Elysian Film Group and Goodfellas have announced that ‘Princess Mononoke’ will return to cinemas across the UK and Ireland in a brand-new 4K restoration from October 17, 2025.
Exclusively releasing in cinemas, this special re-release marks a significant moment for animation fans, arriving as part of the global celebrations for Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary. Audiences will once again be able to experience Hayao Miyazaki’s sweeping fantasy masterpiece on the big screen—now with unparalleled visual fidelity.
The new 4K restoration was directly overseen by Atsushi Okui, Studio Ghibli’s director of digital imaging, who has worked on nearly every major Ghibli production since joining the studio in 1993. The meticulous decade-long restoration ensures the film is presented exactly as its creative team originally intended.
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First released in 1997, ‘Princess Mononoke’ is a landmark in animation history, both for its breathtaking artistry and its powerful ecological themes. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, produced by Toshio Suzuki, and featuring an unforgettable score by the legendary Joe Hisaishi, the film remains one of Studio Ghibli’s most ambitious and influential works.
Set during the late Muromachi period of Japan, the story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior cursed by a demon, who journeys west in search of a cure. His path brings him into the midst of a fierce conflict between humans exploiting the forest for industry and the animal gods who defend it, led by the enigmatic Princess Mononoke.
With its rich hand-drawn animation, emotional depth, and timeless environmental message, ‘Princess Mononoke’ continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its return to cinemas offers both long-time fans and newcomers the rare chance to immerse themselves in one of cinema’s greatest animated epics—restored to its full glory for the big screen.
