Anime’s most mesmerizing film, which has blown away fans for decades, is now getting a new physical release.Akirais credited with being the first feat in the Japanese animation genre to become mainstream in the West. Its impeccable art, paired with social commentary, has made it a masterpiece in the eyes of pop culture. Since its release, anime has become mainstream nationally, allowing series such asFullmetal Alchemist,Cowboy Bebop, andNeon Genesis Evangelionto take root all over the world.
The newAkirarelease is a 4K steelbook available to purchase on Amazon on July 10, 2025. The disc is protected by a sturdy red casing with immaculate art from the film. TheAkira4K release is also accompanied by an essay booklet that contextualizes the importance of the film and the details surrounding its creation.Akirais a filmadapted from the mangaof the same name, written byKatsuhiro Otomo,who also directed the film and wrote the screenplay for the film. The original cyberpunk story was first released in 1982 and was one of the first manga to be translated in its entirety into English. The content ofAkiramakes it clear why the story was such a runaway success in all mediums.
What is ‘Akira’ About?
Akiracaptured the attention of viewers not only because of the artistic feat of every frame but the message at the center of the story.The sci-fi cult classictakes place in 2019 in the dystopian cyberpunk world of Neo-Tokyo. In a city run by biker gangs, best friends Tetsuo and Kaneda encounter a conspiracy at the center of the crime-ridden world. A faded child known as an esper escapes government containment as officials try to recapture him. He, among many other ghost-faced children, are commodities because of their psychic abilities.
Tetsuo’s own psychic powers lead to calamitous events that point to real-world ramifications. Neo-Tokyo is in shambles because of the titular esper who caused Tokyo’s downfall in the ‘80s. Akira has a distinctly anti-capitalist, anti-government stance, all while noting the dangers of nuclear war.Akirabecame so informative for many creativesthat a live-action adaptation has been in the works for some time. Most famously spearheaded byWhat We Do In the ShadowsdirectorTaika Waititi,Akirahas failed to make it to productionmany times. The good news is that fans can pre-order the March release on Amazon to relive the magic and destruction.
