Unboxing [US]: Bakemonogatari - Box Set: Limited Edition (Blu-ray)

Next up on the unboxing is the first season of the Monogatari: First Season arc, Bakemonogatari. This series was released by Aniplex of America and has tons of subtitles. This is my third Aniplex USA product after Baccano! and Puella Magi Madoka Magica volumes, each were imported from North America.

Note that this post has been updated (12th January 2016) to reflect the new blog format and add additional notes to the release.

Bakemonogatari is the first season based on the popular Monogatari light novel series from author NisiOisin. Studio Shaft handled the anime adaptation and have given this series the best treatment made possible with amazing visuals and complicated dialogue.

The Monogatari series does have a weird order to say, but here's a simple one for those who wish to start the show in anime airing order (as of Jan 2016):

Bakemonogatari
Nisemonogatari
Nekomonogatari Black

Monogatari series: Second Season (Neko White, Kabuki, Otori, Oni, Koi)
Hanamonogatari

Tsukimonogatari

Owarimonogatari

Kizumonogatari is still on-going in terms of theatrical screenings as of Jan 2016 but that's the prequel to the whole thing.

This Limited Edition set includes all fifteen episodes in six Blu-ray discs. Each disc has an arc based on each character with the last two based on one arc that was split into OVAs during it's airing. Like every product released from Aniplex USA, the Blu-rays are region free (and tested with a UK PlayStation 3). Note I won't show everything in the booklet as I would like the rest to be seen by your own eyes rather than looking at these pictures (as a surprise at least).

Note that because of the complexity of the series and the amount of Japanese culture references, the Monogatari series will only be available in subtitled form (Japanese language with English subtitles). Unlike Fate/Zero and the Madoka movies, the Monogatari series will be released in domestic form rather than import.

Blu-ray Specs (Main Feature):

Languages: Japanese

Audio: LPCM 2.0 [Japanese]

Video: 1080p HD Native 16:9
Region: A B C

Subtitles: English [Japanese language ~ On-Screen/Lyrics/Commentary]

Subtitles Locked: No

Discs: 6

Plot Synopsis (via Aniplex USA Website):

Thanks to Meme Oshino, Koyomi Araragi, a high school student, is able to remain a human after coming across a female vampire..

However, since the incident, Koyomi seems to meet girls who have an apparition-related issue. Hitagi Senjyogahara doesn’t weigh anything, Suruga Kanbaru’s right arm becomes like that of a monkey’s, and a young girl, Mayoi, cannot find her way home no matter how many times she tries. Koyomi, a Mr. Nice Guy, ends up helping each and every girl solve her problem with the help of Meme Oshino.

Extra Content (On-Disc):

Japanese Character Commentary
Textless Opening and Endings for each arc
TV Version endings and Previews
Trailers

Extra Content (Physically ~ Exclusive to the Limited Edition Box Set):

Rigid box "with illustration by Akio Watanabe (Character Designer)"
3 Blu-ray slim cases, each with key art
36-page Deluxe Booklet
Proof of Purchase card

I took a lot of photos of this set so I'll split it into parts. The first set of photos cover the main box and its proof of purchase card.

The second set of photos cover the first two mini-arcs of Bakemonogatari; Hitagi Crab and Mayoi Maimai.

The third set of photos cover the next two mini-arcs of Bakemonogatari; Suruga Monkey and Nadeko Snake.

The fourth set of photos cover the last mini-arc of Bakemonogatari; Tsubasa Cat. It's worth pointing out that the second disc of the arc (i.e. Episodes 13-15) is actually exclusive to the home release and have yet to be shown on streaming services.

And the fifth set of photos cover the booklet that came with the Aniplex Limited Edition. It features plot synposis for each mini arc as well as character designs & illustrations.

Bakemonogatari is available on Blu-ray (Limited Edition) from Aniplex of America, even after its initial release from back in November 2012 it's still being sold as an LE (its third print run is about to be released in Jan 2016). If you still can't handle the price, the UK & Australia have cheaper complete collection sets available for Blu-ray and DVD baring in mind they're region locked to their respective zones.