This week’s home-video lineup has some particularly interesting releases for animation fans and collectors. Highlights include the physical-media debut of KPop Demon Hunters, a 25th-anniversary 4K edition of Shrek, new Avatar animation, and several major television collections. Here are five releases worth watching, arriving November 3.
KPop Demon Hunters — The Criterion Collection
Format: 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD
Studio: The Criterion Collection
Release Date: November 3
One of the year’s biggest animated entertainment hits makes its way to physical media with a special edition from The Criterion Collection. KPop Demon Hunters follows Rumi, Mira and Zoey, three members of the hugely popular K-pop group HUNTR/X who lead double lives as performers and supernatural protectors battling forces threatening humanity.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film combines colorful animation, music, action and comedy into an energetic adventure that has attracted a massive international audience. Criterion’s release is particularly interesting for collectors, featuring a new 4K digital master, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio. Bonus material includes a making-of documentary, a feature-length animatic, video essays, lyric videos and collectible postcards featuring artwork from the film’s artists.
With its popularity and substantial collection of extras, this is arguably the week’s biggest animation release and an excellent addition to any physical-media collection.
Shrek — 25th Anniversary Edition Steelbook
Format: 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and Limited Edition SteelBook
Studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 3
The ogre who changed animated movies is celebrating 25 years with a newly remastered 4K Ultra HD release. Shrek follows a grumpy ogre whose peaceful swamp is overrun by fairy-tale characters banished by the ambitious Lord Farquaad. To reclaim his home, Shrek agrees to rescue Princess Fiona, setting off on an adventure alongside the endlessly talkative Donkey.
Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow, the Academy Award-winning film remains one of DreamWorks Animation’s most recognizable productions. Its irreverent humor, memorable characters and clever take on traditional fairy tales helped establish a franchise that continues to attract audiences.
The anniversary edition features Dolby Vision HDR, Dolby Atmos audio and approximately 30 minutes of new bonus content. Additional extras include featurettes, deleted scenes, short films, music videos and commentary from the filmmakers. A limited-edition SteelBook makes this an especially appealing release for animation collectors and longtime fans.
Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender Steelbook
Format: Blu-ray
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: November 3
The world of Avatar: The Last Airbender expands with this new animated feature following Aang, the last Airbender, on another adventure. When Aang discovers an ancient power that could save his people from extinction, he sets out on a global quest with a group of fellow benders and warriors to find it before it falls into the wrong hands.
Directed by Lauren Montgomery, the film features voice performances from Dave Bautista, Eric Nam, Jessica Matten, Roman Zaragoza and Steven Yeun. The story returns audiences to the familiar fantasy world of elemental bending, powerful alliances and large-scale adventure.
For fans of the original Nickelodeon series, this release offers another opportunity to explore the Avatar universe through a new animated story. Its connection to one of animation’s most popular fantasy franchises makes it a particularly worthwhile addition for collectors and longtime viewers.
Rick and Morty: The Complete Ninth Season Steelbook
Format: Blu-ray and DVD
Studio: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Release Date: November 3
Rick and Morty return for another season of interdimensional adventures, outrageous science-fiction concepts and unpredictable family chaos. The animated comedy continues following the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty as their adventures take them across alternate realities, strange planets and increasingly ridiculous situations.
Known for its sharp humor, imaginative storytelling and willingness to push science-fiction conventions into absurd territory, Rick and Morty has developed into one of the most recognizable adult animated series of the past decade.
The ninth-season Blu-ray release gives fans an opportunity to add the latest episodes to their collections and revisit the series outside of streaming. For collectors who have followed the show from its beginning, another season on physical media is a welcome addition.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: Season 1 SteelBook
Format: Blu-ray Limited Edition SteelBook
Studio: Crunchyroll
Release Date: November 3
The popular fantasy comedy Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid arrives in a new SteelBook edition, bringing the first season of the anime back into the spotlight for collectors.
The series follows Kobayashi, an ordinary office worker whose life takes an unexpected turn after a drunken encounter with a dragon named Tohru. When Tohru arrives at her home offering to become her maid, Kobayashi suddenly finds herself sharing everyday life with a powerful dragon. More supernatural visitors soon follow, creating an unusual household filled with comedy, friendship and fantasy.
Based on the manga by Coolkyousinnjya, the anime is known for its expressive animation, charming characters and distinctive blend of everyday comedy and fantasy adventure. The first-season collection includes the complete 13-episode run, making this SteelBook a nice option for anime fans who missed the original release or want a new collectible edition.
