Sony Pictures releasing Oshii's "The Sky Crawlers" on US Blu-ray

Sony Pictures has announced they’ll be releasing Mamoru Oshii’s 2008 animated film The Sky Crawlers on US Blu-ray on May 26th.

Plot: Yuichi Kannami is one of many genetically engineered fighter pilots called “Kildren”, who are sent to Urisu Base as replacements for a dead pilots. Kildren like Yuichi never age or get sick due to their genetic engineering, but they do often die in sky combat. They don’t fight to secure national borders or protect their people. Instead, they fight merely for the entertainment of the viewing public. Two rival companies make a fortune pitting these pilots against each other in spectacular dogfights in the hopes of presenting a dazzling show to the eager public. Yuichi eventually forms a relationship with Suito Kusanaki, his base’s commander, and together they share a somber fate.

Region A, 16:9 anamorphic widescreen. Japanese Dolby 5.1 audio with selectable English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish subtitles. Disc includes 3 featurettes: “The Sound Design and Animation of The Sky Crawlers”, “Animation Research for The Sky Crawlers”, and “Sky’s the Limit: An Interview with Director Mamoru Oshii” (Blu-ray exclusive).

Available at the following retailer(s) on May 26, 2009: