Rating summary
| Movie |  | 5.0 |
| Video | | 5.0 |
| Audio | | 5.0 |
| Extras |  | 4.0 |
| Overall | | 5.0 |
Spirited Away Blu-ray Movie Review
A stunning collector's edition of one of the best animated films in cinema history
Reviewed by Neil Lumbard November 12, 2019
Spirited Away is Hayao Miyazaki's greatest masterpiece and one of the best films of
all time (animated or otherwise). The film features a fantastical storyline with one strange and remarkable event after another unfolding all the way to
the magical conclusion. Spirited Away features some of the most breathtaking animation that has ever been put on film and each frame
feels like a distinctive work of art suitable for framing and displaying.
Without any doubt in my mind, Spirited Away is a cinematic masterpiece which
deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest cinematic gems the world over. (For those interested, Spirited Away is not only one of
my favorite films: it even inspired my puppy's name... Chihiro). A film that never tires and is always as comforting and magical as it was the first time
I experienced it. See it and share it with your loved ones.
A masterpiece in every sense of the word: one of the best films ever made.
For more information and a full film review please refer to the review by Kenneth Brown.
Spirited Away Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality
The picture-quality remains the same as what is found on the Gkids Blu-ray release. For more
information and a full review of the video please refer to the review here.
Spirited Away Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality
The audio quality remains the same as what is found on the Gkids Blu-ray release. For more
information and a full review of the audio quality please refer to the review here.
Spirited Away Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras
On-disc supplements remain the same as what is included on the standard Blu-ray release from
GKids. However, the supplemental feature entitled "NTV Ghibli Special: The Making of Spirited Away
" that can be found only on the DVD edition provided in the Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack of Spirited Away is no
longer included as the collector's edition drops the DVD from the release. (Though this is certainly not a big deal to me given the myriad of releases I
own for Spirited Away, it may be for others).
The deluxe collector's edition Blu-ray release adds some new elements to the package: a
gorgeous box, a exclusive collectible booklet, and the original soundtrack CD featuring the
magnificent score composed by Joe Hisaishi (a longtime collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki responsible for the scores to Princess Mononoke,
Castle in the Sky, The Wind Rises and others). This is one of the most beautiful scores I have ever heard and the addition of
the soundtrack is a wonderful inclusion that makes the release feel all the more special and worth adding to the collection.
Spirited Away Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation
There are few films as magical and spellbinding as Spirited Away. It is a masterpiece
in every sense of the word. With stunning animation, beautiful music, and enchanting direction by the brilliant Hayao Miyazaki (Kiki's Delivery
Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo) the film is a whimsical experience which never fails to entertain and delight from
start to finish. The film creates an experience which audiences the entire world over will want to cherish and share with family (young and old).
The Blu-ray release from Gkids is high quality on every level with a transfer which more closely
mirrors the Japanese Blu-ray and the collector's edition has stunning packaging, the CD soundtrack (featuring the beautiful score composed by the
masterful Joe Hisaishi), and a booklet which fans of the film will appreciate having as a part of the package. What a beautiful edition. There is little
doubt that fans will want to double-dip for the special packaging and soundtrack. Newcomers will also delight in owning this stunning collectors item.
Spirited Away is one of the best films ever made and it receives my highest recommendation. A must-own collectors edition.
