Yuri!!! On Ice - The Complete Series (Review)

By: EyeSpyeAlexAfter waiting for a whole year, Yuri!!! On Ice is finally available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray. I was antsy with excitement over this release and couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Thanks to our friends at Funimation, I was able to review the highly coveted limited edition release of the show.StoryAfter an embarrassing performance at the Grand Prix, ice skater Yuri Katsuki heads back to his home in Japan with every intention of retiring. A chance recording of him performing one of his idol’s and skating champion Victor Nikiforov’s routines catches the internet - and Victor - by storm. So much so that Yuri soon finds Victor at his house, promising to be his skating coach. Suddenly, Yuri finds himself thrust back into competitive skating and he must prove to the world and himself that he was born to make history.Yuri on Ice was actually one of the first reviews I wrote for The Geekly Grind. Since I want to focus on what this box set includes, you can read more of my thoughts on Yuri On Ice here.PackagingI am a huge fan of pretty box sets and having an interesting looking media collection. I often scope DVD releases months in advance to see who is getting the best looking limited edition release. Yuri!!! On Ice was no exception to this, and Funimation didn’t disappoint.The limited edition box set comes in a chipboard decorated in foil icicles and snowflakes. The case itself has a reversible insert, showcasing our boys enjoying Yuri’s hot spring. On top of that - well, technically inside - are the lyrics to “History Maker”, the opening theme for the series. The attention to detail found in this box set is incredible. With its swirling purple and blue color scheme, this is definitely one of the most interesting and eye catching box sets I own.Bonus MaterialsAt the end of the day, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and the Yuri!!! On Ice set is loaded with great bonus features. One of the best bonus features of this boxset is the inclusion of the “welcome to the madness” OVA. Welcome to the Madness is all about Yurio in a free skate performance. As he skates, we see shots of Otabek watching, and later assisting with Yurio’s routine. He removes one of Yurio’s gloves with his mouth, and “shoots” him at the end of the performance. It’s incredibly provocative and sensual, and is incredible to watch. The music and animation makes viewers feel like they’re actually at the performance, and feels more energetic than routines seen in the series. The only downside is that it’s so short. I need more Yurio rock routines in my life!The Blu-ray Edition also includes a Yuri!!! On Ice cast discussion. ADR Director Sonny Strait, along with Josh Grelle (Yuri Katsuki) and Jerry Jewell (Victor Nikiforov) discuss the nuances of the show overall. It was interesting to hear them discuss how much respect they now have for figure skating, and admit it’s often overlooked as a complex sport. They also provided insight into what they thought was the major conflict of the show, along with the struggles each character goes through. It was great to see how much perspective and insight Josh and Jerry had on the characters they brought to life.Other extras include episode eleven commentary, textless opening and closing songs, along with textless skate scenes and trailers for upcoming releases. The set as a whole also includes three prints, as well as an 80 page art book filled with concept art, character information, and an interview with Director Sayo Yamamoto.PriceYuri!!! On Ice The Complete Series Limited Edition Boxset currently retails for $84.98, but can be purchased on Funimation right now for $63.74. To me, this is an amazing deal. With the amount of care, detail, and goodies included in this box set I could see it retailing for a higher amount. If you are planning on purchasing the limited edition set I would move fast. The standard version is currently sold out and back ordered, so I’m sure this version isn’t far behind.Fans looking to purchase Yuri!!! On Ice The Complete Series Limited Edition Boxset can get it here from Funimation.