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Update:
There are currently 3 versions of this film on modern formats: 2 DVD versions and the new Blu-Ray. Here is the breakdown and why I hate Disney:
The initial DVD release of Castle in the Sky was and still is the best of the three for purists. Here is why: The original DVD (the 2003 release with the cover showing Laputa in the background) has two subtitle options:
Subtitle 1: the closed captions for the English dubbing, or 'dubtitles'.
Subtitle 2: the accurate translation of the Japanese voice track.
The disc also has the original Japanese audio, the TERRIBLE English dub, and a French dub.
Let me expound on the TERRIBLE comment. If you scroll between English and Japanese you can instantly hear that Disney has muted most of the background noise. In certain parts the noise very low to the point it is annoying, other times it is so low you cannot hear it. Listen to the first chapter once in Japanese, then in English to hear the difference. On the English dub you don't hear the propeller whirring, you don't hear the 'whoosh' as the Pirate skiffs take off or kick the engines into high speed. Also, and most horribly, Disney has decided to add dialogue where none existed before. For a fun test of this, turn the Japanese audio on and put it on Subtitle 1. You will see subtitles for various moments when no one is talking.
Also, Disney added in music. Listen to when Pazu plays his horn. In the English track you have a Spanish guitar in addition to the trumpet. I looked but couldn't locate the invisible guitarist.
NOW. The next release causes me to curse Disney until the end of time. BOTH SUBTITLE OPTIONS ARE THE 'DUBTITLES'. This means you can watch the Japanese audio but that you have the horrible, mis-translated, and often curiously added in subtitles. This doesn't matter if you want to watch the sub-par English dub. But for those who want to truly experience Laputa, you want the rich sounds and pure Joe Hishashi score without Disney add on.
Sadly, the Blu-Ray is the same way. It looks good, but there are no true subtitles. Granted, it's better than Ponyo on Blu-Ray which has no Japanese audio selection! (Except on the extra DVD copy included with).
So I have my 2009 re-release for sale and I purchased a used copy of the 2003 release.
Shame on you Disney. I don't mind them including the dubbed version, but don't remove the proper subtitles and stop messing with the background sound and music.
------------------
There are several audio and subtitle options here. If you listen to the Japanese voice track, make sure you pick the correct subtitles and not the closed captions that match the English dub. Here is why: The English dubbing takes a dramatic departure from the original Japanese script. There are instances where entire conversations are changed, or even where dialogue is added. I'm not saying it is worse or better this way, but for those who want the true Miyazaki story line, the Japanese audio with English subtitles is the best option here. You'll know the difference if you watch the English dialogue with the subtitles intended for the Japanese audio. Huge difference. I'm not sure if the subtitles were in place with the actual Japanese DVD release and for some weird copyright reason Disney couldn't use the exact translation that was in place? That is often the case with novels and other movies like Let the Right One In (the US release couldn't use the original Swedish/English translation subtitles due to copyright reasons so they had to 'create' a new translation that didn't mimic the original).
My preference is to watch it perhaps in English once and Japanese once and figure out which you prefer. Often whichever language you hear it in first will ultimately become your preference. I recommend the Japanese audio the first time through (and check to make sure the subtitles don't match the English dub, that's how I figure out which to use).
Now onto the movie. The Blu-ray version, like other Ghibli/Disney releases has a definite improvement in picture quality. But is it worth the $36 price tag? In renting this and Nausicaa from the the library, I was able to watch side by side basically. The level of improvement is good, but not worth the extra money in my opinion. I purchased the DVD version of Castle in the Sky for $16 new from Amazon with Prime shipping free. So this is twice as much. It's a bit tough to swallow. Perhaps at $24.99 it would make more sense. You're not really getting two movies, rather just an extra copy. Which is nice if you have an additional DVD only player or a PC or laptop with DVD only. I think the combo pack is worth it over the previous Disney digital copy download versions that expire.
Also of note: the sound effects and musical score have been modified in the English dubbed soundtrack. They have removed many sound effects and muted many others. This is a very audio driven film, and I like the Japanese version where you can hear the various sound effects like the explosions and propellers to their fullest. Uncompressed audio really shines on the Japanese track, while the English track is good, but has a more 're-mixed' sound to it (well it IS re-mixed you could say!).
The reason I am so nitpicky is that this is my personal favorite (though not what I consider the best) Ghibli film. I believe Spirited Away to be their best. The film was called Laputa in the original and it is heavily influenced by Gulliver's Travels. Miyazaki put a lot of his own creativity into this film (rather than later films based heavily on Japanese lore (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Totoro) or existing stories (Arietty, Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle)). Miyazaki was influenced also by a Welsh town he visited prior to scripting this film as well as Hindu lore and Victorian England. Though based on these influences, the story is completely original and 100% Miyazaki. Also of note: this was the first Studio Ghibli film and was Miyazaki's second directorial film after Nausicaa.
Without giving too much plot away, I will say that the story revolves around two young people, Pazu and Sheeta and their quest to find and unravel the secrets of the floating city of Laputa. There are some interesting characters, and actually the supporting cast is among my favorite in any animated film. The sky pirates add a bit of comedy and action to the film. Dola is quite a delight while she is featured. And Muska is probably one of the best villains in any animated film ever! You really know he's a bad apple when he wears sunglasses AND an ascot! Stylish AND evil!
The film has a lot of poignant moments to balance out the action and suspense. It is appropriate for all ages, though there is a bit more violence near the end, though nothing graphically depicted. Nobody getting shot or anything, more like large explosions that kind of overtake the people.
But there are strikingly beautiful scenes that grab your attention and stay with you afterwards. This is a marvel to watch, and even though the animation is dated by today's standards, it was among the best of 1986. Everything is hand drawn and painstaking attention detail is made in almost every scene. There were not MacBooks to edit and clean up animation, so everything is done by hand. That in itself is a marvel.
So please watch this film. Purchase it if you like it. The DVD version is also still available, though I think waiting for the price to dip a bit on the Blu-Ray might be prudent. The Nausicaa Blu-Ray was $36 but dipped to $25 for awhile, so it's not unheard of for this to drop in price soon. It depends on your level of fan love. Since I have the DVD, I am pretty content (also having access to the Blu-Ray through the library helps if I want to request it). And watch it in both languages at some point and form your own opinion. I prefer the Japanese audio, but the English dub is pretty good. Pazu is kind of annoying (looking at you Van der Beek!) and the dialogue is changed (and often makes little sense), but it doesn't detract from the film.
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Reviews with images
Absolutely Wonderful
I am so glad I bought this!! I've loved "Castle in the Sky" since I was a little kid, and found the 2010 version of the movie a little lack-luster compared to what I had grown up with. It just didn't have the same feeling as the 2003 release that I had always known and loved. And, I'm so happy to say that this dvd was just like I how I had remembered! The packaging was in mint condition, with the dvd set unopened and sealed shut. The movie played without any issues. And it looked and sounded perfect! I'm extremely happy I now own this movie and have faith in it's quality. (If your looking for the version of "Castle in the Sky" that was out before the 2010 edit, look in the details for the 2003 release date listed below each selection.)
