The award-winning 2014 historical animated drama Giovanni’s Island will bow on Blu-ray and all major digital platforms on February 21, released by GKIDS with distribution by Shout! Factory.
Directed by Mizuho Nishikubo and animated by the celebrated Production I.G studio (Ghost in the Shell, The Deer King), the hand-drawn feature comes home with illuminating bonus features, including a Making Of, an interview with voice actress Polina Ilyushenko, the “Troika” music video and an art gallery.
Giovanni’s Island earned 14 international recognitions when it was first released, including the Jury distinction at the 2014 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, both Children’s and Adult Jury Prizes at the 31st Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and the Satoshi Kon Award for best animated feature at the Fantasia Film Festival.
Synopsis: Brothers Junpei and Kanta live in Shikotan, a tiny fishing island that has been spared from the devastations of World War II. The two children are named after Giovanni and Campanella from their late mother’s favorite book, Night on the Galactic Railroad, which becomes a source of solace in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat. When Soviet forces arrive with their families to settle in the island, Junpei meets Tanya, the daughter of the commander. Despite their language barrier and growing tension, the children soon form an unlikely friendship.
Bonus Features
- Making Of
- Interview with Polina Ilyushenko
- “Troika” Music Video
- Art Gallery
Giovanni’s Island is available to pre-order on Blu-ray through GKIDS and Shout! Factory.
