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 marks the first physical home video release for the series in North America and the UK, following its exclusive streaming debut on Netflix in January 2018.
A Highly Anticipated Physical Release
Fans of the dark fantasy anime have eagerly awaited a physical release since its initial streaming success. Anime Limited, a European boutique animation distributor, made the initial announcement at Japan Expo, confirming the Blu-ray for both the UK and North American markets. Shout! Studios is handling the North American distribution. Previously, a Blu-ray set for Devilman Crybaby was released in Japan, but it was noted for being a Japan-only release, making this new announcement significant for international audiences.
What’s Included in the Devilman Crybaby Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray set, titled “Devilman Crybaby – The Complete Series – Blu-ray – Deluxe Edition,” will include all 10 episodes of the series. It is a two-disc set featuring both English and Japanese language options, along with English and French subtitles. The main feature runtime is approximately 250 minutes, presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Special features confirmed for the release include a 156-page art book and a clean opening sequence. The Japanese limited edition Blu-ray previously featured bonus content such as an extra soundtrack remix CD by Kensuke Ushio, a 100-page making-of animation booklet, audio commentaries, and a live performance by composer Ushio Kensuke. While the new North American/UK release confirms an art book and clean opening, further details on additional bonus materials mirroring the Japanese release are awaited.
Devilman Crybaby: A Modern Take on a Classic
Devilman Crybaby is an original net animation (ONA) series based on Go Nagai’s iconic 1970s manga series, Devilman. Directed by the acclaimed Masaaki Yuasa (known for Mind Game, Ping Pong the Animation, and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!), the series was produced by Aniplex and Dynamic Planning, with animation by Science Saru. It debuted globally on Netflix on January 5, 2018, to mark Nagai’s 50th anniversary as a creator.
The Plot: Akira Fudo’s Dark Transformation
The story centers on Akira Fudo, a compassionate and unassuming high school student. His life takes a drastic turn when his childhood friend, Ryo Asuka, reveals the existence of an ancient race of demons poised to reclaim the world from humanity. Ryo proposes that the only way to combat these demons is for Akira to unite with one, a risky endeavor that could lead to possession.
During a chaotic “Sabbath Party,” Akira is inadvertently possessed by the powerful demon Amon but retains his human soul, transforming him into a “Devilman”. With the body of a demon and the heart of a human, Akira uses his newfound powers to fight against other demons to protect humanity and his loved ones. The series updates the original manga’s 1970s setting to the 21st century while retaining the core premise and its signature themes of violence, prejudice, love, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Critical Acclaim and Impact
Devilman Crybaby quickly garnered widespread critical acclaim for its bold animation style, mature themes, and visceral storytelling. The series pushed boundaries with its graphic violence, gore, and sexual content, aspects that director Masaaki Yuasa intended to explore without the restraints of shōnen magazine demographics.
The anime was recognized at Crunchyroll’s Third Annual Anime Awards in 2019, where it won the prestigious Anime of the Year award, and Masaaki Yuasa received the Best Director award. Critics and fans praised its exploration of bigotry, manipulation, and paranoia, using demons as an allegory for “the other”. Its thought-provoking narrative and emotionally impactful ending have cemented its place as a significant work in modern anime.
