Play from your browser
Temporarily out of stock.
We are working hard to be back in stock as soon as possible.

Grave of the Fireflies - Limited Edition Steelbook Blu-ray + DVD

Tsutomu Tatsumi (Actor), Ayano Shiraishi (Actor), Isao Takahata (Director, Writer) Format: Blu-ray
4.7 out of 5 stars 4,370 ratings
Additional Blu-ray options Edition Discs
鶹 Price
New from Used from
Blu-ray
July 8 2025 		—
2
$26.98
$26.98 —
Blu-ray
Nov. 20 2012 		—
1
$122.10
$116.29 $57.99
Blu-ray
July 8 2025 		—
2
—
— —

From the manufacturer

Seita

A recently orphaned teenager desperate to survive.

Setsuko

Seita's helpless four-year-old sister.

Aunt

A distant relative with too many mouths to feed.

Product description

Product Description

When an American air raid kills their mother in the final days of World War II, teenager Seita and his younger sister Setsuko are left to fend for themselves in the devastated Japanese countryside. After falling out with their only living relative, Seita does his best to provide for himself and his sister by stealing food and making a home in an abandoned bomb shelter. But with food running short, the siblings can only cling to fleeting moments of happiness in their harsh reality. ?

Based on the personal accounts of survivor Nosaka Akiyuki, Grave of the Fireflies is hailed as one of the most stunning contributions to animation and cinematic history. Deftly depicting the beauty of the human spirit as well as its devastating cruelty, Grave of the Fireflies is a singular work of art from Academy Award-nominated director and Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata.


Bonus Content:

  • Feature-Length Storyboards
  • Deleted Scene Storyboards
  • Interview with Director Isao Takahata
  • Interview with Roger Ebert
  • Promotional Video
  • Image Galleries
  • Teasers & Trailers
]]>

Special Features

  • Feature-Length Storyboards
  • Deleted Scene Storyboards
  • Interview with Director Isao Takahata
  • Interview with Roger Ebert
  • Promotional Video
  • Image Galleries
  • Teasers & Trailers
]]>

Product details

  • Language ‏ : ‎ Japanese
  • Parcel Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17 x 13.7 x 1.8 cm; 199.58 g
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Isao Takahata
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ Blu-ray, NTSC, Subtitled
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 29 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ July 8 2025
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi
  • Language ‏ : ‎ Japanese (DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0), English (DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0), Japanese (Dolby Digital 2.0), English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ SHOUT! FACTORY
  • Producers ‏ : ‎ Toru Hara
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F4X7K3Q3
  • Writers ‏ : ‎ Isao Takahata
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 2
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 4,370 ratings

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4,370 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the movie beautiful, amazing, and a masterpiece. They also appreciate the quality, saying it's worth buying and adding to their collection. They describe the story as sad, heart-wrenching, and novelistic. They say the movie has an interesting non-linear way of telling the story and has an emotional impact.

Select to learn more

AnimationQualitySad storyStoryEmotional impact
40 customers mention "Animation"32 positive8 negative

Customers find the movie beautiful, amazing, and heartfelt. They say it's well-rendered in the true anime style. Some say it is the sweetest, but saddest movie they have ever watched.

"Amazing movie. Worth buying. Nice DVD box Movie is worth adding to collection. DVD quality is perfect." Read more

"...three minutes into the film when their spirits are reunited is incredibly beautiful and uplifting once you realize how pure their relationship was...." Read more

"...The movie is beautiful and incredibly good but really brings the tears out, especially in the ending and even more so through the second watch...." Read more

"...Like most Studio Ghibli films, the animation of this movie is beautiful and draws the viewer into observing the minute details of life that we..." Read more

11 customers mention "Quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the movie. They mention it's beautiful, incredibly good, and worth buying. Some also say it's worth adding to their collection.

