Hayao Miyazaki DVDs Wave 2 Press Release

[Luke]

<center><b>FROM <i>HAYAO MIYAZAKI</i>, THE ACADEMY AWARD® WINNING
FILMMAKER OF “SPIRITED AWAY”

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF
THE WIND
PORCO ROSSO

THREE ANIMATED MASTERPIECES
ON 2-DISC DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME ON AUGUST 31</b>

<u>Brand New, Star Talent English Language Tracks
And Bonus Materials Included On Each DVD Title</u>
</center>

BURBANK, Calif., March 22, 2004 –Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli proudly present three
animated masterpieces from Hayao Miyazaki, the genius filmmaker of “Spirited Away,” the Academy Award®
winner for the Best Animated Feature Film of 2002. <b>MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO</b>, <b>NAUSICAÄ OF THE
VALLEY OF THE WIND</b> and <b>PORCO ROSSO</b> will each be available for the first time on a 2-disc DVD on
August 31. These remarkable films each include a brand-new, stellar English language voice cast and on DVD
also feature the original Japanese language track; complete 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 from acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki, <b>MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO</b>, <b>NAUSICAÄ OF THE
VALLEY OF THE WIND</b> and <b>PORCO ROSSO</b> are each available on 2-disc
DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.) and on VHS for $22.99 (S.R.P).

<b>MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO</b>
Critically acclaimed as one of the most delightful and charming family films ever, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is
a stunning animated treat full of magical adventure for the whole family.
A bright young girl named Satsuki and her 4-year-old sister, Mei, have just moved into their new house in the
countryside. To their delight, they discover that their neighbor is a huge, funny creature called Totoro, who can
only be seen through the eyes of a child. With a bag full of acorns and a heart as big as nature itself, Totoro
becomes more than a play pal just when the girls need him the most. Through an act of kindness, their new friend
helps to unite their family and teaches them the power of trust and imagination.
The English-language version of this wonderful film includes the voice talents of Dakota Fanning (“The Cat In The
Hat”) as Satsuki and Elle Fanning (“Daddy Day Care”) as Mei.

<b>NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND</b>
Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece! In the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien comes the epic masterpiece of Nausicaä, a
compassionate princess warrior in the future. In this action-packed adventure Nausicaä fights to negotiate peace
between kingdoms battling for the last of Earth’s precious natural resources.
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 explorer Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley are engaged in a
constant struggle with strange-looking creatures called Ohmu, who guard a poisonous forest that is spreading across
the earth. Along with her mentor, Lord Yupa, and Asbel, a brave young prince from a neighboring kingdom,
Princess Nausicaä battles 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”) and Patrick Stewart (“X-Men;” “Star Trek:
The Next Generation”).
The first full-length feature that Hayao Miyazaki both wrote and directed, NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF
THE WIND is an exquisitely crafted masterpiece of action, adventure, suspense and stunning animation. It is
based on Miyazaki’s popular comic book series, known as Manga in Japan.

<b>PORCO ROSSO</b>
A stunning tale of freedom, flight and adventure! PORCO ROSSO is the story of Marco “Porco” Rosso, a valiant
World War I flying ace, whose face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell. When Marco’s
aerial heroics exasperate a band of sky pirates, they hire Curtis, a comical rival pilot, to “get rid” of him.
On the ground, the two pilots compete over the affections of a beautiful cabaret singer. But it is in the air, with Fio,
a young and talented airplane engineer/designer, that “Porco” Rosso learns the secrets that keep him one step ahead
of Curtis. With courage, pride, and a ride you’ll never forget, PORCO ROSSO beats the odds.
From its Mediterranean Sea settings to its dazzling aerial dogfights of amazing sweep and grace, PORCO ROSSO is
full of humor, courage and compelling characters. PORCO ROSSO is one of Japan’s highest-grossing films of all
time. 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”).

STREET DATE: AUGUST 31, 2004
Direct Prebook: July 6, 2004
Distributor Prebook: July 20, 2004
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (2-disc DVD), $22.99 (VHS)
Run Times: My Neighbor Totoro: approximately 86 minutes
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind:
approximately 117 minutes
Porco Rosso: approximately 93 minutes
DVD aspect ratios: Each: 1.85:1, formatted for 16x9 screens
VHS aspect ratios: Each: 1.85:1 formatted for 4x3 screens
Sound: My Neighbor Totoro: Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Porco Rosso: Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind: Mono
Original Japanese Language Track: Available on DVD

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.
Although many American viewers are not aware of Hayao Miyazaki’s canon of work, he is one of Japan’s
leading filmmakers and an icon in the field of animation. His popularity continues to grow greater and greater in
the United States.
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.”

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.
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.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO:
© 1988 NIBARIKI • TOKUMA SHOTEN
PORCO ROSSO:
© 1992 NIBARIKI • TNNG
NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND:
© 1984 NIBARIKI • TOKUMA SHOTEN • HAKUHODO

These press materials © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... >Pre-order NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND</a>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... >Pre-order PORCO ROSSO</a>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... >Pre-order MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO</a>

[Paka]

Yay! It is true!! *dances*

Thanks for the info, Luke! I'll be rushing out on the 31st to get these three for sure! (While I simultaneously avoid Simba's Pride like the plague, of course! )

Think I'll go post this on Animated News, if no one else has yet... *wanders off*

EDIT: Nevermind - Ben posted it already. Although he credits it to the Animated Bliss PR...

