Latest news with #MamoruOshii


Forbes
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Classic Anime ‘Angel's Egg' Comes To Theaters This November
Courtesy of those nice people at GKIDS, the classic anime Angel's Egg will see a limited theatrical release this November. The reason this is noteworthy is that Angel's Egg was originally an OVA, which meant it was a direct video release in Japan back in the 80s. It never saw a theatrical release. Moreover, this new version has been remastered in 4K by the director Mamoru Oshii, so it already looks beyond pristine, as the trailer below attests. Angel's Egg is also a fascinating anime because not only was it conceived by Oshii, but also by renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano. The result was and is a unique and haunting anime, full of abstract concepts and visuals. While Angel's Egg wasn't exactly successful when it was released in Japan back in 1985, it has since garnered a passionate cult following in the decades since. Both in Japan and abroad. It's also worth highlighting the anime's musical score, penned by Yoshihiro Kanno, not to be confused with Yoko Kanno. The score beautifully complements a very complex set of visuals and elevates the whole anime to be almost dreamlike. The premiere of this new 4K remaster of Angel's Egg will be held at this year's New York Film Festival, and then given a limited theatrical release on November 19. The anime will also be available to stream via HBO Max on September 1. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.


Gizmodo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
The Criterion Channel Is Beefing Up Its Anime Content
The Criterion Collection, aka your cinephile friends' favorite thing to yap about alongside their Letterboxd ratings, has announced it is adding a special anime section to its illustrious streaming catalog. Criterion made the announcement at the very end of a new blog post with reserved and refined excitement. 'Look out for a new section on the Channel highlighting restlessly creative, stylistically flamboyant gems from Japan's juggernaut animation industry,' Criterion Collection wrote. It goes without saying that the company wouldn't build on this announcement—which further ushers in the mainstreamification of anime in pop culture—by adding any old podunk anime to the Criterion Channel. Featured titles include Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell, studio Madhouse's Redline, legendary anime director Satoshi Kon's Paprika, and Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat In Space. ANIME 📺 Coming to @criterionchannl in August! — Criterion Collection (@Criterion) July 17, 2025Criterion's embrace of anime on its streaming service comes at a time when streamers like Netflix are noticeably beefing up their libraries with more anime. Earlier this month, Variety released a report drawing on Netflix's typically guarded internal user data that found 'more than 50 percent of its members—amounting to over 150 million households, or an estimated 300 million viewers—now watch anime. The company says anime viewership on the platform has tripled over the past five years, with 2024 marking a record-breaking year: 33 anime titles appeared in Netflix's Global Top 10 (Non-English) rankings, more than double the number in 2021.' Variety reported that Netflix's anime content was viewed over 1 billion times globally in 2024. Notably for longtime anime fans, 80 to 90 percent of viewers choose dubbed anime. In short, if Netflix's data is saying 300 million anime fans are tuning into new exclusive shows like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Sakamoto Days, and, in some cases, preferring its format for returning shows like Dan Da Dan, it's a no-brainer that Criterion would want to get in on the fun. It also doesn't hurt that Ghost in the Shell and Paprika served as inspirations for modern-day Hollywood classics, such as the Wachowskis' Matrix and Christopher Nolan's Inception. To further sweeten the pot, Criterion is offering a seven-day free trial for new members to get their anime on. Given Criterion's knack for reviving movies from the past, it's a welcome change of pace for the service to extend its hand to anime as a cornerstone of art and entertainment as well. Plus, it would do folks good to have some Redline in their lives. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.


