Howl’s Moving Castle was nominated in 2006 for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Out of BluRay and DVD from 25th June, 2012, it features the voices of Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner and Emily Mortimer. This stunning feature animation was directed by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki. Called one of the finest animated films in years, it tells the story of Sophie, an 18 year old who toils in the hat shop opened years ago by her later father. Ganged up on by local boys, Sophie befriends Howl, a strange wizard whose home can travel under its own power.

Extras include: Alternative angle storyboards; Interview with author Diana Wynne Jones; Interview with Pixar’s Peter Doctor (Monster’s Inc); Hello Mr Lasseter Featurete: Hayao Miyazaki Visits Pixar; Explanations of CG Featurette; The Sounds of Howl’s Moving Castle Featurette (Brand New) plus several more.

Also out on BluRay from Ghibli Studios is Tales From Earthsea, directed by Goro Miyazaki. Adapted from the Earthsea novels by Ursula Le Guinn, this fantastic adventure follows Arren, a troubled prince, who finds himself journeying with the Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk. Together with former priestess Tenar and her disfigured daughter, Therru, they face the evil Cob whose only desire is to live forever.

Featuring tons of extras, this is a beautifully animated film with the voices of Timothy Dalton and Willem Defoe.

Both titles are available from Optimum Home Entertainment.