In celebration of its 50th anniversary, classic anime film Panda! Go Panda! is preparing to return to North America in high definition. Boasting the work of fellow Studio Ghibli co-founders Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki—with Takahata directing and Miyazaki writing—the 1972 TMS Entertainment feature is coming to theaters and home video this year. 

The hi-def presentation of Panda! Go Panda! includes newly restored colors, and GKIDS president David Jesteadt says it “has never looked better.” GKIDS has the official page up for it now, with more information coming soon. 

Synopsis:

Mimiko is a cheerful young girl who is left on her own while her grandmother is away. When little Panny Panda and his father Papanda stumble into her home, Mimiko welcomes them in as her new family. Adventures ensue as Mimiko discovers the challenges of taking care of her new cuddly friends. Directed by Isao Takahata and based on a concept by Hayao Miyazaki, Panda! Go Panda! is a charming early-career classic from two animation legends before they co-founded the award-winning Studio Ghibli. 

Source: Press release

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Joseph Luster is the Games and Web editor at Otaku USA Magazine. You can read his comics at subhumanzoids. Follow him on Twitter @Moldilox.