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If you're a fan of the urban fantasy anime Durarara!!, you know the series is renowned for its intricate plot, large cast of characters, and the chaotic energy of Ikebukuro.
When the second season, Durarara!!×2, was announced, it was split into three distinct arcs: Shou, Ten, and Ketsu.
The Durarara!!×2 Shou Blu-ray Collector's Edition is the first part of this three-part season, and it's a release that many collectors have been eagerly anticipating.
This review will delve into the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition, examining its contents, video and audio quality, and overall value for collectors.
We'll also discuss whether it's worth buying this part on its own, or if you should wait for the complete season collection.
If you're still confused about how all Durarara Blu-ray releases connect, I've created a complete Durarara!! Blu-ray buyer's guide that explains the full picture.
What Is Durarara!!x2 Shou? (Story Scope)
Durarara!!×2 Shou covers the first 12 episodes of the second season.
The story picks up half a year after the events of the first season, with the city of Ikebukuro seemingly returning to a state of normalcy.
However, this peace is short-lived, as new conflicts and characters begin to emerge, setting the stage for the rest of the season.
The three-part structure of Durarara!!×2 is based on the Japanese narrative concept of ki-sho-ten-ketsu:
- Shou (承): The continuation of the story, where events unfold from the established premise.
- Ten (転): The turning point, where the story takes an unexpected turn.
- Ketsu (結): The conclusion, where the story comes to a close.
I've created a detailed breakdown of how Shou, Ten, and Ketsu are structured across Season 2 that you should check out.
What's Included in the Shou Collector's Edition
Based on the product listing, the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition includes the following:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Discs | 2 |
| Episode Count | 1-12 |
| Video Format | Blu-ray |
| Audio Options | English, Japanese |
| Subtitles | English, English signs and song only |
| Physical Extras | Rigid case with digpack, 36-page booklet, 6 postcards, and a set of stickers |
| On-Disc Extras | Clean Opening & Closing title sequences |
Video & Audio Quality Review
As a Collector's Edition, the Durarara!!×2 Shou Blu-ray is expected to deliver high-quality video and audio.
The Blu-ray presentation is consistent with the high standards set by the first season, with crisp and clear visuals that showcase the detailed animation and vibrant colors of the series.
The audio is also of high quality, with both the English dub and the original Japanese audio track sounding clear and well-mixed.
Collector Value: Is Shou Worth Buying Alone?
The question of whether to buy the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition on its own is a matter of personal preference and collecting strategy.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Buying Shou by Itself:
- Pros:
- You get the first part of the season immediately.
- The Collector's Edition comes with exclusive physical extras.
- It's a great way to show your support for the series.
- Cons:
- You'll need to buy the other two parts separately, which can be more expensive in the long run.
- You won't have the complete season in one collection.
Buying All Three Parts Separately:
- Pros:
- You get to collect each part as it's released.
- You'll have three separate Collector's Editions with their own unique extras.
- Cons:
- It's the most expensive option.
- You'll have three separate boxes, which can take up more space.
Waiting for Bundled Options:
- Pros:
- It's usually the most cost-effective option.
- You'll have the complete season in one collection.
- Cons:
- You'll have to wait for the complete collection to be released.
- You may not get the same level of physical extras as the individual Collector's Editions.
Bootleg Warning (Short but Clear)
It's important to be aware that Durarara!!×2 releases are commonly bootlegged, especially in regions where the official release is not available.
To avoid buying a fake, always purchase from a verified seller like Amazon.
Look for the official logos of the publisher (in this case, Aniplex of America) and be wary of any listings that seem too good to be true.
If the price is significantly lower than the official retail price, it's likely a bootleg.
Continue Reading
- Complete Guide to All Durarara!! Blu-ray Releases - Everything you need to know about collecting Durarara on Blu-ray
- Understanding Durarara!!x2 Shou, Ten, and Ketsu Blu-rays - A deep dive into the three-part structure of Season 2
FAQ
Is Durarara!!x2 Shou Blu-ray region locked?
Yes, the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition is Region B, which is compatible with Blu-ray players in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. If you're in North America, you'll need a region-free Blu-ray player to watch it.
Does the Shou Blu-ray include English dub?
Yes, the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition includes both the original Japanese audio track and an English dub.
Is Shou included in a complete Season 2 set?
Yes, the Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition is part of the complete Season 2 collection, which also includes Ten and Ketsu.
Should I buy Shou now or wait for other x2 releases?
It depends on your personal preference. If you want to collect each part of the season as it's released, then buying Shou now is a great option. However, if you're looking for the most cost-effective way to get the complete season, it's best to wait for the bundled collection.
Conclusion
The Durarara!!×2 Shou Collector's Edition is a high-quality release that's definitely worth considering for fans of the series.
The video and audio quality are excellent, and the physical extras add a lot of value for collectors.
However, whether or not to buy it on its own depends on your collecting strategy.
If you're a die-hard fan who wants to collect every part of the season, then buying Shou now is a great choice.
But if you're looking for the most cost-effective way to get the complete season, it's best to wait for the bundled collection.
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