Anime aficionados are abuzz as a new trailer has been released for the 4K remaster of Mamoru Oshii’s enigmatic 1985 OVA, Angel’s Egg. The visually arresting film, a collaboration between acclaimed director Oshii and renowned artist Yoshitaka Amano, is set to return to North American cinemas starting November 19, 2025, distributed by GKIDS, with a streaming debut on HBO Max beginning September 1, 2025.
North American Theatrical Release and Festival Screenings
GKIDS has confirmed that the 4K restoration of Angel’s Egg will have a limited theatrical run across North America, commencing November 19, 2025. This marks a significant opportunity for audiences to experience the rarely screened masterpiece on the big screen, almost 40 years after its original release.
Before its wide theatrical release, the 4K remaster has already made a notable impact on the festival circuit. It held its world premiere in May 2025 at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival’s Cinéma de la Plage. Further festival appearances include the Fantasia Film Festival, Fantastic Fest (Austin, Texas, September 18-25), and the New York Film Festival (New York, September 26-October 13), where it will screen in the “Revivals” category. The film is also slated for the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain, running from October 9-19.
The Meticulous 4K Restoration Process
The new 4K remaster, personally supervised by director Mamoru Oshii, was meticulously produced from a fresh scan of the original 35mm film negative. This process ensures that the film’s intricate hand-drawn allegorical fantasy visuals are presented with unprecedented clarity and detail, honoring its artistic brilliance. Beyond the visual upgrade, the sound has also been significantly enhanced. The original mono audio was analyzed and separated using advanced audio separation technology, then reconstructed into a 5.1-channel surround and Dolby Atmos format, promising an immersive auditory experience.
The Visionary Collaboration of Oshii and Amano
Angel’s Egg is a testament to the creative synergy between two titans of Japanese animation: Mamoru Oshii and Yoshitaka Amano. Oshii, widely recognized for his work on the Ghost in the Shell franchise, directed and wrote the screenplay for Angel’s Egg, his first original feature-length anime. Yoshitaka Amano, celebrated for his iconic character designs in the Final Fantasy series and Vampire Hunter D, contributed the original concept and served as the art director, shaping the film’s distinctive and ethereal ink painting style.
Synopsis and Enduring Cult Status
The film unfolds in a mysterious, submerged city, where a young girl diligently cares for a large, precious egg she believes to be an angel’s egg. Her solitary existence is disrupted by the arrival of a boy armed with a gun, who is searching for a bird he glimpsed in a dream. Their paths intertwine, leading to a profound and allegorical narrative rich with philosophical and theological reflections, often interpreted as a commentary on faith and existence. Known for its minimal dialogue, evocative symbolism, and haunting post-apocalyptic aesthetic, Angel’s Egg has solidified its place as a revered cult classic among animation fans worldwide.
Streaming Debut on HBO Max
For those unable to attend the theatrical screenings, the 4K remaster of Angel’s Egg will also become available for streaming on HBO Max starting September 1, 2025, as part of a new partnership with GKIDS. This marks the film’s debut on wider streaming services in its original form, offering unprecedented accessibility to a new generation of viewers. A home video release is also anticipated to follow the theatrical run.
