Studio Ghibli's PRINCESS MONONOKE is Getting a Stunning 4K IMAX Re-Release
Studio Ghibli has long been synonymous with breathtaking animation and timeless storytelling, and few films in the legendary studio’s catalog are as revered as Princess Mononoke. Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 visually striking masterpiece is not only one of the greatest anime films of all time but also a landmark in cinematic history.
Now, nearly three decades later, Princess Mononoke is making its exciting return to theaters with a stunning 4K remaster and IMAX release.
Set in a beautifully realized 14th-century Japan, the film tells the story of Ashitaka, a young warrior cursed by a demonic boar, who embarks on a journey to seek a cure. Along the way, he finds himself caught in a brutal conflict between humanity’s industrial expansion, led by the Lady Eboshi, and the mystical guardians of the forest, including the enigmatic Princess Mononoke.
According IMAX, Princess Mononoke the 4K IMAX will be re-release on March 26, 2025. This marks the first time the film has been presented in IMAX, promising an even more immersive experience as Miyazaki’s sweeping landscapes and breathtaking action sequences unfold on the biggest screens available.
The 4K remaster was overseen by longtime Studio Ghibli collaborator Atsushi Okui, who has been involved in nearly every major Ghibli project since 1993. This ensures that the film’s original beauty and artistic integrity remain intact while elevating it to new technical heights.
As part of the announcement, the official GKIDS X account shared a new trailer showcasing some of the meticulously remastered footage. While it hasn’t been confirmed whether the IMAX screenings will be limited to one day or run for an extended period, fans should be prepared to secure tickets as soon as possible.
According to GKIDS, both the Japanese and English-dubbed versions will be available, though specific showtimes may vary depending on the theater. The English dub features an all-star cast including Billy Crudup (Ashitaka), Claire Danes (San/Princess Mononoke), Minnie Driver (Lady Eboshi), and Gillian Anderson (Moro the Wolf Goddess).
Princess Mononoke has always been a visually and thematically powerful film, but experiencing it in IMAX 4K is bound to be an entirely new level of veiwing awe-inspiring expereince.