USA Studio Ghibli DVDs. Back On For February 25th 2005. With One Change.
So, they've announced that the Studio Ghibli USA DVDs are back on. One major change: they've replaced "Totoro" from that particular intial line-up with "The Cat Returns".
For those that haven't seen that particular Ghibli film, or don't know much about it: it's not very good. It's one of the "lower end" films with cheaper and rougher animation. Still, it's a Ghibli film many will not have seen so probably worth a peek if you're that interested you've read this piece.
press release from ultimatedisney.com :
FROM THE CREATORS OF THE
ACADEMY AWARD® WINNING FILM “SPIRITED AWAY”
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY
OF THE WIND
PORCO ROSSO
THE CAT RETURNS
FIRST TIME EVER ON 2-DISC DVD
AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 22, 2005
Brand New English Language Tracks Featuring Star Talent
And Bonus Materials Included On Each DVD Title
BURBANK, Calif., November 8, 2004 –Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli proudly
present three animated masterpieces from the creators of “Spirited Away,” the Academy Award® winner
for the Best Animated Feature Film of 2002. NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND,
PORCO ROSSO and THE CAT RETURNS will each be available separately in superb 2-disc DVD
sets on February 22. These remarkable films include a brand-new, stellar English language voice cast
and feature the original Japanese language track; storyboards; featurettes that go behind the microphone
and more, presented in a pristine digital picture for the best possible viewing experience. With a unique
blend of entertaining storytelling, imagination, compelling characters and stunning artistry, each of these
magical and mystical worlds will enchant and delight audiences of all ages.
Milestone works of unparalleled brilliance, NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, PORCO
ROSSO and THE CAT RETURNS are each available on 2-disc DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.).
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND
Hayao Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece! A thousand years after a great war, a seaside kingdom known as the
Valley of the Wind is one of the only areas that remains populated. Led by the courageous Princess
Nausicaä, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called ohmu,
who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the Earth. Nausicaä and her brave companions,
together with the people of the Valley, strive to restore the bond between humanity and the earth. The
English language version of the film includes the voice talents of Alison Lohman (“Matchstick Men”),
Patrick Stewart (“X-Men” “Star Trek: The Next Generation”), Uma Thurman (“Kill Bill” series) and
Edward James Olmos (TV’s “American Family”).
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of
the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation. This spectacular 2-disc set features exotic
settings, stirring music and a timeless story about courage and compassion in the face of danger.
“NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND” Bonus Materials:
• Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film: Alison Lohman, Uma Thurman,
Patrick Stewart And Edward James Olmos
• Complete Storyboards—Get An Insider’s Look At The Film’s Artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
• The Birth Story Of Studio Ghibli Featurette
Preorder NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND on DVD
PORCO ROSSO
Take flight with “Porco Rosso,” a valiant World War I flying ace! From tropical Adriatic settings to
dazzling aerial maneuvers, this action-adventure from world-renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki is full
of humor, courage and chivalry.
When “Porco” – whose face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell – infuriates a
band of sky pirates with his aerial heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a comical rival pilot, to “get rid” of him.
On the ground, the two pilots compete over the affections of Gina, a beautiful cabaret singer. But it is in
the air, with Fio, a young and talented airplane engineer/designer, where Porco’s true battles are waged.
From its Mediterranean Sea settings to its dazzling aerial dogfights of amazing sweep and grace, PORCO
ROSSO is an exhilarating ride you’ll never forget.
The English language version of this high-flying adventure features the voice talents of Michael Keaton
(“Batman Returns”), Brad Garrett (TV’s “Everybody Loves Raymond”), Susan Egan (“Spirited Away”),
Kimberly Williams (TV’s “According To Jim”) and David Ogden Stiers (“Lilo & Stitch”).
“PORCO ROSSO” Bonus materials:
• Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film: Michael Keaton, Brad Garrett,
Kimberly Williams, Susan Egan and David Ogden Stiers
• Complete Storyboards—Get An Insider’s Look At The Film’s Artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
• Interview with Studio Ghibli Producer Toshio Suzuki
Preorder PORCO ROSSO on DVD
THE CAT RETURNS
From the creators of the Academy-Award®–winning “Spirited Away” (Best Animated Feature, 2002)
comes the visually stunning THE CAT RETURNS, a spectacular animated journey to a world of magic
and adventure.
Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world
is transformed beyond anything she’s ever imagined. Her good deed is rewarded with a flurry of
presents, including gift-wrapped mice, and one very shocking proposal of marriage - to the Cat’s King’s
son! Haru embarks on an unexpected journey to the Kingdom of Cats where her eyes are opened to a
whole other world and her destiny is uncertain. To change her fate she’ll need to learn to believe in
herself, and in the process she will learn to appreciate her everyday life. THE CAT RETURNS is a
magical animated adventure that will delight and inspire everyone.
