Spirited Away Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Spirited Away" maintains the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1, ensuring that the visual experience remains true to its initial presentation. The MPEG-4 AVC-encoded transfer is notable for its high average bitrate of 30,000 kbps, which is significantly higher than the 24.40 Mbps average bitrate found in the 2015 US Disney disc. This higher bitrate delivers superior image clarity and detail, bringing out the intricate and vibrant animation that Studio Ghibli is renowned for. Notably, the total bitrate for the disc reaches an impressive 36.24 Mbps, aligning closely with Studio Ghibli's Japanese Blu-ray version from "The Collected Works of Director Hayao Miyazaki."

This Blu-ray edition, released by Shout! Factory, further enhances the viewing experience by offering twenty-five scene selections, allowing for easy navigation and pinpoint accuracy when revisiting specific scenes. Overall, this meticulously crafted transfer ensures that "Spirited Away" is showcased with the rich, vivid colors and sharp details that fans have come to expect from this acclaimed animation studio.

The Blu-ray release of "Spirited Away" offers an outstanding selection of audio options catering to diverse viewer preferences. Shout!'s disc comes equipped with English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ES (4352 kbps, 24-bit), ensuring nuanced and high-fidelity sound performance. It also includes the original Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 ES Matrix, which maintains the authenticity of the film's cultural context, and a French Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. These audio tracks facilitate a rich auditory experience with smooth channel-to-channel panning and exceptional clarity, particularly notable in the lossless formats.

Subtitle options on this disc are designed to enhance accessibility and preserve the integrity of the original dialogue. English SDH subtitles are provided for the hard-of-hearing along with English subtitles that faithfully translate the original Japanese language script, correcting the "dubtitles" issue found in earlier Disney releases that used the English dubbing script and lost much of the original cultural context. Additionally, French subtitles are included. This meticulous attention to subtitle accuracy ensures that non-Japanese-speaking viewers can fully appreciate the film's nuances and cultural depth.

Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release excels in delivering an immersive and authentic listening experience, meeting high technical standards and catering to varying viewer needs through comprehensive subtitle support.

The Blu-ray release of "Spirited Away" is a comprehensive collection of insightful extras that delve deep into the creation and legacy of the film. Notably, the disc includes the feature-length storyboards presented in Picture-in-Picture mode, allowing viewers to experience the evolution of the animation. Voice talent behind-the-scenes featurettes and a variety of original Japanese trailers and TV spots provide additional context on the production and promotion of the film. A standout is the NTV Ghibli Special "The Making of Spirited Away," offering an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary exclusive to the DVD format, which provides rare insights into Studio Ghibli’s creative process. Additionally, a new 12-page booklet features statements from the producer and director, complemented by several colorful images, enriching the overall viewing experience. Each extra is thoughtfully presented with English subtitles for accessibility.

Extras included in this disc:

Feature-Length Storyboards (Picture-in-Picture): Experience the full storyboard sequence alongside the film.

Behind the Microphone: Voice Talent: Insight into the voice recording sessions.

Original Japanese Trailers: Collection of original promotional trailers.

TV Spots: Original television advertisements.

NTV Ghibli Special: The Making of Spirited Away: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary.

New 12-page Booklet with Producer's and Director's Statements: Statements and color pictures adding depth to the film's background.

In “Spirited Away,” a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro embarks on an ethereal journey after her family accidentally ventures into an abandoned theme park. The richly imaginative narrative, crafted by Hayao Miyazaki, springs to life as Chihiro finds herself in a world populated by spirits. As her parents are transformed into pigs due to their gluttony, Chihiro must work at a bathhouse run by the enigmatic witch Yubaba, navigating this fantastical realm in a bid to free them. The storyline weaves themes of resilience and self-discovery against a visually arresting backdrop, enchanting audiences of all ages.

The Blu-ray presentation of “Spirited Away” benefits from a new video encode that enhances its already remarkable animation. Each scene teems with vibrant colors and meticulous detail, heightening the film’s magical ambiance. From the minute textures of the village to the ethereal glow of the spirits, the visual fidelity ensures that Miyazaki's masterpiece remains engrossing and visually stunning. While the primary elements like character design and background artwork remain true to the original artistry, the updated encode amplifies clarity and depth, making it an essential acquisition for both new viewers and longtime fans.

In terms of audio, the release maintains a high-quality soundscape that complements its visual prowess. The soundtrack, featuring Joe Hisaishi’s evocative score, consistently elevates the emotional tone of the film. Sound design intricacies—such as the ambient noises of the bustling bathhouse or the transformative sequences—are rendered with precise clarity, immersing viewers deeper into Chihiro’s journey. This synergy between immaculate visual and auditory elements underscores why “Spirited Away” continues to captivate audiences years after its original release.

Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" stands as a paragon of masterful storytelling and traditional hand-drawn animation. The 125-minute journey captivates viewers with its intricately designed fantasy world, making it an essential experience for newcomers to Studio Ghibli. The GKids Blu-ray edition melds the best features from previous releases, offering superior audio-visual quality and rectifying past subtitle errors found in the Disney version. With a finely-tuned video encode and supplemented by a slim booklet, this edition positions itself as the definitive English-language release.

Technically, the GKids disc surpasses its predecessors, incorporating key extras from both the Ghibli and Disney Blu-rays. The new video encode offers enhanced visual fidelity, bringing to life the rich, vibrant colors and intricate details that Miyazaki's animation is renowned for. Audio performance is equally impressive, maintaining the original Japanese dialogue alongside an excellent English dub. Collectors and serious fans will appreciate the comprehensive nature of this release, while casual fans will find it an accessible entry into Miyazaki's oeuvre.

In conclusion, "Spirited Away" is arguably Miyazaki's best and most popular film. This Shout! BD/DVD combo presents a technically superior offering at a competitive price point. For its unmatched storytelling and technical excellence, it comes with my highest recommendation.