sixty-year-old Christian grandmother, it's still a standout title with many memorable moments. If you know somebody who would like a gift more on the raunchy side of things or someone who's a longtime anime fan and wants to try something in the magical genre that's a bit different, then I think this would be a solid choice.

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Arcane League Of Legends: Season One 4K UHD Limited Edition Steelbook

Following the recent airing of the final season, Arcane League Of Legends: Season One is the perfect way to relive this epic story from the very beginning. Based on champions and lore from the League of Legends universe, Arcane follows the story of two orphaned sisters, Vi and Powder, as they fight to make a name for themselves in the derelict, underground alleyways of Zaun. The globally loved animated series is now available to own as a Limited Edition 4K UHD™ SteelBook® which includes over three hours of bonus features! Blu-ray™ SteelBook™ and a Blu-ray™ Standard Edition are also available.

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Berserk - The Complete 1997 TV Series - Blu-ray - Steelbook

I don't know what I can say about the Berserk series that hasn't already been said. The series is a staple of old-school fantasy action and horror to the point where animation companies keep trying to reanimate it. A lot of those adaptations are admittedly not that good, or at the very least, no adaptation has managed to supplement the staying power of the original Berserk anime from 1997. That is the series featured in this gorgeous steel bookcase. Spanning across two discs, this collection holds all twenty-five episodes of this amazing series in high definition with the original English dub that I would argue still holds up fairly strongly today. This is a series that I personally think any anime fan should at least become familiar with at some point in their life, if only to recognize the sheer impact that it has had on media everywhere. This sleek, compact package is brimming with material that I think most people should be able to appreciate.

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Macross Plus - Complete Original Soundtrack + Movie + OVA - Vinyl + Blu-ray - Sharon Apple Deluxe Edition

Do you like incredible music and old-school anime? Then, this deluxe edition was probably made for you. Macross is a staple of old-school anime, but I never thought I would see it presented quite like this. Not only does this Deluxe Edition come with the original Macross Plus in movie and OVA form, but it also comes complete with the original soundtrack by Yoko Kanno presented in the form of seven vinyl records. These records and discs are displayed in their exclusive retro sleeves, but they can be stored together in this gorgeous case. This deluxe edition is a bit on the pricier side. Still, considering the sheer amount of value and effort that went into its presentation, I think that it is worth it. When it comes to preserving and repackaging a series with as strong a pedigree as Macross, go big or go home. This is a set that I think would make a great gift not only for an old-school anime fan but also for a lover of music in general. Who knows? It might be the bridge to finally getting your vinyl music friend into anime.

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Attack on Titan - Final Season - THE FINAL CHAPTERS (Part 3) - Blu-ray + DVD - Limited Edition

It's fun to joke about how the final season of Attack on Titan was broken up and distributed, but that doesn't stop it from being a high-quality product in and of itself. While this set might be hard to explain, considering that it is part three of a final season, I do have to give it to Crunchyroll with how much effort was put into the presentation of this limited edition collection. While you could pop in the discs and watch the tragedy unfold alongside the episode specials included in this collection, you could also take the time to appreciate many of the extras included here. There's a huge 148-page art book alongside a 32-page digital book with exclusive art cards and exclusive pins. The book contains various storyboards and layouts from the animation process of the show and acts as a great peek behind the curtain of how many of these tragic moments were brought to the screen. Attack on Titan is a cultural phenomenon, so chances are you have at least one friend who's into the series and would probably appreciate getting something as massive as this.

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Demon Slayer - Swordsmith Village Arc - Limited Edition Blu-ray

There is bound to be somebody who would still appreciate a complete season of Demon Slayer. We're talking about one of the most popular anime to come out in the past couple of years. While the Swordsmith Village arc might not have been the strongest in the franchise, it still carried some of its biggest moments and helped signify definitive turning points for the cast. This Blu-ray set contains all 11 episodes in both English and Japanese, six original soundtrack CDs, and a box illustrated by character designer Akira Matsushima. It still features top-notch action and heavily showcases best girl Mitsuri, so what more could you possibly ask for?

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Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid - Movie - Blu-ray

If you wanna make your friend cry for the holidays, just show them a CloverWorks anime. Or better yet, you could get them the latest entry in the Rascal Does Not Dream series. This film is a genuine tearjerker about overcoming hardship and reuniting a fractured family. The whole thing is packaged onto one disk alongside PVs and a music video. However, what helps this Blu-ray set stand out is the addition of the special booklet with character reference guides and design material. After your friend or loved one is done drying their eyes, they can appreciate all of the character designs and little descriptions in this booklet that's packaged alongside the movie in a very sleek box case. We already get a little emotional during the holidays, so why not add to that with this set?

