Unforgettable tales of adventure and imagination, each of these three superb films feature a fantastic array of distinguished voice talent including Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner and Billy Crystal ( Howl’s Moving Castle ), Dakota and Elle Fanning, Tim Daly, Pat Carrol and Lea Salonga ( My Neighbor Totoro), and Brittany Snow and Cary Elwes ( Whisper of the Heart). Pete Docter, the director of Pixar/Disney’s Monsters, Inc., directed the English voice cast of Howl’s Moving Castle with Disney’s Rick Dempsey. All three of these animated treasures on DVD feature both the English language voice cast and the original Japanese version. Each is available as a superb 2-disc DVD set for $29.99 (S.R.P.).
An Academy Award® Nominee for Best Animated Feature of 2005, Howl’s Moving Castle is the story of
Sophie (voiced by Emily Mortimer), a diligent teenage girl working in her family’s hat shop, who finds her life
thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome-but-mysterious wizard named Howl
(voiced by Christian Bale). The innocent encounter engages the vain and conniving “Witch of the Waste”
(voiced by screen legend Lauren Bacall), who transforms Sophie into a 90-year old woman (voiced by screen
legend Jean Simmons). Sophie’s efforts to break the curse bring her to Howl’s magical moving castle, where she
befriends Markl (voiced by Josh Hutcherson), Howl’s apprentice, and the hot-headed fire demon Calcifer (voiced
by Billy Crystal). Her love and support have a major impact on Howl, who can be maddeningly self-indulgent
and singularly noble as he defies royal orders to participate in a meaningless war and risks his life to protect
Sophie.
Accompanying the Howl’s Moving Castle feature debut on DVD, the release includes an exciting array of
bonus materials, including:
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, a journey beyond imagination, features Christian Bale (“Batman Begins”), Billy
Crystal (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Analyze This”), Blythe Danner (“Meet The Parents”), Emily Mortimer (“Lovely &
Amazing”), Josh Hutcherson (“The Polar Express”) and screen legends Jean Simmons (“How To Make An American
Quilt,” “Elmer Gantry,” “Spartacus”) and Lauren Bacall (“The Mirror Has Two Faces,” “Dogville”).
Howl’s Moving Castle is from the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Music by Joe Hisaishi. Screenplay and
Japanese film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Overseeing the production of the English language version of the
film for Walt Disney Pictures were two of the leading experts in the field of voice recording and dubbing –
Disney Character Voices veterans Rick Dempsey and Ned Lott. Cindy Hewitt & Donald Hewitt, whose credits
include screenplay English language adaptations of Spirited Away and numerous other Studio Ghibli films, wrote
the English language screenplay adaptation for Howl’s Moving Castle.
Rated: “PG” For Frightening Images And Brief Mild Language
Lauded as “one of the most beloved of all family films” by critic Roger Ebert, My Neighbor Totoro features an
all-new English-language vocal track, including the fantastic voice talents of Dakota Fanning (“Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch,”
“Dreamer,” “War of The Worlds”) and sister Elle Fanning (“Because of Winn-Dixie”)– sisters in real life, voicing animated sisters Satsuki and Mei. Much to their delight, when Satsuki
(Dakota Fanning) and her four-year-old sister Mei (Elle Fanning) 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 a child. Totoro introduces them to extraordinary characters—including a cat that doubles as a bus—and
takes them on an incredible journey. Lea Salonga (“Mulan”) and Timothy Daly (TV’s “Wings”) also have starring
vocal roles. Screenplay and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
The fantastic new My Neighbor Totoro DVD also contains great bonus features, including:
Rated: “G” Bonus materials not rated.
The inspiring Whisper of the Heart also features all-new English-language vocal talent, including Brittany
Snow, Courtney Thorne-Smith, David Gallagher and Cary Elwes. It is the story that challenges audiences to
listen and follow their dreams -- a fantastic tale of friendship, discovery and adventure based on the original
manga by Aoi Hiiragi and the Hayao Miyazaki screenplay. During summer vacation, a schoolgirl named Shizuku
(Brittany Snow), who longs to discover her true talents, observes an ordinary-looking cat riding by himself on the
train. Intrigued, she decides to follow him. This chance encounter leads her to the mysterious Seiji (David
Gallagher), a boy who is determined to follow his dreams, and The Baron (Cary Elwes), a magical cat who helps
her listen to the whispers in her heart. Soon, Shizuku’s exciting adventures carry her far beyond the boundaries
of her imagination. Featuring extraordinary storytelling, enchanting animation and an all-star voice cast, this 2-
Disc Set will inspire dreams and hearts of all ages.
The fantastic new Whisper of the Heart DVD also contains great bonus features, including:
WHISPER OF THE HEART features Brittany Snow (“The Pacifier”) Courtney Thorne-Smith (TV’s “Ally McBeal”),
David Gallagher (TV’s “7th Heaven”) and Cary Elwes (“Porco Rosso,” “The Cat Returns”). Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo.
