Howl, Totoro, Whisper - March 2006 Studio Ghibli Fact Sheet

Post by **Luke** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 1:53 pm

<center>HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
WHISPER OF THE HEART
DVD FACT SHEET</center>

Studio:
Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Studio Ghibli

Story:
Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli proudly present HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, MY
NEIGHBOR TOTORO, and WHISPER OF THE HEART, three incredible animated adventures from the master
storytellers at Studio Ghibli, on DVD March 7. Creators of the Academy Award®-winning film “Spirited Away” (2002
Best Animated Feature Film), Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the premiere
animation studio in Japan. All three of these animated treasures will feature both the English language voice cast, filled
with star Hollywood talent, and the original Japanese language track. The DVDs also boast brand-new bonus features
including complete, original storyboards, voice talent featurettes, and original Japanese trailers.

<hr>
<a name="hmc">HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, a journey beyond imagination, features Christian Bale (“Batman Begins”), Billy
Crystal (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Analyze This”), Blythe Danner (“Meet The Parents”), Emily Mortimer (“Lovely &
Amazing”), Josh Hutcherson (“The Polar Express”) and screen legends Jean Simmons (“How To Make An American
Quilt,” “Elmer Gantry,” “Spartacus”) and Lauren Bacall (“The Mirror Has Two Faces,” “Dogville”).

In HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, Sophie (voiced by Emily Mortimer), a diligent teenage girl working in her family’s
hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome-but-mysterious wizard
named Howl (voiced by Christian Bale). This encounter engages the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste (voiced
Lauren Bacall) who transforms Sophie into a 90-year-old woman (voiced by Jean Simmons). Sophie’s efforts to break
the curse bring her to Howl’s magical moving castle, where she befriends Markl (voiced by Josh Hutcherson), Howl’s
apprentice, and the hot-headed fire demon Calcifer (voiced by Billy Crystal). Her love and support have a major impact
on Howl, who can be maddeningly self-indulgent and singularly noble. Extraordinary characters, inventive imagery,
and stunning artistry make this latest masterpiece from the visionary Hayao Miyazaki an unforgettable filmgoing
experience. From the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Music by Joe Hisaishi. Screenplay and directed by Hayao
Miyazaki.

Bonus Features:
• Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film
• Interview With English-Language Voice Director Pete Docter
• “Hello Mr. Lasseter”
• Complete Storyboards
• Original Japanese Trailers and Theatrical Trailers

Rated: “PG” For Frightening Images And Brief Mild Language
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature running time: Approximately 119 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio, French audio, English subtitles
© 2004 Nibariki • GNDDDT © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000C ... ZZZZZ_.jpg">
Buy Howl's Moving Castle (2-Disc Set) on DVD from Amazon.com</a>.

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/howlsmovi ... html">Read our Howl's Moving Castle DVD review</a>.

<hr>
<a name="mnt">MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO features star voice talents Dakota Fanning (“Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch,”
“Dreamer,” “War of The Worlds”) and her sister Elle Fanning (“Because of Winn-Dixie”).

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO follows the adventures of Satsuki (Dakota Fanning) and her four-year-old sister Mei (Elle
Fanning) when they move into a new home in the countryside. To their delight, they discover that their new neighbor is
a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro—who can be seen only through the eyes of a child. Totoro introduces them to
extraordinary characters—including a cat that doubles as a bus!—and takes them on an incredible journey. Screenplay
and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Bonus Features:
• Behind The Microphone With Dakota Fanning And Elle Fanning
• Complete Storyboards—Get An Insider’s Look At The Film’s Artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
• Opening And Closing Animation (Without Credits)

Rated: “G” Bonus materials not rated.
Feature running time: Approximately 86 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
DVD Sound: 2.0 Dolby® Stereo
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio, French audio, English subtitles
© 1988 Nibariki • G © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0001 ... ZZZZZ_.jpg">
Buy My Neighbor Totoro (2-Disc Set) on DVD from Amazon.com</a>.

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/myneighbo ... html">Read our My Neighbor Totoro DVD review</a>.

