Studio Ghibli

Entertainment Round Up: Star Wars, Tomorrowland, Inside Out, Jurassic World and More

17 April 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This is shaping up to be a very good year for movies. Whether you’re into outer space, inside your head, the promise of the future, or some creatures from the past, you will find something to love in the coming months. I thought I’d put all of the exciting news and trailers and photos into one giant reference post, so you can get all your movie madness in one spot.

You’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard about Star Wars The Force Awakens, the seventh installment of the Star Wars saga, and the new teaser trailer that was released at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim this week. The new trailer is in a word, amazing. In a few more words: it’ll give any Star Wars fan goosebumps. Watch below (because really, there can’t be too much of this good thing!):

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS will be in theaters December 18, 2015!

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Available now, Twitter users will have even more ways to express their excitement and celebrate their favorite pop-culture phenomenon with exclusive new Twitter #StarWarsEmojis. Twitter users who post hashtags representing key words associated with specific Star Wars character and legacy themes will see a small emoji-like icon embedded in their tweets. Tweet the following character hashtags to unlock the first three

#StarWarsEmojis : #C3PO #Stormtrooper #BB8

Follow @StarWars on Twitter to get news & updates for #TheForceAwakens!

While we’re on the topic of the future, the new Brad Bird film, Tomorrowland, starring George Clooney, opens in theatres May 22. There is currently an extended preview on both coasts. Disneyland’s Tomorrowland and Epcot’s Imagination pavilion are both sharing a longer trailer with some concept art and props from the film. I cannot wait for this to hit the big screen. Until then, here’s a featurette to enjoy:

In the animated realm, Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out” will be making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2015 as the Festival’s official selection before opening in theatres on June 19th. The trailers look great, and as a mother of three (two teenagers and a six year-old), I can definitely relate to the wide range of emotions going on up there in the ol’ noggin.

Based in Headquarters, the control center inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned—both physically and socially. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else.

When Riley’s family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, eager to help guide her through the difficult transition. But when Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind—taking some of her core memories with them—Fear, Anger and Disgust are left reluctantly in charge. Joy and Sadness must venture through unfamiliar places—Long Term Memory, Imagination Land, Abstract Thought and Dream Productions—in a desperate effort to get back to Headquarters, and Riley.

Directed by Academy Award® winner Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”, “Up”), produced by Jonas Rivera, p.g.a. (“Up”), co-directed by Ronnie Del Carmen (“Up”) and featuring an original score by Michael Giacchino (“The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up”).

Hashtags: #InsideOut

Official “Inside Out” Website: http://movies.disney.com/inside-out

Dedicated “Inside Out” Social:

Venturing to another world altogether – Jurassic World revealed a new poster today, featuring Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing face to face with the Indominus Rex. One word comes to mind here too: YIKES! The new worldwide trailer will debut next Monday and the movie opens June 12, 2015.

If you can’t wait to run to the theatre and see these blockbusters, there are some fun titles out on Blu-ray and DVD to tide you over. Academy Award-winning Into the Woods features a whole new song from Stephen Sondheim, as well as all the favorites that made fans fall in love. Here’s a recent tribute to Stephen Sondheim to celebrate the Blu-ray release:

In the Pixie Hollow realm, Tinkerbell and the Never Beast is the latest tale from the fairy friends, this time focusing on an ancient myth of a fabled creature, who sparks the curiosity of Tinker Bell and her good friend Fawn, an animal fairy who’s not afraid to break the rules to help an animal in need. But this creature – massive and wondrous with glowing green eyes – is not welcome in Pixie Hollow – and the scout fairies are determined to capture the mysterious beast, who they fear will destroy their home. Fawn, who sees a tender heart beneath his gruff exterior, must convince Tink and her fairy friends to risk everything to rescue the NeverBeast.But be warned, this is a definite tear-jerker and not for the faint of heart. Here’s a look at the concept art from the film:

Lastly, a DVD and Blu-ray announcement from my favorite Japanese animation house – Studio Ghibli. I love that these classic films are being released on Blu-ray,which makes their beautiful animation even more crisp and clear.