Rated: “G” Bonus materials not rated.
Internationally revered filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has been named one of “the most influential people” by Time
Magazine (April 2005) and is the first animation director to receive the Golden Lion Award for Career
Achievement at the Venice Film Festival. Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao
Takahata, is the premiere animation studio in Japan. Their films have become a beloved part of Japanese
popular culture, in much the same way that Walt Disney’s work has been embraced by Americans. Cultivating a
creative force of many talented directors, animators and storytellers under the revered brilliance of Miyazaki and
Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films are praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling. Walt
Disney Home Entertainment is proud to partner with Studio Ghibli to introduce these unique masterpieces to
the North American audience.
Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., a recognized
industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the marketing, sales and distribution company for
Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and
DVDs.
STREET DATE: MARCH 7, 2006
• “BEHIND THE MICROPHONE” WITH VOICE TALENT FROM THE FILM – an exciting
glimpse at many of the film’s recording sessions, featuring Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall and Billy Crystal
at work creating the English Language voices.
• INTERVIEW WITH PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS DIRECTOR, PETE DOCTER - Pixar
Animation Studios’ Pete Docter (director of “Monsters, Inc.”) directed the English-language vocal talent
(with Disney’s Rick Dempsey) for Howl’s Moving Castle. In this fascinating feature, Docter explains his
approach to directing the English script, his enthusiasm for Hayao Miyazaki’s latest masterpiece, and
more.
• HAYAO MIYAZAKI VISITS PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS (“Hello Mr. Lasseter”) – Pixar Animation Studios’
Executive Vice President of Creative, John Lasseter (director of “Toy Story,” “Toy Story 2” and the
upcoming “Cars”), serves as Executive Producer of the English-language production of Howl’s Moving
Castle. In this exciting featurette, Lasseter explains why he believes Miyazaki is one of the world’s great
storytellers, and why many of Miyazaki’s films are among his favorites.
• COMPLETE STORYBOARDS – The entire feature is shown in storyboard form, allowing audiences
to see the movie’s original concept.
• ORIGINAL JAPANESE THEATRICAL TRAILERS
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature running time: Approximately 119 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: Widescreen
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio, French audio, English subtitles
© 2004 Nibariki • GNDDDT © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.
Buy Howl's Moving Castle (2-Disc Set) on DVD from Amazon.com.
Read our Howl's Moving Castle DVD Review.
• “BEHIND THE MICROPHONE” – featuring access inside some of the recording sessions with
talented young actors Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning.
• COMPLETE STORYBOARDS – this insightful feature offers an insider’s look into the artistry and
design of the film, through complete storyboards.
• OPENING AND CLOSING ANIMATION (without credits)– extends the film’s fun and
imagination by offering the whimsical opening and closing credit sequence animation, without words
and symbols, so that audiences can enjoy them further.
• ORIGINAL JAPANESE THEATRICAL TRAILER
Feature running time: Approximately 86 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
DVD Sound: 2.0 Dolby® Stereo
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio, French audio, English subtitles
© 1988 Nibariki • G © Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.
Buy My Neighbor Totoro (2-Disc Set) on DVD from Amazon.com.
Read our My Neighbor Totoro DVD Review.
• Behind The Microphone - With voice talent including Brittany Snow, Courtney Thorne-Smith, David
Gallagher and Cary Elwes
• Complete Storyboards - A great look inside the film’s original vision and look at the film’s beautiful
artistry
• Original Japanese Theatrical Trailer
Feature running time: Approximately 111 minutes
DVD aspect ratio: 1.85:1, enhanced for 16x9 televisions
DVD Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Languages: Original Japanese audio, English audio,
English subtitles
© 1995 Aoi Hiiragi/Shueisha • Nibariki • GNH ©Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.
Buy Whisper of the Heart (2-Disc Set) on DVD from Amazon.com.
Read our Whisper of the Heart DVD Review.
Direct prebook: January 10, 2006
Distributor prebook: January 24, 2006
Suggested retail price: Each title: $29.99 (2-disc DVD)
Announcements for other Disney DVDs coming Early 2006:
Lady and the Tramp: Platinum Edition (February 28, 2006)
The Shaggy Dog and The Shaggy D.A. (March 7, 2006)
Bambi II (February 7, 2006)
"Goof Troop" and "Quack Pack": Volume 1 DVDs (February 14, 2006)
Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin (April 11, 2006)
The Greatest Game Ever Played (April 11, 2006)
Related Reviews at UltimateDisney.com:
Howl's Moving Castle (2005 Film Review)
Spirited Away (2002)
Pom Poko (1994)
My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Porco Rosso (1992)
The Cat Returns (2002)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
/// Complete Guide to Studio Ghibli Films on Disney DVD \\\
