MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO (DVD/2 DISC) DVD

My Neighbor Totoro
This superbly animated children's tale is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan's most beloved animators. The story follows Satsuke and Mai, two young girls who find their new country home is in a mystical forest inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures called Totoros. They befriend O Totoro, the biggest and eldest Totoro, who is also the king of the forest. As their girls' mother lies sick in the hospital, O Totoro brings the sisters on a magical adventure but also helps them to understand the realities of life. Like most films released by Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, this family-oriented feature has a powerful ecological theme. ~ Jonathan E. Laxamana, All Movie Guide

Cast Dakota Fanning as Satsuki [Disney dub] Elle Fanning as Mei [Disney dub] Tim Daly as Dad [Disney dub] Lea Salonga as Mom [Disney dub] Pat Carroll as Granny [Disney dub] Lisa Michelson as Satsuki [Fox dub] Cheryl Chase as Mei [Fox dub] Greg Snegoff as Dad [Fox dub] Alexandra Kenworthy as Mom [Fox dub] Natalie Core as Nanny [Fox dub] Noriko Hidaka as Satsuki Chika Sakamoto as Mei Shigesato Itoi as Dad Sumi Shimamoto as Mom Tanie Kitabayashi as Kanta's Grandmother Hitoshi Takagi as Totoro Machiko Washio as Teacher

Crew Yoshihariu Sato - Animation Director Hayao Miyazaki - Director Takeshi Seyama - Editor Yasuyoshi Tokuma - Executive Producer Joe Hisaishi - Composer (Music Score) Hayao Miyazaki - Producer Hayao Miyazaki - Screen Story Hayao Miyazaki - Screenwriter Joe Hisaishi - Executive Music Producer

My Neighbor Totoro
In the world of Hayao Miyazaki, the curiosity of two sisters drives the narrative for a story that seems created purely for the sake of whimsical pleasure. There are no villains, and the family actually cares for each other. What's more, the imagination of little girls in the natural and spiritual world is encouraged and celebrated. While unheard of in an American animated adventure, all these elements create a joyous family film that is lighthearted fun for children, yet full of enough nuance to please an adult audience. With Miyazaki's hand-drawn style of sweeping backgrounds and fuzzy creatures, the simple exploration of a backyard is transformed into a magical journey. Unlike typical Disney films, the children's antics never seem contrived or fall into the battle-against-adults story line. My Neighbor Totoro embraces the creativity inherent in a little girl's play time, while honoring it with the subtle details of a dramatic work. The features of Totoro and the Cat Bus are rendered lovingly, and the family is portrayed as a positive and comforting presence. However, My Neighbor Totoro is not a sugar-coated fantasy; some scenes portray the very real-life fears of being alone at night at a bus stop and being separated from an ill loved one. There are also some humorous bits that reveal a careful observation of children, as well as some genuinely inspiring moments in keeping with the ecological themes Miyazaki frequently returns to. This film does not suffer from a lack of conflict; it succeeds as an adventure fueled by the innocence and wonder of a little girl. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
 

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General Specifications: Language Options: English, Japanese, French Subtitle Options: English Sound Processing: DD2: Dolby Digital Stereo Additional Features: cc Behind the Microphone with Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning Complete storyboards - get an insider's look at the film's artistry Original Japanese trailer Opening and closing animation (without credits) DVD Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1: Theatre Wide-Screen MPAA Rating: G DVD Discs Included: 2 DVD Sides: 2 DVD DVD Region Code: 1 Content Length: 86 min   DVD Chapters: Disc #1 -- My Neighbor Totoro: Feature 1. Opening Credits/The New Home [10:43] 2. A Haunted House? [10:18] 3. Visiting Mother [4:02] 4. Discovery! [10:49] 5. Mei's Tale [5:32] 6. School With Satsuki [2:48] 7. Kanta's Umbrella [3:28] 8. The Bus Stop [7:41] 9. Totoro's Gift [6:47] 10. The Telegram [7:58] 11. Searching for Mei [10:50] 12. The Hospital Express/End Credits [7:19]