"Amazing movie. Worth buying. Nice DVD box Movie is worth adding to collection. DVD quality is perfect." Read more

"...The movie is beautiful and incredibly good but really brings the tears out, especially in the ending and even more so through the second watch...." Read more

"A wonderful and honest-feeling story (based on a semi-autobiographical novel) of two Japanese orphans trying to survive on their own in WWII...." Read more

"Such a terrible, sad, gripping story!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Sad story"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the story sad and heart-wrenching.

"Such a terrible, sad, gripping story!..." Read more

"...It is sweet, brutal, honest and sad. Grave of the Fireflies should be required viewing for all. I assure you, you will be a better person after." Read more

"A heart-wrenching story. Hard to find so happy to have it in my collection." Read more

"Quite Sad!" Read more

6 customers mention "Story"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the story great, interesting, and non-linear. They also say it's novelistic and highly painterly.

"...Grave of the Fireflies is an important anti-war film. The story is partially true and is based on the author's failure to keep his own sister safe..." Read more

"...movie, it's a bit on the sad side but has an interesting non-linear way of telling the story." Read more

"Great story. Fast shipping" Read more

"...What an incredibly well written and beautifully animated movie!" Read more

3 customers mention "Emotional impact"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the movie extremely tear-jerking. They mention it's incredibly good and really brings the tears out, especially in the ending.

"...The movie is beautiful and incredibly good but really brings the tears out, especially in the ending and even more so through the second watch...." Read more

"Such a terrible, sad, gripping story! a great tear jerker that has you crying by the end(and most likely all the way through too) The characters are..." Read more

"...It is profound and moving. It brought my adolescent daughter to tears." Read more

Top reviews from Canada

  • Mia More
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing movie and quality
    Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing movie. Worth buying. Nice DVD box Movie is worth adding to collection. DVD quality is perfect.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Steven Aldersley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Animated, but not for children
    Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
    Animation, Drama, War, 89 minutes
    Directed by Isao Takahata
    Starring the voices of Rhoda Chrosite and J. Robert Spencer (English version)

    How can I possibly do this film justice? I'm almost in tears just thinking about what I am going to write. The film was released in Japan as part of the same double bill and both have claims to being the best Studio Ghibli releases thus far. My Neighbor Totoro was the other film, and it's possibly the most uplifting film in my collection. In contrast, Grave of the Fireflies is the saddest. I'll try to explain why.

    Both films feature girls who are four years old and both are utterly adorable. Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki seem to know exactly how to capture the innocence, curiosity, trust and unconditional love that a young child gives its parents and older siblings.

    Grave of the Fireflies is set in Japan during World War II. Unlike most war films, the story is not too concerned with the actual war itself or any of the battles. This is a film about the effects of war. Don't assume that it is aimed at children just because it's animated; it's clearly aimed at an older audience. The opening scene gives an indication of what to expect when we hear Seita's (Spencer) narration and find out that this is the day that he dies. After his death, we see his spirit reunited with that of his little sister, Setsuko (Chrosite). This is not a spoiler. It happens three minutes into the film and everything else is told through the use of flashback. We know right away that the children will die.

    It's impossible to discuss the film properly without including spoilers, so be warned.

    Seita is about 14 years old and is responsible for looking after his sister when their mother is hospitalized. Conditions are awful and the mother dies fairly quickly. Their father is away fighting in the war and possibly dead, so Seita takes his sister to live with an aunt. Unfortunately, they aren't welcome guests because the aunt feels that they contribute nothing. As a result, Seita leaves with Setsuko and decides that they will live in a cave near the beach.

    Everything is fine for a while, but the situation in Japan means that very little food is available. The two thrive in each other's company, but it's difficult to stay healthy when you don't have enough to eat. The film doesn't push its message continually, but we see sores develop on the backs of the children as they are wading in the ocean. They are developing malnutrition.

    Why am I recommending such a depressing story?

    There is great beauty in the film. I particularly love seeing Seita's inadequate attempts to make Setsuko happy and care for her. She trusts him unconditionally throughout the story. When he mentions that they need money, she produces a little purse and offers what she has. She's happy at the smallest little things such as the taste of her favorite fruit drops or the light of the fireflies in the cave. It's heartbreaking to see her become ill and watch her eventual demise. Her final words will always haunt me, and Seita's simple declaration which follows.

