The cult classic '90s anime film Ninja Scroll is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with several big events, including a limited theatrical release in North America in September, followed by a new Collector's Edition Blu-ray set to hit shelves on October 22. The Blu-ray comes in a steel case and includes a handful of bonus content, and pre-orders are available at several retailers.
The Ninja Scroll Limited Edition Steelbook includes a Blu-ray copy of the animated film presented in 1080p with English or Japanese voice tracks and English subtitles. It also includes a full audio commentary with director Yoshiaki Kawajiri and character designer Yukata Minowa. You also get a stylish Steelbook case with promotional artwork on the covers and interior panels, as well as a removable slipcover.
You can pre-order the Ninja Scroll Collector's Edition on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Right now, Amazon and Walmart are offering the Blu-ray for $70, while Target is offering 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 pre-order guarantee means you'll only pay the lower price and 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 film follows Jubei Kibagami, a wandering swordsman who becomes embroiled in a supernatural plot to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate. Although it was released in Japan in 1993, it wasn't officially released in North America until 2012. Despite this, it managed to become one of the most popular anime releases of the '90s, ranking alongside other titles aimed at mature audiences like Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and the original Berserk TV series.
Speaking of Berserk, you can pick up the original 1997 series on Blu-ray for $46 (was $60). The collection was released earlier this year and will be followed by Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition ($20 off) later this month. In the meantime, Akira is just $18 on 4K Blu-ray and Ghost in the Shell is just $14.