Kiki's Delivery Service [2 Discs] [Blu-ray] [1989]

Many of you may be wondering the same thing I was when these releases hit stores. Are these Blu-rays an upgrade over the Disney releases? They are, in my opinion. However, are they worth purchasing again? Probably not. But, for hardcore fans, maybe. Here's why. First, picture quality. GKIDS has completed new 4K scans for these Blu-rays. In my opinion, it shows. The image is a bit cleaner. The details and colors do differ in some respects from the Disney releases. In comparing some scenes from Nausicaa, Castle in the Sky, and Princess Mononoke, I prefer the GKIDS releases. Is it a huge difference? No. But it is there. The reds are more intense and look red, not orange. And in Nausicaaa, the colors differ in scenes from the Disney Blu-rays. Actual color grading differences. Plus, the GIDS releases have more shadow details. The packaging and presentation on these releases tops Disney's with ease. The slipcovers are beautiful, with many of the releases using the same artwork as previous releases, with some exceptions, like Princess Mononoke. I also prefer the Nausicaa art here over Disney's. Each release is in a quality keepcase (not eco case) with art inside the back cover, so that when you open the case, you see a beautiful image from the film. The discs have art on them as well. I prefer the design on the GKIDS discs over Disney's, although, the Disney DVDs sometimes had very nice art as well. Lastly, the GKIDS releases also come with a small booklet that has some art and words from the creators behind the films. The menus on the GKIDS releases fall short of the Disney releases. They are not animated. There is no music. But, they are clean and simple. It would have been nice to have at least had music playing in the background like the Disney releases. Some releases include new extras. Many, if not all, extras from the Disney releases are ported over, but some may not be HD, as is the case on Nausicaa. As you can see from the descriptions, the Disney dubs are ported over to these releases as well. Plus, you get Japanese audio tracks, although, I have not confirmed if these are the original Japanese audio tracks, as I know that was a problem on some previous releases. Overall, I prefer the GKIDS Blu-rays, but if you have the Disney releases, you probably should save your money. However, if you're like me and you love the films and want the best presentation possible (video and packaging) and you find them on good sale, like they were on release at Best Buy, then it may be worth it to you.

If you are interested in Kinki's Delivery Service, this is the DVD edition to get! The re-release has the same movie, but the second DVD has much better extras. Kiki's Delivery Service is a coming of age story about a young witch trying to make her way in the world. The only magic she ever mastered was flying on her broom so she starts her own flying delivery service (hence the title). Along the way, she makes new friends and learns how to make her own magic. Kiki is a great character. She may be a witch, but she behaves much like any other girl her age and it is a pleasure to see her character develop as the movie progresses. Jiji, Kiki's long suffering black cat, is another great character. He serves mainly as comic relief and his misadventures are very funny. This is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie. Writing, directing and animation are all top-notch and there is not a flaw to be found anywhere (at least in the Original Japanese language version). It's a great movie for children but adults can enjoy it as well, perfect family entertainment. The second DVD has some nice extras. There's an interactive portion which features worlds from Kiki and other Studio Ghibli films. The worlds of the other films have a 'Where's Waldo' style game that uncovers video clips and some funny animations. The Kiki portion is a 'Which character in Kiki are you most like?' game where you find out which of the movie's characters you are most similar too by answering a few questions. There's also a 'Behind the scenes' portion with background information on the movie. This part includes input from director Hayao Miyazaki and composer Joe Hisaishi. There's alos a segment from a documentary on real world locations that inspired Kiki. The Totoro and Ponyo DVD's also have segments from this documentary, but I'd like to see the whole documentary! The Japanese language version is much better than the English dub! The Japanese cast all fit their characters perfectly, but the English cast does not. Kiki sounds like a none-to-bright valley girl in the English version rather than the bright young girl that she is in the Original version. Jiji sounds especially terrible in the English dub, and I was not overly fond of the English voice for Osono. If you already have the earlier release of Kiki, the decision to buy this one is entirely up to you. If you do not have the earlier release, get this one! For magical fun for the whole family, Kiki's Delivery Service can't be beat!

