A new trailer has been released for the highly anticipated 4K remaster of Mamoru Oshii’s cult classic 1985 experimental anime, Angel’s Egg. The restoration, personally supervised by director Oshii, offers a renewed look at the visually stunning and enigmatic film, which is set to receive widespread theatrical and streaming releases in North America later this year.
The remastered version aims to introduce the allegorical fantasy to a new generation of audiences while honoring its original artistic vision.
A Renewed Look at a Cult Classic
The 4K remaster of Angel’s Egg is based on a new scan of the original 35mm film negative, promising breathtaking visual fidelity for the nearly 40-year-old anime. Director Mamoru Oshii, renowned for his work on Ghost in the Shell, personally oversaw the restoration process, ensuring that the enhanced visuals maintain the film’s distinctive atmosphere. Beyond the visual upgrade, the original mono audio has also been meticulously analyzed and reconstructed into 5.1-channel surround and Dolby Atmos formats using advanced audio separation technology, promising an immersive auditory experience.
The restoration celebrates the film’s 40th anniversary in 2025.
Trailer Highlights and Theatrical Debut
The recently released trailer provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the film’s dark, surreal, and symbolic imagery. It showcases the ethereal ink-painting style of artist Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D), who collaborated with Oshii on the film’s original concept and art direction. The trailer underscores the anime’s minimal dialogue and powerful visual storytelling, which has garnered it a dedicated following despite its initially limited release.
The 4K remaster has already made a significant impact on the festival circuit, having held its world premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival’s Cinéma de la Plage section in May 2025. It will also be featured at other prestigious festivals, including Fantastic Fest (September 18-25), the New York Film Festival (September 26-October 13), and Spain’s Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival (October 9-19) before its wider theatrical release.
North American Release and Streaming Availability
GKIDS has acquired the North American distribution rights for the 4K restoration of Angel’s Egg and plans a nationwide theatrical release starting November 19, 2025. This marks the first time the film will be shown widely in cinemas across the region.
In addition to its theatrical run, the film became available for streaming on HBO Max starting September 1, 2025, as part of a new partnership with GKIDS. A home video release is also expected to follow later.
The Enduring Legacy of Angel’s Egg
Originally released as an Original Video Animation (OVA) by Tokuma Shoten on December 15, 1985, Angel’s Egg is an experimental post-apocalyptic science fantasy film. Directed by Mamoru Oshii at Studio Deen, with character and art design by Yoshitaka Amano, the 71-minute film is known for its ambiguous imagery, strong allegorical themes, and biblical allusions, drawing comparisons to the Noah’s Ark narrative. It tells the story of a young girl who protects a mysterious egg and her encounter with a boy searching for a bird.
Despite initially struggling financially and being labeled as “hard to understand” by some at the time of its release, Angel’s Egg has since gained significant critical acclaim as a cult classic. Its unique blend of philosophical and theological reflections, combined with Amano’s distinctive artistic style, has cemented its place as a masterpiece of experimental anime and a vital milestone in Oshii’s career as an auteur. The film’s poetic storytelling and philosophical depth continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
