'Akira' 4K Remaster Screening in Select US Theaters This Month

The long-awaited upgrade to Katsuhiro Otomo's iconic anime film is headed to a limited batch of theaters this month.

Following months of delays, AMC Theaters and Regal Cinemas have announced Akira's 4K remaster will hit big screens in select locations across the US later this month.

According to Anime News Network, the remastered version of the classic 1989 anime film will be presented by Funimation with English subtitles. Screenings are set to begin on September 24th, though it's unclear which theaters are included in the limited release. The remaster had a successful run in Japan, premiering in 36 IMAX theaters across the country on April 3rd. It was originally set to debut at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival on March 14th, but was pushed back due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For those who are still (very reasonably) unwilling to test the waters of watching a movie in an enclosed public space during the pandemic, the 4K remaster is also available on Blu-Ray, which began shipping in Japan on April 24th. A US release has yet to be announced, but you can purchase the Japanese version today.

There was also once hope that a long-delayed live-action adaptation of the film would be on the way by now from Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Watiti. Originally scheduled to begin filming last fall, Warner Bros. may have entirely pulled the plug on the project. According to Variety, the studio has halted production indefinitely and erased the initial May 21, 2021 release date from its schedule altogether. We'll have to wait and see if that ever gets off the ground.

In the meantime, that Blu-Ray issue is looking mighty enticing. But if you're brave enough to endure a few hours in a theater, you can check your local listings for screening dates and times in the days ahead.