<hr>
<a name="woth">WHISPER OF THE HEART features Brittany Snow (“The Pacifier”) Courtney Thorne-Smith (TV’s “Ally McBeal”),
David Gallagher (TV’s “7th Heaven”) and Cary Elwes (“Porco Rosso,” “The Cat Returns”).

WHISPER OF THE HEART is a wonderful tale of friendship, discovery and adventure based on the screenplay from
legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki. During summer vacation, a schoolgirl named Shizuku (Brittany Snow), who
longs to discover her true talents, observes an ordinary-looking cat riding by himself on the train. Intrigued, she decides
to follow him. This chance encounter leads her to the mysterious Seiji (David Gallagher), a boy who is determined to
follow his dreams, and The Baron (Cary Elwes), a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers in her heart.
Soon, Shizuku’s exciting adventures carry her far beyond the boundaries of her imagination. Featuring extraordinary
storytelling, enchanting animation and an all-star voice cast, this 2-Disc Set will inspire dreams and hearts of all ages.
Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo.

Bonus Features:
• Behind The Microphone With The Voice Talent Including Brittany Snow, Courtney Thorne-Smith,
David Gallagher and Cary Elwes
• Complete Storyboards—Get An Insider’s Look At The Film’s Artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer

Rated: “G” Bonus materials not rated.
Feature running time: Approximately 111 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio,
English subtitles
© 1995 Aoi Hiiragi/Shueisha • Nibariki • GNH ©Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000C ... ZZZZZ_.jpg">
Buy Whisper of the Heart (2-Disc DVD) on DVD from Amazon.com</a>.

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/whisper.html">Read our Whisper of the Heart DVD review</a>.

Kenai · Post by **Kenai** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 2:10 pm

Woot, I'm excited for Howl's, it looks really beautiful.

I'm really anxious to see both Totoro and Whisper. Both movies seem very enchanting from what I've read. And I wanna see the Baron again.

I'm glad BVHE is bringing these for American audiences.

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 4:10 pm

Are they Joking? These Dvds are missing a lot of extras. My Neighbor Totoro is missing the making of Documentary and the tour of the Studio Ghibli Museum. Howl is missing a ton of stuff. Glad to see they are including the best extra though. “Hello Mr. Lasseter”.

Mr. Toad · Post by **Mr. Toad** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 5:43 pm

Give me a nice transfer and good voice work and I could care less about the extras. Thanks Ghibli. Thanks Disney.

By the way is Disney planning on releasing Princess Monokoke or was the Weinstein release the one?

castleinthesky · Post by **castleinthesky** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 6:26 pm

Well it is good to have an official announcment. There could of been more extras, especially for Howl's. Thankfully they didn't butcher these (as in extras) like they did Pom Poko and Porco Rosso.

Kenai · Post by **Kenai** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:25 pm

Mr. Toad wrote:Give me a nice transfer and good voice work and I could care less about the extras. Thanks Ghibli. Thanks Disney.

By the way is Disney planning on releasing Princess Monokoke or was the Weinstein release the one?

Yeah Miramax released that a while ago.

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:22 am

They didn't butcher Pom Poko & Porco Rosso in terms of extras. The region 1s have all the extras that were on the JPN DVDs. The one that they really butchered was the region1 Nausicaa. Nausicaa is missing it's commentary track. Nice to see the Treasures are not the only Disney DVD series suffering Budget cuts.

castleinthesky · Post by **castleinthesky** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:48 am

Little Red Henski wrote:They didn't butcher Pom Poko & Porco Rosso in terms of extras. The region 1s have all the extras that were on the JPN DVDs. The one that they really butchered was the region1 Nausicaa. Nausicaa is missing it's commentary track. Nice to see the Treasures are not the only Disney DVD series suffering Budget cuts.

Sorry, but I wasn't comparing them to the Japan DVDs. But look at Pom Poko, we didn't even get behind the Microphone, but yet the Yamadas got it.

dvdjunkie · Post by **dvdjunkie** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 8:58 am

Is it just me or what?

