Holiday Gift Guide 2018

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.

Yuri On Ice Complete Collection LE (Blu-Ray/DVD)

They captured our hearts while trying to capture the gold! Relive Yuri's quest to once again find his footing on the ice with the help of his idol-turned-coach, Victor Nikiforov. Included in this limited edition set is the Yuri Plisetsky "Welcome to the Madness" OVA and episode 11 commentary as well as art cards and an art book.

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

Attack on Titan Season 2 LE (Blu-Ray/DVD)

The Female Titan is captured but the real enemy lies within the walls themselves. Eren and the Survey Corps return in the highly-anticipated second season of the hit anime series Attack on Titan. This limited edition box set includes all 12 episodes and two books, one with art and character info and another 60-page book full of gorgeous art by Studio WIT.

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

My Hero Academia Season 2 Part 2 Limited Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD)

This limited edition packs a superhero punch! Even if you've already caught up with the anime as it streams on Crunchyroll, there's plenty of enticing goodies included in this box set. Add a My Hero Academia roll-up pencil case, magnets of Deku, Tsuyu Asui, Momo Yaoyorozu, and Fumikage Tokoyami, an acrylic chibi Deku keychain, a 40-page art book with hero stats, and 10 collectible holographic trading cards to your collection of heroic merch.

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

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid (Blu-Ray/DVD)

Sometimes a family is a woman, her dragon maid, and their adorable dragon daughter. Kyoto Animation's slice-of-life series with a magical twist is full of heart-warming moments and silly hijinks. Just don't eat any of Tohru's meat dishes, she might have thrown a bit of her tail into the stew.

Retail Price: US$64.98
Publisher: Funimation
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Bananya (Blu-Ray)

Why does cat + banana = perfection? There's something about the simplicity of a silly pun made real that makes this series work. Not much happens in the world of Bananya, a cat hiding in a banana who dreams of being a dessert. He and his fellow fruit-cats do what cats do best: add a sense of calm to a hectic day.

Retail Price: US$24.95
Publisher: Discotek
Shopping Link: RightStuf

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

This is potentially the Utena sets to end all Utena sets and with a new Ikuhara anime on the horizon, now's a great time to revisit the series that made earned him his reputation as a director to watch. The beloved series and film are all here in deluxe Blu-ray box set together with a replica of Utena's Rose Signet and the Black Rose Signet rings. Also included is a 264 page limited edition art book with sliver foil numbering. There's also staff commentary for episodes 37-39 and full-length movie commentary by Ikuhara himself.

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

Digimon Adventure tri.: 6-Film Collection + Exclusive Lithograph (Blu-Ray)

Your favorite digi-destined are back in six-part film series now all together in one box set. Tai and Co. will have to enter the Digital World again, hopefully older and wiser than their last adventure. A new member joins the cast with her own Digimon but will Meiko be able to integrate with these long-time friends?

Retail Price: US$79.97
Publisher: Shout! Factory
Shopping Link: Shout! Factory

Keijo!!!!!!!! Limited Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD)

All the bouncing you can handle in one slippery sports series with plenty of ridiculous puns to pair with its excess of buns. Pair that with a calendar and fancy art book and you'll never look at a game of pool chicken the same way again.

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

Haikyu!! Season 2 Premium Box Set (Blu-Ray/DVD)

Under-birds Karasuno take on their rival "Grand King" Tōru Oikawa and Aobajohsai High for a rematch and a chance at nationals. You can play out your own volleyball tournament match with the premium box set. This limited edition bundles a hardcover booklet, four art cards, nine bird-sona pins of the players, and trading cards. Fly high, Hinata!

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

Pokemon The Movies 1-3 Collection (Blu-Ray)

If you've been waiting to relive the experience of seeing the first three Pokemon films in theaters, now's your chance. Turn the lights down low, pop some popcorn, and watch Mewtwo absolutely lose it. That tearful Pikachu moment in the final battle always gets me. Someone, anyone, pass me a tissue and a 32oz Diet Coke.

Retail Price: US$29.98
Publisher: Viz Media
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Sailor Moon S: The Movie (Blu-Ray/DVD)

Based on Takeuchi's own short story, this Princess Kaguya meets topless ice dancers story has enough heart to keep the plot moving but never takes itself too seriously. Tuxedo Mask even cosplays as a department store Santa!

