Ghibli DVD for you and me
Today, Pompoko and My Neighbors the Yamadas are out on DVD. These films were directed by Isao Takahata, whose work is often overshadowed by that other director at Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki. Pompoko is about a clan of Raccoon Dogs (you may have seen statues of them at your local Sushi Bar) trying to protect their land from being developed by man. It’s funny, sad, and at times visually amazing (the Yokai Parade is beautiful.) The Yamadas is based on a comic strip that follows a Japanese family’s antics. From what I’ve seen, it keeps the flat comic look intact, and the colors have a watercolor look to them. Thank you Disney for putting these flicks out in the States. I was amazed and relieved to see Pompoko uncut (when you see the movie, you’ll understand…) Personally, I thought I’d never see either of these films released here in the States due to their distinct Japanese-ness and their chance of mainstream commercial success. So, stimulate them eyes and brain cells and check ‘em out!
Studio Ghibli Films - Disney’s Studio Ghibli DVD site
Nausicaa.net - The best Studio Ghibli resource on the Web