Arrietty DVD and Blu-ray release review

Arrietty is a fabulous film, truly stunning and as such I have given it 5 stars.

This is the latest offering from Studio Ghibli (Howls Moving Castle, Spirited Away) and it is every bit as impressive as all of their previous films. Arrietty is the directorial debut of Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Studio Ghibli's star animator) and was originally released in Japanese under the title "The Borrower Arrietty".

This version has been translated beautifully into English and stars Olivia Colman (Hot Fuzz, Tyrannosaur), Mark Strong (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones) and Tom Holland (Billy Elliot the stage show).

As you would expect from a Studio Ghibli production, the animation is gorgeous, colourful and vibrant and drawn with incredible attention to detail. The story itself is an adaptation of "The Borrowers", written by Mary Norton and is a heartwarming tale suitable for all age groups that will entertain the whole family, adults and children alike.

In terms of extras, if you purchase the Blu-ray Double Play or Deluxe edition (well worth it in my opinion) you get various special features: Storyboards, Trailers and Japanese TV spots, Interviews with Hayao Miyazaki and Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Cecile Corbel- Arrietty's song, Promotional video.

All in all I can't recommend this film enough. It is a thoroughly enjoyable watch and something that you can sit down to again and again.

Arrietty is now available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray.

More about Arrietty

Thursday I recieved some information about the DVD release of Arrietty. After that I found out that I hadn't done anything about the original release. I've changed that now so here are some images (click to embiggen) and a UK trailer for the film.

Based on the classic children's book The Borrowers, tiny 14 year old Arrietty lives under the floorboards of an old house with her father and mother. Their peaceful life is dramatically changed when the ever curious Arrietty accidentally allows herself to be seen by Sho, a poorly and lonesome 12 year old human boy. The fledgling friendship between the two lonely children causes Haru the housekeeper to become aware of the borrowers' existence. The family of little borrowers are forced to choose between staying in their well-established home or leaving for the uncertainty of the great outdoors.

Available on DVD, Blu-ray Double play & Limited Edition Collector’s Edition January9,  2012

Arrietty coming to DVD & Blu-ray in January

Out to own on DVD, Blu-ray Double play & Limited Edition Collector’s Edition - 9th January 2012

Discover an amazing adventure that’s unlike any other. From Studio Ghibli, the creators of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo, ARRIETTY is an enchanting tale of “little” people with a big heart, released on DVD and Blu-ray on 9th January 2012 courtesy of STUDIOCANAL.

Beneath the floorboards of a sprawling mansion set in a magical, overgrown garden in the suburbs of Tokyo, tiny 14-year-old Arrietty lives with her equally tiny parents. The house is occupied by two old ladies, who are absolutely unaware of the existence of their miniature tenants. Arrietty and her family live by “borrowing”. Everything they have, they borrow or make from the things they have borrowed. Essentials like gas, water and food. Tables, chairs, cooking utensils. And treats - a sugar cube here, a scrap of material there. But only a little each time, so the ladies do not notice.

A 12-year-old boy, Sho, moves into the mansion while he waits for urgent medical treatment in the city. Arrietty’s parents have always warned her: “Never let humans see you.” Once seen, little people always have to move on. But the adventurous Arrietty doesn’t listen, and Sho discovers her. The two begin to confide in each other and, before long, a friendship begins to blossom...

Based on Mary Norton’s much-loved children’s classic ‘The Borrowers’, ARRIETTY is a beautiful story of childhood and friendship from the Academy Award® winning anime master Hayao Miyazaki, and the directorial debut of Studio Ghibli’s star animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi.

Featuring the voices of Olivia Colman (Rev, Tyrannosaur), Mark Strong (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, Green Lantern), Saoirse Ronan (The Lovely Bones), and Tom Holland, with its stunning animation and captivating storytelling, ARRIETTY will enthral children and adults alike.

Extras (Double-pay and deluxe edition only)

• Storyboards
• Trailers and Japanese TV spots
• Interviews with Hayao Miyazaki - Hiromasa Yonebayashi
• Cécile Corbel “Arrietty’s Song”
• Promotional Video