Product Details

• Directors: Hayao Miyazaki
• Format: Animated, Color, NTSC, Subtitled
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), French (Dolby Digital 5.1), Japanese (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Miramax Films
• DVD Release Date: December 19, 2000
• Run Time: 134 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (998 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00003CXBK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #1 in Movies & TV > DVD > Anime
  • #4 in Movies & TV > DVD > Fantasy
  • #9 in Movies & TV > DVD > Action & Adventure
• Learn more about "Princess Mononoke" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Before it ever arrived in the U.S., this epic, animated 1997 fantasy had already made history as the top-grossing domestic feature ever released in Japan, where its combination of mythic themes, mystical forces, and ravishing visuals tapped deeply into cultural identity and contemporary, ecological anxieties. For international animation and anime fans, Princess Mononoke represents an auspicious next step for its revered creator, Hayao Miyazaki (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), an acknowledged anime pioneer, whose painterly style, vivid character design, and stylized approach to storytelling take ambitious, evolutionary steps here.

Set in medieval Japan, Miyazaki's original story envisions a struggle between nature and man. The march of technology, embodied in the dark iron forges of the ambitious Tatara clan, threatens the natural forces explicit in the benevolent Great God of the Forest and the wide-eyed, spectral spirits he protects. When Ashitaka, a young warrior from a remote, and endangered, village clan, kills a ravenous, boar-like monster, he discovers the beast is in fact an infectious "demon god," transformed by human anger. Ashitaka's quest to solve the beast's fatal curse brings him into the midst of human political intrigues as well as the more crucial battle between man and nature.

Miyazaki's convoluted fable is clearly not the stuff of kiddie matinees, nor is the often graphic violence depicted during the battles that ensue. If some younger viewers (or less attentive older ones) will wish for a diagram to sort out the players, Miyazaki's atmospheric world and its lush visual design are reasons enough to watch. For the English-language version, Miramax assembled an impressive vocal cast including Gillian Anderson, Billy Crudup (as Ashitaka), Claire Danes (as San), Minnie Driver (as Lady Eboshi), Billy Bob Thornton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. They bring added nuance to a very different kind of magic kingdom. Recommended for ages 12 and older. --Sam Sutherland

Product Description

As of 2001, PRINCESS MONONOKE is one of only two films to ever break $150 million at the Japanese box office -- the other is TITANIC.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

279 of 302 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding gem -- both the movie and DVD. December 19, 2000

By Andrew L. Hsu

Format:DVD

Wow. I first saw Princess Mononoke during its limited theatrical release (twice). Many people have issues with the dub, but this is by far the best dubbed anime ever to be released -- I, like most anime fans, normally insist on subtitles, but Neil Gaiman and the cast succeeded in putting real emotion into these characters. The casting of Billy Bob Thornton and Claire Danes might rub some ears the wrong way, but in my opinion the emotional impact is still there regardless of the odd accents. In any case, the Japanese track is included, and it's phenomenal. As for its content, most arguments about its violence and length can be dismissed by viewing it as a film, rather than as a cartoon. It's not Disney. The plot is a complex and delicate exercise in shades of gray. Don't expect Akira or Macross either -- it's really not of the same genre.

The video and audio quality is the sort that you would use to show off your new home theater system. In fact, I found the Japanese soundtrack to be richer and better dynamically balanced than the English track (!). Disney/Miramax really took advantage of the format by including BOTH the Japanese and English opening titles and credits -- they are automatically selected depending on your choice of language via an angle switch. Transparent and ingenious. There are two sets of subtitles -- one for the English track, and the other is the literal translation of the Japanese (since some liberties were taken in creating the English script).

Disney was originally going to release "Mononoke Hime" without the original language track, which created an outrage among anime fans (who, myself included, signed a massive internet petition which eventually turned the tide). I applaud this decision, as well as the splendid attention to detail. It has made this incredible movie an even better value.

96 of 107 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful animation, you can't go wrong with this one. March 5, 2000

By A Customer

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This Miyazaki movie is for keeps! This is one of the few anime films from the many I have seen, that I will give a full 5 stars. You must give yourself a chance to see this movie at least once. I will definitely buy this DVD when it comes out. Plot is set in ancient mythological Japan where humans clash with humans and damages the environment. Great story, beautiful animation, very strong character development. Lots of action. You will see that a lot of work went into this film. Too bad, I can't recommend this for kids for all ages, maybe around 15 yrs up, but you parents will be the final judge. No nudity, but there are quite a few blood and violent scenes (such as beheading). Don't get me wrong, the story does not really focus on the violence. Watch it and you will know what I mean.

I sure hope the other Miyazaki Anime will be released on DVD soon! (Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Nausicaa, etc...)

64 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not like any movie. A must see! December 21, 2000

By Callie

Format:VHS Tape

This is not like any Japanese animated movie or any other animated film. It is not a lost adventure like Pokemon, neither is it a classic cutesy by Disney or Dreamworks. This is a film that quickly caught my eyes and ears because of its rare beauty and incredibly poignant feelings(I love anything that is poignant and this film is no exception). I was quickly captured by the story of a young warrior cursed by a demon god. The demon itself was cursed by anger and hatred it held towards the destructive humans. The animal gods and the humans fought many wars against each other, but their hatred only brought destruction to themselves. There also was the forest spirit who brought both life and death, and could give life to some, but death to others. The whole story I found to be gripping and thrilling. The curse, that evil hating curse that could eat people and animals alive. The conflict between man and beast that did not have to happen. The wolf girl, San, also known as Princess Mononoke, who was neither wolf or human. And the mysterious forest god of life and death, pain and relief. One thing that distinguishes this move from others is that no one is a good guy or a bad guy. Just about every person has good and evil in them, but hate and anger can infest and destroy anyone. I have never known of a more captivating movie. The animation was beautiful and not over done, but very simple and artistic. The gore and violence is hard to stomache, but it brings more poignant feelings to the viewer. The music is also very beautiful and ethereal(some might say it sounds very "Enya-like"). There is absolutely no reason why you should not see this movie. If you think, "oh, it's just an ordinary Japanese movie", or "Oh, it's not as great as it sounds", you're wrong! This is one of the greatest films I have ever seen. If you do not see this movie,you are missing out on a lot.