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Netflix bags Studio Ghibli, Sky deals

Studio Ghibli Oscar winner Spirited Away

Netflix is bringing 21 films from Academy Award-winning Japanese art house Studio Ghibli to its international subscribers and has agreed a new multi-year deal with Sky in the UK.

From February 1, 21 Studio Ghibli films will be made available on the service, excluding in Japan, Canada and the US, where HBO Max has a similar deal with the studio’s distribution partner, Paris-based Wild Bunch International.

It marks the first time the catalogue of Studio Ghibli films will be subtitled in 28 languages and dubbed in up to 20 languages and comes as Netflix builds its library of animated films with both licensed and original projects.

Among the titles heading to Netflix are Oscar winner Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Arrietty, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.

Producer Toshio Suzuki at Studio Ghibli said: “In this day and age there are various great ways a film can reach audiences. We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”

Aram Yacoubian, director of original animation at Netflix, said: “Studio Ghibli’s animated films are legendary and have enthralled fans around the world for over 35 years.”

Founded in 1985 by Japanese animated film directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has produced 22 feature-length films garnering worldwide acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

In related news, Netflix has signed a new multi-year distribution deal with Comcast-owned pay TV platform Sky in the UK, which will see the latter’s customers continue to access the streamer through their set-top boxes.

The pair first got together 18 months ago and the extended arrangement will allow Sky Q households to sign up directly for the Netflix basic package.

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