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A timeless Studio Ghibli film will make its return this summer. Shout Factory is launching a Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray of Grave of the Fireflies on July 8. Unlike many Ghibli films, this 1989 feature directed by Isao Takahata is not appropriate for all ages. Rated PG-13 due to graphic content, this poignant journey takes place during the final weeks of World War II in Japan. The Grave of the Fireflies Limited Edition Steelbook is available for preorder at Walmart and Amazon.
Grave of the Fireflies: Limited Edition Steelbook (Blu-ray)
$27 at Amazon | $22 at Walmart | Releases July 8
This 1080p Blu-ray edition of the film includes an in-depth exploration of its storyboards, a glimpse into various deleted scenes created only as storyboards, image galleries, a compilation of trailers, an interview with director Isao Takahata, and an interview with the late film critic Roger Ebert.
Preorders at Walmart are priced at $22, five dollars less than the standard retail price for Ghibli Blu-ray Steelbooks. Amazon is currently offering preorders at full price, but we anticipate that the retailer will soon match Walmart’s rate. If you place an order now from either retailer, you’ll qualify for any applicable discounts.
available until your preorder is dispatched.
If you possess Amazon Prime, the full price at Amazon might be more “affordable” for you anyway. To evade a $7 shipping charge from Walmart, you either need to be a Walmart+ subscriber or purchase $35 worth of items.
Grave of the Fireflies is also being released as a standard edition Blu-ray featuring a plastic case and cardboard sleeve. Currently, standard edition preorders are priced at $25 on Amazon and Walmart, making the Steelbook Edition a better choice.
While films by Studio Ghibli typically revolve around fantasy themes and encapsulate environmental messages, Grave of the Fireflies stands out as a notable exception; it is based on the true experiences of World War II survivor Akiyuki Nosaka. Grave of the Fireflies narrates the tale of 14-year-old Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, aged four, who are orphans attempting to survive amidst food scarcity, neglect from relatives, and bombing campaigns by Allied forces.
This film does not shy away from its sensitive topics, yet it remains a timeless animated masterpiece, brimming with a powerful message and fleeting instances of joy throughout a harrowing narrative. Prepare for an emotional journey when watching this movie.
The case design of Grave of the Fireflies resembles last year’s The Boy and the Heron Steelbook release more than earlier versions in the Studio Ghibli Steelbook collection. Grave of the Fireflies was previously available on Blu-ray in 2012 and has seen a steelbook release with the old single background color design. Earlier Blu-ray editions have been out of print for years, however.
Studio Ghibli Films on Blu-ray – Limited Edition Steelbooks
For a lighter, more whimsical adventure, you may want to explore Studio Ghibli’s other films, particularly those created by Hayao Miyazaki. You could consider classics such as Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke—both beautifully crafted with enduring tales, while additional fan favorites like Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service are also beloved.
If you’re a collector, we’ve compiled all the Studio Ghibli films available in this durable protective cover. Each features a consistent aesthetic—Grave of the Fireflies, in this particular design, has been unavailable for a long time—and they all come in standard Blu-ray format, with the exception of The Boy and the Heron, which includes both 4K and standard Blu-ray discs.
- Ponyo: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $16.19 (
$27) - Porco Rosso: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $17.89 (
$27) - From Up on Poppy Hill: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $17.89 (
$27) - When Marnie Was There: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $17.89 (
$27) - Princess Mononoke: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.43 (
$27) - Spirited Away: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - My Neighbor Totoro: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - Howl’s Moving Castle: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - The Secret World of Arietty: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - The Wind Rises: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) - The Boy and the Heron: Steelbook Edition (4K UHD + Blu-ray) — $30 (
$45) - My Neighbor Totoro: 30th Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray) — $37 (
$50) - Kiki’s Delivery Service: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $18.89 (
$27) | Out of stock - The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $22 (
$27) - Only Yesterday: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $22 (
$27) - Grave of the Fireflies: Steelbook Edition (Blu-ray) — $23 (
$27) - Spirited Away Film Comic: All-In-One Edition (Hardcover) — $26 (
$35) - My Neighbor Totoro Film Comic: All-in-One Edition (Hardcover) — $30
- Kiki’s Delivery Service Film Comic: All-in-One Edition (Hardcover) — $18 (
$30) - Ponyo Film Comic: All-in-One Edition (Hardcover) — $30 | Available on July 22
Studio Ghibli Film Comics – All-in-One Editions
For enthusiasts of Studio Ghibli’s unique artistic vision, consider acquiring the new All-in-One Edition hardcover compilations published by Viz Media. These volumes comprise a collection of images from each film, reinterpreted in print, enabling you to truly appreciate the artistry of every movie.
Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service are currently available, while Ponyo is up for preorder. Each title boasts a substantial, surprisingly affordable hardcover filled with stunning full-color illustrations.
Additional new and forthcoming publications inspired by Ghibli films include The Art of the Boy and the Heron, releasing on May 27, along with My Neighbor Totoro: The Official Cookbook, which was released earlier this month.
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