Business Wire
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Ghost in the Shell The Exhibition Ghost and the Shell 攻殻機動隊展 Coming to TOKYO NODE, Toranomon Hills January 30 (Friday) to April 5 (Sunday), 2026
TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ghost in the Shell Exhibition: Ghost and the Shell Production Committee (Kodansha Ltd., Mori Building Co., Ltd., KDDI Corporation, Production I.G, and PARCO Co., Ltd.) hereby announces that 'Ghost in the Shell The Exhibition Ghost and the Shell 攻殻機動隊展' will be held at TOKYO NODE in Toranomon Hills, from Friday, January 30 to Sunday, April 5, 2026. This exhibition is the first of its kind to span the entire Ghost in the Shell anime series. Starting from Shirow Masamune's original 1989 manga, it showcases the full franchise, including the 1995 theatrical film GHOST IN THE SHELL and all subsequent anime productions by Production I.G, fully supported from both Production I.G and Science SARU, the studio behind the new anime series set to air in 2026. The exhibition will feature the 30-year history of the Ghost in the Shell series, including titles directed by Mamoru Oshii, Kenji Kamiyama, Kazuchika Kise, and Shinji Aramaki, as well as content from the upcoming 2026 anime, produced by Science SARU. Visitors will be able to explore the unique themes and worlds of each installment in the franchise. In addition, a wide range of exclusive exhibition-only merchandise will be available during the event. The exhibition is also set to tour internationally, so fans around the world can look forward to this exciting new chapter of Ghost in the Shell. (Further updates will be announced as they become available.) Visit the exhibition that blends anime, technology, and art on a scale never seen before. [Exhibition highlights] Follow the Origins of the Series -- Over 600 Items on Display, Including Unreleased Materials This exhibition will showcase over 600 pieces of materials, including original drawings, design materials and storyboards, and previously unreleased content spanning the entire anime series. Visitors can explore how each director approached the world of Ghost in the Shell, comparing their creative visions through archives and exclusive interviews premiering at this exhibition. Even those who are unfamiliar to the series will have the unique opportunity to experience the creative process. Dig for a Full-Body, Immersive Experience TOKYO NODE is renowned for its exhibitions with immersive and interactive exhibits. Exclusive interview videos from the directors will reveal new narratives of the franchise. One of the highlights is a 'digging' experience, where visitors can explore to unlock hints about the future, providing a unique exhibition that engages both mind and body. Where Past and Present Intersect: Redefining What It Means to Be Human More than just a retrospective, this exhibition offers a space for reflection. Visitors are invited to compare the future imagined in the series with the changes in our current society, and discover their own ghost in the shell. At the heart of the exhibition is the timeless question of the series: What does it mean to be human? Drawing from today's cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and brain-machine interfaces (BMI), the exhibition explores the relationship between the "Ghost" and "Shell,' for visitors to be able to explore between past and present and reflect on their own identities. A Fresh Look on Ghost in the Shell: Collaborations with Creators from Around the World The exhibition will also feature collaborative installations with contemporary artists and creators from Japan and around the world, who have been inspired by Ghost in the Shell. Experience the global cultural impact of the franchise and the diversity of each artist. Exclusive Merch & a One-of-a-Kind Shop Experience There will be a wide range of merchandise, including limited-edition items available only at this exhibition. Enjoy a shopping experience unique to this exhibition. Comment from Director Mamoru Oshii Ghost and Shell. In my perspective, the shell exists within the ghost. And that ghost isn't just something found in people. It's in dolls, in plants. It's something peaceful, balanced, like a whisper, like the wind. What all the works in this series have in common is their futuristic vision. Each director has brought their own view, based on the original manga, but all have remained true to Shirow Masamune's core philosophy. We have to. And that's what makes them feel more like a spin-off, and what makes the franchise what it is. If this exhibition is meant to explore the full scope of Ghost in the Shell, then I believe it should offer different cultures, not just through the anime, but also the original manga, the films, everything. I think that's what truly makes an exhibition boundary-pushing.' PR video: [About Ghost in the Shell] Ghost in the Shell began in 1989 as a serialized sci-fi manga by Shirow Masamune, first appearing in issue #5 of Young Magazine Kaizokuban, a special edition of Young Magazine. Motoko, who is referred to as 'Major' by her team members, leads the "Shell Squad,' a special covert organization unit against increasingly sophisticated and dangerous crimes in a hyper-connected world. Combining intricately detailed artwork with cyberpunk aesthetics and philosophical themes, the series explores deep questions about humanity and technology, and the meaning of identity, and has inspired many creators. Ghost in the Shell has expanded into numerous adaptations and reinterpretations, including: the 1995 theatrical anime film, GHOST IN THE SHELL, directed by Mamoru Oshii; the 2002 TV anime series Ghost in the Shell: STAND ALONE COMPLEX, directed by Kenji Kamiyama; the 2013 theatrical anime Ghost in the Shell: ARISE, directed by Kazuchika Kise; the 2017 Hollywood live-action adaptation, Ghost in the Shell; and the 2020 streaming anime Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, co-directed by Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki. [Venue and Exhibition Overview] [New TV anime] THE GHOST IN THE SHELL Since its debut as a manga in 1989 by Shirow Masamune in Young Magazine Kaizokuban (Kodansha), Ghost in the Shell series has continued to captivate global audiences though a wide range of works such as Mamoru Oshii's 1995 film GHOST IN THE SHELL, various other animations, and a Hollywood live-action film. The upcoming TV anime THE GHOST IN THE SHELL will be directed by Moko-chan, making his directorial debut after working as assistant director on the TV anime Dandadan and on numerous other Science SARU projects. Series composition and script will be handled by Toh EnJoe, a science fiction author known for works such as Self-Reference ENGINE, who also worked on the series composition and script for the TV anime Godzilla Singular Point. Shuhei Handa, known for his character design work on the Netflix series Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and the TV anime Spriggan, will serve as character designer and chief animation director. Animation production will be by Science SARU, the studio behind Inu-Oh, which was nominated for Best Animated Motion Picture at the Golden Globes; The Colors Within, winner of the Golden Goblet Award for Best Animation Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival; and Dandadan, among other highly acclaimed works worldwide. The anime is scheduled to air in 2026. Further updates will be announced on the official Ghost in the Shell global website and official social media channels. Title: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL Format: TV animation Original: Based on the manga 'The Ghost in the Shell' by Shirow Masamune originally serialized in YOUNG MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd. Director: Moko-chan Series Composition & Script: Toh EnJoe Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Shuhei Handa Animation Studio: Science SARU Scheduled Broadcast: 2026 Official website:


Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From vampires to climbing girls: Anime Limited's new U.S. home video lineup has it all
There's exciting news for all anime fans across North America, Anime Limited has officially finally revealed its upcoming knock of home video releases in the United States. Anime Limited is known for bringing unique and renowned or celebrated Japanese titles to the global audiences market, the UK-based distributor company is focusing on expanding its reach with a fresh and new wave of anime titles set for Blu-ray and collector's editions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Some of the announced releases are Vladlove , EX-ARM , Iwakakeru - Sport Climbing Girls, and several other remarkable shows. This step makes a big step forward in Anime Limited's future plans to offer more physical releases in the U.S. market—an effort that has been regularly growing thanks to the increased demands from collectors and fans who appreciate high quality goods and content. A diverse line-up for every kind of anime fan One of the unique titles in the lineup for release is Vladlove, the bizarre vampire comedy directed by Ghost in the Shell creator Mamoru Oshii. Who is mainly known for his rare storytelling and wild visual style, Vladlove is a mixture of absurd comedy with supernatural themes, making it a must-watch anime for fans who love to explore different anime. One another title i.e. making its way to U.S. shelves is EX-ARM, a sci-fi action anime series that got famous for its heavy use of 3D CGI animation. Although the show received mixed reactions from fans during its original broadcast, the anime has developed a cult following interest in its unique aesthetic style and storyline. Another anime included is Iwakakeru - Sport Climbing Girls, a grounded and inspiring anime series that focuses on a group of high school girls who are competing in the world of competitive climbing. With a mixture of sports drama and character development, the anime series has received praise for highlighting an underrepresented sport in anime. Anime Limited's collection doesn't just stop here. The company also has plans to bring other fan-favorite titles in the U.S., Tired of too many ads? go ad free now some of which include collector's packaging, art cards, booklets, and clean opening/ending sequences—extras that have become an important part of the brand's charm. A big win for physical media collectors As the streaming continues to overpower anime distribution , Anime Limited's move to boost physical releases is a breath of fresh air for fans who still value collecting Blu-rays and box sets. For many fans owning a physical copy isn't just about watching the show—it's about celebrating the art, the creators, and the experience itself. CEO Andrew Partridge has made a point of the company's commitment to quality, saying that their goal is to bring the same level of care and attention seen in their UK editions to U.S. fans. From packaging to translations, Anime Limited wants to make sure these editions are more than just reprints—they're curated experiences. With anime viewership continuing to grow in the West, and fan conventions seeing record-breaking attendance, the demand for official home video releases has never been stronger. Anime Limited's latest announcement shows that the physical anime market is not only alive—it's thriving. Anime Limited's U.S. home video releases will begin rolling out later this year, with pre-orders available soon on their official site and major retailers. Stay tuned to Times of India Entertainment for more updates on international anime releases, exclusive interviews, and fan insights.


Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Mamoru Oshii Takes A Swipe At Political Correctness, Sort Of
Mamoru Oshii commented on issues with political correctness in a new interview (Photo credit should ... More read YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images) In a new interview with writer-director Mamoru Oshii, he seemingly has a go at the current spate of excessive political correctness, but it's not that straightforward. Specifically, Oshii has done a new interview over on the Japanese site Pia. The initial responses in the interview are pretty tame, but these aren't what have caught the eye of Western press outlets. No, it seems that some of Oshii's other answers in the interview, which have been archived on X, have a more direct tone towards modern political correctness. The catch? These answers can only be read via the Pia app, and only if you're in Japan. This is not to say the screenshots are wrong, but they could be taken out of context. I only mention this, because back when the Dragon Quest III remaster was released, both Yuji Horii and Kazuhiko Torishima kicked off at all the bizarre changes inflicted on the game due to Western beliefs. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder However, they both quickly retracted these statements, pulled down the video, and claimed they were mistranslated and taken out of context. The same thing could be happening here, and the fact that Oshii's spicier takes are behind a Japan-only paywall does give the general impression that they're not intended for international consumption. Having interviewed Oshii myself, he is indeed outspoken and also plays Western games like Fallout. So, if these quotes are real, then they make sense considering that he does consume current Western media and is open about his opinions. That said, the fact these comments aren't in full public view means he doesn't want to cause a fuss, which is sadly what is happening already. Personally, I agree that political correctness has gone too far and, in the case of games, is actively undermining the quality of some releases. But I don't think people like Oshii, or even Horii and Torishima, can make a difference in this debate. In the case of Horii and Torishima, they created one of Japan's most beloved gaming franchises, and they still backpedalled massively once their complaints went international. The fact that Oshii has said these things behind a paywall is no accident, as it's clear no one wants to get involved in this. I get the frustration of fans, though, as they clearly just want to play games without some agenda shoved in their face. But there will be no Japanese cavalry on this topic; it's clear no one wants the hassle. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.