Anime distributor Discotek Media has announced the upcoming release of the classic 1986 sci-fi action-comedy film Project A-ko in a comprehensive 4K “Perfect Collection,” leveraging newly accessible original 35mm film masters. This highly anticipated edition promises a significant upgrade for fans, featuring the main film in native 4K with HDR, alongside its sequels in high-definition.
A Definitive 4K Restoration for Project A-ko
The “Project A-ko Perfect Collection 4K” will present the original Project A-ko film with a brand-new 4K transfer, complete with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for enhanced visuals. This marks a substantial improvement, offering the film in both its original 4:3 aspect ratio and a widescreen 16:9 presentation. Both English dubbed and original Japanese audio tracks, with English subtitles, will be available.
Beyond the inaugural film, the collection is slated to include Project A-ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group, Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody, and Project A-ko 4: Final. These sequels will be presented in 1080p SDR, also with both English dubs and Japanese audio with subtitles. Discotek Media has also confirmed that the release will be packed with nearly every extra feature from the previous standard Blu-ray editions, ensuring a comprehensive package for collectors. The company stated that the 4K release is “coming soon” as it is already finished.
The Rediscovery of Original Film Masters
This premium 4K release was made possible by the unexpected rediscovery of the original 35mm film masters for Project A-ko. Previously, these masters were believed to be lost or inaccessible due to a clerical error. Discotek Media had initially planned for an upscaled high-definition release, but with the recovery of the original film, they were able to perform a true native 4K scan. This significant development allows for the highest quality presentation of the film to date, faithfully preserving its animation and visual style. Software engineer and anime fan Robert Woodhead played a crucial role in solving the clerical error that led to the film’s rediscovery and proper archiving.
Understanding the Enduring Appeal of Project A-ko
First released in 1986, Project A-ko quickly garnered a cult following for its unique blend of science fiction, action, and outlandish comedy. The film is widely celebrated as an affectionate, yet biting, satire of common tropes and clichés found in 1980s anime, featuring numerous parodies and in-jokes referencing popular titles like Fist of the North Star, Macross, and Captain Harlock.
The narrative follows A-ko Magami, a seemingly ordinary high school girl who possesses superhuman strength and speed, as she attempts to live a normal life with her best friend, the perpetually ditzy C-ko Kotobuki. Their daily routine is complicated by the obsessive rivalry of B-ko Daitokuji, a wealthy and genius inventor who harbors an intense desire to win C-ko’s affection and constantly challenges A-ko with elaborate mechs and powered suits. Adding to the chaos, an alien spaceship, on a mission to retrieve its lost princess, approaches Graviton City, leading to widespread destruction and escalating the already over-the-top antics.
Project A-ko‘s memorable characters and deliberately silly, action-packed plot, complemented by an energetic soundtrack featuring English songs, have solidified its place as a beloved classic that continues to entertain anime fans. Discotek Media is known for its dedication to releasing and preserving classic anime titles with high-quality presentations, making this Project A-ko 4K collection a fitting addition to their catalog.
