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Not Afraid
06-13-2005, 09:12 PM
One of the highlights of our visit to Japan was a day at the Ghibli Museum.
John Lassiter of Pixar was instrimental in bringing "Spirited Away" to the US market and, since then, Disney has released quite a few of the older Ghibli titles - and thank God they have. The films I have seen are absolutely incredible - easily on par with early Disney animation and Pixar offerings.

So, before arriving at the museum, I was familiar with a few Ghibli films but, upon return, I am anxious to see those I haven't seen - including the newest film which is at the El Cap through June 19th (this SUNDAY!!!). The museum itself is a wonderful magical place. The theme of the museum is "Let's Get Lost Together" and, boy did we! We had intended to spend a couple of hours there, but ended up spending about 5 hours wandering this wonderful place. Sadly, they don't allow pictures inside the museum, so I will have to reply on links to illustrate (http://www.tautoz.com/ghiblimuseum/).

I could've spent hours just in the animation room. The most impressive display was a large 8 foot tall cylider with characters (Totoro, Mai and friends) spinning on a turnstile while strobes flashed creating the illusion of movement. There was also a similar display using the robot from Laputa that was equally fascinating.

Every room as well as the gardens were incredible. There were sculptures of characters and film props everywhere. There was a giant robot sculpture on the rooftop garden, a drinking fountain that turned into a decorative water fountain that spewed water 6 feet in the air, benches with turnable cranks, a GIANT Nekobuso soft sculpture for the kids to play on, the water sink had faucet nozzles shapped like Jiji (my favorite), amazing stained glass and frescos with scenes and characters from the films. I haven't seen this kind of detail anywhere else but Disney Theme Parks.

I have returned a HUGE fan of all things Ghibli, a proud owner of a Jiji backpack, and more Ghibli character danglers than any grown woman should have (unless you'rre Japanese, of course). I have promptly joined the Disney DVD Club to get as many films on DVD as I can. I am obsesssed and I think you should be too. ;)

So, who wants to see a film this weekend?

CoasterMatt
06-13-2005, 09:24 PM
I'd love to, but I'm going to a screening of "The Perfect Man", along with the opening of Fear Factor Live on Saturday, and spending Sunday with my Dad

Cadaverous Pallor
06-14-2005, 10:41 AM
Graduation plus party plus work plus father's day plus my brother in town equals no movie nights this weekend. :(

TheatreTech
06-14-2005, 11:02 AM
I could've spent hours just in the animation room. The most impressive display was a large 8 foot tall cylider with characters (Totoro, Mai and friends) spinning on a turnstile while strobes flashed creating the illusion of movement. There was also a similar display using the robot from Laputa that was equally fascinating.
...
So, who wants to see a film this weekend?

AAGH! I've seen Totoro! It was amazing...and slightly frightening, but still really cool.

I think I'm free on Sunday.

EDIT: GAH! It's Father's Day isn't it? Yup, it is. I take that back then.:(

€uroMeinke
06-14-2005, 07:05 PM
Damn you people who have fathers!

CoasterMatt
06-14-2005, 07:10 PM
The 7PM showings are the Japanese language version

Not Afraid
06-14-2005, 07:22 PM
We have tickets for the Saturday 4 pm show if anyone would like to join us.

innerSpaceman
06-15-2005, 04:00 PM
Feh, I'd love to - but I'll be in Vegas. Is 'Howl's' really gone after this weekend??? Waaah, I sooo wanted to see it!

tracilicious
07-26-2005, 06:16 PM
I love love love Ghibli! I found Totoro on DVD for $5 at Wal-mart a while back. Indi is a big Miyazaki fan to, but a few of the films are too dark for him. He adores Kiki and Totoro, though.

Not Afraid
07-26-2005, 06:40 PM
OMG! You can't find Totoro ANYWHERE right now. It's been pulled because a new 2 disc set is being released, but no date has been set. I don't have it yet, but I'm getting a copy soon to appease me until the set comes out.

I love them all, dark and happy. I picked up a BUNCH of Gigi swag in Tokyo and always have a Gigi on me somewhere - sometime it's my GIANT Gigi backpack. :) I also have Totoros sprinkles around the house, including a Totoro Wind Chime.

Yeah, I had the fever before we went bu, now, I'm out of control. It is the most WONDERFUL thing - up there with Disney and Pixar.