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Great Pretender: The Complete Series - Deluxe Edition

Hailed by anime enthusiasts for its highly entertaining storylines and nominated for Best Direction at the 48th annual Annie Awards, The Great Pretender is now available in a deluxe compete series edition. This 5-disc Blu-ray collection comes housed in a visually striking slipcase and collects all 23 thrilling episodes, insightful bonus features, 10 stunning art cards, a double-sided poster, and a 192-page art book! This jazz-fueled heist-themed escapade takes you at breakneck pace to spectacular real-world locations, including Los Angeles, Singapore, London, and Japan.

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Megazone 23 - The Complete Trilogy BD

Wildly uneven but irreplaceable nonetheless, this complete collection of the OVA is the definitive version with all the bells and whistles. The nearly four-decade-old series follows motorcycle enthusiast Shogo after he mistakenly finds himself in the crosshairs of a government plot. The release includes multiple dubs, commentary tracks, and a show-stopping presentation. If you head over the Media OCD store, you can also snag a custom slip cover!

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Planetes - The Complete Series BD

Is there a Vinland Saga fan in your house? Planetes is creator Makoto Yukimura earlier work, and what it lacks in Vikings it makes up for in space drama. The story follows the Toy Box crew, a team tasked with collecting space debris in the year 2075. For a series set in the future, Planetes is grounded in the reality of working a crappy job in an isolated environment. The character relationships make it a must-watch.

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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End - Part 1

This one is a no-brainer; it's one of the best anime of the year (and last year). Frieren is also a great entry-level series for folks who already love high-fantasy, play DnD, or read all of the Wheel of Time books. Then, after they've watched it, you can start sharing all the memes they missed out on. Ready to relive "Frieren smiling while holding an object" with brand-new prey?

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead: The Complete First Season Limited Edition

BUG FILMS had some trouble out of the gate on this one, but it remains a wildly fun series for fans of zombie fiction. Come for the wacky characters trying to live their best life during an apocalypse; stay for the discourse about proper work-life balance. This limited edition adds a couple of swanky bonuses, including a 48-page bucket list notebook (so you're prepared for the inevitable downfall of humankind) and art cards. On-disc extras include a digital version of the manga's first chapter, the ZOM 100: Road Trip to Gunma video featurette, and behind-the-scenes on the show's creation with director Kazuki Kawagoe.

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Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island Movie Blu-ray Disc

Are you looking to get a gift for a seasoned Gundam fan or a new fan? If they're new, get them Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury. If they've been around White Base for a while, get them Cucuruz Doan's Island. Based on a Tomino-forsaken OG Gundam episode, Cucuruz Doan's Island follows Amuro as he heads to an allegedly uninhabited island only to discover a defector, his Zaku, and the children under his care. This version is not off model and even brings back Yoshikazu Yasuhiko to direct.

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The Dark Crystal Deluxe Limited Edition Collector's Set

Journey back to the magical world of Thrall with The Dark Crystal! From the brilliant imagination of Jim Henson, the genius puppetry work of The Dark Crystal recounts the timeless tales of good versus evil, leading to its status as a cult favorite around the world. Revisit this masterful fantasy epic with The Dark Crystal Limited Edition Collector's Set, which includes the film in 4K UHD™ and Blu-ray™, extensive bonus features, an exclusive collectible crystal shard 1:1 glass replica, 28-page book, art cards, and sticker, all packaged in a gorgeous box featuring original concept art by Brian Froud. Order direct from Shout! to add additional exclusives, including enamel pins and a themed card game.

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Ya Boy Kongming! Premium Box Set

It's time to spread the word of "Chiki Chiki Bam Bam" supremacy! Ya Boy Kongming! is here in a premium boxset that includes a 64-page booklet with an original short story in case you want to learn more from the world's greatest tactician. There's also a set of light-up coasters (practical!) with the BB Lounge logo, stickers, and drink recipes for those who imbibe.

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TRIGUN STAMPEDE - Complete Series - Blu-ray + DVD - Limited Edition

Studio Orange knocked it out of the park with this reinterpretation of Yasuhiro Nightow's sci-fi manga series. Join Vash, Meryl, Wolfwood, and Roberto de Niro as they embark on a journey that is as much physical as it is philosophical. The set includes a Project Seeds Patch (explaining would be a spoiler!), drink coasters, a in-universe newspaper, art cards, and multiple production staff interviews.

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Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection - Limited Edition 4K UHD Collector's Edition

Just ahead of the new Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl, comes a handsome collector's edition, perfect for fans of the cheese-loving inventor and his clever canine. The extremely limited collector's set, Wallace & Gromit: The Complete Cracking Collection: Collector's Edition 4K UHD™ features the four short Wallace & Gromit films in 4K UHD™ for the first time with newly restored audio and on Blu-ray™. The deluxe set is housed in a charming suitcase package that also includes the much-loved feature film Wallace & Gromit: The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit among its many bonus features, as well as a 28-page book with a new foreword by esteemed film critic Peter Debruge, blueprints, recipes, stills, and sticker clings of the Wallace & Gromit characters.

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