New York-based company GKIDS has just acquired American distribution rights from Disney for Studio Ghibli’s catalog of movies. Disney will retain distribution rights in other countries, but it brings hope to fans that DVD, Blu-Ray and theater experiences will be more accessible to the American audience.
Since striking a deal with Studio Ghibli 20 years ago, around the time they released Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, Disney has not focused on distribution in the United States market.
GKIDS was brought on by Disney for computer rights and has been active in hosting Studio Ghibli festival events across the U.S. In October, the studio will release My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Howl’s Moving Castle, Castle In The Sky, Princess Mononoke, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind on DVD and Blu-Ray. GKIDS will not have sole rights to The Wind Rises and Grave of the Fireflies.
In early 2018, GKIDS will release the rest of Studio Ghibli’s catalog on Blu-Ray for the first time in America.
[Source: Kotaku]
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