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Last updated 7/23/96

Disney aquiring Studio Ghibli films' distribution rights!

Walt Disney corproation have aquired distribution rights to Studio Ghibli films, in both US and Japan. More precisely, Buena Vista, owned by the Walt Disney co has bought the rights. The deal was made by Tokuma Shoten publication, who owns the majority stock of Ghibli.

Accourding to Tokuma Shoten's homepage's article, They have rights to internationally distribute the upcoming Miyazaki Hayao movie, "Mononoke Hime".

The good news is, by a clause in the contract between Tokuma and Disney, Disney is prohibited from altering the film, such as excessive editing, and cutting of animations. This doesn't guarantee a faithful translation, but it is a major relief for US fans who had to suffer *gasp* "The Warriors of the Wind", which appearnatly set off Miyazaki`s intolerance for such editing job. The past Ghibli films to be picked up by Buena Vista/Disney are:

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Laputa: the Castle in the Sky
My Neighbor Totoro
Kiki's Delivery Service
Omoide Poroporo (Only Yesterday)
Kurenai no Buta (Porco Rosso)
Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko (Heisei Racoon Wars Ponpoko)
Mimi o Sumaseba (Whisper of the Heart)

Buena Vista/Disney plans to distribute these films, dubbed in english language. Never has the US anime market seen such giant walz in. With their sheer financial power, and connection to Hollywood, one could hope for the best dubbing job anime has ever seen.

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