Oscar – Winning Masterpiece Spirited Away and the enchanting fantasy adventure The Cat Returns, will be available for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack June 16th!

Spirited Away is a wondrous fantasy about a young girl, Chihiro, trapped in a strange new world of spirits. While The Cat Returns is about a schoolgirl, Haru (voiced by Anne Hathaway), bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she ever imagined. Both are magical animated adventures that will delight and inspire the whole family!

Spirited Away is one of my all-time favorites and apart from My Neighbor Totoro, was my introduction to Hiyao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The music by Joe Hisaishi, the story and the detailed animation is a work of art. I can’t wait to add these Blu-rays to my collection.

That ought to keep us all entertained all summer long and into the holidays! Which title are you most looking forward to seeing?

February DVD and Blu-Ray Releases from Disney

13 February 2015 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

This has been a busy few weeks for Disney DVD and Blu-ray releases, and I think you’ll find there’s something for everyone in the list below. First, a trio of Studio Ghibli films are now available in beautiful HD picture and sound. Pom Poko, Porco Rosso, and Tales from Earthsea are all available as of 2/3/15 to add to your collection.

On the live-action front, Alexander and theTerrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is available as of 2/10 to help out on those really bad days when it feels like everything that can go wrong has and will. There’s also a sweepstakes related to this film, so keep reading to learn more.

Lastly, everyone’s favorite personal home healthcare companion, Baymax and the entire Big Hero 6 gang are soaring to dvd on 2/24. They’ve included some fun bonus features, including the short film Feast, featuring the adorable and heartwarming Winston the dog. Scroll down to learn more about these new and upcoming releases and add them to your Disney film library today!

Disney Presents Studio Ghibli Films: POM POKO, PORCO ROSSO, and TALES FROM EARTHSEA

It’s no secret that I am a huge Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki fan. The stories these films tell and the beautiful animation are works of art which almost always have a lesson to learn about ourselves, or the world we live in. The best part is that as Disney releases more and more Studio Ghibli films in HD quality Blu-ray and DVDs, we can experience these works of art again and again. Now two of the original Studio Ghibli films have been released in HD, as well as the recent Tales from Earthsea. Read on below for synopses if you haven’t already seen these films, as well as what bonus features are included:

Synopsis:

POM POKO

Studio Ghibli presents a film about the clash between modern civilization and the natural world from acclaimed director Isao Takahata. The raccoons of the Tama Hills are being forced from their homes by the rapid development of houses and shopping malls. As it becomes harder to find food and shelter, they decide to band together and fight back. The raccoons practice and perfect the ancient art of transformation until they are even able to appear as humans. In often hilarious ways, the raccoons use their powers to try to scare off the advance of civilization. But will it be enough? Or will the raccoons learn how to live in balance with the modern world? Celebrate the magic of the forest and the beauty of the creatures who live among us in “Pom Poko”—now on Disney Blu-ray for the first time ever.

PORCO ROSSO

Take flight with “Porco Rosso,” a valiant World War I flying ace! From tropical Adriatic settings to dazzling aerial maneuvers, this action-adventure from world-renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki is full of humor, courage and chivalry. When “Porco”—whose face has been trans- formed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell—infuriates a band of sky pirates with his aerial heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a rival pilot, to get rid of him. On the ground, the two pilots compete for the affections of the beautiful Gina. But it’s in the air where the true battles are waged. Will our hero be victorious? For the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray, “Porco Rosso” is a thrilling ride you’ll never forget!