    One of the most touching scenes is a flashback within a flashback, showing how she liked to play outside the cave. If you have seen the film, you'll probably feel the same way.

    Grave of the Fireflies is an important anti-war film. The story is partially true and is based on the author's failure to keep his own sister safe during the war. So, thinking back to my opening comments, the scene three minutes into the film when their spirits are reunited is incredibly beautiful and uplifting once you realize how pure their relationship was. It's worth seeing that scene again after watching the film in order to fully appreciate its beauty.

    Takahata's depiction of Setsuko and Miyazaki's depiction of Mei in My Neighbor Totoro have given us two animated children that we will never forget. The images are so powerful that the films might even encourage you to treat your own siblings differently. It's easy to take things for granted in life. I live in North America and have never really wanted for anything. My life isn't in danger. Films like Grave of the Fireflies help remind me to appreciate the simple joy of living and the freedom to do so in peace.

    Mere words aren't sufficient to describe the power and beauty of Grave of the Fireflies. You really have to see it for yourself.
    17 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Trent
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the saddest movies ever.
    Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I've heard a lot of people speak about how depressing this movie is so I thought I'd check it out and they did not lie.

    The movie is beautiful and incredibly good but really brings the tears out, especially in the ending and even more so through the second watch. I recommend it to anyone who loves anime, studio ghibli, or just needs a good cry.
    Helpful
     Report
  • KADC
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of only three movies that have ever made me cry.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 7, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A wonderful and honest-feeling story (based on a semi-autobiographical novel) of two Japanese orphans trying to survive on their own in WWII. Isao Takahata does an excellent job of keeping this movie from being mired in despair while at the same time not sugar-coating the increasingly desperate situation of the main characters. Like most Studio Ghibli films, the animation of this movie is beautiful and draws the viewer into observing the minute details of life that we normally pay no attention to

    The ending of this movie caused me to cry for the first time in my adult life; though perhaps that may be partly due to my missing the opening "spoiler" of this movie the first time I saw it which otherwise effectively prepares the viewer for the inevitable way it ends. ("Plague Dogs" [1982] and "The Happy Price" [1974] being the other two movies that can melt even the coldest of hearts.)
    9 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • lucas gauthier
    5.0 out of 5 stars classic
    Reviewed in Canada on October 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    fantastic movie,maybe not for everyone but i enjoyed it alot and even for an animation adults enjoy it alot too ,some wish they hadnt seen it and i think were scarred by it
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lizbeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unforgetable! A must see!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Not at all what I presumed it would be. I mean that in the best of ways. I laughed and cried and cheered them on and yelled at people for not helping them. My dog was very confused at my outbursts but it was really that emotional. I love the ending so much. I don't why this movie isn't boosted more, meaning I didn't even know about it until about a month ago, and it os one of the best movies I have ever seen.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • 鶹 Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good movie
    Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Tgis movie was Good but not what we thought it would be
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tom Riddle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    after viewing this movie for the first time we could say that this movie is good, very emotionally driven, almost to the point where you feel like crying, this movie is not like the other animes that we have seen. This movie is just sad just the feel of it is sad, but it is alright.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Mune Yoshi
    5.0 out of 5 stars IפϽUY
    Reviewed in Japan on May 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ԥ鷺֪줿Ǥݤ˴뤳ȤʤʱССѧĸδѧǡ-29Ӥ϶ϮǤƤ⡢ĸһˤߤޤǤ(ĸ)ϖʧˤޤϡʤ󤸤ʤäȷ߿ƤޤʤǤäԵԶʤä̸ʤ
    Report
  • Anonymoo
    5.0 out of 5 stars I am sobbing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    One of Studio Ghibli's best and most tragic films--a devastating look at a young boy and his toddler sister trying to survive the attacks on Japan in WWII. This is one of the few animations that makes me cry every time I see it, so if you're not into heavier subject matter or feeling emotions, watch this one sparingly. But you need to watch it. It's so good.
    Report
  • serenella cappai
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular movie
    Reviewed in Italy on January 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This is a one of a kind animation movie. For any enjoyer of this type of filmography it's a must watch.
    Report
  • Rose DelParto
    5.0 out of 5 stars A unique interpretation of history
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Grave of the Fireflies of one of the most moving films in the form of Japanese animation that depicts one of the most important parts of the War in the Pacific that greatly evokes a tremendous affect on the emotions. The interesting story behind coming across the film occurred during one class session where I had been teaching the evening's topic of the day, the history of Japan and the interpretation of how war was translated through political cartoons. Having heard several students' suggestions, commentaries, and recommendations about Grave of the Fireflies, they indeed, were extremely correct to say that it falls under the category of being poignant.

