The most successful film in Japanese history, and the winner of the 2003 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away was the film that bolstered the reputation of director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli in the West. Within the animation community, Hayao Miyazaki’s work is respected. While I’m not an expert on anime, nor would I be considered its biggest fan, Miyazaki’s films tend to draw me right in.

When it comes to Spirited Away, children will be enthralled by the magic and wonder of the world and its occupants, as will adults, if one were to describe it simply, is like a strange version of Oz. As the story begins, 10-year-old Chihiro (voice of Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi) is traveling with her parents when they get lost. They walk through a tunnel into what Chihiro’s father mistakenly believes to be an abandoned theme park. Finding wonderful things to eat, Chihiro’s parents turn into pigs. In this magical place, a witch named Yubaba (Mari Natsuki, Suzanne Pleshette) runs a bathhouse for a variety of supernatural characters. Chihiro is understandably scared. She meets Haku (Miyu Irino, Jason Marsden), who advises her the only way to survive, and perhaps escape, is to get a job.

However, that’s easier said than done, as Yabuba is absolutely terrifying. Besides, working there is far from easy. Chihiro must deal with all kinds of weird creatures and strange spirits. That while they may be misunderstood, are clearly dangerous.

Spirited Away is far from straight forward. You’ll likely find yourself wondering what the heck is going on at times. Characters appear and disappear quickly and some narrative threads are left dangling. There’s a strange sense of randomness to the whole thing, but it all works out pretty well. It’s also absolutely gorgeous to look at, something that is simply intensified in high definition. The uniqueness of Miyazaki and his team is truly on display. Each creature is different, with its own set of unique characteristics. Visually, everything about Spirited Away sparks the imagination, and leaves no doubt why Hayao Miyazaki is revered all over the world.

As I said earlier, as with other Studio Ghibli releases, Spirited Away is a film both children and adults will enjoy. I also like the fact that viewers can listen to the original Japanese audio if they so choose, or the well done English dub overseen by John Lasseter and others at Disney/ Pixar. It’s all about choices my friends!

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Disney’s 1080p transfer looks absolutely stunning. The black lines of the character models are sharp as tack. Colors are vivid throughout, with no distortion in evidence. Painted backdrops look stylish, with elegant details, and fine shade gradations. This is quite simply, a brilliant transfer in every way.

This release features two lossless audio options—a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation of the film’s original Japanese language mix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 presentation of Disney’s English dub—both of which are excellent. Dialogue is clear and concise throughout, effects are convincingly engaging, and Joe Hisaishi’s score sounds full. The soundfield is fully immersive with excellent directionality, capturing every nuance. Like the transfer, the audio, is brilliant in every way.

English, English SDH, and French subtitles are included.

The following extras are available, which have been ported over from the 2005 DVD release:

  • Original Japanese Storyboards (HD) Watch the film, comprised entirely of 1.85:1 Japanese storyboards. The audio presentation is Japanese Dolby Digital 5.1 with optional English, English SDH and French subtitles.
  • The Art of Spirited Away (SD, 15:12) Jason Marsden (Haku) hosts this look behind the scenes, discussing the film’s North American distribution, the art of Miyazaki’s world, the animation, and more.
  • Behind the Microphone (SD, 5:42) Jason Marsden, Daveigh Chase (Chihiro), Suzanne Pleshette (Yubaba), Susan Egan (Lin), David Ogden Stiers (Kamajii) and John Ratzenberger (Aniyaku) discuss their performances, and the recording process.
  • Nippon Television Special (SD, 41:53) In this Japanese television special, we visit Studio Ghibli for a look at the making of the film. Key crew members are interviewed, including Miyazaki, members of his animation team, and the Japanese voice cast.
  • Introduction (SD, 1:09) John Lasseter introduces the film.
  • Original Japanese Trailers (HD, 18:26) A collection of trailers snd promos.
  • Original Japanese TV Spots (SD, 3:57) Several TV spots.
  • DVD Copy: Barebones DVD copy of the film.