AnimEigo Revives Acclaimed Anime: 'Hotori' Debuts, 'Alien Nine' Upgraded for 2026 Home Video

Anime enthusiasts, mark your calendars! AnimEigo has officially announced two highly anticipated home video releases, set to launch in North America in 2026 under their distinctive 'Ruined Childhood' imprint. This strategic move, unveiled at the recent Otakon 2025, underscores AnimEigo's unwavering commitment to preserving and distributing beloved cult and classic anime works, ensuring these overlooked gems reach both new audiences and dedicated collectors.

Hotori: Simply Wishing for Hope

Leading the charge is Hotori: Simply Wishing for Hope (Hotori - Tada Saiwai o Koinegau), a profoundly moving television special. Directed by Takashi Anno at the esteemed Sunrise studio, this poignant narrative first aired in August 2005. It beautifully portrays the tender relationship between a resilient robot boy and a courageously terminally ill young girl, masterfully exploring universal themes of enduring hope and profound emotional resilience. Hotori's critical acclaim is further cemented by its prestigious 2005 Animax Award, a testament to its compelling storytelling. This upcoming release marks a significant milestone, as it will be the very first time this heartfelt drama is made available on home video in North America, promising to finally reach a broader audience.

Alien Nine

Accompanying Hotori is the much-anticipated High Definition release of Alien Nine, the acclaimed OVA adaptation of Hitoshi Tomizawa's distinctive manga. Debuting in May 2001, this four-episode series immerses viewers in the extraordinary lives of three elementary school students: Yuri Otani, Kumi Kawamura, and Kasumi Tomine. These unlikely heroines are conscripted into the 'Anti-Alien Team,' tasked with the daunting responsibility of defending their school from enigmatic extraterrestrial incursions. Alien Nine is celebrated for its masterful fusion of intricate sci-fi concepts with deep psychological undertones, all rendered through its uniquely captivating art style. The series features directorial contributions from Yasuhiro Irie, known for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (who helmed episodes 2-4), and Jiro Fujimoto (who directed the inaugural episode). This definitive edition will offer both an authentic English dub and the original Japanese audio with precise English subtitles, catering to diverse viewing preferences. While Alien Nine previously saw a North American release via Central Park Media, AnimEigo's upcoming HD version represents a significant upgrade, making it an essential acquisition for fans and collectors seeking the ultimate viewing experience.

These meticulously curated editions, boasting enhanced visual fidelity and comprehensive bilingual support, are poised to delight enthusiasts of deeply moving narratives, intricate mecha designs, and thought-provoking psychological science fiction. AnimEigo continues to solidify its reputation as a champion of quality niche anime, delivering unparalleled experiences to its dedicated global audience.