The theatrical film Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, which originally premiered on January 26th, will be returning to theaters in a limited special edition run starting September 20th. This special edition will feature over 500 updated cuts from the original film. The first round of screenings will take place from September 20th to October 3rd, followed by a second round from November 1st to November 14th. The screenings will include different epilogue cuts in the first and second rounds, making it a must-see for fans.

To commemorate the special edition screening, a special announcement video featuring Kira and Lacus has been released. Additionally, comments from Sōichirō Hoshi (voice of Kira Yamato), Rie Tanaka (voice of Lacus Clyne), and Director Mitsuo Fukuda have been shared with fans.

Starting September 20th, attendees will receive an exclusive mini clear file (1 type) featuring original updated key animation as the first round of theatergoer gifts.

The Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series originally aired with 50 episodes starting in October 2002, marking the first TV Gundam series produced in the 21st century. The story follows the conflict between genetically enhanced humans (Coordinators) and regular humans (Naturals), represented by the ZAFT military organization and the Earth Alliance, respectively. Through this war, the story portrays the struggles and growth of Kira Yamato, the protagonist who is a Coordinator.

The series attracted not only long-time Gundam fans but also garnered a significant female audience, achieving a peak viewership rating of 8.0%. The show also triggered a second Gunpla (Gundam plastic model) boom, particularly among elementary school children, and made its mark as a next-generation Gundam series.

The sequel series, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, aired from October 2004 and surpassed its predecessor with a peak viewership rating of 8.2%. The cumulative sales of the series’ packaged media surpassed an astonishing 4 million units, and it became a nationwide phenomenon, transcending the bounds of TV anime through music, events, and more.

The story of the new theatrical film, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, serves as a continuation of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY and follows new developments in the ongoing battles involving Kira, Athrun, and Shinn. The film grossed 4.9 billion yen and attracted 2.9 million viewers.

Sōichirō Hoshi’s Comment:

"I waited for so long to finally see and experience SEED FREEDOM this year, and I know that both myself and all the fans were deeply moved and thrilled! Although it was sad when the long-run screenings ended, I felt a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment like no other. But this fall! Very soon! We’ll be able to meet FREEDOM again in theaters! And as a special edition!! Can we really enjoy 2024 this much? Our SEED FREEDOM isn’t over yet!!"

Rie Tanaka’s Comment:

"Thanks to your support and passion, I believe we are able to bring you this special edition screening of SEED FREEDOM. Congratulations! And thank you so much! The upcoming film will feature over 500 updated cuts, and it even includes epilogue cuts! Plus, there will be new theatergoer gifts distributed starting September 20th, specifically for this special edition screening. I am truly delighted that we have another opportunity to show everyone SEED FREEDOM on the big screen. 'It’s not that we need love, we need it because we love!' I hope you all enjoy it to the fullest!"

Director Mitsuo Fukuda’s Comment:

"Thanks to everyone’s support, we have been able to screen the special edition of Gundam SEED FREEDOM. While the original film, which was released on January 26th, had some limitations due to time, we were unable to fully refine some sections. This time, we’ve updated those cuts and addressed various parts that felt off after the initial screenings. I believe this version is the complete edition of SEED FREEDOM. Additionally, I’ve written a short epilogue episode that is included at the end of the film. Please look forward to it."

Source : ORICON NEWS