The film's opening was a phenomenal success. But the real test of animation's transcendence into themes traditionally embraced by live action directors will be "Jin-Roh's" nationwide release later this month. At the moment a vast majority of its audience hails from the die-hard animation and art house circuits, though both Viz and Bandai representatives say the companies are pushing for a wider release. The film has already been screened at film festivals in Cannes, Rotterdam, Berlin and Brussels, to much acclaim.

On June 22 it'll get its official public kickoff at the Cinema Village in New York, followed by limited releases in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago throughout July and August. Most of the venues, though, cater to niche markets rather than the mainstream. However, this might prove advantages at a venue such as Laemmle's Sunset 5, an art house theater smack in the middle of Hollywood and frequented by the very Academy voters that Bandai and Viz wish to solicit.

Five years have passed since "Ghost in the Shell" wormed its way to the American big screen. The DVD and VHS, released by Manga Entertainment, continually reach monthly sales in the thousands of units. Twelve years have passed since the big screen release of "Akira." It too maintains a healthy portion of the video market and currently enjoys a re-mastered theatrical re-release from Pioneer. "Jin-Roh" has the muscle to maintain that kind of longevity, however, unlike "Akira" and "Ghost in the Shell," this is an animated film that doesn't garnish its strong narrative with sci-fi glitz. "Jin-Roh" will have to make it on sheer dramatic power.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade © Mamoru Oshii / Bandai Visual / Production I.G / Bandai Ent. / Viz Films.