Studio Ghibli

So, About That Discrepancy Concerning Streaming of Studio Ghibli Films…

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

On October 16, 2019, Anime News Network had posted an article that was sourced from Polygon, stating that Studio Ghibli’s films would not be coming to streaming services any time soon. The Polygon article by Matt Patches was published on October 15, 2019, and sourced North American film distributor GKIDS.

But then on October 18, 2019, it was announced that Studio Ghibli’s films would be streaming on HBO Max starting in Spring 2020.

Anime News Network is now reporting that GKIDS clarified what happened on their Twitter account. According the company, they were not contacted for the article and the statement that served as the basis for the claim that the films will not come to streaming services is dated to 2018.

Polygon’s article included the statement “GKids was unable to provide a comment from a Studio Ghibli representation for further clarification or additional updates on deals in progress.” According to GKIDS, they were not contacted in the last week for the Polygon piece.

Source: ANN

HBO Max to Stream Studio Ghibli Films in Spring 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

HBO Max and GKIDS have announced that HBO Max will begin streaming the “entire Studio Ghibli film library” of 21 feature films in spring 2020. This deal marks the first time that Studio Ghibli films will stream on any platform.

The announcement noted that Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo, Castle in the Sky, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and other films will be available at launch. The full lineup of feature films that will stream on HBO Max includes:

  • Castle in the Sky
  • The Cat Returns
  • From Up On Poppy Hill
  • Howl’s Moving Castle
  • Kiki’s Delivery Service
  • My Neighbor Totoro
  • My Neighbors the Yamadas
  • Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
  • Ocean Waves
  • Only Yesterday
  • Pom Poko
  • Ponyo
  • Porco Rosso
  • Princess Mononoke
  • The Secret World of Arrietty
  • Spirited Away
  • The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
  • Tales from Earthsea
  • When Marnie Was There
  • Whisper of the Heart
  • The Wind Rises (launching Fall 2020)

The Polygon website has reported that GKIDS told the website that Studio Ghibli had no plans to stream its films.

“Studio Ghibli does not make their films available digitally, whether for download or streaming, anywhere in the world,” a GKIDS representative told Polygon via email correspondence earlier this year. “They continue to believe that presentation is vital and particularly appreciate opportunities for audiences to experience the films together in a theatrical setting.”

Source: ANN

Studio Ghibli Has No Plans to Release Films on Streaming Services

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Film distributor GKids has told Polygon that there are currently no plans to release Studio Ghibli’s catalog on streaming services, be it Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. The same goes for pay-per-view streaming services like Amazon Prime or Apple Movies.

“Studio Ghibli does not make their films available digitally, whether for download or streaming, anywhere in the world,” a GKids representative told Polygon. “They continue to believe that presentation is vital and particularly appreciate opportunities for audiences to experience the films together in a theatrical setting.”

Source: ANN

Princess Mononoke Arrives in Collector’s Edition Set in Limited Quantities Only on May 14, 2019

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Studio Ghibli and GKIDS, with distribution by Shout! Factory, will issue Princess Mononoke in a beautiful collector’s edition release on May 14, 2019. The limited-edition set comes housed in an elegant hard slipcase and includes a new 40-page book with stunning art and essays. Featured in a deluxe disc portfolio will be a Blu-ray™ of the film paired with hours of special features, and the film’s soundtrack made available on CD for the first time in North America. The set is available for pre-order now on ghiblicollection.com.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli, this epic fantasy film is one of the best-selling and internationally renowned films of all time. Princess Mononoke is here presented with a release perfect for collectors and animation fans who have adored the film since its initial release.

The set’s 40-page book features new essays by film critic Glenn Kenny alongside amazing imagery and statements from director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, and Miyazaki’s poems about the characters.

The first animated film to win the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year, Princess Mononoke is Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece that has dazzled audiences worldwide with its breathtaking imagination, exhilarating battles, and deep humanity.

Inflicted with a deadly curse, the young warrior Ashitaka heads west in search of a cure. There, he stumbles into a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi and the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke, a young girl raised by wolves, who will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home, and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there. Featuring the voices of Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Billy Bob Thornton.

*2002: Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away

Special Features:

  • Feature-Length Storyboards
  • Original Theatrical Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • Princess Mononoke in USA
  • Behind the Microphone

GKIDS and Fathom Events Return with a New Studio Ghibli Series Lineup of Animated Masterpieces in U.S. Cinemas Throughout 2019

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

After kicking off in 2017 and returning for an even more successful 2018, STUDIO GHIBLI FEST is back for 2019. GKIDS, the distributor of multiple Academy Award®-nominated animated features, and Fathom Events are proud to continue their collaboration and deliver a new and expanded selection of celebrated animated films to U.S. cinemas throughout the year with STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019.

Featuring nine of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, the series kicks off with the 15th anniversary of the Academy Award®- nominated fantasy adventure Howl’s Moving Castle, and continues with the 35th anniversary of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Whisper of the Heart, the 30th anniversary of Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, The Secret World of Arrietty, the Academy Award®- winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and concludes with the Academy Award®- nominated The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Tickets for STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019 can be purchased online beginning Thursday, March 7, 2019 by visiting www.FathomEvents.com, www.ghiblifest.com, or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available on the Fathom Events website March 7, 2019 (theaters and participants are subject to change). Weekday showings begin at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday showings begin at 12:55 p.m. (all local times).

