The Place Promised in Our Early Days Returns in a Steelbook Collector’s Edition

A Classic Makoto Shinkai Film Gets a Collector’s Upgrade

Fans of retro anime and early Makoto Shinkai works have a reason to celebrate. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004), the director’s first full-length animated feature, is returning in a Steelbook Collector’s Edition, now available for pre-order.

Known for its melancholic atmosphere, poetic visuals, and early exploration of themes that would define Shinkai’s career, this release offers a premium physical edition for collectors and long-time anime fans.

About The Place Promised in Our Early Days

Released in 2004, The Place Promised in Our Early Days is a science-fiction romance set in an alternate post-war Japan divided by parallel realities. The story follows three teenagers bound by a shared dream: reaching a mysterious tower that pierces the sky beyond the border of their world.

The film already showcased Makoto Shinkai’s signature style, vast skies, emotional distance, and a quiet sense of longing, long before international hits like 5 Centimeters per Second and Your Name.

Steelbook Collector’s Edition, What’s Included

This new Collector’s Edition is designed for physical media enthusiasts and anime archivists, featuring a premium Steelbook case and multiple formats.

• Steelbook packaging with exclusive artwork
• Blu-ray disc featuring the restored film
• DVD version for compatibility with legacy players
• Original soundtrack CD

The Steelbook format adds durability and visual appeal, making it a standout piece for collectors of classic anime films.

Release Date & Availability

Pre-orders for The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Steelbook Collector’s Edition opened in early January 2026. The official release is scheduled for January 26, 2026.

As with many limited collector editions, availability may be restricted, and early pre-order is recommended for fans who want to secure a copy.

Why This Release Matters for Retro Anime Fans

This Collector’s Edition is more than just a re-release, it’s a celebration of early 2000s anime filmmaking and the roots of one of modern anime’s most influential directors.

For fans of retro anime, physical media preservation, and Makoto Shinkai’s early work, this Steelbook edition represents an opportunity to revisit a pivotal moment in anime history in a premium format.

Whether you’re discovering the film for the first time or adding it to an existing collection, this release stands as a worthy tribute to a modern classic.