Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

(*****) Theoretically... But this is the Disney-ized USA release of the original Japanese version. For comparison I have viewed a probably gray-market DVD of the original Japanese version with English subtitles. Every time I watch the original, it transports me to a refreshingly different, non-Western, faraway mind-state; quite unexpected at first, but eerily enjoyable. The artwork is lush and layered with detail that emerges only with repeated viewings. BUT... After a second viewing of the US theatrical release, I found myself increasingly disliking Disney's treatment. Chihiro's blossoming strength and courage (the whole point of the movie!) becomes inexplicable, for Disney has her now constantly mooning over Haku, and being mother-henned by Lin. Entire plot elements and dialog are unnecessarily messed with, and cheap shots, insults and inappropriate humor are added. Disney is determined that Chihiro/Sen stay a dependent kid in the Bathhouse, rather than become a peer to her coworkers, and who can hold her own in a strange world. As for Disney's releasing it as "Miyazaki's Spirited Away", are Uncle Walt's kids humbly proclaiming the opportunity to present a work by animation's true Grand Master, or are they hastily disclaiming responsibility for such an alien, un-Disney oddity? Perhaps with Studio Ghibli breaking away (as of 2005) from Tokuma Shoten, future foreign releases of Miyazaki's works will get gentler, more respectful treatment. [comment Nov. 2012: I gather that John Lassiter, head honcho at Pixar, championed the whole Miyazaki initiative--possibly over objections & complaints from Disney management. Lassiter personally introduces each of the early Disney-Ghibli releases, showing his love for Miyazaki's art ... at least. But all media players have a Fast Forward feature.] I'd encourage viewers to stick to the Japanese track on this DVD, with directly translated subtitles, and compare for themselves. They just aren't the same story.