The critically acclaimed 4K remaster of Mamoru Oshii’s enigmatic 1985 anime, Angel’s Egg, is set for widespread North American theatrical screenings starting November 19. This highly anticipated release will also feature its New York premiere at the 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF) as part of its “Revivals” lineup. GKIDS is handling the distribution of the restored cinematic masterpiece across North American cinemas.
A Vision Reborn: The 4K Remastering Process
The 4K restoration of Angel’s Egg was meticulously supervised by director Mamoru Oshii himself, ensuring a faithful and enhanced presentation of his original vision. The remaster is based on a new high-resolution scan of the original 35mm film negative, promising unprecedented clarity and detail for audiences. This effort commemorates the film’s upcoming 40th anniversary in 2025.
The restoration has already garnered international attention, having held its world premiere at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival’s Cinéma de la Plage on May 20, 2025. Subsequent festival premieres included the Fantasia Film Festival and Fantastic Fest, leading up to its broader North American release.
Angel’s Egg: A Cult Classic’s Enduring Legacy
Originally released as an Original Video Animation (OVA) in Japan on December 15, 1985, Angel’s Egg is a collaborative work between the visionary director Mamoru Oshii, renowned for Ghost in the Shell, and celebrated artist Yoshitaka Amano, known for his work on Final Fantasy. Oshii directed the OVA at Studio DEEN, while Amano was responsible for the striking art direction, including character design and image boards.
The film is an allegorical, experimental science fantasy that follows a nameless young girl who protects a large egg in a desolate, post-apocalyptic world. She encounters a young man carrying a cross-shaped rifle, who is searching for a bird he saw in a dream. The narrative unfolds with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on its haunting, surreal imagery and profound symbolism, including frequent references to the Christian Bible and Noah’s Ark.
Upon its initial release, Angel’s Egg was not a commercial success and its ambiguous narrative left many viewers perplexed. However, over the decades, it has amassed a dedicated cult following, celebrated for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation, philosophical depth, and unique artistic style. Many interpretations of the film exist, with some suggesting it explores themes of lost faith, the nature of dreams and reality, and the burden of existence. Oshii himself has stated that the film reflects his own grappling with waning faith and that the egg represents “dreams or hopes.”
North American Theatrical Release Details
GKIDS will present the 4K restoration of Angel’s Egg in North American cinemas nationwide for the first time, starting November 19. The special New York premiere will take place at the 63rd New York Film Festival. This theatrical run marks a significant opportunity for both long-time fans and new audiences to experience the film’s restored beauty on the big screen. Beyond the theatrical screenings, GKIDS also plans a physical media release of the 4K remaster.