Tickets for Studio Ghibli Fest 2019 in Canada go on-sale on March 7, 2019. Visit our partners at www.Cineplex.com for more information.

“After two extraordinary years of STUDIO GHIBLI FESTs, we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with GKIDS once again,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “The 2019 anime series gives fans across the nation a unique opportunity to experience these renowned titles together at their local cinemas and we’re proud to be able to make these communal viewings possible.”

“GKIDS is extremely proud to be bringing the beloved Studio Ghibli films back to the big screen with Fathom Events, so fans can discover and rejoice in these wonderful, iconic animated works throughout 2019!” GKIDS Co-Founder and President Eric Beckman said.

STUDIO GHIBLI FEST 2019 SCHEDULE:

  • Howl’s Moving Castle: 15th Anniversary – Sunday, April 7; Monday, April 8; and Wednesday, April 10, 2019
  • Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: 35th Anniversary – Monday, May 20; Tuesday, May 21, 2019
  • Whisper of the Heart – Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2, 2019
  • Kiki’s Delivery Service: 30th Anniversary – Sunday, July 28; Monday, July 29; and Wednesday, July 31, 2019
  • My Neighbor Totoro – Sunday, August 25; Monday, August 26; and Wednesday, August 28, 2019
  • The Secret World of Arrietty – Sunday, September 29 and Monday, September 30, 2019
  • Spirited Away – Sunday, October 27; Monday, October 28; and Wednesday, October 30, 2019
  • Princess Mononoke – Sunday, November 17; Monday, November 18; and Wednesday, November 20, 2019
  • The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Monday, December 16 and Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Bluefin Opens Pre-Orders for Unique 3D Puzzle Kits Featuring Iconic Characters From Studio Ghibili Films

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Bluefin has announced a collection of innovative 3D puzzles commemorating beloved characters from a variety of Studio Ghibli anime films.

Scheduled for retail release in Spring, 2019, the puzzle kits include:

  • “My Neighbor Totoro” Totoro & Acorn Set
  • “My Neighbor Totoro” Totoro Character Set
  • “Kiki’s Delivery Service” Jiji Cat Set
  • “Spirited Away” No Face Set
  • “Princess Mononoke” Kodama Tree Spirit Set

The kits are manufactured by the Japanese puzzle company, Ensky, and will be available in the Spring of 2019 from authorized Bluefin retailers nationwide. Pre-orders are available now. These are the first 3D puzzles for popular licensed anime brands to be offered to domestic customers by Bluefin.

Established in 1985 and considered a national treasure of Japan, Studio Ghibli was founded by the visionary director Hayao Miyazaki and is a legendary animation film studio renowned for full-length feature film classics including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away. These films have been acclaimed by legions of fans and critics internationally.

“My Neighbor Totoro” Totoro & Acorn Mini 3D Puzzle · MSRP $12.00 each
Create Totoro in his Acorn with this fun and easy to assemble three-dimensional puzzle that combines various shaped puzzle pieces. Completed puzzle is approximately 2½-inches high; 1¾-inches wide. After completion, it can be disassembled and reconstructed again. Makes a unique interior décor item. Puzzle set includes 14 pieces.

“My Neighbor Totoro” Totoro Big 3D Puzzle · MSRP $25.00 each
Fans are invited to build the beloved character from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli movie. 3D puzzle set includes 25 pieces. The completed puzzle stands approximately 4-inches high.

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” Jiji Cat Mini 3D Puzzle · MSRP $12.00 each
Construct a whimsical 3D rendition of Jiji in a sitting pose. The completed puzzle features a moveable head. Puzzle set includes 10 pieces. Figure stands approximately 2½-inches high.

“Spirited Away” No Face Mini 3D Puzzle · MSRP $12.00 each
This memorable character from the iconic Studio Ghibli film is available as a 3D puzzle kit. Puzzle set includes 10 pieces. Completed figure stands approximately 2½-inches high.

“Princess Mononoke” Kodama Tree Spirit Mini 3D Puzzle · MSRP $12.00 each
The whimsical Tree Spirit from the memorable Studio Ghibli film is available as a 3D puzzle kit. Puzzle set includes 9 pieces. The completed figure stands approximately 2½-inches high and makes a unique addition to any collector’s Princess Mononoke collection.

My Neighbor Totoro Is the First Studio Ghibli Film to Get a Theatrical Release in China

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro anime film will be the first film from Studio Ghibli to get a theatrical release in China. The release is planned near the end of 2018, and will feature a Chinese dub. Studio Ghibli plans to release other films in China if the My Neighbor Totoro release is successful.

This year, the film is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its release in Japan.

GKIDS and Fathom Events screened the film in the United States in June 2017. GKIDS also licensed the film and released it on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in North America in October 2017.

Source: ANN