How to Play The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray + DVD Combo

By GKIDS Store— GKIDS Films | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to switch between the Blu-ray and DVD discs in The Boy and the Heron combo pack, check region compatibility, and troubleshoot playback issues.

Quick answer

To play The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray + DVD combo, insert the Blu-ray disc into a Blu-ray player or the DVD disc into a DVD player, and use the disc's menu to select audio and subtitle options. Check your player's region compatibility before you start.

Why a combo pack includes two discs

The Boy and the Heron combo pack includes both a Blu-ray and a DVD disc so you can watch the film on different devices. The Blu-ray disc offers high-definition video and is ideal for home theater setups, while the DVD is compatible with older players and computers with DVD drives.

The two discs contain the same film, but the Blu-ray version may have additional features or improved audio. Choose the disc that matches your player's capabilities for the best experience.

Region compatibility: what to check before you play

Blu-ray and DVD discs are often coded for specific regions. The GKIDS release of The Boy and the Heron is typically Region A for Blu-ray and Region 1 for DVD, which covers North America. If your player is from another region, it may not play the disc.

Check the region code printed on the disc's label or the packaging. If you have a multi-region player, you can set it to the correct region before inserting the disc. If the disc doesn't play, it may be due to region mismatch rather than a defect.

Understanding the disc menu and playback options

Once the disc loads, the main menu lets you select play, scene selection, and audio/subtitle options. For The Boy and the Heron, you can typically choose between English and Japanese audio with English subtitles.

If the menu doesn't appear automatically, use your player's 'Top Menu' or 'Pop-up Menu' button. Some players require you to press 'Play' to start the movie directly.

How to play The Boy and the Heron combo pack

Check your player's region code: Look for the region code on your player (e.g., Region A for Blu-ray, Region 1 for DVD). The GKIDS release is typically Region A/1. If your player is from a different region, it won't play the disc unless it's multi-region. If the disc doesn't play, check the region code before assuming it's defective.
Insert the correct disc: Use the Blu-ray disc for Blu-ray players and the DVD disc for DVD players. Insert the disc label-side up, and close the tray. Wait for the player to read the disc and load the menu. Using the wrong disc type for your player will result in an error message.
Select your audio and subtitle preferences: From the main menu, choose your preferred audio (English or Japanese) and subtitle language (if available). Use the player's remote to navigate the menu. If the menu doesn't appear, press 'Top Menu' or 'Pop-up Menu'. If you can't find the options, check the player's manual for menu navigation.
Start playback and troubleshoot if needed: Select 'Play' to start the movie. If the disc freezes or skips, clean the disc with a soft, dry cloth and try again. If the problem persists, check for firmware updates for your player. A dirty or scratched disc can cause playback issues; handle discs by the edges.

About The Boy and the Heron combo pack

The Boy and the Heron [Blu-ray + DVD]: This Academy Award®-winning fantasy adventure from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki is available as a Blu-ray + DVD combo pack. You get both formats in one package, so you can watch on a Blu-ray player or a standard DVD player without buying a separate copy.
The Boy and the Heron [Blu-ray + DVD]