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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallYes. Studio Ghibli announced in April 2024 that The Boy and the Heron would be its first film released on 4K UHD. That milestone refers to the film’s place in Ghibli’s release history—not to it being the only Ghibli title on the format today.
What “first 4K UHD release” means
In its April 26, 2024 announcement, Studio Ghibli identified the upcoming Japanese 4K UHD edition of The Boy and the Heron as the studio’s first 4K UHD release. The Japanese edition was scheduled for July 3, 2024.
![The Boy and The Heron 4K UHD [Blu-ray] [Region A & B & C]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51D1un5bgQL._SL160_.jpg)
The milestone is historical. On April 10, 2026, Studio Ghibli announced a 4K UHD and Blu-ray edition of Princess Mononoke, describing it as the next Studio Ghibli feature film on 4K UHD after The Boy and the Heron. The Japanese release was scheduled for June 24, 2026. Ghibli’s announcement confirms that the 2024 claim does not mean the film remains the studio’s only 4K UHD title.
How the Japanese and North American editions differed
The release details below come from market-specific announcements. They describe the editions announced at the time, not current retailer prices, stock or every available language and compatibility option.
#1 Best Overall
![The Boy and the Heron - Limited Edition Steelbook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413sHx-T5oL._SL160_.jpg)
- Genre: Anime; Family
- Number of Discs: 2
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 124
- Rating: PG13
| Market | Announced release | Disc formats and advertised features | Price or bonus details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | July 3, 2024 | 4K UHD set including a Blu-ray disc. Ghibli noted that audio formats vary by product specification. | Walt Disney Japan announced a price of ¥11,880 including tax. Listed bonuses included storyboards, a Joe Hisaishi interview, the “Spinning Globe” music video and trailers. |
| North America | July 9, 2024 | GKIDS announced a 4K UHD + Blu-ray combo, a Blu-ray + DVD combo, and a limited steelbook containing 4K UHD + Blu-ray. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos were advertised for the 4K edition. | GKIDS listed bonuses including feature-length storyboards and interviews; its announcement did not establish a current retail price. |
Sources: Studio Ghibli’s Japanese announcement and GKIDS’ North American announcement.
Does the 4K edition include a Blu-ray?
Yes, in the announced Japanese set and North American 4K UHD combo. GKIDS also announced a limited steelbook containing both formats. These are the editions identified in the respective release announcements; confirm the exact contents of the listing for the territory and retailer you are considering.
Rank #2
![The Boy and the Heron - 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Ls-xw5ARL._SL160_.jpg)
- Genre: Anime
- Number of Discs: 2
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Playback Duration: 124
- Rating: PG13
What to check before buying
Packaging, language tracks, region compatibility, bonuses and current availability can vary by edition and retailer. Check the specific product listing rather than assuming the Japanese and North American releases are interchangeable. The official announcements establish the announced disc formats and selected features, but do not verify every current listing’s language options or compatibility.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
