The latest movie of the “GeGeGe no Kitaro” anime series, “Kitaro: Birth – The Mystery of GeGeGe,” released last November, will be re-released nationwide starting October 4th as a “True Version.” This version features 327 retaken cuts, a complete audio redubbing, and a rating change from PG-12 to R15+. A new trailer, focusing on the retaken scenes, has also been released.
This film was released as a work commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the original author, Shigeru Mizuki. It depicts the eerie events witnessed by Kitaro’s father (voiced by Toshihiko Seki), who comes to Nagura Village, a place controlled by a clan secretly ruling Japan’s political and financial circles in 1956, in search of his wife, and Mizuki (voiced by Hidenobu Kiuchi), a salaryman from a blood bank on a secret mission.
The meeting between Kitaro’s father, who was once Medama-Oyaji, and Mizuki, their tragic fate, and the powerful battle scenes garnered widespread acclaim and led to box office earnings of 2.79 billion yen and an audience of 1.95 million. In addition to captivating a large number of viewers, the film received high praise, winning the Excellent Animation of the Year Award at the 47th Japan Academy Awards.
The “True Version” includes 327 retaken cuts that have enhanced the quality compared to the previous version, as well as a complete redubbing. Among the retakes are scenes where the original storyboard’s intended horror elements have been revived.
The trailer showcases a glimpse of the film’s appeal with intensified blood splatters and horror elements due to its R15+ rating. However, director Gō Koga assured fans, saying, “Some of you may be worried because of the R15+ rating, but rest assured, ‘Kitaro: Birth – The Mystery of GeGeGe True Version’ focuses not only on the parts related to the rating but also on enhancing the visuals themselves. Rather than just ‘scariness,’ the film’s ‘mysterious beauty’ has been increased, allowing you to become more deeply engrossed in and moved by the story.”
Below are the full comments from Toshihiko Seki, Hidenobu Kiuchi, and Director Gō Koga regarding the release of the “True Version.”
Toshihiko Seki (Voice of Kitaro’s Father) “‘Kitaro: Birth – The Mystery of GeGeGe’ is being re-released? What does that mean?” I thought, but it turned out to be a new presentation under the title ‘True Version.’ So, this was the different version with a changed rating I had heard about! Moreover, when it’s said to be ‘the horror story initially envisioned by the production team,’ I have no choice but to see it. The number of new retakes is surprisingly large. This movie has already broken out of the framework of a theatrical film through various collaborations, including events and merchandise. This time, we proudly present the main film again to ask everyone about its appeal. Whether you are a fan of ‘Kitaro: Birth’ or have yet to see it, please don’t miss this opportunity!”
Hidenobu Kiuchi (Voice of Mizuki) “I once heard from the director that he wanted to create something geared toward adults, but I never expected the day would come when we could see that version, and in theaters no less! Although it was released with a PG-12 rating, I am looking forward to seeing what the production team had originally envisioned. Since the film’s release last year, there have been numerous events, and I am very grateful that it continues to be loved by everyone. We are waiting for you in the theaters for the special edition ‘Kitaro: Birth – The Mystery of GeGeGe True Version’!”
Director Gō Koga “Exactly one year ago, when we took on the new challenge of making Kitaro into a horror film for adults, we, the staff, struggled with how far we could go with the expression while being torn between the desire to push the boundaries and the necessity to take a half-step back, which resulted in the PG-12 version. Fortunately, the film received a lot of support from many customers, and we are now able to release it in theaters as the ‘True Version’ that we originally wanted to make. Some may be worried about the R15+ rating, but rest assured, ‘Kitaro: Birth – The Mystery of GeGeGe True Version’ focuses not only on the parts related to the rating but also on enhancing the visuals themselves. Rather than just ‘scariness,’ the film’s ‘mysterious beauty’ has been increased, allowing you to become more deeply engrossed in and moved by the story. Please come and see it in theaters!”
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