Back in the middle of April, I saw a video from Aervosa, named “I Found the Giant DVDs of the 80s!” where she features among others, a box set of Ghibli Studios movies, some of which I know (and love), and some that I’ve never heard of. So without further ado, I went to Ebay and managed to snag a very cheap one. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the booklet, nor the outer cardboard sleeve of the box, but the seller promised that he’ll send them sometimes. If only.
The box itself is very nicely made, and although it’s a bit scuffed and dirty here and there, I love the texture on it and it shows it wasn’t stored in the better of places. However, it does a great job at doing what a box needs to do, which is to hold the discs and protect them from the environment. All the movies are in a perfect condition, some are even sealed, which can only make me happy.
The collection is absolutely great, the 13 LaserDiscs covering ten of the most important works of Studio Ghibli between 1984 and 1995, with famous titles like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Grave of the Fireflies”|, but also some lesser known titles like “Only Yesterday” and “Ocean Waves”. It also features a disc with some short videos and other smaller works by the studio, and it ends with a 13th LaserDisc that contains a dialogue between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki, probably two of the most important persons in Japanese movie making, as well as a documentary about the making of “Only Yesterday”.
While I prefer the original Japanese voices, the collection has a few movies that are also dubbed in English, in an older incarnation which are generally better viewed than the Disney dubs. Because of this, I was thinking about trying to set up a capturing environment, using the Sony Vaio Laptop that i’ve used for the Old Computer Challenge 2024, which I’ve used in the past to rip some VHS tapes, but unfortunately, my NTSC LaserDisc player (Pioneer CLD-2950) seems to have died. I tried it on various sockets in the house, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to power up anymore. I will bring it to a service these days, but there are some spring holidays coming up, so I doubt that they’ll work these days. Also, my other player, a Pioneer CLD-1200 is PAL only, so it’s not helpful in this situation, although it’s a great machine. So while I can look at this collection and see how pretty it is, I won’t be able to watch it very soon. Alternatively, I just rented (🏴☠️) the movies in their 1080p remastered versions and watch them on my living room TV and then write about each of the movies. I want to thank the guys from LDDb, because some photos and information were copied from the LDDb page of the Box Set. In exchange for my blatant stealing, I will contribute to the LDDb with some nice covers of Karaoke Laser Discs.
Because I’m still waiting for my LaserDisc player to get repaired, I’ve decided that it’s still a good idea to watch the movies (or re-watch them in most cases), so I went to the interwebs (yar!) and got the 1080p remasters, which look absolutely gorgeous, while still keeping the original Japanese voices. I will write a bit about each movie in particular, but I know I’m about to embark a really nice journey, as pretty much each movie is a masterpiece, with creative worlds, great stories, interesting characters, all surrounded by beautiful music. And because I’m not able to run the NTSC LaserDisc for now, I will use the HD releases for screenshots.
Thoughts at the end of the journey
As this article almost took 2 weeks to write, because I wanted to (re)watch each movie, I wanted to also share my opinion on the collection as a whole, not only about the movies themselves. The box-set is a really nice collector’s item, and even if yours is incomplete, or if the box has some scuffs and marks, it’s still a nice item to add to one’s collection. Moreover, the amount of short movies, documentaries and behind-the-scenes content really bring you closer in the mood and universe of Studio Ghibli and make you understand and appreciate more their creations. Most of the movies themselves are masterpieces and are on lists of “the best in their categories”, and the selection of movies in the box-set is very great, mixing both cult-level movies and some that are a bit lesser-known (at least to the average population, like I am).
All in all, it was a great experience and while I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t experience it on the LaserDiscs themselves, I will definitely go for a rewatch as soon as I get my unit fixed.
Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind // 風の谷のナウシカ (1984)
Warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.
A thousand years after the end of civilization as we know it, the world is completely changed I’ve seen this the first (and last time) back in 2015, so it’s a great time to re-watch it. The post apocalyptic universe is masterfully done (as one would expect from a Studio Ghibli movie), the story is well written and keeps you glued to the screen. I loved how Nausicaä is the personification of the harmony between human and nature against the environment degradation, represented by the Sea of Decay. Six popcorns, especially for Teto, the fox-squirrel.
