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The countrywide release of director Isao Takahata’s first new work in 14 years, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, is drawing near. Looking toward its Nov. 23 release, interest in the film is increasing thanks to the first large-scale promotion done by Studio Ghibli. Today, Nov. 16, Blu-rays and DVDs titled The Tale of Princess Kaguya - Prologue began being distributed for free to theatergoers countrywide in Japan. The distribution is taking place in the 344 theaters that are scheduled to screen The Tale of Princess Kaguya once it is released. The number of Blu-rays and DVDs being given out totals 1 million, and the promotion will end once supplies run out.
Even for theaters, giving out a portion of a larger aesthetic work as a promotional good to all theatergoers is a rare initiative. It is because Ghibli is behind it that such a daring experiment is even being undertaken. The 6-minute video is the same one that was screened for members of the press at an interim press conference held on Sept. 17 and received praise for its high quality. Previously, the video was only able to be seen as an interlude at roughly 80 theaters countrywide. With this new promotion, many more people will be able thoroughly enjoy it.
The Blu-ray being given out as a present has been carefully crafted to match previous works from Studio Ghibli in terms of look and colors. Due to the print on the disc as well, one would mistake it for a product that is actually being sold. As such, this is an item that fans shouldn’t overlook.
At a completion press conference held the other day, director Takahata gave the following comment brimming with confidence and gratitude: “I think we have been able to advance Japanese animation to the next level. I want to express my gratitude to all the excellent staff.” The quality of this film that draws a line dividing itself from those before it can now been seen firsthand ahead of the film’s release with these Blu-rays and DVDs.
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Katsunori Takahashi
