The specialized distributor GKIDS announced, in January 2026, an unmissable release for anime fans in Brazil and worldwide. The acclaimed film The Boy and The Beast, by renowned director Mamoru Hosoda, will receive its first physical edition in 4K UHD resolution, with a release scheduled for March 17th. This special edition, which also includes a Blu-ray Disc version, will reach the North American market through Shout! Studios. Furthermore, a limited SteelBook edition will be sold exclusively by Amazon, making it a highly coveted collector’s item.
This initiative marks another chapter in the series of high-definition re-releases of Hosoda’s previous works, which include hits like Wolf Children and Summer Wars. The release is therefore relevant for bringing a modern classic of Japanese animation to the highest quality standard available today, meeting fans’ demand for immersive visual experiences. The package will be packed with extra content, such as a behind-the-scenes video (Making Of), a collection of promotional videos, cast and crew commentaries, as well as original teasers and trailers.
A Timeless Classic
Originally released in 2016, The Boy and The Beast solidified Mamoru Hosoda’s reputation as one of the great masters of animated storytelling. With a striking soundtrack by Masakatsu Takagi, the film was the first major project of Studio Chizu, founded by the director himself. The story, which blends action, fantasy, and emotional family dramas, won over audiences and critics, being screened at special events in US cinemas over the years, such as the one-time showing promoted by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures last August.
For the Brazilian audience, accustomed to consuming anime mainly via streaming, this physical high-definition release represents a great opportunity to acquire a definitive version for their collection. Thus, even a decade after its debut, Hosoda’s work continues to captivate new generations and receive the quality treatment it deserves. This move by GKIDS reinforces the lasting value of a well-made animation and the passion of fans for premium physical content.
