Hey there, fellow collector! If you’re anything like me, you know there’s a special kind of thrill that comes with owning your favorite anime on physical media.
And when it comes to a series as complex, stylish, and rewatchable as Durarara!!, that feeling is amplified tenfold.
We’re in 2025, and you might be wondering: is it still worth tracking down the Durarara!! Blu-ray set? Absolutely, but it’s a minefield out there!
I’ve spent years navigating the different releases—the Aniplex imports, the Sentai re-releases, the UK collector’s editions—and I’m here to be your expert guide.
The market is confusing, with multiple publishers, varying video quality, and a ton of bootlegs.
This guide is going to cut through the noise, tell you exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and why owning the durarara complete series blu ray is still the ultimate way to experience Ikebukuro.
Let’s make sure you get the best version for your collection!
Why Durarara!! Blu-ray Still Matters in 2025
You might be thinking, "Why bother when I can just stream it?" That’s a fair question, but for a collector, the answer is simple: quality and ownership.
Remastered Quality
The original Durarara!! anime was a visual feast, but the Blu-ray releases often feature a superior presentation.
While the original Japanese masters were excellent, the physical discs guarantee you the highest possible bitrate and the cleanest picture, free from the compression artifacts that plague streaming services.
Streaming Limitations
We’ve all been there.
You’re halfway through a rewatch, and suddenly, the series is gone from your favorite platform due to licensing issues.
When you buy the durarara anime blu ray, you own it forever.
You’re not subject to the whims of Crunchyroll, Netflix, or any other service.
Collector’s Value
For the serious collector, the physical release is a piece of art.
The limited edition packaging, the art cards, the booklets—these are things you simply can’t get from a digital file.
The original Aniplex releases, in particular, have skyrocketed in value, proving that this series is a worthwhile investment.
Ownership vs. Licensing Issues
This is the big one.
Licensing deals change constantly.
By purchasing the durarara blu ray set, you are securing your access to the series, complete with the original Japanese and English audio tracks, and the best possible video quality.
Quick Comparison Table of All Durarara Blu-ray Releases
This table is your cheat sheet for the major releases. Note that the original Aniplex releases are often out of print and extremely expensive.
| Season/Arc | Publisher (US/UK) | Disc Count | Video Format | Audio Options | Extras | Packaging | Amazon Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | Aniplex of America (OOP) | 3 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM 2.0 | Textless OP/ED, Trailers | Individual Volumes/Box | Very Low (High Price) |
| Season 1 | Sentai Filmworks | 3 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM 2.0 | Textless OP/ED, Trailers | Standard Case | Medium |
| Season 1 | Anime Limited (UK) | 4 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM 2.0 | Collector's Box, Art Cards | Rigid Box/Digipack | Medium (Region B) |
| x2 Shou | Aniplex of America | 2 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM 2.0 | Booklet, Cards | Collector's Box | Low (High Price) |
| x2 Ten | Aniplex of America | 2 | 1080p | JP/EN Dolby Digital 2.0 | Booklet, Cards | Collector's Box | Low (High Price) |
| x2 Ketsu | Aniplex of America | 2 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM 2.0 | Booklet, Cards | Collector's Box | Low (High Price) |
| x2 Complete | Anime Limited (UK) | 6 | 1080p | JP/EN LPCM/DD 2.0 | Collector's Box, Extras | Rigid Box/Digipack | Medium (Region B) |
Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray Breakdown
The first season is where the magic started, and its physical release has a complicated history.
Content Included
The Season 1 Blu-ray covers all 24 episodes of the original series, plus the two OVA episodes (often referred to as episodes 12.5 and 25).
Video Quality
The video is presented in 1080p High Definition.
The original Aniplex release is considered the gold standard, offering a pristine transfer.
The later Sentai Filmworks re-release is generally a clone of this master, so you’re getting excellent picture quality either way.
Audio Quality
This is a critical point.
Both the Japanese and English audio tracks are presented in LPCM 2.0 (Linear PCM).
LPCM is uncompressed, which means you are getting the highest fidelity audio possible, far superior to compressed formats like Dolby Digital or DTS.
Packaging
The original Aniplex release was a high-end, limited edition box set.
The Sentai re-release is typically a more budget-friendly, standard Blu-ray case.
For collectors, the Aniplex or the UK Anime Limited rigid box sets are the most desirable.
Extras
Standard extras usually include textless opening and ending sequences, and trailers.
The collector’s editions will include physical extras like art cards and booklets.
Known Issues
The main issue is the scarcity and price of the original Aniplex release.
