Shiny, shiny diskies

[ealgylden]

One of these days I may make an actual fannish post again. That'd be nice. Not for you guys, necessarily, but it'd be nice to remind myself that I used to have, you know, ideas. I'll need more than four hours of sleep first, though. That'd be nice too. Eh, maybe tomorrow. Anyway...

In non-NYT Lost article news: Paul Dini (yay!) apparently talked a bit about Lost at Wizard World (fie!) over the weekend. The article has a couple of spoilers for tonight's episode, plus a variety of vague and less vague ones for the future (though nothing like "Charlie is eaten by a boar and the Dommettes freak!!!!1!" That'd be too specific, I suppose). But the (non-spoilery) bit that interested me was: The decision to air the show in "Pan and Scan" was the network's decision and the DVDs feature widescreen transfers of the show. One of the original marketing plans was to release the DVD of the two hour pilot some three weeks after it aired. ABC moved on to the concept of just re-airing the show, like NBC and CBS do now, on Saturdays for those viewers who need to catch up. DVD sets are planned with deleted scenes but Disney and Bad Robot have not decided on any release dates yet.

Yay, DVDs! Yay, widescreen! Boo, no release date. But I can wait. I can wait.


Is the season over yet? Are they here yet?


How about now?


The other DVD news that caught my eye was that Disney finally reannounced Wave Two of their Miyazaki releases, now to be released on February 22, 2005 (many, many, many moons late). The release will include two-disc special editions of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (the real one, not the butchered Warriors of the Wind thing), Porco Rosso and... The Cat Returns. Not My Neighbor Totoro, as was originally announced. Not the one I was mad with anticipation to have. The one I would have bought come hell or high water or (more likely) bankruptcy. The one that's one of my top five fave animated films. I mean, I'm sure The Cat Returns is a fine film, but... I want Totoro! No fair no fair no fair! Oh well, I've heard nothing but good things about Porco Rosso, and Nausicaa is good, despite being only half the manga's story. And the English voice casts look interesting, though the extras seem a bit skimpy for a double-disc release. Two language tracks can't take up that much room. Hopefully, Disney will find something else to put on there. Anyway,

From the Creators of the Academy Award Winning Film "Spirited Away"

NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

PORCO ROSSO

THE CAT RETURNS

First Time Ever on 2-Disc DVD

Available On February 22, 2005

Burbank, Calif. (November 8, 2004) -- Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli proudly present three animated masterpieces from the creators of Spirited Away, the Academy Award winner for the Best Animated Feature Film of 2002. NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, PORCO ROSSO and THE CAT RETURNS will each be available separately in superb 2-disc DVD sets on February 22. These remarkable films include a brand-new, stellar English language voice cast and feature the original Japanese language track; storyboards; featurettes that go behind the microphone and more, presented in a pristine digital picture for the best possible viewing experience. With a unique blend of entertaining storytelling, imagination, compelling characters and stunning artistry, each of these magical and mystical worlds will enchant and delight audiences of all ages.

Milestone works of unparalleled brilliance, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND, PORCO ROSSO and THE CAT RETURNS are each available on 2-disc DVD for $29.99 (S.R.P.).

NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

Hayao Miyazaki's epic masterpiece! A thousand years after a great war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind is one of the only areas that remains populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaa, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called ohmu, who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the Earth. Nausicaa and her brave companions, together with the people of the Valley, strive to restore the bond between humanity and the earth. The English language version of the film includes the voice talents of Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men), Patrick Stewart (X-Men; Star Trek: The Next Generation), Uma Thurman (Kill Bill series) and Edward James Olmos (TV's American Family).

NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND is written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation. This spectacular 2-disc set features exotic settings, stirring music and a timeless story about courage and compassion in the face of danger.

Bonus Materials:

Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film: Alison Lohman, Uma Thurman, Patrick Stewart And Edward James Olmos
Complete Storyboards- Get An Insider's Look At The Film's Artistry
Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
The Birth Story Of Studio Ghibli Featurette


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 transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell, infuriates a band of sky pirates with his aerial heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a comical rival pilot, to get rid of him. On the ground, the two pilots compete over the affections of Gina, a beautiful cabaret singer. But it is in the air, with Fio, a young and talented airplane engineer/designer, where Porco's true battles are waged. From its Mediterranean Sea settings to its dazzling aerial dogfights of amazing sweep and grace, PORCO ROSSO is an exhilarating ride you'll never forget.

The English language version of this high-flying adventure features the voice talents of Michael Keaton (Batman Returns), Brad Garrett (TV's Everybody Loves Raymond), Susan Egan (Spirited Away), Kimberly Williams (TV's According To Jim) and David Ogden Stiers (Lilo & Stitch).

Bonus Materials:

Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film: Michael Keaton, Brad Garrett, Kimberly Williams, Susan Egan and David Ogden Stiers
Complete Storyboards- Get An Insider's Look At The Film's Artistry
Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
Interview with Studio Ghibli Producer Toshio Suzuki


THE CAT RETURNS

From the creators of the Academy-Award winning Spirited Away (Best Animated Feature, 2002) comes the visually stunning THE CAT RETURNS, a spectacular animated journey to a world of magic and adventure.

Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she's ever imagined. Her good deed is rewarded with a flurry of presents, including gift-wrapped mice, and one very shocking proposal of marriage - to the Cat King's son! Haru embarks on an unexpected journey to the Kingdom of Cats where her eyes are opened to a whole other world and her destiny is uncertain. To change her fate she'll need to learn to believe in herself, and in the process she will learn to appreciate her everyday life. THE CAT RETURNS is a magical animated adventure that will delight and inspire everyone.

