GKIDS, in partnership with Shout! Studios, is set to release Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda’s critically acclaimed 2015 animated feature film, The Boy and The Beast, on 4K UHD for the first time on March 17. The film will also be available on Blu-ray. This highly anticipated release marks another addition to GKIDS’ growing catalog of Hosoda’s works receiving the 4K treatment.
Bringing “The Boy and The Beast” to Ultra High Definition
Fans of Mamoru Hosoda’s rich animation and compelling storytelling will soon be able to experience The Boy and The Beast with enhanced visual fidelity. The 4K UHD edition promises a stunning presentation of the film’s vibrant animation and detailed world-building. This release continues GKIDS’ commitment to delivering high-quality home entertainment versions of beloved animated films.
Release Details and Availability
The 4K UHD release of The Boy and The Beast will be available starting March 17. A limited edition 4K UHD Steelbook will be offered as an Amazon exclusive. The standard Blu-ray edition will be available at all major retailers, as well as directly through GKIDS and Shout! Studios.
Special Features for Fans
Both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray editions will come packed with bonus materials for an in-depth look at the film’s creation. These special features include a “Making of The Boy and The Beast” documentary, a collection of promotional videos, cast commentary, key staff commentary, and a gallery of teasers and trailers.
The Story of “The Boy and The Beast”
The Boy and The Beast tells the story of Kyuta, a lonely young boy living on the streets of Shibuya who stumbles into a fantastical world inhabited by beasts. There, he is taken in by Kumatetsu, a formidable yet unrefined warrior beast who is seeking an apprentice. Despite their initial friction and constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu gradually forge a strong bond as master and student, essentially becoming a surrogate father and son. Their unique relationship is tested when a looming darkness threatens to engulf both the human and beast realms, forcing them to confront challenges that will determine the fate of both worlds. The film explores themes of family, identity, and mentorship, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and action-packed narrative.
Acclaim and Impact
Since its Japanese debut in July 2015, The Boy and The Beast has garnered significant critical acclaim. It was a box office success in Japan, becoming the second-highest-grossing domestic film in the country in 2015. The film received its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and was subsequently licensed for U.S. release by Funimation in March 2016. Mamoru Hosoda’s films, including The Boy and The Beast, have frequently been nominated for, and won, the Japan Academy Prize for “Animation of the Year,” with Hosoda being the only Japanese animation director outside of Studio Ghibli to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Part of a Larger 4K Collection from GKIDS
The release of The Boy and The Beast on 4K UHD is part of a broader initiative by GKIDS to bring Mamoru Hosoda’s earlier filmography to the 4K format. This series includes other celebrated titles such as 2006’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, 2009’s Summer Wars, and 2012’s Wolf Children. GKIDS has also previously released Hosoda’s more recent works, Belle (2021) and Mirai (2018), on 4K UHD. GKIDS continues to expand its 4K offerings, which also include films like Perfect Blue and The Boy and the Heron.
