The classic Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke is set to receive a new IMAX cinema release in the UK and Ireland.
The 1997 epic fantasy from director Hayao Miyazaki will be available in a brand new 4K restoration in over 50 IMAX sites in the UK and Ireland from August 15.
Considered one of Miyazaki’s key works, Princess Mononoke is revered for its stunning animation, rich storytelling, and profound environmental themes.
The story follows a young warrior named Ashitaka who, after being infected by an animal attack, seeks a cure from the deer-like god Shishigami. On his travels, he becomes entangled in a bitter conflict between Lady Eboshi, the proud people of Iron Town, and the enigmatic Princess Mononoke.
A young girl raised by wolves, Princess Mononoke will stop at nothing to prevent the humans from destroying her home and the forest spirits and animal gods who live there.
The English voice cast includes Gillian Anderson as Moro, Billy Crudup as Ashitaka, Claire Danes as San, Minnie Driver as Lady Eboshi, Jada Pinkett Smith as Toki, Billy Bob Thornton as Jigo, Keith David as Okkoto, and more.
The film’s new restoration was released in the US and Canada earlier this year, marking the first time it has ever been shown in such quality.
It comes as part of a series of cinematic re-releases for the Studio Ghibli back catalogue, after My Neighbor Totoro returned to UK cinemas last summer and Spirited Away followed a few months later. Howl’s Moving Castle, meanwhile, came out earlier this year.
In March, Miyazaki expressed his extreme disapproval at the growing use of AI being used to recreate pictures in the animation studio’s signature style.
“I am utterly disgusted,” he said. “If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.”
“I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself,” he added.
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