Sherlock Hound: A Timeless Classic Celebrating 40 Years

The Timeless Tale of Sherlock Hound

Sherlock Hound, a beloved classic from the annals of anime history, is celebrating its 40-year anniversary in a spectacular fashion. Originally directed and designed by the talented minds of Studio Ghibli, including the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this timeless tale continues to capture the hearts of audiences with its enchanting storytelling and captivating characters.

Promotional image for Sherlock Hound, by Hayao Miyazaki showing the titular character hiding from a plane behind a bridge.

The commemoration of this milestone includes the remastered versions of two feature-length compilation films, set to re-release in Japanese cinemas as a double feature. This momentous occasion promises to transport longtime fans to a new realm of nostalgia and excitement, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved classic.

Sherlock Hound produced by TMS Entertainment and Rai showing the two main characters against a colorful background.

A Glimpse into the Past

Sherlock Hound, though comprising only four of its 26 episodes, holds a special place in the hearts of its devoted fans. The upcoming screenings of the remastered movies provide a unique opportunity for audiences to revisit this historical treasure and experience its magic in a whole new light.

Sherlock Hound blu-ray boxes distributed by Discotek Media

While Sherlock Hound may dwell in the shadows of Studio Ghibli's illustrious legacy, its extensive theatrical release serves as a testament to the enduring respect and admiration it commands from Japanese fans. Originally an Italian-Japanese production, with Miyazaki's involvement in six episodes in 1982, the series faced challenges before making its mark in 1984.

Image cropped from promotional image for Sherlock Hound of the main character riding in a train car.

The Legacy of Sherlock Hound

Sherlock Hound, a testament to Studio Ghibli's early days, holds a significant place in the annals of animated history. The remastered movies, assembled from four Miyazaki-directed episodes, are set to grace 117 cinemas, promising a captivating journey for fans and newcomers alike.

Image taken from Sherlock Hound by TMS Entertainment and Rai, showing two anthropomorphic animals going through a stack of papers.

The anime, reinterpreting Doyle's characters as anthropomorphic canines, weaves a tale of mystery and adventure within a steampunk and dieselpunk setting, offering a unique twist on the classic detective story. Notably, the involvement of other Studio Ghibli staff members further enriches the legacy of Sherlock Hound, adding to its timeless appeal.

Screen capture from Episode 5 of Sherlock Hound of three characters hiding together.

A Special Journey for Fans

The remastered Sherlock Hound movies, a quick attempt to honor Miyazaki's early contributions, are a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic series. While there are no indications of an international release for the compilation films, the original anime remains widely accessible online, allowing fans to immerse themselves in its enchanting world.

Sherlock Holmes, Watson, Hudson and Moriarty in a backyard in Sherlock Hound by TMS Entertainment

For fans outside Japan, the availability of the entire series on platforms like YouTube, Crunchyroll, and Prime Video offers a gateway to the captivating world of Sherlock Hound. However, there's something undeniably special about experiencing Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's earliest works in theaters, reminiscent of the bygone era when the magic of Sherlock Hound first captivated audiences.