Tales From Earthsea Double Play (Blu-ray + DVD)

Tales from Earthsea is an animated movie directed by Goro Miyazaki and based upon the Earthsea novel series by Ursula Le Guin. I have never read the novels myself so I can't comment on them, but personally I love this movie. Set on the fantasy world of Earthsea, the movie follows the exploits of Prince Arren and his mentor, the wizard Sparrowhawk as they seek to uncover what is causing the magic of Earthsea to become unbalanced. Along the way they meet Sparrowhawk's old friend Tenar, a farmwoman, and Therru, a young girl with a mysterious secret. The animation and music are beautiful (especially Therru's song), the characters are likeable and engaging and while there are some plot holes it did not detract from my enjoyment of the film. The movie can be watched either in Japanese with English subtitles or in English. Personally I prefer the Japanese version, but both are very good. Fans of anime and/or fantasy will love this.

I am a big fan of Studio Ghibli films, all of them are of extremely high quality with storytelling that rivals DreamWorks, Ralph Bakshi or Disney. Tales from Earthsea is a high quality film that is influenced by the Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula Le Guinn. Le Guinn reputedly said it was a lovely film, but wasn't her stories. If you are a fan of the Earthsea trilogy, you might be disappointed. If you take an open mind to the film then you'll find a gorgeous animated film. The second issue is that Ghibli films have an extremely high bar in terms of quality and there are better films in the studio's back catalogue than Tales from Earthsea. Again if you come with an open mind you can enjoy an entertaining film with great storytelling

I saw this film before I read the books and as many have already mentioned the books certainly are better, though that is often the case for any adaptation from book to film. The inevitable dilemma faced is that whilst a book aims to capture ones imagination and use that as the engaging mechanism to carry the reader through the story, a film does not have this luxury and has to provide the visual stimulus to engross the audience; a much more difficult task. For this reason alone I think one always has to take into consideration the difficulties faced as peoples unique imaginations may not live up to that of the film-makers, and as such they are already battling against the odds. Yet when I saw the film, without any prior knowledge of the books or of potential misgivings the film might encounter, I saw it with fresh eyes as it were, new to a world and the stories embroiled within and I was engrossed. The film explores the precarious equilibrium of Earthsea, as a balancing act of the powers of man, magic and dragon come into even more peril at the hands of the power-hungry mage Cob, whose only real opposition is the Archmage Ged and his ostensibly conflicted and much troubled wandering companion, Arren. The ambiguities of the protagonists very nature and actions imbue the film with an ever-present darkness - which is certainly a key tenet of the novels - which is also expressed by the dark underworlds and underhand practices that permeate the beautiful and captivating facade of a rich civilisation. This hidden darkness is off-set by the more open, though sometimes stark and uncompromising wilderness and the other-times green and pleasant undulating scenery, which essentially represent the more honest natural landscape and its accompanying characters Therru and Tenar, the strong yet equally vulnerable and mysterious heroines of the story. While the story is somewhat limited in scope comparatively to the novels, the imagery and artistry is truly captivating and there are moments where you feel you could be swept away on the wings of a dragon or into the oppressive darkness between worlds and as such, the story is more than enough to sustain interest and involvement throughout. If anything, too much story and reference to the novels, might simply have clouded and obscured the overriding sentiments and values of the film in the brief time it is allowed, having not the luxury of time and space that books so comfortably enjoy. In hindsight, I can understand how many were disappointed that some major issues were perhaps ignored/unexplained or simply told poorly or that the story was not `true' to the books, but I also appreciate an element of mystery as well as approaching things from an alternate perspective on events and imaginations. This film inspired me to read the books and for that I can only be grateful, and through reading the books my mind is now full of the beautiful imagery and animation portrayed in the film. I really look forward to any new offerings by Goro Miyazaki, especially considering the troubles he went through to make the film and the initial responses he had, as in light of these factors I'm certain he'll be a stronger and greater film maker and he's shown great skill and great potential in his tricky debut. One of the greatest testaments to Goro and Tales From Earthsea, is the fact that, for me at least, my enjoyment of the film increases with each viewing and I feel ever more satisfied having watched it again recently. The tale of Earthsea is essentially about balance, the balance of light and dark, life and death, good and evil, all of which are explored effectively and astutely to make a most enjoyable feature. In a way, this balance is somewhat prophetic, as Goro had the dire task of trying to balance the fans of the novels, the author (Ursula Le Guin), his father (Hayao), and the studio, in the making of his debut, yet I think he found a welcome enough balance such that Ged himself would be proud. For the completionist, this is a welcome addition to their Studio Ghibli collection, one to rival some of the darker themes presented by the Studio, and perhaps film in general. To the avid Earthsea fan however, this may be a disappointment. Though not without its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and consider myself both of the above. So if you can untangle that contradiction, I wish you as much pleasure in doing so as I hope you derive from this film. PS: Somewhat unclearly, the Studio Ghibli Collection 2 Disc Special Edition of Tales From Earthsea shares a virtually identical listing on Amazon to the standard edition. So to purchase the two disc edition, you can simply click on the link in this post script, or scroll down to the product details page and check if 'Number of discs' is listed as 1 or 2. The extras on the 2 Disc Special Edition are quite informative and highlight many interesting points in the making of the film and its journey from the novel to the big screen, well worth the extra money.

