This collection brings together the first six episodes of Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga. The plot opens with main character Rin ostracised by those around him due to the revelation that he is the son of Satan. In addition to this a powerful object known as the left eye of the Impure King has been stolen. These story elements dominate most of the plot, though a good deal of time is also devoted to the backstory of Bon, and his relationship with his father.

The six episodes on hand in this collection only comprise the first half of this season. They provide the set up for the season and offer some hints at the nature of the antagonist. The fact that Rin is the son of Satan is not quickly swept under the rug. All of the main members of the cast grapple with the revelation in different ways. Enough time is given to each character to properly show why they come to the decision they do regarding how to treat Rin from them on. Other personal relationships within the show get similar time devoted to them. The audience sees how Bon’s view of his changes from his initial idolisation of him to what it is in the show.

These relationships are the heart of the show. The plot development that does take place in this collection occurs on the backs of the characters and their interpersonal relationships. Whether it be Yukio’s desire to protect his brother or Bono’s frustrations with his father.

There is not much to speak of on offer in terms of special features. There is the option to watch stretches of animation without the text appearing on the screen. There is nothing here that makes purchasing this version of the series over watching it on a streaming service. The experience would mostly be the same.

Blue Exorcist (Season 2) Kyoto Saga Volume 1 is good, but not great. The six episodes available do a good job of setting the stage for where the series will go next and establishing the emotional state of its cast. The character interaction is strong, the plot moves enough considering that this is only half the season, and the tone strikes the right balance between drama and comedy. The major thing holding this release back is that there is little to recommend about it specifically over other ways that its content can be legally viewed.

Extras: Textless opening, Textless ending, Episode One Textless Ending Scene

BLUE EXORCIST (SEASON 2) KYOTO SAGA VOLUME 1 / CERT: 15 / DIRECTOR & SCREENPLAY: VARIOUS / STARRING: BRYCE PAPENBROOK, CHRISTINE MARIE CABANOS, JOHNNY YOUNG BOSCH, KYLE HEBERT / RELEASE DATE: MARCH 26th