My Neighbor Totoro is one of those Ghibli films that has always been on my radar, but not one I’ve ever really taken the time to sit down and watch. I have no explanation as to why, I just didn’t. Boy was I missing out.

Written and directed by Hayao Miyazak this 1988 fantasy masterpiece was animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten. The film explores themes such as animism, Shinto symbology, environmentalism and the innocent beauty of a child’s imagination.

Set in 1950s Japan, Tatsuo Kusakabe, a university professor moves his two daughters Satsuki and Mei to a house in the country so they can be closer to the hospital their mother, Yasuko, is recovering from a long-term illness. The house, inhabited by dust-like spirits called susuwatari is the perfect place for the girls to explore and let their imagination run wild. One day, Mei, the younger of the two sisters, follows two spirits into the forest and a large camphor tree where she finds an enormous spirit she names Totoro. The spirits help calm the girls worries about their mother. bringing a bit of light in the darkness of their sadness.

Growing up on the prairie of northeastern Montana I can relate to the imaginative spirit of this film. It’s such a sweet and simple story – and as always the animation is just stunning. In 2006 the Walt Disney Company released an English Dub of the film starring Dakota and Elle Fanning.

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 88 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
  • Behind the Microphone
  • Textless Opening and End Credits
  • Creating My Neighbor Totoro
  • Creating the Characters
  • The “Totoro” Experience
  • The Locations of My Neighbor Totoro
  • Producer’s Perspective: Creating Ghibli
  • 8-page Booklet, producer’s and director’s statements**

The steelbook can be purchased through Gkids, Shout Factory, and Amazon. A limited edition, once it’s gone, it’s gone so… act fast!

More Studio Ghibili soon so…

Stay Tuned!