From GKIDS and Shout! Factory, Mamoru Hosada’s Annie-nominated animated movie’s special edition features the original Japanese version and English dub, plus new dialogues with the cast and interviews with Takeru Satoh and Eric Wong; bonus content from previously released Blu-ray also included.
GKIDS has announced the August 30 release of a special collector’s edition of Mamoru Hosoda’s acclaimed animated feature, Belle with distribution by Shout! Factory. The Belle Collector’s Edition includes the film in UHD + Blu-ray, both in the original Japanese and with an English dub, and the extensive bonus content included in the Blu-ray release, as well as several new offerings, such as special dialogues with cast, and interviews with Takeru Satoh and Eric Wong.
Previously released Blu-ray + DVD and Steelbook editions’ bonus features – included in the new collector’s edition - include a conversation with Hosoda, the featurettes The Making of Belle, The Music of Belle, Finding the Voice of Belle, Hosoda Draws Belle, and scene breakdowns.
From Japan’s Studio Chizu, the film is written and directed by Hosoda, whose previous features include Mirai, The Boy and the Beast, Wolf Children, Summer Wars, and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Serving as producer is Hosoda’s long time producing partner and Studio Chizu co-founder Yuichiro Saito. The movie premiered at the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for five Annie Awards including Best Independent Feature.
The film, a heartfelt story of growing up in the age of social media, is about Suzu, a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally beloved singer.
One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an epic emotional quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
The Japanese creative team collaborated with a roster of international talent including character designer Jin Kim (Moana, Tangled, Frozen); Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells); up-and-coming British architect and designer Eric Wong, who designed the virtual world of “U;” and composer Luvdig Forssell (Death Stranding, Metal Gear Solid V).
Source: GKIDS
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
