This spring, Studio Ghibli's “The Boy and the Heron” is regaining the spotlight, and the famous animation studio couldn't be happier.
Following its recent win at the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature, the film is set to make its triumphant return to select theaters worldwide. Additionally, Netflix has secured global streaming rights for the film, adding another dimension to its celebration.
Netflix's acquisition of “The Boy and the Heron” for its global catalog is certainly exciting news for fans, but there's a small caveat.
A decade of waiting for Hayao Miyazaki's grand return and with this spectacular adventure, I don't regret it one bit ???? Oscar-winning film The Boy and the Heron is coming to Netflix!
© 2023 Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli pic.twitter.com/uIgt4EIiLh
— Netflix Philippines (@Netflix_PH) March 21, 2024
Unfortunately, audiences in the US and Japan will have to wait a little longer to enjoy the movie on Netflix.
This limitation is due to Studio Ghibli's existing distribution agreements in both regions, with HBO Max being the exclusive streaming platform for Studio Ghibli's US catalog.
Studio Ghibli's cautious approach to technology is well known, with co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki being thoughtful in adopting new technological trends.
However, despite their preference for analog methods, Studio Ghibli has recognized the importance of digital access and has reached a deal with HBO Max to bring their films to a wider audience. fake than in the United States.
Now, “The Boy and the Heron” is ready to join the ranks of Studio Ghibli's streaming services on HBO Max, with a release date yet to be announced.
Whether it's through Max or Netflix, fans can look forward to experiencing the magic of this Oscar-winning film in their homes later this year.
For those unfamiliar with the enchanting story “The Boy and the Heron,” here is the official synopsis:
“After losing his mother in the war, young Mahito moves to his family's estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events leads him to an ancient and secluded tower, inhabited by a mischievous gray heron.
When Mahito's new stepmother disappears, he follows the gray heron into the tower and enters a magical world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must discover the secrets of this world and the truth about himself.”