As a Ghibli fan I loved it. I have not read the books so cannot comment from that perspective but I imagine some of the low ratings are because IT IS NOT PURELY BASED ON EARTHSEA, it is also based on a Graphic Novel by Hayao Miyazaki (the name of which escapes me at the moment). A good film especially if you like wizard based fantasy.

I brought this for my daughter as she's got all the collection, however this dvd just keeps skipping and freezing. We've even tried it on numerous dvd players and PlayStation consoles in the house and it's still does the same. I do believe that we have been sent a faulty one.

Released in 2006 and based (its detractors would use the qualifier "loosely based") on the third novel in Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy, Tales from Earthsea marks the directorial debut of Goro Miyazaki, son of the legendary founder of Studio Ghibli. It's a film that carries the weight of enormous expectations—perhaps too many for any debut to bear. The story follows Prince Arren as he wanders desolate lands after murdering his father while possessed by a consuming darkness that has begun to spread across the world. He encounters Sparrowhawk, a powerful Archmage who takes the troubled prince under his wing. Their journey leads them to the city of Hort, where evidence of malevolent forces grows stronger: children disappear into slavery, and corruption, deception, and drug use run rampant through the streets. When Arren rescues a mysterious young girl named Therru, who harbors secrets as deep as his own, they discover that a sinister mage called Cob seeks the secret of eternal life. As Cob's quest threatens to unbalance the very forces of good and evil, Sparrowhawk resolves to stop him and restore order to the world. Arren, unaware of his true destiny, will play a far greater role than he could ever imagine. Much of the negative criticism surrounding this film centers on its alleged unfaithfulness to Le Guin's source material. Having not read the novel, I'll judge the film purely on its own merits—and it proves to be a curious, often frustrating experience. Tales from Earthsea takes itself with unrelenting seriousness. There's barely room for levity or humor despite its fantastical setting, and the film grapples with profound philosophical themes through conversations that often feel more like abstract exposition than natural dialogue. The weight of these lofty ambitions sometimes crushes the more intimate character moments that might have made us care more deeply about Arren's journey. Despite boasting talented voice actors—Timothy Dalton brings gravitas to Sparrowhawk, while Willem Dafoe voices the antagonist Cob—the performances feel oddly constrained. Characters speak in hushed, somber tones throughout, with Dafoe barely rising above a whisper, making his dialogue frustratingly difficult to follow. This gives the voice work a stilted, overly formal quality that creates distance rather than drawing viewers in. The film's pacing proves equally uneven. At times, it feels rushed, desperately trying to cram too much plot into its runtime. At others, it drifts into an almost meditative emptiness that, while atmospheric, can feel aimless. The animation—particularly those stunning sunset sequences—mostly maintains Studio Ghibli's visual standards, though it lacks the fluid detail and organic warmth we've come to expect from the studio's finest work. It must be extraordinarily difficult to be both a legend and a father, just as it must be challenging to have a legend as your parent. I believe there were familial tensions between the two throughout the production of this movie. However, while Goro Miyazaki's debut doesn't ignite the imagination as fans of Le Guin's novels or Studio Ghibli's catalog might have hoped, it's hardly a disaster. After a sluggish first act, I found myself increasingly engaged as the story found surer footing in the second half. Parents should note that this film isn't suitable for young children, featuring disturbing sequences and very brief graphic violence, particularly toward the climax. Studio Ghibli completists will obviously want this in their collection, but casual viewers might find it skippable in favor of the studio's more accessible offerings. Tales from Earthsea feels like a film caught between worlds—too heavy for younger audiences, too uneven for adults seeking the studio's trademark magic. It's a respectable first effort that shows promise, but it doesn't quite deliver on its ambitious intentions.

