Gintama Film: Director Explains New 3D Approach for European Premiere

The fourth theatrical film in the Gintama franchise has arrived in Europe for the first time, premiering at Lucca Comics and Games in Italy.

The series originated as a manga by Hideaki Sorachi, set in a sci-fi version of late-Edo-period Tokyo where an alien species called the Amanto has invaded Earth. It was adapted into a 367-episode television anime and previously spawned three other big-screen releases.

Naoya Ando directed the new film, titled Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames, while Ryo Nakamuray served as producer. The project marked the first time the franchise's theatrical films were brought to a European audience.

Ando stated that the team chose to use CinemaScope ultrawide aspect ratios and 3D animation to create a more cinematic experience. He explained that these tools allowed the camera to move more freely and remain slightly distant from characters, helping to showcase the detailed design and settings.

The story depicts the burning of the Yoshiwara district, an event that was referenced in the television series but never fully shown on screen. Producer Takashi Maekawa, who worked on both the TV series and this film, confirmed the creative decision to depict the destruction. Ando noted that the team made a collective choice to execute the scene as planned.

The film initially released in Japan in February of this year. Ando explained that the initial cut met a release deadline, but the team identified areas for improvement. Following the DVD release, the studio returned to the work and retouched over 200 shots to enhance the final product.

Ando attributed the improved visual quality to advancements in animation technology over the five years between the completion of the TV series and the start of production on the film. The team also composed new music specifically for the theatrical release.

The production involved coordination with numerous animation studios across Asia, including locations in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Nakamuray described the process as dividing work into specialized teams for character design and action sequences. Each studio was led by a team leader responsible for their specific segment.

Ando addressed the challenge of translating the series' humor for international audiences. He noted that the team avoided directly telling the audience what to find funny. Instead, they relied on characters joking with one another, allowing the humor to emerge naturally through dialogue.

The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in Italy following its preview at the Lucca event. The production team expressed satisfaction with the warm reception from local fans during the screening.