Akira is absolutely one film that must be experienced on the big screen. If you’ve only seen Katsuhiro Otomo‘s groundbreaking anime at home, you’re about to get the chance to witness it the way it deserves to be seen.
Crunchyroll and Sony have announced that the legendary 1988 cyberpunk classic will return to theaters beginning September 4, giving fans the opportunity to experience Akira in stunning 4K IMAX.
Even if you’ve watched the film countless times over the years, chances are you’ve never seen Neo Tokyo come to life with this kind of scale and visual impact.
With Hollywood’s long-discussed live-action Akira remake sitting on the sidelines once again, this theatrical re-release feels like the perfect reminder of why the original continues to be held in such high regard.
Every few years the remake conversation resurfaces, but screenings like this usually leave audiences thinking the same thing: maybe this is one masterpiece that doesn’t need to be remade.
For me, Akira was my first real introduction to anime, and it completely blew me away. Up until that point, animation was something I mostly associated with family films and Saturday morning cartoons.
Then I watched Akira, and it completely changed my perspective on what animation could be. The storytelling, the mature themes, the jaw-dropping visuals, and the unforgettable action opened my eyes to an entirely different world of filmmaking. It remains one of the most influential movies I’ve ever watched.
More than three decades later, it still looks incredible. The film’s hand-drawn animation remains astonishing, from the dazzling neon skyline of Neo Tokyo to the iconic motorcycle chase that has inspired filmmakers, animators, and artists across the globe. It’s one of those rare movies that feels just as fresh today as it did when it first premiered.
Here’s the official synopsis:
“July, 1988—World War III breaks loose. Then, in 2019, in megalopolis Tokyo…
As the leader of a group of young robust delinquents, Kaneda spent his nights tearing through the urban wastes, racing his motorbike against rival groups. One night while riding with his gang, his friend Tetsuo suddenly encounters a strange boy—the product of human experimentation—and is injured in the ensuing crash.
Shortly thereafter, a military squadron appears on the scene to take the boy and Tetsuo away to an army research facility. Determined to free Tetsuo from capture, Kaneda sneaks into the army research lab. However, a regimen of extreme experimental procedures has awakened a new power in his friend, and now he is consumed by madness…”
Audiences will have the option to watch the film in its original Japanese with English subtitles or with the English dub, making it easy for longtime fans and newcomers alike to enjoy this cinematic landmark however they prefer.
Crunchyroll has also released a fantastic new trailer highlighting the upcoming theatrical event, and it does a great job reminding viewers why Akira remains one of the greatest animated films ever made.
If you’ve never seen Akira on the big screen, don’t miss this opportunity. And if you’ve already watched it more times than you can count, seeing it in 4K IMAX is reason enough to make another trip to Neo Tokyo.
Check out the new trailer below and let us know if you’ll be heading to your local theater when Akira returns on September 4.
