While not one of the studios most highly-regarded films, Tales from Earthsea is an epic fantasy rich in story, with beautiful visuals and an awe-inspiring soundtrack worthy of the name Miyazaki.

Released in 2006, Tales from Earthsea is based on the first four novels of the Earthsea series by American author Ursula K. Le Guin, Arren is a prince plagued by an internal darkness. After meeting the archmage, Sparrowhawk, the two set off on a journey that brings brings them face to face with the dark magic that is corrupting their world.

Co-written and directed by Goro Miyazaki (son of the legendary Hayao), the film was a box office success but was heavily criticized for its slow passing and departure from the source material. While true, the film does lull in some places, overall, it really is a rich, and incredibly beautiful film about strength and accepting one’s own power.

Released in 2006, Tales From Earthsea was the #4 top-grossing movie in Japan, and the year’s highest-grossing domestic Japanese film. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released the film on DVD on March 2011 and again on blu-ray in 2015. GKids, later re-relased the film, though not on Steelbook. However, Studio Canal did release an exclusive steelbook through Zavvi. Though currently out of print, it can still be found on Amazon UK and eBay.

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