Verified Purchase:Yes

I have been waiting for this steelbook released in US long time back. The only version you can get is triple price on Marketplace. No thanks to BestBuy made my dream come true. The steelbook alone is so pretty, included booklet from Studio Gibil. I am happy customer

Length of ownership: 12

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I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHowl's Moving Castle [Blu-ray/DVD] [2 Discs] [2004].

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Customer Rating

GKIDS Honors Studio Ghibli

on December 21, 2017

Posted by: SIndyTim

from Bloomington, IN, USA

Verified Purchase:Yes

Many of you may be wondering the same thing I was when these releases hit stores. Are these Blu-rays an upgrade over the Disney releases? They are, in my opinion. However, are they worth purchasing again? Probably not. But, for hardcore fans, maybe. Here's why.

First, picture quality. GKIDS has completed new 4K scans for these Blu-rays. In my opinion, it shows. The image is a bit cleaner. The details and colors do differ in some respects from the Disney releases. In comparing some scenes from Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke, I prefer the GKIDS releases. Is it a huge difference? No. But it is there. The reds are more intense and look red, not orange. And in Nausicaaa, the colors differ in scenes from the Disney Blu-rays. Actual color grading differences. Plus, the GIDS releases have more shadow details.

The packaging and presentation on these releases tops Disney's with ease. The slipcovers are beautiful, with many of the releases using the same artwork as previous releases, with some exceptions, like Princess Mononoke. I also prefer the Nausicaa art here over Disney's. Each release is in a quality keepcase (not eco case) with art inside the back cover, so that when you open the case, you see a beautiful image from the film. The discs have art on them as well. I prefer the design on the GKIDS discs over Disney's, although, the Disney DVDs sometimes had very nice art as well. Lastly, the GKIDS releases also come with a small booklet that has some art and words from the creators behind the films.

The menus on the GKIDS releases fall short of the Disney releases. They are not animated. There is no music. But, they are clean and simple. It would have been nice to have at least had music playing in the background like the Disney releases. Some releases include new extras. Many, if not all, extras from the Disney releases are ported over, but some may not be HD, as is the case on Nausicaa. As you can see from the descriptions, the Disney dubs are ported over to these releases as well. Plus, you get Japanese audio tracks, although, I have not confirmed if these are the original Japanese audio tracks, as I know that was a problem on some previous releases.

Overall, I prefer the GKIDS Blu-rays, but if you have the Disney releases, you probably should save your money. However, if you're like me and you love the films and want the best presentation possible (video and packaging) and you find them on good sale, like they were on release at Best Buy, then it may be worth it to you.

My Best Buy number: 2951604405

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I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Favorite Miyazaki Film

on February 13, 2008

Posted by: Etherealsheep

This is one of Miyazaki's best films. It is colorful and fanciful and sure to entertain!

What's great about it: Excellent Movie

What's not so great: None

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Howl's Moving Castle

on June 4, 2009

Posted by: Anonymous

from Boston, MA

I found this movie to be packed full of adventure and drama, the characters are funny and the color and art work brought in for the artist really make this story wonderful. If you need to find something new to watch then check out this movie, you'll really love it!

What's great about it: The whole story is great and the characters really make this a good movie

What's not so great: That is was not longer, sure it was like a normal movie but i wanted more.

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Excellent movie

on August 17, 2010

Posted by: ellieme13

from Houston, Texas

This is my favorite anime movie so far since it came out! I'm a big fan of Miyazaki's work!

What's great about it: The storyline, and the animation

What's not so great: Nothing!

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Good children's animie!

on September 14, 2010

Posted by: Tedrick

from Wichita, Ks

Stretches a child's imagination with a distinctive Japanese flavor.

What's great about it: Good Japanese semi-animie

I would recommend this to a friend!

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This review is fromHowl's Moving Castle [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2004].

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Customer Rating

Fantastical film

on May 29, 2013

Posted by: Dval

from Clarksville, TN

Length: 119 minutes
Genre: Fantasy, Action

"Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a spell on Sophie. In a life-changing adventure, Sophie climbs aboard Howl's magnificent moving castle and enters a magical world on a quest to break the spell."

To be honest, I've had this movie and "My Neighbor Totoro" in my store for years and have always passed them over. Picked them both up when the Blu-rays released and I'm so glad I did. "Howl's Moving Castle" is a masterpiece that is just incredible. The beginning starts off at a very brisk pace and then slows down once Sophie has adjusted to the curse and accepts it. Aside from the first 10 minutes, nothing feels rushed and it flows very smoothly from one sequence to the next.

Full 1080p in Blu-ray works wonders for all of these older animated titles. While it detracts a little from their "classic" feel, the more vibrant colors and smoother animation is wonderful for drawing in new viewers. While not nearly as old as "Totoro", the movie still has a slightly older feeling to it. "Totoro" was the first movie that Miyazaki worked on that was set in Japan and it looks like he is a little preferetial to areas outside of his homeland. "Howl's Moving Castle" has the feeling of being in a Western European country.

Can't find any faults at all with the English voice-acting. The majority are highly-paid professional actors and they don't leave anything lacking. Always great to see the guy behind Batman as the voice behind Howl. And I don't see how anyone could not recognize the voice of Billy Crystal. Loved every minute of it.

Have to stop procrastinating with picking up "Nausicaa" as it was Miyazaki's first film and I hear so much about it. A few other huge movie titles coming out state-side this year as well that people should check out. "The Princess and the Pilot" is supposed to be amazing and I can't wait for "Wolf Children" as well. And can't forget "From Up on Poppy Hill". Missed the local screenings in Nashville earlier this month.

My Best Buy number: 905388050

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

I Absolutely Love Howl’s Moving Castle

on October 27, 2019

Posted by: KLovely1

Verified Purchase:Yes

I Absolutely Love this Beautiful movie for its story and beautiful artwork and the voice acting, and I love all of the characters and I especially love that when Sophie has a spell put on her by an evil witch to transform her into an old lady, Sophie‘s wit and sense of humor is really funny

Length of ownership: 21

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I would recommend this to a friend!

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