Amazon.com essential video: My Neighbor Totoro is that rare delight, a family film that appeals to children and adults alike. While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in the country with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny rabbit. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy.
Unlike many cartoon children, Satsuki and Mei are neither smart-alecky nor cloyingly saccharine. They are credible kids: bright, energetic, silly, helpful, and occasionally impatient. Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki makes the viewer believe the two sisters love each other in a way no American feature has ever achieved. My Neighbor Totoro is enormously popular in Japan, and some of the character merchandise has begun to appear in America. The film has also inspired a Japanese environmental group to buy a Totoro Forest preserve in the Saitama Prefecture, where Miyazaki's film is set. --Charles Solomon
Superior to Disney Re-Release in Spite of Shortcomings For all of its well-documented shortcomings, this version of the movie is far SUPERIOR to the more recent re-release for one compelling reason: the English dub version actors are flat out better than the big names hired by Disney to re-do it. They have an innocence and charm that the newer release tries (and fails) to mimic. I waited a long time for a widescreen release and was sorely disappointed when I discovered the new audio track. My advice is to accept the shortcomings of this otherwise simply delightful and still superior dvd.
A fantastic animated film that none should miss-make sure to get the right version. Beautiful art, easy to interpret but meaningful story, likable characters, and a certain magic and love to it, yup this is a Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film. The soundtrack tot he movie is also fantastic. The only problems are that the Miyazaki DVDs have been pretty lackluster in extra features, and the Disney version of the DVD has new, irritating, voices that are in no way as good as the original. Go check out the other version offered here on Amazon: My Neighbor Totoro (Full Screen Edition) by 20th Century Fox rather than Disney, it has the original voices. Fantastic movie that people of all ages should love, remember, and cherish.
The unfortunate and unexpected What a disappointment this DVD was when I shoved itin my player. The facade of this movie was a favourite from my childhood, but what a rude awakening I received. They may have remastered the animation, but they also had the gall to redo the voices which was an absolutely horrific choice. Not only was it a major disappointment because it's not what I expected to hear, but I felt the voices failed to capture the intent of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki or connect to the characters themselves in their American ways. Do not be fooled by the cover and think this is the original. It's not. That was my mistake. Don't let it be yours.
Charming My Neighbor Totoro is a childhood memory for me. My 2-year-old kid love it, too, also his little friends. I have one in the Mandarin-Japanese version, but I bought this English version for his little friend's birthday. Because she loves it but her mom can only understand English. They love it
A delightful family film. (Volume 1: Part 3) In the history of animation all the way until today Disney has shined above the rest with the brining to life of classic stories. While there are other companies out there that try to succeed most of them seem to fade into the background. 'An American Tale', 'The Land Before Time' and 'The Iron Giant' are just a few.
In 1988 in the peak of American animation Miyazaki created 'My Neighbor Totoro'. It is the story of two sisters that move into a new house that they feel is being watched by spirits. Being the adventurous girls they are, they find that there is a something there and it's big! Once they find it an incredible world of wonderous adventures begin and their lives will never be the same.
' My Neighbor Totoro' was such a wonderful film. I was captivated by the complexity of the characters in such a simple story. It really stands up there along with some of the great Dinsey classics, which is no surprise that Disney got their hands on it. Still, in my opinion try and get your hands on the origional english dubbed film from Fox family animation. The voices are much better especially with Cheryl Chase (voice of Rugrats Angelica) as the voice of the adorable and spunky Mae. You will laugh until it hurts and just stare in amazment of all the fantastic moments that will captivate you in this adorable family film. It will probably end up on your top 10 list if you're not careful.
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