Bubblegum Crisis High-Definition Disctopia Blu-ray Release Date Announced
The North American release date for the Bubblegum Crisis: High-definition Disctopia Blu-ray set was announced for September 2018 via a retail listing.
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An Amazon product page in July 2018 revealed the North American release date for the Blu-ray collection of the classic anime Bubblegum Crisis. The set, titled Bubblegum Crisis: High-definition Disctopia, was scheduled for release on September 25, 2018. The listing confirmed the retail availability of the remastered original video animation (OVA) series, which was produced by the anime licensing and localization company AnimEigo.
This release was the culmination of a long-running project. AnimEigo first launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2013 to fund a new, high-definition transfer of the series from the original 35mm film negatives. The campaign was successful, and after a period of production and fulfillment for backers, the retail version was prepared for a wider audience. The Amazon listing provided the first look at the final packaging for the standard retail edition.
Contents of the Collection
The Blu-ray set contains all eight original episodes of the Bubblegum Crisis OVA series, which originally ran from 1987 to 1991. The episodes were remastered in 1080p, offering a significant visual upgrade over previous DVD and VHS releases. This edition was created to be a definitive version for fans, preserving the influential animation and art style in a modern format.
The eight episodes included are:
- Tinsel City
- Born to Kill
- Blow Up
- Revenge Road
- Moonlight Rambler
- Red Eyes
- Double Vision
- Scoop Chase
Each episode follows the adventures of the Knight Sabers, a team of female mercenaries in powered exosuits, as they fight rogue androids known as Boomers in a futuristic Mega Tokyo.
The Legacy of a Cyberpunk Classic
Bubblegum Crisis is widely regarded as a landmark of the 1980s cyberpunk anime boom. Drawing heavy inspiration from films like Blade Runner and Streets of Fire, the series established a distinct aesthetic and tone that influenced countless other works in animation and video games. Its vision of a rain-slicked, neon-drenched metropolis controlled by the sinister Genom Corporation became an iconic representation of the genre.
The series is also celebrated for its rock-and-roll soundtrack, memorable character designs, and detailed mechanical designs for the Knight Sabers’ hardsuits. The story of four women, Sylia, Priss, Linna, and Nene, balancing their normal lives with their secret identities as high-tech vigilantes resonated with audiences and helped establish a dedicated fanbase that has endured for decades. This Blu-ray release provided an opportunity for both longtime fans and newcomers to experience the series in the highest quality available.
The availability of the High-definition Disctopia edition in a standard retail release marked an important step in the preservation of classic anime. It ensured that a pivotal piece of animation history remained accessible beyond the original crowdfunding backers who helped fund its restoration.
Frequently asked questions
What was the release date for the Bubblegum Crisis Blu-ray?
The Bubblegum Crisis: High-definition Disctopia Blu-ray set was scheduled for release in North America on September 25, 2018. The date was confirmed through a product listing that appeared on Amazon in July of that year.
What is included in the Bubblegum Crisis OVA Blu-ray set?
The Blu-ray collection includes all eight original video animation (OVA) episodes of the series, originally released between 1987 and 1991. The episodes were remastered in high definition from the original 35mm film negatives for this release.
What is the plot of Bubblegum Crisis?
Set in a cyberpunk Mega Tokyo, Bubblegum Crisis follows the Knight Sabers, a group of four female mercenaries who wear advanced powered armor. They fight against rogue androids called Boomers created by the powerful and corrupt Genom Corporation.
Who published the Bubblegum Crisis Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray was produced and published by AnimEigo, an American company specializing in the localization and release of Japanese animation. The high-definition transfer was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign run by the company.