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GKIDS and the Imax network have announced the re-release of Studio Ghibli’s classic films Whisper of the Heart (1995) and The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) in newly restored 4K versions at Imax cinemas throughout the United States and Canada.
Whisper of the Heart will be screened on April 21, while The Secret World of Arrietty will be shown on May 19. Both Japanese-language versions with subtitles and English-dubbed versions will be available. This initiative is part of GKIDS and Imax’s efforts to revive Studio Ghibli’s works on the big screen with high-quality presentations.
It is worth noting that the re-release of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke in Imax last year grossed $3.9 million domestically and $6.9 million worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing re-release in Imax history.
The film restoration process is overseen by Atsushi Okui, a veteran cinematographer at Studio Ghibli who has contributed to most of the studio’s productions since 1992. GKIDS continues to distribute Studio Ghibli’s film library across North America through theatrical releases and digital platforms.
These new releases come amid GKIDS’ expansion following its acquisition by Japanese entertainment company Toho in 2024, with plans to distribute more Japanese live-action and animated films in the North American market.
