by For the first time in the franchise’s history, the globally popular anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is heading to theaters in SCREENX and ULTRA 4DX formats.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns” will be screened nationwide beginning Friday, February 20, 2026, delivering an unprecedented level of immersion and realism for fans eager to experience Tanjiro and his allies’ final battles in a completely new way.
The film will be shown at 22 SCREENX theaters and 4 ULTRA 4DX theaters across Japan, allowing audiences to feel as if they have stepped directly into the terrifying depths of the Infinity (Mugen) Castle.
What Makes This Screening So Special? (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)
🔹 What Is SCREENX?
SCREENX is a three-sided, multi-projection cinema system. In addition to the main front screen, visuals are projected onto the left and right walls, creating a 270-degree field of view.
This format dramatically expands the world on screen, making action scenes feel larger, faster, and more immersive—perfect for a visually dynamic series like Demon Slayer.
🔹 What Is ULTRA 4DX?
ULTRA 4DX combines SCREENX’s three-sided visuals with 4DX effects, including:
- Moving seats
- Wind, mist, and vibration effects
- Environmental sensations synced with the action
During intense sword clashes or explosive demon attacks, viewers don’t just watch the battle—they feel it.
Why the Mugen Castle Arc Is Perfect for SCREENX & ULTRA 4DX
The Mugen Castle Arc represents the final confrontation between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons led by Muzan Kibutsuji. Set inside a constantly shifting fortress filled with vertical drops, endless corridors, and overwhelming scale, this arc naturally lends itself to expanded visual formats.
In SCREENX:
- The castle’s endless corridors stretch beyond the front screen
- Demon attacks feel as if they’re closing in from all sides
- The sense of speed and disorientation is dramatically amplified
In ULTRA 4DX:
- Explosions, falling debris, and rapid movement are physically felt
- Sword swings and shockwaves add tension to every momen
About “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (Quick Overview for New Fans)
Originally created by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a dark fantasy action series that follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. After his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and restore Nezuko’s humanity.
Key achievements of the franchise include:
- Over 220 million copies sold worldwide (volumes 1–23)
- TV anime debut in April 2019
- The record-breaking film “Mugen Train” (2020), which became Japan’s highest-grossing movie of all time
The Mugen Castle Arc is being adapted as a theatrical trilogy, marking the grand finale of the story.
A New Trailer Highlights the SCREENX Experience
To celebrate the SCREENX and ULTRA 4DX release, a special trailer has been released.
The trailer demonstrates how scenes expand onto the side screens, showing:
- Battles extending beyond the central frame
- Akaza’s overwhelming presence filling the theater space
- Vertical and horizontal movement that enhances the castle’s scale
This trailer will be shown at participating theaters (excluding some screens), giving audiences a preview of the enhanced experience
What Fans Can Expect From “Akaza Returns”
Chapter 1 focuses on the reappearance of Akaza (Upper Rank Three), one of the most popular and formidable demons in the series. His clash with the Demon Slayers is depicted with:
- ufotable’s signature high-end animation
- Dynamic camera work designed for large-format screens
- Intensely emotional moments that hit even harder in immersive theaters
For longtime fans, this is a chance to relive iconic moments on an entirely new scale. For newcomers, it offers a powerful introduction to why Demon Slayer is so beloved worldwide.
Film Information at a Glance
Title: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle Arc Chapter 1 – Akaza Returns
Release Date (SCREENX & ULTRA 4DX): Friday, February 20, 2026
Formats: SCREENX / ULTRA 4DX / Standard screenings
Animation Studio: ufotable
Distribution: Toho, Aniplex
Music: Go Shiina, Yuki Kajiura
Theme Songs:
- Aimer – “A World Where the Sun Doesn’t Rise”
- LiSA – “Shine on a Cruel Night”
Final Thoughts
With its first-ever SCREENX and ULTRA 4DX screenings, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is once again pushing the boundaries of anime cinema. The Mugen Castle Arc’s scale, intensity, and emotional weight make it the perfect candidate for these premium formats.
If you want to experience Tanjiro and Akaza’s battle with maximum immersion, power, and realism, this historic theatrical release is not to be missed.
