Giovanni's Island
Shout! Factory, GKIDS to Issue ‘Giovanni’s Island’ on Blu-ray Disc, Digital on Feb. 21
December 9, 2022
Shout! Factory and GKIDS on Feb. 21, 2023 will release the award-winning historical drama Giovanni’s Island on Blu-ray Disc and all major digital platforms.
The hand-drawn film is from Production I.G., the studio behind Ghost in the Shell and The Deer King.
Released in 2014, the feature film garnered 14 recognitions worldwide, including the Jury Distinction at the 2014 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, both Children’s and Adult Jury Prizes at the 31st Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, and the Satoshi Kon Award for best animated feature at the Fantasia Film Festival.
The home release of Giovanni’s Island includes such bonus features as a making-of documentary, an interview with voice actress Polina Ilyushenko, the “Troika” music video, and an art gallery.
The film is centered on brothers Junpei and Kanta, who live in Shikotan, a tiny fishing island that has been spared from the devastations of World War II. The two children are named after Giovanni and Campanella from their late mother’s favorite book, Night on the Galactic Railroad, which becomes a source of solace in the aftermath of Japan’s defeat. When Soviet forces arrive with their families to settle in the island, Junpei meets Tanya, the daughter of the commander. Despite their language barrier and growing tension, the children soon form an unlikely friendship.