Retail Price: US$24.98
Publisher: Viz Media
Shopping Link: RightStuf

My Neighbor Totoro: 30th Anniversary Edition (Blu-Ray)

You already know this film is amazing but here's why you should double-dip for this 30th anniversary edition: Joe Hisaishi. This edition bundles Totoro's soundtrack, which has never been previously available in North America outside of importing it from a middleman seller. Also included is a 40-page booklet with comments from master director Miyazaki himself and producer Suzuki.

Retail Price: US$49.97
Publisher: Shout! Factory
Shopping Link: RightStuf

FLIP FLAPPERS! Premium Box Set (Blu-Ray)

This gem flew under the radar when it aired but is definitely worth the cover price. The sci-fi coming of age story explores the dark emotions of adolescence as two girls traverse through various worlds to obtain a wish-granting item but they'll have to look deeply at their inner selves if they ever want to find it. Flip Flappers is full of gorgeous art you'll want to hold onto and thankfully the prints and art book included with the set will grant that wish.

Retail Price: US$149.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

No Game No Life Zero Premium Edition Box Set (Blu-Ray.DVD)

No Game, No Life Zero's colorful world comes to life in Sentai Filmwork's premium set. Flip through the chronicles of the 6,000 year old world of Disboard in the included 76 page booklet and slap that big ol' sticker of Schwi on your laptop to let everyone know who really runs the game world.

Retail Price: US$49.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Gundam Unicorn Complete Collection (Blu-Ray)

Collected for the first time in one place, the lavish Gundam Unicorn OVA series was received warmly by Gundam fans all over the world – and was previously only available via pricey single releases. Right Stuf has the entire thing in one box set, which is perfect for the Universal Century fan in your life. Retail Price: US$64.99
Publisher: Sunrise Inc.
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Mary and the Witch's Flower (Blu-Ray/DVD)

This is the first feature-length animated film from Studio Ponoc, a relatively new animation house held together by former Studio Ghibli employees, which is something you'll be able to tell the first time you lay eyes on it. It's a relatively simple fantasy story – based on the classic children's book The Little Broomstick – but the gorgeous animation and sophisticated English dub make it a perfect fit for any family with a few Ghibli titles on their media shelves.

Retail Price: US$29.98
Publisher: Shout Factory
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Batman Ninja (DVD)

It's not clear if there really were any expectations for the 3DCG OVA Batman Ninja before it came out, but it sure did stun a whole lot of unsuspecting anime fans by being a surprisingly creative, fun, compelling and imaginative Batman story with a few third act twists you definitely won't see coming. Perfect for the comic book fan in your life who occasionally dabbles in anime.

Retail Price: US$24.98
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Set 2 LE (DVD)

Ask most people how they got into Jojo's Bizarre Adventure – odds are they'll probably tell you they got hooked with the monstrously entertaining Stardust Crusaders, the series' third arc and the source of many of its most enduring memes. This is the first half of the series, collected in a handsome limited edition featuring Viz's stellar in-house design work and a ton of goodies. Just make sure you let them know the second half releases in January!

Retail Price: US$39.98
Publisher: Viz Media
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Star Blazers 2199 Part I LE (Blu-ray/DVD)

If you're shopping for a science fiction fan, look no further than Funimation's glossy limited edition release of Star Blazers 2199, the lush, wildly compelling reboot of Space Battleship Yamato that Xebec poured their hearts into. This one isn't for diehards only – it's the most accessible (and, in my opinion, entertaining) telling of the Yamato story. Even if they've never heard of Star Blazers, this one is guaranteed to reel them in and never let go.

Retail Price: US$64.98 Publisher: Funimation Shopping Link: RightStuf

MIND GAME (Blu-ray)

You can't buy visionary director Masaaki Yuasa's blood-drenched blockbuster Devilman Crybaby on bluray quite yet, but thankfully you CAN finally pick up his mindblowing theatrical masterpiece Mind Game, finally out on bluray after a very very very long wait from GKIDS. Perfect for the arthouse crowd, too!

