The Essence of Kabuki Blossoming on Screen, Re-Encountered as a ‘National Treasure’ in Dolby Cinema

Director Lee Sang-il’s sweeping epic 〈National Treasure〉 returns in Dolby Cinema to meet Korean audiences.

Distributor Media Castle Co., Ltd. has confirmed the April 1 release of the film 〈National Treasure〉 in Dolby Cinema and the Dolby Atmos format, and unveiled a special poster on the 23rd. This screening invites audiences right into the heart of a Kabuki stage, with Dolby’s premium HDR image technology, ‘Dolby Vision®,’ and next-generation immersive sound technology, ‘Dolby Atmos®.’ During a lengthy 175-minute runtime, audiences are expected to experience—from start to finish—the fierce life of an artist as he rises to the level of ‘National Treasure,’ with sharply vivid picture quality and dynamic sound that go beyond what you’d expect from a regular live-action film.

Based on the novel of the same name by Shuichi Yoshida, the film 〈National Treasure〉 depicts the life of two men who never shared blood, yet had to outdo one another as rivals—and colleagues—on their way toward the pinnacle of Kabuki. Yoshizawa Ryo and Ryoga portray ‘Kikueo,’ who grows into a Kabuki star even as an outsider, while Ryusei Yokohama takes on the role of ‘Shunsuke,’ the heir of a distinguished family, igniting a heated acting showdown. In addition, the ensemble of top Japanese actors—including Mitsuki Takahata, Shinobu Terajima, and Ken Watanabe—makes the nearly three-hour runtime fly by.

In Japan, the film already sparked a sensation after its June 2025 release, breaking the highest-grossing record for live-action films ever. The 〈National Treasure〉—with its sweep across 10 categories at the 49th Japan Academy Prize and an ongoing global awards push such as a nomination for the Makeup Award at the 98th U.S. Academy Awards—through this Dolby Cinema release will also leave Korean audiences with an unforgettable lingering aftereffect.

The true power of 〈National Treasure〉, capturing the brilliant solitude of artists and their heartbreaking struggle, can be confirmed in Korean theaters starting April 1.