A decade later, an anime masterpiece returns to theaters in stunning 4K

Image: CoMix Wave Films

In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the transcendent animated feature Your Name is returning to the silver screen. Directed by Makoto Shinkai—the visionary behind Weathering with You and Suzume—this 2016 film remains a cornerstone of modern animation. Audiences can experience the brand-new 4K remaster when it premieres in cinemas on August 14.

Distributor GKIDS announced the special theatrical engagement via a social media update following a highly successful run at this year’s Anime Expo. As a premier gateway for international and Japanese cinema, GKIDS continues to bolster its reputation, most recently earning an Academy Award in 2024 for their work on Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron.

The official synopsis from GKIDS sets the stage for this emotional journey:

One morning, a teenage girl living in the countryside and a boy from the heart of Tokyo wake up to find they have inexplicably swapped bodies. As these two strangers attempt to adapt to each other’s disparate lives, they navigate the delicate tension between intimacy and isolation. However, as they draw closer to a long-awaited meeting, the true nature of their connection begins to surface, threatening to alter their destinies forever.

Your Name stands as a definitive work of romantic fantasy. The tale of Mitsuha and Taki is elevated by breathtaking visual artistry and profound voice performances that resonate across languages. Furthermore, the hauntingly beautiful score by Japanese rock ensemble Radwimps perfectly anchors this complex, interwoven love story.

While specific theater locations for the 4K restoration have yet to be confirmed, fans can sign up for updates via the official GKIDS website. To mark this milestone, the studio is also launching limited-edition 4K UHD Steelbooks and Blu-ray sets. These collector’s items, available for pre-order now, include a wealth of bonus material, such as exclusive interviews with Makoto Shinkai and behind-the-scenes retrospectives. For those eager to revisit the film before August, it remains available on major streaming platforms like Max and YouTube TV.

Source: Polygon