A Classic Mecha Series Gets the 4K Treatment
Get ready to return to a world of towering robots and police drama, because the third theatrical film in the Patlabor series, WXIII Patlabor, is getting a 4K UHD-BD release! Slated for release on May 27, 2026, this will be a deluxe edition packed with a special booklet and a hefty collection of storyboards. But that’s not all—fans should also mark their calendars for the March 25th release of the second film, Patlabor 2 the Movie, which will now include an additional audio commentary featuring director Mamoru Oshii and actor Naoto Takenaka, who voiced Shigeki Arakawa.
The Legacy of Patlabor
The Patlabor franchise first came to life on April 25, 1988, as a six-episode OVA (Original Video Animation). It was a groundbreaking media mix project created by the legendary collective HEADGEAR, consisting of manga artist Masami Yūki, mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi, screenwriter Kazunori Itō, character designer Akemi Takada, and director Mamoru Oshii.
The story is set in a near-future Tokyo at the turn of the century, where police robots bearing the cherry blossom emblem of the Metropolitan Police stride through the streets. It follows the members of Special Vehicles Section 2, who pilot these robots—called “Ingrams”—to fight crime. The series masterfully blends comedic and serious tones, finding success across OVAs, theatrical films, manga, and TV anime. The saga continues with the upcoming new anime, Patlabor EZY (Easy), scheduled for a theatrical release in three parts starting May 15, 2026.
WXIII Patlabor: The Suspenseful Side Story
The film now getting the 4K upgrade, WXIII Patlabor, was released in 2002 as the franchise’s third theatrical outing. It stands out as the series’ most unique and suspense-driven entry. Based on Masami Yūki’s manga Waste: 13 and helmed by a new creative team including Chief Director Fumihiko Takayama and writer Tori Miki, it offers a different flavor from the main storyline.
This release promises a complete remaster via a 4K film scan. The special limited edition comes with a premium booklet and a massive storyboard collection. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive “A4 Reproduction Art Set (5 pieces)” available through the Bandai Namco Filmworks official shop, “A-on STORE.”
New Audio Commentary for Patlabor 2 the Movie
In more exciting news for collectors, the 4K UHD-BD release of Patlabor 2 the Movie—Oshii’s gripping and realistic depiction of a potential war in modern Japan—will now include a staff and cast audio commentary as a bonus feature.
Hosted by Hideki Tenjin, the commentary will feature insights from director Mamoru Oshii, actor Naoto Takenaka (the voice of Shigeki Arakawa), and anime critic Ryōta Fujitsu. This is a must-listen for any dedicated fan.
Release Schedule and Details
The “WXIII Patlabor 4K Remaster Collection (4K ULTRA HD Blu-ray & Blu-ray Disc) (Special Limited Edition)” is priced at 14,300 yen (including tax) and launches on May 27, 2026. It will be preceded by two other premium releases:
- “Patlabor the Movie 4K Remaster Collection” on January 28.
- “Patlabor 2 the Movie 4K Remaster Collection” on March 25.
Each is also priced at 14,300 yen (including tax).
Product Specifications at a Glance
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key details for the upcoming releases:
WXIII Patlabor 4K Remaster Collection
Release Date: May 27, 2026
Price: 14,300 yen (tax included)
Product Code: BCQA-0030
Main Bonuses: Special booklet, Storyboard collection, Special storage box.
Patlabor 2 the Movie 4K Remaster Collection
Release Date: March 25, 2026
Price: 14,300 yen (tax included)
Product Code: BCQA-0024
Main Bonuses: Special booklet, Storyboard collection, NEW Audio Commentary (featuring Mamoru Oshii, Naoto Takenaka, Ryōta Fujitsu, hosted by Hideki Tenjin), Special storage box.
(C)2002 HEADGEAR／BANDAI VISUAL／TOHOKUSHINSHA
(C)1989 HEADGEAR／BANDAI VISUAL／TOHOKUSHINSHA
(C)1993 HEADGEAR／BANDAI VISUAL／TOHOKUSHINSHA／Production I.G
(C) HEADGEAR / Patlabor EZY Production Committee
Writer: Koutarou Nakase
_
