Spirited Away Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Spirited Away" stands as a testament to Studio Ghibli's animation prowess. This particular transfer showcases remarkable detail, vibrant colors, and deep, inky blacks, encapsulating the essence of hand-drawn Japanese animation. The impressive color palette features a vivid array of primary colors and soft pastels, layered over with inky black levels that enhance shadow detail. Fine detail in the animation is handled impeccably; every line and curve maintains perfection, lending a warm, natural look to the picture. An exceptionally fine layer of film grain further enriches this natural aesthetic. Critically, the disc exhibits no digital imperfections, with a complete absence of macroblocking, aliasing, or DNR, making this one of the most pristine animated presentations in recent memory.

While the picture quality mirrors that of the previous GKIDS Blu-ray release and presents minor differences from other Studio Ghibli high-definition transfers, "Spirited Away" retains its stunning visual impact through a faithfully remastered transfer. Encoded in AVC at 1080P resolution and with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the film stretches over two hours without any video artifacts. This release benefits from a higher bitrate compared to the Disney release, ensuring unparalleled crispness, saturation, and contrast that vividly bring Studio Ghibli's unique artwork to life. Memorable characters such as No-Face and Yubaba are showcased in breathtaking detail, solidifying this Blu-ray as an essential acquisition for fans and collectors looking for a top-tier visual experience.

The audio presentation of "Spirited Away" on Blu-ray offers a choice between two lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks, one in English and the other in Japanese. Both tracks exhibit excellence in fidelity and clarity, making the choice largely dependent on language preference and personal inclination. The English track maintains its stature with robust surround mixing and crystal-clear dialogue, supported by an outstanding English voice cast. The immersion is palpable, with directional cues and resonant LFE delivering depth to action scenes such as Haku’s battle. Conversely, the Japanese track, though slightly less aggressive than the 6.1 audio on the Japanese BD, features precise surround imaging and powerful integration of Joe Hisaishi’s evocative score.

The dialogue on both tracks is exceptionally clear, with well-maintained balance and strong vocal presence. The LFE is notably impactful, especially during action-heavy scenes like No-Face’s rampage. The surround channels deliver an immersive experience that enhances the atmosphere of Yubaba’s bathhouse. Optional subtitles include literal Japanese translations for accuracy, as well as SDH (Sensory Disabilities Hearing) subtitles for the hard of hearing, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing content integrity. Additionally, a French dub in 5.1 Dolby Digital is available, offering an alternative for French speakers.

In summary, the audio retains its high quality from previous releases by GKIDS and Disney, providing sturdy surround sound with enveloping clarity and energy. Both native Japanese enthusiasts and those favoring the exceptional English dub will find the audio options commendable. The inclusion of comprehensive subtitle options further enhances the viewing experience for a diverse audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Spirited Away" are comprehensive and thoughtfully curated, providing fans and collectors with an engaging deep dive into the making of this iconic Studio Ghibli film. The set mirrors previous GKIDS releases with a two-disc format, including the remastered film and a soundtrack CD featuring Joe Hisaishi's acclaimed score. New in this edition is a luxurious 40-page art booklet packed with essays from Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki, and film critic Leonard Maltin. Although some extras exclusive to the DVD edition are no longer included, this collector's edition remains a sumptuous addition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by John Lasseter: A brief introduction by Pixar co-founder John Lasseter.
• The Art of Spirited Away: A feature exploring the film’s artistic elements.
• Behind The Microphone: Insights into the English dubbing process.
• Original Japanese Storyboards: Full movie storyboards for animation enthusiasts.
• Nippon Television Special: Comprehensive special from Nippon TV.
• Original Japanese Trailers: Collection of Japanese theatrical trailers.
• TV Spots: Compilation of promotional TV spots.
• CD Soundtrack: Original score composed by Joe Hisaishi.
• Art booklet: A 40-page booklet with stunning art and essays.

"Spirited Away," directed by Hayao Miyazaki, stands as a pillar of animated cinema and is widely regarded as one of the finest achievements in the medium. This Blu-Ray release by Shout Factory encapsulates the brilliance of this masterpiece, with technical enhancement that respects the original 2002 release. The film's narrative follows ten-year-old Chihiro, a self-saving female protagonist who ventures into a bathhouse in the spirit realm, facing numerous challenges to rescue her transformed parents. This storyline, rich with Japanese folklore, maintains a layered complexity that appeals to both young audiences and mature viewers.

Visually, "Spirited Away" is a feast for the eyes, boasting some of the most breathtaking animation ever seen in film. Each frame is meticulously crafted, akin to standalone works of art. Miyazaki’s ability to create naturally developed characters, combined with his unique storytelling alchemy, produces an engaging experience that transcends typical animated fare. The film's myriad characters, from the fierce yet maternal Yubaba to the enigmatic No-Face and the compassionate Haku, each play pivotal roles in Chihiro's journey. These characters reflect deeper themes such as identity, resilience, and transformation, rendering the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The seamless integration of animation with a deeply woven storyline and character development is enhanced by the Blu-Ray format. This release preserves the vivid colors and intricate details that Studio Ghibli is renowned for, offering an enriching viewing experience. Indeed, "Spirited Away" remains a staple in cinematic history, celebrated for its enchanting plot, exquisite animation, and universal themes. Its continued acclaim and the impressive presentation in this Blu-Ray edition make it essential viewing for enthusiasts of animated films and Miyazaki’s illustrious career.

The Blu-ray release of "Spirited Away" is an exceptional offering that truly does justice to Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed film. Featuring stunning animation, a beautiful score by Joe Hisaishi, and enchanting direction, this release powerfully captures the magical essence of the story. Visually and aurally, the transfer closely mirrors the original Japanese Blu-ray, providing viewers with an almost pristine experience. This collector’s edition stands out with its impeccable presentation, including a high-quality CD soundtrack and a meticulously crafted booklet that fans will find invaluable.

The narrative arc of "Spirited Away" is centered around the transformation of Chihiro, a young girl who evolves from a victim to her own hero as she navigates a supernatural realm. This journey is more than just a tale of survival; it delves deeply into themes of courage, character, and love. The detailed audio tracks and subtitles (Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1 Matrixed, French DD 5.1 EX, with English and French subtitles) greatly enhance the immersive experience.

The decision to upgrade to this Blu-ray version from prior releases hinges largely on one’s appreciation for the extensive special features and collectible packaging. This edition, released by Shout Factory, is highly recommended not only for devoted collectors but also for newcomers who have yet to experience this cinematic gem in high definition.

In conclusion, "Spirited Away" remains a masterpiece of animation, blending compelling storytelling with breathtaking visuals and sound. This high-quality Blu-ray edition is undoubtedly a must-have for fans and new viewers alike. Delve into this stunning collector's item to appreciate Miyazaki’s visionary work in its finest form. Highly recommended for both its artistic value and technical excellence.