MovieChat Forums > Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2003) Discussion > Blu ray is magnificent

Blu ray is magnificent

posted 11 years ago by Pete-230
9 replies | jump to latest

Watched it last night. Once again, a stellar Ghibli effort. This ups the ante on the DVD, which in itself was very fine.

The detail is sharp, crisp and deep. With so much going on in the frame, it will hold up well on repeat viewings, just to pick out little details missed before.

Colors are subtle and geared to the scene. At times, especially when the picture focuses on Chihiro, saturation is soft, almost pastel. Other times, as in Yubaba's office, the colors are bright, bordering on riotous. It's never as bold as Howl's room in "Howl's Moving Castle," but it is entirely appropriate for the picture.

Transfers like this demonstrate that 3D is a superfluous gimmick. Good cinematography, well-reproduced, gives all the illusion of depth needed. I missed this in the theatres when it was released; hope it gets a screening one of these days in NYC or nearby.

[–] TwiZone 11 years ago

I'm assuming that you're referring to the Japanese Blu-Ray release? The U.K. will be getting the Blu-Ray at the end of this year. Not too sure about the U.S. though.

[–] Pete-230 11 years ago

Yep, it's the Japanese issue. Disney seems to have ground to a halt with Ghibli blus in the States. I bought 'Mononoke' last year, also from Japan. i have to assume that the mouse will put them out eventually, but for these two, I didn't want to wait, even though delayed gratification sets us apart from the lower animals. Still no sign of 'Kiki' or 'Porco,' and they've been out in Japan for a bit. I wonder if sales were soft on the ones Disney released here - the prices were quite high, and they were only released as DVD/Blu combos. Maybe they are rethinking the marketing strategy.

[–] TwiZone 11 years ago

You should come over to Britain. We have most of the Studio Ghibli films on Blu-Ray, except for Ocean Waves, Only Yesterday, The Wind Rises and Spirited Away, although the latter two will be released on Blu-Ray Doubleplay by the end of this year, along with the Miyazaki boxset!

[–] Dave_Robicheaux 11 years ago

Great Britain was the only hope to see Whisper of the Heart in occidental language with a good english dub and an amazing master..

And if happens here a Miya-San Anthology...

Dieu sauve la Reine!

[–] Druff 10 years ago

US blu-rays are happening again, we just got Princess Mononoke a few weeks ago. A Spirited Away release date announcement must be coming soon... I hope.

[–] skoobydoo6789 10 years ago

The Blu-Ray for Kiki's Delivery Service is already out in the US. I remember seeing it at the Super Target where I live. Porco Rosso is being released on Blu-Ray next month. I love both movies.

If it's all the same to you, I'll have that drink now.-Loki (Marvel's Avengers)

[–] Druff 10 years ago

Thanks for this, glad I saw your post; I was going to dig out my Porco DVD this weekend, haven't watched it since it was released. Now I've pre-ordered the blu-ray instead. =)

[–] skoobydoo6789 10 years ago

You're welcome. Glad to be of help.

If it's all the same to you, I'll have that drink now.-Loki (Marvel's Avengers)

[–] koolstup 10 years ago

Just watched the U.K. Blu-Ray, just incredible animation with magnificent popping colours and so sharp. You can compare it with the clips in the "Making Of" extra, and think how lucky you are to see this film in Hi-Def. It makes so much difference