Once you start looking into Durarara!!×2 Blu-rays, the individual volumes can get really confusing.
You'll see listings for "Volume 5" and "Volume 6" and wonder what they actually contain.
Are they the same as the Shou, Ten, and Ketsu box sets? Why are there so many different releases?
This guide is here to clear things up for you.
We'll walk through exactly what these individual volumes are, which episodes they cover, and whether buying them makes sense for your collection.
Before we dive in, I've already explained how every Durarara Blu-ray release fits together in this complete buyer's guide.
What Are Durarara!!x2 Individual Volumes?
Individual volumes are the original Japanese release format for Durarara!!×2.
Instead of releasing the entire season as one big box set, the Japanese publisher (Aniplex) released the episodes in smaller chunks—typically two episodes per volume.
This was the standard release strategy for anime in Japan, and it's why you'll see so many different volume numbers floating around.
These volumes are completely different from the Shou, Ten, and Ketsu Collector's Editions that Western publishers like All the Anime released.
The Shou/Ten/Ketsu sets are Western collector-focused releases that bundle 12 episodes (one full arc) into a premium package with booklets, art cards, and rigid cases.
The individual volumes, on the other hand, are smaller, more affordable releases that were originally sold in Japan.
If you're still unsure how Shou, Ten, and Ketsu form one season, I broke it all down here.
The reason these volumes exist is simple: it was the standard release model in Japan.
Instead of waiting for an entire season to finish before releasing it, Japanese publishers would release episodes monthly in small volumes.
This kept fans engaged and created a steady revenue stream.
Each volume would typically contain two episodes, and the series would be divided into arcs (Shou, Ten, Ketsu), with each arc having its own set of volumes.
Episode Coverage: Which Volume Has What?
Understanding which episodes each volume contains is the key to making sense of the release structure.
Durarara!!×2 is divided into three arcs—Shou, Ten, and Ketsu—and each arc has its own set of volumes.
Here's how the episodes break down:
Shou Arc (Episodes 1-12)
- Volume 1: Episodes 1-2
- Volume 2: Episodes 3-4
- Volume 3: Episodes 5-6
- Volume 4: Episodes 7-8
- Volume 5: Episodes 9-10
- Volume 6: Episodes 11-12
Ten Arc (Episodes 1-12)
- Volume 1: Episodes 1-2
- Volume 2: Episodes 3-4
- Volume 3: Episodes 5-6
- Volume 4: Episodes 7-8
- Volume 5: Episodes 9-10
- Volume 6: Episodes 11-12
Ketsu Arc (Episodes 1-12)
- Volume 1: Episodes 1-2
- Volume 2: Episodes 3-4
- Volume 3: Episodes 5-6
- Volume 4: Episodes 7-8
- Volume 5: Episodes 9-10
- Volume 6: Episodes 11-12
As you can see, each arc follows the same pattern: six volumes, two episodes per volume.
This is why you'll see "Volume 5" and "Volume 6" for each arc—they're not the same as the Shou/Ten/Ketsu Collector's Editions.
Volume 5 of Shou contains episodes 9-10 of the Shou arc, while Volume 5 of Ketsu contains episodes 9-10 of the Ketsu arc.
It's a bit confusing at first, but once you understand that each arc has its own set of volumes, it becomes much clearer.
The reason some volumes feel incomplete alone is that they're designed to be part of a larger collection.
If you buy just Volume 5 of Shou, you're only getting episodes 9-10, which means you're missing the first eight episodes of the arc.
That's why collectors often prefer the full arc box sets—they give you the complete story in one package.
Packaging & Physical Differences
This is where individual volumes either shine or frustrate collectors.
The packaging for individual volumes is much simpler than the Collector's Editions.
You're typically getting a standard DVD or Blu-ray case with minimal extras.
There's no rigid box, no digipack, and usually no booklet or art cards. It's just the disc and a basic case.
The disc count is also different.
Individual volumes usually contain two episodes per disc, so you're getting a lot more discs if you buy the entire season in volumes.
For example, if you buy all six volumes of the Shou arc, you'll end up with six discs (or twelve if they're DVDs).