These are Japanese Anime and Disney has nothing to do with them except distribute them. Why does everyone think it is the end all because these movies are coming out.

I know that it my lack of appreciation for Japanese Animation, the fact that they are like 'stick cartoons of Saturday morning' fame, but what is the big deal. They have no depth and the motions are very lacking.

I loved "Spirited Away" because it was so unique in its animation and story-telling. That was the ultimate animated film for me and am proud to have it in my collection.

"Totorro" is another that is pretty good. But "Howl's" was just terrible. I went to the theater to see this film, and was so disappointed at the animation, and most of all, the presentation.

And you are worried about extras? Why not get a quality film like "Spirited Away" first, then worry about the extras.

Wonderlicious · Post by **Wonderlicious** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 9:29 am

Hmm...I might get My Neighbour Totoro, as I have wanted to see that for a while, and I think that it looks blind buy-able. If it's rentable at my local video shop, then I'll rent Howl's Moving Castle, as I missed it theatrically. I don't know about Whisper of the Heart, though; I've never really heard about it until know.

Also, does anyone know anymore about the 3 disc set for Spirited Away that was announced then pulled away for Region 2? If it's been cancelled, I'll get the current UK 2 discer, which is selling for £8.99 in the Play.com January Sale (though it's not January yet

).

As for the "Where are certain extras?" question, remember that this is only a fact sheet. A lot of these fact sheets are a bit scarce and quick, so they may have missed on details. And at least it's better than the pre-press release fact sheet for Cinderella...

castleinthesky · Post by **castleinthesky** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 12:02 pm

dvdjunkie wrote:Is it just me or what?

These are Japanese Anime and Disney has nothing to do with them except distribute them. Why does everyone think it is the end all because these movies are coming out.

I know that it my lack of appreciation for Japanese Animation, the fact that they are like 'stick cartoons of Saturday morning' fame, but what is the big deal. They have no depth and the motions are very lacking.

I loved "Spirited Away" because it was so unique in its animation and story-telling. That was the ultimate animated film for me and am proud to have it in my collection.

"Totorro" is another that is pretty good. But "Howl's" was just terrible. I went to the theater to see this film, and was so disappointed at the animation, and most of all, the presentation.

And you are worried about extras? Why not get a quality film like "Spirited Away" first, then worry about the extras.

First off, Studio Ghibli is not regular anime. It is the very best of anime. It is like saying that Disney is the same as the stuff they show on cartoon network, such as Ed, Edd, and Eddy. Ghibli has produced better animated films since Disney's Lion King. All of Ghibli's films (exept one) are quality animation, and have more complex plots than anything in the United States offers. These movies deserve to be released in the United States, Britain, France, etc. because these movies are off such great quality.

Next, how are these movies lacking depth and emotion. That is funny to hear. These films have more depth and emotion than nearly every animated film. These films have plots that are more complex than most live action films. The animation is beautiful.

Next, how can Howl's Moving Castle be worse in animation than Spirited Away? Howl's Moving Castle has the best animation from all Ghibli films so far, yes it's plot may be lacking compared to some others, but the animation is the pinacle of all animation.

Next, why can't we be worried about extras. Even a movie like Home on the Range gets more extras than the Ghibli films. Why is this appropriate? The best of animation gets worse treatment than the most mediocre and worst animation.

Prince Eric · Post by **Prince Eric** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:34 pm

DVDjunkie -

YOU have no depth, and judging from your prose style, your motions are lacking - whatever that's supposed to mean.

Paka made a post several months ago about how we should construct a discussion based on the feelings of the original poster. This is obviously a celebration of the release of this films, so it can go under the banner of a "Studio Ghibli Appreciation" thread. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for someone to just come on here and say what you said - that's it's nonsense to be excited about the releases.

Post by **Luke** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 2:08 pm

Prince Eric wrote:DVDjunkie -

YOU have no depth, and judging from your prose style, your motions are lacking - whatever that's supposed to mean.

Prince Eric, personal attacks aren't tolerated around here. As someone who's been a member of the forum as long as you, I'm surprised you'd need a reminder on that.

