Pom Poko / My Neighbors The Yamadas - DVDs Press Release

Post by **Luke** » Sat May 07, 2005 8:08 am

<center>From The Creators Of The Academy Award®-Winning Film “Spirited Away”
(2002 Best Animated Feature Film)

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS
POM POKO

AVAILABLE ON DVD FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN NORTH AMERICA ON AUGUST 16, 2005

Animated Treasures Feature The Voice Talents of Jim Belushi, Molly Shannon,
Clancy Brown, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and More</center>

BURBANK, Calif., July 14, 2005 –Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli proudly present MY
NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS and POM POKO, two wonderful animated films from the master storytellers at
Studio Ghibli, creators of the Academy Award®-winning film “Spirited Away” (2002 Best Animated Feature Film)
and “Howl’s Moving Castle.” Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the
premiere animation studio in Japan. Both MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS and POM POKO are available
on DVD for the first time in North America on August 16. Each animated film includes a brand-new, stellar
English language voice cast and features the original Japanese language track. The DVDs also include complete,
original storyboards and the original trailers. MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS also features a “Behind-The-
Microphone” featurette with the English-language voice cast.

Brad Bird, the director of Disney/Pixar’s smash hit “The Incredibles,” praises MY NEIGHBORS THE
YAMADAS as “a wise, and comedically freewheeling look at suburban family life.” Come follow the ups and
downs of everyday life, from the hilarious to the touching, with the quirky Yamada family. This series of comedic
adventures is brilliantly presented in a unique, visually striking comic strip style.

POM POKO is an extraordinary tale of transformation and hope told as the human world begins to encroach upon
the animal world. The Racoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their forest by urban development. They
join together and master the magical art of “transformation” in an attempt to save their homeland, but will they be
successful?

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS (single-disc DVD) and POM POKO (two-disc DVD) screenplays are both
written and directed by Isao Takahata. Each title is available for $29.99 (S.R.P.).

The English-language cast for MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS features the talents of
Jim Belushi (“Snow Dogs,” TV’s “According To Jim”), Molly Shannon (“The
Santa Clause 2”), Tress MacNeille (“The Lion King 1 ½”), Daryl Sabara (“The Polar Express,”
“Spy Kids”), Liliana Mumy (TV’s “Higglytown Heroes”) and David Ogden Stiers (“Spirited Away,”
“Lilo and Stitch”).

The English-language cast for POM POKO features the talents of
Jonathan Taylor Thomas (TV’s “Home Improvement”), Clancy Brown (“The Spongebob
SquarePants Movie”), J.K. Simmons (“Spider-Man,” TV’s “Law and Order”), Tress MacNeille (“The Lion
King 1 ½”), Olivia D’Abo (“Tarzan & Jane”) and Maurice LaMarche (“Kim Possible: So The Drama”).

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS:
MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS is based on the long-running comic strip of the same name by Japan’s bestknown
comic-strip writer and artist Hisaichi Ishii. It is told in a series of episodic vignettes that center around a
middle-aged Japanese businessman, Takashi Yamada, and his family members. Besides Takashi, the “head” of his
household, there is Matsuko, his wife, who is good-natured and has absolutely no interest in or talent for
housework; Noboru, his teenage son, who hates studying, the main feature of his schoolboy life; Nonoko, his eightyear-
old daughter whose large mouth and loud voice are unusual for someone so small; Shige, Matsuko’s seventyyear-
old sharp-tongued mother who lives with them, and the family dog, Pochie.

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS offers a close look, often touching and often humorous, at the kind of
traditional family that may be disappearing in an increasingly modern, increasingly Westernized Japan.

“MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS” Bonus Materials

• Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film
Includes interviews with Jim Belushi, Molly Shannon, Daryl Sabara and Liliana Mumy.

• Complete Storyboards
Get an insider’s look at the film’s artistry – in this bonus feature, the entire film is shown in storyboard
form.

• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS
STREET DATE: AUGUST 16, 2005
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD)
Rated: “PG” For Mild Thematic Elements
Bonus materials not rated nor close-captioned.
Feature running time: Approximately 104 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Language: English audio, Original Japanese audio
English subtitles

POM POKO:
POM POKO is an extraordinary tale of the clash between modern civilization and the natural world. The
Raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their beloved forest by the rapid development of new houses and
shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The
clever Raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are able to appear as humans. In
often hilarious ways, they use their powers to scare off the advancement of civilization into their ancestral
homeland. But will it be enough? Or will the Raccoons learn how to live in balance with all who share their land?

