Quick answer

If you want a warm, offbeat comedy with a giant ghost cat and a mischievous tween, pick Ghost Cat Anzu. If you prefer a quiet, emotional supernatural drama about three teens and a ghost who answers questions, pick Summer Ghost. Both are on Blu-ray at similar prices, so mood matters more than format here.

Tone and story: comedy vs. melancholy

Ghost Cat Anzu follows Karin, a precocious tween abandoned by her father in rural Japan. She lives in a temple with her grandfather and meets Anzu, a giant ghost cat and notorious layabout tasked with looking after her. The film leans into humor and chaos: Karin sabotages Anzu's odd jobs, befriends eccentric forest spirits, and Anzu accidentally makes a deal with the devil. It is playful, irreverent, and grounded in a child's-eye view of rural life.

Summer Ghost is a quieter, more melancholic film. An urban legend says that lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will call the summer ghost, a spirit who can answer any question. Three troubled teenagers, Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryo, show up for their own reasons. When a sparkler is lit, a ghost named Ayane appears and reveals she is only visible to those who are about to touch their death. The story is intimate and reflective, with a supernatural hook that drives emotional revelation rather than slapstick.

What you get on disc: runtime, extras, and edition details

Both releases are standard Blu-ray editions in the Blu-ray DVD category. The supplied catalog facts do not list runtime, audio tracks, or on-disc extras for either title, so if bonus features are a deciding factor, check the back cover or product listing for the final specs before buying. What the facts do confirm is the core creative content: Ghost Cat Anzu is a feature-length story about Karin and Anzu's unlikely guardianship, while Summer Ghost is a shorter, self-contained supernatural drama about three teens and a ghost named Ayane.

For collectors who want a larger set, the Masaaki Yuasa: Five Films Collector's Edition is a separate option that bundles five films by a widely regarded animation auteur. It is not a direct substitute for either title here, but it is worth noting if you are building a broader anime film library and want a multi-film set rather than a single feature.

Price and value: what each Blu-ray costs

Ghost Cat Anzu is listed at USD 16.78, compared to a catalog comparison price of USD 22.98. Summer Ghost is listed at USD 16.32, compared to a catalog comparison price of USD 22.98. The difference between the two sale prices is only a few cents, so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. Both sit in the same budget range for a single anime film on Blu-ray.

If you are choosing between them, think about rewatchability. Ghost Cat Anzu's comedic set pieces and chaotic energy may appeal to viewers who like to revisit lighter films. Summer Ghost's emotional weight and mystery structure may suit viewers who prefer a film that hits harder on a first watch and rewards a second viewing with new details. Neither is inherently a better value at this price; they simply serve different moods.

How to choose if you like both

If you are torn, consider your current collection. If you already own several supernatural dramas, Ghost Cat Anzu adds tonal variety with its comedy and rural folklore. If your shelf is heavy on action or comedy, Summer Ghost brings a more contemplative, emotional counterpoint. Both are standalone films, so there is no continuity or series commitment either way.

Another angle is the ghost itself. Anzu is a giant, lazy cat who becomes an unlikely guardian and causes trouble; Ayane is a mysterious figure who answers questions and is only visible to those near death. If you want a ghost who makes you laugh, choose Anzu. If you want a ghost who makes you think, choose Ayane.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Ghost Cat Anzu: comedy and chaos: A giant ghost cat, a rebellious tween, forest spirits, and a deal with the devil. The tone is playful and irreverent, with humor driving much of the story. Choose this if you want a lighter, funnier supernatural film.
  • Summer Ghost: melancholy and mystery: Three teens, an abandoned airfield, and a ghost who answers questions but is only visible to those near death. The tone is quiet and emotional. Choose this if you prefer a reflective, character-driven drama.
  • Price and format parity: Both are standard Blu-ray releases in the same price range, with no supplied differences in runtime or extras. The decision comes down to mood and story. Pick based on the experience you want, not the spec sheet.

Product facts

  • Ghost Cat Anzu [Blu-ray]: Precocious tween Karin finds herself abandoned by her father in rural Japan, lives in a temple with her grandfather, and meets Anzu, a giant ghost cat and notorious layabout tasked with looking after her. Karin sabotages Anzu's odd jobs, befriends eccentric local forest spirits, and Anzu accidentally makes a deal with the devil. This is a comedic, character-driven story about an unlikely guardian and a rebellious child, best for viewers who want humor and rural folklore.
  • Summer Ghost [Blu-ray]: A local urban legend says lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will call the summer ghost, a spirit who can answer any question. Three troubled teenagers, Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryo, show up for their own reasons. A ghost named Ayane appears and reveals she is only visible to those who are about to touch their death. This is a melancholic supernatural drama about connection and mortality, best for viewers who prefer emotional, reflective storytelling.
  • Masaaki Yuasa: Five Films Collector's Edition [Blu-ray]: Masaaki Yuasa is widely regarded as one of the most imaginative and influential filmmakers working in animation, with a style compared to Tex Avery and Max Fleischer. This collector's edition includes five of his films. If you want a multi-film set rather than a single feature, this collector's edition offers a broader survey of an acclaimed anime auteur.

Which should you buy?

Best for

  • Viewers who want a humorous, offbeat supernatural comedy with a giant ghost cat
  • Fans of rural folklore and mischievous child characters
  • Anyone looking for a lighter anime film to rewatch

Not for

  • Viewers who prefer serious, emotional dramas with a melancholic tone
  • Anyone seeking a multi-film collector's set instead of a single feature