This was one of the films that I saw for the very first time and bought specifically for this review. I had no idea what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised!

In a distant future, in a post-nuclear earth, Nausicaä, the teenage princess of the Valley of the Wind finds herself embroiled in a struggle with the neighboring kingdom of Tolmekia, which wants to use an accent weapon to eradicate a jungle full of giant mutant insects – which Nausicaä has learned to tame and almost communicate with.

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is based on the 1982 manga of the same name and was animated by Topcraft for Tokuma Shoten and Hakuhodo, and distributed by Toei Company. Released in 1984, a year before Studio Ghibli was founded, it is (and has been) categorized as a Ghibli film. And honestly, it’s one of the best from their 80s era. The music, composed by Joe Hisaishi, as with most of his scores, is a highlight – and absolutely wonderful!

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 116 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
  • Audio Commentary With Key Animator Hideaki Anno And Assistant Director Kazuyoshi Katayama
  • Interview With Toshio Suzuki And Hideaki Anno
  • Creating Nausicaä
  • Original Theatrical Trailers

Currently available through Shout Factory, GKids, Amazon once the set is sold out, it’s gone… so act fast!

More Studio Ghibli reviews soon so…

Stay Tuned!