A 4K restoration of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 animated film Princess Mononoke will be screened in IMAX theaters across North America for the first time on March 26, 2025. The release coincides with Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary and is being distributed by GKIDS.
The restoration was overseen by Atsushi Okui, a longtime collaborator at Studio Ghibli who has been involved in nearly every major project since he first started at the studio in 1993, and is based on a new 4K remaster. This marks the first time the film will be available in IMAX format, enhancing both the visuals and sound for a large-format theatrical presentation.
Originally released in Japan in 1997, Princess Mononoke was a commercial and critical success, later becoming one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of its time. It was also influential in introducing wider international audiences to Studio Ghibli’s work. GKIDS also revealed a trailer for the anime film.
IMAX Release and Technical Details
This IMAX release is based on a new 4K restoration, which improves image quality while preserving the original hand-drawn animation. The project was supervised by Studio Ghibli, ensuring fidelity to the original film.
The March 26, 2025 screening date marks a limited theatrical release in IMAX-equipped venues. It is expected to be part of a broader set of 40th-anniversary celebrations for Studio Ghibli, though further details on additional screenings or home releases have not yet been announced.
Source: GKIDS on X
