Bandai Namco Announces 4K Remasters for Patlabor Films in 2026

Bandai Namco Filmworks marked Patlabor Day on Sunday, August 10, with exciting news for fans of the iconic anime franchise. Both Patlabor: The Movie and Patlabor 2: The Movie will return to Japanese theaters for limited two-week engagements this fall.

The first film will screen starting October 3, followed by Patlabor 2 on October 17. These revival screenings will give audiences a rare chance to experience Mamoru Oshii’s classic mecha-police sagas on the big screen once again.

In addition to the theatrical re-release, Bandai Namco confirmed that both films are receiving a full 4K remaster. The upgraded versions will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc and standard Blu-ray Disc in 2026, complete with English dub and English subtitles for international fans.

First released in 1989 and 1993 respectively, the Patlabor films blend futuristic law enforcement with political intrigue and character-driven drama. The series has long been celebrated for its realistic approach to mecha design and storytelling, influencing generations of anime creators and fans alike.

For now, Japanese audiences can look forward to revisiting these classics this October, while global fans can mark their calendars for the highly anticipated 2026 4K release.