Why fans in US, Canada aren’t thrilled about Netflix streaming Studio Ghilbi films
Beginning in February, anime fans will get the chance to stream their favorite films from Studio Ghibli on Netflix.
But US fans are out of luck.
» RELATED: Time to start bingeing: Netflix titles coming in January
Netflix announced that fans in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to enjoy films like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro” starting Feb. 1.
From February 2020, 21 films from the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli are coming exclusively to Netflix.
— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) January 20, 2020
We’re proud to bring beloved, influential stories like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro to first-time viewers and high-flying fans alike. pic.twitter.com/955uiYAzA1
Through a partnership with Wild Bunch International, the Japanese animated film house will include 21 films on the service “as part of the company’s continued efforts to grow its best-in-class library of animated films,” a press release noted.
“In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences,” said Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki. “We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”
Films from the Academy Award-winning animation company will become available in batches from February, March and April 2020. “Castle In the Sky” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” are among the first set of films rolling out in February. March releases include “Spirited Away” and “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.” By April, “Pom Poko” and “The Wind Rises” are among the titles that will be available.
The films will be streamed in Japanese and can have subtitles and dubbing in 28 languages.
But the release dates don’t include fans in North America and Japan, leaving many tweeting about their disappointment.
at this point there is literally no advantage to being american
— 🍃🌱🌿 (@deborahkimsus) January 20, 2020
Me taking back my like and retweet after seeing "Excluding US". pic.twitter.com/fw3KuB5kKK
— Jason (@GoomyCx) January 20, 2020
Me watching everyone else rejoice and enjoy Studio Ghibli films pic.twitter.com/ZHEinM5NgI
— AC (@Princess_Lump) January 20, 2020
