Rating: 
Summary: A timeless masterpiece.
Review: There are so many reviews of this masterful film that it is hard to justify another. But it is almost impossible not to want to tell people about this film. It is a delightful kid's film, an absorbing adult film and is therefore a member of that very small collection of art works that are truely family oriented.
First, Miyazaki consistently creates the greatest girl characters that I know of. They are heartfelt, kind, independent, loving, brave and very determined. There is one scene where five year old Mei out of the corner of her eye sees a few tiny creepy crawling house spirits. Instead of running to someone for protection, she settles into this very determined look and posture and then goes off to investigate. It is a simple beautiful moment where a young child practices courage. This film is full of such moments.
The animation is also full of moments of great natural beauty as well as surrealistic imagery. Miyazaki takes the time to show us beautiful forest scences or a rain puddle in a storm with a frog hopping across the screen. These moments are little haikus of animation.
The totoros themselves, the CatBus and the other spirits are the work of a Japanese Lewis Carroll. This man's imagination and humanity are as timeless as Carroll's. This comes thru in all his films.
Yes, I agree with the reviewer that said that the aspect ratio is bothersome (not to mention just plain stupid-how hard would it have been to give us the full ration version?). Art like this needs to be seen in all its glory. But art like this needs to be seen period. This is an easily available version at a great price. Do yourself and your kids a favor and buy this for them RIGHT NOW! Just so you know that I follow my own advice- I have a sixteen week old daughter and this is the first work of art I have bought her. I am looking forward to watching this movie many times with her.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful Movie, poor DVD
Review: I must concur with the other reviewers of this DVD... I love this movies, and indeed bought a DVD player that could play the Original Japanese DVD release. This 'Fox' release is a poor substitute for the original film. In specific this production is Pan & Scan, and while you might be able to follow the plot, the beauty of the Miyazaki film is lost. Indeed the trimming of the picture often makes the color composition off. Also the DVD seems to be a bit over saturated, and a little off to the red side. Other basic things lacking: captions (of any form - even English!), other languages (Spanish, French would have been nice - this is a region 1 DVD after all, likewise it would have been nice to have the Japanese - some kids out there are learning this language), and indeed any extras. Given all of this the DVD is quite poor, but the story is wonderful... So get the best copy you can afford and enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: Beware of this version
Review: As promised, this DVD contains contents that exactly match the previous VHS release by this studio; namely Pan & Scan only, English dub only, no extras. The film is wonderful, and surely deserves to be presented as Miyazaki intended it to be seen, not cut up. Those of us who want to see that will be disappointed with this disk.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous, most excellent video
Review: Friend of mine gave me this video and we watch it a lot. Refreshingly non-Disney like animation with girl main characters and nice monsters. An awesome video for kids of all ages.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: The best animated movie I've ever seen. Wonderful storyline and delightful characters. The animation is a work of art.
Rating:
Summary: This is a PERFECT movie; this DVD release is NOT
Review: If you are a fan of Totoro (and what right thinking individual isn't!) then you may want to leave this DVD release on the shelf come December 3...In Japan, Totoro was graced with a spectacular DVD release featuing multiple dialog and subtitled options, as well as featurettes, artwork, and options for both full screen and letterbox versions...i the meantime, I would recommend this version ONLY to friends with small children who have not seen the film before. The print quality of the VHS version was quite good and the dubbing job is excellent, considering the shabby treatment that most Japanese animated films recieve. This is, first and foremost, a film of remarkable beauty and warmth. It is precious and timeless. By all means take advantage of the low price and share it with children. But for your own collection, you will most certainly want to wait for the (cross your fingers and send those letters now) Disney Edition.
Rating:
Summary: Best Anime
Review: This is great. it is a movie that you can watch over and over. The animation is good and the story is great. i liked it because it is funny and it so care-free. I am also not very fond of anime. this is also a good sign for the movie because i like only a few things. if you saw spirated away and liked it ten this is perfect for you. I would rent it first but certainly buy it if you like it.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful movie
Review: This is a beautiful story about two little girls spending the summer in the country while their mother recuperates (probably from tb). While dad teaches at a nearby school, the girls explore and meet the neighborhood Totoros! Better in the original Japanese, but... Miyazaki is the champion of animation! If you liked this, don't forget to get a copy of Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service (which had a more mature theme than you might expect).
Rating:
Summary: THAT IS SOOOOOO CUTE!!!!
Review: My neighbor totoro is the most magical film I have ever seen. Written and directed by my role model, Hayao miyazaki. My Neighbor Totoro is the story of two children and their father who move to a house full of mystical sprits.(That are cute beyond all reason).
This movie is full of the cutest and fuzziest characters you could possibly come across, including three different kinds of totoros, billions of dustballs with eyes, and a catbus. All of which are animated with beauty beyond compare, which is expected seeing as how it's a studio ghibli production. The english dub is very good compared too most anime.
I've seen the VHS version and I can not wait until the DVD comes out. I'm definitely getting it. Hopefully it will come with the japanese audio as well as the english!
Thanks for reading.
Rating:
Summary: Mel and Satzuki
Review: My neighbor Totoro is not only one of the finest animated films I have ever seen, it is one of the best movies period. It has enough heart to spead across a hundred film's, and still have some to spare. I hate to call it "too cute for words" but it is. Hayao Miyazaki, the director, (also doing this years Spirited Away, released in America by Disney) has really outdone himself. My neighbor Totoro has many terrific qualities, such as the emaculate detail. There are dozens of instances in which object such as tadpoles in puddles, a bottle at the bottom of a stream, butterflies swirling around, acorns spilling out of little Mel's pocket, and her hat falling off when she runs...the list could go on. (Also watch how the children walk, run, and play around, its awesomely realistic.)The way the story is handled is so unique. An example of this happens when the children claim that they have seen Totoro, the large, furry protector of the woods. When their father hears this, he nods and says, "You were lucky to see him. Maybe one day we will all see him." Rather than the expected "Your crazy" attitude we are so use to seeing. Also when the children suspect that the house may be haunted, the dad chimes in "That would be great, every since I was little I wanted to live in a haunted house!" Any movie that has such family love is very special. These sisters, Mel, and Satzuki, genuinly love one another, and the father loves them back. There is a scene in which the youngest sister Mel, goes to Satzuki's school just to be with her. When Satzuki attempts to tell her that she belongs back at home, Mel latches hold in a tight hug and won't let go. This type of affection is rampant in this movie, and its great to see. My neighbor Totoro has won many deserving awards in the children and family realm (with other awards as well), and though it was made for younger audiences, it is something that adults will
also appreciate. ~s.a.o.s.~
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