HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE

Version: Disney 2006 DVD; English dub and Japanese subtitle translation Ha, I guess I'm running late with this one. Howl's Moving Castle is what I consider the best of the Disney/Ghibli dubs. I think this one has the best voices for the characters (and I'm not just saying that because Christian Bale is one of them ♥). Honestly, I can't find anything wrong with the people in this one (with the other Ghibli movies this always happens). That's not to say that I only watch this dubbed. I like the Japanese as well. The actress playing Sophie voices both her young and old selves, and Calcifer is a hoot. So both tracks are equally enjoyable.

Story-wise, I have to say it is very different from the book. I read the books after I saw the movie, so I can't say too much about the movie's hype. However, the whole war subplot is NOT in the books. Miyazaki is one who likes to insert this kind of message into his works, so you can't call it unexpected. The book just focuses on the Witch of the Waste and how she wants Howl's heart (something the movie doesn't spend as much time on).

Sophie herself is very different, as in the book she actually learns spells of her own. In the film she doesn't seem to do anything but clean. Howl is also a tad different in the film, but I can't elaborate because I don't want to spoil the book. :) (The book is a good read, the first sequel not so much, and I haven't even touched the new one.)

My only qualm with this movie is that the soundtrack sounds like every other Joe Hisaishi score. You get the same sweeping tune (as I call it) starting it off. In some ways, that is a trademark, so I guess the film is better with it.

You should buy this one, especially since it can be more than an anime film.