Anime Limited (otherwise known as All The Anime) have today confirmed that a Standard Edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray release of BELLE will be made available on 12th August 2024 with pre-orders now being accepted on the AllTheAnime Store.
Until now, the only way to own BELLE on 4K UHD Blu-Ray was to purchase the Collector’s Edition release, of which was originally released as an AllTheAnime Store exclusive more than 2 years ago before making its general retail release earlier this year. Interestingly this Standard 4K UHD Blu-Ray Release of BELLE, which has a rather high SRP of £34.99, features only the 4K UHD Blu-Ray version of the film in both Japanese and English (with English subtitles) and an Interview with Mamoru Hosoda at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
4K UHD Blu-Ray Standard Edition – RRP £34.99 | English & Japanese Audio
Release Date: 12th August 2024 – Amazon UK | AllTheAnime | Anime-On-Line
Synopsis: Suzu is a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are.
While it is great to finally see BELLE receive a standard edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray release the high RRP is concerning. Generally 4K UHD Blu-Rays have an RRP of £24.99, and most include the Standard Blu-Ray version of the film (although this is slowly being phased out). The previously released Collector’s Edition meanwhile can be purchased for £49.99, and this not only includes both 4K UHD & Blu-Ray versions of the film, but it also includes a bonus disc filled with extras and the films exceptional soundtrack on CD. Of course the £34.99 RRP for the Standard Edition is just a recommended retail price, and many retailers will offer discounts, but compared to the alternative option (of the Collector’s Edition) it’s just not great value for the consumer.
Regardless, the Standard Edition 4K UHD Blu-Ray of BELLE is currently available to pre-order and is scheduled to be released on 12th August 2024. In the meantime you can take a look at our unboxing of the Collector’s Edition below (which is now available) and a trailer for the film.