Ninja Scroll 4K Restoration Drops New Trailer Ahead of Japan and US Theatrical Screenings

Sentai Filmworks has released a new trailer for the 4K restoration of Yoshiaki Kawajiri's 1993 anime film Ninja Scroll. The restored classic will screen theatrically in Japan beginning September 4 for a two-week limited run, with US and Canadian theatrical screenings following on October 4, 5, and 7.

A Painstaking Frame-by-Frame Restoration

The restoration involved a full 4K scan at 3840x2160 resolution of the original 35mm negative, followed by meticulous damage repair and color correction. Sentai completed the work under the direct supervision of director Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who also wrote the screenplay and designed the characters for the original film. The newly released trailer highlights the results, showcasing the film's dynamic direction and hand-drawn action sequences in a clarity that surpasses anything audiences have seen since its original theatrical run.

Produced by Studio Madhouse, Ninja Scroll helped define the action anime genre in the 1990s. The story follows the wandering swordsman Jubei Kibagami as he battles a team of supernatural warriors threatening feudal Japan. Its blend of visceral combat choreography, dark fantasy, and fluid hand-drawn animation made it one of the most influential anime exports of its era, particularly in Western markets where it became a gateway title for an entire generation of fans.

Theatrical Screening Details

In Japan, the restoration will receive a two-week limited theatrical engagement starting September 4. The distributor Filmarks is handling the Japanese rollout, with additional participating theaters expected to be announced. Select locations will offer exclusive admission bonuses, though specific details on those incentives have not yet been revealed.

For North American audiences, the screenings are scheduled across three dates in early October - the 4th, 5th, and 7th - giving fans multiple opportunities to experience the film on the big screen. The restoration already made history earlier in 2026 when it premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in the Berlinale Classics section, marking the first time an anime film was featured in that prestigious lineup.

This theatrical revival follows a similar restoration project for another Kawajiri classic, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, suggesting a broader effort to preserve and celebrate the director's filmography for modern audiences.

Home Release and Streaming

Beyond the theatrical screenings, Sentai has confirmed plans for a limited edition 4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbook release slated for early 2027. The physical release will give collectors a definitive home video edition of the restored film.

For viewers who want to revisit Ninja Scroll ahead of the theatrical screenings, the film is currently available to stream on HIDIVE in both its original Japanese audio with English subtitles and the classic English dub. Sentai previously screened the film for its 30th anniversary at Anime Expo in September 2024 through a partnership with Iconic Events Releasing, and the enthusiastic reception at that event likely helped build momentum for this full-scale restoration effort.

With the Japan screenings just weeks away and the North American dates locked in for early October, fans of classic anime action have a clear calendar to mark. The 4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbook arriving in early 2027 will round out the restoration's release strategy for those who prefer to own the definitive version at home.