TALES FROM EARTHSEA

An epic animated adventure directed by Goro Miyazaki, “Tales From Earthsea” features the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin and Mariska Hargitay. Based on the classic “Earthsea” fantasy book series by Ursula K. Le Guin, “Tales From Earthsea” is set in a mythical world filled with magic and bewitchment. In the land of Earthsea, crops are dwindling, dragons have reappeared and humanity is giving way to chaos. Journey with Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a master wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, on a tale of redemption and self-discovery as they search for the force behind the mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy their world. Featuring a timeless story and magnificent hand-drawn animation, “Tales From Earthsea” is now available for the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray.

Bonus Features: POM POKO – Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailers

PORCO ROSSO – Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailer, Interview with Toshio Suzuki, Behind the Microphone

TALES FROM EARTHSEA – Original Japanese Storyboards, Original Japanese Trailers & TV Spots, the Birth of the Film Soundtrack, Origins of Earthsea

Also out this month is the live-action interpretation of the beloved children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. As a mom of 3, I know we all sometimes have these kind of days, and it’s always interesting when you realize that perhaps you aren’t alone in your “very bad day” (and I know it’s always great when our kids figure this out too!). Alexander… is available now on Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD and is the inaugural recipient of the Common Sense Seal. Find out more including a family photo sweepstakes:

Synopsis: Disney’s heartwarming comedy will have your entire family laughing out loud. Based on the best-selling book, it follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life and wonders if bad things only happen to him. But he discovers he’s not alone when his dad (Steve Carell), mom (Jennifer Garner) and family live through their own terrible – and hilarious – day. It will tickle everyone’s funny bone, and warm their hearts as they discover how even on rotten days, families can grow closer.

Bonus Features:
(Digital HD*, Disney Movies Anywhere, Blu-ray)
Alexander…In Real Life
Snappy Crocs & Punch Roos: The Australian Outback Party
Walkabout: A Video Diary
And The Delightful, Magnificent, Very Good Bloopers
“Hurricane” by the Vamps – Music Video

DVD Snappy Crocs & Punch Roos: The Australian Outback Party
“Hurricane” by the Vamps – Music Video

Alexander Funny Family Photos Sweepstakes

Show us your funny family photos! Now you can share those silly, awkward, funny photos that capture the moments that make you laugh out loud! Enter today through March 4, 2015 for the chance to win a four-day, three-night relaxing vacation for four to the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. The package includes hotel, roundtrip airfare and airport/hotel transfer. Please note, the vacation must be taken from May 21-25, 2015.

Check out the contest Do’s and Don’ts before entering on Disney.com or through the Disney Applause app (available for iOS and Android).

Grand Prize includes:

4-day/3-night stay for 4 at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai’i
Roundtrip airfare
Airport/hotel transfers
Must travel before 9/15/15

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to persons of all ages, who are, as of entry, legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 United States or D.C. Minors must get parent’s permission to enter. Sweepstakes begins on 2/11/15 at 12:00:00 (noon) PM (PT) and ends on 3/4/15 at 11:59:59 PM (PT). Limit one (1) submission per person per day. Many Will Enter. One Will Win. Winner will be selected at random. Click here for Official Rules for full eligibility and submission details.

Last but not least (Baymax is a pretty big and huggable guy after all), Big Hero 6 is out on 2/24 in Digital HD/3D/SD, Blu-ray Combo Pack/DVD and Disney Movies Anywhere. My whole family loved Big Hero 6 and we are so excited to add this to our Disney movie collection. It was such a great combination of Marvel comic book action and Disney heart. The bonus features with gag animations and easter egg clip were really fun to watch too. Not to mention (well, I guess I am) the aww-inducing Feast short film. This is definitely a must-add for your movie collection. Here are all the details:

