To celebrate Its 15th anniversary, GKIDS is partnering with Fathom Events to bring Miyazaki's
Spirited Away to U.S. theaters for two days only on Sunday, December 4 at 12:00 p.m. (dubbed in English) and Monday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. (English language subtitles). Following the full-length feature, attendees will see an exclusive short film,
Ghiblies: Episode 2, which has never before been released in North America. The animated features will be shown at more than 400 movie theaters.
Spirited Away is widely acclaimed as one of the top animated films of all times, earning a Best Animated Feature Academy Award for Hayao Miyazaki and praise from critics and audiences alike. Roger Ebert called it “Enchanting and delightful! The best animated film of recent years.” Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times said, “Prepare to be astonished… unlike any you've seen before!” Entertainment Weekly called it, “A marvel…a triumph… a masterpiece! As resplendent as any film in the great Disney repertory!”
Ghiblies: Episode 2 is a unique 25-minute short film from Studio Ghibli, featuring several comedic vignettes and caricatures of Studio Ghibli staff as they go about their day. Utilizing new animation techniques and software that would then be deployed on the production of
My Neighbors the Yamadas,
Ghiblies: Episode 2 has never been released in North America and will make its theatrical premiere at this special screening event.
“We are excited to bring Hayao Miyazaki's ‘Spirited Away’ to cinemas for its 15th Anniversary,” Fathom Events CEO John Rubey said. “This Academy Award-winning film still resonates as a true animation masterpiece and will be a joy to experience on the big screen.”
Fans will be able to shop for exclusive
Spirited Away merchandise through Hot Topic, who is the official retail partner for the event. Accessories, collectibles, gifts, and more will be available both in stores and online at
HotTopic.com.
Tickets for the
Spirited Away: 15th Anniversary can be purchased by visiting
www.FathomEvents.com/event/spirited-away or at participating theater box offices.
In this animated feature by noted Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, 10-year-old Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents (Takashi Naitô, Yasuko Sawaguchi) stumble upon a seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs, Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku (Miyu Irino), who explains that the park is a resort for supernatural beings who need a break from their time spent in the earthly realm, and that she must work there to free herself and her parents.