With the highly anticipated release of Hayao Miyazakis HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE in June, Disney has smartly introduced three more of the legendary directors films to DVD on Feb. 22, 2005 (Buena Vista Home Ent., $29.99): NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND (1984), PORCO ROSSO (1992) and THE CAT RETURNS (1992). All three two-disc sets contain original Japanese versions as well as newly produced English versions with prestigious voice casts, along with notable bonus features.
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND Miyazakis first full-length feature, adapted from the popular ecological manga series, NAUSICAÄ introduces many recurring trademarks, including the heroic girl, powerful forces of nature, a fascination with flying and a penchant for unusual animals. Nausicaa is like no other princess youve ever seen: with her world crumbling in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, she tries to correct the harm done to the environment and corrupting influences on humanity. The new English dub from Disney offers vocal performances by Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart, Alison Lohman, Chris Sarandon and Edward James Olmos.
Features include:* Original Japanese 117-minute version in both Japanese language and new English soundtrack* Behind the scenes of the English voice recording session* Complete storyboards* "Birth of Studio Ghibli" featurette* Japanese trailers
PORCO ROSSO (CRIMSON PIG)This is an atypical light adventure for Miyazaki: a diatribe against fascism and complacency. A heroic flying ace from the 30s has been turned into a pig (anticipating SPIRITED AWAY) during the post World War I years for giving up on his dreams and individual spirit. This is arguably the directors most personal film. The new English dub offers vocal performances from Michael Keaton, Brad Garrett, Susan Egan, Kimberly Williams, Cary Elwes and David Ogden Stiers.
Features include:* Available subtitles: English* Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround), Japanese, French* Behind the scenes of the English voice recording session* Complete storyboards* Japanese trailers* Interview with producer Toshio Suzuki
THE CAT RETURNS A sequel to WHISPER OF THE HEART (which has not been released yet), THE CAT RETURNS was actually directed by Hiroyuki Morita, one of several young directors recruited to work at Studio Ghibli. Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed into an adventure about the importance of personal identity when The Cat King rewards her good deed with a flurry of presents, including a very shocking proposal of marriage to his son. Offers the return of two cats from Whisper, the grumpy Muta and the charismatic Baron. Tim Curry, Cary Elwes, Peter Boyle and Elliott Gould provide voice work for the new English dub.
Features include:* Available subtitles: English* Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 2.1 Surround), Japanese, French* "The Making of THE CAT RETURNS"* Behind the scenes of the English recording session* Complete storyboards* Japanese trailers