BONUS: Digital HD/3D/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

FEAST Theatrical Short
The Origin Story of “Big Hero 6”: Hiro’s Journey (hosted by Jamie Chung, voice of Go Go Tomago) – Join the team behind the team that brought Big Hero 6 to the big screen as they travel on research trips to Tokyo and San Francisco and go behind the scenes of this epic film. Explore everything comic-book about Big Hero 6, from director Don Hall’s passion for comics to the story’s roots in a lesser known Marvel property. We’ll talk to Marvel’s Joe Quesada and Jeph Loeb, who were consultants on the film, to learn what makes a good comic-book story, and how these devices were used to help create Disney’s “Big Hero 6.”
Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters – Join the six lead animators of Big Hero 6 as they talk about each of the characters and how they came to be the heroes they are now.
Deleted Scenes (intro by Directors Don Hall & Chris Williams) – Includes two alternate openings and more.
Big Hero Secrets (Easter Egg) – The movie is filled with Easter Eggs, and this Buzzfeed-type list piece will give you a sampling of some of the hidden treasures in the film. See if you can find this Easter Egg about Easter Eggs! (BLU-RAY ONLY)
Gag Animations (intro by Directors Don Hall & Chris Williams) – For fun, animators made alternate versions of scenes they were working on and threw them into the mix at review sessions. The directors will present some of these gags for the first time to the public in this piece. (DMA ONLY)
Beatmax – Check out some of Baymax’s greatest lines auto-tuned like you’ve never heard before. (DMA ONLY)

DVD:

FEAST Theatrical Short
Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind the Characters
“Big Hero 6” Theatrical Teaser

Click below to bring home these titles today! (affiliate links)

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Disclaimer: I was provided with these films for the purposes of review, my opinions are my own. Thanks for reading!

Edited to add: Just announced: Into the Woods will be released on March 24, 2015! Lots of great bonus features will be seen when this comes out! I can’t wait!

Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

Never-Before-Seen Sondheim Original Song: “She’ll Be Back”

Meryl Streep performs a compelling new song that sheds a little more light on the Witch’s relationship with Rapunzel. This never-before- seen composition was penned especially for this movie by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, and is seen here exclusively on Blu-ray and EHV. With introduction by Director Rob Marshall.

There’s Something About The Woods

Journey into this mysterious forest to discover how this compelling, new musical was made. Meet Director Rob Marshall and his award-winning team of artists and craftspeople, see how the woods were brought to life…and what they represent to the story…and to all of us.

The Cast As Good As Gold

Emily Blunt. Anna Kendrick. Chris Pine. James Corden. Johnny Depp. Meryl Streep. Meet the remarkable cast of this musical movie, and hear of their affinity for this Broadway classic.

Deeper Into The Woods

Journey even further into the development of the film in these 4 segments

o From Stage To Screen

o Magic of the Woods

o Designing the Woods

o The Costumes of the Woods

Filmmaker Commentary

Film commentary with Director Rob Marshall and Producer John DeLuca.

Music & Lyrics

Get direct access to the musical song segments from the film, with optional sing-along lyrics.

5 Golden Eggs (Easter Eggs)

Enjoy the Little Things With The Secret World of Arrietty

16 February 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

For those unfamiliar with The Secret World of Arrietty, which opens February 17, 2012, here is the official synopsis:

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all. From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”

Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom.

I was lucky enough to be able to see a preview screening of Arrietty last weekend. I should preface my review with the fact that I am a huge fan of Studio Ghibli in general and Hayao Miyazaki in particular. Arrietty has been out in Japan as The Borrower Arrietty for quite some time and now the American English dubbed version is coming to theatres. I was quite pleased with the voice acting from Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and David Henrie, and thought they seemed to fit their characters perfectly. As usual, however, the real star of the film is the animation and with it, the story.

Compared to the Miyazaki films of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo, the animation in Arrietty is not as breathtaking visually, but it is no less amazing, if you watch for the details. Some little things that made me smile; when Arrietty’s mom pours their tea into dollhouse-sized cups, she is not just pouring liquid like we are used to doing – the tea looks like a tiny drop of dew – because after all, that’s how small their tea cups would be. When it began to rain, the drops on one of the stones outside look exactly like they do in reality – not tiny drops all uniform in size, but some larger than others, and all spreading out as the water soaks in to the stone. In addition, whenever you are seeing things from Arrietty’s point of view, the sounds around her are all amplified, since, to miniature eardrums, that’s how they would be heard. Brilliant little details that draw you into the secret world and truly make you feel a part of it.