    Although the film is animated, the storyline and most of all, the history of Japan during this pinnacle part of World War II glares enormously and shows the other side of the war through the eyes of those who did not fight it, but rather the Japanese civilians who had been greatly affected by the war experience within their homeland. The story is based on the autobiographical novel by Akiyuki Nosaka and centers upon a brother Seita and his sister Setsuko who become orphans after their village experiences endless destruction. By viewing the opening scenes of the film that take place after the Japanese surrender in the city of Kobe and the moment Seita comes on the screen and the flash of fireflies show a symbolic menagerie of he and his sister, immediately, viewers may get a gut reaction filled with emotions. As one watches each scene, several major themes will arise that deal with survival, suffering, and humanity.

    And after viewing the film, one may have more questions to ask or add another perception of how war affects those involved. And like my students, I, too, agree that the film is another form of how history is narrated and told, and is recommended for those who are curious about the War in Asia from this particular perspective that may have been overlooked or not considered.
    Report
  • Mr. A. Osborne
    5.0 out of 5 stars An animated FILM, not a cartoon.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    If you think all animated films are cartoons, then this will be the film to change your mind, this is a deeply touching movie that happens to be animated, this film is closer to Shindler's list than to any Disney film, also if you are expecting a 'Spirited Away [DVD]' or a 'Kiki's Delivery Service [DVD]' then you will be surprised, this is not a fantastical journey, there are no talking cats, or troublesome witches, this is a serious drama with a real thought provoking message.

    I have to say that this has got to be the most emotional film I have EVER seen! Never has a film made me fill up quite this much, not even when I watched Watership down in primary school, when I was eight.

    I am at a loss... I was So drained from watching this! This made a 30yo skinhead 'bloke' cry, I had to really force my self to watch the end of this film not because it has any faults in the style or plot, but rather from the outset you know what is going to happen and I realised that the story had drawn me in so deeply and I knew what it was going to do to me...

    Glad I did watch to the end, it is rare to find a film of this genre that can move so many people to tears, it is a film that can really tug at your emotional chords with such precision and vigour, I really don't think I will be able to see fruit sweets again without flashbacks!
    An absolutely astounding film.

    I may suggest that perhaps you rent this title, unless like me you like lending DVD's out, I think a lot of the 5-star reviewers would also agree, that this is not a film I can see me ever watching again, like I said this is one of the greatest films I have ever watched, but it was so good, that the film will always be with me, I will never be able to forget Seito and Sweet Setsuko, the little sister I think we all wished we had... But this is a must see for any fan of cinema, not just Ghibli, this is a master class in cinema, in drawing your audience in, making them empathise with the characters and ultimately making them genuinely feel something.

    This film has changed me, I don't know how, but it has, I think it has put a lot in my life in to perspective, and 2 months on from seeing this film I have just shed another tear for it.

    This really is a must see/buy, it is dubbed which I know is important to some people, but I think seeing this in its original Japanese added something for me, I think a number of people would disagree with me, but few would say that you shouldn't watch it. Do note though that if I were you I would make sure I had a comedy film to follow this, or at least a more light hearted film, as you do not want to end your night with the emotions that this will draw from you.
    One person found this helpful
     Report