“POM POKO” Bonus Materials

• Complete Storyboards
Get an insider’s look at the film’s artistry – in this bonus feature, the entire film is show in storyboard
form.

• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailers And TV Spots

POM POKO
STREET DATE: AUGUST 16, 2005
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (2-Disc DVD)
Rated: "PG" for Violence, Scary Images and Thematic
Elements
Bonus materials not rated nor close-captioned.
Feature running time: Approximately 119 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 TV screens
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
Language: English audio, Original Japanese audio
English subtitles

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg">
Buy My Neighbors the Yamadas from Amazon.com</a>

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/myneighbo ... html">Read our My Neighbors the Yamadas DVD Review</a>

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... vemz"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0009 ... ZZZZZZ.jpg">
Buy Pom Poko from Amazon.com</a>

<a href="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/pompoko.html">Read our Pom Poko DVD Review</a>

MY NEIGHBORS THE YAMADAS
© 1999 Hisaichi Ishii • Hatake Jimusho • GNHB © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

POM POKO
©1994 Hatake Jimusho • GNH © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is the premiere animation studio in
Japan. Their 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. Cultivating a creative force of many talented
directors, animators and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s
films are praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling. Walt Disney Home
Entertainment is proud to partner with Studio Ghibli to introduce these unique masterpieces to the North
American audience.

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.

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Sat May 07, 2005 8:36 am

Yay I can't hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only need Castle in the Sky, which will come in mail.

DaveWadding · Post by **DaveWadding** » Sat May 07, 2005 9:33 am

*drool*

FINALLY! but there's supposed to be a 3rd one...isn't there?

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sat May 07, 2005 10:00 am

No Only Yesterday.

My Neighbors the Yamadas & Howl are the only Ghibli films I don't have on DVD so I'm still happy.

Mr. Toad · Post by **Mr. Toad** » Sat May 07, 2005 11:12 am

MickeyMousePal wrote:Yay I can't hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only need Castle in the Sky, which will come in mail.

If you did the buy three get one free it should be there shortly, I got mine last week.

Luke - its Jonathan Taylor Thomas. You and Aaron must be happy.

I imagine there will be a third one. Would it be too early to release Howl's Moving Castle on DVD?

Also, I thought Totoro would be in this wave given it was not in Wave 2. But any Myazaki is good news.

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sat May 07, 2005 12:17 pm

Mr. Toad wrote:I imagine there will be a third one. Would it be too early to release Howl's Moving Castle on DVD?

Considering the fact that the Japanese DVD doesn’t even have a release date yet I’ll say yes.

Mr. Toad · Post by **Mr. Toad** » Sat May 07, 2005 12:47 pm

Well I will settle for two in August and three before Christmas with Howl included then.

castleinthesky · Post by **castleinthesky** » Sat May 07, 2005 1:31 pm

Well there should be three in each set, with Only Yesterday, Pom Poko, the Yamadas, Whisper of the Heart, How's Moving Castle, and Totoro left, makes six. Unless Disney is planning to gain rights to Ocean Waves and have 2 sets of two movies, and one set of three.

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Sat May 07, 2005 1:42 pm

Mr.Toad Wrote:

If you did the buy three get one free it should be there shortly, I got mine last week.

Well I'm still waiting for it to come in the mail.

Kenai · Post by **Kenai** » Sat May 07, 2005 2:09 pm

Man, why the Yamadas? I haven't seen this but it looks kind of dumb. I'm not digging the sketchy looks of the characters.

I would've prefered Totoro in place of this.

I'm still hoping Howl's comes on DVD soon after it's run in US theaters. I wanna own this, looks great!

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sat May 07, 2005 2:59 pm

Kenai wrote:Man, why the Yamadas? I haven't seen this but it looks kind of dumb. I'm not digging the sketchy looks of the characters.

Yamadas is based on a newspaper comic strip that is why it has sketchy characters & water color type coloring. I gotta give Takahata credit for trying to do something original and not use typical anime character designs. I have a VHS of the Yamadas if you like newspaper comic strips you will also like this film.

