GKIDS, the independent American distributor of such acclaimed animated films as Only Yesterday, Song of the Sea, and The Tale of Princess Kaguya, participated in the Virtual Crunchyroll Expo 2020. At their presentation led by GKIDS President David Jesteadt, they discussed a plethora of releases that were in the works.
Lupin III: The First
The world’s greatest thief returns in a new, globe-trotting adventure. Set in the 1960s, this 3DCG film sees Lupin and his gang in a race to discover the secrets of the mysterious Bresson Diary before it falls into the wrong hands. Prior knowledge of the series isn’t required, so this film can be a great entry point for future fans of the franchise.
The dub cast is returning with Tony Oliver as Lupin, Richard Epcar as Jigen, Lex Lang as Goemon, Michelle Ruff as Fujiko, and Doug Erholtz as Inspector Zenigata. A home video release date is set, but all they would say about the theatrical release is that it’s “coming soon.”
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Children of the Sea
Not to be confused with Song of the Sea, this stunningly beautiful film from Studio 4℃ is about a junior high school student named Ruka who meets two mysterious brothers at the aquarium where her dad works. In addition, marine life in the ocean is disappearing around the world, and somehow, the three share a connection to it. What follows is a story that examines the relationship between life, humanity, and nature.
Released in the summer of 2019 in Japan and scored by Joe Hisashi, who is perhaps best known for his work on the films of Hayao Miyazaki, GKIDS called Children of the Sea a cult classic from day one. Based on a manga with the same name, this film tackles the original’s dense lore while also offering its own take. It’s currently available on streaming services, Blu-ray, and DVD, but their intention is to bring it to theaters somehow.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
On-Gaku: Our Sound
On-Gaku: Our Sound is a seven year labor of love by director and animator Kenji Iwaisawa. It centers around a trio of high school delinquents who want to form a rock ‘n roll band, even though they have no money, skills, or musical equipment. The film exists at the crossroads of different genres and ruminates about music and how it can open mental spaces.
It was a low-key hit in Japan, featuring eclectic alternative rock legend Shintaro Sakamoto as the main voice actor, tons of bone-dry humor, and a King of the Hill inspired art style. GKIDS plans on releasing it no later than early next year.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Weathering with You
Your Name. was a massive success for writer/director Makoto Shinkai. His highly anticipated follow-up, Weathering with You, is another romantic fantasy film. This one is about a high school boy named Hodaka who runs away from home and meets a girl with the incredible ability to manipulate the weather. It also examines personal responsibility, the clash of old and new, as well as climate change. Plus, be on the lookout for cameos from Shinkai’s other works.
The film has not only been a success in Japan but also in the U.S. GKIDS released the film in theaters earlier this year in January. As a result of the global pandemic, Weathering with You is the third top-grossing animated film of the year in the U.S.!
It is currently available for digital download, but it will be out on September 15, 2020, for Blu-ray + DVD and SteelBook. Furthermore, a limited Collector’s Edition featuring a CD Soundtrack, 104-Page book, decal sticker, and mini-poster is coming on November 17, 2020.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Promare
In this action-adventure film by TRIGGER, the animation studio behind Kill la Kill and Little Witch Academia, members of the firefighting group Burning Rescue do battle against fire-wielding mutants.
Promare was released in theaters twice in late 2019. GKIDS planned to bring it back to theaters last April, but due to the pandemic, they had no choice but to delay. At the panel, they pledged to bring it back to theaters in 2021.
In the meantime, they highlighted the recently released Collector’s Edition that has a CD soundtrack, 52-page booklet, decal sticker, and mini-poster.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Ride Your Wave
Ride Your Wave, from director Masaaki Yuasa, tells the story of a surfer named Hinako and a firefighter named Minato. They fall in love, but their time together is tragically cut short when he dies in a rescue attempt at sea. At least, that’s the case until she learns that he can reappear in water whenever she sings their favorite song. But why?
This was the first movie that GKIDS dubbed during the pandemic. In fact, Stephanie Sheh, the voice director, wrote a fascinating blog post about the experience. The movie is available on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital, so we can see and hear the results for ourselves.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
The Night is Short, Walk On Girl
Director Masaaki Yuasa’s second film featured in the panel is a comedy about two university students’ surreal night.
Not much was said other than the fact that it’s currently being dubbed for release. They will release more information soon.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Inu-Oh
GKIDS is on a roll with director Masaaki Yuasa. This time, he’s taking on the story of Inu-Oh, a 14th-century Noh performer and playwright. The apparently hideous Inu-Oh meets a blind musician, and together, they mesmerise audiences and become famous. As befitting of Inu-Oh himself, their tale will be filled with music and dance sequences.
Since the film is still in development in Japan, information about this title is sparse. We will know more next year.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
The Wind Rises
The last film highlighted in the panel was Hiyao Miyazaki’s final film (for now) The Wind Rises. The digital version released earlier this month. The Blu-ray+DVD will be available on September 22 and will include a new documentary about Miyazaki and the film’s creation, as well as other features that were not in previous releases.
Visit the official page on GKIDS.
Other News
Kiki’s Delivery Service and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind were released last month in limited edition SteelBook packaging for the first time in North America. More SteelBooks will be released in the future.
Finally, GKIDS was pleased to say that Studio Ghibli was finally embracing digital releases. That means classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, The Cat Returns, and Ponyo will be available to enjoy anywhere at any time.
In short, 2020 will be the year of incredible entertainment at home, and 2021 will see the return of amazing animated theatrical releases. And being able to enjoy Studio Ghibli titles however we want is just icing on the cake. Two thumbs up.