The English language version of THE CAT RETURNS features the voice talents of Anne Hathaway
(“The Princes Diaries 2: Royal Engagement”), Cary Elwes (“Ella Enchanted”), Peter Boyle (TV’s
“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Elliott Gould (“Ocean’s Eleven”), Andy Richter (“Elf”), Rene
Auberjonois (“The Princess Diaries”), Tim Curry (“The Wild Thornberrys Movie”), Judy Greer (“The
Village”), Andrew Bevis, Kristen Bell, Kristine Sutherland (TV’s “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Katia
Coe.
“THE CAT RETURNS” Bonus materials:
• The Making of “The Cat Returns”
• Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film Including Anne Hathaway,
Cary Elwes, and more.
• Complete Storyboards—Get An Insider’s Look At The Film’s Artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
STREET DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2005
Direct Prebook: December 28, 2004
Distributor Prebook: January 11, 2005
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (2-disc DVD) for each title.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind:
Run time: Approximately 117 minutes
Rated: “PG” For Violence And Some Mild Language
Bonus features not rated and subject to change.
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 tv screens
Sound: Mono
THX Certified
Languages: Original Japanese audio
English audio; English subtitles
Porco Rosso:
Run time: Approximately 93 minutes
Rated: “PG” For Violence And Some Mild Language
Bonus features not rated and subject to change
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 tv screens
Sound: Dolby® Digital 2.0 Surround
THX Certified
Languages: Original Japanese Audio
English audio; English subtitles; French audio
The Cat Returns:
Run time: Approximately 75 minutes
Rated: Not yet rated
Bonus features not rated and subject to change
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 tv screens
Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese Audio
English Audio; English subtitles
French audio
ABOUT HAYAO MIYAZAKI…
Hayao Miyazaki has been hailed as an “animation magician,” “a stunning visual artist” and “the
Disney of Japan.” His films are praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling,
earning him a place as one of the premiere animators in motion picture history.
He is one of Japan’s leading filmmakers and an icon in the field of animation. His popularity
continues to grow greater and greater around the world.
Several of his films have been among his country’s top box office successes in recent years,
including “Spirited Away” (Academy Award® winner 2002 Best Animated Feature) which is the most
successful film ever to play in Japan. Many of his films have become a beloved part of Japanese popular
culture, in much the same way that Walt Disney’s work has been embraced by Americans.
Born in Tokyo in 1941, Hayao Miyazaki majored in political science and economics in college,
but chose to take a low-paying position as an animator at Toei Animation after graduation.
He was a diligent and talented employee who impressed his superior, Isao Takahata, and they
worked together in the 1960’s and 1970’s making TV animated series and animated features, with
Takahata doing the directing and Miyazaki doing the animation.
Miyazaki directed his first film “Castle of Cagliostro” in 1979. Takahata collaborated with
Miyazaki as producer of Miyazaki’s animated films “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and “Castle in
the Sky.” Separately, Miyazaki worked on “My Neighbor Totoro” while Takahata directed the acclaimed
animated film “Grave of the Fireflies.”
Miyazaki and Takahata founded their company, Studio Ghibli, in 1985. “Kiki’s Delivery
Service” was made soon thereafter and became Studio Ghibli’s first widespread popular success and
paved the way for expansion of the studio in one large house on the edge of Tokyo.
Many of Studio Ghibli’s animated features that followed were blockbuster hits in Japan. “Pom
Poko” (directed by Takahata) and “Whisper of the Heart” (directed by Yoshifumi Kondo) were the top
domestic hits during their respective releases in Japan. “Porco Rosso” (directed by Miyazaki) was the top
film of the year among both domestic and overseas films released in Japan. The adventure tale “Princess
Mononoke” (directed by Miyazaki) became a sensation in Japan that became the #1 grossing film in
Japan of any film up to that time. “Spirited Away” (directed by Miyazaki) has since broken all box-office
records in Japan. “Spirited Away” is now Japan’s #1 film of all time, surpassing even “Titanic” and
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Miyazaki has since applied his talents to the upcoming animated
film “Howl’s Moving Castle,” which will be released November 20, 2004 in his country.
Known as a hands-on craftsman whose influence is felt in virtually every frame of his work,
Miyazaki makes films that closely reflect his tastes, interests and concerns. His beautiful animated vistas
are alive and flowing, with lifelike color and movement. His stories contain unusual characters, intricate
plots and emotional pathos rarely found in most feature animation, combining with his visual style to
create films revered throughout the world by animators, animation fans and critics alike.
PORCO ROSSO:
© 1992 NIBARIKI • TNNG
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND:
© 1984 NIBARIKI • TOKUMA SHOTEN • HAKUHODO
THE CAT RETURNS:
© 2002 Nekonote–Do • TGNDHMT
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized
industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company
for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes
and DVDs.
