The Cat Returns Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Cat Returns" showcases a commendable 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation. The video quality, presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, is notably sharp, clear, and colorful, ensuring an engaging viewing experience. The transfer's detail is impressive, allowing the animation to appear vibrant and aesthetically pleasing. However, some technical deficiencies inherent in the original animation do detract slightly from the overall presentation. While colors are bright, accurately saturated, with deep black levels and satisfactory contrast, the animation exhibits occasional choppiness and somewhat inconsistent line art, reflecting more of a TV production quality than a theatrical standard.

Close inspection reveals that potential concerns regarding noise reduction may be unfounded. If noise reduction techniques have been employed, they have not negatively impacted the detail or background textures in any significant way. Importantly, there are no substantial artifacting issues such as banding, aliasing, or ringing to report. The image is predominantly grain-free, with color fills appearing slightly flat and smeared at times, but this can be traced back to the source rather than the encoding itself. Despite these minor imperfections, the Blu-ray presentation of "The Cat Returns" stands out as a remarkably clean and sharp transfer.

Although falling on the older end of the Studio Ghibli spectrum (originally released in 2002), "The Cat Returns" maintains video quality that rivals much newer productions. The lack of aging flaws such as specs, grime, or scratches highlights Disney's successful efforts in delivering a high-quality visual experience. While this isn't the most extraordinary presentation among Ghibli releases, it comfortably earns high marks for its visual fidelity and remains the best home video presentation of "The Cat Returns" to date.

"The Cat Returns" arrives on Blu-ray with both Japanese and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks, offering a commendable audio experience. Both tracks ensure that voices are clear and intelligible, though sometimes not as seamlessly integrated into the overall soundscape. The action sequences, featuring chases and sword fights, benefit from well-prioritized LFE output, adding depth when necessary. The rear speakers are effectively utilized to create an engaging auditory environment, capturing the ambiance of bustling cat crowds and the tension of maze escapes, though there are moments where the sound design becomes front-heavy and somewhat two-dimensional.

The English DTS-HD Master Audio track features notable performances by Anne Hathaway and Cary Elwes, whose voices are crisp, clear, and dynamically mixed throughout the space. The dialogue maintains consistent clarity, volume, and prominence within the mix. However, the effects mix, while appropriately detailed, doesn't excel in environmental soundscaping and remains somewhat restrained. Despite this, the music mixing stands out as a highlight; the enchanting score is wonderfully distributed across channels, enhancing the immersive quality of the whimsical world of 'The Cat Returns'.

Overall, while the audio tracks on this Blu-ray are skilfully executed and not at all disappointing, they lack the immersive depth characteristic of other Studio Ghibli 5.1 surround mixes. The restrained effects and occasionally front-heavy sound design might not fully transport you into the world of 'The Cat Returns,' but the excellent dialogue clarity and beautiful musical integration are certainly noteworthy.

The Blu-ray of "The Cat Returns" offers a robust collection of extras that delve into the film's creation and its cultural context. The highlights include a comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary, extensive storyboards, and an intriguing peek into the English dubbing process featuring A-list talent. This meticulous curation ensures that fans and scholars alike have rich insights into both the technical and creative facets of the production. The audio options are versatile with Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 and multiple subtitle choices, offering accessibility for a global audience. Given the preservation of past DVD special features alongside these in-depth bonus materials, this Blu-ray serves as a definitive edition for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Japanese Storyboards: The entire film in storyboard form with Japanese 5.1 Dolby Digital audio.
• The Making of The Cat Returns: Comprehensive production documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Behind the Microphone: Inside look at Disney's English dub recording sessions.
• Original Japanese Trailers: A collection of high definition trailers.
• Original Japanese TV Spots: Several promotional TV spots.

"The Cat Returns" stands as a fascinating entry in the Studio Ghibli repertoire, transitioning from an aborted theme park short into a full-fledged feature under Hiroyuki Morita's direction. Starting with a rich backstory involving a 525-page storyboard by Morita, this project marked a significant leap from his previous work as an animator to directorship. His dedication impressed stalwarts like Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, greenlighting the project. Primarily a loose fantasy follow-up to "Whisper of the Heart," it retains the whimsical tone of Ghibli films but carves its own niche, even if it has faced some criticism for not reaching the studio's iconic heights.

The narrative follows Haru (Chizuru Ikewaki/Anne Hathaway), a teenage girl whose life takes an unexpected turn after saving a mysterious cat. This act leads her to the Cat Kingdom, where she is bewilderingly honored with gifts and a marriage proposal to Prince Lune (Takayuki Yamada/Andrew Bevis). The journey introduces her to charming characters like Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (Yoshihiko Hakamada/Cary Elwes) and Muta (Tetsu Watanabe/Peter Boyle). Haru's adventure is marked by self-discovery and magical encounters, embodying a traditional childlike awe reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.

Criticism regarding the movie's animation quality and simplistic storyline, while not unfounded, should be contextualized. Produced on a smaller budget, the film's visuals, though not groundbreaking, retain a charming, fluid ease. Scripted by Reiko Yoshida, the story may lack the depth of "Spirited Away" or "Princess Mononoke," but it still offers an enchanting experience suitable for younger audiences. Ghibli's hallmark magic remains intact through playful antics, heroic escapades, and a meaningful moral lesson. Balancing child-friendly wonder with subtle narrative depth, "The Cat Returns" is a delightful addition to the Ghibli collection, albeit one perhaps better appreciated without direct comparison to its more renowned predecessors.

'The Cat Returns' is an enchanting and whimsical tale from Studio Ghibli. Though not as celebrated as 'Spirited Away', it provides a refreshingly original experience that stands out among the plethora of modern children's entertainment. The characters are compelling, and the narrative garners well-deserved laughs and emotional moments throughout its brisk 76-minute runtime. This Blu-ray release ensures a delightful viewing experience with commendable video quality and an engaging audio mix.

Disney has delivered a solid presentation with this Blu-ray. The audio-visual fidelity enhances the film's rich animation and vibrant color palette, bringing the magical world of the cats to life in stunning detail. The disc also includes a respectable selection of special features, offering insights into the movie's creation and enriching the overall experience for viewers.

In conclusion, 'The Cat Returns' is a charming film that shouldn't be so quickly dismissed. It isn't 'Spirited Away', but how many animated movies are? There's real heart here, endearing characters to latch onto, and a strong coming of age tale with plenty to offer children of all ages. Disney's Blu-ray release delivers too, with a solid AV presentation and decent selection of special features. No, 'The Cat Returns' isn't Ghibli's best, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good film. Those who give it a chance will be pleasantly surprised.