This film has everything I should want in a movie. Magic, mystery, and a feisty princess who doesn’t take “no” for an answer. Plus, the English voice cast includes screen icon Cloris Leachman who was, among her many credits Hydia in the 1986 animated classic My Little Pony: The Movie. But this film wasn’t one of my favorites.

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki the 1986 epic fantasy is the first film to be animated by Studio Ghibli, with a production team comprising many of Miyazaki’s longtime collaborators, many of whom would remain with the studio for the next thirty years! 

The orphan Sheeta, is the last princess of the mythical flying kingdom Laputa. Chased by my mercenaries and pirates for the power of the aetherium crystal she wears around her neck, she falls from her airship in an attempt to escape. The crystal contains the map to Laputa, which has been lost for hundreds of years.

Falling into the arms of Pazu, another orphan, he joins the fight to protect her from the clutches of the vile government agent Muska (voiced by Mark Hamill in the English dub), who ends up being another descend of the royal family of Laputa. Though, unlike Sheeta, he wants to use the kingdom’s power for darkness. 

The pirates, led by Dola (Leachman in the English dub) not only end up befriending the children but risking their lives to protect them. Studio Ghibli Retro Review: Castle in the Sky

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 125 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
  • Creating Castle In The Sky
  • The World of Laputa
  • Character Sketches
  • Exclusive Booklet
  • and much more!

While the steelbook is urrently unavailable for any retailers other than eBay (at a hefty price) the regular blu-ray is can still be purchased through Amazon.

More Studio Ghibili soon so…

Stay Tuned!