Viz Media announced at Anime Central on Saturday that they are primed and set to release Tite Kubo’s Bleach on Blu-Ray this summer. The first set will contain 27 episodes and will release on July 19. Right now, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price is set at $54.97, but may vary from location to location. For fans north of the border in Canada, the price will be a bit higher, set at $63.99.
Viz Media described the story for the first set as follows:
For as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling—to protect the world of the living and the dead as a Substitute Soul Reaper. When Rukia is taken away to face the ruthless justice of the Soul Society, Ichigo and his friends must cross over and do battle in the spirit world…
The first set of the Bleach Blu-Ray will include some special features including an art gallery, behind-the-scenes interviews with the English voice cast and textless openings and endings. It remains to be seen whether these will be newer, updated interviews or if they will be the same ones used in the DVD collections. Viz Media did recycle special features before when they released Death Note on Blu-Ray earlier this year.
Regardless, if you are a Bleach fan, this should be a great addition to your collection.