If you see a cheap copy of the Aniplex version, be extremely wary—it’s likely a bootleg.
→ [Read also: Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray Explained]
Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray Breakdown (Shou, Ten, Ketsu)
The second half of the series, Durarara!!x2, was split into three arcs: Shou, Ten, and Ketsu.
Durarara!!x2 Shou (The First)
- Disc Count: Typically 2 discs for the 12 episodes.
- Print Quality: Excellent 1080p transfer.
- Audio: Both Aniplex and UK releases feature LPCM 2.0 audio, maintaining the high standard of Season 1.
- Extras: Collector’s editions include a deluxe booklet and illustration postcards.
Durarara!!x2 Ten (The Second)
- Disc Count: Typically 2 discs for the 12 episodes.
- Print Quality: 1080p transfer.
- Audio: ⚠️ WARNING: Audio Quality Dip! This is the most important detail for Durarara!!x2. The Aniplex and some other releases for Ten inexplicably dropped the uncompressed LPCM audio for a lower-bitrate Dolby Digital 2.0 track. This is a noticeable downgrade for audiophiles.
- Packaging Differences: Aniplex continued the collector’s box style.
Durarara!!x2 Ketsu (The Conclusion)
- Disc Count: Typically 2 discs for the 12 episodes.
- Print Quality: Excellent 1080p transfer.
- Audio: Thankfully, the audio quality was restored to LPCM 2.0 for the final arc.
- Extras: Similar physical extras to the other arcs.
→ [Read also: Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray Complete Breakdown]
Differences Between All Releases (Critical Section)
Navigating the different regional releases is crucial for getting the best durarara blu ray set.
US vs. JP vs. UK Editions
- US (Aniplex/Sentai): Region A. Aniplex is premium, expensive, and often OOP. Sentai is the budget-friendly re-release.
- JP (Japanese): Region A. Extremely expensive, often sold in individual volumes. They are the source of the best video masters, but lack English dubs and English subtitles.
- UK (Anime Limited): Region B. Often the best value for collectors outside the US. They frequently offer beautiful rigid box packaging and include both Japanese and English audio. However, you will need a multi-region Blu-ray player to watch these in the USA.
Complete Box Set vs. Individual Volume Releases
The complete box sets (like the UK Anime Limited one) are generally the most cost-effective way to get the entire series.
Individual volumes (especially the Aniplex ones) are for hardcore collectors who want the original, high-end packaging for each arc, regardless of the cost.
Older vs. Newer Printings
Newer printings, especially from Sentai, are generally more affordable and easier to find.
They are visually identical to the older, more expensive Aniplex releases, but they lack the premium packaging and physical extras.
Price Differences
The price difference is staggering.
An original Aniplex volume can sell for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market, while a Sentai re-release or a UK complete set can be purchased for a fraction of that.
Collector Value vs. Budget Value
- Collector Value: Original Aniplex releases (highest packaging quality, highest price).
- Budget Value: Sentai Filmworks re-releases (excellent video quality, standard packaging, lowest price).
Durarara Blu-ray Bootleg Warning (Important)
Be extremely careful when buying a durarara blu ray set, especially from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay.
This series is a prime target for bootleggers due to the high price of the original Aniplex releases.
How to Identify Bootlegs
- Poor Print Quality: Blurry cover art, pixelated text, or thin paper stock.
- Non-Standard Packaging: Look for cheap, flimsy plastic cases instead of the expected digipacks or rigid boxes.
- Disc Appearance: Legitimate discs have professional, silkscreened art. Bootlegs often have inkjet-printed labels or no label at all.
- No Publisher Logos: Bootlegs will often omit the Aniplex or Sentai logos to avoid legal issues.
- Amazon 3rd-Party Seller Risks: If the price is too good to be true for an "Aniplex" set, it is a bootleg. Always check the seller's reviews and history.
Why Video Quality Suffers in Bootlegs
Bootlegs are often created by simply ripping a legitimate disc and re-encoding it at a much lower bitrate to save space.
This results in a loss of detail, color banding, and a generally soft, compressed image.
You are paying for a Blu-ray but getting something that looks worse than a good stream.
Packaging Comparison (Digipack vs Standard Case)
The packaging is a huge part of the collector experience.
| Feature | Digipack/Rigid Box (Collector's) | Standard Case (Budget) |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | High (Rigid box protects the inner digipack) | Medium (Standard plastic case) |
| Collector Appeal | Very High (Premium feel, beautiful art) | Low (Functional, but generic) |
| Storage | Takes up more shelf space | Takes up less shelf space |
| Scratch Concerns | Low (Discs often held in secure trays) | Medium (Discs can sometimes rub against each other) |
If you’re buying the durarara blu ray set box for display, the collector’s editions are the clear winner.
