My Neighbor Totoro

This is my son's favorite movie. I love the gentle spirit of this film, the introduction to another culture, and the relationship between the sisters. The music is gorgeous (get the soundtrack!) and the art is breathtaking. Highly recommended!

I have loved this movie for years. It's probably my all-time favorite film, and is perfect for anyone, of any age.

There are two releases of this film to American audiences. The first company to have the license was Fox and the DVD they released only has an English dub track. Generally this is a huge turn-off for me, HOWEVER it is a very good dub, especially considering how often Fox butchers anime. They didn't mess it up at all, and the voice actors on that version are actually very very good.

The second US release is from Disney. They obtained the rights to the original film and re-released it with a new dub track and two discs, the original Japanese, etc. etc. Lots of fancy extras. This DVD listed for sale here is the Disney Release. Once again, good voice actors were chosen, so even the dub track is done well. (Dakota Fanning and her younger sister play the two sisters in the film so they have good chemistry together).

My daughter is almost two years old. I first popped in Totoro (the fox dub) in her in-car DVD player when she was about 16 months old, during a very long road trip to visit her grandparents. SHE LOVES THIS MOVIE. OMG I cannot emphasize how much she loves this film. She brings the DVD case to me all the time at home now asking for me to put it on the TV for her.

She loves the early sequence when Mai and Satsuki first explore their new house; running around wildly and laughing. She loves Totoro, she loves the Catbus. She loves it all. She'll watch the whole thing too! Which is incredible considering that no other movie or TV show tends to hold her attention for more then a 10 minutes.


For young children, either version of the US release is good because both have very good dub tracks. For any anime enthusiast the new release from Disney is a must. It includes a very accurate subtitle translation, original music, lots of special features including the entire movie in storyboards on disc 2, and even the dub track is still done very well.

I just received my DVD this week, and am confused by all of the negative reviews regarding this version not having the original Japanese film with subtitles - this DVD HAS THIS VERSION!!! Of course it doesn't come set up to automatically play that version, because we ARE in the U.S. after all, and most folks want their animation in English... it's just a set up on the DVD. It's not hard. This particular version was released in 2006 - so for everyone who got the original DVD - get this one!!

That said, I *heart* Totoro. I want him to live in the tree in my neighbor's yard. This film almost doesn't need the subtitles, the animation and emotion of the characters is so strong, it translates. It's a tale of love and magic and nature and full of the wonderment of childhood. The child in you (and your kids!) will love it!

I am a fan of the old 1988 version with the original english dubbing, so if you saw and enjoyed that version (the VHS version) you will be severely disappointed. They change much of the dialogue and the pronunciation of names and it is just ridiculous. Highly disappointed. The voices barely match the lips and the dialogue is so dumbed down it is hard to follow the story. If you are a Totoro fan and want the original english dubbed version, I suggest you look more closely before purchasing the DVD.

My Neighbour Totoro has long been a favourite of mine since an animation professor first introduced me to this wonderful film. Although I first watched this movie in Japanese with english subtitles, this version contains an english dubbed version with an all-american Disney cast of voices (don't worry the original Japanese is also on the disc for you purists out there).

All of Miyazaki's films are tremendous, but this one in particular appeals to all ages. Although my fearless 2yr-old will watch 'Spirited Away' with no qualms, 'My Neighbour Totoro' provides a similar magical adventure without the scary creatures. The totoro forest spirits are completely lovable, and will capitivate the imagination. Indeed, everytime we see animal footprints in the mud or snow, my child exclaims "A totoro has been here!" Share this magical movie with your family and you won't be disappointed.