The English language version of THE CAT RETURNS features the voice talents of Anne Hathaway (The Princes Diaries 2: Royal Engagement), Cary Elwes (Ella Enchanted), Peter Boyle (TV's Everybody Loves Raymond), Elliott Gould (Ocean's Eleven), Andy Richter (Elf), Rene Auberjonois (The Princess Diaries), Tim Curry (The Wild Thornberrys Movie), Judy Greer (The Village), Andrew Bevis, Kristen Bell, Kristine Sutherland (TV's Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Katia Coe.

Bonus Materials:

The Making of The Cat Returns
Behind The Microphone With Voice Talent From The Film Including Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, and more.
Complete Storyboards- Get An Insider's Look At The Film's Artistry
Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Street Date: February 22, 2005

Suggested Retail Price: $29.99 (2-disc DVD) for each title.

Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind:
Run time: Approximately 117 minutes
Rated: PG For Violence And Some Mild Language
Bonus features not rated and subject to change.
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 screens
Sound: Mono, THX Certified
Languages: Original Japanese audio; English audio; English subtitles

Porco Rosso:
Run time: Approximately 93 minutes
Rated: PG For Violence And Some Mild Language
Bonus features not rated and subject to change
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 screens
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, THX Certified
Languages: Original Japanese Audio; English audio; English subtitles; French audio

The Cat Returns:
Run time: Approximately 75 minutes
Rated: Not yet rated
Bonus features not rated and subject to change
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85: 1, enhanced for 16x9 screens
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese Audio; English Audio; English subtitles; French audio


Hm. I suppose it would be slothful to spend tomorrow watching Xena and Disney movies. Good thing I've always like sloths, then.

Comments

[mrkinch.livejournal.com]

Porco Rosso is Miyazaki? Ack. I'm sure the Kid pointed this out to me at some point but it leaked through my seive. Geeze, he talked me into a probably bootlegged tape at Wonder Con years ago after we saw it in the video room there. I recall it being extremely odd and not having an identifiable conclusion, but I haven't watched it since.

[ealgylden.livejournal.com]

I've never seen it, though I've heard a lot of favorable reviews. And yet... I just can't get past the fact that he's a pig. Maybe it works in context, but from out here, that seems a bit... odd. Still, if I can find it to rent, I will.

But he's a pig! A pig! ;)

[mrkinch.livejournal.com]

True, he is very much a pig, and not a so very romanticized pig, either. But then isn't Miyazaki always odd?

Glad you're back online. If you didn't go back far enough to see Kim Schultz's Gerard Butler (http://www.livejournal.com/users/cruisedirector/432476.html) on cruisedirector's lj, that was a short cut.*g*

[ealgylden.livejournal.com]

Oh my, what a pretty shortcut. I had indeed missed that. Thank you!

And yeah, Miyazaki is always a bit odd. Even when things seem to be progressing fairly normally, he'll throw in a monkey wrench (or a Catbus, or a pig, or whatever *g*). I can't wait to see what Howl's Moving Castle looks like.

[ophidiae.livejournal.com]

You know, it's funny, I was just telling a friend of mine today that I really wanted Nausicaa on DVD but had no idea when (or even if) it was going to be released. It was the first Miyazaki film I ever saw, and was instrumental in hooking me on anime back in the 80s.

I also finally broke down and ordered seasons 1 & 2 of Ranma 1/2 on DVD. Takahashi, Miyazaki, and Amano were my first anime loves, and remain my favorites to this day.

[ealgylden.livejournal.com]

Good timing then! Well, sort of- we do have to wait until February and all (so far away!), but still, at least Disney is coming through at last. I half-expected them to buy up the release rights and then let the movies collect dust for the next twenty years.

The first Miyazaki I saw was Totoro, so I got off to a good start with him, but before that I was scared of anime for years and years, thanks to the first one I ever saw. Unico. Both Unico movies actually. I mean, Tezuka Osamu, how can you go wrong, right? Ha ha ha. Have you seen the Unico movies? If not, imagine all the angst and fear and loneliness of childhood that you can, wrap it in a cute little unicorn package, and picture a little redheaded moppet (and her equally traumatised brunette sister) staring in horror at the television. Years of trauma. Thank goodness for Miyazaki (and others, but it was the stuff supposedly for kids that scared me most *g*).

[ophidiae.livejournal.com]

I only just saw Totoro for the first time very recently. Found a cheap copy of the DVD at Target and snapped it up. It's pan-n-scan, rather than widescreen, but at $5, I'm not complaining. Strange little movie. I was thinking about bringing it over to my cousin's to watch with her and the kids, but after watching it, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. There are things in there that would have freaked my ass out but GOOD when I was wee, and after the Willy Wonka fiasco, I am erring on the side of caution.

[ealgylden.livejournal.com]

Yeah, good point. I think if I'd been a kid when I saw it, Catbus would have freaked me right out. The mother plotline would have been rough, too, I think (I always tear up as it is). But I would have begged for a totoro for ages and ages. They're just so cute and fuzzy, and the big one would make such a comfy bed! Aww, now I want one again. The cats had better hide before they're subjected to some forced cuddling. *g*

Willy Wonka, now, there was a traumatic movie. I don't know one person who got out of that one without some heebie-jeebies. And so many people blame the Oompa Loompas (who are indeed creepy), but it was Wonka himself that got me. shudder