A loose sequel to writer Hayao Miyazaki and director Yoshifumi Kondô’s Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns was the first directorial effort from animator Hiroyuki Morita. Though the film found success and a certain level of acclaim in Japan, internationally many critics felt as though the film didn’t live up to the high standards set by Studio Ghibli. While The Cat Returns has to be considered a lesser effort, it’s still an enjoyable experience.

An ordinary schoolgirl, Haru (Chizuru, Ikewaki, Anne Hathaway), saves a cat from being run over in the street. As it turns out, this is no ordinary cat. Lune (Takayuki Yamada, Andrew Bevis) is Prince of the Cat Kingdom. To show his gratitude for saving for saving their sovereign’s life, she is given a flurry of presents, and offers, including a marriage proposal from Lune. Suddenly, her destiny is unknown. This new world is a completely new experience for Haru, but thankfully, she far from alone. In the course of her adventure, Haru meets several new friends, and allies, including Baron Humbert von Gikkingen (Yoshihiko Hakamada, Cary Ewles), stone raven Toto (Yōsuke Saitō, Elliott Gould) and brave warrior Muta (Tetsu Watanabe, Peter Boyle). If Haru is to control her own destiny, she must learn to believe in herself, and appreciate every day.

The story is simplistic yet charming, and will likely appeal to children most. Though, anyone whose seen any of Studio Ghibili’s previous works will notice that that the animation is somewhat lacking. While there’s certainly plenty of imagination, it seems a bit thin, lacking the detail and richness of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and others. While Haru is genuinely expressive, the other characters come off a bit generic. Perhaps most notably, Studio Ghibili has become for not talking down to children, and surprisingly, The Cat Returns falls into that traps on a couple of occasions. The Cat Returns is still a very good film, it simply doesn’t quite meet the high standards Studio Ghibili has established for itself.

In terms of voice talent, The Cat Returns sports a well-produced English-language dub. Anne Hathaway as Haru does a nice job, although she’s missing a bit of the spontaneity and ‘cute’ inflections of her Japanese counterpart. The always reliable Cary Elwes does a fine job as the Baron. However, there are also a couple weaker performances, most notably, a tacky use of the talented Tim Curry. He uses a strange accent, and comes off like a sleazy used car salesman. He’s better than that!

Like the other Disney/Ghibili releases, The Cat Returns makes a fairly impressive showing in 1080p. Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the bright and vivid colors are well represented throughout, while darker scenes demonstrate appropriate depth. However, unlike other Ghibili titles, the lesser quality animation causes the fine black lines to appear somewhat pixelated at times. There are also a few soft shots. With that said, the transfer displays no real artifacting, banding, or aliasing.

The Cat Returns offers two lossless audio options—Japanese and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround tracks—and both do the job well. Voices are clear throughout, effects are right on, and sound effects come through nicely on the bottom end. Rear speakers are a bit reserved, but okay sounding. Surround is quite immersive, if a bit quite here and there. No real major complaints here.

English, English SDH, and French subtitles are included.

Most of these extras have been ported over from the 2005 DVD release:

  • Original Japanese Storyboards (HD) Watch the film, comprised entirely of 1.85:1 Japanese storyboards.
  • The Making of The Cat Returns (SD, 34:11) In Japanese with English subtitles, this special made for Japanese television features interviews with Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, manga artist Aoi Hiiragi, director Hiroyuki Morita, and other members of the voice cast. It also looks at how the project came to be.
  • Behind the Microphone (SD, 8:59) A look at recording of the English dub. Interviews include: Anne Hathaway (Haru), Cary Elwes (Baron Humbert), Peter Boyle (Muta), Elliott Gould (Toto), Andy Richter (Natoru) and Tim Curry (The Cat King).
  • Original Japanese Trailers (HD, 6:36) A collection of Japanese trailers.
  • Original Japanese TV Spots (SD, 3:33) Several TV spots.
  • DVD Copy of the film.