Prince Eric wrote:Paka made a post several months ago about how we should construct a discussion based on the feelings of the original poster. This is obviously a celebration of the release of this films, so it can go under the banner of a "Studio Ghibli Appreciation" thread. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for someone to just come on here and say what you said - that's it's nonsense to be excited about the releases.

As far as posting a reply in this thread, everyone is welcome to post any opinion they like. I'm merely passing along Disney's announcement. Sure, I happen to think highly of Totoro and Howl's, but at no point do I express that in the initial post or suggest that comments in this thread need be only praiseworthy. If we could only celebrate DVDs and the films/shows on them, that would make for a somewhat boring one-sided discussion. Which is why nobody cried foul when you made the following (with little relevance to the vague announcement) post in the Remember the Titans: Director's Cut press release thread:

Prince Eric wrote:For anyone who's worried about not having seeing this, you're not missing much. The first DVD version is quite respectable for a film that doesn't command any. For anyone in to football, I would recommend Friday Night Lights over this foamy dessert of a movie. Remeber the Titans lacks the grittiness, heat, and sheer passion that Friday Night Lights have. The screenplay of and direction of Friday Night Lights is commendable and actually has a vision as opposed to the formula of most sports movies, a genre I detest.

Prince Eric · Post by **Prince Eric** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:52 pm

There is a distinct difference between my response, and DVD junkie's. Mine was aimed for those who said they had never seen the movie and didn't know if the wanted to or not. You KNOW as well as everyone else that the only reason DVDjunkie posted was to put in his two cents for the thousandth time on why he doesn't like anime. He has made "personal attacks" against me before, but no one has said anything about those. What gives?

jafar · Post by **jafar** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 6:46 am

Disney and Buena vista does it yet again! 2Disc barebone editions of two classics. Inspite of delaying "totoro" for so long all they could add to the bonus features was "textless opening and closing?? WTF...japanese edition has not just the making of the film but also a 20 minute feature on the miyazaki museum in japan. How much efffort it would have taken to add these two on region1 disc as well? you're really hopeless Disney. Also "Whisper of the heart" dvd japan has a documentary on the background artwork of the film which is missing here. If i'm not wrong even Madman Australia is releasing "whisper" with that feature on 15th March. Check this link: http://www.madman.com.au/studioghibli/whisper.html
Sorry Disney, if this is the case, you're not getting my money this time.

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 7:57 am

The sad thing is if this wave sells poorly we will probably not be getting Only Yesterday or maybe just a subbed only barebones release for it.

Super Leviathan · Post by **Super Leviathan** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 10:02 am

Little Red Henski wrote:The sad thing is if this wave sells poorly we will probably not be getting Only Yesterday or maybe just a subbed only barebones release for it.

I thought they weren't bringing Only Yesterday into the states one way or the other.

brownie · Post by **brownie** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:46 pm

I wish these upcoming releases could have special features like the Spirited Away dvd!

I'm curious how different the new My Neighbor Totoro dub will be from the old one I grew up on..hopefully Dakota Fanning won't annoy me.

Anyway, I can't wait for all three! I haven't seen Whisper of the Heart yet, but I'll certainly buy it.

castleinthesky · Post by **castleinthesky** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 8:59 pm

Little Red Henski wrote:The sad thing is if this wave sells poorly we will probably not be getting Only Yesterday or maybe just a subbed only barebones release for it.

For that reason, hopefully they don't. Also, I'm not sure but I think that the U.K. is getting a dubbed version of Only Yesterday, so we might get that same version here.

mcduck · Post by **mcduck** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:43 am

OK, I know that the Disney-Ghibli releases are not that good as we would expect, of course the movies by themself are just great, not doubt about it, kind of expensive, lets say we are paying for the art, now is there another possibility??? especially for us in the US with a average TV and DVD player...? Am I missing something?

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Howl, Totoro, Whisper - March 2006 Studio Ghibli Fact Sheet

Howl, Totoro, Whisper - March 2006 Studio Ghibli Fact Sheet