Ninja Scroll Returns to Theaters in 4K This October With Limited Screenings

More than three decades after its original release, Ninja Scroll is heading back to theaters with a major visual upgrade. HIDIVE and Iconic Events Releasing have confirmed that the iconic anime will receive a limited 4K theatrical release in North America this October, giving audiences a chance to experience the film in a format it was never originally designed for.

Set to screen on October 4, 5, and 7, the event follows the strong reception of its 30th anniversary re-release in 2024. This time, the focus is on delivering the most technically refined version of the film yet, aimed at both longtime fans and viewers discovering it for the first time.

Limited Screenings Set for October Across North America

The 4K edition of Ninja Scroll will play in select theaters across the United States and Canada for three days only. This short release window is part of a growing trend where classic anime films return as special theatrical events rather than extended runs.

Ticketing details are expected to be revealed soon, with advance bookings planned through official channels and theater box offices. Based on previous anime re-releases, demand is likely to be concentrated around opening day, especially among collectors and longtime fans of the film.

This new version is the result of a detailed restoration process handled by AMC Global Media’s Sentai and overseen by original creator Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Instead of relying on existing digital masters, the team went back to the original 35mm film elements.

The process included scanning the source material in 4K resolution, repairing age-related damage, and performing careful color grading to match the film’s intended look. The goal was not to alter the original style but to present it with improved clarity and consistency for modern theatrical projection.

The restored version made its debut earlier this year at the Berlin International Film Festival, offering the first public look at the upgraded presentation.

At its core, Ninja Scroll tells the story of Jubei Kibagami, a wandering swordsman who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy after rescuing a female ninja from a brutal fate. What begins as a single encounter quickly escalates into a larger investigation involving a mysterious village massacre and a group of supernatural enemies.

A still from Ninja Scroll 4k Restoration Trailer2

As the story unfolds, Jubei and his ally find themselves targeted by powerful forces determined to keep their secrets hidden. The film blends historical samurai elements with dark fantasy, creating a tone that set it apart from many anime titles of its era.

Ninja Scroll is often regarded as one of the most influential anime films of the 1990s, especially when it comes to its impact on international audiences. Its mature storytelling and cinematic action sequences helped shape how anime was perceived outside Japan during a key growth period.

The 4K re-release builds on that legacy by offering a version that aligns with modern viewing standards while staying faithful to the original production. A newly released theatrical trailer also showcases the improved visuals, highlighting sharper animation and enhanced color depth.

For viewers who have only seen the film on older formats or smaller screens, this theatrical run presents a different experience entirely. With its limited availability and upgraded presentation, the October screenings are positioned as a one-time event rather than a routine reissue.