Rating: 
Summary: Terrible job of dubbing and translation
Review: I saw this movie in Japanese when it first came out, and have absolutely loved it ever since. So I was overjoyed when I found out that it was to be released in the U.S. in DVD. Also, you can just imagine how utterly disappointed I was in viewing the dubbed version.For some unknown reason, they decided to use completely new musical scores, which does not go quite right with the movie. They have also decided to completely ruin a very dramatic scene in the movie by adding voice and music where there were none originally(in the original Japanese version, the scene was completely silent. You just "see" Pazu utter a word.) If this weren't enough, they added tons of unneeded and redundant dialogues where there weren't any. One such example is when Pazu and Sheeta are walking through the garden in Laputa. In the origianl version, the two characters are walking through the stunningly beautiful, lush garden in silent awe, backed up by a quiet, serene music. But in this Disney version, Pazu says in a surprised voice, "Look, Sheeta, the trees grow bigger and bigger as we go deeper into the garden!" (Any viewer could get that information, thank you very much, Pazu, by simply looking.) Thus, by that added redundant and explanatory garble (which, sadly enough, occurs frequently throughout the Disney version,) the perfect scene with all its magnitude and mystical awe is destroyed. Of course, I need not mention the horrible translation. All the dialogues are so overly explanatory--to such an extent that I could only take them as insults to the intellectual levels of the viewers. Not only that, but they even change Sheeta's personality from the original film--to go with all that "girl power" thing, I guess. On top of that, the voice actors (except for a very select few, such as the dazzling Louie [at least I think that's how you spell his name]) are just plain horrible, especially Pazu, who sound goofy all throughout the film. But on other hand, while it seems like they like all the redundant sounds, they actually take away some vital sound effects, which is very uncomfortable. But the DVD still features the original track (hurrah!) and a very interesting feature which allows you to view the film in Miyazaki's original storyboard, which I just loved. If it weren't for the terrible dubbed version, I would have given this DVD five stars.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Far From Ruined
Review: What a great movie. What I don't get is how people can say that this version is ruined. The voice-acting is great. While watching the movie, it's actually pretty hard to tell that it's all dubbed-over. The redone soundtrack is amazing, too. This movie looks and sounds beautiful. The story itsself makes you want to watch it over and over. Full of wit, drama, emotion, tension, and humor, this movie is a must-see.
Rating:
Summary: A well written story about peace and violence
Review: This movie is one among many of Miyazaki's motion picture masterpieces. The storyline follows a young girl named Sheeta who is the descendant of an old royal family that once ruled an empire of flying palaces. Among the flying palaces, legends say that the largest and most technologically advanced one, called Laputa, still exists within the eye of an impenetrable storm. She is befriended by many people, including a young boy named Pazu that joins her in her adventure. However, air pirates that seek Laputa's legendary treasures and government officials that seek Laputa's advanced military technology pursue Sheeta throughout the movie. The story's characters are complex and well-developed, and the dark themes about war and peace are presented in ways that both children and adults can appreciate. The artwork is among Miyazaki's best, as the movie features many of the creative flying machines that Miyazaki's movies are famous for. The only problem I have is that the English translation (or at least the subtitling) obvoiusly changes some minor portions of the dialogue. This is most apparent when subtitles are displayed during brief junctures where no dialogue is heard from the Japanese soundtrack. However, the plot remains unaltered. This should definitely be watched by both children and adults.
Rating:
Summary: What a gem of a movie!
Review: My four year old loved it as did I. The artwork and animation is exquisite and the story riveting. Many subtleties of Japanese culture come through making the movie even more interesting. If you are looking for a typical dumbed-down "Simpsons" sort of movie, this is not it.
Rating:
Summary: A very good movie
Review: Not one of his best, but still better than most. This is actually closer to a 4.5, but that's not available.
Rating: 
Summary: there's just something...
Review: ~well, when one watched this movie in two launguages already, chinese and french, which had almost the same translations. yet when u get to the english version, boy, so many differences! "i'll give u one minute"?? according to the chinese and french versions, it was "three minutes". in addition, the english version had sheeta spoke at where she wasn't suppose to (where she talked about her homes, which was found neither in the chinese nor the french versions). anyway, those were just one~~ of the few differences. so buyers beware, when u r watching this movie in english (yes, it's still a good one), just remember that what u hear is not neccesaire part of the orginal version!~
Rating:
Summary: A very good film!
Review: Although I had no major problems with Disney's music treatment and dubbing job (Cloris Leachman as Dola is fine), I do prefer the Japanese language track (even without the Dolby 5.1 surround sound). The film itself lacks the power of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but it is plenty good--good enough for Disney to seemingly "borrow" lots of ideas from it for its Atlantis! Miyazaki's 1986 film has gorgeous artwork, an adventurous plot, dramatic action sequences, comedic relief, and touching scenes of devotion and friendship. The floating castle of Laputa (the "castle in the sky") is magnificently depicted by the animators, with incredible gardens, buildings, and twisting roots overgrowing ruins. The story of how Pazu and Sheeta work together, with some humorous pirates, to combat the "Colonel" is a good one. The film is a bit long, but my interest was maintained by the characters' desire to figure out how to get to Laputa and by my fascination with the various imaginative flying contraptions that Miyazaki has drawn. The DVD "extras" are nothing special: John Lasseter's Introduction says little; Behind the Microphone is the usual Disney "behind the scenes" glimpse that doesn't add much to our knowledge; the storyboards (which take up an entire disc!) get boring fast. One word of caution: younger viewers and their parents might be horrified by the death and destruction shown in this film. While not gory, a lot of people meet their demise!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I really like mayazaki's work, and this is one of his best. The story is catchy, and totally new. The animation, (as usual) is amazing! (i'm an artist myself) and this movie is really touching. The characters are really beleviable, and funny too. This movie is definitally a must for any paerson, I MEAN EVERYONE!!!!! This movie is really moving, and inspirational, I give it 5 *****
Rating:
Summary: Simply the BEST!!!!!
Review: This movie is GREAT. It's suspencing and the animation is great. It is by far the best anime movie I have ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: Hayao does it again!
Review: I have to say this is the best movie I have ever seen! It's such a sweet and charming movie the whole family will love. There is a lot and laughs and touching moments as well. I HIGHLY reccommend you get this movie. Once you see it you will want to watch it again. Along with all that the music is outstanding!
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