Yuri On Ice has become one of the most talked about sports anime in recent history. It took the internet by storm when it debuted and now with the start of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the series is the talk of social media. Why? First first the blu-ray finally released. But second because the Japanese pair skating team skated their debut number at the 2018 Winter Olympics to “Yuri On Ice” from the anime.
You can check out the Japanese team’s performance below. We will be keeping an eye on the Japanese team but also cheering on Nathan Chen on the American team. In the mean time, lets review the blu-ray release of Yuri On Ice.
Series Synopsis
After suffering a crushing defeat during the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final and other failed showings at other skating competitions, Yuri Katsuki develops mixed feelings about ice skating and puts his career on hiatus, going to college in Detroit and later returning to his hometown of Hasetsu in Kyushu. He visits his childhood friend Yuko at an ice rink known as “Ice Castle Hasetsu” and perfectly mimics an advanced skating routine performed by famous Russian figure skater Victor Nikiforov, who is Yuri’s idol.
When secretly recorded footage of Yuri’s performance is uploaded to the internet, it catches the attention of Victor, who travels to Kyushu and offers to coach Yuri and restart his figure skating career. Together with Victor, Yuri aims to win the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series as he battles against his rival, Yuri Plisetsky, a 15-year-old rising star skater from Russia.
Yuri On Ice Review
A lot of people never saw this series coming or expected it to be worth watching. But for the first time ever, I can say that a sports anime was worth watching. The series focuses on the relationships of Yuri Katsuki and Yuri Plisetsky as they both fight to win the Grand Prix as each looks for help from Victor Nikiforov.
However, the relationship of student and coach goes much further with Katsuki. Each episode builds up to the final skating event and things heat up with each new episode. Many have been turned off by the relationship between Victor and Yuri. However, the way the series brings it about is far more natural and about love than lust.
The series does an excellent job of showing how our characters deal with stress, failure and success after recovering from that failure. From teammates, coaches, or even competitors. Learning from your mistakes is something we all must do to grow. We get to see that from both Yuri’s. One who felt weak when those around him tried to help. The other who longed for that type of love and support.
Another aspect of the series that gives fans so much to talk about is the accurate portrayal of ice skating. Many Olympic skaters, like Johnny Weir have come out to praise the series. The fact that the Japanese skating team used one of the songs from the series in their routine at the 2018 Winter games is evidence enough.
From the heart of all the characters and their relationships with each other, to the choreography, animation, and sound track, Yuri On Ice is one of my top series that has released in the past year. If you love ice skating, or are looking to get into your first sports anime, I would recommend Yuri On Ice.
Limited Edition Blu-Ray Features
The limited edition blu-ray release from Funimation is another release to come out of the Crunchyroll partnership started early last year. Crunchyroll and Funimation shared license for the series. Funimation handled the dub while Crunchyroll aired the sub. Together they used Funimations distribution channel to release the series to fans.
The limited edition comes in a decorated chipboard box housing 4 discs for the series (2 blu-ray and 2 DVD). There is a holographic finish to the box in the shape of snow flakes. You also get an 80-page book of illustrations and behind-the-scenes interviews with director Sayo Yamamoto, co-creator Mitsurou Kubo, and choreographer Kenji Miyamoto. The set finally includes 3 very cool art cards.
You can purchased your copy today over at Amazon OR RightStuf.
2018 Winter Olympics
Check out a snippet of the Japanese team’s performance to “Yuri On Ice” at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games and listen to the full track below.
yuri on ice at the olympics!!!! pic.twitter.com/eKUYf8hC8Z
— David Zhou (@dz) February 9, 2018
https://youtu.be/Fn7YErdX-X8
