Studio Ghibli’s beloved 1997 film, Princess Mononoke, is returning to theaters in a stunning 4K IMAX re-release. This news, celebrating Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, offers fans a chance to experience Hayao Miyazaki’s epic on the big screen like never before.
Originally released to critical acclaim and box office success, Princess Mononoke
tells the story of Ashitaka, a young warrior caught in the conflict between humans and the forest spirits. The film’s themes of environmentalism and the clash between civilization and nature continue to resonate with audiences today.
The IMAX re-release, hitting theaters later this month, will feature a 4K restoration overseen by Studio Ghibli’s Atsushi Okui. Viewers can choose between the original Japanese language version with subtitles and the English dubbed version.
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“The IMAX version of the film was created from a new 4K restoration directly overseen by Studio Ghibli’s own Atsushi Okui,” confirms GKIDS.
This re-release provides a unique opportunity to see the film’s breathtaking animation and Joe Hisaishi’s powerful score on a grand scale. The film, which holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a high average on Letterboxd, remains a favorite among anime enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.
“Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure,” describes the official IMAX synopsis. “There, he stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves.”
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With its stunning visuals and timeless story, the Princess Mononoke 4K IMAX re-release is a must-see for fans of Studio Ghibli and anime in general.