Anime Limited and Shout! Studios have officially announced that the critically acclaimed anime series Devilman Crybaby will be released on Blu-ray Disc on December 9. This highly anticipated physical release brings director Masaaki Yuasa’s adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic manga to home video for fans in the UK and North America.
The Return of a Modern Classic to Home Video
Originally a Netflix exclusive that debuted worldwide on January 5, 2018, Devilman Crybaby has been a digital-only experience for many fans until now. The new Blu-ray release marks a significant moment for collectors and enthusiasts eager to own a physical copy of the intense and visually distinctive series. Anime Limited, also known as All the Anime, first announced plans for a UK and North American Blu-ray release at Japan Expo.
The release includes all ten episodes of the series, presented across two Blu-ray discs. While specific details about various editions are still emerging, it has been indicated that the set will feature a 156-page art book and a clean opening sequence as special features. Earlier Japanese releases featured additional bonus content such as music CDs, an animation making-of book, and audio commentaries, though many of these were without English subtitles. The Anime Limited and Shout! Studios version for Western audiences appears to streamline these offerings.
What is Devilman Crybaby?
Devilman Crybaby is a 2018 Japanese original net animation (ONA) series based on Go Nagai’s influential 1970s manga series, Devilman. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa and animated by his studio, Science Saru, the series updates the original setting to the 21st century while retaining its core premise and themes. Yuasa, known for his unique animation style, envisioned Crybaby as an adaptation that could fully explore the mature and often extreme content that Nagai might have been constrained from depicting in a shōnen magazine. Yuasa has been recognized for his contributions to the anime industry, receiving the fall 2021 Medal with Purple Ribbon from the Japanese government.
Synopsis: A Tale of Demons and Humanity
The story centers on Akira Fudo, a timid and compassionate high school student who lives with his friend Miki Makimura and her family. Akira’s life takes a drastic turn when his childhood friend, Ryo Asuka, reveals the existence of ancient demons that are about to reclaim the world. Ryo, who has encountered these demons during an expedition, believes that the only way to combat them is for humans to merge with them, thus gaining their powers.
During a chaotic “Sabbath Party” orchestrated by Ryo, Akira inadvertently merges with the powerful demon Amon. Instead of being fully possessed, Akira retains his human soul, transforming into the titular Devilman – a being with the body and immense powers of a demon, but the heart of a human.
Themes and Impact
The series is renowned for its graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and mature themes. It delves into complex issues such as bigotry, paranoia, and the inherent cruelty of humanity, often portraying humans as equally, if not more, monstrous than the demons themselves. Devilman Crybaby explores the fear of the unknown and challenges the traditional dichotomy of good versus evil, introducing “devilmen” as a third faction that blurs these lines. The anime garnered significant critical acclaim, winning “Anime of the Year” at the 2019 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
About Anime Limited and Shout! Studios
Anime Limited is a European-based distributor known for its high-quality releases of anime titles. They operate under the brand “All the Anime” in the UK and have been instrumental in bringing a diverse range of anime to Western audiences. Shout! Studios is a prominent North American entertainment company specializing in the distribution of films and television series, including a significant catalog of genre films and cult classics. Their collaboration ensures a wide reach for the Devilman Crybaby Blu-ray across both regions.
Fans can mark their calendars for December 9 to add this seminal anime to their physical media collections.
