Today is a very good day for fans of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. At long last, the magnificent masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro, and the marvelous Howl’s Moving Castle, are available on Blu-ray! And as part of the celebration, GeekMom has a fantastic giveaway pack for 2 lucky readers!
But first, let’s discuss Totoro. Released in 1988, this edition marks the 25th anniversary of the film. Let’s all pause for a second while I cry violently over my keyboard, hitch sobbing, “Where did the time go?”
If you’ve been a fan of the film from the start, then you probably remember the first English dub – where, sadly, the main character Satsuki was unfortunately and cringingly pronounced “sat-SOO-ki.” (Proper pronunciation is “SOT-ski.”) The film was re-dubbed in 2005 by Disney, with real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning playing the lead characters Satsuki and Mei. Around these parts, we prefer this re-recording. I was so glad when the film was re-dubbed, but that’s just me. I know many families with children who grew up watching that original run-and-gun dub session, and are absolutely devoted to it.
For me, well… I used to be the writer for a show called Ninja Warrior, otherwise known as Sasuke. So I’m a little touchy about Japanese pronunciation. It makes me crazy when people say “sah-SOO-kay” instead of “SAH-skay.” This anniversary edition of Totoro contains the 2005 re-dub.
Whenever other parents ask me what movies I recommend for a child’s first feature film experience- Totoro tops my list. Totoro was Vivienne’s first film in a movie theater, and last year I spoke with today.com about the importance of Ghibli in my home life. I’m always surprised to discover that despite knowing the Academy Award winner Spirited Away, many people still have no experience with the many other Studio Ghibli films, much less the wonderful, magical Totoro. It’s always a pleasure to introduce someone to the catalog.
Totoro isn’t just a great movie – it can provide you with such an enchanted jumping off point for play-acting with a toddler. You’ll totally see the world in a different manner. Any acorn could have been dropped by a Totoro, any huge looming tree could contain a door to where the spirits of the forest live, and any strong wind might be a catbus flying over your head. A friend of mine recently sent us some lavender seeds in a tiny planting kit that happened to grow quite fast! One foggy morning we checked the pot to find tiny sprouts peeking up out of the dirt, and my daughter exclaimed, “Totoro was here!!! Totoro was here!!”
Also available on blu-ray this week is Howl’s Moving Castle. This came on the heels of Spirited Away, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
I have a personal connection to this film – I have a small, cough-and-you’ll-miss-me role in the film. I was lovingly referred to as “Girl C” in the script, and play the girl in blue working at the hat shop in the beginning of the film. You can hear me clearly as the movie starts – I’m the low, raspy voice talking about Howl ripping out a young girl’s heart. As a Miyazaki fan, I about died when I was cast in this film and became part of the Ghibli family. And in case that wasn’t enough, the day I recorded at Disney, the incomparable Jean Simmons came in for her session right afterwards. I was introduced to her, we had a lovely chat, and then I was allowed to stay and watch her perform.
I would officially recommend this film for children who are five or six, but frankly, Vivi has been watching it since she was a little over two, and I have a friend who’s son has been obsessed with this movie since he was very little. You know your child best of all, so as with any film, I would watch it first to see if they would dig it or be freaked out by chickenfooted castles that walk, or obese witches of the waste, and gauge it from there. I love strong Sophie who isn’t afraid to tell people what she thinks, and how she presents a brave face to every challenge thrown her way.
To see these films in HD is a Ghibli fan’s dream. And I’m so excited that GeekMom gets to giveaway not one but TWO packets containing:
• 1 Blu-ray Combo Pack of My Neighbor Totoro
• 1 Blu-ray Combo Pack of Howl’s Moving Castle
• 1 My Neighbor Totoro 7″ Plush
• 1 Paperback Copy of Studio Ghibli: The Films of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata
• 1 Hardcover Copy of The Art of My Neighbor Totoro: A Film by Hayao Miyazaki
• 1 $20 VISA Gift Card for Movie Snacks
To be eligible for the giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment below. Tell us who your favorite Ghibli character is! Or tell us if you’re new to the films. Remember to submit and double-check your email address, since that’s how we’ll let you know if you’ve won! The winner will be randomly chosen from all of the entries. The contest is open to U.S. residents from now through Friday, May 24th, and the winner must respond within 48 hours of prize notification or will have to forfeit! Good luck!