Castle in the Sky // 天空の城ラピュタ (1986)
Pazu’s life changes when he meets Sheeta, a girl whom pirates are chasing for her crystal amulet, which has the potential to locate Laputa, a legendary castle floating in the sky.
Back at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016, I was in the middle of my “Watch all the IMDb Top 250 movies”, so naturally, I got into a streak of randomly ordered Studio Ghibli, and “Castle in the Sky” was one of them. It’s a very interesting thing how Hayao Miyazaki is basically the King Midas of animation and everything that he touches becomes gold, “Castle in the Sky” ending up to be simply a masterpiece. Fantasy, sci-fi, retro-futurism and steampunk/cyberpunk are mixed with a great soundtrack and together they tell a beautiful story. I love the motifs of huge flying megastructures in sci-fi and fantasy creations and this theme has been tackled in different ways over the centuries, in all formats, but Miyazaki wraps this up beautifully in a classic Studio Ghibli masterpiece. Six popcorns.
My Neighbor Totoro // となりのトトロ (1988)
When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.
I still remember seeing this back in 2015, it’s heartwarming and it tells a beautiful strong story the right way. The line between reality and fantasy is often crossed, just as any kid would naturally do and it is probably one of the best movies directed by Miyazaki in the 1984-1995 timeframe. There’s not much really to say about it, as I think it’s a worldwide classic, with a lot of good lessons to learn. I also love how this is more down to Earth than the previous two movies, less scientific and more fantastic, but with a tighter grip on reality and the human relationships. Seven popcorns for one of the best movies of all time.
Grave of the Fireflies // 火垂るの墓 (1988)
A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.
Yeah… About this… Even if I’ve already seen this a couple of times, last time about 10 years ago, this is still painful to watch. It’s the first Studio Ghibli serious movie and it’s a brainful. It’s grim, sad, brutal and realistic and hits like a fucking truck. It’s something I would never recommend to a child, but definitely recommend to an adult. The music is beautifully haunting and it highlights the sad and brutal reality of war, the movie being essentially a lesson in humanity and its fragility. I’m not sure if the popcorn rating would apply here, as this movie is not fun to watch, but it is a must-see one. Eight stars out of five, for a movie that is definitely one of the best war dramas of all time.
Why do fireflies have to die so soon?
Kiki’s Delivery Service // 魔女の宅急便 (1989)
Along with her black cat Jiji, Kiki settles in a seaside town and starts a high-flying delivery service. Here begins her magical encounter with independence and responsibility, making lifelong friends and finding her place in the world.
After the previous movie, this one is a breath of fresh air. It’s funny, it’s captivating, it throws magic right into your face from the beginning. I loved the representation of the city life and how odd Kiki seems in that world where she tries to find her place. A great coming-of-age movie that’s both heart-warming and insightful. This is the first Studio Ghibli that I’ve never heard about and it was a pleasant surprise to discover it. Six popcorns.
Only Yesterday // おもひでぽろぽろ (1991)
A twenty-seven-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo.
Directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder, Isao Takahata (who already directed Grave of the Fireflies), this is another movie anchored in reality, with the main protagonist facing memories of the past while discovers more about herself through nostalgia. Using flashbacks, it touches serious subjects, like a toxic family life, awful parents, environmentalism, puberty and personal relationships, while being fun and entertaining. The music is also connected to the reality, at some point being happy to notice the unmistakable pan flute of the great Gheorghe Zamfir. Another Studio Ghibli that I’ve seen for the first time, it gets six popcorns and goes into the Movie Vault with the others.
Porco Rosso // 紅の豚 (1992)
In 1930s Italy, a veteran World War I pilot is cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig.
Another fantastic animation from Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is simple, straight forward, with some tear jerking moments, the music is great, and the Japanese original voice actors are entertaining as always.
It gets six popcorns and a place into the Movie Vault.
Ocean Waves // 海がきこえる (1993)
As a young man returns home after his first year away at college he recalls his senior year of high school and the iron-willed, big city girl that turned his world upside down.
This is one of the lesser known movies released by Studio Ghibli, and it’s pretty linear, direct, and anchored in reality. It shows a slice of life of high school teenagers, with their personal and interpersonal dramas, their fears, conflicts and problems. It’s well written and realistically made and it makes you reflect on your own high-school years and decisions. What it lacks in Miyazaki magic it makes up in relatability and authenticity, making this coming-of-age drama resist the test of time and being a strong movie on its own, worthy of the Studio Ghibli mark. Five popcorns.
Pom Poko // 平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ (1994)
A community of magical shape-shifting raccoon dogs struggle to prevent their forest home from being destroyed by urban development.
Written and directed by Isao Takahata, this is such a funny and weird movie! Raccoons transforming in humans, transforming their balls into bridges, or other various things, this movie is bonkers from start to finish. While it features the suspension of disbelief in a lot of regards, the end result is an incredibly entertaining movie that will put a lot of smiles on your face, while drawing attention to its environmentalist story. I’m somehow happy I didn’t know about this until now, it made the first watch so enjoyable! Six popcorns.
Whisper of the Heart // 耳をすませば (1995)
A love story between a girl who loves reading books, and a boy who has previously checked out all of the library books she chooses.
This is the last feature-length movie from the Laserdisc Collection, directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and based on a screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki. It’s a good and fun coming-of-age movie, and while it’s focusing on the life and love of the teenage protagonist, it throws in environmentalist themes as well. It was also nice to see the “Porco Rosso” reference on the clock, a movie where Yoshifumi Kondō did key animation. All in all, it’s an uplifting heartfelt story, nothing unexpected from a Studio Ghibli release. Five popcorns.
Also I found out this is where the Lo-Fi Girl was inspired stolen from.
Studio Ghibli Shorts
Chage & Aska: On Your Mark // チャゲ&飛鳥: On Your Mark (1995)
This short film was produced as a promotional video for CHAGE & ASKA’s song of the same name (“On Your Mark”). It was shown alongside the film Whisper of the Heart as a double feature during their 1995 concert tour. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Animation: ©1995 Nibariki Co., Ltd. & Studio Ghibli Co., Ltd. Music: ©1994 Yamaha Music Foundation, Japan Broadcast Publishing Co., Ltd. & Real Cast Inc.
Really nice short movie set in a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk-ish world, mixing fantasy, retrofuturism and sci-fi in a classical Studio Ghibli style.
Sora Iro no Tane // そらいろのたね (1992)
“Hey, hey,” “Squeeze in,”—these words bring to mind the joyful world of children’s literature by Rieko Nakagawa (author) and Yuriko Yamawaki (illustrator). This short animation, based on the picture book The Sky-Colored Seed, was produced in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Nippon Television.
Direction by Kitaro Kosaka. Voices by Kaneta Kimotsuki and Noriko Ohara.
Very cute very short animation, you can see it in full below. Very wholesome.
Nandarō // なんだろう (1992) & “Nandarō” CG Opening Version – (1994)
The mascot character “Nandarō,” created for the 40th anniversary of Nippon Television, appeared in the opening sequence of “Kurenai no Buta” (Porco Rosso). It was originally produced as a trailer using the image of a pig falling from the sky. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo. The name “Nandarō” (meaning “What is it?”) was chosen through a public contest.
Later, “Nandarō” was used again as a station mascot for Nippon Television’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The CG version was produced with a digital touch, showcasing a short clip. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo. Animation was handled by Nippon Television and Studio Ghibli’s digital department.
Compilation of Special Works and Trailers
A collection of promotional and special short films created by Studio Ghibli for various purposes. Includes both broadcast and non-broadcast materials.
Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki Dialogue / Making of Only Yesterday / Special Trailers & Preview Collection
“Making of Only Yesterday” (1991)
A behind-the-scenes special program for Only Yesterday, aired on Nippon Television’s “Super TV Special: Information Variety ‘Special Program: New Work Release Commemoration’” (broadcast on July 22, 1991). Later released to the public.
© 1991 Nippon Television Network Corporation / Studio Ghibli
Dialogue: Akira Kurosawa vs. Hayao Miyazaki (1993)
“Loving Films, Living Films: Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki”
A conversation between Akira Kurosawa and Hayao Miyazaki. First broadcast on Nippon Television’s “Super TV Special: Information Variety” on May 5, 1993 (aired on the evening of May 8). It featured lively exchanges about their experiences and philosophies regarding filmmaking.
© 1993 Nippon Television Network Corporation / Studio Ghibli
