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Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away’ and ‘The Cat Returns’ Arrive on Blu-ray June 16

Two beloved films from Studio Ghibli -- Oscar-winning masterpiece ‘Spirited Away’ and the enchanting fantasy-adventure ‘The Cat Returns’ -- to be made available for the first time on Blu-ray.

Disney is releasing two beloved films from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli -- Oscar-winning masterpiece Spirited Away and the enchanting fantasy-adventure The Cat Returns will both be available for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack on June 16.

From Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animated cinema, comes Spirited Away, 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.

The English-language voice cast includes 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”) and Bob Bergen (Aogaeru).

Written and directed by Miyazaki, the English-language version is produced by Donald W. Ernst and John Lasseter. Bonus content includes an introduction by John Lasseter, as well as “The Art of Spirited Away” and “Behind the Microphone” featurettes and original Japanese storyboards, Nippon Television Special, original Japanese trailers and TV spots.

Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, the visually stunning The Cat Returns features Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine who saves the life of an unusual cat and suddenly finds her world transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. 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 English-language voice cast includes Anne Hathaway (Haru), Cary Elwes (The Baron), Peter Boyle (Muta), Elliott Gould (Toto), Andy Richter (Natoru), Rene Auberjonois (Natori), Tim Curry (Cat King), Judy Greer (Yuki), Andrew Bevis (Prince Lune), Kristen Bell (Hiromi), Kristine Sutherland (Haru’s Mother) and Katia Coe (Little Haru).

Bonus features include the original Japanese storyboards, original Japanese trailers, TV spots, and two features: “The Making of ‘The Cat Returns’” and “Behind the Microphone.”

Source: The Walt Disney Studios

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.