This 2002 fantasy comedy written by Reiko Yoshida is based on the manga of the same name and released as a spin-off to the 1995 film Whisper of the Heart. 

Haru Yoshioka is a shy high school student who can speak with cats. One day, she saves a cat from being hit by a truck. That cat turns out to be Lune, the Prince of the Cat Kingdom, and as thanks the cats turn Haru’s world upside down. After many strange gifts, she’s also taken to the cat kingdom where she is to become the bride of the Prince. There’s only one problem, she doesn’t want to be a can and he’s in love with someone else. Luckily, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (the same Baron from Whisper of the Heart), and a plethora of other friends rush to her aid.

Upon its release, The Cat Returns was the highest-grossing domestic film at the Japanese box office in 2002. It’s not as deep as some of the other Ghibli films, but it is fun. 

The English Dub includes the voice talents of Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, and Tim Curry, so… it’s got a great cast!

The film has seen several releases to home media, including a collectible steel book release through Shout Factory / Gkids. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film, clocking in at about 75 minutes is presented in glorious HD. The set includes audio presented in the original Japanese as well as English, and French each with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Extras include:

  • Feature-Length Storyboards
  • Original Theatrical Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • The Making of The Cat Returns 
  • Behind the Microphone
  • Exclusive Booklet

Though the Steelbook is currently unavailable, you can order the regular Blu-ray version through sites like Amazon.

More Studio Ghibli reviews soon so…

Stay Tuned!