Two of Hayao Miyazaki's finest films couldn't look or sound any better.
Both films have characters that stick with you, whether it's the large Totoro or the scarecrow who lends Sophie a hand…er, stick…in unexpected ways. And the story can go off a bit in either film, but never to the point you become confused or things become unclear. That's the gift that Miyazaki possesses, the ability to tell a superb story while setting the stage for remarkable hand-drawn animation.
My Neighbor Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle look outstanding on Blu-Ray. I didn't notice any grain or transfer problems with either film, and the colorful displays they put on really light up the screen. Kids will get a kick out of the simple yet beautiful animation style, while adults will come to appreciate that both films aren't your traditional kiddie fare.
The audio is excellent too, with the option to listen to either the original Japanese voice tracks (with subtitles) or the English voice casting. The sound effects are wonderful either way, especially the roar of the Moving Castle and the warships that pop into the sky. And while I'm a sucker for the original voiceovers, the English ones are great as well. Totoro benefits from such actors as Dakota and Elle Fanning (as the sisters) and the legendary Frank Welker as the largest Totoro, while Moving Castle features a few interesting selections, like a younger Christian Bale (yes, Batman) as Howl and Billy Crystal as Calcifer. (Relax, he doesn't overplay the role like he did with his old man shtick in Parental Guidance. He sounds right at home here.)
