Strawberry Loft

I’ve said it before, but I adore Satoshi Kon films. They’re the perfect blend of whimsical and gritty that leave me in a feeling of awe each time I’ve seen them. His style always captivates me and it’s so easy to get lost in the narratives he creates. I’ve only been able to see Satoshi Kon films on my computer or television through streaming services envious of the people who got to see these works of art on the big screen. I’m beyond excited that the stars have aligned and GKIDS Studio announced during their Anime NYC panel that Perfect Blue will be coming to theaters on October 3^rd of this year (2025).

Perfect Blue is Satoshi Kon’s first film that originally was supposed to be a direct to video title not expected to gain much traction especially outside of Japan. Luckily it found a loving fanbase at film festivals and earned a theatrical release as well as airtime on television. The story of Perfect Blue was originally based on the novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis. It was going to be a standard gore film until Satoshi Kon was handed the reigns with the green light to change what he wished as long as three core principles stayed intact the film had to follow a B-grade idol, a stalker, and be a horror. Satoshi Kon was more of a psychological horror guy than a blood and guts guy. Perfect Blue was created a tale of a young woman losing herself to madness undress the stress of rebranding and leaving behind who she was. Like all of his work, Perfect Blue warps reality in a stunning way. At least this is all things I’ve heard.

I’ve still never seen Perfect Blue and it’s a tragedy that possibly the most well-known Satoshi Kon film has somehow slipped past me. On the bright side I still somehow haven’t had much of it spoiled for me, which is why my description is so vague. I know there’s a stalker and an idol whose mind is splintering, and that’s it. I’ve seen it available for rent on Amazon Prime and now I’m glad I waited. The thought of seeing Perfect Blue on the big screen in remastered glory gives me chills. I bet it’s going to be visually stunning and manage to make the hair on my arm raise.

I appreciate GKIDS for bringing so many anime films to the big screens across America. I’ve never had the chance to go to their summer Ghibli film screenings, but they’re also on my to see list. I did get to see Suzume in theaters when that came out. GKIDS has not said how long Perfect Blue will run for, but I’m hoping for a week or so. I’m also sort of hoping this will inspire GKIDS to re-release more Satoshi Kon films for theaters. Paprika has to be my favorite anime film and what started my enjoyment of Satoshi Kon films and seeing it in theaters would be breathtaking.

I’m glad that 28 years later Satoshi Kon’s name is still up in lights.