Kiki's Delivery Service

The carefree days of a witch in training!

Madman’s latest offering, the Studio Ghibli collection, has showcased some of the very finest animated films ever created. With the majority of the collection comprised of films from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, it doesn’t come as a surprise that we’re presented with such a fine range in cinema. Among the Ghibli collection is the Academy Award winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies and now Kiki’s Delivery Service. Since its release in 1989, Kiki has grown to become an icon of Japanese cinema – a film for all ages, combining unique and innovative characters with fantastic animation. Later in 2005, eight more Ghibli titles are expected from Madman – including the classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

At the age of 13 it is customary for a young witch to fly away from her parents to then settle in a witch-free town, offering some skill or service to benefit the community. Carefree Kiki eagerly waves off her friends and family, highly anticipating independent life in the city. Armed with the sarcastic black-cat Jiji, she befriends the kind owners of the local bakery – working as a kitchen hand in return for free accommodation. Kiki realises that, unlike her potion-making mother, she has learnt no special skill to help her make her way in this new town. All she has is her mother’s sturdy broomstick, so she goes off to begin Kiki’s Delivery Service – transporting all sorts of goods all over town in great time. Along the way she finds a boy, makes a bunch of friends and perhaps learns a lesson or two about living life as a young witch.

"You'd think they'd never seen a girl and a cat on a broom before."

This film differs somewhat from the majority of Miyazaki’s films, taking a far less ‘mature’ angle on important issues in comparison to the likes of Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away. It is essentially a film aimed at children; however like all successful children’s animated films, it still manages to entertain and engage an older audience. In the case of Kiki, it embraces the time-old cliché of ‘for all ages’ exceptionally well. Everyone will go away from this film with the same understanding and recognition pertaining to the events portrayed. While this means that there isn’t the inherent depth found in Princess Mononoke, it does provide very engaging, light entertainment. You can fill in your time relaxing with Kiki instead of with the latest Hollywood trashfest. Those with a family (who all have rather eclectic tastes) will now have a new favourite.

Phil Hartman as a cat is always going to turn heads.

Those unfriendly with subtitles will be quite disappointed with the English dub, featuring voices from the likes of Kirsten Dunst (Spider-Man 2) and Phil Hartman (The Simpsons). It’s not that those featured are poor voice actors (especially in Hartman’s case who does a great job as the sleazy lawyer on The Simpsons), it’s just their voices don’t match their characters naturally. It really pales in comparison to the excellent Japanese dub, or in comparison to the English work done for Princess Mononoke.

This transfer is fantastic. Vivid colour and precise detail are extremely important factors to consider when watching an animated film, and thankfully Madman have given us something great.

Considering the age of the film (released internationally in 1989), the quality is exceptional. The majority of recent films have DVD transfers that pale in comparison to this. Especially in comparison to other titles in the Ghibli collection (namely, Princess Mononoke) there is significantly less aliasing than would be expected from compressed animation

Colours are remarkably presented, which proves for a great viewing experience. Black levels remain strong and solid, blending into the natural black of your monitor seamlessly. The tiny detail of city landscapes and such is also presented excellently well. Overall, there’s some excellent video to be found!

"Oh that red bow looks simply devine!"

Unfortunately Kiki misses out on the fantastic 5.1 surround soundtracks found on the other titles in the Studio Ghibli range. This is a real shame considering the fine quality of previous 5.1 soundtracks, and the capacity this film has to take full benefit from a full six channel soundstage.

We’re then left with both Japanese and English Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtracks which are both very similar (bar the language difference). The soundtrack of choice is certainly the original Japanese, but this is not because of an inferior quality English track. They are both stereo mixes, making no use of the surrounds at all.

While they’re only stereo mixes, they are very good stereo mixes! All dialogue is clear, with the sound effects and music very effectively balanced alongside the speech. As per all Miyazaki films, Joe Hisaishi provides a brilliant score, which is nice and clear (but a little underwhelming for those with surround gear).

I’ve given the audio a 9/10 score, but this is because it’s a stereo mix being assessed on its strengths as a stereo mix alone. However, don’t let this deceive you – it doesn’t even compare to the Dolby 5.1 Princess Mononoke or DTS 5.1 Spirited Away mixes in terms of oomph!

Just like Madman’s release of Princess Mononoke we’re left with the one (worthwhile) special feature, as well as a few trailers and such.

"It's not that I don't like you, it's that those glasses are terrible on you!"

As an alternate angle to the feature, we’re presented with a huge range of original storyboards drawn primarily by director/writer Hayao Miyazaki himself. For those who enjoy looking at where the animation began will be delighted, but unfortunately most aren’t as keen to view the entire film as a sequence of scrolling storyboards. It does, however, prove interesting to occasionally flick between the film and storyboards to check out a few minor details and such.

There are also some TV Spots and trailers for Kiki’s Delivery Service. Madman have made sure that DVD trailers for other titles in their Ghibli collection make it onto this disc. They include Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies and Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

To finish off the disc is an absolutely useless two-minute ‘Ursula’s Painting’ featurette, scrolling over some of the artwork found in the film.

This is a wonderful film that you’ll find hard pressed not to enjoy. Along with Miyazaki’s collection of fine films, this stands as something a little bit different – but equally as enjoyable. This is a wonderful film that you’ll find hard pressed not to enjoy. Along with Miyazaki’s collection of fine films, this stands as something a little bit different – but equally as enjoyable. Disney have announced a remake due for release in 2006, so you’ll certainly want to watch this classic before the American animation hacks come in with all arms swinging.

Kiki's eyeing off the liquor.

The omission of a 5.1 soundtrack is disappointing, but thankfully the stereo mix provided is of excellent quality. The video transfer is excellent, presenting the vivid colours and sharp detail needed in high-quality animation such as this. This is a disc that comes recommended, even considering the drawbacks in the extras department.