An Appreciation of Ghibli Studios

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

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.

06-13-2005, 09:12 PM	#1
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	An Appreciation of Ghibli Studios 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. 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?
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06-13-2005, 09:24 PM	#2
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	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 __________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
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06-14-2005, 10:41 AM	#3
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	Graduation plus party plus work plus father's day plus my brother in town equals no movie nights this weekend. __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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06-14-2005, 07:05 PM	#5
€uroMeinke L'Hédoniste Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: A.S.C.O.T. Posts: 8,671	Damn you people who have fathers! __________________ I would believe only in a God that knows how to Dance. Friedrich Nietzsche
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06-14-2005, 07:10 PM	#6
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	The 7PM showings are the Japanese language version __________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
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06-14-2005, 07:22 PM	#7
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	We have tickets for the Saturday 4 pm show if anyone would like to join us.
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06-15-2005, 04:00 PM	#8
innerSpaceman Kink of Swank Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Inner Space Posts: 13,075	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!
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07-26-2005, 06:16 PM	#9
tracilicious avatar transition Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in-between Posts: 2,487	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. __________________ And now Harry, let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure! - Albus Dumbledore
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07-26-2005, 06:40 PM	#10
Not Afraid HI! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 17,108	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.
	Submit to Quotes