Bandai Visual is continuing to plumb some of the depths of the old Bandai Entertainment catalog for titles they can put up on Tubi TV to give them a bit more life. The film Junkers Come Home got some distribution earlier this year on the service in its original Japanese language form. Now, Tubi has brought out the dub for it as well, giving it some expanded distribution.
The film was originally released in 1995 and directed by Junichi Sato (of Sailor Moon fame at the time, among many other series since then) and based off of two original novels written by Naoto Kine. The film is the kind of tale one would ordinarily imagine being adapted by Studio Ghibli. I generally dislike mentioning other shows or creators when talking about one show, rather I’d prefer to keep the focus on the team and people actually involved. But with Junkers, it feels so much like some of these other films that the casual mention will go a long way in covering what it is.
Bandai Visual has put up the film in its original Japanese language with English subtitles with what looks to be a standard definition presentation.
Plot concept: “Hi there! My name is Junkers and I am a Schnauzer. I was born in England but now I live with the Nozawa family. Hiromi, the family’s eleven-year-old daughter is my only friend. Only she knows that I’m able to talk like people do. It’s our secret. Her dad and mom are hardly ever home because of their demanding careers so I’m the only one that she can talk to at home. Lately, she’s been depressed because her parents aren’t getting along very well and that worries me, too. Do you want me to tell you another secret? I have the power to make three wishes come true. Hiromi, believe in me… and tell me your wishes!”
