Why Now’s the Best Time to Nab Frieren on Blu-ray

With the arrival of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’s second season on Crunchyroll, I’m holding off on diving in straight away. Instead, I’m keen for a proper re-watch of the first season, and for me, that means reaching for a physical copy rather than just streaming. I’ve been building up my anime collection since the early 2000s, and there’s nothing quite like having the discs in hand, ready to go on the shelf.

Like many recent anime releases, the first season of Frieren is split into two separate sets. Part 1, which covers episodes 1 to 16, is currently going for $55.98 on Crunchyroll as a Blu-ray and DVD combo. There’s a handy $14 discount at the moment, and for those who love a bit of extra flair, the set comes with a batch of art cards showing off Frieren, Fern, Stark, and Sein. If you want the full run, you’ll need to grab Part 2 as well, which is also $55.98 and available through Crunchyroll.

Physical Editions and Collector’s Perks

For anyone who enjoys displaying their collection, these sets are a treat. The first part includes both Blu-ray and DVD versions, so you can pop them into your PS5 without a hitch. The discs themselves feature unique artwork of the main trio, and the art cards are a nice touch for collectors. Over in the UK, the same set is listed at £29.99 on Crunchyroll.

To complete the season, Part 2 covers episodes 17 to 28 and comes with its own set of art cards and a cover featuring the original Hero Party, including Himmel. This edition is also available as a Blu-ray and DVD combo, and UK punters can find it for £29.99 on Amazon. The US version is currently discounted by $14, so it’s a good time to snap it up if you’re after the full collection.

Why Split Releases Still Make Sense

Some might find it a bit of a hassle that the first season isn’t bundled into a single box, but honestly, it’s not the end of the world. Back in the day, we’d be lucky to get a handful of episodes per VHS tape, so two sets for a season feels pretty reasonable. It’s also become standard practice for modern anime, especially when the show itself aired in two parts.

With the current discounts, it’s a solid opportunity to add both sets to your shelf without breaking the bank. Each part comes with its own batch of art cards, and the second set even features a card with the original Dragon King slaying party. If you’re a fan of Himmel, good luck not getting a bit misty-eyed looking at that one.

Don’t Miss Out Before They’re Gone

Right now, the US editions on Crunchyroll are on backorder, which suggests plenty of other fans have had the same idea. It’s not uncommon for a new season to spark a rush on physical copies, and once they’re gone, prices on resale sites can get a bit silly. I’m not keen to pay over the odds to a reseller, so I’ll be picking up these sets while they’re still around—and I’d suggest anyone else do the same.

Streaming is convenient, sure, but there’s no guarantee your favourite series will always be available online. With a physical copy, you’re sorted whether you’ve got a subscription or not, and you don’t have to worry about the show vanishing from the app one day. Even though Frieren’s second season is riding high in the ratings, it’s always better to be prepared.

Extra Goodies for the Keen Collector

If you’re all in on Frieren, there’s more than just the discs to look out for. Crunchyroll’s got a range of official merch, including figures from SEGA and Good Smile Company. I’m doing my best to ignore the Himmel figma with its real fabric cape, but I’ll admit, it’s tempting.

For those after something special, the Frieren Part 2 Limited Edition is also on sale for $175.98 at Crunchyroll. And if you’re looking for your next binge, there are plenty of other top anime series worth adding to your collection and watching on your PS5.