FUNimation has revealed a number of details about its Blu-ray/DVD combo pack release of
Akira. The new 25th Anniversary Edition not only includes a variety of bonus content, it features original Japanese audio and both the Kodansha/Streamline and Pioneer/Animaze English dubs, giving fans the ability to choose the audio track "they have the deepest connection with."
Akira returns to Blu-ray on November 12th.
Synopsis: 2019. Neo-Tokyo has arisen from the ashes of a mysterious explosion under Japan's new political system, but the glittering city is built on foundations of poverty, ignorance and despair. Kaneda and his friends, a gang of juvenile delinquents, race a rival group of bikers. While the police attempt to disperse a riot with tear gas, Tetsuo takes the lead and, after disposing of his opponents, nearly runs down what looks to be a 100-year-old baby. Tetsuo is suddenly taken prisoner by agents of the top-secret Akira Project, where he is subjected to a series of tests which unleash his latent psycho-kinetic powers. More powerful than anyone imagined, he escapes, creating a swathe of destruction across the city.
Akira was previously released on Blu-ray by Honneamise in 2009 via
standard and
Limited Collector's Edition BDs, both of which have long been out of print.
FUNimation's 25th Anniversary Edition release includes:
- Original 1988 Kodansha/Streamline English Dub, starring Cam Clarke and Jan Rabson
- 2001 Pioneer/Animaze English Dub, starring Johnny Yong Bosch and Joshua Seth
- Restoring Akira Featurette
- Subtitled Interview with Director Katsuhiro Otomo
- The Writing on the Wall
- Akira Sound Clip (1988)
- Music for Akira
- Storyboard Collection
- Original Subtitled Trailers
- Original Subtitled Commercials
- Glossary
- U.S. 2013 Trailer
- Additional Trailers