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Studio Ghibli’s most recently released anime, "Earwig and the Witch" (or "Aya and the Witch," as it is titled in Japanese) is different from the company’s normal fare in a number of ways. It’s an entirely 3-D CG anime, Ghibli’s first ever, and was created free of the influence of the studios’ older artists, whose aesthetic and storytelling sensibilities created the mold for nearly every other Ghibli anime to date.
Then there’s "Earwig’s" release format. "Earwig" is the 21st Ghibli anime, but only its second to be released as a TV special, following 1993’s "Ocean Waves." However, "Earwig" will soon be acquiring the big-screen status held by the vast majority of its Ghibli brethren, as a theatrical release has now been announced.
▼ Trailer for "Earwig and the Witch"
With the anime already having aired on free TV in December, a theatrical release might seem like an odd move on the part of Ghibli and distributor Toho. However, "Earwig" is not currently available for streaming in Japan, so unless people were watching the broadcast or recorded it, they’re currently out of luck if they want to see it. The even bigger draw, though, is that the theatrical version of "Earwig and the Witch" will be adding additional footage to the anime which was not shown during the TV broadcast.
While "Earwig’s" setting is smaller in scale than those of some of Ghibli’s grander adventure stories, watching it on the big screen should give us an even better view of all the intriguing background details of witch Bella Yagga’s workshop, and let audiences appreciate the expressive quivers of the cast’s eyes, noses, and mouths as their powerful personalities clash. Plus, with "Earwig’s" story laying a good foundation before a very abrupt ending, any extra moments to help round out the narrative would be greatly appreciated.
"Earwig and the Witch" opens in Japanese theaters on April 29, during Japan’s Golden Week spring vacation period.
Source: Earwig and the Witch official website, Twitter/@toho_movie
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- https://soranews24.com/2021/02/11/studio-ghiblis-earwig-and-the-witch-gets-new-footage-for-theatrical-release/
7 Comments
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Pukey2
An innocent girl surrounded by magical creatures again?
This one looks oddly CG compared to previous offerings from the studio.
Tora
Happened to see this on TV when broadcast. Quite enjoyed it, but unfortunately I guessed the ending.....
Ascissor
The ending did feel very abrupt. It felt more like the ending to an asadora. I was half expecting Asaichi to come on after.
Tall Poppy
I was really confused when I happened to switch channels and catch this on TV, assuming it was an extended preview or something... and then it just kept going!
I might get a lot of hate from the Ghibli fanatics, but it really made me question the creative choices that led them in this direction. The studio's old-school trappings are one of their major selling points, so why you'd abandon that in favour of unexceptional CGI and give up your competitive edge is something that beats me.
Not saying it was "bad", per se, but I could hardly distinguish it from the CGI Lupin that was on a month or so earlier. Generic is not a term that has been applied in Ghibli up until this point.
Antiquesaving
@Tall Poppy
My daughter is in AI CGI and she thinks Ghibli should stick to traditional and create real art and leave the CGI to lesser studios and more commercial stuff.
We are both hard core Ghibli fans.
BackpackingNepal
No, not this modern cgi, anyway but i'm actually waiting for Ghibli Park, Aichi 2023?
Thomas Tank
CGI takes away from the anime experience. It's a 'no' for me.