Studio Ghibli Collection Available Digitally This December

Studio Ghibli has traditionally been rather stuck in its ways when it comes to embracing new technology. While there has been a major shift to digital distribution over the past few years, for a long time the only way you could see a Ghibli flick was in a cinema, on Blu-Ray or DVD- or possibly TV.  This stubborn attitude showed no sign of changing until this year, when GKIDS Films, the custodians of Ghibli's library in North America announced a world-first deal with HBO Max to stream their films when it launches in 2020.

What if you don't want to pay for a monthly subscription? GKIDS have now announced that for the very first time Ghibli's films will be available to buy digitally in the US and Canada from December 17.

The films will be available from all major digital outlets, including Apple, Google, Amazon, Sony and Microsoft's store. Each film will retail at $19.99 (SRP) and will be available in either subtitled or dubbed versions, and are available for preorder at select outlets, now.  A bundle featuring six of the studio's most popular films will also be offered for a suggested retail price of $99.99

The collection will include:

Castle in the Sky

The Cat Returns

From Up on Poppy Hill

Howl's Moving Castle

Kiki's Delivery Service

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbors the Yamadas

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Ocean Waves

Only Yesterday

Pom Poko

Ponyo

Porco Rosso

Princess Mononoke

The Secret World of Arrietty

Spirited Away

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

Tales From Earthsea

When Marnie Was There

Whisper of the Heart

The Wind Rises (Available Q3 2020)

The physical media versions are still arguably the best option- containing both dubbed and subtitled versions plus extras all in a single package. But for those who prefer the convenience of digital or have left physical media behind, it's great to have the option

[Source: GKIDS]