Arrietty and kitty — Sometimes a perceived enemy can be an ally.

The story itself is one of family, friendship, trust, and hope. Arrietty learns that friendship can transcend differences while Shawn learns that it’s never too late to have hope. And all the characters learn that sometimes the risk of trust is worth it in the end. It was a truly beautiful story wrapped inside layers of Japanese landscapes. There is just enough comic relief to keep the little ones, who may not be as entranced by the details, entertained and laughing.

The Secret World of Arrietty opens in theatres on February 17, be sure to bring the whole family to experience the world of the borrowers.

Ponyo, Another Masterpiece from Studio Ghibli & Hiyao Miyazaki

15 August 2009 by Suzannah Otis 6 Comments

Ponyo, which means something soft and jiggly, is the latest work of art released by Studio Ghiblil, directed again by Mr. Miyazaki. Sosuke, the little boy in the movie, gives Ponyo her name when he finds her as a goldfish stuck in a glass jar in the ocean. He decides to keep her and care for her, and she decides she’d really like to become a human girl rather than stay a fish. We had been watching the promos and news about Ponyo for years now as it was worked on and released in Japan, anxiously awaiting its arrival here in the States. After just seeing it now on opening night, I can say without hesitation that it was worth the wait. My daughter’s review: “I loved it! Best movie ever!!” It passed my son’s stringent standards for entertainment as well. The animation was a bit different from previous Studio Ghibli films; much more of a watercolor film – fitting with the water theme. Mr. Miyazaki has always been a steward of nature and environmental themes – before they were trendy – and Ponyo was no exception. When you see the power of the ocean overtaking the human world, that is when you become amazed with the mastery of animation being presented. Breathtaking.

Something I was much more aware of in this film was the Japanese cultural differences. I’m not sure if it was because of the amount of mainstream/Disney Channel promotion done or if I’ve just become so conditioned by what’s “P.C.” and what’s outside the “norm”. For example, the mother in the film (voiced wonderfully by Tina Fey) is portrayed as a pretty crazy driver – speeding, careening around sharp curves and risking her and her son’s lives by trying to outrun a huge ocean swell. At another point, she leaves her son alone in the house while she goes to look after the seniors where she works, because of the flooding and power outages everywhere. In a different scene, Ponyo and the boy Sosuke come across a young family with a baby. Ponyo offers the baby soup, but the mother takes it and drinks it. Ponyo says it’s for the baby, and the mother explains that the baby only drinks milk, but if she drinks the soup the she will make milk for the baby and he can get it that way. Pro-breastfeeding in an animated film?! That is unheard of in Hollywood. I was left thinking in all these instances, “this would never appear in a U.S. animated film.” And isn’t that sad?

That’s one of the reasons Studio Ghibli’s films have been such a welcome part of our home library. They prove by their very nature and success that there does not need to be a princess or damsel in distress, a villain or evil queen, and a clear-cut happy ending for it to be a wonderful family film, full of life lessons. Another breath of fresh air is how well-mannered, polite and respectful the children always are in these films. Of course this is a product of the Japanese culture too, but definitely something I wish would rub off on Hollywood’s productions. It seems to be not only common-place, but expected for kids movies today to contain a never-ending stream of “shut-up’s” “you idiot!’s” and other much worse slang forms of disrespect, where the parents are all ‘stupid’ and the it’s the kids goal to show them that. It’s easy to love a Studio Ghibli film, as a parent. Hayao Miyazaki has ensured that these details and storylines will stay in his films as they are released in America, after being disappointed by the severe cuts made to the American release of Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind. When Merchant Ivory wanted to make those same cuts to Princess Mononoke to “appeal to American audiences” Studio Ghibli sent over a katana sword with the simple words: “No Cuts”. The “no cuts” policy stands today.

