[merylsilverburg]

Originally Posted by kupoartist

I'd probably buy any Ghibli film at the moment, but Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky are the only ones released over here. Kiki and Castle were released at the end of last year, and other "Studio Ghibli Collection" titles were supposed to appear by now, but it hasn't been so yet.

Well, that's unfortunate to hear there isn't much Ghibli films over there, but it's the same in the States. The only film you guys don't have that we do is Tonari no Totoro but that's about it. I haven't checked up lately on US Ghibli releases (since I have the Region 2 DVDs anyway) so I don't know if Porco Rosso is already released here. I do hope the UK will get this film soon after because it's a great film!

Originally Posted by kupoartist

As for Neko no Ongaeshi, i'd love to see this film (and they went to the trouble of putting a trailer on the Spirited Away disc 2) but will have to wait for futher announcements. It got a UK premiere at the beginning of April, but it was a one off showing and I had too little notice to convert some of my friends to going up to London to see it . I'm inclined to believe that the same company who released Spirited Away have the rights to the DVD release, but we'll see... (perhaps they're waiting to release the ever so slightly related Whisper of the Heart?)

Ah! You're the first one to mention "Whisper of the Heart" Mimi o Sumaseba! Yes, "Whispers" is fantastic...my second favorite Ghibli film! It's supposed to be released in the States soon...or maybe Fall, not sure. I don't think it'll be very popular in the States though, since many seem to dislike these sort of quiet, romance stories. Speaking of these "stories", I also read recently that Takahata's films have been licensed by US distributors (probably Disney) and are scheduled for a November release. These films may be: "My Neighbor, the Yamadas", "Pom Poko", and "Only Yesterday". I just recently seen "Yamada-kun" and this is right up with my "favorites". I'm thinking you guys might get it next year then (), if there's a UK distributor to buy it.

Originally Posted by kupoartist

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Millenium Actress and Tokyo Godfathers are all off the list because they're not Region 2 releases. I'll consider them when I've got a healthy Region 2 collection . I've been considering Ghost in the Shell all along (especially because the sequel may actually be shown in a cinema, and it'll be fairly easy to lure others to come and see it with me), but its not a Bargain at the moment. Hooray for Kupo, cheaparse extrodinaire!

Oh, I see. Sorry, I had no idea about the non-R2 DVDs thing. Well, if Innocence is to be shown in the cinema there, then I would really consider getting the first film. Innocence really has some superb-looking visuals (literally jaw-dropping...of course, there's also the new Appleseed film which is amazing) and it'd be better to know the first story beforehand, just in case there are returning characters.