When it comes to limited editions there are a wide range of ways of producing them as we’ve seen over the years. From laser etched tins to massive box sets containing dozens of goodies to things that simply say limited edition but have no real bonuses to them and are instead more just limited in the number being produced for a single run.
Funimation’s looking to update their way of producing limited editions in this always evolving and streamlining market and they’ve put together a pretty good method for going forward, noting shelf space always being at a premium and the feedback from fans. The first two titles they’re working with that we should see results with are The Testament of Sister New Devil and SERVAMP, which they talk about by saying:
We know a lot of you fans out there don’t just buy anime to rewatch the episodes, but to actually own a shelf-worthy piece of your favorite shows, that embodies your love for the series and satisfies your inner collector. Over the last year, we’ve been reading/listening to your comments on Funimation’s limited edition releases in forums, social media, and at conventions, and based on your feedback, today we’re excited to announce that we’re rolling out a new style of limited editions to better meet your collecting needs!
The short of it is: look out for more art books and collector’s items in upcoming limited editions, in a more shelf-friendly size, including The Testament of Sister New Devil and SERVAMP, available for pre-order now!
The long of it: in reading a lot of your comments, we noticed a few recurring asks on the configurations of our limited editions:
- We definitely noticed a demand for more content and artwork in each release. We also noticed many of you ask specifically for art book – and in fact this was the most-requested addition that we saw or heard.
- You’re looking for a good value, and with a high-end limited edition, you want more for your dollar.
- You guys collect a LOT of anime, and shelf space is a concern. Why include two disc cases in a set for a single-cours show?
Our new limited edition style makes a couple changes to accommodate this feedback, namely:
- All limited editions in this new style include at least a 20-page art book! In cases where we receive more art materials from our Japanese partners, this number may increase even more.
- The footprint of the limited edition box is changing – one-cours series will include one disc case plus the art book, stored in a slimmer collector’s chipboard box. Not only does this take up less shelf space, but eliminating the case also lets us bring you more content, like the art book. Two-cours series will still keep the same box width (although slightly wider to accommodate the art book), to store Part One and Part Two.
- In addition to the art book, all new limited editions will still also include an additional exclusive item – things like art cards, fabric posters, charms, stickers, etc.
The first two titles with this change are The Testament of Sister New Devil (season one) and SERVAMP. We’ll be rolling out additional limited editions over time, and will continue to update you on which titles use this new style.