Castle in the Sky [VHS] [Import] (1986)

 「ガリバー旅行記」にヒントを得た冒険ファンタジー、『天空の城ラピュタ』は宮崎駿監督作品としては3作目、監督が幻想世界のクリエイターとしての地位を日米で確立した作品でもある。孤児のシータは、伝説の空の王国ラピュタへつながる神秘の石を受け継いだ少女。機知あふれるパズーと陽気な空中海賊団の助けを得て、シータはかつて繁栄を誇った文明の遺跡へとたどり着く。シータとパズーの前に立ちはだかるのはラピュタの科学を手に世界を我がものにしようと企むムスカである。作中には宮崎監督の前作『風の谷のナウシカ』を彷彿とさせる要素が盛り込まれており、その後の『となりのトトロ』から『千と千尋の神隠し』に至る作品群を予感させる内容となっている。ディズニーによる新しい吹替版は、声優陣にアンナ・パキン（シータ）、ジェームズ・ヴァン・ダー・ビーク（パズー）、クロリス・リーチマン（海賊の女ボス、ドーラ）を配し、ややしゃべりすぎの感はあるものの生き生きとしてオリジナルの日本語に近い仕上がり。わくわくする飛行シーンの連続、魅力あふれるキャラクターたち、ジュール・ヴェルヌも未来図として思い描いていたかと思われるような蒸気動力の素晴らしい光景。これらがあいまって「Castle in the Sky 天空の城ラピュタ」を日本のアニメ、欧米のアニメファン必携の作品たらしめている（ノーカット版：対象年齢10歳以上　暴力シーンあり）（Charles Solomon, Amazon.com）

Inspired by "Gulliver's Travels," the fantasy-adventure Castle in the Sky (1986) was Hayao Miyazaki's third feature, and helped to establish his reputation as a visionary in both Japan and America. The orphan Sheeta inherited a mysterious crystal that links her to the legendary sky-kingdom of Laputa. With the help of resourceful Pazu and a rollicking band of sky pirates, she makes her way to the ruins of the once-great civilization. Sheeta and Pazu must outwit the evil Muska, who plans to use Laputa's science to make himself ruler of the world. Castle echoes elements in Myazaki's earlier Nausicaä, and anticipates imagery in his later films, from My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away. Disney's new English dub, which features Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (pirate matriarch Dola), is lively and close in tone to the original Japanese, if a bit talkier. The exciting flying sequences, appealing characters, and fantastic vision of a steam-powered future Jules Verne might have imagined make Castle in the Sky a must-have for fans of Japanese and Western animation. (Unrated: suitable for ages 10 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon

The magic touch of master animator Hayao Miyazaki is visible from start to finish in CASTLE IN THE SKY -- an imaginative tale full of mystery and adventure. The high-flying journey begins when Pazu, a mining apprentice, finds a young girl wearing a glowing pendant and floating down from the sky. Together, they discover both are searching for the legendary floating castle, Laputa, and vow to unravel the mystery of the luminous crystal around her neck. Their quest won't be easy, however. There are air pirates, secret agents, and astounding obstacles to keep them from the truth -- and from each other. With spectacular animation, a fabulous musical score, and the voice talents of Anna Paquin (Sheeta), James Van Der Beek (Pazu), and Cloris Leachman (Dola), CASTLE IN THE SKY is an animated masterpiece you'll never forget!