It looks like they are releasing them 6 months apart. We will probably get another wave of Ghibli films in February with Howl.

svenge · Post by **svenge** » Sun May 08, 2005 1:10 am

My response to this wave is "meh" at best. This will be the first wave of Ghibli films that I have absolutely no desire to get. My question is why would Disney lump together their least marketable films all at once while some artistically/commercially superior Ghibli films are available (esp. Totoro)?

PublicEnemy#1 · Post by **PublicEnemy#1** » Sun May 08, 2005 1:15 am

I want my Totoro set now, and I still haven't picked up Princess Mononoke.

I haven't seen either of these films so I'll rent them I guess...

boss · Post by **boss** » Sun May 08, 2005 2:36 am

EXCELLENT!!!, we are really looking forward to see what POM POKO is like, sounds/looks like it's going to have some good laughs in it.

I hope/wonder that there is still one more ghibli movie Disney will anounce to make it 3 for august.

AZL42 · Post by **AZL42** » Sun May 08, 2005 6:08 am

Pom Poko is fun, but it is very very immersed in Japanese cultural and legends. The Japanese also have a different idea of what's appropriate. While it is not sexual at all, testicles that give the creatures magical powers are mentioned.

As per http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/pompoko/faq.html

"The other characteristic of Tanukis is that their testicles are believed to be quite large (as big as eight Tatamis). This is supposed to bring good fortune (since they are called "Golden Balls"). If you go to Japan, you can see many ceramic Tanuki statuettes standing in front of shops, each with his big testicles and a Sake bottle in his hand. The Tanuki's big testicles are not a sexual symbol, and the Japanese are more tolerant of low humor than Americans. "

They may change the dialog to make it acceptable in the states, but prescreen it before showing it to your kids if you are sensitive about this type of stuff.

I haven't seen the Yamadas but I've heard great things.

I really hope Only Yesterday comes out soon, its one of my favorite movies.

boss · Post by **boss** » Sun May 08, 2005 7:59 pm

Hi AZL42 LOL

, thats what I heard and am looking forward too!!!. I can't see this movie being any more "PG" than Disneys national treasure.

To me the silly thing is my kids watch animal Planet and other tv shows all the time in which they see much more questionable material.

It is a diffrent world today but/and IMO I think the USA is a bit behind (head in the sand) on whats going on in the world... todays kids are not stupid. I really don't know if todays kids need to be insulated from cartoon testicals, btw I think "Sleeping Beauty" looks like she's had breast implants, I wonder if that is sending the wrong message to young girls.

BIG! animmated TESTICLES! or not ... I can NOT see this being worse than womens breasts on prime time tv, like... super bowl...lol

My kids grill me more about mixed message tv adds. In todays world imo it's just Silly for Disney to be worryed about little cartoon testicals more than real guns/gun play in there movies like national treasure.

Any way... bring on the nads lol... my kids have already seen the real ones on animal planet lol.

btw, those of you with kids, how would you explain to your young kids when they see two Rinos or elephants in love on tv with one extra leg???lol

Little Red Henski · Post by **Little Red Henski** » Sun May 08, 2005 8:34 pm

Hey, Boss are you going to let your kids watch Only Yesterday or Ocean Waves when they get released? I'm asking because both films bring up the subject of female periods.

boss · Post by **boss** » Sun May 08, 2005 8:42 pm

LOL!, thats an excellent point!, my twins are 12+ now and are starting to go through this.

I am very happy you told me this about Only Yesterday & Ocean Waves, I will buy these films for my twins, the sooner these films come out the better because I have no idea how to talk to them about it. I hope the wife knows lol.

crystaldragon · Post by **crystaldragon** » Sun May 08, 2005 10:17 pm

I will buy Pom Poko (It sounds really fun)
but the other one I think that I will rent first to see if
I like it.

jafar · Post by **jafar** » Mon May 09, 2005 3:13 am

i'm in for another shock with this announcement. what the hell are they doing with "totoro"?

DVDizzy Forum

Latest Movie Reviews

🎬 DVDizzy Top Stories️️

Pom Poko / My Neighbors The Yamadas - DVDs Press Release

Pom Poko / My Neighbors The Yamadas - DVDs Press Release