Macross Plus Movie Edition: 4K Remaster and Cinematic Comeback in Japan for 2026

A landmark comeback for a fan-favourite anime

It was announced that the film version of the OAV series Macross Plus, formally known as the “Movie Edition”, has been remastered in 4K from the original 35 mm master.

This relaunch isn’t limited to home video: the 4K version is slated to hit selected cinemas in Japan starting March 20, 2026, with the full 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray + Blu-ray set due out March 25, 2026.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this brings a chance to experience Macross Plus with renewed picture quality and the cinematic grandeur it originally aimed for.

What the 4K Remaster Offers

• Higher resolution and restored film quality: The restoration is based on a 35 mm master, promising sharper and more vivid visuals than previous editions.
• Deluxe physical edition: The 4K release will come in a special limited-edition package, including an illustrated storage box drawn by Ichiro Itano, a newly recorded interview booklet, and the original theatrical trailers as extras.
• Full Movie Edition content: The “Movie Edition” condenses the events of the original OAV series into a cinematic format, with revised editing and pacing.

Why this release matters, now and in 2026

• Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the film’s original 1995 release, an opportunity to revisit a landmark in anime history with modern video standards.
• Appeal to both longtime fans and new viewers: Improved visuals and physical extras make it appealing for collectors, while cinematic re-screenings may attract new anime-curious audiences.
• Preservation of a classic: Restoring from original 35 mm masters helps safeguard the visual legacy of Macross Plus, ensuring that future generations can see it as close as possible to its intended quality.

What to expect next & what to watch

• The theatrical screening in Japan from March 20, 2026, a chance to see the film on the big screen again in 4K.
• The limited-edition 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray + Blu-ray set on March 25, 2026, a collector’s item for fans of the series.
• Discussions among fans about language support and subtitle availability, currently unclear whether the new 4K release will include official English subtitles for international viewers. (Some fans on community forums are cautious, fearing the remaster may remain Japan-exclusive.)

In short: the 2026 4K remaster of Macross Plus Movie Edition is shaping up to be a major event, one that honors the film’s legacy with modern presentation, and gives fans (old and new) a chance to experience it at its best.