One of the most influential films in anime history is set to return with a brand new 4K restoration that allows fans to experience the late Satoshi Kon’s mind-bending thriller like never before. Anime Limited has today announced that following a return to cinemas on October 10 for a limited time, Perfect Blue will debut a Deluxe Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray release, available from all good retailers from December 8.
Hailed as the first animated feature film to feature an authentic psychological suspense story, Perfect Blue explores themes such as identity, consumerism, and parasocial relationships that are just as relevant today as when the film first released. The film continues to be applauded by critics and industry alike, with film legend Roger Corman once remarking that “If Alfred Hitchcock partnered with Walt Disney they’d make a picture like this”, and its influence being observed in the works of top filmmakers today including Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky.
Take a look at the film’s restoration trailer in the player below:
At the same time Perfect Blue hits cinemas, you will also be able to pre-order the 4K UHD Deluxe Edition releasing retail-wide on Monday, December 8. Including the film on 4K UHD SDR and Blu-ray, the set will also include a third disc – an additional bonus Blu-ray containing the full-length, 117-minute Satoshi Kon lecture discussing the film in-depth. It’s an unmissable addition to an already stellar set, and a must-watch for fans of the film or the director… or film in general.
Stored in a rigid slipcase, the release also includes a replica quad poster, a set of 10 art cards, a 132-page book featuring a plethora of artwork, character designs, settings, and a text version of an introductory talk about the film between director Satoshi Kon and Ms Luna Nagai. Pre-orders will be available from AllTheAnime.com and all good retailers from Thursday, October 9.
“Who are…you?”
Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol, makes a bold transition into acting, taking on a role in a drama that includes a disturbing assault scene ,and even releasing a provocative nude photo book. Her dramatic reinvention grabs public attention, but also provokes unease among her fans, her manager, and even herself as she struggles with the rapid shift from her days as a pop idol. As a stalker begins to shadow her, a screenwriter and a photographer are murdered one after another. “Did I kill them? “Mima begins to wonder if a split personality is gradually taking over, just like the character that she plays in the drama. Then “the other Mima” the pop idol who was supposed to have “graduated,” appears in front of her…
Perfect Blue is releasing in cinemas in Japanese with English subtitles, and an English dub, from Friday 10th October. The film 4K Deluxe Edition will be available from all good retailers on Monday 8th December.
