Prime Video expands anime offerings with Crunchyroll in Australia

Crunchyroll joins Prime Video

Anime enthusiasts in Australia have reason to celebrate as Crunchyroll, the prominent anime streaming service owned by Sony, is set to expand its reach. Now offered as an add-on subscription to Amazon’s Prime Video platform, fans can access a vast library of anime content seamlessly.

Membership tiers and benefits

Crunchyroll presents two enticing membership tiers:

• Fan-level: Priced at AUD $10.99 (USD $7.25), this tier offers ad-free streaming and new episodes shortly after they premiere in Japan.
• Mega Fan: Available for AUD $13.99 (USD $9.20), this tier not only includes all Fan-level benefits but also allows subscribers to download titles for offline viewing.

These subscriptions unlock a treasure trove of over 24,000 hours of content, encompassing 46,000 episodes and more than 1,300 series and films. It’s an anime lover’s dream come true.

An insight into Crunchyroll’s growth

Once primarily catering to North American audiences, Crunchyroll was acquired by Sony in 2021 and merged with Sony’s Funimation, while retaining the Crunchyroll brand name. This strategic move elevated Crunchyroll from niche service to global powerhouse. Operating under a joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan), Crunchyroll’s influence has expanded exponentially.

Since then, it has managed to maintain a steady stream of successful anime releases, supporting its growing popularity. To meet a global audience’s expectations, they’ve worked on localizing content and offerings in various regions, including India and Australia.

Crunchyroll’s comprehensive services

Crunchyroll’s expansion doesn’t end at streaming. They deliver a holistic package including:

• Theatrical releases: Bringing anime to the big screen worldwide.
• Live events: Engaging with the community through conventions and exclusive events.
• Games: Offering video games that let fans interact with their favorite anime characters.
• Consumer products: Providing merchandise that ranges from apparel to collectibles.

This multifaceted approach not only boosts their brand appeal but also deepens their connection with a global fanbase.

Prime Video’s growing anime collection

Anime’s popularity in Australia is soaring, and Prime Video is keen to cater to this growing demand by constantly enhancing its anime repertoire. The inclusion of Crunchyroll as their 21st add-on package exemplifies Prime Video’s dedication to providing premium entertainment in one accessible location.

According to a Prime Video executive, this partnership is part of a broader strategy to deliver the best content across genres. The goal is to create a unique destination where every viewer finds something they love, and the addition of Crunchyroll marks a significant step in this direction.

Upcoming anime titles to watch out for

October heralds a season brimming with new anime titles on Crunchyroll, including:

• Dragon Ball DAIMA: New adventures in the beloved Dragon Ball universe.
• BLUE LOCK Season 2: Continuation of the intense soccer-themed series.
• Shangri-La Frontier Season 2: Further explorations in a digital fantasy world.
• Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World Season 3: More twists and turns in this popular isekai series.

These titles add to the already rich content library, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers have plenty to enjoy.

An evolving milestone

This collaboration marks a dynamic shift in how anime is consumed and appreciated internationally. It’s more than a business expansion; it’s about connecting cultures through the universal language of animation.

Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to delve into the vast and captivating world of anime available through Prime Video’s Crunchyroll integration. Experience the thrill, drama, and beauty of anime like never before, right at your fingertips.

Anime aficionados, the time to indulge in this rich tapestry of animated storytelling is now. Follow us for more updates on anime and entertainment, and share your favorite Crunchyroll moments with your community on social media.