Princess Mononoke Surprises Fans with Stunning 4K IMAX Re-Release!

As an observer, I can’t help but notice that most Studio Ghibli movies are considered timeless anime classics – with one exception being “Tales from Earthsea.” However, among this legendary collection, several of Hayao Miyazaki’s films truly shine as all-time greats. Without a doubt, “Princess Mononoke” belongs in that elite group, and to honor its legendary stature, it’s receiving an unexpected yet delightful remastering and theatrical re-release.

The classic anime movie “Princess Mononoke,” originally released in 1997 and created by Hayao Miyazaki, stands at number 82 on IMDb’s list of all-time greatest films and boasts a remarkable 93% Rotten Tomatoes score. While the high acclaim for this film may not come as a surprise to its admirers, it’s worth noting that it is truly exceptional. Compared to Ghibli’s more realistic tales such as “From Up on Poppy Hill” and “Grave of the Fireflies,” “Princess Mononoke” leans more towards fantasy. However, like other Miyazaki works, it powerfully conveys his recurring anti-war messages. Now, anime enthusiasts can once again experience this cinematic masterpiece on a grand scale – in IMAX!

Princess Mononoke Gets an IMAX Re-Release

As stated on the official IMAX website, the classic anime film “Princess Mononoke” is set to have a 4K IMAX rerelease this month. The stunning landscape of 14th century Japan, filled with mystical forest spirits and avaricious humans, will once again grace the screens of IMAX theaters on March 26th. It remains unclear whether the re-release will be limited to that day or if it will continue for a longer period.

The official account for GKIDS, in their recent announcement, unveiled a fresh 4K restored trailer of the movie, featuring meticulously remastered scenes. It remains uncertain whether the upcoming 4K IMAX rerelease will offer subtitled or dubbed versions. According to their tweet, both Japanese and English-dubbed options will be accessible at various screening times.

In their post, GKIDS shared details about the 4K remaster of the film. They mentioned that the IMAX version was personally supervised by Atsushi Okui from Studio Ghibli, a key figure who has been part of almost every significant Studio Ghibli project since he joined the studio in 1993.

Princess Mononoke‘s Endearing Legacy

Similar to many Studio Ghibli productions, Princess Mononoke continues to enchant and win over audiences’ hearts even 30 years after its debut. Moreover, this classic film remains an inspiring force for filmmakers worldwide. In the wake of Godzilla Minus One’s release in 2023, its director, Takashi Yamazaki, acknowledged the significant impact Princess Mononoke had on his iconic kaiju movie. As he explained, the calm-down process for the raging spirit at the start of Mononoke served as a basis for creating Godzilla in a similar manner.

In simpler terms, the official IMAX description for Princess Mononoke tells us that Ashitaka, a young warrior, is afflicted with a lethal curse. To find a cure, he journeys west where he encounters a fierce dispute between Lady Eboshi and her Iron Town residents, and the mysterious Princess Mononoke, a girl brought up by wolves. She’s determined to protect her forest home and the spirits of the animals who dwell there from human destruction.

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2025-03-11 21:43