Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron is getting three physical editions in July, including the first-ever 4K UHD release of a Studio Ghibli film.
Independent film distributor GKIDS announced on X/Twitter that The Boy and the Heron will hit shelves on July 9, and physical media enthusiasts will have three different versions to choose from, including a 4K UHD and Blu-ray release, a Blu-ray and DVD combo, and a Limited Edition Steelbook housing a 4K UHD and Blu-ray.
The Academy Award-winning THE BOY AND THE HERON will be available in three physical editions on July 9, including the first-ever 4K UHD release for a Studio Ghibli film.
— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) April 29, 2024
The first run of all versions will include a limited edition poster! ✨https://t.co/9sPENkmNb7 pic.twitter.com/sfrWX2wUAQ
As detailed on the pre-order pages for the three editions on the GKIDS website, the first run of all versions will include an 11.5" x 14" fold-out poster that depicts Mahito Maki, the protagonist of the film, during an early encounter with the heron he befriends in the hand-drawn animated tale, written and directed by Miyazaki.
Those wanting to learn more about The Boy and the Heron will have a flock of bonus features to watch. The Blu-ray contains storyboards, a music video, teasers and trailers, plus a drawing feature with supervising animator Takeshi Honda. There are also interviews with Honda, composer Joe Hisaishi, and producer Toshio Suzuki.
The Boy and the Heron will also be available to purchase on all major digital platforms starting on June 25, including the likes of Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Vudu. The critically acclaimed fantasy adventure will also head to Max and Netflix (outside the U.S. and Japan), though its premiere date has yet to be announced.
The Boy and the Heron is Miyazaki's first feature film in 10 years. It won an Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Animated Feature, with critics praising it as a triumph. IGN awarded the movie a 9/10, calling it "a stunning animated adventure that reminds us how lucky we are to live at a time when Studio Ghibli is making movies."
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on X/Twitter @AdeleAnkers.
