Ghost in the Shell & Innocence Return to Japanese Theaters in 4K Remaster

Cyberpunk fans, get ready! Two legendary anime films—Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)—are coming back to Japanese theaters in glorious 4K remastered quality. And yes, that means you’ll finally get to see Major Motoko Kusanagi and Batou like never before, with crisp details and breathtaking visuals that push the limits of animation.

Celebrating 30 & 20 Years of Cyberpunk Greatness

Why now? Well, 2025 marks 30 years since Ghost in the Shell first hacked its way into our minds and 20 years since Innocence deepened the series’ philosophical edge. What better way to celebrate than with a limited two-week theatrical run? From February 28, 2025, both films will be screening across Toho Theaters in Japan.

The 4K Upgrade—What’s New?

These 4K remasters were initially created for Blu-ray releases, but this will be the first time ever that Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence gets a semi-wide theatrical release in its enhanced form. The original Ghost in the Shell already had a 4K screening back in 2021, but now fans can experience both films back-to-back on the big screen.

Mamoru Oshii’s Thoughts—A Walk Down Memory Lane

The mastermind behind both films, Mamoru Oshii, shared his thoughts on revisiting Innocence in 4K. Believe it or not, he hadn’t watched the movie all the way through since its original release 20 years ago!

“This 4K remaster of Innocence is the first time I’ve watched the film all the way through in 20 years… maybe the first time on the big screen! I’m ecstatic that it was so pristine and beautifully done.”

He also reflected on how exhausting the production process was, joking about how he got so sick after finishing Innocence that he was bedridden for two months! But as he puts it, "To create something beautiful, you have to overcome something adverse."

If you’ve never seen these cyberpunk masterpieces on the big screen, this is your chance! The dystopian cityscapes, high-tech hacking sequences, and deep philosophical themes are going to look and feel more immersive than ever. So if you’re in Japan (or planning a trip), don’t miss this rare opportunity to see two of the greatest anime films ever made in their most stunning form yet!