Anime master Hayao Miyazaki's 1984 epic 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind' cemented his reputation as a giant among Japanese animators. Now, just in time for the Kyoto accord, Disney gives Miyazaki's eco-friendly early feature the two-disc special treatment. Respectfully remastered and redubbed, 'Nausicaä' explores earth-conscious themes that echo throughout Miyazaki's films: humanity vs. nature, the complexities of war and the effects of pollution. The movie opens a thousand years after civilization has been obliterated. Monstrous insects inhabit poisonous jungles that are taking over the planet, and young Nausicaä -- voiced in English by Alison Lohman -- is the only human who understands their significance. When her peaceful village is attacked by a fleet of airships, Nausicaä finds herself caught in a battle between warring tribes and the giant insects, which seem to hold the key to ridding the world of its pestilence. The film introduces some signature Miyazaki elements, including strong female leads, mysterious natural landscapes and billowing clouds that provide a perfect backdrop for Nausicaä to soar on her glider with her fox-squirrel companion seated on her shoulder. These weightless moments seem to work best in one place: a Hayao Miyazaki film.

Inside the DVD The DVD features star-studded English voice dubbing, which thankfully doesn't distract from the animators' work. Bonus features include complete storyboards and a 'Behind the Mic' feature on the dubbing. Watch exclusive extras from 'Nausicaa' and two other Studio Ghibli DVD releases.
Unforgettable Scene After relaxing in a luminous, insect-filled jungle, Princess Nausicaä rescues her friend Lord Yupa (Patrick Stewart) from an Ohm attack. Ohms are colossal plated insects whose eyes glow red with blind rage. Only Nausicaä possesses the mad glider skills and insect charm necessary to subdue an angry Ohm.
Source Material 'Nausicaä' is based on Miyazaki's manga (graphic novel) of the same name. The manga spans seven volumes and took thirteen years to create; the film adaptation strays a bit from its source but covers approximately the first two volumes.
Why You Should See It Anyone who fell in love with Miyazaki's Oscar-winning animated movie 'Spirited Away' should put 'Nausicaä' at the top of their queue. This early work by the Japanese master ranks as a pivotal achievement of modern animation, inspiring a generation of releases from 'Cowboy Bebop' to 'Toy Story.'