Sentai Filmworks has announced that a newly restored 4K version of Yoshiaki Kawajiri's seminal 1993 anime film, Ninja Scroll, will be screened in theaters across the United States and Canada on October 4, 5, and 7. This restoration was spearheaded by Sentai Filmworks itself, with director Kawajiri overseeing the project.
The restoration process involved a 4K scan of the original 35mm negative, followed by extensive damage repair and color correction. The world premiere of this 4K version took place earlier this year at the Berlinale film festival, where it was featured in the Berlinale Classics section. Following the theatrical screenings, Sentai Filmworks plans to release the film on a limited edition 4K UHD Steelbook Blu-ray in early 2027.
Ninja Scroll tells the story of Jubei, a wandering swordsman who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving demonic forces after saving a young ninja woman. The film, animated by Studio Madhouse, was written and directed by Kawajiri, who also handled character designs. It gained significant popularity in the U.S. after its initial Japanese release, eventually becoming a staple on American television.
The film is currently available for streaming on HIDIVE, offering both the original English dub and Japanese audio with English subtitles. Previously, the film was screened in U.S. cinemas for its 30th anniversary in September 2024 as part of AX Cinema Nights. The original anime television series, also produced by Madhouse, aired in 2003.
Source: Press release
