Blu-ray Review: ‘The Secret World of Arrietty,’ ‘Castle in the Sky,’ ‘Whisper of the Heart’

Submitted by BrianTT on May 21, 2012 - 11:29am

CHICAGO – Disney has cleverly timed this week’s release of Studio Ghibli’s “The Secret World of Arrietty” with the Blu-ray debut two other Ghibli films from one of the most influential studios in the history of film — “Whisper of the Heart” and “Castle in the Sky.” All three films are worth a look (as is EVERYTHING ever made by Studio Ghibli) but “Castle” is my personal favorite of the three. Just check ‘em all out (and stay tuned for more exciting news about an upcoming Chicago Film Critics Association event featuring HollywoodChicago.com about Studio Ghibli).

While the Ghibli films never make much of a dent at the U.S. box office, they are absolute juggernauts overseas. “The Secret World of Arrietty” has made $145 million worldwide. Like most Ghibli films, it’s beloved everywhere but the U.S.(where it couldn’t break $20 million). However, the people in the States who do know and love Ghibli have a passion for it that’s nealry cult-like. I have thousands of movies in my collection but I can’t wait for the day when I can introduce my sons to this fascinating, magical world.

And “Arrietty” truly is one of the sweetest films yet produced under the Ghibli banner. A fairy tale about miniature people who live under the floor of a sick boy, it’s a simple tale with the kind of gentle, heartwarming filmmaking that has become too rare in the era of 3D.

Personally, I almost always tend to favor the Ghibli films that are actually directed by Miyazaki and the only one in this Blu-ray trio made by the legend himself is “Castle in the Sky” (he wrote the other two). But don’t worry about picking favorites. Just get all three.

The Secret World of Arrietty will be released on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on May 22, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

“The Secret World of Arrietty”

Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Discover The Secret World Of Arrietty where imagination comes to life! The studio that brought you Ponyo and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away (2002, Best Animated Feature) once again delivers a heartwarming tale of friendship and courage in beautiful animation - brilliantly presented through the magic of Blu-ray!

In a secret world hidden beneath the floorboards, little people called Borrowers live quietly among us. But when tenacious and tiny Arrietty is discovered by Shawn, a human boy, their secret and forbidden friendship blossoms into an extraordinary adventure.

Featuring the voices of Disney Channel’s Bridgit Mendler and David Henrie and comedic all-stars Will Arnett, Amy Poehler and Carol Burnett, and based on the award-winning novel The Borrowers — The Secret World Of Arrietty will delight families of all sizes!

Special Features:
o Original Japanese Storyboards
o “Arrietty’s Song” Cecile Corbel Music Video
o Original Japanese Trailers & TV Spots
o “Summertime” Bridgit Mendler Music Video
o The Making Of “Summertime”

Castle in the Sky will be released on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on May 22, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

“Castle in the Sky”

Blu-ray Rating: 4.5/5.0

Synopsis:
Castle In The Sky’s timeless story of courage and friendship is now more thrilling than ever with the magic of Blu-ray! The pristine hand-drawn animation from acclaimed Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away) and a new digital master — featuring the original Japanese score — make this epic adventure soar like never before!

Pazu, an engineer’s apprentice, finds a young girl, Sheeta, floating down from the sky, and discovers they are both searching for a legendary floating castle, Laputa. Together, they embark on a daring quest and encounter greedy pirates, secret agents and astounding obstacles that keep them from the truth — and from each other.

For the first time ever on Blu-ray, Castle In The Sky is a must-own for families!

Special Features:
o Introduction By John Lasseter
o Original Japanese Storyboards
o Behind The Studio - Explore The Movie’s Fantastic World
o The World Of Laputa
o Creating Castle In The Sky
o Producer’s Perspective: Meeting Miyazaki
o Scoring Miyazaki
o Original Japanese Trailers
o Behind The Microphone
o Introduction By John Lasseter on DVD

Whisper of the Heart will be released on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack on May 22, 2012
Photo credit: Disney

“Whisper of the Heart”

Blu-ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

Synopsis:
Whisper Of The Heart inspires like never before in Blu-ray! A new digital master reveals the true brilliance of this heartwarming coming-of-age classic from Studio Ghibli, the studio that brought you Ponyo and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away (Best Animated Feature Film, 2002).

A chance encounter with a mysterious cat sends Shizuku, a quiet schoolgirl, on a quest for her true talent. Challenged by Seiji, a boy determined to follow his dreams, and enchanted by The Baron, a magical cat figurine who helps her listen to the whispers of her heart, Shizuku embarks on curious adventures beyond the boundaries of her imagination.

Now in Blu-ray High Definition for the first time ever, this beautiful tale based on the screenplay from legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki will delight and amaze families!

Special Features:
o Four Masterpieces Of Naohisa Inoue - Watch Four Different Scenes By Master Artist Naohisa Inoue Evolve Before Your Eyes
o Original Japanese Storyboards
o Behind The Microphone - With Voice Talent From the Film, Including Brittany Snow, Courtney Thorne-Smith, David Gallagher and Cary Elwes
o Trailers and TV Spots
o Behind The Microphone

“The Secret World of Arrietty,” “Castle in the Sky,” and “Whisper of the Heart” will all be available in Blu-ray/DVD combo packs on May 22, 2012.