Chainsaw Man Creator’s Emotionally Devastating Film Receives Physical Release

Image: GKIDS

GKIDS has officially confirmed that the acclaimed anime film Look Back is receiving a dedicated physical release. Adapted from the 2021 one-shot manga by Chainsaw Man author Tatsuki Fujimoto, the film has captured hearts with its poignant storytelling. Fans can secure their copy now via the special collector’s edition, which is slated to ship this summer.

Revealed during this year’s Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the film chronicles the parallel journeys of two young artists, Fujino and Kyomoto. What begins as a rivalry evolves into a deeply moving partnership. True to Fujimoto’s signature style, the narrative is punctuated by unexpected, emotionally raw developments that reshape the characters’ lives. The film serves as a stunning meditation on the creative spirit and the bonds forged through art. The collector’s edition is currently available for pre-order at $65.99 (discounted from $99) and includes both 4K UHD and Blu-ray discs, alongside an extensive 160-page companion book.

Image: GKIDS

The GKIDS release for Look Back is scheduled to arrive on September 8.

Look Back is part of a larger initiative from GKIDS, which is bringing four notable titles to 4K UHD and Blu-ray. Alongside Fujimoto’s latest, the lineup features the enduring classics Angel’s Egg, Linda Linda Linda, and Love & Pop.

The 1985 masterpiece Angel’s Egg remains a cult favorite, largely due to the ethereal vision of Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano, who collaborated with Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii. It is a highly philosophical, visually arresting work. This collector’s edition, priced at $49.99 on sale, includes an exclusive talk with Amano and a new booklet, shipping September 22.

Image: GKIDS

For fans of coming-of-age cinema, Linda Linda Linda (2005) stands as a definitive exploration of teenage discovery. The film follows a group of high schoolers preparing for their school concert, capturing the intensity and fleeting joy of youth with a soft, naturalistic lens. The collector’s edition retails at $49.99 during its sale window and includes a behind-the-scenes featurette. It is set to ship on August 25.

Image: GKIDS

Rounding out the selection is the 1998 cult film Love & Pop, which depicts the subculture of high school girls engaging in paid dates. The film is distinguished by its unique use of handheld digicam cinematography, effectively preserving the aesthetic and mood of the late nineties. Notably, this film marked the live-action directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, the visionary creator behind Neon Genesis Evangelion. The collector’s edition is priced at $29.99 and features a special bonus segment titled “Hideaki Anno: Evangelion and Love & Pop.” It ships on October 6.

Source: Polygon