Princess Mononoke

Director– Hayao Mizazaki

Starring –  Various

Country of Origin – Japan

Distributor - Shout! Factory/G-Kids

Number of discs –  2

Reviewed by - Scott MacDonald

Date- 05/29/2019

     Princess Mononoke is Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 film. It could be considered Miyazaki's most epic and mature film, possibly ever (though his earlier Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and later Howl's Moving Castle are certainly contenders).  The film opens with Prince Ashitaka becoming infected by a demon's curse when defending his village from said demon. Although he stopped the demon's destruction, due to the nature of the curse he was banned from the village, and forced to step out on his own. He begins to search for the source of the demon's ire, and attempt to find a way to dispel the curse that will prove fatal if not cured.

    Ashitaka  finds that the source of the curse comes from outside a new industrial community called Iron Town. Iron Town is populated and worked by societies outcast, but utilizes the natural resources of the nearby region.  This has upset the natural Gods of the area, most especially the boar Gods (one of whom became the demon that infected Ashitaka), and the wolf Gods who raised the titular Princess Mononoke, who alongside the nature Gods is attempting to lead a rebellion against the new industrial civilization. Prince Ashitaka  like the masterless Samurai of Yojimbo he ends up caught between the human civilization, which he knows is committing atrocities against the natural world, and the natural Gods.

    The film is a much deeper and complex experience than some other Miyazaki fare.  It offers strong subtext showing the effect of humans on the natural world.  That being said, it does remain subtext, and Miyazaki never lays it on truly thick.  The film is grounded by fantastic animation, and if you choose to watch the dubbed version you will be treated to a translated script by Sandman writer Neil Gaiman. Princess Mononoke also has the distinction of being the most violent film of Miyazaki's filmography with beheadings and bloodletting appearing, and a number of very intense action set pieces, that may not be appropriate for younger children (who might be fans of his other work).

   Princess Mononoke on Blu-ray offers excellent line detail, colors, and black levels.  Everything about this transfer brings out the best in the animation. The audio is of similar superb quality.  The audio on both the Japanese and English language tracks comes through excellently (DTS-HD MA, btw).  Dialogue comes through nice and clear, as does the music, and effects.  Absolutely, no complaints on either A/V side. Extras include a booklet of essays and liner notes. A soundtrack CD, storyboards, behind the microphone, and some additional featurettes and trailers. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.