Summary
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the classic anime "Sherlock Hound," which was originally directed and designed by Studio Ghibli members, including the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, is making a special return to theaters. The remastered feature-length compilation movies will be showcased in select Japanese cinemas, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience this classic in a new light. Although only four episodes are included in the movies, the extensive theatrical release highlights the deep respect Japanese fans have for "Sherlock Hound," despite its existence in the shadow of Studio Ghibli's more prominent works.
Literature Review
As the series marks its 40-year milestone, the episodes overseen by Studio Ghibli's talent are set to return in a remastered format, just in time for the anniversary.
Background
"Sherlock Hound," an anime classic directed and designed by Studio Ghibli members, including Hayao Miyazaki, is commemorating its 40th anniversary with the remastering of its two feature-length compilation films. These movies will be re-released in Japanese cinemas as a double feature in over a hundred theaters this Spring.
Significance
While the movies encompass only a fraction of the series' 26 episodes, the screenings provide an opportunity for fans to revisit the beloved classic in a refreshed format. Although "Sherlock Hound" is often seen as a historical curiosity, residing somewhat in the shadow of Studio Ghibli's more famous productions, the extensive theatrical release is a testament to the respect and admiration Japanese fans hold for the series.
Production Details
"Sherlock Hound" was an Italian-Japanese production that saw Miyazaki's involvement in six episodes back in 1982. However, the series faced a delayed release in 1984 due to copyright disputes, by which time Miyazaki had already moved on to other projects, such as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."
Current Events
Hayao Miyazaki continues to engage with his audience, sharing his annual celebratory art and teasing his next project with Studio Ghibli.
Production Background
Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and RAI - Radiotelevisione Italiana, "Sherlock Hound" reinterprets Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's characters as anthropomorphic canines, set against a backdrop of steampunk and dieselpunk elements rather than the traditional Victorian era.
Involvement of Studio Ghibli Staff
Other Studio Ghibli staff members contributed to six episodes of the anime. Yoshifumi Kondo, known for his work as a character designer on "Princess Mononoke," and Nizo Yamamoto, the art director for episodes in the first movie and a contributor to "Castle in the Sky," were among those involved in the production of "Sherlock Hound."
Release History
Originally produced in 1982, "Sherlock Hound" faced legal battles with the Doyle estate, leading to a delayed release until 1984. The movie compilations were an attempt to capitalize on Miyazaki's growing popularity following the success of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind."
Availability
While there is no current indication of the compilation films being released internationally, the original anime series is widely available online and in physical formats. TMS Entertainment hosts the entire series on YouTube, and it is also accessible on Crunchyroll and Prime Video. For anime fans outside of Japan, watching the relevant episodes of "Sherlock Hound" online remains an option, although there is a certain charm in experiencing one of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's earliest works in theaters, as they were originally intended to be enjoyed four decades ago.