Fans of the dark fantasy manga series Berserk will be excited to learn about the upcoming release of a new collection titled Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition. This collection includes the 2012-2013 film trilogy that adapted a significant arc from the manga. Available for preorder on Amazon and the Crunchyroll Store, this Blu-ray set is set to be released in the near future.
While Amazon has listed the release date as June 18, offering free launch-day delivery for Prime members, Crunchyroll marks the date as August 27. This discrepancy may cause confusion among fans, as it is unclear why one retailer would receive the Blu-ray much earlier than the other. Preorders on Amazon are currently priced at $70, with the option to lock in the lowest price between ordering and release. Crunchyroll, on the other hand, offers a discount that lowers the price to $52.49. It remains to be seen if Amazon will match this discount.
The Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition includes both English and Japanese dubs of the films. Additionally, the two-disc set contains textless opening and ending songs as extras. While the cover art is subject to change, it seems to feature a striking image of Guts in a berserker rage. The Golden Age arc was praised for its faithfulness to the manga, compared to the earlier anime adaptation that took creative liberties. The blend of traditional animation with CGI in the films received mixed reviews, but overall, the retelling of Berserk’s first major arc was well-received by fans.
The 1997 anime adaptation of Berserk, while considered a classic by many fans, deviated significantly from the source material. In contrast, the Golden Age films aimed to stay true to the original manga. The Eclipse sequence, a pivotal and gruesome moment in the story, was depicted in a chilling manner in the films, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Some viewers even found it more disturbing than the much-criticized Berserk 2016 adaptation.
For those who prefer the 1997 anime adaptation, it is currently available on Blu-ray at Amazon. This 25-episode series has been in high demand, with multiple restocks due to its popularity. Additionally, fans can always opt for the original manga series by Kentaro Miura, which is available in various editions. The oversized hardcover volumes are particularly recommended for a truly immersive reading experience.
The upcoming release of the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc Memorial Edition offers fans a chance to revisit a beloved arc of the manga in a new format. With its blend of stunning visuals, faithful adaptation, and bonus features, this collection is sure to be a valuable addition to any Berserk enthusiast’s collection. Whether you prefer the films, the anime, or the manga, there is something for every fan to enjoy in the world of Berserk.
Leave a Reply