I will admit I was kind of late to the Studio Ghibli party. A friend had talked about Totoro in the mid-1990’s (even though it was released in 1988) but I’d never gotten around to actually seeing the film or any of the others from Mr. Miyazaki. We eventually saw Kiki’s Delivery Service, but still didn’t make the connection to look into more of Mr. Miyazaki’s films. Finally, when Spirited Away arrived in theatres in the U.S. my husband and I went to see it. We were both amazed. We didn’t bring our children, who were 2 and 3 at the time, because we just didn’t know what to expect or if they would be frightened by anything. I was just so in awe of the detailed animation and the story itself just drew you in like nothing I’d ever seen. We were officially hooked.

We then looked into collecting and viewing more of Mr. Miyazaki’s works. At that time, there really wasn’t too much available on dvd, since Spirited Away had not yet won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, and another 35 awards and 19 nominations, which would bring Studio Ghibli and Mr. Miyazaki’s work a little more into the spotlight. What we did find was a Japanese dvd collection from China on ebay containing all the Studio Ghibli productions to date, with English and Chinese subtitles. That is how we introduced our children to the wonders of My Neighbor Totoro.

They were right at the perfect age for that movie; aimed at smaller children with its sweet tale of two sisters moving out to the country with their father, while their mother is sick in a hospital. While out exploring the sisters meet Totoro, the king of the forest according to their father and adventures soon commence with Totoro, smaller totoros and the Cat Bus. It is a heartwarming story that wavers on the edge of that ‘it was only a dream! it wasn’t a dream!’ world that can only exist in the mind of a child. Watching the Japanese version let my children hear the correct pronunciation of Totoro-more like Tote-duh-doe vs. Toe-tor-oh, Satsuki, the older sister’s name as Saht-ski rather than converting it to Sat-SU-kee in the English version, as well as learn the Japanese word for acorn – donguri, which they still use today when we come across acorns. You don’t know how adorable a little 3 and 4 year old are dancing around saying Toteduhdo and donguri as they play Totoro throughout the house.

As we ventured further into Studio Ghibli collection we were able to discuss Japanese culture a bit as well as animation styles, something my husband has always been very passionate about. When he was a cast member at the former Disney MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) he would take his breaks on the steps of the animation building with his sketch pad in hand, working on his designs. An animator from Special Effects befriended him and told him he had promise, giving him some sample ‘tween’ work to practice with and encouraging him to submit his portfolio for the next hiring of 24 Disney Special Effects Animators. He did, but the number of open positions was then dropped to 10. His portfolio was one of 12 submitted to California but he did not make that final cut. All for the best since he later went into computer networking and programming and went on to author 7 technical books. Anyway, our son, idolizing his father, was very interested in everything his father had to say and the movies served as wonderful bonding time for all of us.

We moved through Castle in the Sky which is one of my favorites animation-wise, and eventually to Princess Mononoke as they got a bit older, which had darker themes and a bit more gore. When Howl’s Moving Castle came out, they were already true fans. Personally, Howl ties with Spirited Away as my favorites, though I still have a major soft spot for Totoro as well. It’s really hard to pick just one favorite because the stories and scenes are just so beautiful.

In any event, Ponyo did not disappoint, and I think for the most part it will appeal to children of all ages and it was a beautiful piece of animation. Of course now that John Lasseter and Disney are involved in the Studio Ghibli releases in America , they have acquired some big name voice actors for the American dub, which in turn means big promotion on The Disney Channel and other outlets across the country. This will no doubt be the most commercial success for Studio Ghibli in the U.S. thus far – thanks to Noah Cyrus and Frankie Jonas. I hope that level of star power creates a whole new generation that discovers the previous amazing works of Hayao Miyazaki, and even inspires some future animators out there, not afraid to break the mold of traditional American animation.