Latest Studio Ghibli Film on Subtitled DVD

Studio Ghibli fans prepare. The first Ghibli production to be released on DVD in Japan (and only the second Ghibli film on DVD worldwide, following the US release of Graveyard of Fireflies) is on its way. My Neighbors the Yamadas (Hohkekyo, Tonari no Yamada-kun) is scheduled for release in Japan on November 17th. Yamada-kun, the most recent Studio Ghibli film, is a light-hearted collection of short sequences detailing the everyday life of the Yamada family in contemporary Tokyo. To achieve the look of a watercolor comic strip come to life, the entire film was animated and colored by computer. Fans of traditional Ghibli films won’t be disappointed, though, as the film never betrays the look of a classic hand-drawn cel animation production. For an example of what the film looks like, visit the Japanese Sony Music page to download a short clip from the film. The 104 minute long film was directed by Isao Takahata (Graveyard of Fireflies, Pom Poko) and features lively music by Joe Hisaishi. Best of all, this DVD is scheduled to include optional English, French and Chinese subtitles. We have not yet been informed of the region coding on this disc, but assume that the disc will be Region 2, compatible only with NTSC Japanese and European DVD players, or modified NTSC players. Yamada-kun was not included in the Tokuma/Disney deal, so there is currently no US license for this film, so this might be your only opportunity to see this wonderful movie. AnimeNation is now accepting pre-orders for this disc at a price of $59.96.