SRP $29.99 1.85:1(16:9) DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 BUENA VISTA

"CASTLE IN THE SKY” is another animated classic from Hayao Miyazaki, being released from BUENA VISTA. “CASTLE IN THE SKY,” along with two other BUENA VISTA dvd releases of his films, help demonstrate there’s great things taking place in animation beside from what DISNEY and PIXAR put out.

 “CASTLE IN THE SKY” plays like a grand epic, and it has a running time that supports it, at over 120 minutes, it’s longer than most animated films.  Set in a world reminiscent in its production design of “THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME,” the skies are filled with airships and other signs of a unique stylized future.  While there are numerous characters, all of them unique and memorable, the two that stand out the most are Pazu and Sheeta.  It is their quest to find the legendary city of  Laputa, from which most of the film’s action is derived.  While they pursue Laputa, treasure hunters pursue them. 

Miyazaki’s films have always stood out, not only for the bold animation, but for the wonderful score his long-time composer, Hisaishi, has always contributed.  It’s an association akin to Spielberg with John Williams, and the music is in many ways as memorable and creative as the films!

The BUENA VISTA dvd release features a lengthier score than what was featured in the original film, and we’re sincere when stating it’s worth getting this dvd for that alone!

BUENA VISTA also offers the original score on the Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0 surround track.

BUENA VISTA has provided an English-dubbed track, featuring some great talent. Anna Paquin, Mark Hammil and James van der Beek, are all here.  While Paquin is quite good, it’s Hamill that almost steals the show. 

BUENA VISTA has preserved the film’s 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement. The colors are rich and vibrant throughout.  There’s also excellent depth in darker scenes.  There is a little bit more edge enhancement than we’re used to, but it doesn’t diminish this from achieving an overall great quality image.   

As mentioned above, BUENA VISTA has included the original Japanese track in Dolby Digital 2.0 surround sound. It’s a great track, with plenty of surround and directional effects.  It has wonderful levels of clarity throughout.  The newly created English dubbed track is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1.  While the new and lengthier score is outstanding, this mix offers slightly less surround involvement than the original.

BUENA VISTA is presenting this release as a 2-disc set, but without the large amount of extras featured on the “SPIRITED AWAY” release.  Pixar’s John Lasseter introduces the film, with some comments, as he did with the other films.  A brief featurette about the voice-casting, is also offered, filled with quick interviews of James van der Beek and others. 

One extra that should please animation fans, is the ability to watch the whole film in storyboards with either the Japanese or English track. There are also several trailers offered.