This is an original classic from Studio Ghibli, a must to own for all anime fans. Having watched it a few times I am very pleased to own it in my collection.

my granddaughter has fallen in love with Japanese anime movies especially studio ghibli

Sehr schnelle Lieferung, sehr gute Verpackung, tolle Qualität und Einwandfrei Zustand.

Hallo liebe Anime Fans und Freunde hier ist nun wiedereinmal ein Meisterwerk von Studio Ghibli. Ich kenne keine Realfilme von "Die Chroniken von Erdsee", also kann ich auch nichts dazusagen ob es genauso erzählt wird wie das Anime. Ged, der größte Zauberer Erdsees, macht sich auf den Weg, um das Rätsel der Bedrohung zu lösen und die Welt vor Schrecklichem zu bewahren. Gemeinsam mit Arren, Prinz von Enlad, begibt er sich auf eine abenteuerliche Reise. Er findet heraus, dass der Zauberer Cob die Tür zwischen den Welten der Lebenden und der Toten geöffnet hat.Nun liegt es an Arren, unter Einsatz seines Lebens das Gleichgerechtigkeit der Welt wiederherzustellen. Gekauf hier Bei Amazon für 24,97 Euro. Beschreibung der Box: Ein stabiler 2 teiliger Pappschubber mit einer Limitierungsnummer 3409 von 4000, kleines Haftnotizbüchlein(alle Blätter leer) Motive altertümlicher Drache, 1x Poster 57cm x 65cm, Ein Notizbüchlein(leere Blätter) in der Grösse von der Box (motiv wie Cover) mit einen roten Gummiband, ein Pappschubber mit Prägedruck und einer Limitierungsnummer:No:17897, ein Digi-Pack, 2DVD`s, 5 Sammlerkarten in der Grösse der Box.hier Link: [...] Bild und Tonqualität: Bild ist super der Ton ist auch klasse Sprachen: Deutsch Japanisch. Mein Fatzit: Ein sehr gelungener Film mit guter Story Fantasy und Action. Preis ist meiner Meinung nach o.k. falls jemand sagt das sind keine Bücher mit Bilder sondern nur leere Blätter der kann auch normale 2DVD Box hollen ohne Poster aber nur 5 Sammlerkarten. MfG Turbo-Galant

sehr gute Qualität, schnelle Lieferung, sicher verpackt.

宮崎駿監督は、たぶん”世界の宮崎駿”と呼ばれるでしょう。息子の宮崎吾郎監督にはかなり荷が重すぎたと思います。ジブリではあるが宮崎駿監督ではないジブリ作品。本来は宮崎駿監督の思入れがある“ゲド戦記”を息子にやらせてしまったのか？ やらせてしまった以上、アドバイスや手伝ったの？という疑問符が付く作品です。思い入れがあるからこそ親から息子が酷評されると思いますが、プロとして任せてしまった責任は大きいと思います。黒澤監督がマクベスへの思いがあって、三船君やってみる じゃあやってみます 例えがあまりよくないんですが、あの物語を約2時間以内にまとめるには、経験がないと難しいと周りの人は思ったはず。つまり、ゆっくり休んで、余力ができてきたら宮崎駿監督がやるべきです。その場合は連作（3部構成）になるかもしれませんね。ただこの作品は絵が下手とかではなく、ジブリの絵そのものです。ですが、伏線・構成・キャラクター弱いんですよね。また、アニメの表現方法も何かが足りない。このアニメを見てから書籍を読んで違和感を感じても、書籍のゲド戦記は名作です。

