From GKIDS and Shout! Factory, the Annie-nominated animated feature tells the heartfelt story of a shy high school student growing up in the age of Social Media; watch the ‘Making of Belle: The Costumes of Belle and ‘Belle: Official Opening Scene.’
Mamoru Hosoda’s acclaimed animated feature, Belle is now available everywhere on Digital and Blu-ray, as well as a Target-exclusive Steelbook edition. From GKIDS with distribution by Shout! Factory, the Blu-ray + DVD and Steelbook editions’ bonus features include a conversation with Hosoda, the featurettes The Making of Belle, The Music of Belle, Finding the Voice of Belle, Hosoda Draws Belle, and scene breakdowns.
From Japan’s Studio Chizu, the original story is written and directed by Hosoda, whose previous films include Mirai, The Boy and the Beast, Wolf Children, Summer Wars, and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Serving as producer is Hosoda’s long time producing partner and Studio Chizu co-founder Yuichiro Saito. The movie premiered at the 74th Annual Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for five Annie Awards including Best Independent Feature.
Digital versions of the film are available both in the original Japanese and as an English dub, and the Blu-ray + DVD combo pack and Steelbook editions contain both Japanese and English versions.
Watch the trailer:
The film, a heartfelt story of growing up in the age of social media, is about Suzu, a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally beloved singer.
One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an epic emotional quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.
The Japanese creative team worked in collaboration with a roster of international talent including character designer Jin Kim (Moana, Tangled, Frozen); Cartoon Saloon’s Oscar-nominated Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart (Wolfwalkers, Song of the Sea, The Secret of Kells); up-and-coming British architect and designer Eric Wong, who designed the virtual world of “U;” and composer Luvdig Forssell (Death Stranding, Metal Gear Solid V).
Belle Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack Bonus Features
- The Making of Belle *
- A Conversation with Director Mamoru Hosoda
- The Music of Belle
- Hosoda Draws Belle
- Scene Breakdowns
- Finding the Voice of Belle
- Mamoru Hosoda at Animation is Film
- Design Gallery*
- Kylie McNeill Performs “Gales of Song”*
*Only available on the Blu-ray disc.
Check out the Making of Belle: The Costumes of Belle:
Take a look at Belle: Official Opening Scene:
Source: Shout! Factory
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
