Anime fans, what a year it has been! 2024 has spoiled us with some truly spectacular physical releases, from iconic series revisited in stunning high definition to breathtaking films presented in collector-worthy packaging. Whether you are a long-time otaku or just diving into the medium, this year’s offerings have something for everyone. We are here to highlight the best of the best, with releases that celebrate storytelling, artistry, and anime culture. So, let’s dive into the highlights and see which of these treasures deserve a spot on your shelf.
Bleach: Collector's Edition Set 1
It is time to go back to where it all started. Bleach finally gets the Blu-ray treatment it
deserves in this first collector’s edition. This set covers episodes 1 to 27, where we first meet
Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, and the Soul Society. From battling Hollows to breaking into
the spirit world, this is the arc that hooked a generation of fans on epic shounen storytelling.
The physical release is a feast for collectors. Packaged in a rigid storage box designed to
hold future parts, the set includes four Blu-ray discs, three character art cards, and a 220-
page art book filled with stunning character designs and episode artwork. The extras,
including English cast interviews and clean ending credits, add even more value.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this release offers the definitive way to experience
Bleach. If Ichigo can don a Soul Reaper robe, you can at least grab this collector’s edition to
support his efforts.
SHOP NOW
Naruto: Collector's Edition Set 1
“Dattebayo!” Naruto fans, rejoice. This collector’s edition of the original series takes us back
to where it all began with episodes 1 to 55, capturing Naruto’s early days of mischief and his
first steps toward becoming Hokage. It is a nostalgia-packed journey that still resonates with
fans today.
Presented in the original 4:3 aspect ratio, this Blu-ray set retains the charm of its broadcast
days while upgrading the visuals for modern screens. The rigid case houses two Amarays
with reversible covers and a 32-page art booklet packed with character illustrations. The
inclusion of both Japanese and English audio ensures every fan can enjoy the series the
way they prefer.
Whether you are reliving your first encounter with Team 7 or introducing Naruto’s antics to a
new generation, this collector’s set is a must-have. It is proof that, just like Naruto, the best
things never quit.
SHOP NOW
Mobile Suit Gundam - The Witch from Mercury: Season 1 and 2 (hmv Exclusive)
Limited Edition Steelbooks
Sometimes one season is not enough. Mobile Suit Gundam - The Witch from Mercury
makes our list with both Season 1 and Season 2 earning their place. Suletta Mercury’s
journey from awkward transfer student to a legendary Gundam pilot has all the drama,
intrigue, and epic battles you expect from a Gundam series, with a refreshing twist of high
school politics and corporate conspiracies.
Each hmv-exclusive steelbook houses a season in high-definition Blu-ray with extras like
promo videos and textless opening and ending sequences. The sleek designs make these
steelbooks the ultimate display pieces. Suletta’s catchphrase, “Move forward, gain two,”
could not be more appropriate—get both seasons to complete this groundbreaking saga.
SHOP NOW
Arcane: Season 1 Steelbook
All right, we hear you. Arcane is not technically anime. But come on—this series blends
anime-inspired aesthetics with Western animation to create something truly extraordinary.
Set in the League of Legends universe, the show follows sisters Vi and Jinx as they navigate
the rift between the opulent city of Piltover and the gritty underworld of Zaun.
This 4K UHD steelbook features jaw-dropping artwork centred on Jinx and offers the series
in breathtaking Dolby Vision HDR. Bonus features like the Bridging the Rift documentary and
scene breakdowns make this a goldmine for fans of animation and storytelling. Whether you
are a League player or just appreciate great visual storytelling, Arcane deserves a spot in
your collection.
SHOP NOW
Suzume Limited Edition
Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume once again proves his mastery in blending visually captivating
fantasy with raw, relatable emotion. The film follows 17-year-old Suzume as she embarks on
a surreal road trip across Japan to close mysterious disaster-causing doors, aided by a
talking, magically bound chair. While the story weaves through its supernatural elements, it
is at its most impactful when it connects with the everyday struggles and emotions of its
characters, particularly Suzume’s journey through grief and self-discovery.
This limited edition Blu-ray comes with a rigid box, four art cards, and a 60-page art book
filled with concept art and production notes. The extras include a director’s commentary,
interviews, and a “Making Of” documentary, giving fans a peek behind the curtain of
Shinkai’s creative process. Whether you are here for the stunning visuals or the heartfelt
story, this release is a must-have.
SHOP NOW
The Boy and the Heron (hmv Exclusive)
Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron is a stunning capstone to Hayao Miyazaki’s
legendary career, at least until he decides to come out of retirement again. This deeply
personal tale follows Mahito on a journey through a mystical world that blurs the boundaries
between life and death. Loosely inspired by Genzaburō Yoshino’s 1937 novel How Do You
Live?, the film explores childhood pain and grief, reflecting Miyazaki’s own experiences. This
Oscar-winning achievement joins Miyazaki’s previous films, Spirited Away, which won the
Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, and Howl’s Moving Castle, which
earned a nomination in 2006.
The hmv version elevates this remarkable release with artwork presented in the style of a
traditional obi strip and includes exclusive art cards. Along with the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray
discs, the edition also features insightful extras like interviews with Studio Ghibli legends Joe
Hisaishi and Takeshi Honda. This release is a must-have for collectors, ensuring that
Miyazaki’s films remain a treasured part of cinema history.
SHOP NOW
Attack on Titan: The Final Season - The Final Chapters Limited Edition
The end of an era. Attack on Titan brings its monumental story to a close with the final
chapters of its thrilling saga. Eren Yeager’s rumbling threatens to annihilate the world, and
as the stakes reach their peak, old enemies and former allies must set aside their
differences and come together in a desperate attempt to stop him. The emotional weight of
these final moments, paired with jaw-dropping action and heart-wrenching decisions, leaves
the anime world in shock, grappling with the series; complex themes of freedom, sacrifice,
and the cost of war.
This limited edition set captures the spirit of the series’ epic conclusion in a way that fans will
cherish forever. Inside the box, you’ll find a 148-page art book, offering a deep dive into the
stunning visual evolution of the show. A 32-page digibook provides an intimate look at the
creation of the finale, including behind-the-scenes insights and interviews with the creators.
The set also includes seven beautifully illustrated art cards, each one representing key
moments from the anime’s final chapters, as well as two exclusive Titan enamel pins, a nod
to the series most iconic symbols. The packaging itself is as impressive as the series,
making this the ultimate collector's item for any Attack on Titan fan.
SHOP NOW
