"Sherlock Hound": Celebrating Hayao Miyazaki's Early Masterpiece in Cinemas

Introduction

The Genesis of "Sherlock Hound"

Pioneering Pre-Ghibli Anime

• Initial Release: Premiered two years before the establishment of Studio Ghibli.
• Broadcast History: Originally aired on TV Asahi.
• Concept: Adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, reimagined with anthropomorphic dogs.

The Cinematic Revival

HD Remastered Screenings

• Event Details: Limited cinematic release from March 22 to April 18, 2024.
• Screening Locations: 117 different venues across Japan.
• Enhanced Experience: Viewers will enjoy digitally restored versions of the series' compilation films.

Miyazaki’s Directional Brilliance

Early Indications of a Legendary Career

• Collaboration: Co-directed with Kyosuke Mikuriya (Lupin III).
• Signature Style: Early display of animation quality that would define Ghibli.
• Ghibli Crew Involvement: Key members, including Yoshiyuki Momose and Nizo Yamamoto, were part of the project.

Legal Challenges and Delays

Overcoming Obstacles

• Production Hurdles: Legal issues with Arthur Conan Doyle's estate.
• Delayed Episodes: Some episodes, including those directed by Miyazaki, were postponed from 1982 to 1984.

Compilation Films

"Sherlock Hound" on the Big Screen

• First Film (1984): Includes episodes "Blue Ruby" and "Treasure Under the Sea".
• Second Film (1986): Features "Mrs. Hudson Hostage Crisis" and "The Straits of Dover: Big Air Battle".
• Filmarks Recommend Initiative: Part of a project to showcase highly-rated works to a broader audience.

The Legacy of Hayao Miyazaki

A Journey Through Animation

• Iconic Films: Creator of "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind," "My Neighbor Totoro," and more.
• Recent Success: "The Boy and the Heron" achieved significant box office success and Oscar nomination.
• Unmatched Influence: Miyazaki, alongside Pete Docter, holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for an animation director.

Western Release

Bringing "Sherlock Hound" to Global Audiences

• Discotek Media's Initiative: The complete series was released on Blu-ray in November 2022.
• Language Options: Includes both English dub and original Japanese audio with English subtitles.

FAQs

What is "Sherlock Hound" and why is it significant?

"Sherlock Hound" is an early anime series directed by Hayao Miyazaki, showcasing his unique animation style and storytelling. Its significance lies in its role as a precursor to the world-famous Studio Ghibli.

How has "Sherlock Hound" been remastered for its cinema re-release?

The series has been digitally remastered in HD, enhancing its visual and audio quality for modern cinema screenings.

Conclusion

The re-release of "Sherlock Hound" not only celebrates a milestone anniversary but also pays homage to Hayao Miyazaki's early work and the foundations of what would become the beloved Studio Ghibli. This event provides a unique opportunity for both longstanding fans and newcomers to experience a piece of anime history in a new light, reaffirming Miyazaki's enduring legacy in the world of animation.

Sources:

• PR Times
• SoraNews24