20 years after Disney struck a landmark deal with Japanese anime titan Studio Ghibli, the American media conglomerate has quietly backed away from the films’ American distribution.
Disney is no longer distributing most Studio Ghibli movies in America, sparking hope that the beloved anime films will finally be more accessible both in American theaters, as well as DVD and Blu-Ray.
In 1996, Disney acquired worldwide distribution rights to Studio Ghibli films, just as the studio was about to put out blockbuster hits like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.
Ever since, GKids has hosted Studio Ghibli festivals across the U.S., appeasing fans who never had a chance to see the older titles in a theater.