* Das war mein erster Gedanke als der Abspann begann! Allerdings muß ich dem Film zugute halten, daß ich die Romanvorlage von Ursula Le Guin genauso merkwürdig finde. Insofern ist das neueste Ghibli-Werk als VERFILMUNG selber gar nicht so abwegig ... auch wenn es eigentlich eine Mischung aus allen Büchern ist ( der Hauptplot stammt aus dem dritten Band "Das ferne Ufer" und teilweise dem vierten Band "Tehanu" ). Als Leser ist man klar im Vorteil, aber für die anderen Zuschauer ist "Die Chroniken von Erdsee" meist verwirrend. Warum? Nun, erstmal werden im Verlauf der Handlung so einige Fragen aufgeworfen, die jedoch unbeantwortet bleiben ( z.B. Wieso genau ist Prinz Arren "schizophren" geworden? Warum hasst Magier Cob den Erzmagier Sperber so sehr? Und so weiter. ) Der Zuschauer muß da leider selber draufkommen ... oder die Bücher lesen! Zweitens erscheinen viele Szenarien völlig aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen, da sie eigentlich nicht wirklich zum Fortgang der Story beitragen ( z.B. dieses ganze Bauernhofgetue stiehlt irgendwie wertvolle Filmzeit ... hätte man kürzer fassen können ) Das lies mich als Zuschauer etwas unbefriedigt zurück. Die Welt Erdsee selber wird nur wenig vorgestellt ( ist auch schwer bei nur 115 Minuten ). Was deren Bewohner betrifft, wird zumindest ein recht nüchterner und unschöner Einblick gewährt ... Sklavenhandel, Drogenkonsum und Betrug der soweit geht, daß die Leute sogar echte Magier als Scharlatane betrachten. Der kulturelle und soziale Verfall kommt jedenfalls überzeugend rüber. Das beste an der HANDLUNG überhaupt ist, daß sie ( den Nicht-Leser natürlich ) stellenweise sehr verblüfft durch Aufdeckungen der wahren Identität zum Beispiel. Gut ist auch die Tatsache, daß es kein 100%-ig eindeutiges Gut & Böse Schema gibt. Trotz einiger spannender Momente plätschert die Geschichte grösstenteils nur so vor sich hin. Die vielen ruhigen Szenen werden ein wenig durch bildgewaltige Schauwerte aufgepeppt ... die Stärke dieses Anime! Wie man von Ghibli nicht anders gewohnt ist, ist die Bildersprache einfach famos. Die extrem detailliert gezeichneten Hintergründe sind prächtig wie noch nie. Besonders bei der Stadt Hort haben sich die Zeichner selbst übertroffen. Ganz grosse Klasse! Dies und die mittelalterlich-fremdartige Kleidung unterstützen das Fantasy-Feeling, wie man es von "Herr der Ringe" gewohnt ist. Schade nur, daß die Bilderpracht das einzig wirklich Beeindruckende an dem Anime bleibt! Was das Bonusmaterial betrifft: Den kann man getrost vergessen! Das Storyboard ( welches den Film nochmal skizziert durchlaufen lässt ) ist sowas von unnötig. Die restlichen Extras sind ziemlich uninteressant ( v.a. da hauptsächlich auf dem Soundtrack und den Synchronsprechern herumgeritten wird ). Einzig die Trailer zu einigen Ghibli-Filmen ( inklusive diesem hier ) betrachte ich als sehenswert. Man könnte noch die Sammelkarten dazunehmen ( sind recht hübsch ). Aber ansonsten kann ich nur sagen, daß es sich nicht lohnt, die Special-Edition zu kaufen ... die Einzel-DVD reicht völlig! FAZIT: Trotz der überwältigenden Bilder und einigen überraschenden, sowie sozialkritischen Momenten, wirkt der Anime "Die Chroniken von Erdsee" unausgereift. So bleibt das Fantasy-Werk nach einer berühmten Vorlage im Endeffekt nur durchschnittlich gut. PS: Ich halte die Altersfreigabe "ab 6" ebenfalls für zu niedrig. Abgesehen von den gruseligen & blutigen Momenten, dürfte die Handlung für die Jüngsten viel zu unverständlich ( und dadurch auch langweilig ) ausfallen. RAT AN DIE ELTERN: Für die Kleinen empfehle ich stattdessen "Mein Nachbar Totoro", sowie "Kikis fliegender Lieferservice" und "Chihiros Reise ins Zauberland".