Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced the Satoshi Kon’s (1963-2010) acclaimed, Jungian anime adventure Paprika will be getting a fresh restoration release for the new year. The R-rated film’s Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD SteelBook set will be available February 20.
Synopsis: Prepare to enter the realm of fantasy and imagination — where reality and dreams collide in a kaleidoscopic mindscape of sheer visual genius. The magical tale centers on a revolutionary machine that allows scientists to enter and record a subject’s dream. After being stolen, a fearless detective and brilliant therapist join forces to recover the device — before it falls into the hands of a “dream terrorist” in this gripping anime thriller from acclaimed director Satoshi Kon.
The voice cast features Megumi Hayashibara as Dr. Atsuko Chiba, Toru Furuya as Dr. Kosaku Tokita, Katsunosuke Hori as Dr. Torataro Shima and Toru Emori as Dr. Seijiro Inui.
In addition to directing, Kon co-wrote the screenplay with Seishi Minakami, based on the novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui. Executive producers were Jungo Maruta and Masao Takiyama, with Satoki Toyoda as co-producer. The animation was produced by Madhouse.
Paprika premiered at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival before opening in Japan through Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan in November 2006. The film opened to enthusiastic critical reviews and remains a favorite with anime aficionados and film buffs around the world. Kon picked up accolades including best animated feature at Newport Beach Film Fetival, the Critics’ Choice Award from Fantasporto and the Public’s Choice Award from the Montreal Festival of New Cinema, in addition to competing for Golden Lion at Venice.
Bonus Features
4K UHD Disc
- NEW FEATURETTE: Restoring Paprika
Blu-ray Disc
- Filmmaker Commentary
- Tsutsui and Kon’s Paprika – Making-Of Documentary
- A Conversation about the “Dream”
- The Dream CG World
- The Art of Fantasy
- Storyboards and Original Drawings
- Theatrical Trailers
