March 5th, 2025 
Haylie Baker 
Following its debut on streaming services on January 28th, GKID’S Ghost Cat Anzu made its way to home entertainment on March 4th! The newly released Blu-ray includes the film’s original teasers and trailers as special bonus features—plus, of course, the visually stunning film in high-definition quality. Ghost Cat Anzu is a heartwarming story, featuring endearing and relatable characters, with a style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli.
Abandoned in rural Japan by her father, young Karin now lives with her grandfather at a temple, where she soon encounters Anzu, a “ghost cat” tasked with watching over her. However, Karin is hesitant to trust her new feline guardian. As Anzu attempts to run errands for the townsfolk, Karin sabotages them and befriends the quirky spirits that inhabit the nearby forest. With the intent of earning Karin’s trust, Anzu makes a grave mistake as he strikes a deal with the devil, causing chaos to unfold.
While the film’s pacing is comparable to that of slice-of-life anime, it can also be described as highly engaging, with absolutely hilarious moments sprinkled in that had me laughing throughout. On the surface, Ghost Cat Anzu offers a lighthearted story, making it a great fit for the family. However, it also delves into deeper themes of loss, abandonment, and poverty, providing viewers with plenty to reflect on. Since its debut, it’s easy to see why Ghost Cat Anzu has often been compared to Studio Ghibli films in a positive light, both for its art and storytelling. But comparisons aside, the film firmly stands on its own. For anime fans looking for a laugh and an easy watch, Ghost Cat Anzu makes for a promising choice, now available to purchase on Blu-ray and streaming on various platforms.
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