GKIDS, the leading distributor of animated films in North America, and IMAX Corporation have announced an expanded partnership to bring further 4K restorations of beloved Studio Ghibli films to theaters across North America starting in 2026. This exciting initiative follows the highly successful IMAX engagement of “Princess Mononoke” earlier this year, signaling a new era for Ghibli fans to experience these animated masterpieces on the big screen with unprecedented clarity.
A New Era for Ghibli in IMAX
The expanded collaboration between GKIDS and IMAX aims to deliver multiple Studio Ghibli titles in stunning 4K resolution, offering an enhanced theatrical experience for audiences. While the specific films slated for 2026 have not yet been fully disclosed, the announcement promises “more details to come” regarding the lineup.
Following the Success of “Princess Mononoke”
This partnership builds directly on the overwhelming success of the 4K IMAX release of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Princess Mononoke,” which became the second-highest grossing vault release ever for IMAX. The film’s strong performance, celebrating Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, demonstrated a significant demand from audiences to revisit these cinematic treasures in premium formats. Eric Beckman, CEO of GKIDS, expressed enthusiasm for extending the relationship with IMAX, emphasizing GKIDS’ commitment to the “shared theatrical experience” and highlighting the opportunity for fans to witness the “unparalleled visual beauty” of Studio Ghibli films in IMAX.
The Meticulous 4K Restoration Process
The IMAX versions of the films will be created from new 4K restorations, a process being directly overseen by Studio Ghibli’s own Atsushi Okui. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the restored films will maintain fidelity to the original artistic vision while offering a significantly upgraded visual and auditory experience.
Atsushi Okui’s Expertise
Atsushi Okui has been an integral part of nearly every major Studio Ghibli project since 1993. His extensive experience includes serving as the Director of Digital Imaging on the Academy Award-winning feature “The Boy and the Heron,” which was also the first Studio Ghibli film to be screened in IMAX. Okui’s direct supervision of the 4K restorations guarantees that the beloved animation will be presented with the highest quality possible, honoring the studio’s legacy.
What Fans Can Expect
Fans can look forward to an immersive cinematic journey, experiencing the “immersive worlds and deeply humanistic storytelling” of Studio Ghibli as never before. The 4K restorations, combined with IMAX’s cutting-edge projection and sound technology, are set to provide a breathtaking visual spectacle. While specific titles are yet to be revealed for the 2026 lineup, the anticipation for which classics will receive this treatment is already building among the dedicated fanbase.
Beyond Ghibli Fest
GKIDS holds the North American distribution rights for the entire Studio Ghibli film library across all platforms, including theatrical, home video, digital, and streaming. The company has also been responsible for bringing Studio Ghibli’s most recent films to theaters nationwide, such as “The Boy and the Heron.” In addition to this new IMAX partnership, GKIDS produces the annual Ghibli Fest, a nationwide theatrical program that showcases Studio Ghibli films in over 1,000 theaters across the country each year, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to bringing these films to the big screen.
The Significance of 4K for Animation
The move to 4K restorations is particularly impactful for hand-drawn animation like that of Studio Ghibli. Many of these films were originally shot on 35mm film, meaning the source material contains a high level of detail that can be extracted and enhanced through a 4K scan and restoration process. This allows for a truer representation of the original artwork, revealing nuances in color, line work, and background art that may have been less apparent in previous releases. By integrating this high-resolution data, the 4K versions deliver a visual fidelity that stays true to the creators’ original vision, offering a vibrant and detailed viewing experience that truly shines on the expansive IMAX screens.
This expanded partnership between GKIDS and IMAX promises an unparalleled opportunity for North American audiences to rediscover the timeless magic of Studio Ghibli’s animated masterpieces in their most visually stunning form yet. The careful restoration process, overseen by a Studio Ghibli veteran, ensures that the integrity and beauty of these films will be preserved and celebrated on the grandest possible scale.
