A significant new offering has just hit the streaming landscape for anime and premium content enthusiasts. Crunchyroll and Starz have officially teamed up to launch an exclusive bundle, making both services available together through Amazon's Prime Video in the U.S. This bundle, priced at US$16.99 per month, is live now, promising a unified entertainment experience.
New Streaming Bundle Details
For those looking to expand their entertainment options, the Crunchyroll and Starz bundle presents an interesting proposition. Priced at US$16.99 monthly, this new Prime Video offering combines a vast library of anime with Starz's premium series and movies. To put this in perspective, Starz's standalone monthly subscription typically costs US$11.99. This means that for an additional US$5.00, subscribers gain access to the extensive Crunchyroll catalog. This bundling strategy aims to provide convenience and potentially a cost-effective solution for viewers who would otherwise subscribe to both services separately, especially given Crunchyroll's recent price adjustments.
Crunchyroll Subscription Tier Changes
Anime fans have already seen some significant shifts in Crunchyroll's pricing structure earlier this year. In February, Crunchyroll increased the prices across all of its U.S. subscription tiers. The popular Fan Tier, which provides an ad-free experience and immediate access to new simulcast episodes, saw its price jump from US$7.99 to US$9.99 per month. The Mega Fan Tier also increased, moving from US$11.99 to US$13.99 per month. For the most dedicated viewers, the Ultimate Fan Tier experienced a price hike from US$15.99 to US$17.99 per month. These adjustments have made the decision for some users to seek bundled options or re-evaluate their current subscriptions even more pressing.
Decoding Crunchyroll Tiers: What You Get
Understanding the value behind Crunchyroll's tiers is key, especially with the recent price increases and the introduction of new bundles. Each tier is designed to cater to different levels of fandom and viewing habits:
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Fan Tier (US$9.99/month): This entry-level premium tier ensures an advertisement-free viewing experience, allowing users to dive into all new simulcast episodes as they premiere. It's perfect for those who want uninterrupted access to the latest anime releases without any additional perks.
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Mega Fan Tier (US$13.99/month): Building on the Fan Tier's foundation, the Mega Fan Tier significantly enhances the viewing experience. It includes all Fan Tier features and adds offline viewing capabilities, perfect for watching on the go without an internet connection. Subscribers can also access four concurrent streams, ideal for households with multiple viewers. Additionally, Mega Fan members receive a 10% discount on select products and free shipping for orders over US$50 from the Crunchyroll Store, offering tangible benefits for merchandise collectors.
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Ultimate Fan Tier (US$17.99/month): The pinnacle of Crunchyroll subscriptions, the Ultimate Fan Tier offers everything from the Fan Tier, plus advanced features. Like Mega Fan, it includes offline viewing, but it ups the ante with access to six concurrent streams. Members enjoy an even greater discount of 15% off select products and free shipping on the Crunchyroll Store. The Ultimate Fan experience is rounded out with an annual Ultimate Fan member swag bag and exclusive access to member-only merchandise, providing unique collectibles for the most devoted fans.
End of Free Ad-Supported Streaming
Another notable change that impacted many anime enthusiasts was Crunchyroll's decision to halt free ad-supported streaming on its service. This change took effect on December 31, meaning that viewers who previously enjoyed watching anime without a subscription, albeit with advertisements, now need a paid subscription tier to access the content. This move further emphasizes the push towards paid memberships and premium experiences across the platform.
Crunchyroll's Ownership and Evolution
Crunchyroll continues to operate as an independently managed joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan's Aniplex. Both Sony Pictures Entertainment and Aniplex's parent company, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), are subsidiaries of the Tokyo-based Sony Group. This structure highlights Sony's significant investment in the anime industry.
In a landmark acquisition, Sony's Funimation Global Group finalized its purchase of Crunchyroll from AT&T on August 9, 2021. This acquisition, first announced in December 2020, was completed for a substantial US$1.175 billion, paid in cash. This consolidation brought together two of the largest anime streaming and distribution platforms under one umbrella, solidifying Crunchyroll's position as a dominant force in the global anime market. A practical outcome of this merger is that Funimation's home video releases are now branded and listed under Crunchyroll, streamlining the brand presence. This strategic move by Sony continues to shape the future of anime accessibility and consumption worldwide, as evidenced by new offerings like the Crunchyroll Starz bundle.
Anime fans now have more choices than ever for how they consume their favorite shows, whether through a dedicated Crunchyroll tier or a new bundle like the one available via Prime Video. Evaluating the features and pricing against individual viewing habits will be key to making the best decision for your entertainment needs.