[Mr. Toad]

Thats wonderful, I never did pick up Castle in the Sky, but Kikis and Spirited Away were both great.

I hear NAUSICAÄ is great

[MickeyMousePal]

I have Spirted Away on DVD but, now I want to get Kiki and Castle in the Sky( I not see it ). Is their a chance for a Special Editions on DVD?

[Luke]

I have Spirted Away on DVD but, now I want to get Kiki and Castle in the Sky( I not see it ). Is their a chance for a Special Editions on DVD?

Both Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky are two-disc sets:

[Disneykid]

This is great news! I'm definitely picking up Totoro as that certainly looks like a film I'll love, and I'll try out Nausicaa and Porco, too. If I end up getting all three, I'll have to get Castle in the Sky, too (which I don't own and am not too interested in owning, but may end up buying for completist's sake). I believe with the release of these three films the entire Miyazaki line will be available on DVD by Disney.

[Jake Lipson]

Cool. Thankfully my birthday is a few days after street date so I hope to get them. I need Castle in the Sky from last wave, as well.

Meantime, I'm going to be reviewing Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service for the site soon.

[castleinthesky]

This is great. I'll have to get Princess Mononoke soon. I just got the Grave of The Fireflies today(Central Park Media). I'm definately gonna get all three.

By the way, Castle in the Sky, in my opinion, is the best Studio Ghibli film.

[MickeyMouseboy]

I love my Neighbor Totoro!

[AwallaceUNC]

I'm still a little confused as to how these movies are classified in terms of Disney... is it fair to say, for example, "Spirited Away is a Disney movie?". I know they weren't involved creatively, only distributed it... but Spirited Away isn't listed anywhere on this site's lists. How come?

-Aaron

[Disneykid]

That's actually a good question. I know Kiki and Castle are both on the site, but not Spirited, which could go in the "Other Animation" section just like the Pixar films which Disney also just distributed.

[2099net]

It's not right to say Disney "just distributed" the Pixar films. Disney also invested half of the production costs.

That said, I think the Miyazaki films are just as worthy of being listed as some of the non-Disney originated Disney Channel movies... or something like Flight of the Navigator for example.

[toonaspie]

What do you folks think of the Disney tactic with Miyazaki's films - being that they must get celebrities to voice the dubbs?

Of course I'm upset that they are redubbing "Totoro" (with Dakota Fanning). But I found out it was due to costs to get the orginal eng dub from fox (I'm surprised that its more expensive to do that than to pay popular celebrities to voice the films!)

Anyway I think after the new dub comes out that it would make a great poll to compare to two eng dub versions. I dont have high expectations for the Disney dub

How about you?

[goofystitch]

I can't wait for these releases. I am a huge Myazaki fan. I am glad that Disney is doing a new dub of "My Neighbor Totoro," because I didn't care for Fox's. Disney really knows how to make good dubs. I have seen many anime films with dubs so bad that I cringe thinking about them. I am a fan of subtitles, but I would rather have a good dub that sticks to the original dialogue very closeley. I own a huge all region Myazaki DVD set with almost all of his movies. I have seen "Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind" and can tell you that it is one of Myazaki's best films. However, the DVD's I own aren't very good and "Porco Roso" is one of 2 films that would appear to have their endings missing. Therefore, I cannot fairly reccomend the film to anybody, but what I saw seemed realy weird and I didn't really understand what was going on. But since so many people like it, I will definatley buy it and find out if it is one of those films where you have to see the ending to like and understand it.

[Luke]

Amazon now has these up for pre-order:
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... ">NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND</a> • <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... rovemz">MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO</a> • <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... emz">PORCO ROSSO</a>

[castleinthesky]

My Neighbor Totoro

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Porco Rosso


Nausicaa definately looks the best. The could of worked on Porco Rosso more.

[Disneykid]

Those red banners are distracting, and the covers are far simpler than the ones for Wave 1 (minus Spirited Away). Oh, well, at least we're getting these on DVD.

[Paka]

I love the Totoro cover! I'd love it even more if that image weren't already the old Japanese cover, but hey - it's varra nice anyway! ^_^

[MickeyMousePal]

Disneykid Wrote

Those red banners are distracting, and the covers are far simpler than the ones for Wave 1 (minus Spirited Away). Oh, well, at least we're getting these on DVD.

Yes, it's very distracting for my too.
Can't they get rid of it?

[toonaspie]

Disneykid Wrote

Those red banners are distracting, and the covers are far simpler than the ones for Wave 1 (minus Spirited Away). Oh, well, at least we're getting these on DVD.

Yes, it's very distracting for my too.
Can't they get rid of it?

I'm starting to think that these arent the official Disney-release covers (or at least I hope not). I like how original the covers for Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky were. Let's hope the new titles do turn out like that.

I'm also surprised that they decided to use the title Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. That's a pretty tongue twisting title even for one being release by Disney!