Spirited Away (Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack)
Disney has recently released Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away on blu-ray for the first time ever. I saw this movie back when it was released on DVD and loved it, so I was excited to see it again in glorious high definition. The artwork and animation in this film is so beautiful that it feels like it was made in high definition. It was actually remastered into high definition but you can't tell, it appears so natural.
The story focuses on a 10 year old girl named Chihiro who finds herself in some kind of strange spirit world after her mom and dad decide to do a little exploring thought a strange hallway. Her parents follow their noses to the smell a delicious feast, and though no one is around they decide to dig in, which turns out to be a poor decision. Chihiro realizes this and doesn't partake of the food, but before long they dusk turns to night, spirits start to emerge, and Chihiro begins to fade out.
Thankfully a young boy named Haku finds her and gives a berry to make her whole again, then helps her to find a way to remain without being turned into an animal by the witch Yubaba. This involves getting a job, which starts Chihiro on a personal journey of becoming more mature person. It's a great story which involves interesting characters and many strange and wonderful creatures, and it's all brought to life with amazing animation. I have literally never seen better animation outside of motion capture.
The release contains a bunch of special features:
- Introduction by John Lasseter
- The Art of Spirited Away -- Explore Hayao Miyazaki's extraordinary creative vision
- Behind the Microphone -- Join the filmmakers and cast behind the English-dubbed version of the film for an inside look at its creation
- Original Japanese Storyboards
- Hippon Television Special
- Original Jpanese Trailers & TV Spots
It's a fantasic film and a great release that is definitely worth picking up.
Synopsis
From Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema, comes the Oscar®-winning triumph (2002, Best Animated Feature Film), filled with astonishing beauty and epic adventure, a dazzling masterpiece for the ages. “Spirited Away” is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call on the courage she never knew she had to free herself and return her family to the outside world. An unforgettable story, brimming with creativity, “Spirited Away” will take you on a journey beyond your imagination. It’s a fantastic tale the whole family will want to experience over and over again on Disney Blu-ray!
US Cast
- Daveigh Chase (Chihiro)
- Suzanne Pleshette (Yubaba/Zeniba)
- Jason Marsden (Haku)
- Susan Egan (Lin)
- David Ogden Stiers (Kamaji)
- Lauren Holly (Chihiro's Mother)
- Michael Chiklis (Chihiro's Father)
- John Ratzenberger (Assistant Manager)
- Tara Strong (“Baby”)& Bob Bergen (Aogaeru)
