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I just read a review for this movie, and it wasn't really good.
There have been rumors about Miyazaki Sr. not being too happy that Miyazaki Jr. is directing this film. (as some of you have pointed out.)
I think We all expected a legacy to be passed on, when Goro is really just the director of the studio museum.

The studio, of course did an excellent job of making the film beautiful.
The review said that the author of the books wasn't very happy with the adaptation. her characters werent made to look as discribed in the book. A horrable disfiguration became a slight pink mark, you almost wouldn't notice it. Maybe thats why she said, "it isn't my book, it's your film..."
She actually didn't want this film done when Miyazaki Sr first asked, but then she saw "my neighbor Totoro", and was an instant fan. she liked the way he (Miyazaki Sr) handled relationships and nuances of his films. Too bad Miyazaki Sr didn't actually do this film. Would have been an excellent film to retire on. And no I don't think Goro can surpass his Dad. His Dad is a master.
I'm betting this will be released by disney like all the other films for the US, so you wont have to worry about region1 / 2 or anything. just be paitent.
Would be better in a theater though. xp
But sadly i am no longer excited to see this film...
Sorry if any of this seems mean but just having the same last name doesn't grant you talent. If Miyazaki Sr has no confidence in Goro, then why should I? For me my expectations are gone, and he'll have to prove himself just like any other director now.

My friend just sent me a copy of the dvd (she took a trip to Canada and found it there for $4) and I am a bit disappointed. I'm fairly certain most of it is because I actually read all the books before seeing it, and the movie plot is just all of them mashed together, many times to the point where they no longer make sense. It isn't a terrible plot, but there are things left unexplained, and a few things that made me go, "But, he/she needs a better reason to do something like that!"

Something else that bothered me: there was an actual evil villain this time. I felt that there was a more sharper definition between black and white here than in previous works (or at least ones that I'd seen).