Rating summary
| Movie |  | 5.0 |
| Video | | 5.0 |
| Audio |  | 4.5 |
| Extras |  | 3.5 |
| Overall | | 4.5 |
Howl's Moving Castle Blu-ray Movie Review
A stunning steelbook edition for a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard June 23, 2020
A remarkable achievement by Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke), Howl's Moving Castle is one of the filmmakers most divisive but brilliant films. Miyazaki proclaimed the film as an effort he made for an older-generation like himself (or for those who are “old” at heart). As such, it might be less appealing to the youngest audiences of his films. Adult fans will find it to be one of Miyazaki's most enchanting, entertaining, and moving productions. The storytelling is exquisite.
Miyazaki focuses the story on a young woman named Sophie who becomes an old woman after a spell is cast on her by a witch who is determined to curse her. Befriending a wizard named Howl, Sophie is taken on the adventure of her lifetime: a journey full of magic and a breathtaking castle that moves on legs. Featuring some of the best animation in Miyazaki's career and a beautiful score by his longtime collaborator Joe Hisaishi, Howl's Moving Castle is a cinematic masterpiece.
Imagination and adventure takes flight.
For more information on the film please refer to the original review by Blu-ray.com writer Kenneth Brown. Please note that my rating and review on the film is a reflection of my own opinion.
Howl's Moving Castle Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
For more information on the presentation quality on the Gkids edition please refer to the review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Stephen Larson.
Howl's Moving Castle Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
For more information on the presentation quality on the Gkids edition please refer to the review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Stephen Larson.
Howl's Moving Castle Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
NEW to the edition is a deluxe steelbook with collectors packaging. The design on the release is impressive: the subtle use of color on the design is fantastic and looks even better in hand. The silver metallic print has a shine to it with the red color reflecting in light. It looks and feels great to have a collectors edition. The design is simplistic and yet it is somehow perfect for the film. A high-quality release which should appeal to steelbook collectors.
For more information on the extras on the Gkids edition please refer to the review by my Blu-ray.com colleague Stephen Larson.
Howl's Moving Castle Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
One of the most underrated of all Miyazaki efforts, Howl's Moving Castle is an extraordinary film with stunning animation and a powerful story. The characters are some of the best in the Miyazaki world. The filmmaking is enormously entertaining and it never loses sight of the magic. The Blu-ray has a impressive presentation and the release features a gorgeous steelbook that is a must-own for Ghibli fans. Highly recommended.
