33 Years Later, Classic Anime Film Is Returning With a Special World Premiere

by

As a lifelong anime fan, I truly believe the 90s were a magical time! That decade was when anime really started to break through and connect with people all over the world, laying the groundwork for how popular it is today. It’s amazing to think about how anime found its audience in the West before streaming was even a thing – it really became a global phenomenon! The animation style back then was so unique and eye-catching, you could tell it was something special just by looking at it. And it’s wild to realize it’s been almost 33 years since some of the all-time greats first hit screens in Japan. Take Ninja Scroll, for example – directed by the incredibly talented Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who also helped found the legendary Studio Madhouse!

The film gained international recognition for its compelling story and impressive animation. It recently returned to cinemas globally in 2024 to celebrate its 30th anniversary, becoming a major success. In the U.S., Sentai and HIDIVE released it in over 500 theaters. AMC Networks has also confirmed a screening will take place on February 15th at 10:00 pm CET during the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale).

Sentai President Hypes The Upcoming Ninja Scroll’s World Premiere

According to Sentai President John Ledford, the new 4K version of Ninja Scroll is a beautiful, pristine presentation of the classic film. He says the enhanced high definition, contrast, and color create a truly immersive experience, making it feel like you’re seeing Ninja Scroll for the first time.

I’m so excited! After the premiere, they’re doing extra screenings on February 16th and 20th for those of us who want to see it again. And get this – in early 2027, they’re releasing a limited edition 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook! Apparently, the 4K version will actually fix some issues with the original digital release and really improve the picture quality with color correction. It’s going to look amazing!

The anime film Ninja Scroll is one of ten selected for the festival, representing nine different countries. This marks a historic moment as it’s the first anime ever included in the festival’s ‘classics’ section, a major achievement for the anime world. Screenings on February 15th and 22nd are sold out, with limited tickets still available for the February 16th showing. A special trailer and ticket information have been posted on the festival’s official website.

What Is Ninja Scroll About?

I’m completely captivated by this story! It takes place in feudal Japan and follows Jubei Kibagami, a wandering swordsman who basically takes any job. He’s a bit of a loner, though, because he’s been seriously burned by people he used to trust and is totally done with all the political scheming. But things get interesting when he ends up rescuing a female ninja named Kagero from a really dangerous guy – someone who can literally turn his body to stone! It pulls him right back into the conflict he was trying to avoid.

Kagero, the last member of her ninja clan, is investigating a deadly plague that wiped out an entire village. She reluctantly teams up with Jubei, a skilled warrior forced into the conflict by a powerful group of supernatural ninjas called the Devils of Kimon. As they delve deeper, Jubei uncovers the link between the Devils and the plague, and is unexpectedly reunited with a figure from his past.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/major-crunchyrolls-anime-faces-unexpected-delay/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-13 04:41