My Neighbor Totoro Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "My Neighbor Totoro" serves as a testament to Hayao Miyazaki's dedication to preserving the original aesthetic of his work, refusing to succumb to the modern pressures of revamping classics with artificial enhancements. The 1080p/AVC-encoded 1.85:1 aspect ratio brings this 1988 masterpiece into the present with remarkable clarity and faithfulness to the original vision. The transfer respects the gentle, storybook appeal of the animation, ensuring colors are vibrant yet true to their soft watercolor inspirations. Detail is exquisitely maintained across clean line art, stable color fills, and the intricate textures of background brushstrokes, all while successfully avoiding any significant digital artifacts such as banding or aliasing. This careful preservation allows for a consistently satisfying contrast and purposefully muted black levels that align with Miyazaki's intentions, further enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Disney's meticulous remastering process ensures that "My Neighbor Totoro" shines on Blu-ray with an authenticity rarely seen in presentations of films from the '80s. The elimination of scratches, print damage, and source noise is astoundingly comprehensive, presenting a clear and uninterrupted visual journey that could easily be mistaken for a contemporary production. The vivid color palette remains strong and unwavering throughout, with dark areas exhibiting minimal noise and the watercolor-esque backgrounds showcasing lively, abstract precision. This presentation honors the original film's charming hand-drawn animation, elevating it with a level of clarity and cleanliness that surpasses expectations for a film of its age.

In summary, the Blu-ray video presentation of "My Neighbor Totoro" is an exemplary model of how to breathe new life into classic animated films without compromising their original essence. The painstaking attention to detail in the transfer process results in a visually stunning experience that faithfully encapsulates Miyazaki's timeless narrative and artistic direction. Both die-hard fans and newcomers to the film will be delighted by the purity and beauty of its presentation, finding few faults in this carefully curated visual feast.

The audio experience of "My Neighbor Totoro" on Blu Ray, delivered through DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, offers a quality that admirably captures the film's enchanting ambiance, whether you choose the original Japanese mix or the Disney-produced English dub featuring voices like Dakota and Elle Fanning. The clarity of dialogue, the playful sound effects, and Joe Hisaishi's captivating score are meticulously preserved in these stereo mixes, ensuring that no detail of the auditory landscape is lost. While the absence of a lossless 5.1 track might leave audiophiles longing for a more immersive surround sound experience, particularly to enhance scenes with the majestic roar of Totoro or the dense, lively sounds of the forest, the 2.0 configuration still manages to provide a sense of depth and directionality, albeit within its limitations.

Both language tracks maintain an equal footing in terms of audio quality, showcasing clear and intelligible voices that seamlessly blend into the overall soundscape without overpowering other elements. The sound design allows for ambient noises such as the rustling wind, chirping birds, and the bustling insect life within the forest to create a realistic backdrop, adding to the film's charm. Directional audio effects are subtly employed to inject energy into sequences like the whimsical arrival of the cat bus, enhancing the viewing experience within the constraints of a two-channel mix.

While enthusiasts may pine for an LFE-enhanced sonic depth that a multi-channel setup could offer, it's hard to overlook the care and attention dedicated to preserving the film's original auditory elements. The stereo presentation manages to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia effectively, making it a delightful auditory experience that complements the visual journey through Satsuki and Mei's adventures. The blend of crisp vocal performances, engaging sound effects, and entrancing music in these DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, though not without room for enhancement, represents a faithful and immersive approach to audio in one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films.

The "My Neighbor Totoro" Blu-ray extras provide a comprehensive and intimate look at the film's creation, from its storyboards to the studio's formation. The HD presentation of Hayao Miyazaki's original storyboards offers a unique look at the film's development, while various featurettes delve into the genesis of the movie, character creation, and the obstacles faced during production. Notably, the "Creating the Characters" and "Creating My Neighbor Totoro" segments feature insights from Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki, shedding light on their creative process. The "Scoring Miyazaki" segment stands out for its exploration of the film's memorable music with composer Joe Hisaishi. The package is slightly marred by the standard definition of some content, but it's compensated by the depth of information and the inclusion of both technical and creative perspectives, providing a well-rounded view of this beloved Ghibli masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Japanese Storyboards: Feature-length presentation of Hayao Miyazaki's storyboards with Japanese audio.
• Creating My Neighbor Totoro: Miyazaki discusses the making of the film.
• Creating the Characters: Insights into character design with Miyazaki and Suzuki.
• The Totoro Experience: Reflects on the film's release and success.
• Producer's Perspective: Creating Ghibli: Suzuki on forming Studio Ghibli.
• Scoring Miyazaki: Discussion on the music of Studio Ghibli films.
• The Locations of Totoro: Documentary on the real-world locations inspiring the film.
• Behind the Microphone: A peek into the English dubbing process.
• Original Japanese Trailers: Collection of trailers for the film.

