North American animation enthusiasts have much to anticipate as GKIDS prepares to expand the cinematic footprint of Studio Ghibli. The acclaimed distributor, responsible for bringing masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service to Western audiences, has confirmed that two additional Ghibli gems will grace IMAX screens this spring.
Building on the momentum of the Kiki’s Delivery Service IMAX premiere scheduled for March 13, GKIDS has slated Whisper of the Heart for April 21 and The Secret World of Arrietty for May 19. These limited engagements allow viewers to immerse themselves in Ghibli’s whimsical landscapes in breathtaking 4K resolution. Given the studio’s legendary attention to detail, these high-fidelity screenings are a rare treat that will surely leave international fans envious of the U.S. and Canadian theatrical schedule.
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo and featuring a screenplay by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Whisper of the Heart is a poignant, coming-of-age narrative based on the manga by Aoi Hiiragi. The story follows Shizuku, a young girl whose fascination with a mysterious antique cat figurine—the Baron—propels her toward a journey of self-discovery and literary ambition. Those eager to witness this heartfelt classic on the grandest stage can secure tickets now.
For fans of more intimate, fantastical storytelling, The Secret World of Arrietty is an essential viewing experience. Based on Mary Norton’s The Borrowers, the film was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and scripted by Miyazaki. It unveils a hidden civilization of tiny people living beneath the floorboards, centered on a courageous girl named Arrietty. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she befriends a human boy named Shawn, sparking a delicate and daring adventure. The English-language version boasts a star-studded cast including Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, and Carol Burnett. Tickets for the IMAX debut of The Secret World of Arrietty are available here.
Each screening will offer audiences a choice between the original Japanese audio with English subtitles and the celebrated English-dubbed versions.
The collaboration between IMAX and GKIDS, which was formalized late last year, continues to bear fruit. The partnership began with the record-breaking release of The Boy and the Heron in late 2023, followed by a successful 4K IMAX run for Princess Mononoke. With more titles reportedly in the pipeline, this series is quickly becoming a definitive way to experience the Ghibli library.
While these 4K restorations are currently exclusive to North American markets, the global prestige of Studio Ghibli suggests that an international rollout may follow. For now, audiences in the U.S. and Canada can prepare for a visually transformative season at the cinema.
Whisper of the Heart arrives in IMAX on April 21, followed by The Secret World of Arrietty on May 19.
Source: Polygon
