If you’re reading this, you’ve probably fallen in love with the chaos of Ikebukuro and the legendary cast of Durarara!!.
Now, you’re ready to take the plunge and add the first season to your physical media collection.
That’s a great decision!
As a long-time anime Blu-ray collector, I can tell you that owning the durarara season 1 blu ray is the definitive way to experience the series.
However, the market for this release is confusing.
You’ll see mentions of Aniplex, Sentai, individual volumes, and complete sets.
This article is your guide to cutting through the noise.
We’ll break down the releases, explain the technical specs, and help you decide whether the complete set or the individual durarara vol 2 blu ray is the right choice for your shelf.
What Is Included in Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray?
Let’s start with the basics of what you’re getting when you buy the first season on Blu-ray.
Episode Count
The Season 1 Blu-ray includes all 24 episodes of the original series, plus the two bonus OVA episodes (often referred to as episodes 12.5 and 25).
This means you get the full, complete story arc of the first season.
Disc Count
The standard US release (Sentai Filmworks) typically comes on 3 Blu-ray discs.
The UK release (Anime Limited) often uses 4 discs, which can sometimes lead to better compression, though the difference is minimal.
Publisher
The main US releases are from two publishers:
- Aniplex of America (OOP): The original, premium, and now out-of-print release.
- Sentai Filmworks: The current, more affordable re-release.
Video & Audio Formats
This is where the quality shines.
The video is presented in 1080p High Definition.
Crucially, the audio for both the Japanese and English tracks is LPCM 2.0 (Linear PCM).
LPCM is uncompressed, offering the highest fidelity audio possible, which is a massive win for any audiophile.
Subtitle Options
All legitimate US and UK releases include English subtitles for the Japanese audio track, as well as English dub audio.
How Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray Was Released (Volume System)
The original release of Durarara!! was split into multiple volumes, which is why the keyword durarara blu ray volume buyers is still relevant.
The initial Aniplex of America release was sold in expensive, limited-edition individual volumes, each containing a handful of episodes.
This was a common practice for premium anime releases at the time.
This volume system is largely obsolete now, as the current Sentai Filmworks release is a complete, single-box set.
However, understanding the volume split is important for collectors tracking down the original, high-value Aniplex packaging.
Durarara!! Volume 2 Blu-ray Explained (Dedicated Section)
The second volume of the original release is often searched for specifically, making the durarara vol 2 blu ray keyword a key target.
Episodes Included
While the exact episode split varied slightly by region, the second volume typically covered the middle arc of the season, which includes the introduction of the Slasher/Saika arc and the deepening of the Dollars mystery.
This is a crucial part of the story where the plot truly begins to accelerate.
Why Volume 2 is Important Story-Wise
This volume is where the show transitions from a character introduction piece to a complex thriller.
It features some of the most iconic moments involving Anri Sonohara and the cursed sword Saika, making it a highly sought-after part of the original release.
Disc Quality and Packaging
The original Aniplex Volume 2 came in a premium, often unique, packaging style with physical extras.
The disc quality itself is identical to the rest of the set, featuring the excellent 1080p video and LPCM 2.0 audio.
If you are a collector, this volume's original packaging is a must-have.
→ [Read also: Durarara!! Volume 2 Blu-ray Review]
Video & Audio Quality: Blu-ray vs DVD
If you’re upgrading from the DVD release, the difference is night and day.
Resolution
The Blu-ray is a true 1080p high-definition presentation, compared to the DVD’s standard definition (480p).
This means a massive increase in detail, especially in the busy, neon-lit backgrounds of Ikebukuro.
Bitrate
The Blu-ray features a significantly higher bitrate (often 25-40 Mbps) than the DVD or streaming services.
This higher data rate translates directly into a cleaner image, free from the blocky compression artifacts that can plague lower-quality releases.
Color Grading
The Blu-ray master typically features a more accurate and vibrant color palette, making the visual style of the anime truly pop.
Audio Clarity
The LPCM 2.0 audio on the Blu-ray is uncompressed, offering superior clarity, dynamic range, and fidelity compared to the compressed Dolby Digital audio found on the DVD release.
Subtitle Readability
The high-resolution Blu-ray allows for crisp, clean subtitle fonts, which is a small but important detail for the durarara anime season 1 blu ray experience.
Season 1 Complete Set vs Individual Volumes
For the durarara season 1 blu ray review, the choice between a complete set and individual volumes is a major factor.
| Aspect | Complete Set (Sentai) | Individual Volumes (Aniplex OOP) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Low to Medium (Best Value) | Very High (Premium/Collector Price) |
| Convenience | High (All discs in one case) | Low (Multiple cases, higher chance of missing volumes) |
| Collectibility | Medium (Functional, but standard) | Very High (Original, premium packaging) |
| Availability | High (Currently in print from Sentai) | Very Low (Out of print, secondary market only) |
→ [Also read: Durarara!! Season 1 Blu-ray Set Review]
Who Should Buy Which Version?
Your best buying path depends entirely on your priorities.
First-Time Viewers
Go for the Sentai Filmworks Complete Set.
It’s the most affordable, easiest to find, and provides the same excellent video and audio quality as the original Aniplex discs.
Collectors
You need to hunt for the Original Aniplex Individual Volumes.
Be prepared to pay a premium and be extremely cautious about bootlegs.
Budget Buyers
The Sentai Filmworks Complete Set is your only real option.
It offers the best quality-to-price ratio on the market.
Replacement Buyers (DVD → Blu-ray)
The Sentai Filmworks Complete Set is the most practical upgrade.
You get the full 1080p/LPCM experience without the collector price tag.
Known Issues & Buyer Warnings
Even the best releases have caveats, and you need to be aware of them before you buy.
Bootlegs
The high price of the original Aniplex releases makes them a prime target for bootleggers.
If you see an Aniplex set listed for a suspiciously low price, it is almost certainly a fake.
Out-of-Print Risks
The original Aniplex release is completely out of print (OOP).
While Sentai has re-released it, their license won't last forever.
If you want the durarara season 1 blu ray, now is the time to buy the Sentai version.
Marketplace Seller Caution
Be extremely cautious when buying from third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay.
Always check the seller's history and look for signs of bootlegs (blurry printing, cheap cases).
Disc Compatibility
If you are considering the UK (Anime Limited) release, remember it is Region B.
You will need a multi-region Blu-ray player to watch it in the US (Region A).
Where This Fits in the Full Durarara Blu-ray Collection
Season 1 is the foundation of your collection.
It sets the technical standard for the rest of the series.
The Durarara!! Blu-ray collection is complex, especially when you factor in the Durarara!!x2 arcs.
This Season 1 set is the easiest part to acquire and the most technically consistent.
Once you have this, you can move on to the more complicated x2 releases.
→ [Also read: Durarara!! Blu-ray Complete Buyer’s Guide]
Conclusion
The final word on the durarara season 1 blu ray is simple: it’s a must-own.
The technical quality is superb, and the series is a classic that deserves a permanent spot on your shelf.
For the vast majority of buyers, the Sentai Filmworks Complete Set is the best buying path.
It delivers the full 1080p/LPCM experience without the risk and cost of the original Aniplex volumes.
The Volume 2 arc is a crucial part of the story, and the complete set ensures you get it all.
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a collector, this is a purchase you won't regret. Happy collecting!
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