Customer Reviews
do NOT buy the Disney version! 
2008-06-08
Our video version finally snapped. We bought the Disney version -- BIG mistake!! Disney animators sticker sketched in cheap clutter, I guess to americanize-dumb-down the film. What is totally criminal was their background sounds and trashed soundtrack. The voices are whining, too loud, and the timing is off. Yes it gets worse! the voices are 'read' not acted or matched to the film. They are one, always too loud, tone. No depth, no silence. When I watched it all I could think of was the cheapest american animation at its worse!
The Fox version is 5 stars, but Amazon displays the same reviews on both versions and most of the versions do not specify if the review is Fox or Disney. If you cannot find the original Fox version borrow it from your local library, from a friend, or wait. Do not get the Disney version!
DUBBED BY DAKOTA AND ELLE FANNING 2008-06-07
This version sucks, the character voices are dubbed by different people than the original, sounds terrible. you gotta get the other one, with the different cover picture.
A short, but sweet film by Hayao Miyazaki 
2008-06-04
My Neighbor Totoro is a film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, and it was released in Japan in 1988. There was a American release of this film in 1993 by Fox Video, but they lost the rights to the film in 2004. Disney acquired the rights and produced a new English dub with new voice actors. Disney released this DVD in 2006.
The film tells the story of two girls and their father, and their move into a new house in order to be closer to the girls' mother (who is sick and in this hospital). Over the course of the movie, the girls encounter such magical creatures as the soot sprites, Totoro, and the Catbus.
While the film clocks in at under 90 minutes, it's stil la very enjoyable film. To be honest, I think if Miyazaki had tried to make the film any longer, it would have weakened the story. This is a very family-friendly anime film, and I would highly recommend it. While I'm a little disappointed in the special features, I still enjoy the story and the film itself.
GREAT MOVIE!!! 
2008-06-03
This movie is the best of Miyazaki's films. Watch this one first if you are new to Miyazaki's movies, you will be in for a treat!
Totally Terrific Totoro!!! 2008-05-17
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! 2-yr old will watch repeatedly & so will I.
Great music, gorgeous scenery, lovely story, good messages, and the voices done by the Fanning sisters are A+++.
Superior to Disney Re-Release in Spite of Shortcomings 2008-07-19
For all of its well-documented shortcomings, this version of the movie is far SUPERIOR to the more recent re-release for one compelling reason: the English dub version actors are flat out better than the big names hired by Disney to re-do it. They have an innocence and charm that the newer release tries (and fails) to mimic. I waited a long time for a widescreen release and was sorely disappointed when I discovered the new audio track. My advice is to accept the shortcomings of this otherwise simply delightful and still superior dvd.
A fantastic animated film that none should miss-make sure to get the right version. 2008-06-25
Beautiful art, easy to interpret but meaningful story, likable characters, and a certain magic and love to it, yup this is a Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film. The soundtrack tot he movie is also fantastic. The only problems are that the Miyazaki DVDs have been pretty lackluster in extra features, and the Disney version of the DVD has new, irritating, voices that are in no way as good as the original. Go check out the other version offered here on Amazon: My Neighbor Totoro (Full Screen Edition) by 20th Century Fox rather than Disney, it has the original voices. Fantastic movie that people of all ages should love, remember, and cherish.
The unfortunate and unexpected 2008-06-19
What a disappointment this DVD was when I shoved itin my player. The facade of this movie was a favourite from my childhood, but what a rude awakening I received. They may have remastered the animation, but they also had the gall to redo the voices which was an absolutely horrific choice. Not only was it a major disappointment because it's not what I expected to hear, but I felt the voices failed to capture the intent of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki or connect to the characters themselves in their American ways. Do not be fooled by the cover and think this is the original. It's not. That was my mistake. Don't let it be yours.
Charming 2008-06-13
My Neighbor Totoro is a childhood memory for me. My 2-year-old kid love it, too, also his little friends. I have one in the Mandarin-Japanese version, but I bought this English version for his little friend's birthday. Because she loves it but her mom can only understand English. They love it
A delightful family film. (Volume 1: Part 3) 2008-06-08
In the history of animation all the way until today Disney has shined above the rest with the brining to life of classic stories. While there are other companies out there that try to succeed most of them seem to fade into the background. 'An American Tale', 'The Land Before Time' and 'The Iron Giant' are just a few.
In 1988 in the peak of American animation Miyazaki created 'My Neighbor Totoro'. It is the story of two sisters that move into a new house that they feel is being watched by spirits. Being the adventurous girls they are, they find that there is a something there and it's big! Once they find it an incredible world of wonderous adventures begin and their lives will never be the same.
' My Neighbor Totoro' was such a wonderful film. I was captivated by the complexity of the characters in such a simple story. It really stands up there along with some of the great Dinsey classics, which is no surprise that Disney got their hands on it. Still, in my opinion try and get your hands on the origional english dubbed film from Fox family animation. The voices are much better especially with Cheryl Chase (voice of Rugrats Angelica) as the voice of the adorable and spunky Mae. You will laugh until it hurts and just stare in amazment of all the fantastic moments that will captivate you in this adorable family film. It will probably end up on your top 10 list if you're not careful.
