The folks at Studio Ponoc revealed back in December 2021 their next anime feature film with The Imaginary, which is based on A.F. Harrold and Emily Gravett’s 2001 novel of the same name. Scheduled for summer 2022, the studio released a subtitled teaser trailer for it below while noting that its Japanese title is Yaneura no Rudger.
With a December 15th, 2023 premiere in Japan, the latest update from there is in regard to the home video release – one that includes English subtitles.. The film is now set for a May 15th, 2024 release with three editions laid out thus:
– 4K UHD/BD: 7,800 yen + tax | cover art
– BD: 5,800 yen + tax | cover art
– DVD: 4,800 yen + tax | cover art
Extras include:
■Making documentary “And then the Rajah in the Attic was born.”
■Cast interview collection
■Preview editing
■TV spot collection
■WEB spot collection
■Cast PV
The film was directed by Yoshiyuki Momose.
The Japanese cast includes Kokoro Terada as Rudger, Rio Suzuki as Amanda, Sakura Ando as Lizzie, Riisa Naka as Emily, Takayuki Yamada as Jinzan, Atsuko Takahata as Downbeat Grandma, Issey Ogata as Mr. Bunting, Teiya Ichiryusai as Honneko Garigari, Mitsuaki Kanuka as Koyuki, Ikue Otani as Doron, Kokoro Hirasawa as Julia, and Eito Kawahara as John.
The theme song is “Nothing’s Impossible” performed by A Great Big World with Rachel Platten. That’s received a lyric video that’s been released below for people to check out.
Check out the official site and Twitter.
Plot Concept: Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup’s imaginary friend. Nobody else can see Rudger–until the evil Mr. Bunting arrives at Amanda’s door. Mr. Bunting hunts imaginaries. Rumor has it that he even eats them. And now he’s found Rudger. Soon Rudger is alone, and running for his imaginary life. He needs to find Amanda before Mr. Bunting catches him–and before Amanda forgets him and he fades away to nothing. But how can an unreal boy stand alone in the real world?
[Source: The Imaginary]