In contrast, the Shou Collector's Edition comes with just two discs for all 12 episodes.
Why collectors care about these details comes down to preference.
If you're someone who likes to display your collection and appreciate the physical aspects of collecting, the Collector's Editions are the way to go.
They have premium packaging, booklets, art cards, and a rigid case that makes them look great on a shelf.
If you're more focused on watching the story and don't care as much about the physical presentation, the individual volumes are a more affordable option.
Which Volumes Are Rare or Collectible?
Not all volumes are created equal when it comes to collectibility.
Some volumes are harder to find than others, and there are a few reasons why.
First, limited pressings.
Many of these volumes were released in limited quantities, and once they sold out, they weren't reprinted.
This is especially true for the Japanese releases, which often had limited edition versions with bonus CDs (like the Cover Song Collection or the Original Soundtrack).
Volume 5 and Volume 6 tend to be the most sought-after volumes in each arc.
Volume 5 is often the "middle" volume, containing episodes 9-10, which are typically the climax of the arc.
Volume 6 is the final volume of each arc, containing episodes 11-12, which wrap up the story.
Because these volumes are at the end of the arc, they're often harder to find, especially in good condition.
Later volumes often become harder to find because they were released later in the series' run, and by that point, the initial hype had died down.
This means fewer copies were pressed, and over time, those copies have been sold, traded, or lost.
If you're looking to complete a collection, Volume 5 and Volume 6 are the ones you'll want to keep an eye out for.
Should You Buy Individual Volumes or Skip Them?
This is the million-dollar question, and the answer depends on your collecting style.
If you're a budget-conscious collector, individual volumes can be a great option.
They're more affordable than the Collector's Editions, and you can pick and choose which volumes you want.
If you're only interested in certain arcs or episodes, buying individual volumes lets you build a collection that's tailored to your preferences.
On the other hand, if you're a collector who values the physical presentation and extras, the Collector's Editions are the better choice.
They have premium packaging, booklets, art cards, and a rigid case that makes them look great on a shelf.
Plus, they're limited editions, which means they won't be reprinted, so they have a certain collectible value.
I go much deeper into the actual value of Volume 5 in its full review.
Volume 6 also has its own quirks, which I break down separately.
Continue Reading Section
- Durarara!!x2 Volume 5 Blu-ray Full Review & Collector Notes
- Durarara!!x2 Volume 6 Blu-ray — Is It Worth Hunting Down?
FAQ Section
Are Durarara!!x2 volumes the same as Shou, Ten, and Ketsu?
No, they're completely different. The individual volumes are the original Japanese release format, with two episodes per volume. The Shou, Ten, and Ketsu sets are Western collector-focused releases that bundle 12 episodes (one full arc) into a premium package.
Is Volume 5 or Volume 6 harder to find?
Both Volume 5 and Volume 6 tend to be harder to find than the earlier volumes. Volume 5 is often the "middle" volume, containing episodes 9-10, which are typically the climax of the arc. Volume 6 is the final volume of each arc, containing episodes 11-12, which wrap up the story. Because these volumes are at the end of the arc, they're often harder to find, especially in good condition.
Do individual volumes include bonus content?
Some limited edition versions of the individual volumes included bonus content, like CDs from the Cover Song Collection or the Original Soundtrack. However, standard releases typically don't include any extras beyond the episodes themselves.
Should new fans avoid volume releases?
Not necessarily. If you're on a budget or you're only interested in certain arcs, individual volumes can be a great option. However, if you're looking for the complete experience with premium packaging and extras, the Collector's Editions are the better choice.
Conclusion
So, there you have it.
Individual volumes can be confusing at first, but once you understand the release structure, they make a lot more sense.
If you're a budget-conscious collector or you're only interested in certain arcs, individual volumes can be a great option.
If you're a collector who values the physical presentation and extras, the Collector's Editions are the way to go.
The most important thing is to make an informed decision based on what's important to you as a collector.
Whether you decide to buy individual volumes or skip them, the goal is to build a collection that you're happy with.
And if you're still confused about where to start or what to buy, don't worry—you're not alone.
Just take it one step at a time, and you'll get there.
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