Anime fans, get ready to experience the stunning worlds of Mamoru Hosoda like never before! Academy Award®-winning animation distributor GKIDS has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Shout! Studios to bring the visionary director’s early film catalog to 4K UHD for the first time.
The highly anticipated series of reissues will begin with Summer Wars (2009) and Wolf Children (2012), two of Hosoda’s most beloved films. Summer Wars will be available on April 1, 2025, followed by Wolf Children on August 5, 2025. Both films will be presented in breathtaking 4K UHD SteelBook® editions, standard Blu-ray™ releases, and digital download-to-own formats, allowing fans to immerse themselves in these modern anime classics like never before.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Animation
Mamoru Hosoda’s influence on modern anime is undeniable. With a unique ability to blend heartwarming family dynamics, breathtaking animation, and poignant storytelling, his films have become timeless favorites. GKIDS’ announcement marks an exciting new chapter in making his work more accessible to audiences in its highest quality yet.
Mamoru Hosoda, an Academy Award-nominated director, has consistently delivered stunning narratives that resonate with audiences across generations. His six feature films have all been nominated for Japan’s Academy Prize for “Animation of the Year,” with five taking home the award. Notably, he remains the only Japanese animation director outside of Studio Ghibli to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, an achievement he earned with Mirai (2018).
GKIDS previously released Mamoru Hosoda’s critically acclaimed Mirai and Belle (2021)—the latter becoming his highest-grossing film in North America to date. This new 4K initiative promises to reintroduce fans to Hosoda’s earlier masterpieces in the best possible format.
Summer Wars – Available April 1, 2025
Originally released in 2009, Summer Wars is a genre-blending sci-fi adventure that remains one of Hosoda’s most beloved works. The film follows Kenji Koiso, a math genius who finds himself embroiled in a digital war that threatens both the real and virtual worlds. Featuring exhilarating action sequences, a heartwarming family at its core, and cutting-edge animation, Summer Wars was ahead of its time and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Bonus Features for Summer Wars
- Exclusive interviews with the original Japanese cast, including:
- Ryunosuke Kamiki (Kenji Koiso)
- Nanami Sakuraba (Natsuki Shinohara)
- Mitsuki Tanimura (Kazuma Ikezawa)
- Ayumu Saito (Wabisuke Jinnouchi)
- Sumiko Fuji (Sakae Jinnouchi)
- Interview with Mamoru Hosoda
- Teasers & Trailers
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🔗 Pre-Order Now: 4K UHD
Wolf Children – Available August 5, 2025
A deeply emotional and visually stunning film, Wolf Children (2012) tells the story of Hana, a young mother who must raise her half-wolf, half-human children after the tragic loss of their father. Exploring themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance, this film remains a touching and unforgettable masterpiece that continues to move audiences worldwide.
🔗 Pre-Order Now: 4K UHD
More 4K Hosoda Films on the Horizon
The announcement of Summer Wars and Wolf Children is just the beginning! GKIDS has full North American distribution rights to Mamoru Hosoda’s film catalog, meaning more 4K UHD reissues of his acclaimed works are expected shortly.
GKIDS’ dedication to preserving and presenting artist-driven, award-winning animation ensures that these releases will be the definitive editions for both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Are you excited to experience Summer Wars and Wolf Children in stunning 4K UHD? Which Mamoru Hosoda film do you want to see reissued next? And will you be grabbing the SteelBook editions or the Blu-ray? Let us know your thoughts on social media!
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