My Neighbor Totoro," directed by the illustrious Hayao Miyazaki, stands out as a landmark in the realm of animated films, offering a beautifully simple yet profoundly magical narrative. Set against the backdrop of 1958 Japan, the story unfolds around two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who relocate to the countryside with their father. Their adventures begin when they encounter the enchanting Totoros, forest spirits that introduce them to a world brimming with wonder and mysteries. Unlike many of its contemporaries which dive into complex plots and detailed fantasy worlds, "My Neighbor Totoro" thrives on its focus on the candidness of childhood, capturing the essence of wonder, fear, and joy through the eyes of its young protagonists. The film's lack of a traditional antagonist or a climactic conflict is not a detriment but rather a testament to its unique storytelling approach, focusing on the emotional growth and resilience of the children amidst their mother's illness.

Miyazaki's craftsmanship shines through in every aspect of this cinematic gem. Known for his ability to create profound narratives through simple storytelling, Miyazaki masterfully portrays real-life emotions and experiences through the lens of Satsuki and Mei's enchantment with their new friends. This film goes beyond animated entertainment, encapsulating the innocence of childhood and the bittersweet tug of nostalgia. The magical elements, represented by the Totoros and the iconic Cat-bus, are woven seamlessly into the narrative, serving not as mere plot devices but as symbols of joy, companionship, and the unspoken bond between nature and humanity. The animation is lush, filled with warm colors and exquisite detail that bring this enchanting world to life, making "My Neighbor Totoro" not only a visual feast but a heartfelt journey back to the simplicity and naivety of youth.

"My Neighbor Totoro" is devoid of explaining the supernatural elements it introduces, particularly in its depiction of Totoro himself. This choice invites viewers into a shared childhood imagination where explanations are unnecessary, and belief is purely emotional. Remarkably understated yet deeply impactful, the film excels in its portrayal of children exhibiting genuine behaviors – from Mei's lifelike antics that resonate with anyone who's been around young children, to Satsuki taking on motherly responsibilities out of necessity and love. These portrayals are underpinned by a poignant climax that understands its characters' motives and needs profoundly well, steering clear of clichés to deliver an authentic narrative experience. As such, "My Neighbor Totoro" distinguishes itself not only as a hallmark of Miyazaki's oeuvre but as an enduring classic that reverberates with the innocence and complexities of childhood, deftly chronicled through the imaginative lens of one of animation's most revered storytellers.

My Neighbor Totoro," despite not being lauded as Miyazaki or Studio Ghibli's pinnacle work, effortlessly captures the essence of childhood and the boundless realms of imagination, making it a profoundly enduring piece. This Blu-ray release bolsters the film’s legacy, showcasing an exquisite video presentation paired with a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that immerses viewers in the quaint, yet deeply resonant world Miyazaki has crafted. The inclusion of both new and classic special features, many in high definition, adds considerable value for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. As the years pass, the film's few shortcomings do not detract from its growing relevance, especially for those experiencing it anew or through the eyes of their children.

The narrative thrives on the simplicity and complexity of childhood experiences, interweaving themes of imagination, familial bonds, and sisterhood with great sensitivity and depth. "My Neighbor Totoro" offers not just an escape but a heartfelt reflection on navigating life’s anxieties, epitomized by the adventures of two sisters. Their journey, underpinned by incredible audio-visual delivery on this Blu-ray edition, serves as a testament to Miyazaki's unparalleled ability to convey the wonders and woes of youth through animation.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray release of "My Neighbor Totoro" is an indispensable acquisition for any aficionado of animation or cinematic storytelling. Its technical excellence ensures that Miyazaki’s vision is appreciated in the highest fidelity, reinforcing the film’s status as a timeless classic. "My Neighbor Totoro" remains a compelling watch, resonating across generations and further cementing Miyazaki's legacy as a master storyteller. Highly recommended, this edition is a celebration of the magic that defines childhood and the enduring power of imagination.