Ponyo was one of the films that I had an instant connection with. Not only is it a retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales, The Little Mermaid, but it’s English dub also starred Norah Cyrus, whom I had had the pleasure of meeting while she was promoting her first film Mostly Ghostly. It’s also one I haven’t seen since I initially watched it.
Fujimoto, a wizard (who was once a human), lives underwater with his daughter Brunhilde (Cyrus) and her numerous smaller sisters. After escaping her father’s underwater laboratory, she is swept out to sea rescued by a five-year-old boy named Sōsuke (Frankie Jonas) who gives her the name Ponyo. The act sets into motion a chain of events that threatens not only the humans, but also all sea life.
In addition to Cyrus and Jonas, the film also stars Tina Fey, Betty White, Lily Tomlin, Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchett and Cloris Leachman. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film was a major commercial success, and grossed over $204 million worldwide. It’s also the eighth-highest-grossing anime film of all time.
The re-watch was a lot of fun, because I hadn’t seen it since it first premiered, and again I was reminded of just how incredibly sweet and excited Cyrus was when I met her.
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 103 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:
- Exclusive Booklet
- Feature-Length Storyboards
- Behind the Microphone
- The Five Geniuses Who Created Ponyo
- Interviews with Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki
- Theme Song Press Conference
- Music Video
- Opening Event at Hibiya Scala-Za Theatre
The steelbook is currently available through Shout Factory, GKids, and Amazon.
More STUDIO GHIBLI reviews soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 