Totoro! We all love Totoro in this household!
I love Princess Mononoke, but my five year olds are crazy for Totoro.
It’s really hard to tell you my favorite Ghibli character since they are all so great. The main characters are real, not perfect, and easy to relate to. My favorites among wonderful characters is probably Haru in Cat Returns. I can’t even tell you why other than my daughter loves that movie and I have wonderful memories watching Haru turn into a cat!
I’m in Canada, so I can’t officially enter. That said, I want to state that Kiki is definitely my favourite Ghibli character. I think she exemplifies a lot of the traits and attitudes I hope to help my children develop.
We love Chihiro from Spirited Away (favorite movie to watch on a rainy day). It’s a fun movie to watch, but I especially love how she discovers her own competence and strength.
We love Ponyo – so sweet!
Oh I hope to be as cool a mom as Sosuke’s mom is in Ponyo. I love that she never discredits what he says even when he is having wild encounters with a little girl who’s really a fish.
I am a HUGE fan of Ghibli, and I have a strong feeling that From Up On Poppy Hill will become one of my favorites, but I have to say my favorite character is probably the Radish Spirit in Spirited Away. I actually use the Howls Moving Castle theme song to fall asleep…there is something so comforting about it.
Hallie’s favorite is Arrietty because she’s adventurous and curious. Although we both agree that Calcipher is a close second–he’s funny and we like his attitude. Do we increase our chances of winning if we say that we also really like Girl C? 😉
I’m actually new to these films. I’ve heard so much about them and can’t wait to see them! Good luck to everyone!
Since these are the only 2 Ghibli films I’ve ever seen, I’ll have to choose Sophie as my favorite character. She was my favorite character in the book that Howl is based on, and I think she was translated to film quite well.
Oh yes! I ended up being bitterly disappointed with how Howl was portrayed in the movie, which soured my overall attitude, but SOPHIE they DID do right, which had been super important to me because she is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. She’s my #3 Fictional Girl-crush, actually.
By the way, this isn’t a comment to enter, mostly because my bitterness about movie!Howl would make me unable to enjoy winning it… there’s also the little problem of my not having a Blu-ray player…. I just wanted to chime in when I read this comment, because I adore Sophie so much.
I totally love Totoro! I have written a song about Totoro. I have painted Totoro. I have knit over 20 chibi totoros. My children are in love with Totoro. I have an obsession with Miyazaki. 😀
And sadly, I can’t win this because I’m Canadian, but I will promote this for all to experience the awesome. 😀
I’d have to say Totoro!
I love all the films. My family and I have watched them endlessly. Though for me, Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke are my favorites.
It’s hard to pick one, but at the moment, it is Mei from Totoro, because of the wild wonder and excitement in my son’s eyes every time she appears on the screen. He follows me around the house calling me Satsuki and calling for me to “waaaait” so he can “catch up!” He even happily chomps into cucumbers and corn because of her. I can’t wait to see this film on Blu-Ray.
I love how awesome the dad is in Totoro. He’s my favorite.
I would have to say No-Face from Spirited Away. Then again I haven’t seen a Ghibli character yet that I haven’t liked. 🙂
In our household, it’s Kiki, but Totoro runs a very close second. Love, love, Totoro!
Oh man, I remember my first time watching a Studio Ghibli movie. I think I absolutely fell in love on the spot. Chihiro is definitely my favorite character, watching Spirited Away as my first Ghibli movie has nothing to do it with either. Being able to survive after being thrown into a new world? Now that is pretty awesome of Chihiro indeed.
