Studio Ghibli’s iconic “Princess Mononoke” returns to theaters in new 4K restoration

by

In honor of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, there will be a re-release of Princess Mononoke in theaters, featuring a fresh 4K restoration.

As a devotee of Studio Ghibli’s cinematic masterpieces, Princess Mononoke holds a special place in my heart from my childhood. It introduced us to breathtaking, timeless, and spellbinding vistas, characters, and narratives that enriched our lives. Now, this classic animated film is returning to theaters with an unprecedented re-release, offering fans like myself an opportunity to revisit its magic on the big screen once more.

Princess Mononoke 4k restoration

In honor of Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary, Ashitaka, Lady Eboshi, and San will be returning to North American theaters for an exclusive IMAX presentation. This 4K restoration is a unique opportunity as it has been 25 years since Princess Mononoke was last shown in theaters.

On their official site, GKIDS Films explain that the captivating, hand-drawn animated film is an entirely new tale penned and helmed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Studio Ghibli’s co-founders. The production is overseen by Toshio Suzuki, another Studio Ghibli co-founder, while the moving soundtrack was created by Joe Hisaishi, a respected composer who often collaborates with Miyazaki.

The IMAX edition of this film was supervised by Atsushi Okui, a renowned Japanese cinematographer known for his work with Studio Ghibli in several noteworthy productions like Porco Rosso from 1992 and When Marnie Was There in 2014.

Princess Mononoke plot

Princess Mononoke can be described as a period drama in Japanese, known as jidaigeki. Set during the Muromachi era (spanning roughly from 1336 to 1573), the film delves into an ongoing conflict between the forest’s supernatural guardians and human settlers who exploit its resources. A demonic boar has inflicted a curse upon Prince Ashitaka, and he seeks a cure for his affliction before it claims his life. Simultaneously, he strives to bring harmony to his kingdom.

On his travels, he encounters Lady Eboshi, an ambitious figure leading her devoted followers, who employ firearms against the forest deities. He also meets Princess Mononoke, a courageous young woman reared by a wolf-god in the woods. Ashitaka perceives the virtues in both parties and endeavors to halt the escalating violence. In this struggle between mankind and nature, who will ultimately prevail?

When does the movie come out?

The film is set to premiere only in U.S. and Canadian cinemas starting March 26th. You’ll find both the original Japanese language version with subtitles and an English-dubbed one available. If you’re keen on revisiting a cherished memory, grab your tickets now! Take a look at the official trailer.

Read More

2025-03-12 00:41