Key Facts
GKIDS announced on Tuesday that it will release the anime feature film ChaO on Blu-ray Disc in 1080p on September 22. The film is currently available digitally in the U.S., with plans for a digital Canadian release in the future.
Blu-ray Details
The Blu-ray Disc will include storyboards, animatics, teasers, trailers, and ending credits. The film will be available with Japanese audio and English, English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles.
Story and Characters
The film follows Stefan, a salaryman at a ship-making company, played by Mamoru Miyano. Minami Hamabe voices ChaO, the pure princess of the mermaid kingdom. Naoko Yamada directed the film at Science SARU, and Kensuke Ushio composed the soundtrack. Reiko Yoshida handled the screenplay, Yoshitoshi Shinomiya was the character designer and chief animation director, and Shinji Kimura was the art director.
Festival Success
The film premiered at last year's Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, where it won the Jury Prize. It also screened at JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film in New York in July 2025, and at the 29th annual Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal from July-August 2025. The film was nominated for the Grand Prize for Feature Animation at the Ottawa International Animation Festival in September 2025, and was featured at the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in October 2025. Additionally, it was in competition at the Animation Is Film festival in Los Angeles in October 2025, and was nominated at the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Music
The opening theme song 'ChaO!' was written specifically for the film and performed by the band Mitsume.
What Readers Should Know
- The Blu-ray release date is September 22.
- Extras include storyboards, animatics, and trailers.
- Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and French.
- The film has garnered multiple festival accolades.
FAQ
When will 'ChaO' be released on Blu-ray?
GKIDS will release 'ChaO' on Blu-ray on September 22.
What extras are included in the Blu-ray?
The Blu-ray includes storyboards, animatics, teasers, trailers, and ending credits.
What audio and subtitle options are available?
The Blu-ray offers Japanese audio with English, English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles.