Blu-ray Review - My Neighbor Totoro

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About the Movie
Disney proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of “My Neighbor Totoro,” the acclaimed Studio Ghibli film about the magic of friendship and sisterhood from Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Best Animated Feature, 2002, ”Spirited Away”) – with the film’s Blu-ray debut on May 21, 2013.

Arriving for the first time on Disney Blu-ray with a spectacular new HD digital transfer, perfect picture and sound, the highly-anticipated release of “My Neighbor Totoro” features the fantastic voice talents of Timothy Daly, Lea Salonga and real-life sisters Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning.

Lauded as “one of the most beloved of all family films” by critic Roger Ebert, “My Neighbor Totoro” is the heartwarming story of sisters Satsuki (voiced by Dakota Fanning) and Mei (voiced by Elle Fanning). Much to their delight, when Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei move into a new home in the countryside, they discover that their new neighbor is a mysterious forest spirit called Totoro—who can be seen only through the eyes of children. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters—including a catbus—and takes them on an incredible journey.

Cast:
Timothy Daly (TV’s “Private Practice”) as the voice of Father
Dakota Fanning (“Twilight”) as the voice of Satsuki
Elle Fanning (“Super 8”) as the voice of Mei
Lea Salonga (“Mulan”) as the voice of Mother

Writer, Director: Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Ponyo”)

Bonus Features:

• Original Japanese Storyboards
• Behind the Studio
• Creating “My Neighbor Totoro”
• Creating the Characters
• The Totoro Experience
• Producer’s Perspective: Creating Ghibli
• The Locations of Totoro
• Scoring Miyazaki
• Original Japanese Trailer
• Behind the Microphone

Making Acorns Grow


Totoro at the Bus Stop


What May Found




My Take on the Movie
This was not a film that I ever watched in the past, but knowing that I was even more drawn to watch this in general, especially in the fact that Disney was putting it out. In watching this I have to say that I was hooked from early on. The movie itself had a great storyline and characters. The animation was visually appealing and there were so many times where images took the place of words and drew the viewer even further into the movie itself. You also get drawn in by the magic that is shared in the movie itself when the children discover the Totoro spirits -the joy that results is tangible.
This is a special movie that is great for individuals whether you are young or old and the plot is such that you will live in the world of wonder that surrounds the country and the world of the children in this movie.

I highly encourage all to experience this, you will love it!



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