Sentai has officially announced a 4K digital adaptation of the 1993 animated feature Ninja Scroll. Written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the film is set to make its world premiere in this new format at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, also known as Berlinale.
The restoration project was spearheaded by Sentai and conducted under the direct supervision of Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The technical process involved a full 4K scan of the original 35mm negative at a resolution of 3840 × 2160 pixels. Following the scan, the production team undertook work to repair damage to the film elements and performed colour correction to create a new archival-quality digital master.
Ninja Scroll is the first anime film to be featured as part of the Berlinale Classics section of the festival program. It stands alongside ten other works from nine different countries in this category.
Prior to this 4K announcement, the film celebrated its 30th anniversary with a theatrical release in the United States during the northern hemisphere’s summer of 2024. That run saw the movie screened in over 500 theatres through a partnership with Iconic Events Releasing for their AX Cinema Nights series. For audiences unable to attend the festival screenings, Sentai has confirmed plans for a physical release. A Limited Edition Blu-ray Steel Book containing the 4K UHD version of the film is currently scheduled for release in early 2027.
Set during the Edo period of feudal Japan, Ninja Scroll follows the story of Jubei. After saving a young ninja woman, he believes the incident is resolved, only to find himself drawn into a larger conflict. Together, they investigate the mysterious deaths of an entire village, uncovering a conspiracy involving demonic forces that threaten their survival.
John Ledford, President of Sentai, provided a statement regarding the preservation of the film and the visual quality of the new transfer:
We’re both thrilled and humbled to be able to preserve the original 1993 Ninja Scroll film as a modern digital movie. This is Ninja Scroll at its very best! Ninja Scroll in 4K is nothing short of a pristine version of this cinematic masterpiece, presented in stunning high definition, contrast and color. The digital adaptation offers a truly immersive experience. In fact, seeing it is like watching Ninja Scroll for the very first time!
