TCM TO SCREEN MIYAZAKI TCM TO SCREEN MIYAZAKI
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ICv2.com is reporting that Turner Classic Movies will be running nine Miyazaki films in January 2006. This is the package of Studio Ghibli features that Disney acquired, which includes Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa: Valley of the Wind, Castle in the Sky, Porco Rosso and Whisper of the Heart. No word if TCM is going to run them subtitled or dubbed. This is probably timed to remind Academy voters to consider Howl’s Moving Castle for Best Animated Feature. While I’m not crazy about TCM showing anything after 1970, I do admit Miyazaki’s works are true modern classics.And there’s no doubt in my mind that Disney does the best English dubs. Last night I had the the privilege of screening the new dub of MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO and doing a Q&A with the staff of Disney Character Voices responsible for the Ghibli adaptations. Having been principally involved with the original 1989 dubs of TOTORO and KIKI, I am delighted with these upgrades. And seeing Totoro again, after so many years, confirms my own subjective belief that this is Miyazaki’s best film – period. It also reassured me that traditional hand drawn feature animation is not dead, and will not die if animators are inspired to tell a great story.Check the TCM homepage in January for more information on the Miyazaki festival.

Jerry Beck

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