Durarara!! Complete Series Blu-ray Comparison: Which Set is Right for You?

Finding a "complete series" Durarara!! Blu-ray can be confusing.

There isn't one single, all-encompassing box set for every episode and OVA across all regions.

What counts as "complete" depends on your needs and where you're buying.

This article compares the main releases, explains Season 1 vs. x2 arcs, and helps you decide between individual volumes or box sets.

For a deeper dive, check out my full Durarara Blu-ray buyer's guide.

What Counts as “Complete” for Durarara?

Before we dive into the different Blu-ray sets, let’s clarify what we mean by “complete” when it comes to Durarara!!.

The anime adaptation of Ryohgo Narita’s light novel series is split into two main parts:

Season 1 (Durarara!!): This is the original 24-episode run, plus an OVA (episode 12.5). It introduces us to Ikebukuro, its eccentric residents, and the intertwined mysteries that kick off the entire saga.
Durarara!!x2 (Shou, Ten, Ketsu): This is effectively Season 2, but it was released in three distinct cours (parts) – Shou (承), Ten (転), and Ketsu (結). Each arc consists of 12 episodes, plus additional OVAs (like episode 4.5 in Shou, episode 1.5 in Ten, and episode 7.5 in Ketsu). Together, these three arcs complete the main story of Durarara!! after Season 1.

So, a truly complete collection would include Season 1 and all three arcs of Durarara!!x2, along with any OVAs.

For a full breakdown of how Shou, Ten, and Ketsu are structured, you can check out my detailed explanation here.

Comparing the Main Blu-ray Options

Now that we understand what makes up the complete Durarara!! story, let’s look at the main Blu-ray options available to collectors.

Season 1 Blu-ray

For many, the journey begins with Season 1.

This is where we meet the headless rider Celty, the information broker Izaya, the strongest man in Ikebukuro Shizuo, and the rest of the unforgettable cast.

The Season 1 Blu-ray typically includes all 24 main episodes plus the OVA episode 12.5. It’s a fantastic standalone experience, even if you don’t immediately jump into x2.

Who it’s for:

New fans who want to experience the original story without committing to the entire series.
Collectors who prefer to buy seasons individually or already own x2.
Budget-conscious buyers, as Season 1 sets are often more readily available and sometimes cheaper than the full x2 arcs.

If you’re curious about the specifics of the Season 1 release, including its packaging and extras, I’ve got a dedicated Season 1 Blu-ray breakdown that goes into more detail.

🔹 Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray (Shou, Ten, Ketsu)

After Season 1, the story continues with Durarara!!x2, which is divided into three distinct arcs: Shou, Ten, and Ketsu.

Each of these arcs was released as its own Blu-ray set, usually containing 12 episodes and any associated OVAs for that arc.

These sets are crucial for completing the Durarara!! narrative, as they pick up directly where Season 1 left off and bring the various character storylines to their dramatic conclusions.

Who it’s for:

Fans who have finished Season 1 and are eager to continue the story.
Collectors who want the complete narrative experience of Durarara!!.
Those who appreciate the more complex, multi-perspective storytelling that x2 expands upon.

Understanding the progression through Shou, Ten, and Ketsu is key to appreciating the full scope of the series.

These three arcs collectively form the second major season of Durarara!!, and they are essential for anyone looking to own the complete story.

You can find a more in-depth look at the Durarara!!x2 Blu-ray arcs explained in my other article.

Special Focus: Ten & Individual Volumes

It’s worth noting that the Durarara!!x2 arcs (Shou, Ten, Ketsu) were also released as individual volumes in Japan, each containing just a couple of episodes.

This can be particularly confusing when you see listings for “Durarara!!x2 Ten Volume 5” or “Ketsu Volume 6.”

These individual volumes are often harder to find, especially in the West, and typically don’t come with the same premium packaging or extras as the larger box sets.

Why Ten is often confusing

The “Ten” arc, in particular, sometimes gets singled out in discussions because of its unique pacing and introduction of new characters, leading to more questions about its specific releases.

If you’re wondering what’s inside the Ten Blu-ray or why it might be treated differently, I’ve covered that in a dedicated review.

Why some collectors still buy volumes

Despite the confusion, some dedicated collectors still seek out these individual volumes, often for the unique cover art or to complete a very specific type of collection.

If you’re interested in understanding these smaller releases, I’ve put together a guide to individual Durarara!!x2 volumes that explains their place in the Durarara!! Blu-ray landscape.

Box Sets vs Individual Releases — Which Makes Sense?

Feature	Box Sets (e.g., Season 1, Shou, Ten, Ketsu)	Individual Volumes (Japanese releases)
Shelf Appeal	Often come in rigid boxes, digipacks, with consistent spine art. Looks premium.	Standard Blu-ray cases, sometimes with slipcovers. Less uniform on a shelf.
Price	Generally more cost-effective per episode. Initial investment is higher.	Can be cheaper if you only want specific episodes, but overall more expensive.
Availability	Easier to find new or used. More widely distributed in Western markets.	Often out of print, harder to find, especially specific volumes.
Extras	Typically include art books, art cards, non-credit OPs/EDs.	Minimal extras, sometimes a bonus CD.
Collector Value	High, especially for limited editions. Good for a complete, cohesive collection.	Niche collector value for rarity, but less for overall presentation.

=> Read also: Durarara Complete Series Blu-ray

FAQ

Is there one Blu-ray that includes all Durarara episodes?

No single Blu-ray release encompasses all of Durarara!! (Season 1, x2 arcs, OVAs) across all regions. Releases are typically split, requiring at least two main sets for the complete story.

Do I need to buy Season 1 separately from x2?

Yes, Season 1 (Durarara!!) is typically sold separately from Durarara!!x2 (Shou, Ten, Ketsu); no single box set combines both.

Are Durarara Blu-rays region-free?

Region coding varies: North American/Japanese Blu-rays are usually Region A, UK releases often Region B. Always check region coding, as truly region-free Durarara Blu-rays are rare.

Is the complete series better in box sets or volumes?

Larger box sets (Season 1, Shou, Ten, Ketsu) offer better presentation, extras, and cost-effectiveness for most collectors. Individual volumes, especially Japanese, are pricier per episode with minimal extras, appealing to niche collectors.

Which Durarara Blu-ray is best for first-time buyers?

First-time buyers should start with the Season 1 Blu-ray box set for accessibility and affordability. Afterward, consider the Durarara!!x2 arcs (Shou, Ten, Ketsu) box sets for a complete narrative, balancing cost, availability, and viewing experience.

Conclusion — What I’d Recommend as a Fan

As a Durarara!! fan, owning this series on Blu-ray is exciting.

This comparison clarifies your options for a complete collection.

Here’s my personal recommendation:

For the First-Time Watcher/Budget Buyer: Start with the Season 1 Blu-ray set. It’s a fantastic entry point, and you can always decide to invest in the x2 arcs later if you fall in love with the series (which you probably will!).
For the Dedicated Fan/Collector: Go for the Season 1 Blu-ray and then the Durarara!!x2 Shou, Ten, and Ketsu box sets. This will give you the most comprehensive and aesthetically pleasing collection of the main story. Avoid the individual Japanese volumes unless you’re a completionist with a specific collecting goal.

The best Durarara!! Blu-ray set fits your budget and style. Happy collecting, and enjoy Ikebukuro's twisted tales!

Anime Peanut

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