Sony-owned anime streaming service Crunchyroll is significantly reducing its offerings of physical media, a move that has sparked anger among devoted fans who rely on the company for Blu-ray and DVD releases. The Crunchyroll store, which expanded its physical media presence after acquiring online retailer The Right Stuf International in 2023, will be phasing out much of its current stock.
According to a recent statement and FAQ, the store will shift to a "brand-new shopping experience" accessible exclusively to subscribers of its "Mega and Ultimate Fans" tiers. Rather than a broad selection of anime discs, the rebranded store will focus on "collectibles, curated drops, and limited-release products inspired by the anime series you love."
This pivot has drawn sharp criticism from longtime customers, many of whom supported The Right Stuf prior to its integration into the Crunchyroll store. Fans have pointed to a perceived decline in support for popular series, citing issues with physical releases for titles such as Gundam and Macross shows, as well as a mishandled Kickstarter campaign for the classic Dirty Pair anime on Blu-ray. Observers had also noted a recent reduction in stocking releases from boutique licensors.
The transition leaves many anime enthusiasts without their primary source for physical media. The decision also raises questions about the future availability of physical releases for anime licensed by Crunchyroll. This development, coupled with Sony's earlier announcement regarding the discontinuation of PlayStation game disc production by early 2028, has led some fans to view Crunchyroll's actions as further evidence of a broader trend away from supporting physical media.