Retail Price: US$22.97
Publisher: GKIDS
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Made in Abyss LE (Blu-ray)

If you're in the habit of traumatizing your friends and family, look no further than Sentai Filmworks's XXL limited edition release of the tearjerking Made in Abyss, an adventure show that doesn't so much tug at your heartstrings as it does viciously tear at them with wild abandon. This edition is loaded up with extras and comes in a box so big it might be able to hold all their tears once they're finished with the show.

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

Fate Apocrypha (Blu-ray)

Odds are you know a Fate fan – maybe they play the extremely popular mobile game or they've seen one of the many extremely popular anime series. Either way, you'll probably surprise the hell out of them if you actually spring for the first half of Aniplex's extra-plush Fate/Apocrypha release, the well-received action-heavy Fate show that debuted more than a few new fan-favorite characters.

Retail Price: US$149.98
Publisher: Aniplex of America
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Fate Stay Night Heaven's Feel Part I (Blu-ray)

Fate always gets the fanciest possible releases, and this one is no different – Aniplex treated Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel Part I like a massive event, and this limited edition release feels like an event itself. Gorgeously sueded and full of bonus material, it's hefty and beautiful, and feels like it has limitless secrets within. Perfect for the Fate/Stay night superfan in your life.

Retail Price: US$79.98
Publisher: Aniplex of America
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Fireworks (Blu-ray/DVD)

This gorgeously-animated fantasy romance was put together by Studio SHAFT, they of Madoka Magica fame, and it was an enormous hit in Japan – though mostly for the insanely catchy theme song that blew up the charts for what felt like more than a year. They'll be dazzled by the animation, and then they'll never be able to get that song out of their head, which means they'll remember this gift forever.

Retail Price: US$26.99
Publisher: GKIDS
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Box Set I & II (Blu-ray)

Aniplex of America recalled the home video rights to Fullmetal Alchemist a little while back, presumably in preparation for this release, which collects the entire 64-episode run into two box sets that each come with a production booklet, a striking slipcase and some exclusive art by Hiromu Arakawa. If they love the show and missed out on the Funimation releases, now's your chance to make them whole again – even if it costs you an arm and a leg.

Retail Price: US$124.98 (each)
Publisher: Aniplex of America
Shopping Link: RightStuf

CLASSICS CORNER

Robot Carnival (Blu-ray)

Available on bluray for the first time, Robot Carnival was something many 90s kids and teens first encountered on VHS and then never saw again – so it's likely the aging nerd in your Secret Santa would totally love this one. It's a jaw-dropping display of creativity, an anthology film featuring 9 different robot-themed shorts that each have something truly special going on. This release is overflowing with bonus material, too.

Retail Price: US$29.95
Publisher: Discotek
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Devilman: The Complete 1987-1990 OVA Series (Blu-ray)

Earlier we mentioned you can't yet buy Masaaki Yuasa's Devilman Crybaby on bluray yet, but you can get the totally wild and unique 1980s OVA series, complete with a hilarious and totally genuine English dub that you'll be quoting together until the end of the world. You don't get anywhere near the complete story in this OVA, though – maybe pair it with Seven Seas' spectacular release of the original Devilman manga!

Retail Price: US$29.95
Publisher: Discotek
Shopping Link: RightStuf

Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer

There isn't much Lum available in the West right now, but luckily 2018 saw the release of Beautiful Dreamer on blu-ray thanks to Discotek. This might be the most famous animated entry in the entire series – it's Mamoru Oshii's contemplative and unique take on Urusei Yatsura, and this disc comes with a whole bunch of bonus content to help keep it all in perspective.

Retail Price: US$29.95
Publisher: Discotek
Shopping Link: RightStuf

FOR THE WEALTHY AND RECKLESS

Legend of the Galactic Heroes Premium Box Set

Got a spare $800 laying around and a friend who might like a sprawling political opera set against the dramatic backdrop of deep space? Sentai Filmworks' mighty Legend of the Galactic Heroes “coffin” is still in stock! It's got the whole show, three movies, some commemorative coins and a big honkin' box that'll eat up plenty of shelf space. For extra laughs, buy this for someone who's never seen either anime or Star Trek and videotape their reaction when you tell them how much you spent on it.

Retail Price: US$799.98
Publisher: Sentai Filmworks
Shopping Link: Sentai Filmworks