I would have to pick The Baron from The Cat Returns, purely because of Cary Elwes’ voice work. ♥
My personal favorite is Howl’s Moving Castle. I love Sophie, especially old-lady Sophie, and Markl. But, I’m excited to have my son watch Totoro – I can’t wait for him to be old enough (he just turned one). Also, I love Castle of Cagliostro because it introduced me to Lupin the 3rd. Love love love.
Ohh.. tough question…
I’ve watched as many of the films from Studio Ghibli as I could get my hands on, and I guess Totoro will still always be my favorite because of its magical charm. And in that film, Mei steals the show. It might be time to show it to my 4 year old boy again…
It’s always funny to talk to people who “learn” Japanese words and phrases by memorizing the japanese words spoken at the same time as the subtitles. I try to gently explain that while the translation is close, the way a sentence is said in Japanese is BACKWARDS to what you are used to. Example:”Today is Sunny” is said as: “Sunny is This Day” in Japanese.
While the kids do enjoy Totoro, Catbus seems to get them WAY more excited. 🙂
I think I’d say Ponyo because she is a favorite of my daughter’s!
We love Sophie in our house.
Totally the Catbus I LOVE THE CATBUS!!!!!
We love Kiki here! But honestly it’s hard to choose just one. Love them all!
Spirited Away was my first intro to Studio Ghibli so I’d have to say Chihiro Ogino. But I’ve a deep love and appreciation for all of them and the fantastic animation.
So, so hard to pick a favorite. I have to go with Howl. I think they did a great job with him, did his character justice. But I’ve always wanted to do one of those run-and-dive hugs on Totoro!
I can only pick one? OK, I will pick Nausicaa. I love the amazing depths of her compassion, and her strength in the face of adversity. And, I want her glider.
I LOVE Ghibli! I’ve collected all the movies since Spirited Away and even saw Tales of Earthsea when I lived in Japan. My favorite movie is Princess Mononoke, but my favorite character is Baron Humbert von Giggingen (aka. The Baron from Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns)
We are huge studio Ghibli fans, but Totoro is our favorite!
I love Nausicaa, love her strength, compassion and courage. The husband and the son both like Totoro.
I adore the character of No-Face from Spirited Away. He reminds me of my son – not always seeking attention in the correct ways, but ultimately has good intentions 😉 And I love where the character ends up as the story comes to a close.
I love Sophie. My #1 son loves Satsuki. My #2 son loves Totoro and my #3 son loves Catbus.
Totoro, because of the parody from Bob’s Burgers
fantastic movies i just recieved a blu ray player from the v.a. my kids love these films
I’m new to these films but would love to see them and introduce them to my two sons (aka my geeks-in-training).
I’m fairly new to the films, but I’ve seen a few scenes here and there. Ponyo was a very cute movie!
My favorite character overall has to be Gigi the cat from Kiki’s delivery service. I am a Studio Ghibli nut, but all my copies of the movies are imports with subtitles…..I’ve been waiting for this day to buy the blue rays for my boys….thanks for the giveaway! Oh, did I add Pick me, Pick me?? I should have!
Never seen a Miyazaki film but have a new friend who LOVES Totoro. Would love to win this as a way to introduce studio Ghibli to my family.
We adore Totoro, in our home. We love all things Ghibli 🙂
Ponyo. She’s my daughter’s favorite and she reminds me of my daughter.
I love Kiki’s Delivery Service so Kiki is my favorite.
My favorite character has to be Ponyo!!! I love her!!!
I am having a little boy in September and I can’t wait to show him these movies! I really enjoyed them as a child and I’m sure he will too!
Totoro is the bomb and Ponyo is also a hit with my daughter!
I love Kiki’s Delivery Service, great film about growing up and becoming self-reliant. I also always have a soft sport for Nausicaa, since that was my first Miyazaki film I watched and got me hooked.
I’d have to say my daughter loves Sophie and Ponyo. She’s only seen Totoro once a few years ago, so she might just have a new favorite. Howl’s Moving Castle is only one of a few frequent repeat requests from my daughter, who just turned 6. We’re raising our geekling right.
I loved Totoro as a child and I’m thrilled that my daughter likes it now!