Before we can talk about Crunchyroll, we need to talk about Funimation. Specifically: the Funimation digital copies of their various anime series. What are they, you might ask? Well, basically: the digital copies of those anime series came bundled with their physical releases. Blu-ray, DVD, what have you. If you bought the physical version, then you also got the digital copy to see on Funimation.
However, there’s a catch. Funimation didn’t actually have the mechanism in place to allow for digital downloads of their anime. They still don’t, actually. Instead, the digital copy version just lets the viewer stream that anime without needing a premium subscription. You still actually need a Funimation account and an online connection to watch the anime whose digital copy you own. Alas though, one of those will someday soon not even exist. Not when Crunchyroll carries out their plan to merge the two streaming platforms. Unfortunately, it appears that those digital copies will be left behind in that merger.
Funimation Digital Copies and Crunchyroll: Details
IGN has just released a report containing a statement from Crunchyroll regarding their upcoming merger with Funimation. Or rather, with the latter’s merger with the former, since by the end, there will only be Crunchyroll left. First of all, apparently, this merger will be complete on April 2, 2024. So you have until that date to enjoy anime on Funimation.
However, it’s what Crunchyroll isn’t doing that’s the worrying thing here. You can read Crunchyroll’s exact statement below:
We understand that you may have concerns about your digital copies from Funimation. Please note that Crunchyroll does not currently support Funimation digital copies, which means that access to previously available digital copies will not be supported.
Yes, this is the bad news. If you use those digital copies to watch anime, then you will not be able to use them when Funimation is no more. However, there is some good news here, also from Crunchyroll in the same statement. You can also read that below:
However, we are continuously working to enhance our content offerings and provide you with an exceptional anime streaming experience. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to explore the extensive anime library available on Crunchyroll.
So while the Funimation digital copies will not be available on April 2, they might be at a later date. At least, that’s what Crunchyroll’s wording seems to suggest. They don’t outright come out and say so though, which is quite worrying. It’s no wonder why users on social media are up in arms about this, as is the case with EposVox on Twitter, who mentioned:
All we can really do is hope that Crunchyroll fulfills their suggestion that they make those digital copies available at a later date. Or you know, just buy physical media instead of streaming everything. Your choice.
Tune back into THS to find out more Crunchyroll and anime news when we hear about them.
