Disney Japan is moving further into some of the lesser known but still sought after works that are tied to some solid Studio Ghibli folks, the latest of which is the 1982 film Gauche the Cellist. Directed by Isao Takahata, it’s getting its first time release on Blu-ray on July 17th, 2015 priced at 5,800 yen. A new DVD edition is coming as well, priced at 4,700 yen. The release will feature the original Japanese language track only but will include English, French and Japanese subtitles so as to try and garner some international sales for it. The release will include a staff interview, still image collection, storyboards done as picture in picture and will also include a new audio commentary with the director that’s been recorded this month along with a new booklet.
Plot concept: The story concerns Goshu, a professional cellist. During rehearsals for a performance, he is scolded by the conductor because his playing is not good enough. His timing is off and he seems to have no “feel” for the music.
Goshu returns to his lonely cottage and starts practicing. Then a cat enters who tricks him into understanding the inner meaning of the music. The importance of practice is shown by a cuckoo, rhythm by a badger and tenderness by a mouse. In four days he learns the true meaning and feeling of music and develops into a great musician.
[Source: Gauche the Cellist]
