Two acclaimed films from the renowned Studio Ghibli will return to North American theaters this spring, as GKIDS and IMAX collaborate to bring these beloved classics back to the big screen. Newly restored 4K versions of Whisper of the Heart (1995) and The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) will premiere in IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada, with screenings scheduled for April 21 and May 19, respectively. Both films will be available in subtitled Japanese and English-dubbed versions.
This initiative follows the success of last year’s IMAX rerelease of Princess Mononoke, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, which opened to $3.9 million at the domestic box office and ultimately grossed $6.9 million, becoming the second-highest-grossing vault release in IMAX history. The upcoming screenings of Ghibli films underscore GKIDS’ ongoing partnership with IMAX to present newly remastered titles, further enriching the cinematic experience for audiences.
Highlights of the Ghibli Classics
“Whisper of the Heart” is one of Studio Ghibli’s most cherished coming-of-age stories.
Whisper of the Heart, directed by the late Yoshifumi Kondo, adapts Aoi Hiiragi’s manga, featuring a screenplay by Miyazaki. The film follows the journey of Shizuku, an introspective teenager whose chance meeting with a mysterious cat leads to a transformative artistic awakening.
On the other hand, The Secret World of Arrietty, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, is inspired by Mary Norton’s classic children’s novel The Borrowers. It introduces audiences to a hidden realm of tiny people living beneath the floors of human homes. The film’s English-language dub features notable voices, including Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Moises Arias, and Carol Burnett.
The remastering process for these films is being overseen by Atsushi Okui, a long-time cinematographer at Studio Ghibli. Okui has worked on nearly every major production from the studio since Porco Rosso in 1992 and most recently served as the director of digital imaging on Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning film, The Boy and the Heron.
GKIDS Expands Its Distribution Reach
GKIDS is responsible for the North American distribution of the entire Studio Ghibli film library, which includes theatrical, home entertainment, and digital platforms. Since 2017, the company has hosted the annual “Ghibli Fest,” a nationwide theatrical program that reintroduces the studio’s films to audiences each year.
The IMAX rereleases align with GKIDS’ growth strategy following its acquisition by Japanese entertainment giant Toho Co. in 2024. The company has been expanding its distribution slate, including the North American releases of live-action Japanese films. Recent titles include the upcoming blockbuster kabuki drama Kokuho, as well as the anticipated feature Look Back by acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-eda, and the next installment in the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla Minus Zero.
The return of these Studio Ghibli classics to IMAX theaters promises to provide audiences with a unique cinematic experience, celebrating the timeless artistry and storytelling that has captivated viewers worldwide.
