GKIDS, in celebration of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, is bringing a newly restored 4K version of Hayao Miyazaki’s epic fantasy masterpiece, Princess Mononoke, to North American IMAX theaters beginning March 26, 2025. This marks the first time the film will be screened in IMAX format in North America.
Studio Ghibli’s 40th Anniversary Celebrated with IMAX Release
The Princess Mononoke IMAX release is part of the ongoing celebration of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary. GKIDS, the North American distributor for Studio Ghibli films, is presenting the film in both its original Japanese language version with English subtitles and an English-dubbed version. Tickets are already on sale. This re-release offers a new generation of viewers the chance to experience the film on the big screen.
GKIDS: Champion of Ghibli in North America
GKIDS handles North American distribution for the Studio Ghibli library, managing theatrical releases, home video, digital platforms, and streaming. They’ve released recent Ghibli films like the Academy Award-winning “The Boy and the Heron” and have produced the annual Ghibli Fest since 2017, showcasing Ghibli films in over 1000 theaters nationwide.
A 4K Restoration Overseen by Studio Ghibli
The IMAX version features a new 4K restoration directly supervised by Studio Ghibli’s Atsushi Okui, who has worked on almost every major Ghibli project since 1993. Okui also served as Director of Digital Imaging on Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron,” which was the first Studio Ghibli film to be screened in IMAX format. The 4K restoration aims to enhance the visual and auditory experience, preserving the original hand-drawn animation’s integrity.
Atsushi Okui: Guardian of Ghibli’s Visual Legacy
Atsushi Okui’s involvement ensures the quality of Princess Mononoke’s IMAX debut. His expertise and long history with Studio Ghibli guarantee that the 4K restoration stays true to Miyazaki’s original vision.
Princess Mononoke: A Timeless Classic
Originally released in 1997, Princess Mononoke is considered a landmark in animation and a cultural touchstone with an immeasurable influence on modern cinema. The hand-drawn animated feature tells an original story written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Toshio Suzuki, with music by Joe Hisaishi.
Synopsis: A Journey into Conflict
Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka journeys west seeking a cure. He becomes entangled in a conflict between Lady Eboshi and the people of Iron Town, and Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves who fiercely protects her forest home and its spirits.
Voice Cast: A Stellar English Dub
The English dub features the voices of:
- Gillian Anderson (Moro)
- Billy Crudup (Ashitaka)
- Claire Danes (San)
- Minnie Driver (Lady Eboshi)
- Jada Pinkett Smith (Toki)
- Billy Bob Thornton (Jigo)
The Enduring Legacy of Princess Mononoke
Set in a fictionalized version of Muromachi-era Japan, Princess Mononoke explores themes of environmentalism, the balance between humanity and nature, and the complexities of conflict. The film was a critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time and introducing Studio Ghibli to a wider international audience. It remains the eighth highest-grossing film of all time at the Japanese box office.
A Film of Firsts
Princess Mononoke was the first animated film to win the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year. It was also the first Studio Ghibli film to receive a wide international release, thanks to a distribution deal between Tokuma Shoten and Walt Disney Studios.
Influence on Modern Cinema
The film’s legacy continues to inspire filmmakers. Takashi Yamazaki, director of “Godzilla Minus One” (2023), cited Princess Mononoke as a major influence on his work.
Technical Details of the 4K Restoration
This IMAX release is based on a new 4K restoration, enhancing image quality while maintaining the original hand-drawn animation. The project was supervised by Studio Ghibli, ensuring fidelity to the original film.
Where and When to Watch
The screenings begin on March 26, 2025, in IMAX-equipped venues across the U.S. and Canada. This limited theatrical release is part of Studio Ghibli’s 40th-anniversary celebrations.
