Castle in the Sky (DVD, 2010, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition)

This rerelease of CASTLE IN THE SKY is mainly good for people who demanded more extras from the intial set. And thankfully, this new release delivers on that promise, with interviews from Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Joe Hisaishi. The visual transfer is also more smoother and less grainy than the 2003 DVD release.

HOWEVER...

One may want to think twice about purchasing the 2010 Special Edition release of CASTLE IN THE SKY, as there are some serious shortcomings in the film's presentation. Anyone who is a fan of Disney's dub as it was on the 2003 DVD release need to be warned: it has been altered. Joe Hisaishi had been commissioned to rerecord a new score for Disney's dub, with arguably breathtaking (and, I might argue, superior) results, but it is gone from the dub in this new version, reverting back to the original Japanese sound mix. While the original score (performed on synthesizers) is by no means inferior (the melodies are just as lovely), the film seems somewhat dated without the orchestral revamp, particularly in cues that sound so obviously synthy. There were also lots of moments of pure silence in the original Japanese version; while it's interesting to hear them back in this new edition, it also makes Disney's version seem more empty and less exuberant. That, and a good portion of the extra dialogue has been cut (to make the dub fit more in tune with the Japanese version). While purists may scream with joy at the news, I found it pretty disappointing, especially since I loved Disney's dub as it was on the 2003 DVD release. More problematic for fans who want to see the film in its native language track is that the subtitles are DUBTITLES, which sometimes vary from the original script. The 2003 DVD had more literal (albeit mistimed) subtitles.

So it basically comes down to a toss-up: which edition of CASTLE IN THE SKY is superior? If you want more extras, this is the version to get, but for the better presentation of the film, the 2003 edition wins out. Personally, I would swap disc two of the 2003 DVD set (where the only "extra" was to view the film with storyboards) with the one from the 2010 DVD release, and keep the first disc from the 2003 DVD set. THAT would make it worthy of being a "Special" edition.

The Castle in the Sky is an amazing movie, however the person I bought the movie from it did not work so I was unable to see the special edition added to the movie. I would recommend getting the movie because the story is soo beautiful but be careful of who you buy it from.

I got the movie for my family, we all enjoyed it very much. The unique film was absolutely amazing.This movie is most worthy of watching over and over and loaning out to family and friends. It definitely has a Disney flair to it. Great story line.

I love most of the movies that have come from Studio Ghibli, but this is one of my favorites. It is an excellent movie for family and friends alike. Stunning artwork, excellent storyline, and an all around amazing experience.

I love all the movie in this circle, but this one. I thought it to be a bit violent for a Disney movie. My daughter wanted it as she saw it on the Ponyo DVD so I didn't think twice about getting it, she didn't even enjoy it and wanted to turn it of after 15 mins which wasn't a problem or me. I really wouldn't recommend this for small children at all, get the others instead.