Anime enthusiasts have a fresh reason to rejoice as Sony’s Crunchyroll joins Amazon Prime Video, bringing with it a vast collection of anime series and films. Under a new global distribution agreement between the two giants, a Prime Video subscriber can now stream Crunchyroll content seamlessly within the Prime Video app.
Previously, avid anime watchers would have to use the standalone Crunchyroll app, which for some smart TV and set-top platform users, was a bug-ridden and cumbersome experience. This integration not only simplifies the access to a thousand or so hours of anime content but also permits viewers to benefit from Amazon’s single-point billing system. Instead of juggling between multiple apps and payments, Amazon offers a consolidated solution.
The union of Crunchyroll with Prime Video is rolled out in phases. While it’s available for audiences in the US as of now, fans in Canada, Sweden, and the UK can anticipate the service by the week’s end. Amazon has also hinted at expanding this offering to other territories in the coming year.
Crunchyroll is renowned for its vast repository of anime, boasting over 24,000 hours, 46,000 episodes, spanning over a thousand series and films. This trove is now available for Prime members under two Crunchyroll membership plans: the Fan and the Mega Fan subscriptions. Both plans grant ad-free access to Crunchyroll’s extensive library and new episode releases shortly after their debut in Japan. The Mega Fan package offers the additional benefit of offline downloads and Amazon indicates the introduction of even more non-video benefits soon. As a gesture to attract new viewers, there’s a seven-day free trial for those new to Crunchyroll.
Price-wise, the Fan tier costs $7.99, mirroring Crunchyroll’s standalone subscription. The Mega Fan subscription will set you back $9.99 a month, allowing subscribers to download anime titles for offline enjoyment. Despite the alignment in pricing, there are some variations to note. While Crunchyroll Premium subscribers included access to a digital manga library, this isn’t part of Prime Video’s offering. Additionally, certain perks like discount coupons at Crunchyroll’s online store are reserved exclusively for Crunchyroll Premium’s Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan tiers.
Another notable element is the widespread accessibility Crunchyroll gains through this alliance. While the Crunchyroll app had its presence on 13 platforms, including the web, gaming consoles, and certain TV lines like Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV, its addition to Prime Video Channels extends its reach to many more devices, including a broad range of smart TVs, set-tops, and Blu-ray players. It’s particularly beneficial for certain TV owners whose devices don’t support the standalone Crunchyroll app, offering a more direct viewing experience without workarounds.
Amazon’s move to incorporate Crunchyroll reflects its larger strategy to make Prime Video the ultimate entertainment hub. With a repertoire that includes channels like Max, Paramount Plus, Starz, and more, Amazon is poised to provide an unparalleled collection of entertainment. The latest addition ensures Prime members have easy access to anime content on Prime Video, further enriching their viewing experience.
In line with this development, Crunchyroll, under a separate agreement, unveiled a free, ad-supported anime channel in the U.S. in collaboration with partners like Amazon’s Freevee. This channel is set to feature older anime dubbed in English, broadening Crunchyroll’s appeal to a wider audience.
It’s evident that Crunchyroll, a joint venture of U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), is aggressively broadening its footprint. Having seen significant evolution, especially post its merger with Funimation after Sony’s acquisition, and with 11 million subscribers already to its name, Crunchyroll’s assimilation into Prime Video is poised to raise that count, giving both anime aficionados and the anime-curious more reasons to dive deep into its vast ocean of content.
But, if we’re being honest, we’re curious why Sony isn’t taking advantage of Crunchyroll more. We’re pretty sure adding to the “Fan” tier access to PS Plus Premium subscribers on top Sony Pictures Core would help make it more popular.
