The cult-classic ’90s anime film Ninja Scroll is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with multiple big events, including a limited North American theatrical run in September followed by a new collector’s edition Blu-ray dropping October 22. The Blu-ray comes in a steelbook case and includes a smattering of bonus content, and preorders are available at multiple retailers.
The Ninja Scroll Limited Edition Steelbook includes a Blu-ray copy of the animated film presented in 1080p with either the English or Japanese voice tracks and English subtitles. It also features a full-length audio commentary with director Yoshiaki Kawajiri and character designer Yukata Minowa. You also get a sleek steelbook case featuring promotional art on the covers and interior panels, plus a removable slipcover.
You can preorder the Ninja Scroll Collector’s Edition at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. At the moment, Amazon and Walmart list the Blu-ray for $70 while Target has it for $47, so we expect Amazon and Walmart to adjust the price before the Blu-ray’s October 22 release date. Luckily, Amazon’s preorder guarantee means you’ll only pay the lowest price, and you won’t be charged until the order ships.
For those unfamiliar with the film, Ninja Scroll is a violent, action-packed story set in Feudal Japan during the Edo Period. The movie follows Jubei Kibagami, a vagabond swordsman who finds himself embroiled in a supernatural plot to take down the Tokugawa Shogunate. While it originally premiered in Japan in 1993, it didn’t get an official release in North America until 2012. Despite that, it still managed to become one of the most popular anime releases of the 90s, ranking among other titles aimed at mature audiences like Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and the original Berserk TV series.
Speaking of Berserk, you can get the original 1997 series on Blu-ray for $46 (was $60). The collection released earlier this year, and it will be followed up by Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition ($20 discount) later this month. Meanwhile, Akira is only $18 on 4K Blu-ray, and Ghost in the Shell is only $14.