Studio Ghibli, renowned for its captivating and visually stunning animated films, recently announced that Hayao Miyazaki’s highly anticipated final film, “How Do You Live?,” will receive an IMAX release when it opens in Japan this week.
This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first of Miyazaki’s films to have a simultaneous release on IMAX, as well as other premium formats like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, and DTS:X. As audiences eagerly await Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, the film’s details have been shrouded in secrecy, with no trailers or promotional materials released beforehand, allowing viewers to experience it with a fresh perspective.
At the age of 82, Hayao Miyazaki has declared that “How Do You Live?” will be his final feature film, a promise he previously made and then broke during the release of his previous work, “The Wind Rises.” This declaration has heightened the anticipation surrounding the film, making it one of the most highly anticipated movies in Japanese cinema in recent years. Miyazaki’s reputation as a master of animation has fans eagerly anticipating what could potentially be his last creative endeavor.
In an unprecedented move, Studio Ghibli has chosen to keep the film’s details tightly under wraps. Toshio Suzuki, Ghibli’s lead producer and Miyazaki’s right-hand man, revealed that the studio will not release any trailers or promotional materials ahead of the film’s release. Instead, they encourage viewers to approach “How Do You Live?” without any preconceptions, embracing the element of surprise and discovery. Suzuki believes that this approach aligns with the latent desires of moviegoers, offering a stark contrast to the marketing strategies employed by Hollywood, which often reveal significant plot points and surprises through multiple trailers.
The recent announcement of an IMAX release for “How Do You Live?” further enhances the excitement surrounding the film. Japanese moviegoers who venture into cinemas on the film’s opening day will have the opportunity to experience Miyazaki’s final work in the grandest format available. The larger-than-life IMAX screens will immerse viewers in the awe-inspiring animation and exquisite details for which Studio Ghibli films are known. While the global release date for the film outside of Japan is still unknown, fans worldwide eagerly await the chance to witness Miyazaki’s cinematic farewell.
Hayao Miyazaki’s upcoming film, “How Do You Live?,” is set to make history as the first Studio Ghibli film to receive a simultaneous IMAX release. This landmark decision, along with the film’s secretive marketing approach, has intensified anticipation for Miyazaki’s final directorial endeavor. As the world eagerly awaits the chance to experience the renowned animation master’s last feature, the IMAX release promises to deliver an immersive and visually captivating experience. With its upcoming debut in Japan, “How Do You Live?” is poised to leave an indelible mark on cinema, further solidifying Hayao Miyazaki’s legacy as one of the greatest storytellers in animation.