‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends’ Opens #1 In Japan’s Box Office, US Fans Still Hope For Theatrical Release While Rumors Suggest Viz Media Will License Blu-Ray And DVD Release

While the "Rurouni Kenshin" series ended some time ago, Japanese fans of the beloved series continue to show support, this time showing up for the final live-action film release this weekend. "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" opened number one in the Japanese box office, knocking "Stand By Me Doraemon" off of its long held spot, and successfully fought off "Guardians of the Galaxy." All of this is a definite reason U.S. distributors should consider a stateside release. In fact U.S. fans continue to express desire for some kind of release that they consume, and rumor has it that Viz Media may be in talks to license the films for Blu-ray and DVD.

"Is the US going to get a DVD/Blu-ray copies of this sold in the states or are we going to be skipped over? I don't think that would be fair to all the Rurouni Fans," says Silver Silence in an Anime News Network forum discussing distribution of the popular live action adaptation of "Rurouni Kenshin." While some fans have provided alternative options to access the films, it would appear that overall, U.S. sword fighting lovers would like to show their support with a legitimate release they can purchase.

Perhaps the biggest fans already found a way to show support by making the trip out to Japan to catch the film in theaters. This weekend, according to Box Office Mojo, "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" opened number one, grossing a little over $8 million at the box office. This film, which is the final installment in the live-action trilogy, follows a successful run from its predecessor, "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno," which debuted at number one as well.

But what is the likelyhood that U.S. fans can expect the franchise stateside? There's a strong possibility that someone will want to cash in on the sword fighting fandom, and given that Warner Bros. has already assisted with distribution, they could easily release the film. On top of this, there is also a rumor floating around forums that Viz Media will license the films for Blu-ray and DVD release.

While no U.S. release has been confirmed, fans who desire an English subtitled version can purchase the "Rurouni Kenshin" films via YesAsia's Hong Kong region one sales. Apart from this, those fans desiring the experience of the action inside of a movie theater may have to keep hoping that Warner Bros. considers the anime fan market as one worth trying for.