Copyright © Nibariki - TNDG

PRINCESS MONONOKE is a grand scale animated work by the masterful Miyazaki Hayao, and the second largest grossing film in Japanese history (beat only by the later released TITANIC). North American fans have been waiting anxiously for a home DVD release after the relatively small theatrical run over here, only to be hit with various delays and the threat of an English only soundtrack. However, fans may now feel vindicated as Disney's release, in my mind, easily justifies the wait (and we may be getting the DVD up to two years earlier than the Japanese).
First off, if you need more background on the film PRINCESS MONONOKE (MONONOKE HIME), be sure to check out our EX special article from a couple of years ago. Although the rumors that this would be Miyazaki's last film may be false, it still is a great in-depth look at the film. You can also check out EX's coverage of the North American Film premiere.
The story itself features a cursed young warrior named Ashitaka in a mystical Japan of the past. To find the cause of and the cure for this curse, he travels west only to discover the land at war. Humans are fighting against the beasts of the forests, and with each other, over resources and land. Ashitaka also catches a glimpse of San, a young woman who travels and fights with the wolves. Entering into the struggle, Ashitaka tries to discover his own feelings and his place in this battle with no clear enemy.
The movie is a high point of animation and production values, with large, detailed, sweeping backgrounds and smooth character animation. Studio Ghibli's works in general are known for their quality, and PRINCESS MONONOKE is no exception.
Visually, this DVD is stunning. The image is beautiful on my setup, with no noticeable artifacting and a great widescreen anamorphic transfer. The sound is also up to snuff with English, French and Japanese 5.1 Dolby Surround tracks. This is, in my opinion, the best domestic anime DVD mastering job this year. If I would have to complain about something, the lack of extras would be my only caveat (simply a small featurette briefly interviewing the English voice actors).
Another plus is the inclusion of both Neil Gaiman's translation used for the English dub, and a new literal translation from the Japanese version. The disk also uses multiple angles to separate the intro and ending credits between the English and original Japanese version.
In my mind, the English dub is one of the best I have heard for an anime release. While I may have some qualms about some of the casting (Claire Danes as San, for instance), I found the Gaiman translation did an excellent job of keeping close to the original meaning while flowing and culturally working in English. I would still choose the excellent Japanese track personally, but I would have no problem showing the dub to others.
As a Ghibli film, I will admit PRINCESS MONONOKE is not my favorite, as LAPUTA: CASTLE IN THE SKY holds that honor for me (followed closely by WHISPER OF THE HEART). I originally purchased the Japanese LDs (for a noticeably higher cost, I might add), and I found the visuals to be amazing but the plot only decent with my level of Japanese knowledge. After a couple of viewings with a respectable translation later, however, I found myself liking the film a lot more as the subtleties came through.
It is not often I have to use the words "excellent" and "stunning" all throughout a review, but I must admit that Disney (through Miramax) did this DVD right. For the quality and value, I would easily suggest this disk as a must buy for any anime DVD fan.

Released in the USA by Miramax Films
Distributed in Canada by Alliance Atlantis
Bilingual DVD, 134 Minutes
English dubbed / Japanese subtitled, ADVD 3321 $29.99
Available now in North America
Where to buy