Durarara Blu-ray vs Streaming (Crunchyroll/Netflix) – Quality Comparison
This is the technical showdown.
| Feature | Blu-ray (LPCM) | Streaming (Crunchyroll/Netflix) |
|---|---|---|
| Bitrate | Very High (25-40 Mbps) | Low to Medium (5-10 Mbps) |
| Compression Artifacts | Virtually None | Noticeable, especially in dark scenes |
| Audio Quality | Uncompressed LPCM (Highest Fidelity) | Compressed Dolby Digital/AAC (Lossy) |
| Subtitle Differences | Consistent, often includes "Signs & Songs" track | Varies, sometimes forced subs, can change |
| Censorship | None (unless specified) | Rare, but possible depending on the stream |
The Blu-ray is superior in every technical metric.
The difference is most apparent in the audio quality (LPCM is a game-changer) and the bitrate, which gives the Blu-ray a much sharper, cleaner image, especially during fast-paced action sequences.
Region Codes & Compatibility (Short but Essential)
Before you buy, you need to know about region codes.
- Region A: North America, Central America, South America, Japan, Korea.
- Region B: Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand.
- Region C: Asia (excluding Japan/Korea), Russia.
If you live in the USA, you need a Region A disc.
If you want to buy the beautiful UK (Region B) durarara complete series blu ray set, you must invest in a multi-region Blu-ray player.
Don't risk buying a Region B disc without one!
Should You Buy Individual Volumes or the Complete Set?
This is a personal choice, but here are the pros and cons to help you decide.
| Buyer Type | Recommendation | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Collectors | Individual Aniplex Volumes | Pros: Highest collector value, premium packaging. Cons: Extremely expensive, hard to find, high bootleg risk. |
| First-Time Viewers | Sentai Filmworks Re-release | Pros: Cheapest, easiest to find, excellent video quality. Cons: Standard packaging, no physical extras. |
| Budget Buyers | Sentai Filmworks Re-release | Pros: Best price-to-quality ratio. Cons: No collector appeal. |
| Gift Buyers | UK Anime Limited Complete Set | Pros: Beautiful rigid box, great value, impressive display piece. Cons: Region B locked (requires special player in the US). |
→ [Read also: Durarara!!x2 Volume Guide – Should You Buy Individual Volumes?]
Best Value Pick in 2025 (POV Section)
As a collector who has handled most of these, here is my personal recommendation for the durarara blu ray comparison:
- Best Overall: The Sentai Filmworks Re-release. Why? It gives you the pristine 1080p video and the uncompressed LPCM audio (for Season 1 and Ketsu) at a price that won't break the bank. It’s the most practical choice.
- Best Value: The UK Anime Limited Complete Series Set. If you own a multi-region player, this is the winner. You get all of Durarara!! and x2 in a beautiful, display-worthy rigid box for a fraction of the Aniplex price.
- Best for Collectors: The Original Aniplex of America Individual Volumes. If money is no object, these are the ultimate flex. The packaging is unmatched, but be prepared to hunt and pay a premium.
- Best for Display: The UK Anime Limited Complete Series Set. The rigid box looks fantastic on a shelf.
Where to Buy Durarara Blu-ray in 2025 (Amazon Section)
Finding a legitimate copy can be tough, but Amazon remains the most reliable source for the newer printings.
Remember to check the seller and ensure it’s a direct sale from a reputable distributor or Amazon itself.
- Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray: [https://amzn.to/45hy4yZ]
- Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray (Shou): [https://amzn.to/3Yy4kdt]
- Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray (Ten): [https://amzn.to/4aWoRzK]
- Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray (Ketsu): [https://amzn.to/4pMStEx]
- Durarara!! Complete Blu-ray Collection: [https://amzn.to/4s060Kt]
Conclusion
So, after all that, what’s the final verdict?
Yes, you should absolutely buy the Durarara!! Blu-ray.
Physical media still matters in 2025, especially for a visually and aurally rich series like this.
If you are a first-time viewer or a budget buyer, stick with the Sentai Filmworks re-release.
It gives you the best technical quality for the lowest price.
If you are a collector and want the best display piece, and you have a multi-region player, the UK Anime Limited Complete Set is the undisputed champion of value and packaging.
Just remember the Dolby Digital warning for x2 Ten and, most importantly, avoid cheap third-party sellers to dodge the bootlegs.
Happy hunting, and enjoy the chaos of Ikebukuro in the best quality possible!
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