New On Video: 'Spirited Away'
UPDATED: 11:56 a.m. EDT April 23, 2003
'Spirited Away' (PG) Don't be fooled by Disney's attachment to "Spirited Away" -- a film import from famed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki that's a far cry from the traditional family fare associated with the studio giant's famed animation division.
"Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" filmmaker John Lasseter directed the voices for the American translation of the film, about a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) who's swept into a bizarre world of spirits after her parents are taken captive in a desolate amusement park-like setting. Encountering both good and evil forces, Chihiro must overcome her fears and pass a set of unique challenges if she is to set her parents free.
If "Spirited Away" does have anything over its Oscar competitors -- "Ice Age," "Lilo & Stitch," "Spirit: The Stallion of the Cimarron" and "Treasure Planet" -- it's a far more serious narrative. Among the characters Chihiro encounter in the brooding world of the film are an evil witch and her trio of disembodied heads, a creature splashing blood as it thrashes around from its wounds, and a villainous spirit that disgustingly spews a never-ending trail of vomit.
As you might have guessed, "Spirited Away" is hardly a film for the "Winnie the Pooh" set. In fact, it has more frightening moments than its four other Oscar competitors combined, and probably isn't appropriate for any kids 10 and under. If you want pure, unadulterated fun, then you're better off with "Ice Age" and its award-nominated counterparts.
DVD Features: Two-disc set includes Original Japanese language track, introduction to the film by Lasseter, a voice talent featurette, a "Making Of" featurette, original Japanese trailers, the Art of 'Spirited Away,' and more. Also new on DVD are Miyazaki's "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Castle in the Sky." (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)
"Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" filmmaker John Lasseter directed the voices for the American translation of the film, about a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro (Daveigh Chase) who's swept into a bizarre world of spirits after her parents are taken captive in a desolate amusement park-like setting. Encountering both good and evil forces, Chihiro must overcome her fears and pass a set of unique challenges if she is to set her parents free.
If "Spirited Away" does have anything over its Oscar competitors -- "Ice Age," "Lilo & Stitch," "Spirit: The Stallion of the Cimarron" and "Treasure Planet" -- it's a far more serious narrative. Among the characters Chihiro encounter in the brooding world of the film are an evil witch and her trio of disembodied heads, a creature splashing blood as it thrashes around from its wounds, and a villainous spirit that disgustingly spews a never-ending trail of vomit.
As you might have guessed, "Spirited Away" is hardly a film for the "Winnie the Pooh" set. In fact, it has more frightening moments than its four other Oscar competitors combined, and probably isn't appropriate for any kids 10 and under. If you want pure, unadulterated fun, then you're better off with "Ice Age" and its award-nominated counterparts.
DVD Features: Two-disc set includes Original Japanese language track, introduction to the film by Lasseter, a voice talent featurette, a "Making Of" featurette, original Japanese trailers, the Art of 'Spirited Away,' and more. Also new on DVD are Miyazaki's "Kiki's Delivery Service" and "Castle in the Sky." (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)
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