Two iconic films from Studio Ghibli are set to grace IMAX screens across North America this spring. GKIDS, in partnership with IMAX, will present newly restored 4K editions of Whisper of the Heart (1995) and The Secret World of Arrietty (2010). These screenings will commence on April 21 and May 19, respectively, offering both subtitled Japanese-language and English-dub versions.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, marking another step in the ongoing effort to revitalize the Japanese animation studio’s catalog. Last year, IMAX re-released Princess Mononoke, which opened to $3.9 million in the domestic market and ultimately grossed $6.9 million, becoming the second-highest-grossing vault release in IMAX history.
Details of the Upcoming Releases
The collaboration between GKIDS and IMAX aims to bring the magic of Studio Ghibli back to theaters with high-quality remastering. This initiative continues with the upcoming rerelease of Kiki’s Delivery Service, which will also hit U.S. IMAX screens this month.
Directed by the late Yoshifumi Kondo, Whisper of the Heart is a beloved coming-of-age story that follows an introspective teenager named Shizuku. Her encounter with a mysterious cat leads her on a journey of artistic discovery. Meanwhile, The Secret World of Arrietty, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, adapts Mary Norton’s classic children’s novel, showcasing a hidden world of tiny people living beneath human homes. The English-language dub features notable voices such as Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, and Carol Burnett.
Studio Ghibli’s Ongoing Legacy
The remastering process is overseen by Atsushi Okui, a longtime Studio Ghibli cinematographer who has contributed to nearly every major production since Porco Rosso in 1992. His most recent role was as director of digital imaging on Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning film, The Boy and the Heron.
GKIDS is responsible for the North American distribution of the entire Studio Ghibli film library, encompassing theatrical, home entertainment, and digital platforms. Since 2017, the company has organized the annual Ghibli Fest, which brings the studio’s films back to theaters across the United States each year.
The upcoming IMAX rereleases coincide with GKIDS’ expansion efforts following its acquisition by the Japanese entertainment giant Toho Co. in 2024. The company has been enhancing its distribution slate, branching into live-action Japanese films. Recent releases include the blockbuster kabuki drama Kokuho, while future offerings will feature Hirokazu Kore-eda’s next film, Look Back, alongside the latest entry in Toho’s monster franchise, Godzilla Minus Zero.
The return of these Studio Ghibli classics to IMAX is not only a celebration of animation but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the studio’s storytelling and artistry. Fans of all ages can look forward to experiencing these films in a format that enhances their visual and auditory splendor.
