Spirited Away was the first Miyazaki film I saw on the big screen, and even though it’s not the one I’ve seen the most times (that’d be either My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery Service), it’s probably the one I’ve seen on the big screen the most times. Indeed, I just saw it again last week, thanks to Fathom Events. It’s just so damn gorgeous.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (and dozens of other awards), Spirited Away is arguably the best Studio Ghibli film of the last 20 years. But why stop there? I’ll say it. It might even be the best animated film of the last 20 years.

So it’s a particular thrill to see this gorgeous new collector’s edition release of the film from Shout Factory and GKIDS, who have been absolutely killing it lately.

This edition of Spirited Away is actually the third in a series of Collector’s Editions that include the Blu-ray and soundtrack CD. Check out our reviews of the first two releases in the series: My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke.

The Packaging

Like the previous Ghibli collector’s editions from GKIDS and Shout Factory, the slipcase is a 7″ square, which obviously doesn’t fit with the rest of your uniform Blu-ray snapcases. Oh, woe be unto us who still buy physical media.

But if you picked up those collector’s editions, then they’ll make a stunning collection that is only going to grow.

Nevertheless, the slipcase is solid and features the standard – though gorgeous – image of Chihiro. Slide out the goodies inside, and you’ll find a “deluxe disc portfolio” that features the Japanese title and a different version of the same image. Open that up, and thick “pages” protect both the Blu-ray disc of the movie and the CD soundtrack.

The Discs

If you’ve picked up the previous collector’s editions, this shouldn’t be a surprise, but let’s get this out of the way. The Blu-ray disc is the same exact disc as the 2017 GKIDS/Shout Factory release of the film, which is almost the same thing as the 2015 Disney release (minus some Disney trailers, an intro by John Lasseter, and a 15-minute Disney-produced “Art of Spirited Away” featurette).

But let’s say you don’t own either of those previous versions. The 2001 film features the specs you’d expect – 1080p widescreen (1.85:1) video and English & Japanese DTS-HD 5.1 audio – and it looks stunning. Obviously.

As I said, I just saw the film again on the big screen, and this really is the next best thing.

In addition to the film, the Blu-ray includes the following few bonus features:

• Behind the Microphone
• feature-length storyboards
• original theatrical trailers and TV spots

The soundtrack, though, is not included in the previous releases. And, as was true with both previous collector’s editions, it’s the highlight of this release. It includes all 21 tracks that were on the Japanese soundtrack, and if you’re a fan of Ghibli soundtracks, you know how elusive they can sometimes prove to be.

Plus, Spirited Away is one of composer Joe Hisaishi’s finest scores, which is saying something. It’s ear nirvana.

The Booklet

Also included is a 40-page booklet featuring new essays by Kenneth Turan and Leonard Maltin, Hayao Miyazaki’s director’s statement about the film from 1999, and a short retrospective by Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

All told, it provides an interesting and in-depth look at the movie from a historical and film geek perspective. If you’re looking for an even deeper dive into the film, I’d also recommend the sumptuous art-of book from VIZ Media.

So? Should I buy it?

Is this collector’s edition worth it? If you’re a superfan, then you probably already have it preordered. If you’re just looking for the movie, you can still pick up the regular edition of the film (with all the same special features) for less than half the price. It’s hard to recommend this version for those just looking to grab a copy of the film.

But, like with the My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke collector’s editions, it’s the soundtrack that tips the scales in favor of this one. If you’re at all interested in the music (and want a physical copy of it), then I heartily recommend grabbing this beautiful set.

And if you don’t already own the film or the music? My goodness, what are you even? Go buy this set and don’t look back.