Hayao Miyazaki's "Kiki's Delivery Service" is based on a series of children's stories by Eiko Kadono. Kiki is a thirteen-year-old witch, and must go out into the world to begin her training. Her mother is also a witch, a vanishing breed. Kiki (Kirsten Dunst) and her black cat Jiji (voiced by Phil Hartman) set out to find a town to call their very own. After a disheartening evening of meeting up with a snooty witch-in-training and getting caught flying in a thunderstorm, the pair wakes up to a sunny day and new adventures. Kiki finds herself in Koriko, a beautiful seaside city modeled after Europe's genteel capitals, and in the capable, grateful hands of Osono, a pregnant baker. Her new talent seems to be delivering items on her broomstick, and "Kiki's Delivery Service" is born. Kiki and Jiji take up lodgings at the bakery and soon are delivering every sort of item imaginable, from fish pies to stuffed cats to heavy boxes, and naturally, get into scrapes along the way. Young Jeff is fascinated by Kiki and her ability to fly (he is in a young pilots' club), and the two begin a bashful courtship of sorts. But one day, Kiki finds that her magical powers are fading--she can no longer fly or talk to Jiji.... Many of Miyazaki's films feature strong female heroines, and Kiki is no exception. From Kiki's mother mixing potions, to Osono's successful bakery, to Ursula's career as a female artist and Kiki's own quest for independence, "Kiki's Delivery Service" promotes a message of "girl power" and believing in oneself that makes it a good role model for young girls. Part of Kiki's charm is her awkwardness at becoming a teenager, and her magical troubles stem from self-doubt that, when corrected, finds her in flying form once again. Beautiful artwork, an old world musical score full of Parisian accordion and European charm, and a timeless story are enhanced by Disney's choice of A-list actors for the English dub (Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Janeane Garofalo). DVD comes in English, Spanish, and the original Japanese dub (with two choices of subtitles: the literal translation and the captions used in the English version), along with several extras (original Japanese trailers, "Behind the Microphone" with John Lasseter).

No large spoilers. Being a fan of anime, and having found many cute black cat things associated with the show, I decided to buy the movie. It being a Ghibli, I assumed it would be an enjoyable show. I wasn't disappointed. Was it outstanding? No. It's a simple little tale of a young girl (13) going out to be on her own as all witches must, for 1 year when they are 13. She finds a new city to become the resident witch, but has no idea what her skill is. Instead of being a potion maker or fortune teller, her skill is more of helping people. She has a period of self-doubt and begins to lose her powers, but an emergency proves to her that the path she is on seems to be the right one. It has some lovely minor humor, is girl oriented, and just a nice little film, probably quite perfect for young girls to watch with some small lessons about even those who have found their path go through times of doubt. As an adult, you might find it a trifle slow, but still cute. Phil Hartman voices the cat Jiji and Kirsten Dunst is Kiki.

This is my favorite Studio Ghibli movie! And Studio Ghibli has made some of the best animated feautres the silver screen has ever seen! This movie is a coming of age tale that follows Kiki, a young witch, as she tries to make it in a new town. The focus of Kiki's Delivery Service is not on her magic but on the characters that populate the town where Kiki lives. Each character is very well-developed ands to the plot nicely. From Jiji, Kiki's long-suffering talking cat, to Tombo, a boy who immediately falls for Kiki, to Kiki herself a young girl who just happens to have some magical powers. The animation is astounding and ranks with Disney as some of the best 2D cel animation ever to be produced. Everything is fluid and natrual looking and the backgrounds are like paintings by the great masters. The English dub may have some good actors in it, but they are not of the same caliber as the origanl Japanese voice cast. Also, this movie was orginally made in Japanese, so the English cast was only a copy of the original performace. I would recommend this to anyone who likes animation.

Disney had previously issued most of Studio Ghibli's catalogue on Blu-ray, but these releases have since gone out of print. GKIDS has since reissued most of them and is in the process of getting more of the catalogue out. Kiki's Delivery Service is one of Ghiblu's best known classic titles, and the simplistic yet effective story holds up well here, with memorable characters, scenes, and beautiful hand-drawn art. The Blu-ray image quality is spectacular as well, and the disc offers many bonus features. This probably isn't worth the double dip if you already got the older Disney Blu-ray, but if you don't own the film yet, this is a must buy.

Hayao Mizayaki is a true hero of animation, I will dare to say, even better than Disney, and this fabulous story is an example of it. the story is inspiring for children, as Kiki the main character discover her own talents and skills that will allow her to find her own place in the world. But she is not alone, she has loving support and guidance, and is nice to see a portrayal of the adults. Also, visually is feast to the eyes, as it is placed is a "magical" of Europe, with color and details, that will leave your child's imagination amazed. These is perfect for children of all ages, but it becomes a must have if you have a daughter, as is one of the few movies were the women are portrayed as strong, loving and independent.

We purchased My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and this movie within the same week. All three are directed by Hayao Miyazaki. My son loved Totoro and Ponyo, but he didn't really get into Kiki's Delivery Service. I think Kiki's Delivery Service is for slightly older kids (10 or so). I thought it was a good movie, so I gave it 4 stars. I'd give it 5 stars if there was also a digital copy. This blu-ray was priced similarly to others which include digital copy. I don't know if it's because it's a Japanese movie or not, but I prefer blu-rays with digital copy so we can watch the movies on the go.